Training Saints preseason 2026

[SaintsofSteel]

Impact from traded in players
1. Flanders - should fit seamlessly into the midfield and be an instant improvement
2. TDK - high quality talls are valuable and difference makers. The new rules suit him perfectly and he should see his best.

Young players to go to another level
1. Wilson - over his second year blues and ready to announce himself as an A grade player.
2. Phillipou - played last year out of position with zero fitness. we will see the midfield promise we saw at the end of 2024.

Established players to impact
1. Howard - he will be the starting full back in round 0 and the whole backline will be better for it. Wilkie will also be able to intercept more not having carry the extra load to directing inexperienced key backs around.
2. Owens - we should have an extra tall up forward so he should get a lesser defender and be able to roam a bit more instead of being stuck in the fwd line. His physically and strength can be a difference make because not many 3rd/4th defenders will be able to match him in that area.

I think a lot of us have forgotten Boxshall as an option who is likely to take another step. From training reports he is looking really solid and carrying on from last year. His over heard marking strengths for a midfielder are something we have been lacking for sometime. He will keep the starting 4 or 5 mids honest and dont be surprised if he works his way in there.

I see Hugh as a long term Macrae replacement, becoming our go to inside mid.

Dalrymple has a knack for finding midfield gems late in drafts out of WA - Chad & Corey Warner, Boxshall and Bandfield.

 

[Sully111]

I'm still bullish about King too. I think his knee scrape should let him get back early in the season and make a difference.

I'm bullish about him if he can stay on the park. Unfortunately my faith in that happening is beginning to wane.

I hope you're right mate.

 

[SaintsofSteel]

I'm bullish about him if he can stay on the park. Unfortunately my faith in that happening is beginning to wane.

I hope you're right mate.

After 23 games in the past 3 years, he and the club must be due some luck with his body. The club have had to learn to be patient with his management, but we need him back particularly if the club want to rocket up the ladder.

 

[sasaint]

I'm still bullish about King too. I think his knee scrape should let him get back early in the season and make a difference.

I don't think King will get up for round 1 and Keeler will get the gig. I also expect Keeler to perform above expectations and when King is available there will be a good selection dilemma.

 

[Saint Ray]

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

That is news to me.

 

[AirWinmar]

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.

Great questions Saintmike
Traded. Tdk and Flanders
TdK - New ruck rules will see him become a premier ruckman in the game leading to a lot of clean centre clearance and extra height around the ground will make a massive difference for us
Flanders - Ball winning accumulating and nice kick. He will help our i50 to score ratio a lot
Youngsters - Hugo & Darcy
Hugo is a competive beast and from the 1 training session ive seen is looking great.
Wilson obviously put on a lot of size but still running like a thoughbred. Will be hard to stop this year
Experienced/fringe Windy & King
Windy just looks like he knows he belongs know and i think his decision making and kicking will improve as a result
King listing as fringe due to injury, but if he can get on the park and keep fit, will be a massive lift

many others could be listed, which is a big positive

 

[Nutsngum]

Agree with this.

Sounds like they were trying to make a decision (surgery) with his best interests of life after footy.

Seems that’s failed and with the last procedure, it’s a quick fix and
the knee will degenerate faster - knee replacement after footy.

Hope to god he is running after the new year!

I'm always glass half full when it comes to King so Im also hoping for the best. It's hard to nail down exact rehab procedures but It looks like it might not be uncommon to have post surgery arthroscopy. The timing of it being the very last week of pre-xmas-season right before lighter load times is interesting so it MAY have been planned for that time if the doctor thought it necessary.
Thats the hope though..

 

[hayes]

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

I’m sorry what?

 

[SainterinSydney]

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

We drafted for Joey...does Joey have a secret he has to tell us

 

[DarkSaint]

From the traded players in think Liam Ryan

31

Liam Ryan

Age

29

Ht

181cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.3

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

2.7

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.3

5star

D

9.9

3star

K

8.0

3star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.3

3star

T

1.6

3star

G

1.3

5star

D

11.4

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

2.4

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

1.8

4star

G

1.6

5star

will have the biggest impact. Is easily a top 3 ball user at the club and I think we will marvel at his skill level and how he will impact not only the scoreboard but assist other players around him. Would not be surprised if he ends up No.1 or No.2 for assists in the club.

