Training Saints preseason 2026

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Is glacial, Stocker.

Do many on here have Dard Ball Get mate Ronnie in their regular 23? Maybe not 'best' but who you actually think will be selected each week?

Hopefully we can replace Byrnes & Stocker asap. Will be a better team 23 for it.
I think ronnie is good depth to have though.

 

[OxSaint]

Just on having a dislocated knee cap.

I was playing hockey for my school's secondary school and my opponent was the then Captain of Vic U18 team.

I was no more than a metre away when he let rip with a full blooded swipe, which I tried to dodge but as I turned the ball just hit me direct on my kneecap pushing it sideways and dislocating it. Looking down it was bulging out substantially.

It hurt like buggery. I went off and the coach just looked at it before slapping it firmly without any warning with his palm which also hurt like buggery. Fortunately it just popped back into place, and I don't think I had any side effects.

Glory year for me though as we went on to win the State GF 11-2 with my scoring two goals from fullback.

I have dislocated mine in excess of 20 times now (honestly lost count). It’s one you can get back from quickly but I was never the same, lost speed and agility. I had an arthroscope the first time around and was back in a month but that was a poor decision. It is prone to reoccur, particularly those with shallow patella grooves. Also had arthritis in my early 20’s from it which I found out later. The last surgery I had was in my early thirties and it was the procedure they do as an alternative for those too young for a knee replacement.

It’s also no uncommon to chip or fracture the kneecap in the process of it dislocating and relocating which extends the rehab process.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Windhager looked excellent on a wing when played there. Agree on Sinclair but imagine we rotate Flanders, Sinclair and Nas through those two positions. Maybe even Travaglia or Hastie if they come on. Perhaps Carroll is moving towards that rather than a lock down too. He's quite nimble and has some run so being a tight checking negator might not be his best position.

Apparently the club thinks Phillipou will end up as at least a part time mid. Garcia looks like the obvious second inside mid with Macrae as long as he can step up. Otherwise Dow or Clark might get a run. For the first time in years we have too many for the midfield and good players will have to play VFL.

What makes you think that the club sees Pou as a p/time mid.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

I have dislocated mine in excess of 20 times now (honestly lost count). It’s one you can get back from quickly but I was never the same, lost speed and agility. I had an arthroscope the first time around and was back in a month but that was a poor decision. It is prone to reoccur, particularly those with shallow patella grooves. Also had arthritis in my early 20’s from it which I found out later. The last surgery I had was in my early thirties and it was the procedure they do as an alternative for those too young for a knee replacement.

It’s also no uncommon to chip or fracture the kneecap in the process of it dislocating and relocating which extends the rehab process.

Wow, 20+ times-ouchies

 

[Winmar2Lockett]

Players and coaches are in queethis week..back at RSEA next week

Will they be training next Monday at Linton St?

 

[Winmar2Lockett]

Windy was the unsung hero of the passage of play to Naz for the screamer against the Dees. A brilliant clearance to Wood.

Just rewatched the last quarter.

While Nas rightfully got all the kudos for his last minute heroics, we don’t win that game without Hally, Maso, Windy & Hunter Clark.

It was those 4 that got us close enough for Nas to do what he did.

 

[Dard Ball Get]

Is glacial, Stocker.

Do many on here have Dard Ball Get mate Ronnie in their regular 23? Maybe not 'best' but who you actually think will be selected each week?

 

[SG34]

Just rewatched the last quarter.

While Nas rightfully got all the kudos for his last minute heroics, we don’t win that game without Hally, Maso, Windy & Hunter Clark.

It was those 4 that got us close enough for Nas to do what he did.

As usual, no one mentions Hill's goal. Watch 0:34, and even 0:07 where he started the whole turn around when his speed gets the Hall connection.

Many here think Hill doesn't even rate a game in '26

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Just rewatched the last quarter.

While Nas rightfully got all the kudos for his last minute heroics, we don’t win that game without Hally, Maso, Windy & Hunter Clark.

It was those 4 that got us close enough for Nas to do what he did.

Yeah, forgot about Clark, was instrumental too.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

As usual, no one mentions Hill's goal. Watch 0:34, and even 0:07 where he started the whole turn around when his speed gets the Hall connection.

Many here think Hill doesn't even rate a game in '26

As usual? You obviously didn't read my previous message stating Hill's sneaky, dribbling goal as one inspiration for the win.
When we are losing games, Hill's non-tackling can be a real issue.
When we are winning he gets on the end of chains.
But he's not that much of an important cog in the machine, especially now with our emerging talent.
Get games into them, gotta be looking beyond Hill now.
But, it was right to give him & Wood the extensions they did, because both are great role models & we have better depth in the list now.

 

[SG34]

When we are winning he gets on the end of chains.

He STARTED that chain!
gets on the end of?

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

He STARTED that chain!
gets on the end of?

That one ok, so you've forgotten about RTB's thoughts on Hill re- his lack of posessions when RTB first came back to the club. He stated that our team needed to look for Hill more.
So, yes he generally gets on the end of chains.
If Hill is the one we are relying on to set up the chain then we are in a hellava big load of trouble.

 

[SG34]

That one ok, so you've forgotten about RTB's thoughts on Hill re- his lack of posessions when RTB first came back to the club. He stated that our team needed to look for Hill more.
So, yes he generally gets on the end of chains.
If Hill is the one we are relying on to set up the chain then we are in a hellava big load of trouble.

