Training Pre-Season 2026 chat

[Kobe Gryant]

I saw Jack out there, but he's such a professional that he was doing what you expect to see from someone of his experience - so kinda boring to watch, especially with wanting to check out the youngsters or the next gen coming through


Ollie looks fit but damn he is frustrating to watch in match sim play - if he's intent on flying for marks one handed, I'm not sure he's going to push his way back into the 23. Watching the match sim he was playing forward and the closest he got to the ball was trying to jump over a teammate but only getting 1 hand on the ball and both guys going to ground

He's a better player than that which is why it's frustrating

That's disappointing, and suggests he still hasn't had it 'click' yet.

You would have thought 2025 was the wake-up call he needed that this one dimensional, and often selfish style of play wasn't going to cut it, but it would seem not.

If CHAWKS is correct on the club's excitement on Polkinghorne - and his history would suggest that he is - then it's not going to get any easier for Henry either in the foreseeable future.

It's disappointing, because as you say, he should be better than this...but he just doesn't get it yet for whatever reason.

Compared to Jack, it's chalk and cheese. Ironically the opposite of how they were rated as juniors.

 

[dudusmaximus]

Ahh well

Lenny Hofmann will be our rising star season 2026

 

[cats_09]

That's disappointing, and suggests he still hasn't had it 'click' yet.

You would have thought 2025 was the wake-up call he needed that this one dimensional, and often selfish style of play wasn't going to cut it, but it would seem not.

If CHAWKS is correct on the club's excitement on Polkinghorne - and his history would suggest that he is - then it's not going to get any easier for Henry either in the foreseeable future.

It's disappointing, because as you say, he should be better than this...but he just doesn't get it yet for whatever reason.

Compared to Jack, it's chalk and cheese. Ironically the opposite of how they were rated as juniors.

After watching that effort, I said to Rabbi that it reminded me of our last VFL game for the season against Sydney and what we saw from him that match - he made a really promising start before one missed (unnecessary set shot snap) saw his game flip

He did the same thing of jumping on an opponent and going with only one hand where he was never taking the mark


If comparing Henry with another young flyer in Dempsey, it's chalk & cheese when they go for those aerial marks

I know Dempsey doesn't always hold the mark, but you can see him keeping his eye on the ball the whole way, and he does generally get 2 hands on the ball and he looks in control

When Henry goes with 2 hands he looks good, but when he goes one handed you know he's got himself out of position and he's then talking himself out of the contest, plus possibly teammates

I wonder if they should try him on the wing and get him running

 

[goyoucatters]

It's disappointing, because as you say, he should be better than this...but he just doesn't get it yet for whatever reason.

Compared to Jack, it's chalk and cheese. Ironically the opposite of how they were rated as juniors.

Talent is forever. But application is everything.

#liftollielift

 

[andoman21]

Dempseys is a star and will help us win flags

 

[Catman]

Sadly, there's real C.Guthrie 2023-25 vibes about Kolo.

 

[Geminicatz01]

Geelong confirm tonight at its AGM senior coach [PLAYERCARD]Chris Scott[/PLAYERCARD]’s tenure has been extended to the end of the 2029 season.

 

[TheYid]

no mention Ollie Henry at all, or Jack.

Both were out and about, looked ok to me. Jack did a fair bit of sprint work and looked in very good shape.

 

[TheYid]

Sadly, there's real C.Guthrie 2023-25 vibes about Kolo.

By the end of training he looked like he could barely move

 

[TheYid]

Rhys actually looks to be in ripping nic - he was moving well during the earlier parts of the training session which was a good sign

But then took it easy while the younger guys took on some of the ruck responsibility

Yes. To me Rhys looked in good shape. As did Blitz. Edwards looked like the heat was taking it out of him a bit but I suspect he'll get there.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Yes. To me Rhys looked in good shape. As did Blitz. Edwards looked like the heat was taking it out of him a bit but I suspect he'll get there.

Wouldn’t surprise me to see Edward’s get a regular game this year. Could really cause a headache up forward resting as well

 

[The rabbi]

Wouldn’t surprise me to see Edward’s get a regular game this year. Could really cause a headache up forward resting as well

I would be. He has put on some weight but he is still very light framed.
He will need to do a lot of work in the gym in over the next 15 months.
I don't think that talent is the issue, but I cannot see him competing with the mature physique of AFL ruckmen this year.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Geelong confirm tonight at its AGM senior coach Chris Scott’s tenure has been extended to the end of the 2029 season.

