Training Training updates 2026.

[JuniorB]

A report from todays training from Annabele again


A flawlessly pale blue sky and windless and warm conditions ushered in today’s session. It soon became obvious that it would be redundant noting who was wearing black and white today as it was clearly a reduced squad due to the VFL playing tomorrow.

Anyone in rehab? HDM performed a combination of light skills on the pavilion side and running on the area abutting the outer in the forward pocket region at the River End.

Who was missing, most of the likely VFL team except those perhaps slated playing, as emergencies or carry-over duties for the seniors. These were Buller, Harrison, Allan, Hayes and Parker. Harrison is clearly edging closer given he was the VFL coaches’ MVP just ahead of Swadling. While Hill was not at training on Tuesday or today, he completed a session indoors and trained with the VFL team last night ahead of what is anticipated managed minutes in his first match since late last season.

What did the warm-up consist of? There was again navigation of the mini and higher hurdles with plenty of instructions offered to the players as they completed this Josh spent extra time with a coach working on the higher hurdles. There were some high octane forward kicking movements followed by a kicking activity in a triangular set-up with the personnel.

Activities and drills? There were several sets of tackling involving a rotation of groups with half of each wearing orange vests. The whole squad participated in a rigorous sprinting around cones set which morphed into sprinting combined with a split of players wearing blue vests who handballs to players stationed in the goal square. This was followed by the grid attack with the whole ground used to accommodate players running to position to receive the ball with an emphasis on them not having to break stride prior to moving into their own kick. After a rehydration break, there was a second iteration of this activity and on a positive note, in general this was completed with efficiency, speed and fluency. There were not too many egregious or mildly errant kicks, though some players made the recipient of their pass work harder. There was lots of very good overlap.

The final main menu item was the match simulation which today was the crossground ‘skinny’ matchplay which only took place over a short time frame. Players wore black or white tops and there was a mix of players obviously with the majority of them destined to play in the seniors. A few such as Steene and Anderson didn’t take part. The white team shaded the black clad 25 to 24.


Random observations:

There was much laughter when Frampton on a ‘teddy bear’s picnic’ had no awareness that he was going to be run down by a charging Nick in the match sim. The players hammed this up for a while with a lot of high volume accompanying this outcome.

The white defence was a bit loose as Schultz who’d never have an easier path to kicking multiple goals was left on his own as his teammates found him in acres of space. Even he couldn’t miss these chances.

Harrison was looking pretty sharp again so when one senses possible imminent promotion the confidence seems to grow.

Moore completed everything, including the match simulation and was running and tackling hard in a bid to mount his case for selection to Fly. After the main fare, he did some extra running with a trainer and was paired with Nathan Murphy who was tussling with him as he took the high ball marks and then laid off a pass to a trainer. Maybe it was a pseudo fitness test.

McStay who was missing on Tuesday trained fully and was rucking in matchplay with Steene eschewing this activity.

Jamie who just ran on Tuesday also completed everything on the menu and was going at full throttle.

Anderson can notably kick well when he is composed and sans pressure which suggests that the capability is there but he needs to sharpen this aspect of his game under duress which may come with extra experience and exposure to high pressure situations

JDG still perhaps looks a tad corpulent but completed the session and if Fly is to be believed will take his place on Anzac Day

Sidey has completed all training this week and looks ready for action again and he sometimes performs better after a break.

Speculation for selection is probably as follows:

If Sidey and JDG come in, the likely outs would be a mix of Roan Steele, Hayes and Allan. Ed is usually a casualty in these situations, but Hayes has been talked up this week so he may retain his place and he certainly stepped up in the last quarter against the Blues.

Footnote: Moore has been ruled out again despite training fully and looking very fit.

An interesting comment about Banger's kicking.
It suggests he just needs more exposure to the demands of AFL level footy.

 

[Anzacday]

An interesting comment about Banger's kicking.
It suggests he just needs more exposure to the demands of AFL level footy.

