Training Pre-Season 2026 chat

[Tony Barber]

He isnt proven to be but you dont know without trying it, I do agree he would be more an interceptor than a lock down. We dont have much tall defender depth though so one or two injuries and it might be something we try.

Off topic a tad.
Do you know who I think would have been better than Stewart (for example) across half back?

Goddard. Gee could that guy read the play and make quick decisions under pressure.
The saints might have missed a trick there.

Rip him out of the middle. Throw in another mid. And effectively have another mid playing across 1/2 back.

It's why I dont like any talk of Humphries or Dempsey playing as a mid. They are gold where they are.

 

[Mr Meow]

Off topic a tad.
Do you know who I think would have been better than Stewart (for example) across half back?

Goddard. Gee could that guy read the play and make quick decisions under pressure.
The saints might have missed a trick there.

Rip him out of the middle. Throw in another mid. And effectively have another mid playing across 1/2 back.

It's why I dont like any talk of Humphries or Dempsey playing as a mid. They are gold where they are.

Goddard did play at half back a lot. He was selected as a defender in the 2009 AA squad (but final team position on the interchange) and on the half back flank in 2010. Averaged 3 rebound 50s per game 2006-2011. He was pretty much always in defence at Essendon too.

Hayes, Dal Santo, Ball and sometimes Montagna were their main mids of that era. Goddard was rotated through there every now and again (like SJ and Chapman for Geelong).

 

[CoolCat75]

As I’ve been thinking about this preseason, I decided to subject myself to the Grand Final replay to see what really happened. I was at the G on the day, but had not seen it on TV yet. Call it the final stage of footy grieving process - Acceptance.

1st Q. Pressure immense from both teams. Keep Bris to 9 uncontested marks while they average 24.
Shannon Neale poor. Dropped 2 and failed to lead once. But Andrews no influence. Poor kicking inside 50. No marks inside 50. Brisbane similar but one nice hit up for Logan goal. Overall an even 50/50 quarter.

2nd Q. Geelong 9 points up early, Stengle snap, misses. Brisbane start to get their transition game and uncontested marks going. Kick three goals in a row. Looks like a Brisbane game.
6 mins left, Shannon Neale free kick on lead at 55m and goals. 4 min left Cameron breaks arm. 3.30 left and Close takes first mark inside 50. Another 50/50 quarter, Geelong better at the start and end, Brisbane better middle part of 2nd. Scores level.


3rd Q. Lachie Neale

9

Lachie Neale

Age

32

Ht

177cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

27.0

5star

K

11.5

4star

HB

15.5

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.7

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

28.3

5star

K

13.9

5star

HB

14.4

5star

M

4.6

4star

T

4.0

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

12.0

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

7.4

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

1.0

3star

CL

0.4

3star

on with 15 left and has an impact. Higher pressure quarter than 2nd. Andrews starting to dominate. Miers hits Holmes 45m out for a goal. Only 2nd inside 50 mark. Andrews continues to dominate with 5 intercept possessions. 4.20 left, Brisbane by 1 point.

Then out of the blue it all changes. Charlie Cameron

23

Charlie Cameron

Age

31

Ht

180cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.1

3star

K

8.4

3star

HB

3.7

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.5

5star

D

9.6

2star

K

7.9

3star

HB

1.7

1star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.7

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

4.2

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

3.4

5star

G

1.2

4star

out marks Jhye Clark for a goal. Then Charlie Cameron

23

Charlie Cameron

Age

31

Ht

180cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.1

3star

K

8.4

3star

HB

3.7

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.5

5star

D

9.6

2star

K

7.9

3star

HB

1.7

1star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.7

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

4.2

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

3.4

5star

G

1.2

4star

and LNeal goal. The latter part of the quarter, Geelong pressure drops off, Geelong fumbles, while Brisbane increases. You’d think we were the team playing 4 straight games. 19 points the difference.


