Training 2026 Preseason

[OldGregg]

I popped in this morning for a look but no match sims I’m afraid. Just a run of the mill session so not much to report on but here goes:

Rehab
Riddle briefly sighted but did nothing really. No moon boot
Cooper Simpson still training away from the main group and has been for quite a few sessions now. He is moving well and kicking etc but must be nursing an injury
Skipper and Sturt doing gym work- both looked exhausted when they came out to watch training
Darcy came out right at the end of the session. No strapping, no limp but didn’t do anything

Drills
Full length transition drill on a narrow ground. This was designated as kick/mark only with no handballs allowed. Emphasis on moving it quickly and forward. JL very vocal during this drill
Later a central corridor drill with ridiculously narrow starting positions. Emphasis on quick go forward hand ball chains starting from a scrappy ground ball get
I wasn’t impressed with the skill level in the early part of the session, lots of misplaced kicks. However the skills did improve throughout the morning

I’ve been pleasantly surprised with Mason Cox

18

Mason Cox

Age

34

Ht

211cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.7

2star

K

5.2

2star

HB

3.5

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.6

4star

G

1.2

4star

D

6.0

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

3.0

2star

M

2.3

2star

T

0.3

1star

G

1.0

4star

D

9.0

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

3.6

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.8

5star

over the summer. He always gets involved, generally marks and kicks a few and was last in today as he practiced goal kicking with a coach. Not so sure he’s a round one starter but will bring depth to the team at the very least
Similarly Charlie Nicholls has also caught my eye and done some nice things. I have a feeling he might be a sneaky chance for an AFL debut this year

As there’s not much to report on today I thought I’d add my 2c worth to some recent discussions based of watching a few training sessions this summer

Like Ryan
Compared to the rest of the squad he just doesn’t appear to go that hard at training. He completed everything today but just doesn’t appear to push himself as hard as the rest of the squad. Could be an injury recovery thing - don’t know

Chris Scerri
He’s not one of those constantly involved type of players but does flash into the game with some nice moves. Everything he does is at high pace and intensity. I haven’t really noticed him laying tackles or putting on high pressure but is hard to spot at times

The wing situation
I have noticed that Toby Whan is shadowing Jeremy Sharp at training - so I think that is where the club see him as a player
For me I’m thinking that the wings may come down to a rotation between 4 players. JoM/Ras/Murray/Wags. Sharp just doesn’t get involved enough and Nod makes way too many mistakes with ball in hand
This is the one area of the ground with the most mystery for me so it will be interesting to see what happens once the pre season games kick in

 

[CaseySibosadoHOF]

The wing situation
I have noticed that Toby Whan is shadowing Jeremy Sharp at training - so I think that is where the club see him as a player
For me I’m thinking that the wings may come down to a rotation between 4 players. JoM/Ras/Murray/Wags. Sharp just doesn’t get involved enough and Nod makes way too many mistakes with ball in hand
This is the one area of the ground with the most mystery for me so it will be interesting to see what happens once the pre season games kick in

I think some of this stuff is more so just the stench of whoever played fat-side wing last season. Sharp, after having a pretty successful campaign in 2024 there, struggled. Then NOD plays that role and starts putting up them Sharp numbers too - 60 disposals in his last 6 games combined. And then JOM did too those last few games, but he didn't play there as long so it's less entrenched in the memory. Anyone who played fat side wing you'd barely notice apart from Telstra Tracker numbers.

I think the nature of the role itself will change this year as we go less extreme on long down the line play. So to me, especially with the fat-side wing contenders, I see everyone as starting on a relatively clean slate.

 

[Channels]

I hate how the fat side wing is rated in terms of disposal. The role is critical to team defence and essentially stops the opposition switching play, it's not a role measured in disposal numbers.

