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Training 2026 Pre Season & Training Reports

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desie said:
He’s here for multiple years and everyone agrees he’s a liability in the backline so the coaches should do their job and find a role for him that benefits rather than detracts.

McKercher is no less putrid defensively but seems to get more of a free pass.

Teams just play through the pair of them.
Click to expand...
thats the key isnt it... you cant play both of them back there as they both have similar deficiencies.... playing 3 talls, plus hardy should mitigate the reliance on either's height
 
FootySmartSimpson said:
I see the opposite. Larkey is a near-elite mark on the lead. The problem is that deep inside 50, he doesn’t have the room to lead, knows his contested marking weaknesses, and calls for the Joe the goose pass over the top.
Click to expand...
Other concern is that we’re denying him use of his biggest strength - extremely accurate set shot goal kicking. He’s not slotting them from 60m.

It’s an interesting one.
 
Makeshift Park said:
Hasn’t the latter spent much of the preseason with the midfield?

My point is that if Finn is destined to a lions share of wing time in 2026, then it’s slim pickings to replace Caleb.
Click to expand...
It is slim pickings, but Daniel has none of the skills required to do the job. As a minimum you need to be able to defend 1v1, run and carry, and kick long, Daniel can't do any of that. Those dinky little kicks of his don't work anymore, they invite pressure and allow the opposition to set up a tight zone. Front half turnovers are the game's biggest score source and whenever we go through Daniel we allow the opposition to set up the field to generate them. He is a total liability.

If FOS is moving up the ground and none of Goater, Harvey or Mikunda are ready, then we would be better off playing one of Powell, Duursma, or even Parker back there. It's not ideal, but we've seen enough of Daniel in that role to say that he just isn't capable.
 

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New_Roo said:
thats the role that Spargo was brought in to do though...
Click to expand...
Cool. He can also do that after he gets on the field and plays better than other options.
 
Reagan Smash said:
From FoxSports

“NORTH MELBOURNE


Role changes and who’s tearing up the track: The arrivals of first-round draft pick Lachy Dovaston, a livewire 178cm small forward from Eastern Ranges, free agent Charlie Spargo (Melbourne) look certain to add an element of zip and depth to North Melbourne’s attack in 2026. Throw in second-rounder Blake Thredgold down back, and it’s hard to see how the Roos don’t incline this year, even if we’ve said it before. Of the three aforementioned names though, it’s Dovaston who simply has to make their debut come Round 1. In both pre-season match simulations and track sessions, Dovaston has turned heads with his crafty skills, relentless pressure, and agility — the latter hardly a surprise given he won last year’s Draft Combine agility test. CODE Sports suggested last month that a question mark hangs over the second tall forward for North, with last year’s mid-season draftee Cooper Trembarth a chance to pip 320-game veteran Jack Darling in that role.
Click to expand...
who?

Be great if reporters could.. you know, report accurately and get players names right that they're reporting on
 
andana said:
He's an abbreviation of Tremble: Darth Vader
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Either that, or a hotted up version of your regular Fiat footballer.
 
perplexed said:
Na. He had the same issues at the dogs, it is why they stopped using him in the role. We bought a lemon.
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I’m inclined to agree with you overall. I’m clutching at straws a bit. Daniel did thrive at the Dogs - when he played the role we’re asking him to play, I think. He just couldn’t handle the change they introduced. Overall, I want to see Goater & Boy George in the team, if their bodies can hold up. Unfortunately, it’s not Daniel’s fault that he’s much more available and resilient…
 

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marklovesbeer said:
Other concern is that we’re denying him use of his biggest strength - extremely accurate set shot goal kicking. He’s not altering them from 60m.

It’s an interesting one.
Click to expand...
Yep, this. The Skipper needs to be stationed 37.5m goal, at most.

Ichiro #51 said:
9th tee on the old I reckon, with the par 5 green in the background.
Click to expand...

isn't 9 uphill? Jeez, 17 is the downhill par 5, know you can see water off tee at 7. 8 is the Par 5 I have to hit 3-wood on as I run out of fairway.

**** sake Ichy, you're killing me lol
 
Some of us desperately need new footy to obsesses over.
 
Wardlaw genuinely has that Gary Ablett build. If he can run this year look the **** out because he is a ball of muscle given his age.
 

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A North Melbourne speedster is set for a positional move in an attempt to grab a spot in the best 23 as the club trials a revamped forward structure. Plus news on a host of sidelined Roos.

Josh__Barnes

3 min read
February 2, 2026 - 3:59PM

Speedster Zac Fisher appears locked in to a half-forward role in an attempt to revive his career as North Melbourne contemplate a tall forward structure.

In a brief match sim session to end Monday’s training session, Fisher shone at half-forward as the Roos rotated backup rucks Taylor Goad and Callum Coleman-Jones in attack alongside mainstays Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis and Jack Darling in a side wearing blue jumpers.

Fisher played in that attack, rotating with draftee Lachy Dovaston.

