Training 2026 Preseason Thread

[Lord Nev]

Small forward line, especially given Kent is likely to be relief rucking. Assume Mihocek is an auto-in when fit, but it's interesting that Melk isn't getting a run. Will be keen to see how this works in practice.

I'm not sure Melksham is in full training yet, and if so, it would not have been for long. Has been in the rehab group most of the preseason.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

This club does a bizarre history of random foot injuries

so much so that they hired the podiatrist from the Melbourne Ballet (who is in like the upper echelons of global podiatry repute) as a consultant at one stage IIRC

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

Team:

View attachment 2536586

Fully fit that looks like a perfectly 10th-13th capable team to me, but prone to some blowouts and upsets to the bottom teams mostly due to how raw the midfield is. But that happened last year anyway.

Also the lack of a really strong backman, Lever's organisation of the defence is going to be critical this season. Wonder why Petty/McDonald are named on the bench rather than one of them being ahead of Howes and Lindsay. Not that it means much but it does look weird structurally. Glad that Tholstrup gets another game on an extended bench to make a case for R1.

 

[Lampers]

I'm surprised that Heath is out, thought he did well and could combine somehow with Max. With Kentfield in I hope he rucks. I'd much rather JVR doesn't go near the ruck as he isn't much chop and could use the time to build confidence up forward.

I would’ve thought this game was the perfect time to trial Heath and Gawn together so I’m surprised they haven’t gone that way.

Believe it or not according to Champion Data (I know some don’t rate it) JVR was one of if not the most effective second rucks (who wasn’t actually a true ruck) in the league. Despite that I don’t like JVR rucking either as I think it cooks him and makes him less effective as a forward. So I’d rather see Kentfield or even Petty relief rucking if it’s not Heath.

 

[Daemon]

I would’ve thought this game was the perfect time to trial Heath and Gawn together so I’m surprised they haven’t gone that way.

Believe it or not according to Champion Data (I know some don’t rate it) JVR was one of if not the most effective second rucks (who wasn’t actually a true ruck) in the league. Despite that I don’t like JVR rucking either as I think it cooks him and makes him less effective as a forward. So I’d rather see Kentfield or even Petty relief rucking if it’s not Heath.

Not Petty please. Just like JVR let him concentrate on his actual job, especially being out of defence for so long.

 

[Crusty Demon]

Bit disappointed the Moose won't play. Thought he did a great job. But i get Max is the main guy and wants a full game under his belt. I'm sure Heath will get his chance and the sides that play 2 rucks I'm guessing he will play those games. Would have been nice to play one of the better teams. Tigers still have some quality and probably have better youth than us, but after last weeks demolition of Kangas, i would have liked seeing us play a Hawthorn or Geelong.

 

[Bluelegs]

Seems like we are going for as close to a round 1 dress rehersal as we can get.

 

[Michaels]

Good evening everyone, I come in peace!

Each week as part of our podcast I have an opposition supporter on to discuss the upcoming game, and tonight I had Adrian of The Deebrief on for a chat about the game tomorrow!

For anyone keen on hearing a chat on the game from both sides of the fence, episode is below:

 

[Scythe]

He's still going

 

[schmuttt]

He's still going

View attachment 2537133

Now I think about it, have never seen Barrett and Lord Nev in the same room before.

 

[Bluelegs]

He's still going

View attachment 2537133

IF you leave me now
THEN you'll take away the biggest part of me

 

[MarcMaverick]

Now I think about it, have never seen Barrett and Lord Nev in the same room before.

Damian "Lord Nev" Barrett.
🕵‍

 

[Running_Lifter86]

Reeks of Lucas Cook, I fear year end delisting for the lad. It's the regressing on his 2024 VFL season in 2025 (not that Lucas Cook ever accomplished the lofty heights of an MJ 2024-esque VFL season)

I think you're right though, with his build and strengths if we do manage to move the ball a bit more chaotically and quickly he'll do better in a Melksham type role than as a conventional tall at least for now. Melksham a significantly better contested mark though

I don't think jeffo has cried at training...

In all seriousness, i hope he makes it but i think he will be a type that is to good for VFL but not quite good enough at AFL level.

 

[Demon Attack]

He is nowhere near too good for VFL. Bloke is a dud unfortunately. If he'd been picked third round he would already be playing country footy.

 

[Running_Lifter86]

He is nowhere near too good for VFL. Bloke is a dud unfortunately. If he'd been picked third round he would already be playing country footy.

Kicked the most goals in the VFL of any listed player, for memory.

Too good isn't the right phrase, but his performances at VFL warrant selection, but he isn't doesn't have the ability to play the same standard in the AFL as he does in the VFL.

 

[Bluelegs]

Kicked the most goals in the VFL of any listed player, for memory.

Too good isn't the right phrase, but his performances at VFL warrant selection, but he isn't doesn't have the ability to play the same standard in the AFL as he does in the VFL.

On the contrary, that tells you he's a forward who has spent most of his time in the VFL.

 

[Theseventhhamster]

He reads the ball in the air as well as anyone other than probably Melksham and he's decently skilled. I'm not putting money on The Magician, but I don't think it's impossible that he makes it.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

I don't think jeffo has cried at training...

In all seriousness, i hope he makes it but i think he will be a type that is to good for VFL but not quite good enough at AFL level.

Future SANFL centurion no doubt

 

[MarcMaverick]

4:10PM is an interesting time.

 

[Proper Gander]

4:10PM is an interesting time.

4:12 would have been better. Get people thinking

 

[MarcMaverick]

4:12 would have been better. Get people thinking

No no no, 4:12:30PM