Training Pre-season training updates 2026.

[Harry O]

And even with all that going against us, if Jamie had been awarded that mark, who knows what might have happened.
They certainly wouldn't have won by 29 points.

We were much more competitive than Geelong the following week.
But you hear nothing about Geelong being older and falling off a cliff. Just one way media traffic

 

[legendstatus]

We were much more competitive than Geelong the following week.
But you hear nothing about Geelong being older and falling off a cliff. Just one way media traffic

I think it's because they don't see any young talent other than Naicos coming through, seems to be a constant narrative, so easier to pick on Pies when it comes to age, also, no one gives **** about the Cats other than the advertiser down there.

 

[cakewalk06]

We were much more competitive than Geelong the following week.
But you hear nothing about Geelong being older and falling off a cliff. Just one way media traffic

Yes we were. Also, Geelong have been falling off a cliff for 15 years. And yet they nearly always outperform expectations. Maybe we can do it again too.

 

[BillyElliott]

 

[cityslick1]

Bit of a generic/low intensity training session today to be honest. Started off with light skills and small groups of transition work mainly by hand… Followed up with all together almost full length transition type practice again at three-quarter pace with a focus on spreading and defending territory. A few notable things below but not a whole lot to report for the things that stood out Tbh.

Prindable was again looking good. Clean disposal by hand (quick) and by foot and looking v comfortable amongst the senior guys. Just doesnt do anything wrong, with his poise and decision making, plus fine delivery standing out again. Looks like a third or fourth year player tbh, and / or a top ten draft pick. Would love to hear an honest update from the coaching staff on their impressions to date, though they’ll no doubt be keeping things under wraps at this stage.

Swadling is the most determined player out there. Kid is competitive and has some fire, so will become a fan favourite imo. Refer to his goal celebrations in draft videos, but he displays the same passion in reg play, so think he will be a real goer.

J Ryan training with the key defenders again, so wonder if they are testing him in the Howe replacement type mold.

Smit showed some nice pace / agility in transition, and desire in spoiling forward thrusts, but kicking again is the big ?
If I were in the dev team, I’ll pull him Aside and bombard him with kicking drills, as it seems the one thing that could prevent him from becoming a key part of the senior team.

Elliott and shooter were again v lively, though it maybe also exposes the fact that we are short on zippy players… with these two the stand outs in said category.

Allan was a bit more involved, as was Cochran, which was pleasing to see.

McStay trained by himself with some light competitive work. Whilst Howe, Moore, beau and reef were again no shows.

The side looks light on for star factor atm with all these things in mind, so it’s v much a year where the second tier will need to stand up to show their wares imo. Almost a mini rebuild going on in the background, with fringe players being challenged to step up, whilst seasoned players are eased into full training and / or recovering from some wear and tear.

Keen to see some proper match sim stuff now…. Preseason games not that far away.

 

[manicpie]

Bit of a generic/low intensity training session today to be honest. Started off with light skills and small groups of transition work mainly by hand… Followed up with all together almost full length transition type practice again at three-quarter pace with a focus on spreading and defending territory. A few notable things below but not a whole lot to report for the things that stood out Tbh.

Prindable was again looking good. Clean disposal by hand (quick) and by foot and looking v comfortable amongst the senior guys. Looks like a third or fourth year player tbh, and / or a top ten draft pick. Would love to hear an honest update from the coaching staff on their impressions to date, though they’ll no doubt be keeping things under wraps at this stage.

Swadling is the most determined player out there. Kid is competitive and has some fire, so will become a fan favourite imo. Refer to his goal celebrations in draft videos, but he displays the same passion in reg play, so think he will be a real goer.

J Ryan training with the key defenders again, so wonder if they are testing him in the Howe replacement type mold.

Smit showed some nice pace / agility in transition, and desire in spoiling forward thrusts, but kicking again is the big ?
If I were in the dev team, I’ll pull him Aside and bombard him with kicking drills, as it seems the one thing that could prevent him from becoming a key part of the senior team.

Elliott and shooter were again v lively, though it maybe also exposes the fact that we are short on zippy players… with these two the stand outs in said category.

