Training 2026 Preseason Thread

[danster168]

Training Report:

• JVR doing slightly modified session. But took part in most of the main session. Nothing to worry about. Looking in great condition.
• Oscar Berry's body is changing each week. Slimming down and looking fitter each week.
• Melksham in rehab (I can't remember his injury)
• Thomas Matthews: Doing more each session. Split time between the on field stuff and on the exercise bike. But more time on the field than off it.
• Steven May on a slightly modified program. Did reps of 200-250m. Looks slightly unfit to me. HE still took part in the on field drills too.
• Bailey Laurie wearing the concussion hat.
• Tom Campbell still in the neck brace as expected.
• Jake Bowey in attendance. In his casual Dees gear but obviously not training.
• I didn't notice Trent Rivers
  24

  Trent Rivers

  Age

  24

  Ht

  188cm

  Wt

  87kg

  Pos.

  D/M

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  10.7

  3star

  K

  6.0

  2star

  HB

  4.7

  3star

  M

  2.0

  2star

  T

  2.0

  4star

  MG

  171.3

  3star

  D

  10.7

  3star

  K

  6.0

  2star

  HB

  4.7

  3star

  M

  2.0

  2star

  T

  2.0

  3star

  MG

  171.3

  3star

  D

  10.7

  3star

  K

  6.0

  3star

  HB

  4.7

  4star

  M

  2.0

  3star

  T

  2.0

  4star

  MG

  171.3

  3star

  or Petty in attendance.
• Sharp recovering from a hammy but still running at 90% around the boundary.
• 'Laps' Mccadam did his usual laps. This time at a quicker clip.
• Mihocek doing his rehab still. He didn't do much.
• AMW running 100%.
• There was about 5-10 mins of goal kicking at the start of the session.
• Culley definitely looks the most busy at training. He just stand out time and time again.
• Overall I thought the training session wasn't very intense. Pretty cruisey. No tackling, and not too hard fitness wise either. I didn't walk away loving the intensity of this training drill to be honest.
• All the players were really good with signing autographs for the kids. I went with my old man and cringed a bit when he told Jack Steele
  9

  Jack Steele

  Age

  30

  Ht

  187cm

  Wt

  90kg

  Pos.

  Mid

  Career

  Season

  Last 5

  D

  20.9

  5star

  K

  8.7

  3star

  HB

  12.2

  5star

  M

  3.7

  4star

  T

  6.8

  5star

  CL

  3.6

  5star

  D

  21.3

  5star

  K

  10.0

  4star

  HB

  11.3

  5star

  M

  4.0

  4star

  T

  5.8

  5star

  CL

  4.6

  5star

  D

  16.8

  4star

  K

  5.0

  2star

  HB

  11.8

  5star

  M

  2.6

  3star

  T

  6.4

  5star

  CL

  3.6

  5star

  he was going to put him in his fantasy team. Steele was like 'okayyyyyy'. Awks.
• A very loose top 5 trainers for the day: Culley, M.Heath, A.Johnson, Windsor, J.Steele. Just from the way that they applied themselves.

 

[A11dAtP0w3R]

I went with my old man and cringed a bit when he told Jack Steele he was going to put him in his fantasy team. Steele was like 'okayyyyyy'. Awks.

Dont worry, im sure he cringes too when you say youre better than numerous professional footballers at a variety of football things.

 

[TheBoss]

All the players were really good with signing autographs for the kids. I went with my old man and cringed a bit when he told Jack Steele he was going to put him in his fantasy team. Steele was like 'okayyyyyy'. Awks.

Tell your old man if he’s brave enough to run his mouth to Steele, he’s brave enough to slap the C on him. Don’t hide in the midfield, coward. Captain or it didn’t happen.

Your dad needs to stand by his takes.

 

[Demon 16]

Can't wait for the season to start, first time I haven't been dreading it in years.

Me too.

Not because I think we are going to win a whole heap of games - I’m just looking forward to a new and improved game plan that we build and improve on, and getting a good look at the younger players who I think will be given lots of opportunity this year.

 

[mrmonkey]

I really do hope we see something exciting this year. Wins losses don't matter. One thing for sure is we'll get a different looking team.

 

[Daemon]

No more Goody ball or selections. Who wouldn't be excited.

 

[mrmonkey]

No more Goody ball or selections. Who wouldn't be excited.

For me it's cautious optimism, I know we have a new direction with coaches game plan ect. However it feels like we've heard it before but we end up with the same. I guess I'll get fully excited when I see it.

 

[PerfectFooty]

I'm also cautiously optimistic. While we had goodwin a long time and i'm glad to see him gone, there's always a bit of unknown with a new coach. The club probably has a better framework and list management now, but I've seen a new coach come in, promise a style play (We are going to be hard to play against), bought into it and was let down. I don't think it will be the case here, but having been sold a lemon before i don't tend to buy into anything until i see it. Still though there is an excitement with heading into the unknown for a change i can't deny

 

[Toump Ass]

Y'all are a very generous and supportive bunch.

