Training 2026 Pre Season Training Thread

[Callipygian]

They’re even more stricter on the holding the ball rule right? In that pre season clip, looks like Chad got done holding the ball by the umpire and it looked like a normal Chad attempt at taking on the tackler to try and break it but didn’t quite break free. Usually you’d get more time to release the ball once tackled but looks like the HTB call was straight away.

I worry for Chads effectiveness if that’s the way they’re gonna interoperate it this year

They seem to trial the rules in the W competition before bringing them to the men's - but not always. If that's the case here, then the rule on holding the ball could get a LOT stricter. I think they took it too far in W but it is a sign that they may move in that direction.

Who is that on the left in the 12th photo with McCartin Wicks and Blakey?

Edit: and who is the blonde guy in the light coloured top in the 5th photo about to handball? Reminds me a little of Luke Parker around the eyes and face in general. Can't think of who on our list that is though. Double EDIT: It's Ned Bowman, based on a comment on the Instagram feed mentioning the same similarity. Looks a bit different to how I remember him last season.

It took me a moment to place him also. And I had the exact same thought that he looks like Parker in that photo.

 

[Callipygian]

I had hoped to get to training today but it didn't work out. I'll try again on Friday.

RE: the 'stand' rule

It sounds like a return to how it was when it was first introduced. I agree with whoever posted (Kbroome ?) that it might suit our style of play and benefit more than harm us. I also hate the severity of 50 m penalties.

RE: Braeden Campbell

I think that a couple of the rule changes may assist Braeden. The stricter interpretation of the stand rule may make him more dangerous with his ability to take off quickly and kick long and accurately. Also the abolition of the sub rule may mean he could play less game time and be used more as an impact player.

RE: Ned Bowman playing forward

I wonder if part of the reason that Bowman's performance playing forward was lacklustre (especially compared to under-age level) was a lack of fitness being a 1st year player? I think if you are fatigued then it is harder to perform well as a forward and take opportunities to kick goals. Another factor may have been that he was struggling to adapt to the game plan and his mind was occupied with trying to do to much at once. Just speculating.

 

[rustycrate]

I had hoped to get to training today but it didn't work out. I'll try again on Friday.

RE: the 'stand' rule

It sounds like a return to how it was when it was first introduced. I agree with whoever posted (Kbroome ?) that it might suit our style of play and benefit more than harm us. I also hate the severity of 50 m penalties.

RE: Braeden Campbell

I think that a couple of the rule changes may assist Braeden. The stricter interpretation of the stand rule may make him more dangerous with his ability to take off quickly and kick long and accurately. Also the abolition of the sub rule may mean he could play less game time and be used more as an impact player.

RE: Ned Bowman playing forward

I wonder if part of the reason that Bowman's performance playing forward was lacklustre (especially compared to under-age level) was a lack of fitness being a 1st year player? I think if you are fatigued then it is harder to perform well as a forward and take opportunities to kick goals. Another factor may have been that he was struggling to adapt to the game plan and his mind was occupied with trying to do to much at once. Just speculating.

I'd love to see Braeden kick some long bomb goals. Why does he not do it?
Run around the corner and get the ball from free kicks?
Should be his specialty!!

 

[Callipygian]

I'd love to see Braeden kick some long bomb goals. Why does he not do it?
Run around the corner and get the ball from free kicks?
Should be his specialty!!

I agree and have been calling for him to kick for goal from long range more often for a couple of seasons. However, last season he did do this a bit more often and his accuracy was not what I expected it to be. That's why I think he still has another level to go to.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I agree and have been calling for him to kick for goal from long range more often for a couple of seasons. However, last season he did do this a bit more often and his accuracy was not what I expected it to be. That's why I think he still has another level to go to.

I don't think Braeden has been the most confident of players. Quite often he makes good position only to be ignored. I felt he responded quite well to Cox (and his line coach - Mathews?) last year and expect he will make another step forward this season. The question is how big a step.

 

[strauchanie59]

Might chuck a fiver on Kyle to win the Rising Star.

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Practice match time confirmed

Thursday, February 19

Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval at 2.00pm (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time-on)

 

[bedford]

I don't think Braeden has been the most confident of players. Quite often he makes good position only to be ignored. I felt he responded quite well to Cox (and his line coach - Mathews?) last year and expect he will make another step forward this season. The question is how big a step.

How did he come forward last year ?

 

[Kiama Chris]

Practice match time confirmed

Thursday, February 19

Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval at 2.00pm (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time-on)

Damn. Think they'll broadcast it in Guatemala?

 

[Caj]

I had hoped to get to training today but it didn't work out. I'll try again on Friday.

RE: the 'stand' rule

It sounds like a return to how it was when it was first introduced. I agree with whoever posted (Kbroome ?) that it might suit our style of play and benefit more than harm us. I also hate the severity of 50 m penalties.

RE: Braeden Campbell

I think that a couple of the rule changes may assist Braeden. The stricter interpretation of the stand rule may make him more dangerous with his ability to take off quickly and kick long and accurately. Also the abolition of the sub rule may mean he could play less game time and be used more as an impact player.

RE: Ned Bowman playing forward

I wonder if part of the reason that Bowman's performance playing forward was lacklustre (especially compared to under-age level) was a lack of fitness being a 1st year player? I think if you are fatigued then it is harder to perform well as a forward and take opportunities to kick goals. Another factor may have been that he was struggling to adapt to the game plan and his mind was occupied with trying to do to much at once. Just speculating.

