Training Saints preseason 2026

[gringo2011]

Must be. He can run, I suppose.
There's worse backup, but I'd like to hope (barring injuries) that he won't play 17 games again this year.

There aren't many players that can run up and back with the play for close to a full match. A lot of GOPs with endurance running get games in footy still. You'd think that he pushes back one rung with the new additions but he keeps defying that. He's probably the back up for Hill if he goes down at this point.

 

[gringo2011]

Garcia seems to me to have a higher ceiling than a Windhager type, at least as a midfielder. More breakaway speed, a tackling machine, a clearance specialist and I think we will see over time that his disposal is actually a fair bit better than Windy's. He used it well in the back part of the year and looked far better than earlier in the year when he lacked composure. He's competing with a bunch of players for probably the fourth midfield spot, but he'll get a good run at it at some point.

I reckon Windy will always be that Andrew Thompson type who does everything right to help others look brilliant but gets looked past when it comes to handing out awards. He's the type that you don't really notice how much he's doing until you look at the stats sheet and highlights.

Grunt mids are still the glamour players in awards and get all the love despite them being the least important they've ever been. I think both have really sharpened up their skills as they have settled in at the level. Windhager doesn't seem to blaze as much and feeds out to the better users more. Hugo seems to have got better at moving away from trouble before off loading rather than panic kicking it away.

 

[Broski]

I dare you to watch speedy Garcia's chase down tackle on Max Holmes in 2024 and tell me this kid won't find a way to make it as a player in the league. I am biased, like we all are, but his future shouldn't be in question.

 

[gringo2011]

W

actually a fantastic effort from quite a few in the last, but we also had a fair bit of luck with at least 4 goals. Hill and Cooper each kicked a goal out of their butts, Higgo draws a 50, and finally a chaotic 6 6 6.
But you make your own luck as they say.

It's amazing how momentum changes in footy or sport generally. The side losing their lead seizes up and loses what ever it was that got them in front and the side with nothing to lose takes the high risk shot from nowhere that has little chance of scoring and it goes through because the players aren't stressed.

I remember when Fly first went to the Pies he was really big on training for close finishes and momentum shifts. It pinched a heap of games by small margins. Probably won them that flag.

I still think that massive turn around loss to the Hawks back in the day took years to exorcise from our list. A bit like a smashing in a GF leaves scars it has probably psychologically scarred the Dees.

You could also extrapolate that we have changed the way we view ourselves and other clubs view us. It's easy to beat up a weakling. IT is hard to play against someone you rate because you lose the freedom to play on your terms.

I'm claiming that this is the start of our reversal of fortune. It can set us up for our most successful period since the GT/Lyon 1.0 era. Probably signed a heap of players back up at a minimum and attracted players in.

 

[The Punter]

It's amazing how momentum changes in footy or sport generally. The side losing their lead seizes up and loses what ever it was that got them in front and the side with nothing to lose takes the high risk shot from nowhere that has little chance of scoring and it goes through because the players aren't stressed.

I remember when Fly first went to the Pies he was really big on training for close finishes and momentum shifts. It pinched a heap of games by small margins. Probably won them that flag.

I still think that massive turn around loss to the Hawks back in the day took years to exorcise from our list. A bit like a smashing in a GF leaves scars it has probably psychologically scarred the Dees.

You could also extrapolate that we have changed the way we view ourselves and other clubs view us. It's easy to beat up a weakling. IT is hard to play against someone you rate because you lose the freedom to play on your terms.

I'm claiming that this is the start of our reversal of fortune. It can set us up for our most successful period since the GT/Lyon 1.0 era. Probably signed a heap of players back up at a minimum and attracted players in.

Two games I thought essentially ruined groups at St Kilda: the one you mentioned (Round 12 1999 v Hawthorn) and Round 19 2017 v Port Adelaide.

We fielded an exceptionally young and inexperienced side that night, with no Riewoldt, Montagna or Gilbert, and nearly pulled off a famous victory (and were in position where we should have). IMO that group kicks on if we win that night.

 

[Enclosed_Animal]

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

Thank you to everyone for the training reports.