 

[freoextra]

I popped in this morning for a look but no match sims I’m afraid. Just a run of the mill session so not much to report on but here goes:

Rehab
Riddle briefly sighted but did nothing really. No moon boot
Cooper Simpson still training away from the main group and has been for quite a few sessions now. He is moving well and kicking etc but must be nursing an injury
Skipper and Sturt doing gym work- both looked exhausted when they came out to watch training
Darcy came out right at the end of the session. No strapping, no limp but didn’t do anything

Drills
Full length transition drill on a narrow ground. This was designated as kick/mark only with no handballs allowed. Emphasis on moving it quickly and forward. JL very vocal during this drill
Later a central corridor drill with ridiculously narrow starting positions. Emphasis on quick go forward hand ball chains starting from a scrappy ground ball get
I wasn’t impressed with the skill level in the early part of the session, lots of misplaced kicks. However the skills did improve throughout the morning

I’ve been pleasantly surprised with Mason Cox over the summer. He always gets involved, generally marks and kicks a few and was last in today as he practiced goal kicking with a coach. Not so sure he’s a round one starter but will bring depth to the team at the very least
Similarly Charlie Nicholls has also caught my eye and done some nice things. I have a feeling he might be a sneaky chance for an AFL debut this year

As there’s not much to report on today I thought I’d add my 2c worth to some recent discussions based of watching a few training sessions this summer

Like Ryan
Compared to the rest of the squad he just doesn’t appear to go that hard at training. He completed everything today but just doesn’t appear to push himself as hard as the rest of the squad. Could be an injury recovery thing - don’t know

Chris Scerri
He’s not one of those constantly involved type of players but does flash into the game with some nice moves. Everything he does is at high pace and intensity. I haven’t really noticed him laying tackles or putting on high pressure but is hard to spot at times

The wing situation
I have noticed that Toby Whan is shadowing Jeremy Sharp at training - so I think that is where the club see him as a player
For me I’m thinking that the wings may come down to a rotation between 4 players. JoM/Ras/Murray/Wags. Sharp just doesn’t get involved enough and Nod makes way too many mistakes with ball in hand
This is the one area of the ground with the most mystery for me so it will be interesting to see what happens once the pre season games kick in

Excellent report and covers almost everything I was going to say, especially without the proper match sim leaving us without much to report on individuals.

I will only disagree on one point, I thought O’Driscoll had a great session, was as usual very hard at the ball and man and was much better with ball in hand, also spent a lot of time with trainers trying to get the best out of himself.

Just some additional thoughts:

Standouts for me were, as usual, Serong and Jackson.

Whilst we are going to be very strong in the ruck (with or without Darcy) it was Jackson who stood out. Jackson just had this awesome connection with the mids and was hitting them or putting it to advantage consistently. M Cox is massive but he was more putting it to the feet of the midfielder rather than to advantage. However, M Cox work in the forward line continues to impress and he is putting in as much time as any forward into his goal kicking. Do not be surprised if he has a role forward this year. You can also just about always put down a goal if he is kicking within the 50 and it’s a set shot.

Noticed Scerri for the first time wearing number 18 ( M Cox number), seriously quick and shows enough in an area we lack ( genuine speed) to be picked up. Continue to notice T Murray more than the other new players and he just seems to be spending more time with the seniors rather than all the others who at times are being held back.

The marking drills were interesting for me in that we really have a solid group of key backs and forwards that are AFL ready. Voss was very strong with removing the defender with body work whilst Tracey marked the most. My personal highlight however was O Murphy (he is a tall boy) just leaning over Voss and taking the contested mark much to Voss’s disgust!

Luke Ryan does look a long way from the general fitness of the group (which is excellent) and truly looked knackered most of the session but he is out there at least now.

To me the group looks strong and powerful but as always the connection skills are still a work in progress.

Simpson did a massive session in the rehab and probably returns to the main group shortly.

Once again the new Strength and conditioning team had the players doing lots of change of direction training (forward, back and lateral) at really high intensity. This training is done with enthusiasm and voice and continues to remind me of the old gridiron clips I used to see in movies.

That’s about it.

 

[mattis117]

Thanks all - I wonder if they're preparing for a full match Sim on Saturday. They had huge block, then four day break. Today is clearly getting back into it after the refresh, then go hard on Saturday is my guess.

The exciting part for me is the rapid overdue development of Murphy. If he comes good we're laughing. Seems as good a build as any year so far. Touch wood, minimal injury interruption, decent weather, good batch of new players coming through fighting for a spot. A lot to like.

 

[freo_leo29]

Thanks all - I wonder if they're preparing for a full match Sim on Saturday. They had huge block, then four day break. Today is clearly getting back into it after the refresh, then go hard on Saturday is my guess.

