Training Saints preseason 2026

[Zzzed]

The boss really likes Lance but did say beginning of this year he'd either play 2 games or 200 games..it's up to him.

Yep
Could be anything, could be nothing
Keeler in the same boat.

 

[mad-saint-guy]

True but as quoted my comments were based on training footage and later VFL games.

Given he is such a naturally talented goal kicker he has been given time. Perhaps more time than expected, but as long as he keeps improving he will be worth the wait.

We all know Ari had no contested game, he was a taller version of Bonner.

I think there must have been an attitude/application element to delisting Arie. He was only a second year player and actually did okay in his few senior opportunities. We know his kicking is a weapon and he has no trouble racking up touches.

There was all the drama early on where he was supposedly banished to training with Sandringham to "learn professional standards" though I'm not sure that ever happened. And he played pretty damn well for Sandy, with significantly improved fitness compared to his first season. I think he had the scope for plenty more development.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see a more mature Schoenmaker reappear on an AFL list. Or end up making a fortune as an NFL punter

 

[SaintsofSteel]

I think there must have been an attitude/application element to delisting Arie. He was only a second year player and actually did okay in his few senior opportunities. We know his kicking is a weapon and he has no trouble racking up touches.

There was all the drama early on where he was supposedly banished to training with Sandringham to "learn professional standards" though I'm not sure that ever happened. And he played pretty damn well for Sandy, with significantly improved fitness compared to his first season. I think he had the scope for plenty more development.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see a more mature Schoenmaker reappear on an AFL list. Or end up making a fortune as an NFL punter

He had improved, but not enough it would seem as no other club looked at him after he was delisted. WCE were given 3 extra rookie positions and he didnt get an offer.

He has signed with South Adelaide for next year, so if he works hard on his deficiencies he may get another go at the big league.

 

[Jay Beast]

The genesis story for Lance seems somewhat forgotten.
We stole him from under WCE noses, he fully expected to be there.
That alone could derail any young fella and impact his commitment.

Not saying that is Lance's issue but wouldn't surprise me in the least if that is/was a factor.

 

[Joffaboy]

I think there must have been an attitude/application element to delisting Arie. He was only a second year player and actually did okay in his few senior opportunities. We know his kicking is a weapon and he has no trouble racking up touches.

There was all the drama early on where he was supposedly banished to training with Sandringham to "learn professional standards" though I'm not sure that ever happened. And he played pretty damn well for Sandy, with significantly improved fitness compared to his first season. I think he had the scope for plenty more development.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see a more mature Schoenmaker reappear on an AFL list. Or end up making a fortune as an NFL punter

You need more than a booming left foot for AFL.
Lance needs to show consistency this year or he will go down the Arie path.

From PM's I got from a father of a fellow Adelaide NGA player, I gather the program at the time was a shambles and Keeler left to get game time in the SANFL. The only attitude problems was with their shit program.
He was always a project player, Adelaide took midfielder Billy Dowling the pick before Keeler so the relationship was broken and attitude problems were circulated by the Crows and fans.
In the 3 years he has been at the Saints have not heard a word about attitude problems.

 

[CaptainRisky]

Looks like you've outed yourself as a lone hater once again. FWIW l think Lance us a fine young man, and l can't really see why you'd take that position in the first place, especially at Christmas time.

At christmas time , lol
Now i have heard it all, where was the hate you clown ?
Seems you get easily triggered by my posts so instead of having your normal melt down just put me on ignore .
XXX

 

[SaintSteele9]

Liam Henry’s season will be an interesting watch. Some have alluded to injury concerns and apparently there is a growing perception he’s doing himself no favours with the “selection committee”. Needs a decent reality check and quickly let’s hope

 

[stfan]

I think there must have been an attitude/application element to delisting Arie. He was only a second year player and actually did okay in his few senior opportunities. We know his kicking is a weapon and he has no trouble racking up touches.

There was all the drama early on where he was supposedly banished to training with Sandringham to "learn professional standards" though I'm not sure that ever happened. And he played pretty damn well for Sandy, with significantly improved fitness compared to his first season. I think he had the scope for plenty more development.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see a more mature Schoenmaker reappear on an AFL list. Or end up making a fortune as an NFL punter

Beautiful kick yes, but too many other parts of his football game were lacking. Plus he was slow.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

You need more than a booming left foot for AFL.
Lance needs to show consistency this year or he will go down the Arie path.

From PM's I got from a father of a fellow Adelaide NGA player, I gather the program at the time was a shambles and Keeler left to get game time in the SANFL. The only attitude problems was with their shit program.
He was always a project player, Adelaide took midfielder Billy Dowling the pick before Keeler so the relationship was broken and attitude problems were circulated by the Crows and fans.
In the 3 years he has been at the Saints have not heard a word about attitude problems.

