Training Pre-Season 2026 chat

[Lana]

The guy who had a 25 and 50 goal season before his limitations were adapted to by the opposition, and Collingwood felt they could upgrade at the position by moving forward with a revitalised Cloke, who was clearly the more dynamic (and better) footballer.

Sounds pretty familiar to the predicament Ollie Henry finds himself in, along with Membrey, Fritsch etc. Aaron Edwards as another example of this archetype.

You went with Mitch Morton...a park footballer masquerading as a professional who never once looked like a viable option on an AFL field, let alone as a first or second offensive avenue to goal.

You can be critical while still being realistic. I'm clearly being critical, but I'm not going to denigrate him to Mitch Morton status.

Mitch Morton had a 35 (2nd leading goal kicker) and 40 goal season (leading goal kicker ). Are you thinking of Cale?

 

[Gee Class Loco]

There definitely is a spot available for Ollie IF he takes it
Has shown the talent but not enough consistency and goes missing
Keen to hear more about different role changes and what the ruck set up looks like

All AFL players have talent.
After 5 years and 80 odd games you'd think consistency and having a solid impact would have come by now.
Either way. Doesn't come into calculations for the starting 18 nor the 23 man squad for me.

 

[Mr Meow]

All AFL players have talent.
After 5 years and 80 odd games you'd think consistency and having a solid impact would have come by now.
Either way. Doesn't come into calculations for the starting 18 nor the 23 man squad for me.

You need more than 23 though.

It'd be pretty surprising if we got as many games out of Cameron, Dangerfield, Neale and Martin this year as we did in 2025. Injuries or careful management are likely. That should give Henry minimum 10 senior games (possibly 15) to at least show what he can give.

 

[Gee Class Loco]

You need more than 23 though.

It'd be pretty surprising if we got as many games out of Cameron, Dangerfield, Neale and Martin this year as we did in 2025. Injuries or careful management are likely. That should give Henry minimum 10 senior games (possibly 15) to at least show what he can give.

Not sure he even gets to double figures TBH. Lucky to play 5 IMO.
For one. I think Martin plays more and with that full year under his belt will take another step.
I must add Jack Martin offers us much more on the park than that OH offers.
No. 2 Polkinghorne will over take OH. Lovely set of mitts. Bit of grunt in him. Gonna be a ripper.
No. 3 Jacob Molier will play more games than most out there might think. I see him as our wild card in 2026.
A Big tall tuff bugger that can run as he is quick for a big man and can take a grab & kick a bag.
No. 4 Mitch Edwards will also be front and centre when round 1 begins. Added over a stone in muscle.
Gonna get some games.
When u add these 4 to the mix in that forward line.
OH is in a world of worry.
He better reinvent himself over the summer.
If not i can't see 10 games in 2026 for the lad.

 

[Mr Meow]

Not sure he even gets to double figures TBH. Lucky to play 5 IMO.
For one. I think Martin plays more and with that full year under his belt will take another step.
I must add Jack Martin offers us much more on the park than that OH offers.
No. 2 Polkinghorne will over take OH. Lovely set of mitts. Bit of grunt in him. Gonna be a ripper.
No. 3 Jacob Molier will play more games than most out there might think. I see him as our wild card in 2026.
A Big tall tuff bugger that can run as he is quick for a big man and can take a grab & kick a bag.
No. 4 Mitch Edwards will also be front and centre when round 1 begins. Added over a stone in muscle.
Gonna get some games.
When u add these 4 to the mix in that forward line.
OH is in a world of worry.
He better reinvent himself over the summer.
If not i can't see 10 games in 2026 for the lad.

Martin's body gets him about 12 games per season.

I think we'll manage Dangerfield a lot more in his final season or two. 13-15 regular season games wouldn't be a surprise.

Cameron is very durable but at 33 years old it starts getting unlikely to play every game in a long season.

Your No. 2-4 points are highly speculative, none can be taken as a given. Possibly one or two feature a little bit and that's being optimistic.

I think he'll still crack 10 senior games. You think sub 5. Let's revisit in 9 months.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Not sure he even gets to double figures TBH. Lucky to play 5 IMO.
For one. I think Martin plays more and with that full year under his belt will take another step.
I must add Jack Martin offers us much more on the park than that OH offers.
No. 2 Polkinghorne will over take OH. Lovely set of mitts. Bit of grunt in him. Gonna be a ripper.
No. 3 Jacob Molier will play more games than most out there might think. I see him as our wild card in 2026.
A Big tall tuff bugger that can run as he is quick for a big man and can take a grab & kick a bag.
No. 4 Mitch Edwards will also be front and centre when round 1 begins. Added over a stone in muscle.
Gonna get some games.
When u add these 4 to the mix in that forward line.
OH is in a world of worry.
He better reinvent himself over the summer.
If not i can't see 10 games in 2026 for the lad.

Molier is barely ready for vfl level. I think he will be good eventually but he is absolutely miles off afl level. As is Edwards. Which is why we will be hoping to keep sdk fit.