The exciting part for me is the rapid overdue development of Murphy. If he comes good we're laughing. Seems as good a build as any year so far. Touch wood, minimal injury interruption, decent weather, good batch of new players coming through fighting for a spot. A lot to like.

Today was listed as main training on the site and nothing for Saturday

Disappointing if it happens on Saturday without them telling us, id finally be able to get to one this year

I reckon they are taking the weekend off before launching into like 3 or 4 back to back intra/match Sim/praccy matches

 

[Piggy Smalls]

Going to surprise alot of posters. Going to be another Reid.

Ahh Kickett and Reid...

That brings back some memories!

 

[theGav56]

Ahh Kickett and Reid...

That brings back some memories!

We may get to witness another pivotal moment in our history if they take the field together.

 

[DragoDelph]

Today was listed as main training on the site and nothing for Saturday

Disappointing if it happens on Saturday without them telling us, id finally be able to get to one this year

I reckon they are taking the weekend off before launching into like 3 or 4 back to back intra/match Sim/praccy matches

Maybe they’ve got plans for a hit out against the state side next week?

 

[OldGregg]

Excellent report and covers almost everything I was going to say, especially without the proper match sim leaving us without much to report on individuals.

I will only disagree on one point, I thought O’Driscoll had a great session, was as usual very hard at the ball and man and was much better with ball in hand, also spent a lot of time with trainers trying to get the best out of himself.

Just some additional thoughts:

Standouts for me were, as usual, Serong and Jackson.

Whilst we are going to be very strong in the ruck (with or without Darcy) it was Jackson who stood out. Jackson just had this awesome connection with the mids and was hitting them or putting it to advantage consistently. M Cox is massive but he was more putting it to the feet of the midfielder rather than to advantage. However, M Cox work in the forward line continues to impress and he is putting in as much time as any forward into his goal kicking. Do not be surprised if he has a role forward this year. You can also just about always put down a goal if he is kicking within the 50 and it’s a set shot.

Noticed Scerri for the first time wearing number 18 ( M Cox number), seriously quick and shows enough in an area we lack ( genuine speed) to be picked up. Continue to notice T Murray more than the other new players and he just seems to be spending more time with the seniors rather than all the others who at times are being held back.

The marking drills were interesting for me in that we really have a solid group of key backs and forwards that are AFL ready. Voss was very strong with removing the defender with body work whilst Tracey marked the most. My personal highlight however was O Murphy (he is a tall boy) just leaning over Voss and taking the contested mark much to Voss’s disgust!

Luke Ryan does look a long way from the general fitness of the group (which is excellent) and truly looked knackered most of the session but he is out there at least now.

To me the group looks strong and powerful but as always the connection skills are still a work in progress.

Simpson did a massive session in the rehab and probably returns to the main group shortly.

Once again the new Strength and conditioning team had the players doing lots of change of direction training (forward, back and lateral) at really high intensity. This training is done with enthusiasm and voice and continues to remind me of the old gridiron clips I used to see in movies.

That’s about it.

Do you recall seeing Youngy out there this morning?
I got home and for the life of me can’t recall seeing him on the track…

 

[freoextra]

Do you recall seeing Youngy out there this morning?
I got home and for the life of me can’t recall seeing him on the track…

Yeah, saw Young for sure just didn’t stand out as much especially without the match sim. Might of come off at some stage because I didn’t notice him in the midfield practice later in the training.

High numbers out on the track and didn’t notice anyone not out there training except the rehab group and Pearce and Sturt on the sidelines.

 

[freo_leo29]

Maybe they’ve got plans for a hit out against the state side next week?

Next week we have an intra in Bunbury the day before the SOO, doesn't sound like we are streaming it though

then its West Coast Match sim the week after, being streamed on Kayo, then its Preseason, also on Kayo and Fox.

Then it's a week off for opening round, I'm guessing some will play a Peel scratchy that week though

Then we are facing the Cats

 

[E Shed]

I wonder how much Mason Cox

18

Mason Cox

Age

34

Ht

211cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.7

2star

K

5.2

2star

HB

3.5

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.6

4star

G

1.2

4star

D

6.0

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

3.0

2star

M

2.3

2star

T

0.3

1star

G

1.0

4star

D

9.0

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

3.6

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.8

5star

’s basketball career feeds into his excelling at set shots.
It’s such a massive part of basketball being able to nail free throws that it’s unsurprising he has worked so hard on set shot kicks but also the temperament to do it under pressure.
They should make him a coach for the forwards on set shots.