From the younger players I think Wilson. Had the second year blues as almost all youngster do that go alright in year one. Finished the season with 5 goals and 23 touches on a wing against a finals bound team. Lost some confidence throughout the year, has bulked up and found more of a contested game from all reports. Will be an absolute A grade player.

From existing players im going with Hall. Was all over him as soon as we drafted him as he just reminded me of a young Sinclair when he first started out but playing a harder position. Elite ball user that just knows how to hit targets and with another pre season and him knowing he belong, will be top 5 in our BnF

 

[Parkysp]

At least the MCG curator is a footy fan. Wants the cricket off there asap. 4 days rain in Sydney (as usual) then it's set sail for footy across the country

 

[Joffaboy]

At least the MCG curator is a footy fan. Wants the cricket off there asap. 4 days rain in Sydney (as usual) then it's set sail for footy across the country

Interest in cricket waned for me after we won the Ashes. Went today and lasted two hours. Not even real cricket. Absolute joke of a sport now.

Anyhoo my Bulldogs family found my jibe about them getting Wilkie to make them flag favourites hilarious on Xmas Day. Bulldogs supporters are just as salty in person as on here

 

[saintmike65]

Interest in cricket waned for me after we won the Ashes. Went today and lasted two hours. Not even real cricket. Absolute joke of a sport now.

Anyhoo my Bulldogs family found my jibe about them getting Wilkie to make them flag favourites hilarious on Xmas Day. Bulldogs supporters are just as salty in person as on here

Yeah agree Joff...i left the cricket when we were bowled out!
2 test matches over in 2 days is absurd.
T20 has absolutely ruined batsmen's techniques for test cricket.

 

[the time has come]

To me our improvement to contender status starts with the improvements other sides make, and during the off season their is optimism

So why will we improve - and improve to a level where we surpass the Clubs we need to surpass?

I would start with King and Howard as required KPP players forward and back

I would also include those impacted by injury starting with the super talented Clark, Henry and the credentials he brings, Phillipou on potential and where he has shown glimpses so where to play him?

From there Marshall and what he will bring as a utility player (so used how because he is a class footballer?)

Then to the 4 we have recruited where you could suggest all will be automatic 23 (indeed, 18)

Further to our class players continuing to impact, so Sinclair, Wilkie, Owens, Windhager, Higgins and Hill (with the hope pace does not find Macrae out)

To our youth where you start with Wilson (5 goals v GWS) then Tauru and Travaglia because of their Draft positions

Then to those who to me are speculation starting with Keeler and Collard who show something special followed by the rest who will all have to show something to be best 23

At this time there are those names in the last category who optimistic supporters talk up and to me are in the hopeful category needing to show improvement on what we have seen to date in what was a mid table side

I may have left some out but the summary is that you start with your class performers not with speculation

 

[gringo2011]

From the traded players in think Liam Ryan will have the biggest impact. Is easily a top 3 ball user at the club and I think we will marvel at his skill level and how he will impact not only the scoreboard but assist other players around him. Would not be surprised if he ends up No.1 or No.2 for assists in the club.

From the younger players I think Wilson. Had the second year blues as almost all youngster do that go alright in year one. Finished the season with 5 goals and 23 touches on a wing against a finals bound team. Lost some confidence throughout the year, has bulked up and found more of a contested game from all reports. Will be an absolute A grade player.

From existing players im going with Hall. Was all over him as soon as we drafted him as he just reminded me of a young Sinclair when he first started out but playing a harder position. Elite ball user that just knows how to hit targets and with another pre season and him knowing he belong, will be top 5 in our BnF

Hall could be top 5 in the Brownlow one day. Absolute jet.

 

[hayes]

To me our improvement to contender status starts with the improvements other sides make, and during the off season their is optimism

So why will we improve - and improve to a level where we surpass the Clubs we need to surpass?

I would start with King and Howard as required KPP players forward and back

I would also include those impacted by injury starting with the super talented Clark, Henry and the credentials he brings, Phillipou on potential and where he has shown glimpses so where to play him?