[PLAYERCARD]Zac Fisher[/PLAYERCARD] has made a move to the forward line. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

Zac Fisher has made a move to the forward line. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

The former Blue has kicked just two goals in 25 matches over two seasons at his second club, playing largely across half-back and the wing, and began pre-season training on a modified program.

Fisher, 27, is still searching for a foothold at North Melbourne but is contracted until the end of 2027.

The defenders in orange jumpers included Charlie Comben, Griffen Logue and Caleb Daniel.

At the other end, ‘orange’ forward Cam Zurhaar starred, taking three marks inside-50 and proving a handful for matchup Josh Goater.

Matt Whitlock played alongside Zurhaar, with the young tall having played forward throughout the summer.

Whitlock is in position to push for senior minutes in his second season but Coleman-Jones and the uncapped Goad would offer more ruck assistance to star Tristan Xerri, as clubs come to grips with the fifth player on the bench in 2026.

Cooper Trembath has also excited track watchers as a tall forward option through summer after kicking nine goals in three games last year.

SIDELINED ROOS​

The Roos finished the session with a running block, while was typically led by Jy Simpkin, and veteran Luke Parker pulled out halfway through complaining of a sore left hamstring.

He held lengthy discussions with medical staff but appeared in minimal discomfort.

A number of Roos watched from the sidelines with regular fill in and club Indigenous player development manager Jarrod Lienert joining in match sim.


There was an injury scare for Luke Parker. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

Brayden George (hamstring) ran laps and completed some sprinting as he builds back fitness after his latest setback, while Charlie Spargo (shoulder) and Wil Dawson (shoulder) also ran laps.

Aidan Corr (calf) walked out on track to watch match sim and Luke McDonald also watched on.


North Melbourne’s AFL pre-season might have turned a corner, with a match simulation clash against Melbourne on February 20 now just over two weeks away, but the AFLW pre-season is in the earliest of stages.

A rotating cast of champion Roos have begun spending some time at Arden St recently, with Jasmine Garner and Jenna Bruton spotted entering the club gym on Monday.
 
Last edited:
giantroo said:



A North Melbourne speedster is set for a positional move in an attempt to grab a spot in the best 23 as the club trials a revamped forward structure. Plus news on a host of sidelined Roos.
Josh__Barnes

3 min read
February 2, 2026 - 3:59PM

Speedster Zac Fisher appears locked in to a half-forward role in an attempt to revive his career as North Melbourne contemplate a tall forward structure.

In a brief match sim session to end Monday’s training session, Fisher shone at half-forward as the Roos rotated backup rucks Taylor Goad and Callum Coleman-Jones in attack alongside mainstays Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis and Jack Darling in a side wearing blue jumpers.

Fisher played in that attack, rotating with draftee Lachy Dovaston.

Zac Fisher has made a move to the forward line. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

Zac Fisher has made a move to the forward line. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

The former Blue has kicked just two goals in 25 matches over two seasons at his second club, playing largely across half-back and the wing, and began pre-season training on a modified program.

Fisher, 27, is still searching for a foothold at North Melbourne but is contracted until the end of 2027.

The defenders in orange jumpers included Charlie Comben, Griffen Logue and Caleb Daniel.

At the other end, ‘orange’ forward Cam Zurhaar starred, taking three marks inside-50 and proving a handful for matchup Josh Goater.

Matt Whitlock played alongside Zurhaar, with the young tall having played forward throughout the summer.

Whitlock is in position to push for senior minutes in his second season but Coleman-Jones and the uncapped Goad would offer more ruck assistance to star Tristan Xerri, as clubs come to grips with the fifth player on the bench in 2026.

Cooper Trembath has also excited track watchers as a tall forward option through summer after kicking nine goals in three games last year.

SIDELINED ROOS​

The Roos finished the session with a running block, while was typically led by Jy Simpkin, and veteran Luke Parker pulled out halfway through complaining of a sore left hamstring.

He held lengthy discussions with medical staff but appeared in minimal discomfort.

A number of Roos watched from the sidelines with regular fill in and club Indigenous player development manager Jarrod Lienert joining in match sim.


There was an injury scare for Luke Parker. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

Brayden George (hamstring) ran laps and completed some sprinting as he builds back fitness after his latest setback, while Charlie Spargo (shoulder) and Wil Dawson (shoulder) also ran laps.

Aidan Corr (calf) walked out on track to watch match sim and Luke McDonald also watched on.


North Melbourne’s AFL pre-season might have turned a corner, with a match simulation clash against Melbourne on February 20 now just over two weeks away, but the AFLW pre-season is in the earliest of stages.

A rotating cast of champion Roos have begun spending some time at Arden St recently, with Jasmine Garner and Jenna Bruton spotted entering the club gym on Monday.
Click to expand...

nice
 
giantroo said:



A North Melbourne speedster is set for a positional move in an attempt to grab a spot in the best 23 as the club trials a revamped forward structure. Plus news on a host of sidelined Roos.
Josh__Barnes

3 min read
February 2, 2026 - 3:59PM

Speedster Zac Fisher appears locked in to a half-forward role in an attempt to revive his career as North Melbourne contemplate a tall forward structure.

