Training 2026 Pre Season Training Thread

[bedford]

Either our defense sucks or Curnow is kicking 100 this season

I like our defence !

 

[bedford]

On our back 6/7, I have a bit of a left-field theory that I expect might draw some detractors... but that's okay. No need to worry, I won't be selecting the team. It's just my opinion.

Any combination that includes either TMac or Meli as the No.1 reduces our ability to build a gameplan around a steadfast platform down back.

While they have definitely proven adequate, the combo really doesn't give off the same resilient and composed vibe that recent premiership winners have had and, that I would like us to have from the get go.

I was excited by the footage of TMac and Charlie working together a while back. I definitely think Tommy has the ability to become elite as a No.1 KD but he isn't there yet, and I don't believe burdening him with that responsibility in actual games, this season, is helpful. Let him play what is a more natural game for him, at this stage of his career, and put the finishing touches of his learning on the training track against a dual Coleman winner.

Meli? Well I love Meli, but I have question marks over his application/ability/discipline to defend, in either the No.1 or 2 roles, for four quarters to premiership standard. I also think that his contributions further up the ground, when not looking after a key threat, is vastly under-rated and a role that comes naturally to him.

Put the two of them together and I feel like it becomes little more than a scramble.... and working from a scrambled base, the transition into attack will likely have the same characteristics.

Enter Joel Hamling. No frills, unfashionable, getting on a bit.... recognised more around these parts as a beneficiary of the Great Grand Final Heist than for anything else.

Now, I'm not claiming that Joel is an absolute champion, that he is anything more than average footballer, but what his inclusion in our team, at least in the short term, does is to allow TMac and Meli to play roles that are much more suited to their skillsets.

Joel played 14 games last year and we didn't add any KDs in the off-season. Yes he got tossed around a bit, but after Buller finally got the call, I don't recall many complaints about his efforts down back. Certainly nobody got a hold of him through that period of games.

So, the way I see it, we have a choice between playing Tom and Meli in positions where their output is reduced, and hoping that our third is so good that he makes up for that reduction.... or we play conservative, put our trust in Joel allowing Tom and Meli to play to their optimum, while providing a much more stable platform to work from.

This also takes all the pressure off Edwards and Snell in their development. Both have shown snippets of potential while also being exposed for having more to learn.... a much greater chance of happening in a VFL side that likely will be pretty competitive and, at very least, with a much more structured and competent gameplan than what we have seen over the last few years.

Very good Nool

 

[Kiama Chris]

On our back 6/7, I have a bit of a left-field theory that I expect might draw some detractors... but that's okay. No need to worry, I won't be selecting the team. It's just my opinion.

Any combination that includes either TMac or Meli as the No.1 reduces our ability to build a gameplan around a steadfast platform down back.

While they have definitely proven adequate, the combo really doesn't give off the same resilient and composed vibe that recent premiership winners have had and, that I would like us to have from the get go.

I was excited by the footage of TMac and Charlie working together a while back. I definitely think Tommy has the ability to become elite as a No.1 KD but he isn't there yet, and I don't believe burdening him with that responsibility in actual games, this season, is helpful. Let him play what is a more natural game for him, at this stage of his career, and put the finishing touches of his learning on the training track against a dual Coleman winner.

Meli? Well I love Meli, but I have question marks over his application/ability/discipline to defend, in either the No.1 or 2 roles, for four quarters to premiership standard. I also think that his contributions further up the ground, when not looking after a key threat, is vastly under-rated and a role that comes naturally to him.

Put the two of them together and I feel like it becomes little more than a scramble.... and working from a scrambled base, the transition into attack will likely have the same characteristics.

Enter Joel Hamling. No frills, unfashionable, getting on a bit.... recognised more around these parts as a beneficiary of the Great Grand Final Heist than for anything else.

Now, I'm not claiming that Joel is an absolute champion, that he is anything more than average footballer, but what his inclusion in our team, at least in the short term, does is to allow TMac and Meli to play roles that are much more suited to their skillsets.

Joel played 14 games last year and we didn't add any KDs in the off-season. Yes he got tossed around a bit, but after Buller finally got the call, I don't recall many complaints about his efforts down back. Certainly nobody got a hold of him through that period of games.

So, the way I see it, we have a choice between playing Tom and Meli in positions where their output is reduced, and hoping that our third is so good that he makes up for that reduction.... or we play conservative, put our trust in Joel allowing Tom and Meli to play to their optimum, while providing a much more stable platform to work from.