Long live the king!

 

[geelong_crazy26]

I would be. He has put on some weight but he is still very light framed.
He will need to do a lot of work in the gym in over the next 15 months.
I don't think that talent is the issue, but I cannot see him competing with the mature physique of AFL ruckmen this year.

More depends if they care or not his going to lose the hitouts or not. I imagine he is more than capable of a goal or two up forward and 15-20 touches around the ground.. he may surprise some. Our other option is SDK or blitz.

Especially if we need SDK down back, we will need someone else to come in

 

[Heckler]

So it was never said and you assumed then.

You made the claim Scott relies heavily on his players and sits back and isn’t a big tactician and just relies on his players to turn it around on their own, which is the entire opposite of what coaches who coach against him say, Sam Mitchell after eastern Monday said “ you have a headache after coaching against Chris Scott on gameday, trying to keep up with all the changes he makes”.

Dimma hardwick has also said similar, and Buckley is constantly on record saying how he is an elite tactical coach.

So there is really zero truth to what you are saying, it is actually the opposite

Not what I said.. don't put your words in my mouth.
Suggest you take some lessons in comprehension
There is a difference b/w being a smart strategic planner
Then trusting Star players and things will work as planed
and..
Reacting and Adjusting quickly on match day (his weakness)
Not just waiting for the Stars to lift team as usually happens
Moving a Superstar like Danger Fwd is not master coaching

If things were worrying Scott at Half Time as you claim
Where was the anticipation of game was slipping away?
Why weren't players Hyped for the start of Q3? (his weakness)

Once again you doge the question...
What match winning moves did the Master Taction make?

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Not what I said.. don't put your words in my mouth.
Suggest you take some lessons in comprehension
There is a difference b/w being a smart strategic planner
Then trusting Star players and things will work as planed
and..
Reacting and Adjusting quickly on match day (his weakness)
Not just waiting for the Stars to lift team as usually happens
Moving a Superstar like Danger Fwd is not master coaching

If things were worrying Scott at Half Time as you claim
Where was the anticipation of game was slipping away?
Why weren't players Hyped for the start of Q3? (his weakness)

Once again you doge the question...
What match winning moves did the Master Taction make?

I did answer your question with quotes from actual industry professionals such as AFL coaches the likes of hardwick bucks Mitchell who actually coached against him and analyse the game to level you nor I can’t do, and they completely disagree with you, they actually say ita his strength and he is one of the best at it. I’m not arrogant and going to claim I know everything, these guys who claim he is one of the best match day tacticians who swings a lot of magnets have a more respected opinion to lean on.

Your view of “ Scotts weakness is his game day coaching tactics and changes” simply has no basis or legs to stand on in the real educated footy circles. It’s not my problem my rebuttal has hit such a sensitive nerve and you can’t argue so you turn to Personal attacks.

 

[Vdubs]

Not what I said.. don't put your words in my mouth.
Suggest you take some lessons in comprehension
There is a difference b/w being a smart strategic planner
Then trusting Star players and things will work as planed
and..
Reacting and Adjusting quickly on match day (his weakness)
Not just waiting for the Stars to lift team as usually happens
Moving a Superstar like Danger Fwd is not master coaching

If things were worrying Scott at Half Time as you claim
Where was the anticipation of game was slipping away?
Why weren't players Hyped for the start of Q3? (his weakness)

Once again you doge the question...
What match winning moves did the Master Taction make?

That set of comments is very flimsy.
You think 23 players in a GF need to be hyped up by the coach at half time?
CS is known to be the BEST game day coach, hands down, as judged by his peers. Most difficult to coach against.
He can not invigorate cooked players once they are out there playing.
And if you want to use bolded statements, might want to proof read your spelling.

 

[Mr Meow]

Not what I said.. don't put your words in my mouth.
Suggest you take some lessons in comprehension
There is a difference b/w being a smart strategic planner
Then trusting Star players and things will work as planed
and..
Reacting and Adjusting quickly on match day (his weakness)
Not just waiting for the Stars to lift team as usually happens
Moving a Superstar like Danger Fwd is not master coaching

If things were worrying Scott at Half Time as you claim
Where was the anticipation of game was slipping away?
Why weren't players Hyped for the start of Q3? (his weakness)

Once again you doge the question...
What match winning moves did the Master Taction make?