Interesting part to me is who replaces JWebb and NAS in the backline.

Pretty clearly 2 of LOC, Hastie, Carroll, Stock, Trav or Clark play every week. Maybe 3, depending on matchups and what we do with Tauru. Really interesting to hear the reports on how each is progressing. These are the players and roles the media will never talk about, but will be key to our success this year.

Keep the reports coming

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Wood and Hill are still valuable contributors. If they break down we have cover but they most likely play a lot of footy still.

Yeah, think you are right, can't see RTB dropping them.
But is good to have young talent that will be pushing them for a spot asap.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

And here was me thinking it was Brett

Well, he may of done it too.
But l distinctly remember RTB coming out & saying it.

 

[Xxxx66]

It's amazing how momentum changes in footy or sport generally. The side losing their lead seizes up and loses what ever it was that got them in front and the side with nothing to lose takes the high risk shot from nowhere that has little chance of scoring and it goes through because the players aren't stressed.

I remember when Fly first went to the Pies he was really big on training for close finishes and momentum shifts. It pinched a heap of games by small margins. Probably won them that flag.

I still think that massive turn around loss to the Hawks back in the day took years to exorcise from our list. A bit like a smashing in a GF leaves scars it has probably psychologically scarred the Dees.

You could also extrapolate that we have changed the way we view ourselves and other clubs view us. It's easy to beat up a weakling. IT is hard to play against someone you rate because you lose the freedom to play on your terms.

I'm claiming that this is the start of our reversal of fortune. It can set us up for our most successful period since the GT/Lyon 1.0 era. Probably signed a heap of players back up at a minimum and attracted players in.

Great points.
I also think that the evenness and flexibility of this list build means we don't need to focus on one or a couple of players, making us a more difficult team to match up on.
Anyone can pop up for a cameo at anytime and be effective. In about 15 minutes in the Melbourne game, it was Hall, Steele, wood, hill, Sharman, Higgo and some other bloke who's name escapes me.

Can't wait for the season to start!

 

[beside the seaside]

Steele was actually pretty good from memory too but I haven't rewatched it.

You haven't re-watched it?

You mean, like, today yeah?

 

[saintmike65]

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.

Picking a team is a lottery but that's gotta be a good thing..

 

[Joffaboy]

Must be. He can run, I suppose.
There's worse backup, but I'd like to hope (barring injuries) that he won't play 17 games again this year.

Its a healthy list when we have the likes of Byrnes, Clark, Carroll, Hastie, Collard, Henry, even Garcia as depth.
As Saints fans we need a new mindset. For too long we could endulge ourselves with young favourites and they would be an automatic selection into a 'young' and 'bottom eight' rebuilding team. Nice and comfortable for us, no real finals pressure.
With our recruiting, we aren't young or rebuilding, TDK, JSOS, Flander or Ryan, didn't come to play seconds, new recruits like Banfield, Tauru and Trav are looking to go past 'established' players.
We no longer 'hope' one or two smokies come good. Not good enough, you are in the seconds.
Be prepared for many selection melts as favourites are left out, especially if we stay healthy.
Our expectations should be high, no more being comfortable being also rans with good but not great players getting regular games. Earn your spot or move on.

 

[gringo2011]

You haven't re-watched it?

You mean, like, today yeah?

I'm not a big replay watcher. Ive seen the highlights packages but not sat down and done the whole quarter.

 

[gringo2011]

Its a healthy list when we have the likes of Byrnes, Clark, Carroll, Hastie, Collard, Henry, even Garcia as depth.
As Saints fans we need a new mindset. For too long we have could endulge ourselves with young favourites and they would be an automatic selection into a 'young' and 'bottom eight' rebuilding team. Nice and comfortable for us, no real finals pressure.
With our recruiting, we aren't young or rebuilding, TDK, JSOS, Flander or Ryan, didn't come to play seconds, new recruits like Banfield, Tauru and Trav are looking to go past 'established' players.
We no longer 'hope' one or two smokies come good. Not good enough, you are in the seconds.
Be prepared for many selection melts as favourites are left out, especially if we stay healthy.
Our expectations should be high, no mors being comfortable being also rans with good but not great players getting regular games. Earn your spot or move on.

