Training Training updates 2026.

[Harry O]

Surely if Nick can’t yet complete full training he doesn’t participate in the origin game.

Cagey stuff by Fly. I like his thinking

 

[Jen2310]

Surely if Nick can’t yet complete full training he doesn’t participate in the origin game.

Pre christmas he was did pretty much full sessions most weeks. I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[Jen2310]

Apologies for the intrusion how is Harry Demattia looking? Coached him back in the juniors.

Needs a big season. He's shown some nice things pre christmas. I'm interesting to see if he can make the jump.

 

[manicpie]

Apologies for the intrusion how is Harry Demattia looking? Coached him back in the juniors.

He'll have a breakout season. I'm a big fan, others maybe not so much. He's ready to put it all together

 

[WanderingDude]

He might just be ill. Bobby will be fine

A Bobby fine sounds like English idiocy for not wearing a stupid helmet.

 

[Jen2310]

He might just be ill. Bobby will be fine

Dont think so
I think he was prob granted a few extra days to spend in perth with his kids.

 

[lyfsux]

Getting him ready for finals, when we will need him most

then he won't get in because he isn't match fit

 

[manicpie]

A Bobby fine sounds like English idiocy for not wearing a stupid helmet.

Didn't he have a hamstring problem a couple of weeks ago. Might still be nursing that

 

[Sea fog]

Good to see training reports coming through

From fb Anabelle

Players were on the track prior to the scheduled session time of 7.30 am

Conditions - The sky was wreathed in grey clouds with patches of blue sky struggling to emerge. Coolish bellying the scorcher ahead. There was a lot of water abutting the arena on the edges of the running track. About halfway through the session the sun started to make its presence felt. The father of HDM and parents of Cochran looked on from a vantage point in the pocket on the outer side. In tonsorial updates, Ryan has shedded his mullet hairstyle.

Who was missing? Hill, Membrey and Elliott

Infirmary? This included some permanent patients and a rotating ‘outpatients’ with some visitations throughout training. Nick remained there throughout, completing a lot of running and doing various stretching exercises and other movement routines accompanied by a trainer. Beau, who was mainly confined indoors pre-Christmas also worked under supervision, completing many run throughs and a series of exercises. IQ was the surprise admission to this unit, running some slowish laps early in the session. He appeared to be labouring somewhat. He has, however, a strong pre-break of work to provide him with a strong fitness base.

The following players spent some moments completing various exercises in this domain while completing the majority of training proper: Josh D, Houston, Moore, McStay, Reef, while the latest intake into the club - Saxena, Swadling, McCarthy, joined by Smith spend some time here as well as taking a brief break from the normal routines to work with a trainer on the pavilion side of the ground. McStay had left the arena with a trainer at one point but returned and combined the general activities with rehab. Interestingly when running with Josh and Houston late in the session he burnt them off, demonstrating that his endurance capabilities are well established.


What did the players undertake?

Plenty of activities. Warm-up consisted of paired resistant tape movements, and moving forward from a long line of -players across the ground, hopping and holding poses geared to building some strength in the muscles. Players also had to kneel and use their leg strength to quickly get to their feet and spring off the mark.

There were quite a few running phases which looked taxing but clearly was about enhancing fitness, while testing current endurance levels. These mainly consisted of staggered running in two groups with a trainer calling out numbers. Near the end of the session as the heat was beginning to take effect, the players, probably believing that the sanctuary of the rooms was close, were ordered to undertake another punishing running activity, reprising the method seen following the warm-up phase.


There were many drills with players at one point rotating through four stations dedicated to specific actions involving, tackling, short to medium kicking, paired ‘shadow boxing’ tussles, and activities linked to spoiling and retrieving. There were also some whole ground movement drills and a pseudo match simulation with players sporting either white or black tops. Prior to this everyone was clad in black save for when they donned the new emerald green, or the orange vests. One suspects as training ramps up next week that the matchplay stage will involve most of the players, probably umpires, and any positional moves etc. will start to become evident. Heppell could be heard barking instructions during the drills. He and Goldy are now part of the coaching group having oversight of training.


Random observations of players:

Smit - strapping lad who looks more comfortable within the group but occasionally can be fumbly moving quickly towards the ball or below his knees

Prindable - looks lively. Saw him paired with HDM in the tussle activities and he’s willing, appears to be strong and confident. Moves well during the drills and whole ground movement

Buller - seems to kick quite well and make position - was towards the back in his running group and his head tended to bob around a bit indicating fatigue, but he persevered with determination.

Tew - is moving well, looks in good shape and he, like Cochran and Reef must be candidates for defensive positions if there are injuries or the resting of the likes of Howe.

Howes - is very vocal but Frampton seemed to have him covered in marking duels when they were opposed in drills etc.

McCarthy - clearly raw but skills appear to be neat and he moves athletically

Hayes - interesting to note that he was at the tail in his running group.

Saxena - looks lively with a promising mix of speed and skill. Is said to have X factor - would be competing with Hayes for future forward pocket roles.

Swadling - is an impressive mover and handles the ball cleanly. Will monitor closely when the serious match simulation begins.

