Training 2024 Pre-Season

[ronnysnodgrass]

 

[Tyrian Lonestar]

Awesome work Barrels.

Byrnes preparing for the Butler role it seems. Has the pace and tenacity, better than Butler in the air but lets see how he goes at being opportunistic. Would love to see him run on to a few goals out the bacback

FWIW I'drather bite the bullet and put excitement machine Collard in even as the sub.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

FWIW I'drather bite the bullet and put excitement machine Collard in even as the sub.

It depends what's wanted more, crumbing or forward pressure.

 

[Saint Watto]

Not good enough. Sack the trainee receptionist.

That's a bit rough there Remboy.....she only just started in the job !!!!!!!!

She's been in the chair only for a few weeks.

The guy who was there before her was an absolute gun.............the club was very smart in getting him into the Membership team.....pronto.

Why.....because he's a gun......no wonder memberships are flying out the door..!!!!!!!

 

[Saint Watto]

May their ground burn down. May they all suffer season long illnesses. May they be exposed for cheating, rorting and corruption and be expelled from the competition. F*ck Carlton. May they suffer intensely in their jocks. Long time.

Don't hold back there LOF.

Agree with everything you listed....BIG TIME.

I could add several more expletive laden thoughts,but I don't want George coming down on me with all the might of Thor.

 

[saintmike65]

Send Bassat a message on social media

Just ask the question on here!

 

[Dard Ball Get]

Righto…

WARMUPS and DRILLS

• First things first… it was absolutely STANKING hot.

I’m out. It’s about 58° degrees in the shade…

Pffft, cute

 

[Saint believer]

Not even Collingwood can match the crowd average...

 

[Barrels]

Pffft, cute

Fat blokes don’t burn mate… we cook…

 

[Gavinmitchell11]

Any news about Ollie Hotton, was pretty hopeful he’d be decent.

 

[Dard Ball Get]

Fat blokes don’t burn mate… we cook…

I would’ve said you’re quite svelte

 

[Joffaboy]

I would’ve said you’re quite svelte

Going ok. In and under, really his first preseason. Hopefully an eventual successor to Crouch.

On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[sammm]

Who the hell is Zlugger? Who is Titanic?
Do you blokes make up yur own nicknames as you go?

Yes,. However titanic is Sharman,

 

[Dr Spaceman]

Around a year ago someone said that Sharman had the turning circle of the Titanic. So i have that one.

The poster who called Sharman the Titanic is himself known for his circle work which I believe resembles a Tug Boat.

 

[Remboy]

Who the hell is Zlugger? Who is Titanic?
Do you blokes make up yur own nicknames as you go?

Surely Zaine 'Plugger' Cordy was obvious?

 

[ronnysnodgrass]

Not even Collingwood can match the crowd average...

Pretty sure she brought more fans to a footy ground in 2024 than the saints (WE, I'm on our side) did (no hate at all, love all round but its pretty funny lets be honest)

 

[saintmike65]

OK, a very long read with pre and post Christmas preseasons for each player. Obviously the bolded is the post for each player

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.Jack Higgins – Not much different to last year, plying forward, not a great runner, gone are the days where he was the great new recruit. Still has the tricks but shiney new toys have surpassed him at training.

Post – Has trimmed down and has played an active role in match sim, looking to get front and centre of the likes of King, Caminiti and Sharman. Probably R1

2.Marcus Windhager – looks cut, running hard keeping up in the hard running drills just behind Wilson. Looks set for a big year, so far playing out of the midfield in whatever match sim they have been playing.

Post – So match sim has been playing out of the mids more, less of a run with role but still do so. Has improved his upper body strength and running ability.

3.Zak Jones – One of the standouts at training. Has been quick enthusiastic, hard at it every session. Accuracy (under no pressure like everyone else) has been excellent. Was devastated not to have played finals and having a bad interrupted season. Get him fit and he is like a new recruit.

Post – Disappointingly has been hampered by leg injuries and a touch of concussion, set to be right by R1. Running hard and very switched on. Yelling at bj in a match sim because he wasn’t throwing it in quick enough. Competitive beast. Competition for R1

Like his aggression but not aimed at Clark & Paton!

4.Lance Collard- Will take time, very raw and physically underdeveloped. Is a natural footballer and has plenty of raw talent, has missed a few training sessions from what I can see. Seems to be pretty happy and settled.

Post – absolutely blitzed a match sim where he took a contested mark and missed, then took off with a four bounce effort just missing, then almost taking mark of the year, then outpointed Stocker one on one to kick truly from 45 on the angle. All in the space of about 7 minutes. Last match sim quiet until he bobs up out of nowhere and kicks a crummers goal. Think will get a chance this year. There are going to be some very unhappy WCE supporters.

