Training 2026 Off-Season & Preseason reports and discussion

[unitedhawk2]

Pretty sure Simon meant Greeves, not Reeves.

Very exciting to hear about Croc and Weddle. If those two have breakout years, we're going to have a very, very good year.

 

[GinniAndTonic]

Pretty sure Simon meant Greeves, not Reeves.

Very exciting to hear about Croc and Weddle. If those two have breakout years, we're going to have a very, very good year.

I think everyone knows Simon meant Greeevs

 

[I got the outside word]

I think everyone knows Simon meant Greeevs

But, if Reeves can replace Worpel…

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Not sure Reeves will be replacing Worps unfortunately.

Geez that's like the second time I've done that

Obviously I meant Greeves.

Mind you a 6 foot 11 inside mid would be an interesting choice.........

 

[Simon Crawshay]

And I don't think Dalts will be attending many CBAs

There is a spot there and I reckon Jack is showing a fair bit this pre season.

Probably not this year but you never know....

 

[unitedhawk2]

But, if Reeves can replace Worpel…

Keep an eye out when the team line-ups are announced on Thursday nights.

That said, now that the sub, which I think Sam found a tad irritating, is no more, he may be less inclined to play silly buggers and name, for example, Reeves as rover and Wiz* as ruck.

*Wiz did make it to CHF for one game last year, if memory serves me right.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Keep an eye out when the team line-ups are announced on Thursday nights.

That said, now that the sub, which I think Sam found a tad irritating, is no more, he may be less inclined to play silly buggers and name, for example, Reeves as rover and Wiz* as ruck.

*Wiz did make it to CHF for one game last year, if memory serves me right.

I think Sam put the Wiz down as CHF as a homage to the greatest 5 foot 9 CHF forward of all time the great Paul Puopolo

 

[Brownbird]

Training Update:

The Wind dominated. Tough conditions, skills were good considering.

The law firm: McKenzie, McDonald & Ward - all had their moments in the 40 minute scratchy. They look fit and primed - they’re gunna dominate. HH was also good. Butler looks superb.

Ollie G is ready to play AFL if called upon. He’s a great size and runs to the right spots. High football IQ, I have no concerns at all about his running - the kid can play.

MRaz he’s a dead set gem. I’d be playing him round 1. 12 Year CHB locked in, it’s his.

McCabe in the rehab group. He’s now got an AFL body. Looks like a stallion. Not sure what niggle he has, was moving well, not yet at top speed. I think he’ll see AFL time this year if he’s injury free.

Nairn also in rehab group, was running at a good click. Doesn’t look far off joining the main group. He’s also got an AFL ready body.

Schubert is going to play alot of AFL. There’s a difference between training & playing. He has a high natural football IQ. Superb hands and moves very well. Kicked goals in scratchy in different ways. Has a-few ahead of him for now but can play AFL this year if called on. He has confidence in his ability.

Both boys vying for a list spot were good. I think Perez will win his spot. He’s also AFL ready - good size, moves very well, and good skills.

LeRay was good, playing back, he will be a player. He’s got considerable upside. Backline is stacked, a year at Box Hill will do him wonders.

The brewery: Wiz, Gin & Moore serving up specials. They are in everything, smart, fit, creative.

Jack and the 2 bean stalks: all looking fit, gunna cause havoc. Mitch Lewis is probably in the best nick of his career, he’s going to feast - expecting a 50+ goal season. Uncle Jack is moving great, Chol is such a beautiful shot at goal and moving very well.

Nasha the basha is setting himself up for a big year. Looks fit and strong.

The lefties: Karl, Jack & Maz - sublime and a new lefty in Dalton looks a player. I like him. His hands down low are great and runs all day. I had concerns about his kicking but the rumours are grossly over exaggerated. His kicking is excellent.

Sicily just easing into it - didn’t participate in the scratchy.

Ned dominated centre square hit outs. He’s also moving well but Lloyd dominates everywhere else.

Rama is AFL ready. His forward craft is also good. I think he goes past Noodles.

TB, Battle, Hardwick just rock solid.

Impey his usual self - great

Weddle: Extracting the urine. He’s on another level. Watching him burst out of a centre bounce clearance in the second half of the scratchy will warm the hearts. He is the standout player in this group.

The list is mature and bats deep. We’re gunna be tough to beat.

McCabe and Nairn both have back issues. Agree re Schubert - he got out of a pack in a split second to the goal square and received a lovely pass to kick a goal and Gunners growled at his team (Gold) : Who's on him??" probably pleased with Schubert's moves as he has been coaching him and the other new forwards on their craft!