Was Bowman’s form any different to his junior performances? I know our reserves were ordinary, but Ned was a low impact and production player at u 18 level in the SANFL

He may come good, but he was a high risk pick based on potential future improvement, not on his production

 

[ErrolisGoldun]

I agree and have been calling for him to kick for goal from long range more often for a couple of seasons. However, last season he did do this a bit more often and his accuracy was not what I expected it to be. That's why I think he still has another level to go to.

Agreed, you are definitely in the majority Calli, I remember a game last year v Saints and it was noticeable how the expectation/anticipation volume levels lifted when he was within 60m of goal to encourage him to have a ping.

There were also audible sounds of frustration when he chipped the ball with a 9iron 50m to miss a target, instead of being a little more greedy!

Could be an absolute weapon!

 

[Neverwas]

He mentions Kyle as exciting and Bowman as incredibly exciting both great athletes who use the ball really well. Dattoli as improving and learning his craft well.
Thats the second major endorsement of Bowman. One by an outgoing Harley in an exit interview and now Goodwin. Feel like that says quite a bit for the doubters. Ive always been excited since his draft tape and interviews

I think it's fair to say that Bowman has really stacked on some size and strength in the off season. I almost didn't recognise home when they returned after the break.It will be interesting to see how it effects his game.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

Incoming grinch alert:

I do enjoy this time of year, because every player has bulked up / slimmed down / matured / improved everything during the off-season & has an exciting break out season ahead.

Reality check: several of them will be delisted by November.

manical evil laughter as lightning crashes in background

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

Incoming grinch alert:

I do enjoy this time of year, because every player has bulked up / slimmed down / matured / improved everything during the off-season & has an exciting break out season ahead.

Reality check: several of them will be delisted by November.

manical evil laughter as lightning crashes in background

Yer thats the reality of it can look good in a training/intra club match with players going at 50% intensity.

See what happens with the practice games next month will be disappointing if none of Serong/Rosas feature in them would mean round 1 inclusions are looking less likely.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Yer thats the reality of it can look good in a training/intra club match with players going at 50% intensity.

See what happens with the practice games next month will be disappointing if none of Serong/Rosas feature in them would mean round 1 inclusions are looking less likely.

I think Serong is a very strong chance for Round 0 as long as Cox wants a taller defence, especially with an interceptor (hopefully McCartin). He has better credentials than any of our other talls (after McCartin and Melican) except perhaps Hamling, who will probably be kept as a break glass option. Hopefully Cox won't be thinking of either Blakey or Rampe as tall defenders.
Rosas is less certain with more competition from other smalls but I think he's more likely than not.

 

[Neverwas]

I thought it was notable that Bowman was doing 180 KG trunk raises in the latest training video, whereas Andrew was only doing 100 KG.

 

[RubbaDuck]

"Isaac Heeny looking absolutely ripped" What sweet words to fill our hearts with joy

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Sydney forward Tom Papley

11

Tom Papley

Age

29

Ht

177cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.1

4star

K

9.1

4star

HB

5.0

4star

M

3.7

4star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.5

5star

D

12.3

3star

K

8.9

4star

HB

3.4

2star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.5

2star

G

2.4

5star

D

13.4

4star

K

8.0

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

3.4

5star

G

1.6

5star

's pre-season has been interrupted by calf soreness.

Papley is on a monitored running program and has not been in the main training group since returning from the Christmas break.

Swans star Papley held up by calf issue

Livewire on modified duties since returning from Christmas break

www.zerohanger.com

 

[Callipygian]

Was Bowman’s form any different to his junior performances? I know our reserves were ordinary, but Ned was a low impact and production player at u 18 level in the SANFL

He may come good, but he was a high risk pick based on potential future improvement, not on his production

I think that's fair although "high risk" is harsh. He did show a flair for kicking goals in his draft year that was not manifest in his rookie year at VFL level, and that was what I was referencing.

 

[Dubai Quacker]

Sydney forward Tom Papley's pre-season has been interrupted by calf soreness.

Papley is on a monitored running program and has not been in the main training group since returning from the Christmas break.

Swans star Papley held up by calf issue

Livewire on modified duties since returning from Christmas break

www.zerohanger.com

Turning 30 this year & here's hoping the classic "old man injury" doesn't become an ongoing theme.

 

[joeykanga]

I thought it was notable that Bowman was doing 180 KG trunk raises in the latest training video, whereas Andrew was only doing 100 KG.

You have an eye for detail. Maybe Andrew was on his last set rather than his first set

 

[liz]

You have an eye for detail. Maybe Andrew was on his last set rather than his first set

Or they might have been doing exercises with different objectives.

 

[dosser]

Or they might have been doing exercises with different objectives.

Or one of them is coming off an AC injury.

 

[the hypnotoad]

A few years ago maybe four five years ago maybe more when we were starting to break out of that dour mould under Lomgmire we started doing the handballing really well.
In the last few years we were getting bogged down at times with the kicking where some players would take an eternity and we would lose momentum. I feel like those quick handballs releasing Blakey, Wicks, Bice, Jmac are the way to go. You still need that incisive kick inside 50 to our leading forwards but getting it to that last kick via handballs im all for. I also feel that handballs gone wrong lend themselves more to at least recovering defensively and in a more contested way rather than open field kicking when they go astray. We have amazing handballers and handballs can often find plenty of ground into space to a running pkayer. A kick has greater odds of going astray,being intercepted and also of holding play up
Ps kyle will fit right in those handball chains

jake lloyd!

 

[the hypnotoad]

Incoming grinch alert:

I do enjoy this time of year, because every player has bulked up / slimmed down / matured / improved everything during the off-season & has an exciting break out season ahead.

Reality check: several of them will be delisted by November.

manical evil laughter as lightning crashes in background

yes indeed! this is where it's hard to see anything but an unbeaten premiership season (or two) ... and we've got several more weeks to enjoy it