Training Pre-season training updates 2026.

[sr36]

How would people describe Brisbane’s game style? I know short kicks is one of their traits.

They kick it around and force teams to fold back until they pull the trigger and bomb it deep. To me that's the Brisbane style. There's more to it than that in different phases of the game. But that's how they're different.

Whereas we kick it long early and try to force a contest and if we win it we break really fast from that contest, they try to avoid the contest until it's deep forward.

 

[windchimes]

They play a run and gun style. If they can't get it cleanly at HB, they will chip it around until they get a break. They don't play a possession style football as some may th8nk. They have strong bodied mids surrounded by very classy runners. Their main strength is forward 50 pressure. Good luck to any sides trying to nullify it, they have too much class all over the field. They don't like sides who chip it around but they're still able to win most contests

Agree with this, and would add that a key play of theirs is that they are fearless in going the aggressive penetrating wedge kick up/across the ground to blow open the holes in opposition defensive zones, once that opportunity arises.

Zorko and his damaging use by foot especially over long range is certainly a big help with that. Arguably Houston and Josh for us have that same weapon in their repertoire. It’ll be interesting to see what we do.

 

[sr36]

Agree with this, and would add that a key play of theirs is that they are fearless in going the aggressive penetrating wedge kick up/across the ground to blow open the holes in opposition defensive zones, once that opportunity arises.

Zorko and his damaging use by foot especially over long range is certainly a big help with that. Arguably Houston and Josh for us have that same weapon in their repertoire. It’ll be interesting to see what we do.

To me the big difference between transition method is where you want the contest. Pies went to contest on the wing and looked to break at speed from there to an open forward line - it got a bit worked out. Brissy wanted the contest deep forward - so they either took it on through the middle to avoid contest until deep forward or they try to chip it around to avoid going down the line. I think their style was perfect for a team with a heap of X factor general forwards but limited KPFs - as was ours until teams learnt to hold their backs deeper - and then we struggled.

 

[Jen2310]

COLLINGWOOD

Role changes and who’s tearing up the track: After two injury-affected seasons, Jordan De Goey has been fit and firing on the summer track in a midfield-forward role and looks primed to make a key impact in 2026. Craig McRae

Craig Mcrae

Age

52

Ht

176cm

Wt

73kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.9

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.9

3star

M

2.4

3star

T

1.9

4star

G

1.2

4star

No current season stats available

D

16.2

4star

K

10.6

4star

HB

5.6

4star

M

1.8

2star

T

1.2

3star

G

1.4

5star

even suggested they may have found a boom ‘recruit’ in the form of De Goey. Josh Daicos appears set for more midfield time following impressive stints on the ball in 2025. Brother Nick said Josh will give the Pies “X-factor” and a more “dynamic” look. As for their younger crop, Ed Allan is another that looks likely to get more opportunities in the engine room after lining up in their starting midfield in match simulation drills. Charlie West and recruit Jack Buller are two that have stood out on the track as they press their cases to fill the key forward void left by Brody Mihocek

28

Brody Mihocek

Age

33

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

. Other young Pies that have impressed track watchers include Tyan Prindable, Joel Cochran, Jakob Ryan, Harry De Mattia, while Ned Long is said to have trimmed down as the midfielder looks to go from strength to strength after a breakout 2025. Roan Steele won Collingwood’s Bronco test, which is similar to shuttle runs, ahead of Lachie Sullivan and Wil Parker. Oh, and in the most unsurprising sentence of this article, Nick Daicos is absolutely flying.

Injury latest: It’s been a pretty brutal run of soft tissue injuries at Olympic Park. Skipper Darcy Moore is racing the clock for the club’s season-opener against St Kilda. Moore has been sidelined from Collingwood training for the past week due to a calf concern. But the Magpies on Thursday indicated to multiple reporters that Moore was now another three to five weeks away from a full return — a timeline that puts his Opening Round chances in doubt. Fellow premiership Magpie Beau McCreery is also in doubt to face the Saints, with the speedy forward still four to six weeks away. McCreery underwent foot surgery in November last year after carrying a foot issue through Collingwood’s 2025 finals campaign. Elsewhere, Dan Houston (hip, 1-2 weeks), Isaac Quaynor (hamstring, 1-2 weeks), Jeremy Howe (calf, 2 weeks), Dan McStay (hamstring, 2 weeks) and Lachie Sullivan (calf, 2-3 weeks) also remain sidelined. The club is also hopeful Brayden Maynard has escaped serious injury to his quad after leaving the track early last week, while second-year Pie Harry DeMattia will be in concussion protocols for the next 12 days. In perhaps their biggest concern, Bobby Hill remains away from the club on personal leave. Meanwhile, Reef McInnes is said to be tracking well in his comeback from an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of 2025.