Allan was a bit more involved, as was Cochran, which was pleasing to see.

McStay trained by himself with some light competitive work. Whilst Howe, Moore, beau and reef were again no shows.

The side looks light on for star factor atm with all these things in mind, so it’s v much a year where the second tier will need to stand up to show their wares imo. Almost a mini rebuild going on in the background, with Fri he players being challenged to step up, whilst seasoned players are eased into full training and / or recovering from some wear and tear.

Keen to see some proper match sim stuff now…. Preseason games not that far away.

You're getting good at this bro, keep up the good work

 

[Jen2310]

reef

 

[Capital Magpie]

I’ve mentioned the forward line in another thread. Looking at it makes me def glad Elliot stayed. Struggling to see us kicking 100plus scores which may make it difficult to seriously contend. Checkers and hill are big holes to fill. Not as sold as some on Buller’s capability being a MSD pick that’s best game is against the eagles in their last game of the season. Hopefully HH can return and provide some spark. Mcstay and Membrey as our two key pillars is def in the bottom of the KPF’s. I have high hopes for West but it’s very early for him to expect much.

WTF on the bolded? What makes you think Bobby is not playing for us this year?

 

[Big Bryza]

WTF on the bolded? What makes you think Bobby is not playing for us this year?

Not serious regarding Bobby, are you?

I'd be staggered to see him before mid season, potentially not at all.

 

[granniewolf]

WTF on the bolded? What makes you think Bobby is not playing for us this year?

With Bobby's leave of absence open ended with no fixed date for return, it can't be taken for granted that Bobby will play, much as we want him back.

 

[stormskye]

WTF on the bolded? What makes you think Bobby is not playing for us this year?

I never said the season. But realistically he’s missed months of football and now the pre season. Taken more personal leave. Realistically he’s months behind and if he comes back will be via VFL. A big hole to fill for the first few months of football.

 

[ipswichpies]

You're getting good at this bro, keep up the good work

They are bloody good read up,s even more so for interstate people.

 

[Harry O]

With Bobby's leave of absence open ended with no fixed date for return, it can't be taken for granted that Bobby will play, much as we want him back.

Or he could be back next week.

 

[Mick F]

WTF on the bolded? What makes you think Bobby is not playing for us this year?

Started with a small engine (testicular cancer), then missed a large chunk of training over the past 12 months. Yet to determine when he shall resume full training.

 

[Sea fog]

Anabele on FB report has dropped a min ago

Training started about half an hour prior to the advertised time.
Conditions? A fleet of light grey clouds dominated the skyline which helped maintain a pleasant temperature throughout the session.
Ambiance - the shadow of the AO is now looming large over proceedings with some spillover spectators who were moving in large numbers towards the qualifying round.
Nature of session?: seemed to be relatively short - featured a series of drills and pseudo matchplay and transition work - it, wound down with players partaking of desultory kicking with teammates with some targeted high kicks directed towards the taller players
Points of interest? Heppell was encouraging players more and providing affirmation for good work and he participated in one of the drills which was focussed around the players having intensity in defending territory and not being too fixated on the mark. Players were instructed to help their mates out when the opposition was charging. Dyson clearly enjoyed the physical involvement and showed that he would not be incongruous for example in a VFL setting. Roughead appeared to be the most vocal of the coaches today

Infirmary - the main patients were Houston and Reef who completed a lot of running together. IQ made an appearance without doing a lot of work; surely his hammy is not on the minor end judging by his mobility at this juncture McStay was on light duties

Who were among the missing? The calf victims Howe and Moore were of no appearance your honour. Tew who joined rehab the other must have been working indoors. He told a track watcher that while his frame has expanded, it seems to be putting some pressure on his legs, hence some niggles. From memory CJ was similarly afflicted. Beau, who worked hard on the track on Friday, was absent too. Hill was an obvious absentee.