We just can't see an act without a narrative and a context. If Hill does something it has to be put into a context and the 'Hill narrative' . i sometimes feel like i am a troll for pointing out good things unpopular players do. Anyway, he is definitely in te sunset now so everyone's wishes will come true soon enough.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Dont know who is 'grasping' regarding LOC and Carroll.
Multiple track watchers have reported their progress, where they have played in match sim drills and their form.
There are possibly two spots, Websters in the backline and NAZ's off a half back.
From what has been reported it would be no surprise if one or both are selected. If you dont want to believe multiple reports, thats up to you.
If you possibly can and I know it is not possible for many, but get down to training and have a look, if you can't fair enough.
I think though it is a bit disrespectful to say multiple reports from multiple people are 'grasping' like they are all making it up.
A few caveats though. 1)It is only preseason ( but that is all we have to go on) form. Matches are very different.
2) I wouldn't trust my reports either.
3) NAZ may stay at hb, Stocker or Trav may be first choice, JSOS may recover in time to take Jimmy's spot etc.

Sincs is running through the mids at the moment not off half back

So from what you have said, im assuming you are looking at a backline similar to this;

B. O'Connell ???????? Stocker

H.B. Carroll ???????? Travaglia

Clark, Flanders, Hall, Macrae, Nas, Pou, Sincs, Windy all training in the midfield, I'm guessing from what I've read here

I dont disrespect it.
I just dont preference that backline tbh

 

[stfan]

Looks very much like a Bondi Cigar

You might need to watch Caddyshack hat Dangerfield was in

 

[stfan]

Clark, Flanders, Hall, Macrae, Nas, Pou, Sincs, Windy all training in the midfield, I'm guessing from what I've read here

Sincs training with the midfield group at times is hardly a surprise as he has had rotations through the midfield for some time now. A bit more time when we had a lot of mids out. So he needs to know how to play with them and also with our new ruck TDK.

However I would be surprised if in 2026 Sincs is played mainly as a mid. HB is where he really shines.

 

[Ads734]

from what I have seen Sincs has trained with the HB's and mids

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Sincs training with the midfield group at times is hardly a surprise as he has had rotations through the midfield for some time now. A bit more time when we had a lot of mids out. So he needs to know how to play with them and also with our new ruck TDK.

However I would be surprised if in 2026 Sincs is played mainly as a mid. HB is where he really shines.

Well, that's kinda my point, Wilkie, Nas & Sincs up to now are our proven backs as were Battle, Howard & Webster.
Caminiti & Stocker &-to a lesser degree Clark & Windy have filled a role there at times.
These guys that are training there Carroll & Loc are pretty much unproven.
Travaglia is developing into that role or will be a mid. eventually we've been told.
So, at this point its just speculation or hope on Carroll & Loc.
As good as Nas & Sinclair are when they go into the midfield,
taking them out of the backline has to hurt us at this stage.

 

[TheSaintsAreComing!]

Just rewatched the last quarter.

While Nas rightfully got all the kudos for his last minute heroics, we don’t win that game without Hally, Maso, Windy & Hunter Clark.

It was those 4 that got us close enough for Nas to do what

Just rewatched the last quarter.

While Nas rightfully got all the kudos for his last minute heroics, we don’t win that game without Hally, Maso, Windy & Hunter Clark.

It was those 4 that got us close enough for Nas to do what he did.

Yeah, fair call on Hally, Maso, Windy and Clark laying the groundwork — great effort getting us within range.


But just rewatched that last quarter too… you know, the one where Higgo (Jack Higgins, in case we’re pretending not to know) kicked two of his four goals in the last quarter , plus that slick assist to Sharmo to keep the scoreboard ticking?


Kicked 4 goals for the match but like most small forwards(see Charlie Cameron in the grand final) as Dwayne Russell would say they “get lost in the wash”

 

[bennymc7]

Garcia is going to have to do everything the hard way in his career...

Atm he's behind Flanders, Macrae, Nas, Hall, Windy for centre square minutes.

For point of difference minutes he's behind Pou, Henry, Wilson, Sincs a 'different look' type mid..

I like him, but not sure if he makes it long term as a mid. Could very well be the small back we've been looking for.

He needs to be Tom Liberatore style, but he doesn't have the disposal of that level imo

 

[Joffaboy]

So from what you have said, im assuming you are looking at a backline similar to this;

B. O'Connell ???????? Stocker

H.B. Carroll ???????? Travaglia

Clark, Flanders, Hall, Macrae, Nas, Pou, Sincs, Windy all training in the midfield, I'm guessing from what I've read here

I dont disrespect it.
I just dont preference that backline tbh

I leave team line ups to others, as I am not very good at it.
I am lucky enough to have the time and resources to get to preseason training, and all I can do is report my opinion on players.
Those two look good, but the selectors may well have other plans.
I find it increasingly difficult to fit players into the team as we now have so many multi positional players.
Personally not desperate for any player to make the team, those two have been eye catching in their positions is all.

 

[Madmax262]

Flanders chose the Saints not just because of the list potential but because they intend for him to play as a full time midfielder.

 

[Sully111]

I'm going to enjoy watching Hugo prove a few wrong this season.

 

[Joffaboy]

I'm going to enjoy watching Hugo prove a few wrong this season.

The thing is with players like Hugo, if we stay fit, he may be left out early. But injuries occur. Once he get in, its up to him to make it impossible to leave out. Competition for all positions.
Hasn't been like this for many along time at the Saints.

 

[g_TRAIN]

Garcia is going to have to do everything the hard way in his career...

Atm he's behind Flanders, Macrae, Nas, Hall, Windy for centre square minutes.

For point of difference minutes he's behind Pou, Henry, Wilson, Sincs a 'different look' type mid..

I like him, but not sure if he makes it long term as a mid. Could very well be the small back we've been looking for.

He needs to be Tom Liberatore style, but he doesn't have the disposal of that level imo

Just my opinion but I disagree, his pace and speed from stoppage is a point of difference.

His clearance nouse too.

With his level of application I would frankly be suprised if he doesn't end up a really solid long term mid.