Match simulation (live on Fox Footy): vs GWS Giants at La Trobe University Sports Park (Bundoora), Friday February 20 at 11am (AEDT)

Pre-season game (live on Fox Footy): vs North Melbourne at Mars Stadium, Sunday March 1 at 3.10pm (AEDT)

Rd 1 bolters, crucial role tweaks and injury setbacks: Mega AFL pre-season state of play

Rookie coach’s shock role tweak call; father-son gun among Rd 1 bolters: 18-club intel

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[WanderingDude]

Rd 1 bolters, crucial role tweaks and injury setbacks: Mega AFL pre-season state of play

Rookie coach’s shock role tweak call; father-son gun among Rd 1 bolters: 18-club intel

www.foxsports.com.au

Thanks for the good read. I find Lipinski interesting. A small part of the world acknowledges he is more midfielder and training well. A larger group seem to just want him gone. I just want higher and longer contributions. No mention of Pendles and Sidey in a pies report. This is a sign. Good to see Harry, Ryan and Allan mentioned. They need to be front and centre. There seems to be little reporting on Haynes, hard to fit them all in. Go Pies.

 

[LuckyLee]

Is there training today?

 

[BillyElliott]

Is there training today?

Yes

 

[granniewolf]

Yes

Oh yayy, I saw Will and Timmy.

 

[Harry O]

Agree with this, and would add that a key play of theirs is that they are fearless in going the aggressive penetrating wedge kick up/across the ground to blow open the holes in opposition defensive zones, once that opportunity arises.

Zorko and his damaging use by foot especially over long range is certainly a big help with that. Arguably Houston and Josh for us have that same weapon in their repertoire. It’ll be interesting to see what we do.

Finally someone nailed it. Well done

 

[sr36]

They play a run and gun style. If they can't get it cleanly at HB, they will chip it around until they get a break. They don't play a possession style football as some may th8nk. They have strong bodied mids surrounded by very classy runners. Their main strength is forward 50 pressure. Good luck to any sides trying to nullify it, they have too much class all over the field. They don't like sides who chip it around but they're still able to win most contests

They try to move it forward without contest - plan A is through the guts really quickly, but if that's not on, it's a possession probing kicking game - depends how they're being defended, but they really try to avoid long down the line to a pack on the wing like teams try to force you into.

It's fundamentally different to us, as we get runners to hit those contests on the wing to break from them if we win it - whereas theirs spread for the kicking game. I think Howe will be talking simply about taking on the corridor kick more.

 

[legendstatus]

Every time you see a player shoot for goal it feels like an after thought or rushed and not part of the game plan (obviously it is and I’m sure there is goal kicking practice)

 

[Harry O]

They try to move it forward without contest - plan A is through the guts really quickly, but if that's not on, it's a possession probing kicking game - depends how they're being defended, but they really try to avoid long down the line to a pack on the wing like teams try to force you into.

It's fundamentally different to us, as we get runners to hit those contests on the wing to break from them if we win it - whereas theirs spread for the kicking game. I think Howe will be talking simply about taking on the corridor kick more.

Taking on the corridor kick more would explain the Pendles to half back move

 

[Finnishpie]

Once concern I have about Pendlebury in the backline is that opponents will try to play through his man -- put a quicker player on him and expose him for pace.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

They play a run and gun style. If they can't get it cleanly at HB, they will chip it around until they get a break. They don't play a possession style football as some may th8nk. They have strong bodied mids surrounded by very classy runners. Their main strength is forward 50 pressure. Good luck to any sides trying to nullify it, they have too much class all over the field. They don't like sides who chip it around but they're still able to win most contests

Collingwood historically has been pretty good with forward pressure. We will need Mccreery and Shultz to stay fit and maybe Jordy to spend a lot of time forward alongside Elliott to resemble the Lions gameplan. Would be nice to have Bobby as well…,

 

[Peters_Nuts]

Once concern I have about Pendlebury in the backline is that opponents will try to play through his man -- put a quicker player on him and expose him for pace.

Somewhat agree though we haven't been a 1-v-1 defence under Fly. We'll be set up so a player will be able to support you'd think.

 

[Jen2310]

Looks like next Fri will be the annual intraclub given on the website it says training is 4pm-6:15pm.

 

[LuckyLee]

Once concern I have about Pendlebury in the backline is that opponents will try to play through his man -- put a quicker player on him and expose him for pace.