 

[Diverbelow]

I wonder how much Mason Cox’s basketball career feeds into his excelling at set shots.
It’s such a massive part of basketball being able to nail free throws that it’s unsurprising he has worked so hard on set shot kicks but also the temperament to do it under pressure.
They should make him a coach for the forwards on set shots.

He was taught correct technique when he arrived instead of bad habits from age 6. He is also not a long kick. 50m is about his range.

 

[Taylor]

Wasn't Cox a soccer player?

 

[ImperialPurple]

I wonder how much Mason Cox’s basketball career feeds into his excelling at set shots.
It’s such a massive part of basketball being able to nail free throws that it’s unsurprising he has worked so hard on set shot kicks but also the temperament to do it under pressure.
They should make him a coach for the forwards on set shots.

Maybe ask Scott Pendlebury

 

[FreoRicci]

I wonder how much Mason Cox’s basketball career feeds into his excelling at set shots.
It’s such a massive part of basketball being able to nail free throws that it’s unsurprising he has worked so hard on set shot kicks but also the temperament to do it under pressure.
They should make him a coach for the forwards on set shots.

Basketball shooting and free throws are all about technique and form. Practice practice practice.
AFL doesn’t tend to teach this at junior level.

 

[Daddoo]

Wasn't Cox a soccer player?

Nope. Basketball. Here’s a little bio about the tall fella.

A Patriotic Champion: Mason Cox

By Derek Pham Fall 2023 On September 30, 2023, history was made as a 12-year drought was broken, and at the heart of this historic moment the second American to ever win an Australian Football Leag…

archiveoklahoma.com

 

[go_the_dockers]

Wasn't Cox a soccer player?

Nope. Basketball. Here’s a little bio about the tall fella.

A Patriotic Champion: Mason Cox

By Derek Pham Fall 2023 On September 30, 2023, history was made as a 12-year drought was broken, and at the heart of this historic moment the second American to ever win an Australian Football Leag…

archiveoklahoma.com

High school soccer

 

[masai tu]

Ahh Kickett and Reid...

That brings back some memories!

All we need is another "One Punch".

 

[Big Animal]

Basketball shooting and free throws are all about technique and form. Practice practice practice.
AFL doesn’t tend to teach this at junior level.

100% I was bball and used to shoot baskets for 2-3 h per afternoon and a lot a training. Shots became muscle memory.
All three of mine played football and there's no kick to kick at home, at lunch or recess, and little at training. Most of the rest of the kids in their cohort seem to be the same (with exceptions). Most can run all day and tackle well but no wonder the kicking skills I see in the juniors are generally average. Fortnite skills are pretty high level though.

 

[anchor man]

100% I was bball and used to shoot baskets for 2-3 h per afternoon and a lot a training. Shots became muscle memory.
All three of mine played football and there's no kick to kick at home, at lunch or recess, and little at training. Most of the rest of the kids in their cohort seem to be the same (with exceptions). Most can run all day and tackle well but no wonder the kicking skills I see in the juniors are generally average. Fortnight skills are pretty high level though.

Athletes not footballers.

 

[Spirit Level]

I swear that myself and most of my mates can kick a footy better than most new players coming through for this exact reason.

We kicked the footy to each other every day for our entire childhood and the skills have been build up over time.

 

[Hazelsnuts]

A bit of the interest for the training watchers and the sand dune at the western end.
The club is in talks to take over the land and build an indoor kicking facility to enhance our training facility to keep in line with other clubs and stay - mid ranked in this respect to attract players…
It may be a least a couple of years away though, so contact niece to bring down cardboard boxes flattened out and lid - just watch out for the weeds…
To my disappointment- no return to Freo for our facility - BUT looking to continue our connection to Freo by training at Freo oval at times and possible other connections?? Whatever the fcuk that means ????

So long as we don’t end up at Moss Street, that’s all that matters….
Don’t want to associate with the Moss Street grubs !!!!

 

[FreoRicci]

Would love to know how Brandon Walker is training. Forgotten player tbh.
Replaces Banfield easily and can cover for McVee and Clark defensively