This also takes all the pressure off Edwards and Snell in their development. Both have shown snippets of potential while also being exposed for having more to learn.... a much greater chance of happening in a VFL side that likely will be pretty competitive and, at very least, with a much more structured and competent gameplan than what we have seen over the last few years.

While I don't necessarily agree, I reckon a bit of thinking more outside the box is a good thing to stimulate the little grey cells and generate options.

 

[Wheresbuddy]

On our back 6/7, I have a bit of a left-field theory that I expect might draw some detractors... but that's okay. No need to worry, I won't be selecting the team. It's just my opinion.

Any combination that includes either TMac or Meli as the No.1 reduces our ability to build a gameplan around a steadfast platform down back.

While they have definitely proven adequate, the combo really doesn't give off the same resilient and composed vibe that recent premiership winners have had and, that I would like us to have from the get go.

I was excited by the footage of TMac and Charlie working together a while back. I definitely think Tommy has the ability to become elite as a No.1 KD but he isn't there yet, and I don't believe burdening him with that responsibility in actual games, this season, is helpful. Let him play what is a more natural game for him, at this stage of his career, and put the finishing touches of his learning on the training track against a dual Coleman winner.

Meli? Well I love Meli, but I have question marks over his application/ability/discipline to defend, in either the No.1 or 2 roles, for four quarters to premiership standard. I also think that his contributions further up the ground, when not looking after a key threat, is vastly under-rated and a role that comes naturally to him.

Put the two of them together and I feel like it becomes little more than a scramble.... and working from a scrambled base, the transition into attack will likely have the same characteristics.

Enter Joel Hamling. No frills, unfashionable, getting on a bit.... recognised more around these parts as a beneficiary of the Great Grand Final Heist than for anything else.

Now, I'm not claiming that Joel is an absolute champion, that he is anything more than average footballer, but what his inclusion in our team, at least in the short term, does is to allow TMac and Meli to play roles that are much more suited to their skillsets.

Joel played 14 games last year and we didn't add any KDs in the off-season. Yes he got tossed around a bit, but after Buller finally got the call, I don't recall many complaints about his efforts down back. Certainly nobody got a hold of him through that period of games.

So, the way I see it, we have a choice between playing Tom and Meli in positions where their output is reduced, and hoping that our third is so good that he makes up for that reduction.... or we play conservative, put our trust in Joel allowing Tom and Meli to play to their optimum, while providing a much more stable platform to work from.

This also takes all the pressure off Edwards and Snell in their development. Both have shown snippets of potential while also being exposed for having more to learn.... a much greater chance of happening in a VFL side that likely will be pretty competitive and, at very least, with a much more structured and competent gameplan than what we have seen over the last few years.

I think Hamling showed he is still a decent player in defence last year. I do however worry about his age and the subsequent loss of speed and injuries that go with it.

What we really need is for Edwards to come on and be able to take the biggest opposition forward. 4th year in the system now and I feel its time for him to really challenge for a debut.

 

[The King!]

If it all comes together our key defensive depth is quite good (big if of course) , also free up Blakey a lot.

 

[bedford]

If it all comes together our key defensive depth is quite good (big if of course) , also free up Blakey a lot.

this

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Summary of McKirdy's latest track watch article (Jan 26)

Several intense drills, focus on creating space for easy uncontested marks, handballing under pressure and freeing the hands in and around the contest.

Mills back to full training

Papley - running, and spent time kicking and taking set shots with Brett Kirk

Brett Kirk

Age

49

Ht

184cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.5

5star

K

8.9

3star

HB

9.6

5star

M

2.7

3star

T

5.3

5star

CL

2.4

4star

No current season stats available

D

16.8

4star

K

13.0

5star

HB

3.8

3star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.2

4star

Heeney still on a modified program, was running laps with Hamling

Rest of the team ran through matchplay scenarios

10 players who stood out:

Will Edwards (see above)

Jai Serong - comfortable embracing contact and reads the flight of the ball superbly

Charlie Curnow

35

Charlie Curnow

Age

29

Ht

194cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.3

3star

K

9.7

4star

HB

3.6

3star

M

5.3

5star

T

2.2

4star

G

1.3

5star

No current season stats available

D

10.8

3star

K

6.4

3star

HB

4.4

4star

M

3.2

4star

T

1.6

4star

G

0.8

4star

- also had several strong moments at ground level, showing clean hands below his knees

Dane Rampe

24

Dane Rampe

Age

35

Ht

187cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.0

4star

K

10.6

4star

HB

6.4

4star

M

4.9

5star

T

2.5

4star

MG

358.8

5star

D

14.1

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

5.1

3star

M

3.4

3star

T

1.5

2star

MG

284.5

4star

D

10.6

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

2.4

3star

T

1.4

4star

- still one of the most composed defenders, can find a teammate by foot in almost any scenario