Yep, I don't see this working either for exactly the reason you point out - Pendles' lack of foot-speed. I don't think Pendles can play anywhere but centre square but even there he's a liability if we lose the clearance.

Pendles is my favourite player. I have his number on my jumper. But I wish he had retired last season. If not for Boomer
Harvey's games record being within reach, I think he would have called it quits.

I hope we nurse him to the games record in the first half of the season but make him no promises about selection beyond that. We need youngsters to push him out of the team - but it will be sad to watch, when it does happen.

[Boomer's record is nonsense anyway - he was sent into retirement prematurely by Brad Scott who wanted to clear the decks at the Kangas. Boomer kicked something like 35 goals in his last season, was still fast and one of their best players. He easily could have gone on for another season, maybe two. He was staunchly a one-club player so didn't even contemplate looking to play on elsewhere. But he easily could have.]

 

[Bussie]

Yep, I don't see this working either for exactly the reason you point out - Pendles' lack of foot-speed. I don't think Pendles can play anywhere but centre square but even there he's a liability if we lose the clearance.

Pendles is my favourite player. I have his number on my jumper. But I wish he had retired last season. If not for Boomer
Harvey's games record being within reach, I think he would have called it quits.

I hope we nurse him to the games record in the first half of the season but make him no promises about selection beyond that. We need youngsters to push him out of the team - but it will be sad to watch, when it does happen.

[Boomer's record is nonsense anyway - he was sent into retirement prematurely by Brad Scott who wanted to clear the decks at the Kangas. Boomer kicked something like 35 goals in his last season, was still fast and one of their best players. He easily could have gone on for another season, maybe two. He was staunchly a one-club player so didn't even contemplate looking to play on elsewhere. But he easily could have.]

Harvey kicked 24 goals from 23 games, 496 disposals. I thought he was stiff to be moved on.

 

[Peters_Nuts]

 

[Jen2310]

Training - Monday Feb 2nd.

We're now a month out from official games and only a couple weeks for practice games.

Absent:
Hill
Steene

VFL players:

Maher
Teakle
Faulkhead
Perryman


Rehab:

Moore
Sullivan
Houston
Reef
Frampton
Howe
Maynard
Mcstay

*Westy?

Moore did some light skills before heading indoors with Maynard
Houston, Sullivan did some running
Howe, IQ ramped up their training, completed most of the session
Beau the same. He did most of the session so he must be closer than we were told.
Frampton wore the blue - non contact cup - He did some of the session, then some running.
Mcstay the same as Howe and IQ, nearly there. Reef is I would say 95% in pretty much everything but match play.


I'm not sure what happened with Westy, he did most of the session, then came over to the rehab group, talking to the trainer about something. Hopefully just a corky or something. Did some running and moved well, didn't seem too bothered by anything.

There does seem to be a emphasis on more run and gun style with moving the ball. A bit like how we were in 2022, it was bizarre how after 2023 they changed it.

More handballing in waves, explains why all the big focus on handball drills.

I had to leave before the final match play which was at the end. But they should do a big session on Friday I imagine.

 

[Jen2310]

I thought Cochran had an excellent session. He's really stepping up this preseason. Hopefully it can translate to games now.
Harrison has all but locked in on the spot that fills the Hill void.

 

[cityslick1]

Just caught Collingwood training and it's always a lighter type session on Mondays. Started off with the usual drills that are all around transition transition transition. Towards the end had a bit of short course match SIM but no umpires so it was all game like scenarios with coaches officiating, and again trying to train the transition to get from one end to the other quickly convert and then reset. Sadly TJ looked to have rolled an ankle towards the end, but not sure how bad it was. he seemed pretty proppy when he did it and couldn’t continue.

Overall I’d say we’re almost in full rebuild mode now. So many of the players now looking to take on key posts are in the emerging bracket, with the old guard slowly being phased out, and needing to find replacements for much sooner rather than later. Hoping we can do a Richmond and have a swag of no name players that suddenly emerge as a force and challenge for the flag, but feel we are still a little bit light on for star factor to really challenge this year.

Few comments as follows…

Cochran - keeps impressing. Moves v well and has a bit of toe about him. Nice disposal too. In plenty without dominating as such. But seems to be benefitting from Moore not being out there, as is getting plenty of chances to be the key defender / focal point for interception amongst the bigger defenders.

Beau - great to see him back out there, and is in ripping Nick. Quick, fit, and body looks primed for some on ball action. Also moving v well and in plenty of link up play action.