4th Q. Charlie Cameron

23

Charlie Cameron

Age

31

Ht

180cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.1

3star

K

8.4

3star

HB

3.7

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.5

5star

D

9.6

2star

K

7.9

3star

HB

1.7

1star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.7

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

4.2

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

3.4

5star

G

1.2

4star

goals within 30 seconds leading from the goal square. It’s 4 goals in 6 minutes. It’s all Brisbane. 16:30 left, Jack Martin

19

Jack Martin

Age

31

Ht

186cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.2

4star

K

10.0

4star

HB

6.3

4star

M

4.9

5star

T

3.7

5star

G

0.9

4star

D

14.9

4star

K

7.9

3star

HB

7.0

4star

M

4.3

4star

T

3.6

4star

G

1.1

5star

D

8.2

2star

K

4.6

2star

HB

3.6

3star

M

1.8

2star

T

2.0

4star

G

0.6

3star

finds Blicavs 45 out agains the run. Only 3rd mark inside 50. Mullin gets sent to Charlie Cameron

23

Charlie Cameron

Age

31

Ht

180cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.1

3star

K

8.4

3star

HB

3.7

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.5

5star

D

9.6

2star

K

7.9

3star

HB

1.7

1star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.7

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

4.2

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

3.4

5star

G

1.2

4star

, releasing McCluggage. Goals to Rayner from a sloppy turnover, then Ashcroft, McCluggage. It’s 39 points with 14 mins left. So in 11 mins of play, either side of 3/4 time it’s 7 goals to 1.

Then garbage for the last half of quarter 4.


In summary, we just couldn’t get our transition game going, leading to only 3 inside 50 marks until junk time. Put this down to a combination of Brisbane pressure and our inability to execute. Our matchups on Rainer and McLuggage worked but Andrews was allowed to dominate. All similar to the QF. But we missed Jezza, Stewart. They were the better team on the day, but I really feel if we were to play 10 finals games in a row at the MCG, they would go 50/50. Maybe I’m an optimist?

Anyway, onto 2026.

 

[Turkey Tom]

Thanks for the re-watch and review! I was strangely confident we would win it after beating them earlier in the finals.
Can't do anything about it now. On to 2026.

 

[Commando]

I tend to agree
A really bad 5 mins either side of 3QT cost us big time
The game was really even until then and unfortunately won't be remembered as the tussle it was for three quarters

 

[cats_09]

 

[moond0g]

Probably the most concerning from all of the players mentioned is the lack of talk about Mitch Knevitt. He was supposedly training the house down last preseason and was selected early before an injury somewhat derailed his potential to improve and/or establish himself.
Now this year (assuming he is fit) he has not been mentioned at all - if he cant break into the side this year does it spell the end for him? - not certain of his contract status
I like him for his size andletic attributes - just cant determine if he is "contact shy" or unable to position himself in the AFL as he does in the VFL

Yeah I see this as a bit of make or break year for knevitt.

Has some nice tools, but 5th year with no major injuries and not a KPP/ruck. Would have to progress a bit or he might be at risk of getting cut at years end.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

This is the preseason we needed to try him in the backline

True , we also have Hoffman as a candidate for a defensive role.

 

[CHAWKS2]

Didn't they say it was hamstring

Well the are right next to each other! I had “heard” it was a hammy and a bad one which was later corrected to a standard hammy.

Looks like a Quad

Whilst someone reported they hope he plays second practice game my mail is that he is touch and go for opening round. To me if it was a hammy I reckon they let him miss 1-2 in caution - maybe if minor quad strain they do rush him back?

To me the concerning thing will be not being able to do much fitness work for next 3-4 weeks

 

[Lingsface]

I am so excited looking at our list, with the success we have had and to have the following players 25 years and younger in our side now in such important positions.