Random observations of -players:

Parker - sometimes the forgotten one, he has looked busy and efficient during every session. What is pleasing is that during matchplay he does so much running, overlapping with teammates, and he’s pleased to have pill in hand. His skills are generally sound. Will be interesting to see where and if he slots into a regular role. One suspects the coaching panel haven’t yet as warmly embraced him as the spectators, many of whom believe he deserves a spot

Hayes - on closer inspection, his lower body has bulked up too. He is no longer the work experience skinny looking kid. Pleasingly his pace has remained intact. Will et al will be candidates for the Bobby Hill forward pocket spot.
HDM - was disappointed to note during matchplay that he would lay what on prima facie value looked like strong tackles but the players would easily disentangle themselves from them and emerge and power away. His kicking during drills looked satisfactory but his confident mien and relaxed smile seems to suggest that he might be oblivious to what others perceive as his precarious position on the list as the layers below him push up to claim primacy.

Houston - is putting in a power of running and certainly was able to outpower Reef in this area. He looks comfortable enough when sprinting but when walking looks a big ginger. This was a replica of first impressions last season. We know he carried a hip injury as first suspected, last season but still looks a little lame. Or is this just his gait?

Cochran - seems to be fitting in quite well playing in defence. Marked quite well and is the smooth moving type. If he polishes his decision-making and increasingly becomes involved in the action he should be a chance to nab that third defender role when it is up for grabs, for surely Howe will be managed at times regardless of his fitness status.

Smit - while he’s a massive unit he’s relatively mobile, not elephantine or lumbering like potentially those with this build can be. He’s super keen and listens closely to instructions. Marking is becoming more solid but his kicking can be erratic, and this needs to be fine-tuned if he is to occupy a defensive position.

Sidey - movement is certainly belying his age. Sometimes one wonders who the figure under the cap is as he cuts a swathe through the middle until the evergreen owns up to the nimble actions. He and Pendles’ mobility and fitness are a testament to their dedication and professionalism.


Prindable - was a standout again showing the feisty red-haired determination and combativeness in all tussles in addition to manifesting skills which are executed with aplomb.

Jamie - looked dynamic in the drills demonstrating his sound hands, turn of speed and accurate kicking. He has a touch of the perfectionist about him with this latter skill as he audibly groaned following a moment of imprecision.

Swadling - a determined looking youngster who moves with some power and demonstrates good skills. He seems to perform the fundamentals well and has enough speed to separate him from the generic mid.

Allan - took a really strong grab at one point. His laconic nature sometimes disguises his overall ability and watchers are frustrated by his putative lack of intensity.

Anderson - looks a mature body rotating through various positions who occasionally misfires by foot but appears to be a solid selection who is the plug and play type and is enthusiastic given he secured his probably last saloon chance at playing AFL footy.

Sullivan - tries so hard but noted some sloppy work today which confirms to the watcher that if we are to maintain our position as a contender etc. we have to elevate the overall talent level of the group rather than have to rely on those placed more at the plodding end of the spectrum.

As an aside Tate and Harry, the AFL draftees destined for the 2026 class both slotted seamlessly into the group showing traits which ensure that they’re likely to be drafted and possibly at the higher end.

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[Finnishpie]

I think it's because they don't see any young talent other than Naicos coming through, seems to be a constant narrative, so easier to pick on Pies when it comes to age, also, no one gives **** about the Cats other than the advertiser down there.

Right. And we have our fingers crossed on the youth. I like a lot of them and also I'm not sure any will be A+ players. We really need a couple of high draft picks of the Pendlebury/Thomas type of year before too much Tassie dilution happens.

 

[Jen2310]

Overcast morning. I was expecting it to start at 9:45, as per the website, but they were already out when I arrived which was 9:15, but don't think they had done too much at that point.

Rehab:

First TJ, reef, Houston were doing some run throughs on the sidelines.
I had heard, with TJ, because he had put on some bulk in the off season, he was finding it hard to run as use his strengths as he would normally.
Wonder if this is the issue his brother had why he kept breaking down.
Quaynor did some running in the rehab group.

Houston and Reef both did some defensive work in the line groups but later on both went and did some running sessions before heading indoors.

Nick did part of the session before heading inside. He did some work in all three line groups I believe.