Will debut but may only play a couple of games this year

5.Brad Crouch – currently being managed.

Post – joined in full training, full body contact match sim, in and under, knee heavily strapped so still being managed, should be Ok fo R1

Was outstanding in match sim on Monday playing in the B team

6.Sebastian Ross – looks the same as usual. Fit, hard runner, poor kick. Have a feeling his days are numbered, many more impressive so far this preseason. Not that he is disappointing, but he has reached his best and is trying to maintain it.

Post – Same old Seb, gets the ball, does something good then kick one of his high helicopter kicks. Has been a great servant and will probably get the nob R1, but I am hoping we have the likes of Wilson Henry, Windy etc go past him this season.

I’ve already upset some BF Seb lovers on here so no comment

7.Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – taller, more filled out, working off a half back flank (think he may take Sinc’s position as he rolls through the midfield more.) A beautiful user of the ball, can only get better for Naz.

Post – coming of a half back, trying to get the ball in his hands as often as possible. Linking up with Hill and Henry to give us some fantastic run and gun out of defence. Certain R1 starter

Potential AA this guy..love how he glides accross the turf

8.Brad Hill – very happy, hard running guy at training. Always having a laugh, getting around the younger indigenous guys, maintains his standards at training.

Post – senior player, lots of talk revving up players, very loud, leads by example and is linking beautifully with the likes of Naz, Henry, Wood, etc. Does a fair bit of talking with Ross and the assistants. Coaching a possibility for Brad? Certain R1

Extremely fit & working brilliantly with his brothers…loves playing under the boss

9.Jack Steele – looks a bit heavier than last year. Being managed

Post – like Crouch, in full training, looks fit and raring to go, not missing a beat in match sim. Certain R1 starter

Had a couple of injuries preseason last year but is in great shape, covers the ground well & looks in a good space

10.Mitch Owens – filled out, being managed. A real specimen.

Post – playing match sim, full training, having stints through the guts and up forward, looking better every time I see him. Certain R1

Could end up a superstar of the comp..panther like in landing on both feet from a pack mark contest & dangerous at ground level

11.Hunter Clark – has been impressive at Preseason. Hard running, looking fit, playing inside last training session at semi contact match sim. Hopefully he stays injury free, with the likes of Henry, Dow, Steele, Crouch, Windy, Sincs and Mitch and even Wilson running through the guts, may finally show his top 10 draft pick form and skill.

Post – can’t catch a break (except for a bone) see above, pre Xmas had been quite impressive, going in for the hard ball and looking very good. Gets an errant elbow and he cracks and eye socket. Physically right for R1, but geez these head shots would be an effort mentally.

He’s in good shape but needs to stop leaning into packs head first

12.Max King – managed. Taking uncontested marks two hands above his head.

Post – in full training, looking like a force to be reckoned with. Kicked four in three quarters the other day. Certain R1

Never got out of third gear in that match sim..big year for Max

13.Ryan Byrnes – another to impress. Works very hard at training, has looked very sharp, now has lots of competition. Like Jones can’t just dial it in wth the likes of Wilson, Pou, Dow, Henry etc now at the club.

Post – Ronnie has a bunch of competition, mainly off a wing/hbf with the occasional through the guts. A Jones or Crouch injury could see him in the team, just outside in my view

Will be knocking on the door..his speed/ endurance mix will always give him a chance

14.Liam Stocker – much fitter than last year. Tank improving, middle of the pack in the 400 metre repeats, not lagging out the back. training the way he plays.

Post – has impressed of half back in match sim. Like Wilkie, calm and confident, rarely gets beaten. R1 for him

Very vocal with a point to prove..covering the ground well & has penetration with his Kicking, combined with real aggression

15.Paddy Dow – good pickup. Excellent through the mids. Seems very balanced and his seniors experience really shows with his positioning. His disposal has been good which has been the knock on him (caveat, it has all been non contact, little pressure). Certain first 22 starter in my view.

Post – a leg injury has derailed his preseason, not back at full training, maybe next week. Prior to that was a certain starter. Will get his chance once fit.

Will be a handy acquisition when fit, genuine burst from stoppage & quick hands

16.Dan Butler – managed

Post – starting training next week, prefer others R1. Wont be fit enough

17.Isaac Keeler. Nice size, still to fill out, glides about the field, highly skilled, nice disposal. I would be disappointed if he is being trialled as a backman. He is an out an out ruckman in my opinion. Maybe like Sharman, being developed down back but not a permanent position.

