Training Pre-Season 2026 chat

[Pure_Ownage]

Sadly getting cam Guthrie vibes from Kolo…

Same here not doing a full pre season at his age doesnt look great.

 

[fpm84]

Good to see Stengle is on the community camp this week (pic from club FB page).

 

[Biggy_Boy]

Sadly getting cam Guthrie vibes from Kolo…

Guthrie managed 10 games in 3 years before retiring. Bit different to Kolo, who was consistently in pretty good shape until the beginning of 2025. He's missed a year and had a slow return to pre-season. Not ideal as you'd like him back training fully post injury at his age, but he's not the first or only player who has gone through such a situation, and it doesn't mean he's cooked and done like Guthrie was.

If we get to the end of 2026 and he's only managed a couple of games before getting injured badly again, or hasn't played again, then he's in the Guthrie conversation and rightfully so.

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

The midfoot's connected to the kneebone.

At this point it’s like the boardgame operation. You mention a part of the body and there’s a fair chance it’s injured.

I believe our club doctor is one Dr Nick Riviera

 

[Mr Meow]

Guthrie managed 10 games in 3 years before retiring. Bit different to Kolo, who was consistently in pretty good shape until the beginning of 2025. He's missed a year and had a slow return to pre-season. Not ideal as you'd like him back training fully post injury at his age, but he's not the first or only player who has gone through such a situation, and it doesn't mean he's cooked and done like Guthrie was.

If we get to the end of 2026 and he's only managed a couple of games before getting injured badly again, or hasn't played again, then he's in the Guthrie conversation and rightfully so.

Agreed. People are jumping the gun putting him in that category right now. We just have to give him time and see how his body responds to games whenever that is.

 

[Cataholic]

Guthrie managed 10 games in 3 years before retiring. Bit different to Kolo, who was consistently in pretty good shape until the beginning of 2025. He's missed a year and had a slow return to pre-season. Not ideal as you'd like him back training fully post injury at his age, but he's not the first or only player who has gone through such a situation, and it doesn't mean he's cooked and done like Guthrie was.

If we get to the end of 2026 and he's only managed a couple of games before getting injured badly again, or hasn't played again, then he's in the Guthrie conversation and rightfully so.

Yeah, we have to wait and see what 2026 brings before putting Kolo in the same basket as Guthrie, but Pollywaffle is also right.....the vibe - the feeling - right now is that's where he'll likely end up.

As with any vibe, time will tell.

 

[cats_09]

 

[Mr Meow]

Yeah, we have to wait and see what 2026 brings before putting Kolo in the same basket as Guthrie, but Pollywaffle is also right.....the vibe - the feeling - right now is that's where he'll likely end up.

As with any vibe, time will tell.

The thing about vibes is they are inherently a product of a person's own psyche and biases, that are often detached from facts and reality.

"I don't know" is the only objective vibe that can be ascertained about Kolo's likelihood to feature prominently again or not in the future. Anything more negative is just a reaction to a different situation that had it's own unique circumstances.

 

[Cataholic]

The thing about vibes is they are inherently a product of a person's own psyche and biases, that are often detached from facts and reality.

"I don't know" is the only objective vibe that can be ascertained about Kolo's likelihood to feature prominently again or not in the future. Anything more negative is just a reaction to a different situation that had it's own unique circumstances.

True, but where would BF be if speculation were excluded?

Vibes and opinions are like rocks.....they start off raw, jagged, poor shape and form, but they get thrown into the BF river and the jostling, rolling and rollicking as they bounce off each other slowly rounds them off and polishes them up.

 

[Mr Meow]

True, but where would BF be if speculation were excluded?

Vibes and opinions are like rocks.....they start off raw, jagged, poor shape and form, but they get thrown into the BF river and the jostling, rolling and rollicking as they bounce off each other slowly rounds them off and polishes them up.

True. I'm definitely not saying people have no right to feel a certain away about where Kolo is headed. I just have no idea myself.

 

[SJ]

The 2026 AFL pre-season match simulation between Geelong and Hawthorn is scheduled for
Monday, February 16, 2026, at 3:15 PM AEDT. The unofficial practice match will be held at the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley and will consist of four 30-minute quarters with no time-on.
Key details for the 2026 pre-season simulation:

• Venue: Kennedy Community Centre, Dingley.
• Time: 3:15 PM AEDT, Monday, February 16, 2026.
• Format: 4 x 30-minute quarters (no time-on).
• Context: This is the first of the unofficial practice matches, held the week prior to the official AAMI Community Series.
• Availability: Fans can follow updates, and it is typically broadcast on Kayo Sports.

This hit-out is part of the initial 2026 pre-season schedule designed for clubs to test combinations before the official games.

Do you know if fans can attend? Tickets?

 

[Gazza Greatness]

True. I'm definitely not saying people have no right to feel a certain away about where Kolo is headed. I just have no idea myself.

-
In summing up Mr Meow:

It's the constitution, it's Mabo, it's justice, it's law, it's the vibe, no that's it, it's THE VIBE..... I rest my case..... SENSATIONAL!