Errol Gulden - leadership potential on full display, pulled the entire team together to discuss a drill that hadn’t quite worked and to help find some improvement

Jesse Dattoli - looks at home playing as a high half-forward who can roll through the midfield, field kicking, particularly finding targets inside 50, is elite

Noah Chamberlain - been trialled in a variety of roles across the pre-season

Harry Kyle - showed good signs of composure when he had space, good turn of pace

Patrick Snell (see above)

Malcolm Rosas jnr - electric when he has the ball, has speed to burn and will be an X-Factor in attack. Ability to read the ball and put himself in the right position inside 50 gives him a unique set of skills in Sydney’s forward set-up.


Full article: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m/news-story/6413472e954a915faa26165d555ca0c7

 

[Adnico26Parker]

NB. good to see one of the Jenkin twins playing on Caiden in the clip

 

[Adnico26Parker]

 

[Kiama Chris]

Summary of McKirdy's latest track watch article (Jan 26)

Several intense drills, focus on creating space for easy uncontested marks, handballing under pressure and freeing the hands in and around the contest.

Mills back to full training

Papley - running, and spent time kicking and taking set shots with Brett Kirk

Heeney still on a modified program, was running laps with Hamling

Rest of the team ran through matchplay scenarios

10 players who stood out:

Will Edwards (see above)

Jai Serong - comfortable embracing contact and reads the flight of the ball superbly

Charlie Curnow - also had several strong moments at ground level, showing clean hands below his knees

Dane Rampe - still one of the most composed defenders, can find a teammate by foot in almost any scenario

Errol Gulden - leadership potential on full display, pulled the entire team together to discuss a drill that hadn’t quite worked and to help find some improvement

Jesse Dattoli - looks at home playing as a high half-forward who can roll through the midfield, field kicking, particularly finding targets inside 50, is elite

Noah Chamberlain - been trialled in a variety of roles across the pre-season

Harry Kyle - showed good signs of composure when he had space, good turn of pace

Patrick Snell (see above)

Malcolm Rosas jnr - electric when he has the ball, has speed to burn and will be an X-Factor in attack. Ability to read the ball and put himself in the right position inside 50 gives him a unique set of skills in Sydney’s forward set-up.


Full article: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m/news-story/6413472e954a915faa26165d555ca0c7

Interesting about Dattoli. IIRC this is where he said he wanted to play at the time he was drafted.
Chamberlain hasn't yet settled into a position. Nice skills but not so much a goal kicking forward. HFF? Wing? Please not HBF.
Kyle will kill it off HBF in Ressies.
Looking good so far.

 

[Adnico26Parker]

 

[SydneyBlood]

Summary of McKirdy's latest track watch article (Jan 26)

Several intense drills, focus on creating space for easy uncontested marks, handballing under pressure and freeing the hands in and around the contest.

Mills back to full training

Papley - running, and spent time kicking and taking set shots with Brett Kirk

Heeney still on a modified program, was running laps with Hamling

Rest of the team ran through matchplay scenarios

10 players who stood out:

Will Edwards (see above)

Jai Serong - comfortable embracing contact and reads the flight of the ball superbly

Charlie Curnow - also had several strong moments at ground level, showing clean hands below his knees

Dane Rampe - still one of the most composed defenders, can find a teammate by foot in almost any scenario

Errol Gulden - leadership potential on full display, pulled the entire team together to discuss a drill that hadn’t quite worked and to help find some improvement

Jesse Dattoli - looks at home playing as a high half-forward who can roll through the midfield, field kicking, particularly finding targets inside 50, is elite

Noah Chamberlain - been trialled in a variety of roles across the pre-season

Harry Kyle - showed good signs of composure when he had space, good turn of pace

Patrick Snell (see above)

Malcolm Rosas jnr - electric when he has the ball, has speed to burn and will be an X-Factor in attack. Ability to read the ball and put himself in the right position inside 50 gives him a unique set of skills in Sydney’s forward set-up.


Full article: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m/news-story/6413472e954a915faa26165d555ca0c7

I had been hoping that Rosas and Dattoli can add some X factor in the forward half as mentioned there. Been lacking that creativity and pace. I would also add Cleary to those two as someone to potentially fill those roles with a bit more spark than seasons gone by.

 

[S120]

I had been hoping that Rosas and Dattoli can add some X factor in the forward half as mentioned there. Been lacking that creativity and pace. I would also add Cleary to those two as someone to potentially fill those roles with a bit more spark than seasons gone by.