Wins and Losses absolutely matter to me. I'll be livid if we get rolled by bums like North and West Coast again, and shit like that Saint Kilda loss last year are not on either. We're not here to **** spiders.

 

[A11dAtP0w3R]

Y'all are a very generous and supportive bunch.

Wins and Losses absolutely matter to me. I'll be livid if we get rolled by bums like North and West Coast again, and shit like that Saint Kilda loss last year are not on either. We're not here to **** spiders.

Meh, if the game style is attractive I couldn't give a shit about how many wins or losses we have. Ive had enough of celebrating 58 def 56 bore the ever loving shit out of you wins.

 

[Toump Ass]

Meh, if the game style is attractive I couldn't give a shit about how many wins or losses we have.

I want both.

 

[A11dAtP0w3R]

I want both.

Thats the dream. But priority 1 to me is enjoying watching us play footy again. I loved 2017 despite missing the finals.

 

[Crimson Azure]

I want both.

 

[Bluelegs]

We're gonna win the flag.

 

[Crusty Demon]

I mean, it's nice to think we will play an attacking free flowing high scoring game, but do we have the ability to do so? We have some pieces that can transition to that style quite well, and the young kids we hope can adapt, but our F50 is still light on for much talent or ability to score, and our running defenders where a lot of fast transition play starts is a little sketchy. Our midfield is unknown(but potentially exciting). New positions for a few and now missing someone like Trac who could step into a matchwinning role. The preseason game against Norf will be interesting to see what we are trying to implement. Will obviously take time and I'm half expecting some bad losses early days. And like others have said, we really don't know if Kingy is any good as yet. He's talking the talk, but can he walk the walk. I think he has 2 years up his sleeve to get a new style up and running before results start to matter.

 

[FootyBot13]

I think he has 2 years up his sleeve to get a new style up and running before results start to matter.

That's my rule-of-thumb whenever a team gets a new coach: You have to wait until their 3rd season to see if they're any good or not. The first 2 years is always a transition period.

 

[Sir Hugh Percy]

I haven't been this excited for a new season since Neeld's first... oh.

 

[MarcMaverick]

Its more the unknown of our team thats keeping me intrigued. As some have pointed out, cautious optimism.

 

[Lord Nev]

Excited by - The new players.
Optimistic about - Langford, Windsor, Lindsay, Culley.
Nervous about - Tholstrup, JVR.
Pessimistic about - How long it takes for the new style to gel. McAdam.

 

[Lord Nev]

ANOTHER PICKETT SET TO LIGHT UP DEES​

The early selection of Latrelle Pickett may have turned heads on draft night, but the first-round talent was a major standout at Melbourne’s training as he pushes for a round 1 debut.

Pickett, the cousin of teammate and Demon superstar Kysaiah Pickett

36

Kysaiah Pickett

Age

24

Ht

171cm

Wt

73kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.0

2star

K

4.7

2star

HB

3.3

3star

M

0.7

1star

T

2.6

4star

CL

0.7

3star

D

8.0

2star

K

4.7

2star

HB

3.3

2star

M

0.7

1star

T

2.6

4star

CL

0.7

3star

D

8.0

2star

K

4.8

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

0.8

1star

T

2.4

4star

CL

0.8

3star

, looked a class above his fellow draftees on Wednesday as he flaunted his high-level skills.

It was a sight to behold as Latrelle and Kysiah crumbed the packs at training, anticipating their teammates’ movements and providing a real showcase of the Pickett’s family prowess.

Latrelle was the bolter of draft night as the No.12 pick, but he looks poised to push for an early-season debut under new coach Stephen King.

Another notable standout was former Eagle Jai Culley, dominating high-pressure zone drills looking ready to impact the senior side this season.

The 22 year old played the last four games of Melbourne’s 2025 campaign after being picked up as an SSP signing as an injury replacement for Andy Moniz-Wakefield, who suffered a pre-season ACL injury.

He averaged 13.5 disposals, 2.8 tackles and 3.5 marks in his four senior games, but looks to be a different beast in 2026, putting on some muscle and tidying up his foot skills.

RECRUIT WATCH

New recruits Changkuoth Jiath

14

Changkuoth Jiath

Age

26

Ht

185cm

Wt

78kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.5

4star

K

5.0

2star

HB

9.5

5star

M

3.5

4star

T

2.5

4star

MG

91.0

1star

No current season stats available

D

14.5

4star

K

5.0

2star

HB

9.5

5star

M

3.5

4star

T

2.5

4star

MG

91.0

2star

, Max Heath, Jack Steele

9

Jack Steele

Age

30

Ht

187cm

Wt

90kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

20.9

5star

K

8.7

3star

HB

12.2

5star

M

3.7

4star

T

6.8

5star

CL

3.6

5star

D

21.3

5star

K

10.0

4star

HB

11.3

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

5.8

5star

CL

4.6

5star

D

16.8

4star

K

5.0

2star

HB

11.8

5star

M

2.6

3star

T

6.4

5star

CL

3.6

5star

and Brody Mihocek

28

Brody Mihocek

Age

32

Ht

192cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.9

3star

K

8.2

3star

HB

3.7

3star

M

5.3

5star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.6

5star

D

8.4

2star

K

6.3

3star

HB

2.1

2star

M

4.3

4star

T

1.9

3star

G

1.7

5star

D

10.2

3star

K

6.4

3star

HB

3.8

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

1.8

4star

G

1.6

5star

look to be settling into life in the red and blue as they ease into the full training program.

