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Training Official Pre-Season 2026 Hub

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TheSunGod said:
Aren’t they getting rid of the sub in 2026 and having 5 on the bench? I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dimma trial all of King, Walter, JUH and Read in the side at the same time. Might look a little top heavy on paper but who knows how it goes in practice. Plus there’s a very good chance form and injuries will play a part. Nice problem to have IMO.
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That's a great point and many have speculated that the 23rd spot in a team will very likely be dedicated to a tall and I'm guessing that's because it's pretty obvious in club land that the balance is slightly off in terms of having enough talls week to week. Plus, it's entirely possible that we're going to see 33yo Witts begin to decline next year and that obviously opens the door for Read and/or Moyle. Do we know if JUH is able to pinch hit in the ruck?
 
I don’t see why the extra player on the bench would be a tall. We, along with other teams, might trial it. Some teams may even prefer it. But much like teams that go three tall forwards in a regular season being a minority, I don’t think an extra tall on the bench will be preferred across the league.

A high impact mid/forward seems the more likely option (Graham, Rogers, Lombard etc). Keep those mid rotations up and allow constant pressure and run.

Also, rather than add another tall forward for rotations, just get the talls we have up to 70-80 game time instead of 40-60% in some cases...
 
KaySwizzle said:
I don’t see why the extra player on the bench would be a tall. We, along with other teams, might trial it. Some teams may even prefer it. But much like teams that go three tall forwards in a regular season being a minority, I don’t think an extra tall on the bench will be preferred across the league.

A high impact mid/forward seems the more likely option (Graham, Rogers, Lombard etc). Keep those mid rotations up and allow constant pressure and run.

Also, rather than add another tall forward for rotations, just get the talls we have up to 70-80 game time instead of 40-60% in some cases...
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The changes to the ruck rules will be a factor. They can't wrestle at the centre bounces any more. Maybe we see Read doing the CBA's and Witts the rest?

Less throw in's on the wings too, does that mean the rucks cover more ground (no issue for Read) or do they get an end of the ground each?
 

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Maybe Tomorrow said:
The changes to the ruck rules will be a factor. They can't wrestle at the centre bounces any more. Maybe we see Read doing the CBA's and Witts the rest?

Less throw in's on the wings too, does that mean the rucks cover more ground (no issue for Read) or do they get an end of the ground each?
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The ruck rules is interesting, with less rucking (in theory, but we’ll see).

If Witt’s can’t do centre bounces, then he is probably close to out of the team… which sounds crazy typing out! I don’t necessarily think it will go this way, but he isn’t really an “around the ground” type ruckman who gets people with his running or marking. He is just an absolute workhorse with a big heart.

So if he isn’t winning centre bounces for us with the new rules then the end might be sooner than we think for the big guy… I’m hoping Witta just learns to run and jump a bit more. With his reach, he is still a good chance.

Will definitely be interesting to see how/if the new rules change strategy.
 
KaySwizzle said:
The ruck rules is interesting, with less rucking (in theory, but we’ll see).

If Witt’s can’t do centre bounces, then he is probably close to out of the team… which sounds crazy typing out! I don’t necessarily think it will go this way, but he isn’t really an “around the ground” type ruckman who gets people with his running or marking. He is just an absolute workhorse with a big heart.

So if he isn’t winning centre bounces for us with the new rules then the end might be sooner than we think for the big guy… I’m hoping Witta just learns to run and jump a bit more. With his reach, he is still a good chance.

Will definitely be interesting to see how/if the new rules change strategy.
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Be interested to know in 2025 of all stoppages what
  • % were centre blunce
  • % were boundary throw in
  • % are ball up

I am a bit worried about how much this nerfs an excellent stoppage team (and specific players) but gun players will find a way.

One thing is for certain. You gotta be able to run continuously.. without rest in 2026.
 
The Kings Ransom said:
Be interested to know in 2025 of all stoppages what
  • % were centre blunce
  • % were boundary throw in
  • % are ball up

I am a bit worried about how much this nerfs an excellent stoppage team (and specific players) but gun players will find a way.

One thing is for certain. You gotta be able to run continuously.. without rest in 2026.
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St Kilda published stats recently from the SANFL where the last touch rule is in place and it was only 3 throw ins less per game on average so maybe not a major thing.
 

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Supersuns said:
Im not sure if he puts on much more weight, his mobility is more important than strength for him I reckon.
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We thought that about NicNat until he did. I know they are not the same genes. But similar potential
 
Supersuns said:
Im not sure if he puts on much more weight, his mobility is more important than strength for him I reckon.
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He will turn out like Mabior (body wise) is my guess. Mabior was as skinny as Mac when drafted. They follow pretty much the same path regarding body development.
 

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Jirik13 said:
He will turn out like Mabior (body wise) is my guess. Mabior was as skinny as Mac when drafted. They follow pretty much the same path regarding body development.
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Mabs was really skinny when he got drafted:

8E5c8sZ.jpg


Mac is about to enter his 5th season in the AFL and if you compare him to Chol in his 5th season, you can see they are a pretty similar size at the same age:

XIArgND.jpg


Having said all that, just two years later he was noticeably bigger when he joined us so I'd expect Mac to put on a good amount of muscle over the next two years:

SrO4a0s.jpg
 
Last edited:
Sharon Haze (FB)

Some feedback from the club after our pre-season so far..
"The 2025 season saw us celebrate a lot of highs as a Club but as we finish the first half of the 2026 season; I just wanted to recap some recent highlights;
Jake Rogers and Leo Lombard have dominated the first half of pre-season and prove to be an exciting small forward duo heading into 2026.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagen ran his best (PB) 2km time trial since being drafted into the AFL system in 2021. He has exceeded the expectations of our high performance and coaching staff with his diligence, prep and commitment to his training.
Ethan Reid has been training on the wing – with a talented forward line comprising of Reid, King, Ugle-Hagen, Walter and Long – Ethan’s endurance provides additional flexibility in positional rotations, in addition to the new ruck interpretations.
Bailey Humphrey will play more mid-field in 2026 as part of his career progression and with Flanders departure, opens more opportunity for him through this line.
[PLAYERCARD]Charlie Ballard[/PLAYERCARD] has been progressing well with his rehab training and will go close to being available for selection from Opening Round.
Avery Thomas has shown great potential with his ability to make explosive plays across the back line and is an exciting prospect for the Club. He plays like a combination of both Bob and [PLAYERCARD]Wil Powell[/PLAYERCARD] which is exciting.
 
RowellAnderson12 said:
Not surprised by Ethan Read potential position. Just makes sense
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Kind of,
Someone that can run to space, take a contested mark down the line both on offence and defence is important.
although I think being clean below your feet in open space and also to hit targets leading up from the 50 / the goal square is important.

I'm intrigued by how the boundary line changes and ruck changes may influence Witts and Ethans play.

Having someone with his assets is great - would like to see how that translates to actual gameplay.
 

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