Prindable - kid is not slow, and can slot a goal too. Playing in midfield roles, knows where the ball is going to be, and has to feature at some stage this season. Again, looks like a third / fourth year player, not a newbie.

Hayes - keeps catching the eye with his pace, run, link up play and neat disposal. Has good footy sense, and with new found build will have to feature. Quite a few emerging players like this now, who look to have growing confidence.

Howe - good to see him out there. Adds good disposal and experience, and Seems in good shape, but is always one injury away from a long stint on the sidelines. Here’s hoping for a solid year from him.

Swadling - busy again. Just from his desire (and skills), looks a 150 game player already. Know it’s early, but the ones who want it the most always stand out. And this kid does. In plenty of action already, and reckon he will be banging on the coaches door from day 1…. Will have to be patient and work on his craft a bit more though. But will come out of the gates hard in the VFL

West - strong. Chunky physique for his age. Hacked a few short kicks today, but had good footy smarts and keeps presenting.

Harrison - running well. Good to have him back.

IQ - easing in to things.

Roan Steele - picking up where he left last season. Another of the emerging player brigade that can handle th real stuff, but will be keen to become a regular.

Shooter - in a lot again. Still Have a good spread of small running players to give opposition headaches. Just can’t afford to lose any more now.

McStay - looking in good nick also. Legs look strong and fit. Talked to trainers about his knee mostly, then didn’t partake in the heavier action stuff. Still building.

Nick and Josh dominating again.

Jordy and Long also going well in the midfield. Kicking goals. Need some defensive impact from Jordy though. Need to be able to quell opposition, not just attack.

 

[BillyElliott]

Just caught Collingwood training and it's always a lighter type session on Mondays. Started off with the usual drills that are all around transition transition transition. Towards the end had a bit of short course match SIM but no umpires so it was all game like scenarios with coaches officiating, and again trying to train the transition to get from one end to the other quickly convert and then reset. Sadly JT looked to have rolled an ankle towards the end, but not sure how bad it was. he seemed pretty proppy when he did it and couldn’t continue.

Overall I’d almost say we’re almost in full rebuild mode now. So many of the players now looking to take on key posts are in the emerging bracket, with the old guard slowly being phased out, and needing to find replacements for much sooner rather than later. Hoping we can do a Richmond and have a swag of no name players that suddenly emerge as a force and challenge for the flag, but feel we are still a lot of light on for star factor to really challenge this year.

Few comments as follows…

Cochran - keeps impressing. Moves v well and has a bit of toe about him. Nice disposal too. In plenty without dominating as such. But seems to be benefitting from Moore not being out there, as is getting plenty of chances to be the key defender / focal point for interception amongst the bigger defenders.

Beau - great to see him back out there, and is in ripping Nick. Quick, fit, and body looks primed for some on ball action. Also moving v well and in plenty of link up play action.

Prindable - kid is not slow, and can slot a goal too. Playing in midfield roles, knows where the ball is going to be, and has to feature at some stage this season. Again, looks like a third / fourth year player, not a newbie.

Hayes - keeps catching the eye with his pace, run, link up play and neat disposal. Has good footy sense, and with new found build will have to feature. Quite a few emerging players like this now, who look to have growing confidence.

Howe - good to see him out there. Adds good disposal and experience, and Seems in good shape, but is always one injury away from a long stint on the sidelines. Here’s hoping for a solid year from him.

Swadling - busy again. Just from his desire (and skills), looks a 150 game player already. Know it’s early, but the ones who want it the most always stand out. And this kid does. In plenty of action already, and reckon he will be banging on the coaches door from day 1…. Will have to be patient and work on his craft a bit more though. But will come out of the gates hard in th VFL

West - strong. Chunky physique for his age. Hacked a few short kicks today, but had good footy smarts and keeps presenting.

Harrison - running well. Good to have him back.

IQ - easing in to things.

Roan Steele - picking up where he left last season. Another of the emerging player brigade that can handle th real stuff, but will be keen to become a regular.

Shooter - in a lot again. Still Have a good spread of small running players to give opposition headaches. Just can’t afford to lose any more now.

McStay - looking in good nick also. Legs look strong and fit. Talked to trainers about his knee mostly, then didn’t partake in the heavier action stuff. Still building.

Nick and Josh dominating again.

Jordy and Long also going well in the midfield. Kicking goals. Need some defensive impact from Jordy though. Need to be able to quell opposition, not just attack.

Who's JT?

 

[Jen2310]

Who's JT?

I think meant TJ

 

[Ctracks]

Who's JT?

Jumbo Turbo