We are still very reliant on our 4 key veterans - Cameron, Danger, Stewart and Blicavs. 3 were poor/injured and 1 was missing. The other 3 we need to dominate between the arcs are Smith, Holmes, Miers. All had muted performances, ineffective possessions or some really poor moments.

Football can be a simple game. You need your prime movers to excel. In an inexact way you can say it's on the coach to draw that out of them, but players need to be healthy and in form on the day. Ours weren't and a side like Brisbane will punish you if that's the case.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

That set of comments is very flimsy.
You think 23 players in a GF need to be hyped up by the coach at half time?
CS is known to be the BEST game day coach, hands down, as judged by his peers. Most difficult to coach against.
He can not invigorate cooked players once they are out there playing.
And if you want to use bolded statements, might want to proof read your spelling.

The comments and claims by heckler are literally the opposite of what anyone in the industry such as prominent coaches who have actually gone head to head with Scott say about him. They praise his game day coaching and as Mitchell put it “ you have a headache” after coaching on game day against Chris Scott.

The poster also tries to claim I didn’t say he was a poor match day coach, I said he is poor to react and make changes, which is like trying to claim someone known to be the best fast bowler in the world in test cricket has a poor line and length.

If you are considered the best test bowler it is implied you have a great line and length, just like anyone considered the best match day coach in the AFL is obviously going to be quick to react to changes on the field and make a lot of tactical and positional adjustments.

It’s silly to think otherwise

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Are we paying for the facilities this time or doubling down on the rort?

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Are we up to the discussion of:

1. A night Grand Final; +
2. Names on guernseys

yet?

 

[Spearman]

View attachment 2499207

Hey, that's a $20k designer accessory bag, so some people are saying...

 

[jim boy]

The comments and claims by heckler are literally the opposite of what anyone in the industry such as prominent coaches who have actually gone head to head with Scott say about him.

That is not true at all - what Heckler is saying is that a huge amount of planning and innovation and tactical nous goes into pre-match planning, that players are then empowered with those plans, which can include plans b and c if things dont plan out with plan a as well as potentially how to counter how the opposition might counter such plans. And that Scott doesn't really do the throw the magnets at the board approach if things aren't panning out at half time. You might disagree with him on whether that is really true, but he really is not saying that Scott is a tactical numpty.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

We are still very reliant on our 4 key veterans - Cameron, Danger, Stewart and Blicavs. 3 were poor/injured and 1 was missing. The other 3 we need to dominate between the arcs are Smith, Holmes, Miers. All had muted performances, ineffective possessions or some really poor moments.

Football can be a simple game. You need your prime movers to excel. In an inexact way you can say it's on the coach to draw that out of them, but players need to be healthy and in form on the day. Ours weren't and a side like Brisbane will punish you if that's the case.

We are not a Club to reveal much of the inner workings around matches , particularly losses.
The losing PF against Melbourne was definitely affected by gastro to a number of players.
This years GF will no doubt have had issues with Danger and perhaps others , Stewart out was massive.
It all has to go right on the day to win a flag, as a supporter for over 65 years I've seen a lot of that particularly before 2007.
We will lick our wounds , learn , plan and reset for 2026- it's now embedded in our DNA
Go Cats

 

[Mr Meow]

We are not a Club to reveal much of the inner workings around matches , particularly losses.
The losing PF against Melbourne was definitely affected by gastro to a number of players.
This years GF will no doubt have had issues with Danger and perhaps others , Stewart out was massive.
It all has to go right on the day to win a flag, as a supporter for over 65 years I've seen a lot of that particularly before 2007.
We will lick our wounds , learn , plan and reset for 2026- it's now embedded in our DNA
Go Cats

It's always disappointing to go close but not quite get there. However this isn't like the 2016-2021 era, where we were quite easily pushed aside in finals by so many different sides - Sydney, Richmond (obviously), Adelaide, Melbourne, Collingwood and Port Adelaide.

2024-2025 we simply haven't been able to stay with the best side for 4 quarters. Push it back to 2022 and our finals record reads 6 wins, 2 losses. Including 2 wins against that great Brisbane side, but the 2 losses will always sting.