Jiath and Steele spent the majority of the training with the main group before moving into low intensity handball drills, with Jiath sharing laughs with multiple teammates throughout the session.

Max Heath spent the entirety of training away from the main group and running laps.

Mihocek trained lightly, managing a toe injury he hopes to shake before season launch.

INJURY WATCH

Veteran defender Steven May

1

Steven May

Age

34

Ht

193cm

Wt

101kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.7

4star

K

10.5

4star

HB

4.2

3star

M

5.1

5star

T

1.5

3star

MG

307.3

4star

D

15.5

4star

K

12.1

5star

HB

3.4

2star

M

3.4

3star

T

0.5

1star

MG

378.4

5star

D

12.4

4star

K

8.8

4star

HB

3.6

3star

M

3.2

4star

T

1.8

4star

split from the main group early in the session, having conversations with trainers on the sidelines.

He resumed training by himself, doing run-throughs on the sidelines before leaving Gosch’s Paddock while his teammates were still on the field.

He was told to look elsewhere at the end of the season, with his best-23 position under scrutiny, but May couldn’t find a trade suitor and instead has returned to the Demons.

Andy Moniz-Wakefield looks set to make his return from an ACL injury and presents as a potential replacement for the injured Jake Bowey.

The rebounding defender isn’t expected back until mid-season after suffering a Lisfranc injury earlier in preseason.

Max Gawn

11

Max Gawn

Age

34

Ht

209cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.1

4star

K

7.4

3star

HB

6.7

4star

CL

2.8

4star

HO

35.3

5star

D

18.5

4star

K

11.5

4star

HB

7.0

4star

CL

3.5

4star

HO

29.2

5star

D

8.4

3star

K

3.6

2star

HB

4.8

4star

CL

1.0

3star

HO

15.6

5star

powered through the fractured finger he suffered last week, donning a finger splint and a red and blue bucket hat on a cloudy Melbourne morning.

The club captain spent the majority of training with the main group, notably chalking up multiple fearless spoils in marking contests.

Former co-captain Jack Viney

7

Jack Viney

Age

31

Ht

179cm

Wt

93kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

22.1

5star

K

9.4

4star

HB

12.6

5star

M

2.8

3star

T

5.7

5star

CL

5.0

5star

D

21.8

5star

K

10.3

4star

HB

11.5

5star

M

2.5

3star

T

4.5

5star

CL

5.0

5star

D

13.4

4star

K

8.6

4star

HB

4.8

4star

M

2.6

3star

T

3.4

5star

CL

3.6

5star

and new Mihocek featured briefly early on in training, doing low intensity handball drills with assistant coach Nathan Jones separate from the group.

Viney is managing an achilles injury and hopes to join the main group in the coming weeks, while Mihocek is dealing with a toe injury and is expected to be ready for round 1.

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/u...ws-story/04a82e3083792e538451419dbb1c08db?amp

 

[MarcMaverick]

Lets see how we go Pickett akimbo. Or Team Pickett.

 

[Toump Ass]

We won 7 games last year with one pickett. This year we have two picketts= 14 wins. It's science.

 

[PerfectFooty]

We won 7 games last year with one pickett. This year we have two picketts= 14 wins. It's science.

We lost 16 games last year with one pickett. This year we'll find a way to lose 32 games with two picketts. It's science!

 

[Daemon]

I mean, it's nice to think we will play an attacking free flowing high scoring game, but do we have the ability to do so? We have some pieces that can transition to that style quite well, and the young kids we hope can adapt, but our F50 is still light on for much talent or ability to score, and our running defenders where a lot of fast transition play starts is a little sketchy. Our midfield is unknown(but potentially exciting). New positions for a few and now missing someone like Trac who could step into a matchwinning role. The preseason game against Norf will be interesting to see what we are trying to implement. Will obviously take time and I'm half expecting some bad losses early days. And like others have said, we really don't know if Kingy is any good as yet. He's talking the talk, but can he walk the walk. I think he has 2 years up his sleeve to get a new style up and running before results start to matter.

I think I've been saying this for a while but I don't think our forward line is that bad. I think they have been badly coached. Poor/slow ball delivery, inability to lead, and asking all forwards to bunch up has been the problem.
I think with fast ball movement and a bit of space, players like JVR and Fritsch could flourish. Hell, I'm even willing to give Jeffo a second chance under this regime.

 

[Demon Attack]

Y'all are a very generous and supportive bunch.

Wins and Losses absolutely matter to me. I'll be livid if we get rolled by bums like North and West Coast again, and shit like that Saint Kilda loss last year are not on either. We're not here to **** spiders.

I stand with tAss