Anderson - as the mature member of the latest cohort of draftees it’s hardly surprising that his body looks AFL ready and he uses his frame to advantage in training activities. During the running phase, he was closer to the front and noticeably pushing himself through the punishing sprint repetitions.

Pendles and Sidey - the evergreens were unobtrusive as they seamlessly completed everything which is a testament to their fitness and resilience.

Crisp - sporting a moustache looked in great shape and appeared to be paired with Sidey in a lot of the drills.

Steele - Roan was standing out as usual in the running phases and with his nonpareil fitness within the group must be a chance for a midfield spot if his skills can match his running power.

Allan - looked strong in drills in the in-close work. Always think he looks so much more at home when playing as a mid in the maelstrom of action rather than out on the flanks or wings. Seems to need to be closer to the traffic to feel part of it.

Cochran - further back in the running than expected, compared with last year but is still moving smoothly and a candidate for promotion at some point if he can strike a rich vein of form in the VFL

West - competed well body on body but looks small compared to Buller


With the heat gathering momentum it was certainly a warm welcome back session for the players.

 

[manicpie]

Good to see training reports coming through

From fb Anabelle

Players were on the track prior to the scheduled session time of 7.30 am

Conditions - The sky was wreathed in grey clouds with patches of blue sky struggling to emerge. Coolish bellying the scorcher ahead. There was a lot of water abutting the arena on the edges of the running track. About halfway through the session the sun started to make its presence felt. The father of HDM and parents of Cochran looked on from a vantage point in the pocket on the outer side. In tonsorial updates, Ryan has shedded his mullet hairstyle.

Who was missing? Hill, Membrey and Elliott

Infirmary? This included some permanent patients and a rotating ‘outpatients’ with some visitations throughout training. Nick remained there throughout, completing a lot of running and doing various stretching exercises and other movement routines accompanied by a trainer. Beau, who was mainly confined indoors pre-Christmas also worked under supervision, completing many run throughs and a series of exercises. IQ was the surprise admission to this unit, running some slowish laps early in the session. He appeared to be labouring somewhat. He has, however, a strong pre-break of work to provide him with a strong fitness base.

The following players spent some moments completing various exercises in this domain while completing the majority of training proper: Josh D, Houston, Moore, McStay, Reef, while the latest intake into the club - Saxena, Swadling, McCarthy, joined by Smith spend some time here as well as taking a brief break from the normal routines to work with a trainer on the pavilion side of the ground. McStay had left the arena with a trainer at one point but returned and combined the general activities with rehab. Interestingly when running with Josh and Houston late in the session he burnt them off, demonstrating that his endurance capabilities are well established.


What did the players undertake?

Plenty of activities. Warm-up consisted of paired resistant tape movements, and moving forward from a long line of -players across the ground, hopping and holding poses geared to building some strength in the muscles. Players also had to kneel and use their leg strength to quickly get to their feet and spring off the mark.

There were quite a few running phases which looked taxing but clearly was about enhancing fitness, while testing current endurance levels. These mainly consisted of staggered running in two groups with a trainer calling out numbers. Near the end of the session as the heat was beginning to take effect, the players, probably believing that the sanctuary of the rooms was close, were ordered to undertake another punishing running activity, reprising the method seen following the warm-up phase.


There were many drills with players at one point rotating through four stations dedicated to specific actions involving, tackling, short to medium kicking, paired ‘shadow boxing’ tussles, and activities linked to spoiling and retrieving. There were also some whole ground movement drills and a pseudo match simulation with players sporting either white or black tops. Prior to this everyone was clad in black save for when they donned the new emerald green, or the orange vests. One suspects as training ramps up next week that the matchplay stage will involve most of the players, probably umpires, and any positional moves etc. will start to become evident. Heppell could be heard barking instructions during the drills. He and Goldy are now part of the coaching group having oversight of training.


Random observations of players:

Smit - strapping lad who looks more comfortable within the group but occasionally can be fumbly moving quickly towards the ball or below his knees

Prindable - looks lively. Saw him paired with HDM in the tussle activities and he’s willing, appears to be strong and confident. Moves well during the drills and whole ground movement

Buller - seems to kick quite well and make position - was towards the back in his running group and his head tended to bob around a bit indicating fatigue, but he persevered with determination.

Tew - is moving well, looks in good shape and he, like Cochran and Reef must be candidates for defensive positions if there are injuries or the resting of the likes of Howe.

Howes - is very vocal but Frampton seemed to have him covered in marking duels when they were opposed in drills etc.

McCarthy - clearly raw but skills appear to be neat and he moves athletically

Hayes - interesting to note that he was at the tail in his running group.

Saxena - looks lively with a promising mix of speed and skill. Is said to have X factor - would be competing with Hayes for future forward pocket roles.

Swadling - is an impressive mover and handles the ball cleanly. Will monitor closely when the serious match simulation begins.

Anderson - as the mature member of the latest cohort of draftees it’s hardly surprising that his body looks AFL ready and he uses his frame to advantage in training activities. During the running phase, he was closer to the front and noticeably pushing himself through the punishing sprint repetitions.