Not sure you can compare Arie with Collard. A few people have commented that Collard "looks detached. " I tend to ignore such comments , because reading body language is not really a reliable science. I saw an improvement from 2024 to 2025, if he keeps improving, that's good.

Ari...apart from big kicks , really didn't show much.

 

[Nutsngum]

Shoenmaker's issue it seemed was largely he was a key position sized player that tried to play more like a half back flanker. This works fine at VFL level but at AFL level your defensive capability is still paramount and at that size you arent usually fast enough to rebound like a Sinclair or Nas to make up for that.

With more list spots I reckon he would have stayed around.

 

[Sarcoidevo]

Schoonerskuller's problem was that he couldn't run himself out of a crepe paper bag ..... he was on par with Brandon White .... both ran as if they were in a vat of molasses

And Merry Xmas everyone!!

 

[jwint43]

People bag Richo for being shit but his lists were absolutely impoverished. Some was his own inability to develop and identify talent but still. Josh Bruce, Seb Ross and Stuv were our standout players in a lot of that era. Guys like Newnes and Gresh were significant contributors.

Look at 2019. Our 2 A graders were Hanners and Ross.

St Kilda Playing List for 2019 - Draftguru

www.draftguru.com.au

He got dealt a shit hand because all of our picks besides Mccartin weren't clear busts. They were all capable players but none ended up breaking out like we hoped. In hindsight there wasn't a true star on those lists besides Jack Steven and early Gresh, but we weren't in rebuild mode in cos we thought we had a good enough list. I'll never forget the optimism after we were up by 80 points against the Tigers at halftime. I'm happy to admit I genuinely thought Acres had the ability to be a top 10 player.

Billings, Acres Gresh etc all showed enough to maintain the faith, and we seemed to be on the cusp of something special when we had them emerging and Roo + Joey still playing at a high level. He had a fanbase hungry for success, shit facilities and an average list. He might not have been a great coach but I don't think anyone turns that team into a genuine contender.

 

[gringo2011]

Beautiful kick yes, but too many other parts of his football game were lacking. Plus he was slow.

I don't think so. It was more that he was probably half Wilkie half Webster. He wasn't perfect but he was consistently one of our better players on the fringe of seniors.

 

[gringo2011]

Not sure you can compare Arie with Collard. A few people have commented that Collard "looks detached. " I tend to ignore such comments , because reading body language is not really a reliable science. I saw an improvement from 2024 to 2025, if he keeps improving, that's good.

Ari...apart from big kicks , really didn't show much.

Small forward roles are the hardest to look super involved unless you are allowed to move with the play. Jack Higgins has games where you barely see him most years. 2025 was probably his most consistently involved.

 

[gringo2011]

He got dealt a shit hand because all of our picks besides Mccartin weren't clear busts. They were all capable players but none ended up breaking out like we hoped. In hindsight there wasn't a true star on those lists besides Jack Steven and early Gresh, but we weren't in rebuild mode in cos we thought we had a good enough list. I'll never forget the optimism after we were up by 80 points against the Tigers at halftime. I'm happy to admit I genuinely thought Acres had the ability to be a top 10 player.

Billings, Acres Gresh etc all showed enough to maintain the faith, and we seemed to be on the cusp of something special when we had them emerging and Roo + Joey still playing at a high level. He had a fanbase hungry for success, shit facilities and an average list. He might not have been a great coach but I don't think anyone turns that team into a genuine contender.

And a lack of a clear path forward, a shoestring football department and terrible list management and recruiters. Funny enough we probably overachieved with what we had which held us in the not quite bad enough to improve rapidly and not good enough to play finals.

 

[saintmike65]

Clubs have different time lines for different players too. They develop at different paces and some are true project players while others are written off quickly.

Honestly we wouldn't know from outside. I reckon we put a fair bit of development into Ari and then cut him but kept Byrnes on when he looks like he has probably been lucky to escape the cut a couple of times from the outside.

Question...which 2 of the players traded in do you think will have the biggest impact in 2026 and why!
Also, which 2 youngsters do you think will jump to another level and why!
Thirdly, which 2 established or fringe players can make a significant impact in 2026!
I don't expect replies today but whenever you have the opportunity I'm keen to hear from you.
In the meantime, merry Christmas to all the BF guys & ladies.

 

[Sully111]

My 2 to watch for the season are Garcia and Keeler

I think Garcia will elevate to a level beyond what many think he's capable of.

It might still be a few years for Keeler, but if he gets his mojo going, he's one of the more exciting prospects on our list. Think he takes a few more steps forward this year. Really don't care about him rucking... want to see him kicking goals.