I think Cleary has a big role to play in the midfield, not forward. I'm getting the sense more and more that Mills will largely play in defence and that leaves a spot for a defensively-minded, athletic guy who can be good with his hands to get the ball out to Heeney, Gulden, and Chad. I suspect Cleary is in direct competition with Sheldrick for a spot as an inside midfielder and I think Cleary would be feeling good about his pace, endurance running, and athleticism and what that brings in contrast to Sheldrick.

 

[Dierdre Chambers]

I had been hoping that Rosas and Dattoli can add some X factor in the forward half as mentioned there. Been lacking that creativity and pace. I would also add Cleary to those two as someone to potentially fill those roles with a bit more spark than seasons gone by.

Small forwards the biggest area for improvement IMO in comparison with Lions Cats Two Tone Turds and even the Pies

 

[Dubai Quacker]

I had been hoping that Rosas and Dattoli can add some X factor in the forward half as mentioned there. Been lacking that creativity and pace. I would also add Cleary to those two as someone to potentially fill those roles with a bit more spark than seasons gone by.

I’m going to sound very grinchy here, but Rosas wasn’t a frequent goal kicker at Gold Coast & I doubt he’s going to suddenly become one at Sydney.
Cleary didn’t show much as a forward in 2025.
I’m kinda pinning my hopes on Dattoli.

 

[Dan87]

Has to be said

Curnow looks in unbelievable condition and form

 

[joeykanga]

Has to be said

Curnow looks in unbelievable condition and form

Had to be said. We're all thinking it!. He also has seemed to bring an extra dimension....in the rapport, competitiveness, enhancing of the training and learnings by our defenders and the confidence that comes from having such a spearhead. I must admit i was so focused on losing Hayward and the draft capital and his injuries that i did not realize the upside in all this.

 

[SydneyBlood]

I’m going to sound very grinchy here, but Rosas wasn’t a frequent goal kicker at Gold Coast & I doubt he’s going to suddenly become one at Sydney.
Cleary didn’t show much as a forward in 2025.
I’m kinda pinning my hopes on Dattoli.

Like the old song and saying goes ... 'two out of three ain't bad' wouldn't be a bad result.

 

[Jewelsbon]

Has to be said

Curnow looks in unbelievable condition and form

Originally I wasn't a fan of bringing in Curnow, but if the training shots and videos are anything to go by, he's bought in 100% and looks to be giving us a totally different dimension up forward. Can't ask for more than that.

 

[SydneyBlood]

I think Cleary has a big role to play in the midfield, not forward. I'm getting the sense more and more that Mills will largely play in defence and that leaves a spot for a defensively-minded, athletic guy who can be good with his hands to get the ball out to Heeney, Gulden, and Chad. I suspect Cleary is in direct competition with Sheldrick for a spot as an inside midfielder and I think Cleary would be feeling good about his pace, endurance running, and athleticism and what that brings in contrast to Sheldrick.

If Cleary can bring that extra dimension of athleticism and pace around the ball, even better. Really think he can be a difference this season.

 

[Wheresbuddy]

From mckirdy's observations, sounds like Mills will be playing off HB. Shame as I think we could do with a bigger body on ball. Cox must feel that Sheldrick and / or Cleary will take a few strides forward this year.

 

[bedford]

Originally I wasn't a fan of bringing in Curnow, but if the training shots and videos are anything to go by, he's bought in 100% and looks to be giving us a totally different dimension up forward. Can't ask for more than that.

He couldn't wait to get out of Carlton

 

[bedford]

From mckirdy's observations, sounds like Mills will be playing off HB. Shame as I think we could do with a bigger body on ball. Cox must feel that Sheldrick and / or Cleary will take a few strides forward this year.

That's a journo watching training , who know s, as i've said before they train for more than 1 plan

 

[Wheresbuddy]

Re Malcolm Rosas jnr, I don't understand why everyone has him pencilled in for a starting 18 position. Not a noted high output player at GC and has always been fringe there, even after they lost Rankine to the crows. Not that I'm discounting him at all and he potentially brings a bit of X factor to our forward line, but for me hes a watch and see rather than a deadset lock.

 

[Bloods86]

I’m going to sound very grinchy here, but Rosas wasn’t a frequent goal kicker at Gold Coast & I doubt he’s going to suddenly become one at Sydney.
Cleary didn’t show much as a forward in 2025.
I’m kinda pinning my hopes on Dattoli.

Raised that when we got him, had a quiet 2025. But hopefully reverts to earlier form.

Cleary didn't show much as a goalkicking forward. But as a pressure forward in his couple of 2024 games and earlier last season he did.