Post – is being developed as a backman and has started to show signs. Gets to the fall of the ball and can use his leap to spoil. Has a way to go in development but has such skills with ball in hand. A year at Sandy and lets see

Has the tools but lack of body strength means he’s a third tall option

18r.Jack Hayes – Managed. Hardly an injury before coming to the Saints. We have cursed the poor bloke. Forgotten man who could be a real X factor utility.

Post – looks fit, running hard, starting training next week. Get him fir, playing at Sandy and we could utilize him in the back half of the year when we have injuries or managing people.

Missed a lot of footy but will be a handy back up if he gets back to full fitness

19.Rowan Marshall – absolute class. Should have been AA ruckman. Really is a cut above all our other rucks. Rolled an ankle last session before Christmas. Didn’t look too bad.

Post – our most important player. Tom Campbell is a good backup and Heath a way to develop. If he goes down, we are real skinny (hence it would be good to have Jack Hayes up and about.) R1

Irreplaceable!

20.Dougal Howard – Doug being Doug. Hasn’t pulled any arms out of sockets so that’s a bonus.

Post – Working well with Wilks, Battle,Web, and Stocker. Will be R1

He’s just lucky we don’t have a decent option

21.Zaine Cordy – his tank is still terrible, still being played down back.

Post – has been doen back and been going ok, think it is out of him and Howard for the key back and I would give the nod to Howard
Likely won’t get many senior opportunities

22.Darcy Wilson – elite runner, again last session, running at the front of the fastest group hardly blowing. Has been iffy with disposal during drills, but during match sim – Wow, his skills in close and disposal was a thing to see. We have a beauty.

Post – his match sim has been tidy more than outstanding, being directed to position a lot, which is only natural, he is 18 and getting used to the structure, zones and playing process. I reckon we have an absolute beauty in Wilson but would not rush him into R1 given our list health. But he will be in the seniors this season I predict.

Probably hasn’t done enough for round 1 but will get his chance early..his contested work & second efforts need to be a focus

23.Liam Henry – my BOG for pre season training. Is quick very enthusiastic, and trains like it’s the last time he will ever do it. If he plays as he has trained, we are in for a treat. Seems to have fit in really well, like Brad Hill, always a smile on his face, looks like he is well liked by the playing group and coaches. Is Freo really that bad? Must have hated it there. Disposal has been fine. Early sessions it looked a bit rusty, but as the training has gone on it has gotten sharper and sharper (with the usual caveat about no pressure)

Post – his linking up with Naz, and Hill is something to see. Played out of the middle for a time in match sim and looked good, then moved to a flank and was getting oodles of space to be the link up coming out of defence through the mids. Certain R1

Hopefully he gets a chance as a centre bounce mid..he, Windhager & Phillipou would give us a more dynamic look

24.Angus Hastie – got a bit to do to fill out, but is very clean with the ball in hand, and positions nicely in match sim type drills.

Post – a development year for Angus. Very skillful and has good game sense. A touch of physical development required.

Shows real promising signs..good intercept player with speed & decent ball use

25.Mattaes Phillipou – only a couple of weeks older than Wilson. Collard, Hastie and Shoey but has played 24 senior games. His core looks stronger and he is only just behind Henry as the BOG for preseason. Seems his pantsing in the final is burning in his guts. Has a Roo like look about him re core strength.

Post – running through the mids at match sim. Taller, fitter through the core, and ready to take the next step. As old as our 2023 recruits, but a preseason ahead. R! certain

A star in the making..a goal kicking mid!

26.Josh Battle – every time I see him he looks better down back. Elite runner and huge tank. Our BOG in the finals and will take a very good backman to displace him.

Post – hasn’t been much said about Josh, but looks very assured and settled down back. The backline works so efficiently with Doug, Wilks, Web and Stocker. Has really looked balance in match sim R1 certainty.

Tough, disciplined and lovely kick on both sides

27.Arie Schoenmaker - haven’t seen too much of him but what I have I like. Supersonic boot, big arse and tree trunk legs, a steal at #62.

Post – ahh rumours, scuttlebutt, subterfuge after Xmas. The washup is that he is leaner, quicker and running as hard as anyone in defence. A little outplayed in match sim, but there is no problems with his fitness or commitment. And that boot FMD it goes miles.A good year in development at Sandy

A good prospect Arie but not a key defender, more of a third tall

28.Tim Membrey – nice to see Tim happy, looking fit, and leading well. Has been one of the good news story of preseason. Looked sharp in match sim, looked like he was enjoying himself.