Pendles and Sidey - the evergreens were unobtrusive as they seamlessly completed everything which is a testament to their fitness and resilience.

Crisp - sporting a moustache looked in great shape and appeared to be paired with Sidey in a lot of the drills.

Steele - Roan was standing out as usual in the running phases and with his nonpareil fitness within the group must be a chance for a midfield spot if his skills can match his running power.

Allan - looked strong in drills in the in-close work. Always think he looks so much more at home when playing as a mid in the maelstrom of action rather than out on the flanks or wings. Seems to need to be closer to the traffic to feel part of it.

Cochran - further back in the running than expected, compared with last year but is still moving smoothly and a candidate for promotion at some point if he can strike a rich vein of form in the VFL

West - competed well body on body but looks small compared to Buller


With the heat gathering momentum it was certainly a warm welcome back session for the players.

She has a way with words

 

[Jen2310]

A running and skills session this morning.

Staryed at 7:30am, earlier than I prefer; but the weather was nice. Cool with a breeze. Bit humid, but given it changed dramatically after 10:30am, it was probably wise to do it early.

Players absent:

Jamie
Bobby
Membrey

Rehab:

Beau
Nick who was on light duties.
And a combination of a few players who were off/on
Mcstay (had a knock, went inside, then came out and did some stuff in the rehab group - nothing serious but prob precautionary)
Houston
Sullivan
Moore
Reef
Josh


IQ came out late in a training top and proceeded to do some light jogging, and then later ground ball work with Josh. Easing into it, or a niggle? We'll see on Monday.

They started the session off with fair bit of running through the middle of he ground, then went into some skills drills.

I couldn't tell if they were doing line group stuff, as you would have the defenders but then you'd have a player or two thats not a defender or forward like Swadling, Steele or Mccarthy.

One of the drills was about one player kicking inside 50 to a leading forward. Sometimes this was West, sometimes a smaller player like Saxena.

Then they were split into two groups and putting through a drill that required a player to move through traffic, handballing it in tight situations.

Bit of match senario and running to end with

 

[Peters_Nuts]

One of the drills was about one player kicking inside 50 to a leading forward.

 

[jmac70]

 

[Gaspard]

She has a way with words

Even if "bellying" isn't one of them.

 

[Horaceg]

He'll have a breakout season. I'm a big fan, others maybe not so much. He's ready to put it all together

You got a like for early season positivity, hope you’re right, it’s a good problem to have fitting 40 capables into 23 spots.

 

[Ted Parker]

Bugger, our 2026 strategy secret is out! We still have time before OR to work on something else.

 

[manicpie]

You got a like for early season positivity, hope you’re right, it’s a good problem to have fitting 40 capables into 23 spots.

Don't forget I was the only one who said Long will be a regular last year during the pre season. My eyes might be getting weaker but my eye for genuine talent is as good as the next bloke

 

[Peters_Nuts]

Don't forget I was the only one who said Long will be a regular last year during the pre season. My eyes might be getting weaker but my eye for genuine talent is as good as the next bloke

I'm with you! Kid was forced to play inside mid and walked away with the VFL best and fairest.

As per Ned Long, couldn't care less if his kicking isn't amazing yet. The fact that he gets a lot of it, is explosive and moves it forward tells me there's something to work with.

 

[manicpie]

I'm with you! Kid was forced to play inside mid and walked away with the VFL best and fairest.

As per Ned Long, couldn't care less if his kicking isn't amazing yet. The fact that he gets a lot of it, is explosive and moves it forward tells me there's something to work with.

Ned will be more composed this year. Not fussed on his kicking as long as he can get clearances and use his big body in close.

 

[legendstatus]

Swadling
Pendles 2
Angus
West
Buller
Cochran
Reef
Allan
Smit
Sully
Tew

All should be busting to get regular games this year - I hope.

 

[Jen2310]

I'm with you! Kid was forced to play inside mid and walked away with the VFL best and fairest.

As per Ned Long, couldn't care less if his kicking isn't amazing yet. The fact that he gets a lot of it, is explosive and moves it forward tells me there's something to work with.

If you're an inside mid, your kicking will never be perfect. That comes with par the role. Harry just needs to realise he has more time than he thinks, and not always blaze away. But that'll come with more time training in the role
Its easy to criticise, but in reality, he has only been training in this inside mid role for half a year. He spent last preseason on the wing or half back.

 

[Horaceg]

Don't forget I was the only one who said Long will be a regular last year during the pre season. My eyes might be getting weaker but my eye for genuine talent is as good as the next bloke

I said that about Jesse White, I’ll be wrong again.

Harvey Harrison might be in trouble

 

[Gabbo64]

Is it my imagination or has TJ finally got a bit of size about him.

 

[TradeDraft]

I wonder if they are playing it safe with him.Correct me if I am wrong, I think bobby had a hamstring complaint before the break.

and he might be in WA with his Kids

 

[TradeDraft]

Surely if Nick can’t yet complete full training he doesn’t participate in the origin game.

You would think so