Absent:

• Josh
• Moore
• Howe
• Hill
• Beau

--

Light session I think prob to do with the fact there is a kids clinic they have to do this afternoon, but there was some line drills, and a few drills focusing on pressure, moving the ball from D50 - using the wings and players in transition.
There was also a drill, a keepings off type of drill, where a defender would kick to another defender, and the attacking player would need to defend those balls or cause a turnover.


Prindable is quite clean with his skills, definitely impressing in each session. I'm looking forward to seeing him, Swadling and the like in full match sim mode. Hopefully we get to that soon.

Skinny as he may be, McCarthy took a nice grab at the highest point toward the end of the training where it was sort of match play, and finished it off with a goal.


Perryman took a nice intercept mark in defence as he continues on his merry way from last season.

Those in defence drills I noticed were: Cochran. Houston. Maynard. Pendles. Frampton. Reef. Perryman.

Parker I think spent time through the midfield as he did at half back. So wonder if he is one they might look to use for exposure up the ground. They did say at eastern, he had some midfield qualities.

Mcstay did get a knock last week, and wasn't participating in the whole session. He was just being used as an outlet kick with drills, but did his own thing in the black training Tees.

The two AFL Academy boys, Harry and Tate are quite impressive. I know they aren't connected to us, but the club at least gets to see them on field. They don't look out of place, and Harry is now 206cm, very athletic. Trained up forward, and. a bit of ruck.
Tate in defence, as he usually is kicking out, or running off the backline. He would be around 195cm or taller.

Buller completes well and seems to move at good pace with a bit more athleticsm than checkers so hopefully he can fit in well with our forward line.

In one of the drills, I thought West looked really strong. Kicked strongly and his pace off the mark was quite noticeable now that he has a bit more fitness behind him

 

[sr36]

Overcast morning. I was expecting it to start at 9:45, as per the website, but they were already out when I arrived which was 9:15, but don't think they had done too much at that point.

Rehab:

First TJ, reef, Houston were doing some run throughs on the sidelines.
I had heard, with TJ, because he had put on some bulk in the off season, he was finding it hard to run as use his strengths as he would normally.
Wonder if this is the issue his brother had why he kept breaking down.
Quaynor did some running in the rehab group.

Houston and Reef both did some defensive work in the line groups but later on both went and did some running sessions before heading indoors.

Nick did part of the session before heading inside. He did some work in all three line groups I believe.

Absent:

• Josh
• Moore
• Howe
• Hill
• Beau

--

Light session I think prob to do with the fact there is a kids clinic they have to do this afternoon, but there was some line drills, and a few drills focusing on pressure, moving the ball from D50 - using the wings and players in transition.
There was also a drill, a keepings off type of drill, where a defender would kick to another defender, and the attacking player would need to defend those balls or cause a turnover.


Prindable is quite clean with his skills, definitely impressing in each session. I'm looking forward to seeing him, Swadling and the like in full match sim mode. Hopefully we get to that soon.

Skinny as he may be, McCarthy took a nice grab at the highest point toward the end of the training where it was sort of match play, and finished it off with a goal.


Perryman took a nice intercept mark in defence as he continues on his merry way from last season.

Those in defence drills I noticed were: Cochran. Houston. Maynard. Pendles. Frampton. Reef. Perryman.

Parker I think spent time through the midfield as he did at half back. So wonder if he is one they might look to use for exposure up the ground. They did say at eastern, he had some midfield qualities.

Mcstay did get a knock last week, and wasn't participating in the whole session. He was just being used as an outlet kick with drills, but did his own thing in the black training Tees.

The two AFL Academy boys, Harry and Tate are quite impressive. I know they aren't connected to us, but the club at least gets to see them on field. They don't look out of place, and Harry is now 206cm, very athletic. Trained up forward, and. a bit of ruck.
Tate in defence, as he usually is kicking out, or running off the backline. He would be around 195cm or taller.

Buller completes well and seems to move at good pace with a bit more athleticsm than checkers so hopefully he can fit in well with our forward line.

In one of the drills, I thought West looked really strong. Kicked strongly and his pace off the mark was quite noticeable now that he has a bit more fitness behind him

Van Hattum is going to be a huge man.