Mr Meow: with such common sense Aussie logic and thoughtfully thought-out wisdom, who are we to argue or challenge such Aussie authoritative bravado!.... Yep, unfortunately Kolo's days a numbered..... I rest my case!

 

[Cataholic]

True. I'm definitely not saying people have no right to feel a certain away about where Kolo is headed. I just have no idea myself.

Nor I.

 

[CHAWKS2]

I do like these interviews with the players. In particular younger ones who are not as well trained on saying nothing! You can get some real snippets that you never get from the coaches…

Maybe reading too much into it but I thought the comments on Tanner were exciting. If he can add that backline role to his toolkit all of a sudden he becomes much more valuable in terms of being more flexible. I can’t quite picture him as that slick running half back player but he is ultra competitive and I think is highly skilled if he has time so I am going to to watch with hope that he might be a good addition to the backline (as well as rotating through MF).

I understand Worps has also been rotating through the forward line and showing good forward pressure - which also adds flexibility. Interesting

Other snippets for me was of course about Dempsey through the MF. Playing it down as he should (and I understand he is genuine in terms of expecting to remain as a Wingman) but we will get our own glimpse at Dingly on him playing through there given Max and Smith won’t be playing…

 

[CHAWKS2]

Do you know if fans can attend? Tickets?

I think it is just an open field (heard comments about it being windy)…so I am hoping fans can just turn up. Not 100% sure but that is my undersdtanding

 

[bombersboy]

Good to see Stengle is on the community camp this week (pic from club FB page).

View attachment 2521042

Anybody else with me thinking Mitch Edwards body still looks a couple of years off being AFL ready? Any thoughts from those that have seen some training sessions this pre season?

 

[Schmuck]

Big year for Jack Bowes

12

Jack Bowes

Age

28

Ht

189cm

Wt

85kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.3

4star

K

9.7

4star

HB

6.6

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.5

4star

MG

318.1

4star

D

18.0

4star

K

11.8

5star

HB

6.3

4star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.1

2star

MG

318.1

4star

D

11.6

3star

K

6.4

3star

HB

5.2

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

2.4

4star

, I’m a big believer of him. 27/28 years old, 4th year in the Cats system… time to take the next step.

 

[you pick one]

Anybody else with me thinking Mitch Edwards body still looks a couple of years off being AFL ready? Any thoughts from those that have seen some training sessions this pre season?

Given his heritage he might just stay more that shape his out put and stamina will possibly be a better guide
to his progress.

 

[Tex]

Any updates on how Jesse Mellor is going?

 

[Mr Meow]

Big year for Jack Bowes, I’m a big believer of him. 27/28 years old, 4th year in the Cats system… time to take the next step.

I thought he had a good finals series - moments more than numbers - which makes it 4 of 5 finals where he's been decent. Smart decisions and well executed skills. 4 goals and 3 goal assists from those 4 better finals, with only the Brisbane 2024 PF being lacklustre.

I'd love to see him get involved a bit more though. Duncan would find a way to break 20 disposals (of serious quality) most games, while Bowes 2025 season he usually drifted around the 12-18 mark.

 

[CHAWKS2]

Anybody else with me thinking Mitch Edwards body still looks a couple of years off being AFL ready? Any thoughts from those that have seen some training sessions this pre season?

I think the reality is that is is a year or two off. But that is only my opinion on limited viewings.

The excitement at the club is genuine and the rule change definitely has them thinking much quicker than they would have. He is definitely already the best at the club for centre bounce given his leap. But I think when it comes push and shove the question will be about whether he is really ready to take on experienced rucks around the ground. Both the fact that he is young but also only played 10 VFL games

I could be wrong and he surprises but I reckon he will get max a handful of games

 

[CHAWKS2]

so in my humble opinion I still reckon this is more hype than reality for 2026 (ie. I reckon he spends 90%+ time on the wing). But as far as pre season hype goes, articles like this certainly get the heart racing!

Learning From the Master: Dempsey Evolving Ahead of 2026 Season

Looking to take the next step in his development, Ollie Dempsey has sought advice from an all-time great during the pre-season in preparation for another big campaign

www.geelongcats.com.au

 

[Lana]

so in my humble opinion I still reckon this is more hype than reality for 2026 (ie. I reckon he spends 90%+ time on the wing). But as far as pre season hype goes, articles like this certainly get the heart racing!

Learning From the Master: Dempsey Evolving Ahead of 2026 Season

Looking to take the next step in his development, Ollie Dempsey has sought advice from an all-time great during the pre-season in preparation for another big campaign

www.geelongcats.com.au

His biggest weekness was that he would mess up what would be otherwise simple stuff since he was shy on contact, spending a pre-season doing inside midfield drills would be fantastic way to get him more comfortable going when it is his turn.

 

[TheEscapeClub]

I reckon he would still go ok too.

He'd be the best kick of the trio by the length of the Flemington straight.

 

[Mr Meow]

He'd be the best kick of the trio by the length of the Flemington straight.

And 95% of the league.