From there Marshall and what he will bring as a utility player (so used how because he is a class footballer?)

Then to the 4 we have recruited where you could suggest all will be automatic 23 (indeed, 18)

Further to our class players continuing to impact, so Sinclair, Wilkie, Owens, Windhager, Higgins and Hill (with the hope pace does not find Macrae out)

To our youth where you start with Wilson (5 goals v GWS) then Tauru and Travaglia because of their Draft positions

Then to those who to me are speculation starting with Keeler and Collard who show something special followed by the rest who will all have to show something to be best 23

At this time there are those names in the last category who optimistic supporters talk up and to me are in the hopeful category needing to show improvement on what we have seen to date in what was a mid table side

I may have left some out but the summary is that you start with your class performers not with speculation

Obviously there’s been a lot of talk about the trade ins but if we’re going to get to contender status we need at least one more to make a Nas-like jump and get to his level, ideally in the midfield. At least one but probably two of Wilson, Phillipou or even Garcia need to breakout. Even with Flanders I see him as another Crouch which is extremely handy but there’s a ceiling on how far that kind of midfielder can take you, we’ll need more damaging guys around him.

I think it’s obviously way too early for guys like Tauru or Trav to get to that level. The other breakout options would be Owens and Hall as HF’s on a similar level to Brisbane’s.

Without anyone joining Nas’ level we might play finals a few times but we won’t be contending without breakout players IMO. The good news is I’m pretty confident that at least one of them will do it soon though.

 

[Jesuswasacarpenter]

Not much love for Hugh Boxshall.
I thing his composure skills and size will see him play more seniors than reserves next year.
And I wanna see Hall continue to tear games up.

 

[Zzzed]

impact from traded players
1. Flanders
2. JSoS

Like Macrae last year, I'm expecting Flanders to have an immediate impact, He has more competition than Macrae had for a starting midfield spot, but nevertheless he should still make a big improvement on what we had last year.
Our defence currently revolves around Wilkie. Howard does a good job in negating the oppo giant forward, but his durability means he is unlikely to play 20 games next season. Caminiti is a break even at best back up, and Tauru while developing nicely, still needs another 12 months before being capable of being either the number 1 or 2 key defensive banana. How many times have you wished we had another Wilkie in the backline? JSoS (assuming he can stay on the park) can play a very similar role to Wilkie and we should see the defence tighten up considerably.

A lot of options for the 2 youngsters most likely to jump to the next level.
For me, that last game that Wilson played just showed the potential damage that the kid could inflict. No doubt he will have taken great belief from that so expect him to take the game on more and more.
Pou is the other obvious choice. He has put a few good games together, but he has played a lot of games where he has gone missing for almost the entire game. Except him to have less quiet patches and more consistently impact games.
Trav is the other that may well end next season as an automatic selection. With a back pocket and half back flank position up for grabs, i think he will have plenty of opportunities to become a permanent fixture in defence. Probably could make a similar case for Hastie, but I think Travs kicking has him slightly ahead.
Finally, a fully fit King not only has the ability to kick 4 goals a game, but also the potential to free up Marshall and Sharman to become one of the best marking forward units in the comp.
We just need a good run with injuries and could easily become one of the most watchable teams next season.

 

[StCicatriz]

I feel like a lot of people are banking on getting some mythical prime version of Dougal when in reality he’ll be 30 and coming off two injury intterupted seasons (last year was soft tissue as well?).

Granted he probably played his best footy for a few years at the back end of 2024 (reduced dumb shit) I personally think Camma has already gone past him, he has better closing speed and marking, Dougal has better defensive positioning and probably spoiling but overall based on age and potential I’d take Camma every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Dougal made darling look quick. Hes done.

 

[StCicatriz]

What happened to Collards girlfriend?

Anyhoo Lance has all thesupport in the world at the club.
Henry and Hill have been nothing but encouraging since he got there, and now Liam Ryan has also taken him under his wing.
I see a happy and relaxed Lanceyboy at training, who seems to put in as much as possible.
Dont know if he 'makes it', but is being given every possible chance in a very good and welcoming environment.