 

[Jen2310]

Van Hattum is going to be a huge man.

huge.
He's still 17. Could even grow even more. He's pretty much Sam Darcy height atm.

 

[SchuPie]

Hayes - on closer inspection, his lower body has bulked up too. He is no longer the work experience skinny looking kid. Pleasingly his pace has remained intact. Will et al will be candidates for the Bobby Hill forward pocket spot.

Different type of player to Bobby and that’s ok
Not a like-for-like in terms of style but hopefully he can chip in and kick a goal or 2 each week

HDM - was disappointed to note during matchplay that he would lay what on prima facie value looked like strong tackles but the players would easily disentangle themselves from them and emerge and power away. His kicking during drills looked satisfactory but his confident mien and relaxed smile seems to suggest that he might be oblivious to what others perceive as his precarious position on the list as the layers below him push up to claim primacy.

So what’s his weapon/s
You pick players bc they can…and it doesn’t matter what that is, as long as it serves the team
What’s HDM’s
Terrible selection imo but he’s a Pie so we need to back him in - but if he plays 1s, what’s his role?

Houston - is putting in a power of running and certainly was able to outpower Reef in this area. He looks comfortable enough when sprinting but when walking looks a big ginger. This was a replica of first impressions last season. We know he carried a hip injury as first suspected, last season but still looks a little lame. Or is this just his gait?

Thought he was Fly’s one big mistake in 25 in where he was played / utilised

Cochran - seems to be fitting in quite well playing in defence. Marked quite well and is the smooth moving type. If he polishes his decision-making and increasingly becomes involved in the action he should be a chance to nab that third defender role when it is up for grabs, for surely Howe will be managed at times regardless of his fitness status.

My favourite of that draft
Play the long game with his development and we’ll reap the rewards

Smit - while he’s a massive unit he’s relatively mobile, not elephantine or lumbering like potentially those with this build can be. He’s super keen and listens closely to instructions. Marking is becoming more solid but his kicking can be erratic, and this needs to be fine-tuned if he is to occupy a defensive position.

I’d love him to become our back up ruck - his attitude is ace
If not, KPD
I’ll forgive disposal if he can become a spoiling beast (then he can handball off)

Prindable - was a standout again showing the feisty red-haired determination and combativeness in all tussles in addition to manifesting skills which are executed with aplomb.

A proper footballer that we need to put stars around

We really need a couple of high draft picks of the Pendlebury/Thomas type of year before too much Tassie dilution happens

Agree
Hoping we’re super aggressive at the trade table at the end of this year

Perryman took a nice intercept mark in defence as he continues on his merry way from last season.

Play him in the middle

Parker I think spent time through the midfield as he did at half back. So wonder if he is one they might look to use for exposure up the ground. They did say at eastern, he had some midfield qualities.

A full season in the 1s please Fly

two AFL Academy boys, Harry and Tate

Tell Cheesy I’d be very happy if he drafted these 2

Buller

Not the messiah but can hopefully hold down a KPF spot until West develops or we bring in a big KPF


I meant to cite Allan as well
Just needs lots of games in the 1s in the middle
Really think we erred not developing him further last year - thought our selection was poor at times last year (but not just with Allan)

Oh, and Ryan, I’m not sold on him as a defender - so what’s his go?
How do we make the most of this pick? Centre man? Wing?

 

[Peters_Nuts]

Really comforting to see the updates this week, especially that West, Hayes and Cochran are showing improvement. It really looks like we have something in Prindable and Swadling which is amazing news.

Interesting that every report about Smit is looking the same. Training well in defence and looking strong, though kicking is letting him down. Tells me there's something to build on here though.

It feels like deja-vu from this time last year, though I just want to hear that Reef is looking good and is a lock for opening round.

 

[Jen2310]

 

[manicpie]

Better to get them over with early I suppose

 

[Jen2310]

Better to get them over with early I suppose

At least it’s minor not a tendon

 

[TradeDraft]

Got Buller and West to take his Spot

At the Moment we can't trust McStay's Body