Max Holmes- possible top 5 player in the league in the future already an AA.
Bailey Smith

3

Bailey Smith

Age

25

Ht

185cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.3

5star

K

8.5

3star

HB

9.8

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

3.8

5star

CL

2.7

4star

D

19.8

5star

K

9.6

4star

HB

10.2

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

3.2

4star

CL

3.2

4star

D

14.8

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

7.2

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.4

5star

CL

1.6

4star

- The most dominant midfielder for the first half of the season and came 3rd in the Brownlow
SDK- Premiership player with huge versatility and a real modern sized defender to tackle these beast forwards we are seeing now and into the future.
COS- Close to my favorite has all the athletic skills all the football skills and something that can't be taught a will to not be beaten, I love his efforts 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th.
Neale- Is developing all the time and has really mastered those Dunstall fundamentals, leading one touch marks with extended arms and a beautiful kick. Seems to want to improve and is all the time so could develop to be a 400 goal plus player if all goes well.
Dempsey- Outside attacking wingman, could be a cross between Issac Smith and Heeney.

Those 6 players, Midfield, Key backs, Key forward are so hard to find in a group like that, and it is so exciting to have this for the future.

With so many promising players as well in the 25 and under age group as well, it could be another great 5-7 years.

 

[numbwombat]

Blicavs or sdk by far because we have no rucks.

For better or worse, I suspect Stanley will play 10+ games barring injury. We re-signed him post-GF loss last October.
It sounds like Edwards should debut too? Although I imagine will only play a handful of games.

Hopefully all the press about TDK's $2M mega-contract causes the brotherly rivalry to catch fire in SDK.

 

[cats_09]

For better or worse, I suspect Stanley will play 10+ games barring injury. We re-signed him post-GF loss last October.
It sounds like Edwards should debut too? Although I imagine will only play a handful of games.

Hopefully all the press about TDK's $2M mega-contract causes the brotherly rivalry to catch fire in SDK.

He re-signed during September - Mackie announced it prior to the prelim

The club held back the media release until October, obviously a few other things were happening first

 

[Footy Smarts]

Well the are right next to each other! I had “heard” it was a hammy and a bad one which was later corrected to a standard hammy.

Looks like a Quad

Whilst someone reported they hope he plays second practice game my mail is that he is touch and go for opening round. To me if it was a hammy I reckon they let him miss 1-2 in caution - maybe if minor quad strain they do rush him back?

To me the concerning thing will be not being able to do much fitness work for next 3-4 weeks

A quad is way better than a hamstring for fitness work. You can get back to running pretty early in quad recovery. It's kicking that's the issue.

I'd be pretty stunned if we risked him in a practice match though.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

For better or worse, I suspect Stanley will play 10+ games barring injury. We re-signed him post-GF loss last October.
It sounds like Edwards should debut too? Although I imagine will only play a handful of games.

Hopefully all the press about TDK's $2M mega-contract causes the brotherly rivalry to catch fire in SDK.

Stanley physically is pretty cooked we signed him largely for backup and to coach Edwards and Conway. Edwards is dont think will play early but he might play a few games against bottom teams in the run home. But I doubt physically he can play many games the body isnt there yet.
I suspect sdk is going to be our ruck for most of the year given the new rules and what our stocks are.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

A quad is way better than a hamstring for fitness work. You can get back to running pretty early in quad recovery. It's kicking that's the issue.

I'd be pretty stunned if we risked him in a practice match though.

That's an amazing diagnosis - finding a quad on Cameron's chicken legs is like finding a needle in a haystack............

 

[CatToTheFuture]

True , we also have Hoffman as a candidate for a defensive role.

Yeah with Hofmanns running ability combined with the limited vision i've seen of him kicking well i wouldn't mind seeing the Hof on the wing. Early days for him.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Stanley physically is pretty cooked we signed him largely for backup and to coach Edwards and Conway. Edwards is dont think will play early but he might play a few games against bottom teams in the run home. But I doubt physically he can play many games the body isnt there yet.
I suspect sdk is going to be our ruck for most of the year given the new rules and what our stocks are.

We signed Stanley as a backup to Marshall. I get the sense big Roma might be subsequently unavailable making Stan the man

 

[cats_09]

 

[Vdubs]

Would love to hear from the coach.

 

[cats_09]

Would love to hear from the coach.

He's a bit busy out west at the moment

 

[CHAWKS2]

A quad is way better than a hamstring for fitness work. You can get back to running pretty early in quad recovery. It's kicking that's the issue.