Post – looks fit and happy. Back to his best and will compliment King and Sharman/Caminiti/ Higgins/ Collard. Should be a R1 starter

Certain starter & a great role model for King and Owens & the other talls

29.Jimmy Webster – nothing much to report. Doing his job and will probably start in the 22.

Post – relaxed and gelling with the statistically best backline from 2023. R1

A fit Webster is in the side..

30.Matt Allison – I wish him well, but don’t think he will make it. Just not impactful at training when he needs to be. Does the occasional good thing, just seems to get beaten, a bit too much. Hope I am wrong.

Post – tries hard, but I still can’t see it. Reckon he will be a great VFL player, just doesn’t get it enough.

Not up to it

31.James Van Es – managed. Running very strongly final session. Has a great filled out body. Told me he was increasing loads.

Post – well loads became non existent. Don’t know when he returns.

A few weeks away from injury..second ankle op went well..not sure he’ll make it

32.Mason Wood – managed. Running strongly. Recovering from shoulder surgery.

Post – some load management concerns, however is in full training and looking as good as ever on a wing. Very fit and can run all day.

Certain starter..shoulder op successfull & marking overhead

33.Ben Paton – not being played down back, more like a half back flanker, has done what he needs to do this preseason without standing out. Could come under pressure to be first 22.

Post – off a wing and through the gits in match sim. I don’t know what the future holds for Ben TBH.

He’s in trouble

34.Hugo Garcia – mainly managed. Joined in for a few drill today then ran. A bit small in my view.

Post – has stepped up in a big way after Xmas. Coaches love him and as Barrels said whatever it is, he has got it. May get a chance this season however if not, I can see him in seniors regularly from 2025 onwards

Fast, endurance and he’s driven..will debut this year

35.Jack Sinclair – what do we expect from Sinc’s except the best. He has transitioned by the looks to mid mainly. Blew himself up in the first run last session, probably on purpose. Stayed at the back in the second run and encouraged Hotton.

Post – had some minor calf issue and is being managed should be ok for R1

Brilliant play maker

36.Riley Bonner – another half back flanker, surprised he was delisted. Nice size, footy smarts, nice disposal. Looks ready made for seniors.

Post – not doing himself any harm in his training, match sim and attitude. Settled in straight away and as said above looks ready made for seniors. Knock apparently is his two way running. That will decide when Ross selects him. I cant fit him in at the moment.

Been impressive off half back with his carry & kicking skills..also very vocal

38.Tom Campbell – there for backup for Roh. But boy does he work at training. Gets around the group. No accident he got clubman of the year in 2023.

Post – great with the kids, knows his role, happy to play it and be a club man. I can see coaching for Tom down the track.

Great clubman

39.Olli Hotton – 2023 was an interrupted year with a back injury. Working his way into the drills and match sim. Needs to work on his tank a bit. Had him working with the main runners (Willson, Sincs, Battle, etc). Earmarked for mid work but a bit of a way off.

Post - Has come on quire a bit. Like most inside mids, he doesn’t get noticed because he is under the pack, Put him, Stocker, Sincs, and GOAT in a picture, you would think they were quads. They all look so much like brothers. He has been much better since Xmas and has been ok in the match sim. A sneaky chance at a mid spot during this year.

Has a way to go but he did miss a lot of footy last season

41b.Angus McLennan – can’t see it with this kid. Average size, average skills, average decision making, average runner.

Post – still can’t see it, but other trackwatcher can, so I am happy to be wrong. If I am it means we have another excellent player. Happy with that. I will say he is a vey good mark.

Lockdown defender option..solid one grab mark & plays within his limitations

43r.Cooper Sharman – very impressive this preseason with everything he does. Bigger tank, very nice positioning up forward outworking his opponent in match sim. Our best in the final up forward. A keeper.

Post – Coops seems to be a bit ahead of Hammer. I have like what I have seen with Cooper this preseason. A hard forward line to fit into at the moment, however if his final is taken into account he may well be an early starter

No star but is a capable player..his lack of defensive pressure & limited lateral movement a concern

44.Callum Wilkie – Wilks does what Wilks does. Always a polished performer.

Post – never beaten, never flustered. Beats me how he wasn’t picked up before 24 years of age.R1

Gun..

45b.Liam O'Connell – nice size, needs some gym work. Works hard. Very early days for this Irish kid.

Post – full on development year. Doesn’t have a problem with the shape of the ball. I get him and Hastie mixed up, but suffice to say, that is a good thing, as Hastie has excellent skills. A year at Sandy

Shows a bit but needs to learn the nuances of our game

47.rAnthony Caminiti – Managed, has a couple of issues. Seems to have a bit more definition. Don’t know where the backman stuff has come from, all he has done is run laps.

