Training Training updates 2026.

[Mick F]

Does anyone have insight into Howes very late resigning last year? Is there a knock on him other than being raw? I like Howes. His impact to some VFL matches seemed very good.

Howes - is marking well during matchplay and seemingly more involved in the some of the VFL matches in which he was virtually relegated to spectator status. There appears to be something to work with here.

Howes - took a few good grabs and his marking prowess as stood out during recent sessions.

 

[ANewDawn]

Does anyone have insight into Howes very late resigning last year? Is there a knock on him other than being raw? I like Howes. His impact to some VFL matches seemed very good.

Did Howes resign? Why am I always the last to know these things? Just suddenly up and left did he?

 

[cityslick1]

Does anyone have insight into Howes very late resigning last year? Is there a knock on him other than being raw? I like Howes. His impact to some VFL matches seemed very good.

Think west was the priority, plus we knew we were likely getting Zac mac. And then we offered Mihocek a contract. If he stayed we would’ve had 7 tall forwards. Too many. Think Mihocek def leaving kept the door open for howes to stay.

He also had some quiet games in the reserves, but seems to be working hard.

 

[JuniorB]

Report from Annabele on fb no mention of Tew injury so must have missed it.



A relatively sharp session today which was just shy of three hours.

Conditions - Royal blue sky speckled by white clouds greeted the players with Howe the first out again. Relatively chilly in contrast to recent weather with the sun providing some warmth later in the session.

Who was missing? Hill and Steene

Points of interest? Charlie Gardiner and Ned Kelly walked the boundary line deep in conversation. The AO structure on the pavilion side was noisily dismantled, while about ten huge plants hired for this occasion were hauled into a truck for removal. Frampton wore the blue non-contact cap throughout the session but did everything save for the match simulation. My best guess might be some sort or rib injury because he eschewed some of the activities during the previous session without any indication of a muscle injury, indicating he may have received a knock.

Game plan tweak? Howe articulated in the media that we are not standing still, will remodel our game plan a bit which might be based on how the benchmarks Brisbane play. He might have meant standing still literally because one thing track watchers have noted is the propensity of our players to be consciously moving the ball upon receiving it. Static players seems to be the antithesis of our new direction. Sometimes during matchplay, there is a sense of unease when a player procrastinates over delivery. A reprise of 2022 might be in the offing - this is sure to be exciting but also may induce the fantods among those in the bleachers.

Rehab? HDM who is in concussion protocols worked under the guidance of trainers and completed a lot of diagonal running. His disposition was jovial in keeping with confident demeanour. This was again a revolving door. It started on the pavilion side with the likes of Maynard, Houston, Sullivan and Moore involved in light skills. Then the infirmary was as per usual mainly confined to the outer side. Maynard undertook some running at below top speed, while Moore did some high octane skipping and knee lifts, but both didn’t stay out for an extended period. Houston then did some solo running, while McStay and Sullivan racked up the kilometres. The former joined in some of the drills which represents a progression compared to previous training. Encouragingly Reef completed most of the drills but returned to rehab during match simulation. Beau didn’t make an appearance here today, navigating the assortment of activities until match sim too. West entered rehabilitation later in the session, eschewing the last two segments but there were no obvious signs of distress. He was isolating something to do with a forearm early but received no treatment on it and he completed lots of running under the direction of a trainer. The other two who’ve shown appreciable change during the past two hitouts have been IQ and Howe. Both participated in everything bar the match simulation. They moved freely and looked comfortable with their integration into all the running and ball related drills.


What complexion did the warm-up take? It was quite a protracted affair today, progressing from the individual and paired desultory kicking to energetic resistance tape running, sharp kicking through the centre square, sprinting in select groups, groups undertaking handball/tackling drills and line groups involvement in activities specific to their speciality. According to the scoreboard, all this was embodied in the warm-up segment.

What else did they get up to? Marking work and rucking were on the menu. The former mainly was confined to the taller players. Stafford worked today with: Cameron, Smit and Teakle and in the absence of Steene, Teakle competed against Cameron in the match simulation. There were also drills targeting quick and deft ball retrieval from spillages. Another activity led by Nathan Murphy occurred amidst general mirth as it was his job to distract those going for a mark by using a rubber stick. He managed to spoil the ball or upset some marking attempts. Clearly this was designed to test marking strengths under adversity. There were some kicking drills which also combined with the ground ball retrieval skills with taller players deliberately punching, rather than marking to create opportunity for players to demonstrate their capacity for one touch scoops from the turf. There was also some kicking designed to occur over a range of distances, hitting targets at various speeds with some speared off in low trajectory fashion and others designed to float. A handball drill with half vested and the other half clad in black or white; this was completed in an efficient manner with a good display of sharply executed skills. This then morphed into skills performed under duress with contact brought into the equation.