I'd be pretty stunned if we risked him in a practice match though.

Yeah that is good.

I have now got clarification on my mail. When first done they thought it was tendon right at top of hammy - hence the initial panic that it was a very bad hammy (8-10 weeks)…but scans the next day revealed it is “just” a “simple” quad.

He is still not running but not in much pain. Hoping and pushing for opening round but that is obvious a risk

But much better news than the all thought

 

[Pure_Ownage]

We signed Stanley as a backup to Marshall. I get the sense big Roma might be subsequently unavailable making Stan the man

That's true but I dont think Stanley is physically capable of being Stan the man anymore. Hence the sdk comment.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

That's true but I dont think Stanley is physically capable of being Stan the man anymore. Hence the sdk comment.

Yeah the ruck rules might also suit SDK. They could also put less strain on the body and we may get more from Rhys than last year. Depends how they go but we might see under developed guys like Edwards able to put in a competitive showing

 

[Mattttty]

That's true but I dont think Stanley is physically capable of being Stan the man anymore. Hence the sdk comment.

I'm very comfortable with Blicavs playing as our number one ruck for 2026. Not only has he proven himself in the role, but the new ruck rules will work in his favour. SDK and Neale to offer support when needed. That's a solid set up.

 

[catempire]

As I’ve been thinking about this preseason, I decided to subject myself to the Grand Final replay to see what really happened. I was at the G on the day, but had not seen it on TV yet. Call it the final stage of footy grieving process - Acceptance.

1st Q. Pressure immense from both teams. Keep Bris to 9 uncontested marks while they average 24.
Shannon Neale poor. Dropped 2 and failed to lead once. But Andrews no influence. Poor kicking inside 50. No marks inside 50. Brisbane similar but one nice hit up for Logan goal. Overall an even 50/50 quarter.

2nd Q. Geelong 9 points up early, Stengle snap, misses. Brisbane start to get their transition game and uncontested marks going. Kick three goals in a row. Looks like a Brisbane game.
6 mins left, Shannon Neale free kick on lead at 55m and goals. 4 min left Cameron breaks arm. 3.30 left and Close takes first mark inside 50. Another 50/50 quarter, Geelong better at the start and end, Brisbane better middle part of 2nd. Scores level.


3rd Q. Lachie Neale on with 15 left and has an impact. Higher pressure quarter than 2nd. Andrews starting to dominate. Miers hits Holmes 45m out for a goal. Only 2nd inside 50 mark. Andrews continues to dominate with 5 intercept possessions. 4.20 left, Brisbane by 1 point.

Then out of the blue it all changes. Charlie Cameron out marks Jhye Clark for a goal. Then Charlie Cameron and LNeal goal. The latter part of the quarter, Geelong pressure drops off, Geelong fumbles, while Brisbane increases. You’d think we were the team playing 4 straight games. 19 points the difference.


4th Q. Charlie Cameron goals within 30 seconds leading from the goal square. It’s 4 goals in 6 minutes. It’s all Brisbane. 16:30 left, Jack Martin finds Blicavs 45 out agains the run. Only 3rd mark inside 50. Mullin gets sent to Charlie Cameron, releasing McCluggage. Goals to Rayner from a sloppy turnover, then Ashcroft, McCluggage. It’s 39 points with 14 mins left. So in 11 mins of play, either side of 3/4 time it’s 7 goals to 1.

Then garbage for the last half of quarter 4.


In summary, we just couldn’t get our transition game going, leading to only 3 inside 50 marks until junk time. Put this down to a combination of Brisbane pressure and our inability to execute. Our matchups on Rainer and McLuggage worked but Andrews was allowed to dominate. All similar to the QF. But we missed Jezza, Stewart. They were the better team on the day, but I really feel if we were to play 10 finals games in a row at the MCG, they would go 50/50. Maybe I’m an optimist?

Anyway, onto 2026.

Thank you for your service.

I’m still not ready to re-watch Max Holmes kicking the football that day.