In a brief match sim session to end Monday’s training session, Fisher shone at half-forward as the Roos rotated backup rucks Taylor Goad and Callum Coleman-Jones in attack alongside mainstays Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis and Jack Darling in a side wearing blue jumpers.

Fisher played in that attack, rotating with draftee Lachy Dovaston.

Zac Fisher has made a move to the forward line. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

Zac Fisher has made a move to the forward line. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

The former Blue has kicked just two goals in 25 matches over two seasons at his second club, playing largely across half-back and the wing, and began pre-season training on a modified program.

Fisher, 27, is still searching for a foothold at North Melbourne but is contracted until the end of 2027.

The defenders in orange jumpers included Charlie Comben, Griffen Logue and Caleb Daniel.

At the other end, ‘orange’ forward Cam Zurhaar starred, taking three marks inside-50 and proving a handful for matchup Josh Goater.

Matt Whitlock played alongside Zurhaar, with the young tall having played forward throughout the summer.

Whitlock is in position to push for senior minutes in his second season but Coleman-Jones and the uncapped Goad would offer more ruck assistance to star Tristan Xerri, as clubs come to grips with the fifth player on the bench in 2026.

Cooper Trembath has also excited track watchers as a tall forward option through summer after kicking nine goals in three games last year.

SIDELINED ROOS​

The Roos finished the session with a running block, while was typically led by Jy Simpkin, and veteran Luke Parker pulled out halfway through complaining of a sore left hamstring.

He held lengthy discussions with medical staff but appeared in minimal discomfort.

A number of Roos watched from the sidelines with regular fill in and club Indigenous player development manager Jarrod Lienert joining in match sim.


There was an injury scare for Luke Parker. Picture: Luke Macquire, NMFC

Brayden George (hamstring) ran laps and completed some sprinting as he builds back fitness after his latest setback, while Charlie Spargo (shoulder) and Wil Dawson (shoulder) also ran laps.

Aidan Corr (calf) walked out on track to watch match sim and Luke McDonald also watched on.


North Melbourne’s AFL pre-season might have turned a corner, with a match simulation clash against Melbourne on February 20 now just over two weeks away, but the AFLW pre-season is in the earliest of stages.

A rotating cast of champion Roos have begun spending some time at Arden St recently, with Jasmine Garner and Jenna Bruton spotted entering the club gym on Monday.
Click to expand...

Got to laugh at CCJ offering more ruck assistance. He can't even stay on the training track and lasted longer than a pr0n addicted virgin in his last game.
 
Merlin007 said:
OK following the ask from marklovesbeer to concentrate on footy, and the cautious optimism of Kangaroos4eva, I went back to what I think was our best performance in 2025, the draw against Brisbane, Round 9. The mind game here is to identify where could we reasonably hope to improve on that performance, and I'm only looking at a couple of variables, team composition and roles.

So the team that played that day was I think pretty close to what will be our starting 23 in 2026:

View attachment 2518711

What were the weak links in this team?

1. Maley was poor. Playing as a defensive forward on Harris Andrews, he had little effect - Andrews chopped off forward thrusts on multiple occasions. Finbar got to plenty of packs but marked nothing. His one highlight was a second effort handball to provide Stephens with an opportunity to goal. Clearly an upgrade in this spot would improve team performance.
2. A number of the young players were quiet; FOS played on a wing/HF with 8 touches and little impact; Duursma - 7 touches, two poor set shots; McKercher (playing forward) - 1 classy goal but with only 13 touches. With another pre-season, it's reasonable to expect all three will be better again. Of others in the younger brigade, Wardlaw was dynamic but very (shockingly) wasteful by foot
3. Roles - Sheezel played back and got a heap of it, but his creativity might have been more impactful mid and forward.

So carry forward to R1 2026, what might the side look like, and would it be an upgrade on the side above? One caveat - what follows is predicated on an 'ideal' situation regarding player availability, which might never occur.

That said, purple represents 'replacement' players - Logue for Corr, Trembath for Maley, Curtis for Scott. I keep Konstanty as like others I think he's doing enough to get first crack, but I acknowledge there's an argument Dovaston or Banch would be better again. And whether posters like it or not, Daniel and MacDonald will be playing.

View attachment 2518713

I think it's reasonable to say the three changes range from significant upgrades (Trembath and Curtis) to a marginal upgrade (Logue for Corr, noting that Corr was good against Brisbane).

Then if you put Harry on- and forward of the ball, and get McKercher's pace off half back (coded in green), the team has a more incisive/creative look.

Coupled with improvement in FOS and Duursma, and Wardlaw tidying up his kicking, I reckon we're entitled to expect the trajectory is heading north.

PS - one final point; I understand why Larkey - after so many years effectively one-out in a poor side - looks for the ball over the top, but if he leads a couple of times at the ball carrier, we're a two goal a game better side with that tweak alone.
Click to expand...
Think Brisbane will be better this year than last which is quite a prospect. Some very good ins. If we can get close that would be an achievement
 
Fisher forward is something. Doubt he will be good enough to get a game there, but at least we're not all in on 100% no defence distribution players.
 

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