This

If he thinks its hard here he should see what wce are like. 60m in the bank and theyre happy to sack their indigenous welfare office and then proceed to drag their feet replacing them citing maybe they'll just draft private school kids.

 

[StCicatriz]

Lots of people starting to lose patience with Lance - perfectly understandable given his output thus far

But the club didn’t sign him to a 3-year extension in his debut year for no reason. The kid was always going to be a long-term prospect. The club saw enough in his first year to confirm what they had drafted him for - that there’s enough to work with for him to realise his potential

2 years left on his contract entering his third year in the system. IMO a player’s 3rd year in the system is normally a significant indicator of their future in the AFL so 2026 will tell us a fair bit

Early signs are solid this pre-season. Looks like he’s put on a few kgs without sabotaging his athleticism and has noticeably improved his running. Feel like if he builds the aerobic base to be able to pressure like Butler does then he’s an automatic inclusion into the 23 as his natural talent will take care of the offensive side itself

Hes also ‘upgraded’ from living with Henry (nothing against him) to Nasiah. Off-field professionalism hopefully goes through the roof. We’ve brought in Flyin to mentor him - on-field professionalism . Literally no reason for him to fail except himself

Wilson is getting a lot of hype - and rightly so - but if Lance pulls his head in he could be the one. After all, not many saw Hall becoming what he has within a short period of time.

Hes already shown us plenty of glimpses - big marks, clutch moments, run-down tackles, capitalising on goal. Just needs consistency - a lot of it

For now, I’m not worried in the slightest. In 12 months? That’s up to Lance

Lance was always going to take time. Do people not remember what condition he came to the club in.

Bloke looked all of 14 with biceps that made dard look like he lifts.

BTW spoke with a state league coach prior to his draft and his opinion was that Lance was going to be a long burn and take time. You couldnt get a closer insight. This is from a very professional club.

 

[BrutThough]

Dougal made darling look quick. Hes done.

Dougal didnt play against Darling last year so not sure where you are pulling that mythical foot race from. And in 2024, he was playing well so using that as a reason for form two years later doesnt make any sense.

I assume you mean McKay is the player he made look quick and are ignoring the context that Ross admitted he was playing with a f*cked up groin which severely impacted his movement so not a true indication of his running.

 

[StCicatriz]

Man this forum is off chops.

Henry apparently came back in terrible fitness and now the selection committee ain't happy.

Liam ryan

31

Liam Ryan

Age

29

Ht

181cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.3

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

2.7

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.3

5star

D

9.9

3star

K

8.0

3star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.3

3star

T

1.6

3star

G

1.3

5star

D

11.4

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

2.4

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

1.8

4star

G

1.6

5star

also came back in terrible share. Compared to what? Its literally his first pre season with us and based on vision he looked fine.

Now Lance collard is getting too many cuddles and we are running out of patience. Apparently like Henry and ryan also turned up in terrible shape.

there's a theme here. Dont like it.

Im yet to see any actual report questioning their fitness of conditioning. In fact based on training reports from posters on here its been the opposite. Especially given the type of player and in some cases the injury history. So im not sure where this shit on Henry ryan and collard is coming from.

Particularly strange theyre singled out when we literally have hunter clark

11

Hunter Clark

Age

26

Ht

186cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.5

4star

K

9.5

4star

HB

8.0

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.9

4star

CL

1.3

3star

D

16.0

4star

K

9.6

4star

HB

6.4

4star

M

3.1

3star

T

2.9

4star

CL

1.9

4star

D

13.2

4star

K

6.6

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

2.2

3star

T

2.0

4star

CL

0.0

1star

on the list and have had players like Dunstan in past seasons. A bloke who was literally found on a park bench passed out in the early hours of the morning followed by Dan "I just tripped and broke my leg" hanneberry. A bloke who missed a chance to revitalise his career for a third time because he was living the good life and dropped his phone into the drink some where in the Mediterranean.

 

[tony74]

Ross not so cuddly Lyon has had some very interesting discussions with Ryan

 

[Saints4ever]

Ross not so cuddly Lyon has had some very interesting discussions with Ryan

Hopefully Ryan takes these conversations on board and uses it to strive to get better.