 

[Coach Killer]

McCabe and Nairn both have back issues. Agree re Schubert - he got out of a pack in a split second to the goal square and received a lovely pass to kick a goal and Gunners growled at his team (Gold) : Who's on him??" probably pleased with Schubert's moves as he has been coaching him and the other new forwards on their craft!

Back injuries? Yikes. If they’re running like that with back injuries look out when they’re fully fit.

Schubert surprised me the most.Wasn’t expecting that, he’s a ripper. No ceiling for him, wouldn’t surprise me at all if he gets a call up to the big league.

Uncle Jack’s influence is telling - mind you how flipping good is he moving - sheesh. Must be something in the water at Dingley.

 

[ppphawk]

Given crocs been flying this preseason, curious to know who he’s been lining up on in match sims.
Anyone know?

 

[Yardie]

Geez that's like the second time I've done that

Obviously I meant Greeves.

Mind you a 6 foot 11 inside mid would be an interesting choice.........

Meek taps it to Reeves, who taps it back to Meek, who taps it to Reeves, who taps it to Newk in space and he kicks a goal.

I like it!

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Meek taps it to Reeves, who taps it back to Meek, who taps it to Reeves, who taps it to Newk in space and he kicks a goal.

I like it!

Basically be like two year 12s playing keeping’s off against the year 7s

It has potential!

 

[tl92]

If Cmac plays permanent mid, does Butler take his spot at half forward?

 

[geelongrecruit5]

Track watch: Big boost for Hawks star, new midfielder dazzles as SSP train-on talent continues to excite

Hawthorn have welcomed a gun midfielder back into the main training mix 👀

www.zerohanger.com

My mail is Jack Riding from Werribee VFL is attending training this week for a SSP spot. Crafty high half forward, left footer. 2024 VFL premiership player.

 

[Dewwwww]

I just can’t see us playing two rucks. I’m certain we will trial it in the pre season games however we dropped Lewis for the first final to make our side quicker. Can’t see us bringing in two extra talls over our finals setup.

Each year the game keeps getting quicker

It would seem the decision will come down to do we play all 4 tall forwards and 1 ruck or 3 tall forwards and 2 rucks? Which one of the 4 tall forwards would you drop for Reeves? I understand that the new ruck rules will help Reeves however I’d much prefer the 4 tall forward setup with either Marbs or Lewis chopping out for the solo ruck

 

[To the Hawk]

I just can’t see us playing two rucks. I’m certain we will trial it in the pre season games however we dropped Lewis for the first final to make our side quicker. Can’t see us bringing in two extra talls over our finals setup.

Each year the game keeps getting quicker

It would seem the decision will come down to do we play all 4 tall forwards and 1 ruck or 3 tall forwards and 2 rucks? Which one of the 4 tall forwards would you drop for Reeves? I understand that the new ruck rules will help Reeves however I’d much prefer the 4 tall forward setup with either Marbs or Lewis chopping out for the solo ruck

I agree there is no way we would go from 4 talls in the finals to 6. Five is the number.

But I also think we will absolutely see Meek and Reeves play together. It could even be Rd 0 now we have lost Day.

We gave up so many goals from centre bounce last year. Geelong broke us in the 3rd QTR of the prelim with this, and GWS did the same to storm back into it.

With an uncertain midfield mix to start the season I can very much see Reeves being a leaver Sam would want. It would give our mids a better chance to at least get secondary ball ups when under the pump. Allowing our half forwards to crowd the stoppage and defensive winger push back.

If so, the 4 talls forwards comes down to form and fitness. A great motivator

 

[bigmaxi]

My mail is Jack Riding from Werribee VFL is attending training this week for a SSP spot. Crafty high half forward, left footer. 2024 VFL premiership player.

Any word on this?? Sounds like an insurance policy midfield addition?

After a standout campaign that saw his emergence as a key midfielder, Jack Riding has put pen to paper to become Werribee’s latest re-signing for the 2026 VFL season.

Following a breakout year in 2024, Riding elevated his game again in 2025. Having spent the premiership season playing across half forward, he transitioned into the midfield this year and quickly became a key figure in Werribee’s engine room.

Across 17 games, he averaged a career-high 24 disposals per game, along with five tackles and five clearances, missing only Round 3 through injury. His disposal average was the second-highest at the club behind Dom Brew. Riding’s explosiveness around stoppages was a standout, ranking in the top five in the competition for inside 50s.

This strong output saw him named in the 40-man VFL Team of the Year squad for the second straight season in his new role. He finished the year in outstanding form, recording 32 or more disposals in four of his last seven matches, including equal career-high 36-possession performances against both Williamstown and the Northern Bullants, capping off a dominant finish to the season.