Post – maybe some second year blues for Hammer, may be a Coops second year where he develops down back and crafts his game more at Sandy, with the occasional appearance.

Has put on upper body size..will get some opportunities but maybe limited

Don’t take the above as gospel or my likely team, they may be 15 or 25 I have as R1, it is just observations and my opinion only.

 

[saintmike65]

Like his aggression but not aimed at Clark & Paton!

Will debut but may only play a couple of games this year

Was outstanding in match sim on Monday playing in the B team

I’ve already upset some BF Seb lovers on here so no comment

Potential AA this guy..love how he glides accross the turf

Extremely fit & working brilliantly with his brothers…loves playing under the boss

Had a couple of injuries preseason last year but is in great shape, covers the ground well & looks in a good space

Could end up a superstar of the comp..panther like in landing on both feet from a pack mark contest & dangerous at ground level

He’s in good shape but needs to stop leaning into packs head first

Never got out of third gear in that match sim..big year for Max

Will be knocking on the door..his speed/ endurance mix will always give him a chance

Very vocal with a point to prove..covering the ground well & has penetration with his Kicking, combined with real aggression

Will be a handy acquisition when fit, genuine burst from stoppage & quick hands

Has the tools but lack of body strength means he’s a third tall option

Missed a lot of footy but will be a handy back up if he gets back to full fitness

Irreplaceable!

He’s just lucky we don’t have a decent option

Post – has been doen back and been going ok, think it is out of him and Howard for the key back and I would give the nod to Howard
Likely won’t get many senior opportunities

Probably hasn’t done enough for round 1 but will get his chance early..his contested work & second efforts need to be a focus

Hopefully he gets a chance as a centre bounce mid..he, Windhager & Phillipou would give us a more dynamic look

Shows real promising signs..good intercept player with speed & decent ball use

A star in the making..a goal kicking mid!

Tough, disciplined and lovely kick on both sides

A good prospect Arie but not a key defender, more of a third tall

Certain starter & a great role model for King and Owens & the other talls

A fit Webster is in the side..

Not up to it

A few weeks away from injury..second ankle op went well..not sure he’ll make it

Certain starter..shoulder op successfull & marking overhead

He’s in trouble

Fast, endurance and he’s driven..will debut this year

Brilliant play maker

Been impressive off half back with his carry & kicking skills..also very vocal

Great clubman

Has a way to go but he did miss a lot of footy last season

Lockdown defender option..solid one grab mark & plays within his limitations

No star but is a capable player..his lack of defensive pressure & limited lateral movement a concern

Gun..

Shows a bit but needs to learn the nuances of our game

Has put on upper body size..will get some opportunities but maybe limited

Thanks Joffa for your efforts in compiling this..hopefully my two bobs worth gives a little insight!

 

[Saint Watto]

An outstanding post there saintmike65.

 

[Joffaboy]

Thanks Joffa for your efforts in compiling this..hopefully my two bobs worth gives a little insight!

Excellent contribution Mike. Between us I think we have convinced ourselves we have the list to win the next 4 flags .

Seriously we have a very good mix of young skilful players, we will soon find out how they stack up against 17 other lists.

On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[PoppedCorn]

Thanks JB for that write up and from the few sessions in your post Christmas it aligns with what I saw.

The one for me is Stocker.
He's a very very good AFL level player that is at the right club for him now. I'm a fan of him as much as our next level talented kids.

Love stock
Smart and toughness, will thrive under Ross and enright

Righto…

WARMUPS and DRILLS

• First things first… it was absolutely STANKING hot.

I’m out. It’s about 58° degrees in the shade…

Fait effort my rotund one
Fair effort

The poster who called Sharman the Titanic is himself known for his circle work which I believe resembles a Tug Boat.

 

[Barrels]

I would’ve said you’re quite svelte

But seriously…

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[SaintSlayer]

I'm amused at the negative comments re Seb and any Saint player. AFL is a tough gig these days and only exceptional talents get to play week in and out. Seb has nearly played 200 games, a great achievement for any AFL player.

In Seb's case, he is probably the only mid currently who has the endurance to cover the other mids, wings and half backs as they push forward. He probably has sacrificed his game more for the team than most others. I'm not surprised he's a respected teammate and leader.

Finally, it's easy to click a keyboard to vent frustrations when you have anonymity.

 

[Barrels]

Any news about Ollie Hotton, was pretty hopeful he’d be decent.

Always in the midfield group in drills. Doing just fine, just has a few in front of him.

 

[Tyrian Lonestar]

It depends what's wanted more, crumbing or forward pressure.

Have you watched Collard's highlights? The kid has both