 

[cats_09]

Molier is barely ready for vfl level. I think he will be good eventually but he is absolutely miles off afl level. As is Edwards. Which is why we will be hoping to keep sdk fit.

Molier looked more than ready for the VFL last year - he didn't look out of place once over his injury concerns and was able to take to the field

He may be raw, but he was looking more and more comfortable every week

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Molier looked more than ready for the VFL last year - he didn't look out of place once over his injury concerns and was able to take to the field

He may be raw, but he was looking more and more comfortable every week

Not for the role hes going to play at afl level. Remember he would be playing as a key forward or a second ruck not say a half back or small forward (where you can get away with being physically not mature bodied). He showed good flashes of talent but neither his endurance or strength (he gets shifted under and off the ball very easily) are anywhere near ready for afl yet. I watched a lot of Edwards last year and hes in the same boat imo despite the fact that hes the best ruckman we have drafted since blicavs came in (ultimately I think Edwards will be really good but needs time).

 

[Footy Smarts]

Not for the role hes going to play at afl level. Remember he would be playing as a key forward or a second ruck not say a half back or small forward (where you can get away with being physically not mature bodied). He showed good flashes of talent but neither his endurance or strength (he gets shifted under and off the ball very easily) are anywhere near ready for afl yet. I watched a lot of Edwards last year and hes in the same boat imo despite the fact that hes the best ruckman we have drafted since blicavs came in (ultimately I think Edwards will be really good but needs time).

There's no way we'd be putting him anywhere near the ruck contests next year. And yes it would be a big jump.

But if he played next year it'll be as a taller version of Jack Martin or Olly Henry. The 3rd tall target behind Neale and Cameron. That's basically the role he played in the VFL and he was inconsistent but his good was very good.

I doubt he makes our best team but it wouldn't be much different to the leap O'Sullivan made this year who wasn't exactly dominating the VFL in his first year.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

There's no way we'd be putting him anywhere near the ruck contests next year. And yes it would be a big jump.

But if he played next year it'll be as a taller version of Jack Martin or Olly Henry. The 3rd tall target behind Neale and Cameron. That's basically the role he played in the VFL and he was inconsistent but his good was very good.

I doubt he makes our best team but it wouldn't be much different to the leap O'Sullivan made this year who wasn't exactly dominating the VFL in his first year.

I dont disagree with some of that but theres a big difference between the role Connor played (and he was still outstanding for his age) as an intercept player supported by a good defence (for eg he never had to play in the ruck sdk did it in when we were short and he most weeks didn't have to take the no1 forward either henry or sdk did) and playing as a key forward or front line ruck. Those are physically probably the 2 most demanding positions for a beanpole 18 to 20yo to play. So while I think the talent is there I don't think hes ready.

 

[Footy Smarts]

I dont disagree with some of that but theres a big difference between the role Connor played (and he was still outstanding for his age) as an intercept player supported by a good defence (for eg he never had to play in the ruck sdk did it in when we were short and he most weeks didn't have to take the no1 forward either henry or sdk did) and playing as a key forward or front line ruck. Those are physically probably the 2 most demanding positions for a beanpole 18 to 20yo to play. So while I think the talent is there I don't think hes ready.

O'Sullivan wasn't an interceptor last year. He was a genuine key defender taking one of the better key forwards. Of course he wasn't taking the number 1 forward but he wasn't being freed up to intercept he was just playing as a number 2 or 3 tall defender.

Nobody's suggesting Molier is going to be our main key forward target. Barring injury Neale and Cameron will be those. But he's very mobile, has good skills and is good below his knees. His opportunity would be playing alongside those 2 as a 3rd tall forward like Henry and Martin did last year. Which is nothing like the role you're talking about.

And of course all of this is wildly premature cause all we've seen is glimpses of talent at VFL level so far.

 

[Gee Class Loco]

Molier is barely ready for vfl level. I think he will be good eventually but he is absolutely miles off afl level. As is Edwards. Which is why we will be hoping to keep sdk fit.

Well... we must be talking to the wrong people when it comes to where they see certain individuals.
I'll stick by my peeps on certain players as they've been on the money more often than not.
The Year of The Mole!! Hehe.

 

[cats_09]

There's no way we'd be putting him anywhere near the ruck contests next year. And yes it would be a big jump.

But if he played next year it'll be as a taller version of Jack Martin or Olly Henry. The 3rd tall target behind Neale and Cameron. That's basically the role he played in the VFL and he was inconsistent but his good was very good.

I doubt he makes our best team but it wouldn't be much different to the leap O'Sullivan made this year who wasn't exactly dominating the VFL in his first year.