Riding’s late-season surge was reflected in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy count, where he stormed home from 10th place after Round 16 to finish equal fourth alongside Jake Smith on 157 votes, just one vote behind Hudson Garoni and Bior Malual, who were joint runners-up.

Speaking on his re-commitment, Riding said,

“I'm stoked to be part of the club for season 2026. I love the club and everything it’s done for me on and off the field, so it was ultimately an easy decision to sign on."

He added, “I’m as eager and motivated as ever to get back to where we belong and will do everything in my power to contribute to that happening.”

Riding joined Werribee after winning North Ballarat’s best and fairest in 2022 and made his VFL debut midway through 2023, playing four games in his first season. Following a strong pre-season, he was selected across half-back for the 2024 season opener before shifting forward early in the year, where he became a mainstay in the side.

His breakout 2024 campaign earned him the club’s Most Improved Player award, ranking top ten in the competition for goal assists, score assists and score involvements during the premiership season.

The 2026 season will mark Riding’s fourth year at the club. He currently sits on 41 VFL games for Werribee heading into the new campaign.

 

[geelongrecruit5]

Any word on this?? Sounds like an insurance policy midfield addition?

After a standout campaign that saw his emergence as a key midfielder, Jack Riding has put pen to paper to become Werribee’s latest re-signing for the 2026 VFL season.

Following a breakout year in 2024, Riding elevated his game again in 2025. Having spent the premiership season playing across half forward, he transitioned into the midfield this year and quickly became a key figure in Werribee’s engine room.

Across 17 games, he averaged a career-high 24 disposals per game, along with five tackles and five clearances, missing only Round 3 through injury. His disposal average was the second-highest at the club behind Dom Brew. Riding’s explosiveness around stoppages was a standout, ranking in the top five in the competition for inside 50s.

This strong output saw him named in the 40-man VFL Team of the Year squad for the second straight season in his new role. He finished the year in outstanding form, recording 32 or more disposals in four of his last seven matches, including equal career-high 36-possession performances against both Williamstown and the Northern Bullants, capping off a dominant finish to the season.

Riding’s late-season surge was reflected in the Bruce Montgomery Trophy count, where he stormed home from 10th place after Round 16 to finish equal fourth alongside Jake Smith on 157 votes, just one vote behind Hudson Garoni and Bior Malual, who were joint runners-up.

Speaking on his re-commitment, Riding said,

“I'm stoked to be part of the club for season 2026. I love the club and everything it’s done for me on and off the field, so it was ultimately an easy decision to sign on."

He added, “I’m as eager and motivated as ever to get back to where we belong and will do everything in my power to contribute to that happening.”

Riding joined Werribee after winning North Ballarat’s best and fairest in 2022 and made his VFL debut midway through 2023, playing four games in his first season. Following a strong pre-season, he was selected across half-back for the 2024 season opener before shifting forward early in the year, where he became a mainstay in the side.

His breakout 2024 campaign earned him the club’s Most Improved Player award, ranking top ten in the competition for goal assists, score assists and score involvements during the premiership season.

The 2026 season will mark Riding’s fourth year at the club. He currently sits on 41 VFL games for Werribee heading into the new campaign.

He’ll backfill one of the half forwards roles ie McDonald & Ward to play more mid time.

 

[peetoo]

I agree there is no way we would go from 4 talls in the finals to 6. Five is the number.

But I also think we will absolutely see Meek and Reeves play together. It could even be Rd 0 now we have lost Day.

We gave up so many goals from centre bounce last year. Geelong broke us in the 3rd QTR of the prelim with this, and GWS did the same to storm back into it.

With an uncertain midfield mix to start the season I can very much see Reeves being a leaver Sam would want. It would give our mids a better chance to at least get secondary ball ups when under the pump. Allowing our half forwards to crowd the stoppage and defensive winger push back.

If so, the 4 talls forwards comes down to form and fitness. A great motivator

Neither Geelong nor giants can keep that intensity for all of a game and certainly not two successive weeks

We just need to be able to weather the storm

 

[TylerDurden]

 

[chippie]

Not sure Reeves will be replacing Worps unfortunately.

 

[GinniAndTonic]

Can anyone archive it?

 

[grumbleguts]

Can anyone archive it?

https://archive.is/jXZQQ

 

[hawkmang]

Not sure Reeves will be replacing Worps unfortunately.

Is this the “big bodied midfielder” I keep hearing commentators say we are lacking?

 

[SSSSSS]

Is this the “big bodied midfielder” I keep hearing commentators say we are lacking?

Sam doesn't half arse things.