Even Boxshall, Collard, Dow types are going to add depth and probably struggle around the fringes and it sounds like Banfield is pushing for game time already.

 

[Dr Spaceman]

 

[akaifu]

 

[akaifu]

I dare you to watch speedy Garcia's chase down tackle on Max Holmes in 2024 and tell me this kid won't find a way to make it as a player in the league. I am biased, like we all are, but his future shouldn't be in question.

Don’t think anyone is questioning his future

The question is what kind of player is he and whether we need that type of player in the starting 23 at present

The squad at full fitness is stacked and it’ll be a good thing when high-quality players start missing out on selection. It happens to all good teams and we will get used to it

 

[Veer Right]

I dare you to watch speedy Garcia's chase down tackle on Max Holmes in 2024 and tell me this kid won't find a way to make it as a player in the league. I am biased, like we all are, but his future shouldn't be in question.

It's not in question by those who matter.

 

[GunnersFantasy]

Thoughts on Wilson's role in 2026? do you see him getting inside minutes or anything off HB? Or will he still be a winger/HF?

 

[The Punter]

Its a healthy list when we have the likes of Byrnes, Clark, Carroll, Hastie, Collard, Henry, even Garcia as depth.
As Saints fans we need a new mindset. For too long we have could endulge ourselves with young favourites and they would be an automatic selection into a 'young' and 'bottom eight' rebuilding team. Nice and comfortable for us, no real finals pressure.
With our recruiting, we aren't young or rebuilding, TDK, JSOS, Flander or Ryan, didn't come to play seconds, new recruits like Banfield, Tauru and Trav are looking to go past 'established' players.
We no longer 'hope' one or two smokies come good. Not good enough, you are in the seconds.
Be prepared for many selection melts as favourites are left out, especially if we stay healthy.
Our expectations should be high, no mors being comfortable being also rans with good but not great players getting regular games. Earn your spot or move on.

Too true, Joff.

If everyone is fit and we're playing well, some very handy footballers are going to find themselves outside the team this year.

I love Boxshall but haven't really considered him for my best 23 as of now. He's 2nd year and every chance to have issues in year 2 like Phillipou and Wilson before him.

The younger, less proven players will need to move old heads like Hill and Wood out of the way. Simple.

 

[gringo2011]

Don’t think anyone is questioning his future

The question is what kind of player is he and whether we need that type of player in the starting 23 at present

The squad at full fitness is stacked and it’ll be a good thing when high-quality players start missing out on selection. It happens to all good teams and we will get used to it

I think he'll push Macrae out if he slows down in the second half of the season again. Hugo's speed and run coupled with his clearance game will make him an easy choice. They are rare and are moving past the pure inside players in favoured style.

 

[stavro#4]

Christ, Look at the size of Caminiti now.

 

[saintkildaman]

Track watchers, has Higgo spent anytime training through the midfield this preseason? Recall RTB in a post game interview mentioning he’d like to give him some minutes on ball in the future.

 

[stavro#4]

Too true, Joff.

If everyone is fit and we're playing well, some very handy footballers are going to find themselves outside the team this year.

I love Boxshall but haven't really considered him for my best 23 as of now. He's 2nd year and every chance to have issues in year 2 like Phillipou and Wilson before him.

The younger, less proven players will need to move old heads like Hill and Wood out of the way. Simple.

this is exactly how it should be.

Look at the Hawks in the last 2 years and the players who haven't played most weeks and some of the domination they have had in the VFL.

Sam Butler has only played 25 games in 4 years for them, But had strong form and came in for all 3 finals and rewarded them with a 15 disposal 2 goal 9 tackle game in the semi final win over the Crows.

As long as we are rotating some through every week. It can only be a positive.

 

[BrutThough]

Thoughts on Wilson's role in 2026? do you see him getting inside minutes or anything off HB? Or will he still be a winger/HF?

Wing/Half forward again