Merry Christmas Saints fans

 

[Desperate saint]

I was worried about his work ethic and attitude early days, but from recent training footage (reports) and late VFL games I think the 'penny has dropped'. He was coming from a long way back physically and you can see he has put on some muscle bulk over the break, which is another good sign.

I have no doubt as soon as he matures to the point where he believes he belongs, he will become an exceptional small forward. He is the type of player who will get 8 touches and kick 5 goals, he just needs time.

I think he only got a 1 year extension on his contract, so he knows the pressure is on to perform. At least now if our younger players dont 100% make it at our club, they will still hold trade value.

He is also 185 cm so a good height for the role

 

[Saintos The ITK]

Development of players is never linear and for some players it takes til they are in their early 20s to become AFL players.

Leigh Montagna took a solid few years before never leaving the best 22,

Yes but Montagna had the advantage of his first couple of development years at North before we traded for him.

 

[ScrappyDo]

Question...which 2 of the players traded in do you think will have the biggest impact in 2026 and why!
Also, which 2 youngsters do you think will jump to another level and why!
Thirdly, which 2 established or fringe players can make a significant impact in 2026!
I don't expect replies today but whenever you have the opportunity I'm keen to hear from you.
In the meantime, merry Christmas to all the BF guys & ladies.

TDK & Ned simply because they are probably the top 2 of the 4 options and play in the midfield where they can impact more often.

Have to agree with Sully about Hugo and Isaac, though there are several smokey options like LOC, Carroll and of course Pou.

Coops and Wilkie will become the primary beneficiaries of the improved list but it will fly under the radar for the most part.

 

[True Believer]

Yes but Montagna had the advantage of his first couple of development years at North before we traded for him.

?????

 

[stfan]

I don't think so. It was more that he was probably half Wilkie half Webster. He wasn't perfect but he was consistently one of our better players on the fringe of seniors.

Being one of our better players in the VFL in recent years is a low bar.

As he was such a a beautiful kick players looked to give him tbe ball which lead to high stats.

Arie yes was not a bad player with us, but also from I could see was unlikely to be an AFL level player antime soon. Too one dimentional and lacked the defensive skills to play as a defender.

And not mobile enough to play as say an attacking hbf for us either.

I have seen a lot worse play for us, but right here and now our standards are higher and that is a good thing.

Was he worth a shot at the pick he was taken = Yes.

 

[TheSaintsAreComing!]

Small forward roles are the hardest to look super involved unless you are allowed to move with the play. Jack Higgins has games where you barely see him most years. 2025 was probably his most consistently involved.

Small forward roles are the hardest to look “super involved”unless your given freedom to rome and follow the play whenever it goes . Higgins has had plenty of quiet games over the years where you barely notice him for long stretches but that’s often the nature of the position when you’re playing a true stay at home small forward role. His actual job is to kick goals and create scoreboard impact (with some assist ) and the stats that he’s done exactly that very consistently. > 2023 leading goal kicker for the club with 35 goals > 2024 leading goal kicker again with 36 goals **and > 2025 leading goal kicker once more with **46 goals(a clear career best and one of the best more forwards seasons in the competition.) In short , 2025 was probably Higgins most involved in productive year yet but the underlying point is that pure small forwards aren’t meant to rack up possessions or be everywhere _ they’re judged on whether they put the ball through the big sticks and Higgins has been elite at that 3 straight seasons the numbers back up why his one one of the most clubs, most valuable players even if the eye test sometimes makes him look quiet.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

FQuestion...which 2 of the players traded in do you think will have the biggest impact in 2026 and why!
Also, which 2 youngsters do you think will jump to another level and why!
Thirdly, which 2 established or fringe players can make a significant impact in 2026!
I don't expect replies today but whenever you have the opportunity I'm keen to hear from you.
In the meantime, merry Christmas to all the BF guys & ladies.

Think Travaglia may lock-down a back-pocket role.

Think Carroll & Hastie fight it out for a HBF role

Wilson should? bounce back, needs to replace Wood on a wing. Although both are good as HFF's.

Clark & Dow will need to play at their best & not get injured so much or will be delisted for 2027.
Both could be handy if fit.

Think Flanders & TDK will be the best of the traded players.
If JSOS keeps fit, then is, an important piece of the backline
I dont expect too much from Ryan, just a few x-factor highlights here & there.

 

[Windtagger]

TDK & Ned simply because they are probably the top 2 of the 4 options and play in the midfield where they can impact more often.

Have to agree with Sully about Hugo and Isaac, though there are several smokey options like LOC, Carroll and of course Pou.

Coops and Wilkie will become the primary beneficiaries of the improved list but it will fly under the radar for the most part.

Although I am super excited for Pou to really come on it’s awesome recruiting that we can take a kid with a pick in the 40s in Garcia who is showing all signs of becoming a B+ to A grade midfielder.