It's not like Molier did a lot of ruck work in the VFL last year either - it was Pike, Edwards and Conway that were our primary options, with Molier getting a small taste before they settled him forward

We don't know what type of work he's putting in over summer in terms of role expectation for this coming season, but a real positive from him last year was his athleticism and the way he moved, whether up forward or along the wing type thing


I've seen it a bit in basketball where you have these 200cm+ 18/19yr olds and they run like baby giraffes trying to find their feet - they look like they've been selected to play because they're tall, and they've still got to grow into their body

I didn't really get that watching Molier who looked a solid mover out there and it's about taking the next steps with his development

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

Not sure he even gets to double figures TBH. Lucky to play 5 IMO.
For one. I think Martin plays more and with that full year under his belt will take another step.
I must add Jack Martin offers us much more on the park than that OH offers.
No. 2 Polkinghorne will over take OH. Lovely set of mitts. Bit of grunt in him. Gonna be a ripper.
No. 3 Jacob Molier will play more games than most out there might think. I see him as our wild card in 2026.
A Big tall tuff bugger that can run as he is quick for a big man and can take a grab & kick a bag.
No. 4 Mitch Edwards will also be front and centre when round 1 begins. Added over a stone in muscle.
Gonna get some games.
When u add these 4 to the mix in that forward line.
OH is in a world of worry.
He better reinvent himself over the summer.
If not i can't see 10 games in 2026 for the lad.

You taking the piss?

 

[geelong_crazy26]

?Mids
?Rucks
Matters not- OH is neither of those.
We won a flag in 22 without him, next 2 years with him, he scores 40 goals a year.
I still think he need not reinvent his position, but maybe his sharpness and confidence- imho, that is all that was lacking.
He reminds me of Menzel a little, not as good obviously, but still very talented, and with maturity, seizing his moments and some luck, we see the fruits again. Having his good mate back I hope will help a lot.

I think his obvious issue is he lacks a tank to get up and down the field during transitions both offensively and defensively.

He just seems too hungry and focused on goals, he needs to add some strings to his bow and learn to contribute in a multitude of ways.

 

[Gee Class Loco]

You taking the piss?

No... why do would u ask that question ?? Really ??
If you disagree or have a different view then go for your life.
Coz thats what BigFooty is all about.
But to think or insinuate that i am taking the piss... then, you haven't been paying attention to how i write my posts.
Onya.

 

[small 4wards]

No... why do would u ask that question ?? Really ??
If you disagree or have a different view then go for your life.
Coz thats what BigFooty is all about.
But to think or insinuate that i am taking the piss... then, you haven't been paying attention to how i write my posts.
Onya.

I got annoyed because it contributes absolutely nothing to the conversation, tell us why it's taking the piss. I'm fine with disagreement but at least back it up with an actual argument

 

[CatRiot]

Were we linked to any mature age recruits in the 2025 draft(s)? Just curious...

 

[Vdubs]

Were we linked to any mature age recruits in the 2025 draft(s)? Just curious...

Nathan Buckley

i'm sure he could still play

 

[Matthew Jelley]

I agree, he needs to really pull his finger out which I hope he does as he has shown x factor but his inconsistency means there isn't a spot

Not sure he even gets to double figures TBH. Lucky to play 5 IMO.
For one. I think Martin plays more and with that full year under his belt will take another step.
I must add Jack Martin offers us much more on the park than that OH offers.
No. 2 Polkinghorne will over take OH. Lovely set of mitts. Bit of grunt in him. Gonna be a ripper.
No. 3 Jacob Molier will play more games than most out there might think. I see him as our wild card in 2026.
A Big tall tuff bugger that can run as he is quick for a big man and can take a grab & kick a bag.
No. 4 Mitch Edwards will also be front and centre when round 1 begins. Added over a stone in muscle.
Gonna get some games.
When u add these 4 to the mix in that forward line.
OH is in a world of worry.
He better reinvent himself over the summer.
If not i can't see 10 games in 2026 for the lad.

 

[cats_09]

 

[Frappe]

Apologies if already covered but is there a reason why Baily Smith is not in the Origin squad?

 

[michelzing]

Not sure he even gets to double figures TBH. Lucky to play 5 IMO.
For one. I think Martin plays more and with that full year under his belt will take another step.
I must add Jack Martin offers us much more on the park than that OH offers.
No. 2 Polkinghorne will over take OH. Lovely set of mitts. Bit of grunt in him. Gonna be a ripper.
No. 3 Jacob Molier will play more games than most out there might think. I see him as our wild card in 2026.
A Big tall tuff bugger that can run as he is quick for a big man and can take a grab & kick a bag.
No. 4 Mitch Edwards will also be front and centre when round 1 begins. Added over a stone in muscle.
Gonna get some games.
When u add these 4 to the mix in that forward line.
OH is in a world of worry.
He better reinvent himself over the summer.
If not i can't see 10 games in 2026 for the lad.

Love your posts Gee Class

Is the above comments based on opinion or do you get a bit of club feedback? - I did get a bit of the same feed back in relation Edwards and Molier (although mine was 2nd/3rd hand on a boxing day drinking session - not sure of my quality). But it does seem there is quite a bit of excitement about them two boys

Keep the posts coming

 

[cats_09]

Apologies if already covered but is there a reason why Baily Smith is not in the Origin squad?

Has the full squad been announced?

 

[Frappe]

Has the full squad been announced?

I assumed as much but may have misread. I thought we had Danger, Holmes, Stewart, Cameron and Humphries between the two.