Following this proceedings were ramped up with some whole ground ball movement which was designated as “grid attack”, after which the match simulation occurred between the blacks and whites. The black prevailed 27 - 19. The players, while already having been put through some rigorous activities, had to spread from the matchplay to undertake some sprinting under the guidance of a trainer who called some timing challenges. They were arranged in two straight lines with cones strategically placed at various points. It’s pleasing to see that our training is conducted sans nugatory activities with the purposes of the drills plain to see. Notably Prindable, Swadling, Saxena and McCarthy were instructed to complete running while the match simulation took place. Zac did participate in the grid attack drill which he’s normally being held back from.

Some of those who took part in the match sim retreated elsewhere but the following players underwent the sprinting activity: JDG, Anderson, Parker, Crisp, Nick, Josh, Buller, Membrey, Cameron, Smit, Perryman, Ryan, Jamie, Allan, Roan Steele, Hayes, Cochran, and most of the VFL crew.

Random observations of players:

Cochran - has looked good this pre-season and particularly so during the past two sessions. He looks the part with his bulked up upper body meaning that he has some presence in marking duels. Significantly he appears to be more confident and poised and is still moving smoothly. Apart from the odd careless turnover, he has linked well by hand and foot and seems more involved in the play. Would be a chance to replace Moore when the season begins.

Swadling - competed against Allan during the matchplay and showed how well he can cover the ground. Both players seem to have great endurance as they ran acres moving from defence to attack and Sam showed his dexterity with some of his movements, including a nice baulk around his opponent. Ed had his moments too but maybe he needs the more stentorian toned voice which demands, rather than gesticulating when free. So often he looks to be the best option but doesn’t appear to attract attention.


Nick - continues to light up the stage during matchplay with his hard and swift running and ability to bring players into the game.

Harrison - another highly encouraging session he stood out in matchplay again. Is covering a lot of ground and being active around the goals. Sold a bit of candy on one occasion indicating that his agility is still high and he seems fond of carrying the ball distances to link with players in addition to coveting the goal sugar hit.

Cameron - can’t help but marvel in the stickiness of his hands which are as safe as most banks.

Membrey - is presenting well, clunking marks and generally converting

Howe - have to admire his capacity to heal given that he appeared to be the least progressed in his rehab a few weeks ago. Not only is he partaking of just about everything on the training menu, he’s back, moving well and marking as audaciously as is his wont.

IQ - reintegrated into main training without missing a beat. He ran with speed, was apt to chase the overlap and he connected seamlessly with teammates after some withering runs.

Jamie - almost as fit as he’s ever been throughout the summer. Apart from his general endurance, he hasn’t manifested the slightest hint of a niggle. Quite often we’ve been used to seeing him emerging from packs etc. looking slightly bruised but at this juncture he’s flying.

Pendles - just keeps on keeping on but have noticed that perhaps he’s looking a bit slower in covering the ground notwithstanding that pace has never been his forté.


Buller - apart from competing and marking well, what also stands out is his mobility. He also has a penchant for wanting to move on quickly and sometimes marks and delivers basically in the one motion. Showed no signs of the hand complaint referred to the other day.

You won't find many training reports that use the word "nugatory".
She has a unique turn of phrase.

 

[WanderingDude]

I like our talls. A top level forward would be better but they can be hard to source. I like Membrey from a senior/mentor perspective for the new recruits. The strengths of Howes, West, Mac and Buller are promising. I hope McStay can improve. I will miss Checkers.

 

[JuniorB]

I like our talls. A top level forward would be better but they can be hard to source. I like Membrey from a senior/mentor perspective for the new recruits. The strengths of Howes, West, Mac and Buller are promising. I hope McStay can improve. I will miss Checkers.

In the last couple of years I think we've done well drafting talls, given our lack of high draft picks.
We weren't going to get a Sam Darcy with what we had.
Cochran looks like being the backup for the skipper.
West and Howes both look to have something to offer.
McCarthy has a fair way to go, but is talented.
As a trade, Buller is the younger replacement for Checkers, although they play differently - he looks promising.

 

[Ted Parker]

Report from Annabelle on fb no mention of Tew injury so must have missed it.




Swadling - competed against Allan during the matchplay and showed how well he can cover the ground. Both players seem to have great endurance as they ran acres moving from defence to attack and Sam showed his dexterity with some of his movements, including a nice baulk around his opponent. Ed had his moments too but maybe he needs the more stentorian toned voice which demands, rather than gesticulating when free. So often he looks to be the best option but doesn’t appear to attract attention.

That was my knock regarding Tyler Brown. Brown and Allan present like Vo Rogue in the mounting yard. Like Vo Rogue, they need to get in front and dictate terms!
Tyler had a similar frame / athletic ability but just couldn't inject himself into the contest to make an impact. The number of times I saw him floating on the outside of contests was frustrating to say the least, given he clearly had ability.
We need colts / stallions through the middle of the ground, not geldings. (yes, I know Vo Rogue was also a gelding, but I'm running with the analogy regardless)

 

[Ctracks]

Hes bringing Sexyback to the Pies

Don’t think so.

 

[Gone Critical]

That was my knock regarding Tyler Brown. Brown and Allan present like Vo Rogue in the mounting yard. Like Vo Rogue, they need to get in front and dictate terms!
Tyler had a similar frame / athletic ability but just couldn't inject himself into the contest to make an impact. The number of times I saw him floating on the outside of contests was frustrating to say the least, given he clearly had ability.
We need colts / stallions through the middle of the ground, not geldings. (yes, I know Vo Rogue was also a gelding, but I'm running with the analogy regardless)

So you would rule out Phar Lap and Tulloch also

 

[Ted Parker]

So you would rule out Phar Lap and Tulloch also

We need locally bred colts / geldings! I'll settle for a Northerly type.

 

[Pistol Night]

We need locally bred colts / geldings! I'll settle for a Northerly type.

**** yes. My all time fav. The Fighting Tiger.

 

[Ted Parker]

**** yes. My all time fav. The Fighting Tiger.

Surely Richmond supporters / punters must have cleaned up on him. We, led by a Richmond supporting tragic, used to sing a version of "Yellow & Black" - Oh we backed Northerly, the fighting Tiger, Northerly, For we backed Tiger, Yellow and Black. It just grew and grew.
First time was his 2nd Cox Plate, then we went again on the following Aust Cup. I'd moved to Brisbane by then, locals thought we were lunatics. Great atmosphere though. Randoms would join in.

 

[Pistol Night]

Surely Richmond supporters / punters must have cleaned up on him. We, led by a Richmond supporting tragic, used to sing a version of "Yellow & Black" - Oh we backed Northerly, the fighting Tiger, Northerly, For we backed Tiger, Yellow and Black. It just grew and grew.
First time was his 2nd Cox Plate, then we went again on the following Aust Cup. I'd moved to Brisbane by then, locals thought we were lunatics. Great atmosphere though. Randoms would join in.

The first Feehan win when he mowed down Sunline after looking absolutely ****ed at the 600 was extraordinary. I’ve never seen another horse that simply refused to let other horses go past him like he did. Eyeball him and your fate was sealed because you weren’t going to outwill him in the straight

 

[anshell]

You won't find many training reports that use the word "nugatory".
She has a unique turn of phrase.

She’s quite the wordsmith is Annabelle.I learn a new word every time I read one of her reports.The other word I learned from her latest reort is fantods.I have honestly never heard that word before,but apparently it means a state of uneasiness.

 

[granniewolf]

She’s quite the wordsmith is Annabelle.I learn a new word every time I read one of her reports.The other word I learned from her latest reort is fantods.I have honestly never heard that word before,but apparently it means a state of uneasiness.

Maybe she gets word of the day delivered to her inbox.

 

[sr36]

So you would rule out Phar Lap and Tulloch also

Great runners, but terrible ball handling.

 

[Pistol Night]

Great runners, but terrible ball handling.

Octagonal and Lonhro

 

[RobJD]

So You Think - or the almost human equivalent - 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

 

[Pistol Night]

So You Think - or the almost human equivalent - Bailey Smith

Black Caviar - Nick

 

[granniewolf]

Black Caviar - Nick

Ummmm Black Caviar is a mare

 

[Pistol Night]

Ummmm Black Caviar is a mare

Yeah I know. I’m talking ability wise. Ok I’ll make Nick the UK superstar Frankel. Arguably the best horse this century

 

[sr36]

Yeah I know. I’m talking ability wise. Ok I’ll make Nick the UK superstar Frankel. Arguably the best horse this century

I still thin up the ball isk picking important. Do any of these horses have hands rather than hooves?

 

[Pistol Night]

I still thin up the ball isk picking important. Do any of these horses have hands rather than hooves?

They have hands similar to Kruegs and he made it to AFL level?

 

[jakson68]

Black Caviar - Nick

Exceed and Excel -Peter

 

[sr36]

They have hands similar to Kruegs and he made it to AFL level?

We should have gone the other way with him and entered him in a few races.