Reminds of Maynard when he started.

 

[JuniorB]

Reminds of Maynard when he started.

Also, he might be a "mature" age recruit, but he's still only 22.

 

[NoRebuilds]

Get the boys on this stuff right now, gets interesting @2:20

 

[granniewolf]

Any news from today?

 

[legendstatus]

Just about to come out on the ground now actually

 

[BillyElliott]

 

[Smackdos]

Shoota training fully?

 

[Apex36]

Sounds like what many here thought.

Out: Pendlebury, Howe (managed) Membrey.

In: Long, Moore, Buller

 

[BillyElliott]

Sounds like what many here thought.

Out: Pendlebury, Howe (managed) Membrey.

In: Long, Moore, Buller

Yep, seems most obvious. Hopefully Shoota is fine, I didn't notice he was struggling a bit on Saturday, ankle?

 

[WanderingDude]

Just about to come out on the ground now actually

So that’s the media covered, what about the players?

 

[stormskye]

WhAT abOUT WeSTY!

 

[JuniorB]

Just about to come out on the ground now actually

The bloke in the middle could be Kevin Bartlett.

 

[Abdul_The_Bull]

The bloke in the middle could be Kevin Bartlett.

Not really, it looked liked he was trying to handball so it couldn't of been Bartlett!!

 

[magpiewarrior]

Not really, it looked liked he was trying to handball so it couldn't have been Bartlett!!

It does look like he’s trying to handball but has no idea how to. So it could be him.

 

[LuckyLee]

Sounds like what many here thought.

Out: Pendlebury, Howe (managed) Membrey.

In: Long, Moore, Buller

You're probably correct.

Personally, I wouldn't be dropping Howe, especially with dodgy Moore returning. Who knows how many minutes he'll last this time? Howe's game against the Bombers was the best he has played in ages.

 

[Smackdos]

You're probably correct.

Personally, I wouldn't be dropping Howe, especially with dodgy Moore returning. Who knows how many minutes he'll last this time? Howe's game against the Bombers was the best he has played in ages.

Managed doesn't refer to being dropped, if we rest/manage Howe this week its strictly to continue to get the best out of him for the rest of the season rather than risk a soft tissue off a short break and lose him for multiple weeks.
Moore is cherry ripe, he was right to go last week but with a 5 day break held back.

 

[Sea fog]

Finally a report comes through for today Annabele from FB


Conditions - setting the scene - the largeish throng of fans was kept waiting for an hour after the scheduled starting time as players didn’t file out until 10.30. They would have noted the vividly blue skies, windless conditions as indicated by the still trees ringing the arena and enjoyed the idea of being sun-kissed on another late autumn day. The dew blinking on the grass had dissipated while the onlookers patiently waited. Their appetites were whetted literally and metaphorically by the sight of players breakfasting in the cafe.

Who was missing? The notable absentee was Membrey who’d already been flagged by some to be omitted. The unfortunate Reef was an expected absence.

Did the colour of the top mean anything? Buller, wearing black suggested that he may replace Membrey, while Parker also donned the black top. Pendles and Howe had been mooted by themselves and the hierarchy to miss so he must come into contention with Moore the obvious replacement for Jeremy. Hayes wore white and Harrison came out in black, however, the latter was mainly working on the sidelines, indicating that he wouldn’t be called up. Roan Steele was also in white though he would seem to be in little danger of being demoted.

Rehab? Sometimes it’s hard to know whether an appearance here means a genuine injury or is part of the ongoing monitoring of loads by Wade who was seen prior to training walking around the athletics track with Hayden Skipworth

Hayden Skipworth

Age

43

Ht

177cm

Wt

78kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.3

4star

K

7.8

3star

HB

6.5

4star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.4

4star

No current season stats available

D

8.0

2star

K

5.8

3star

HB

2.2

2star

M

1.8

2star

T

2.4

4star

. Harrison, Josh and Howe undertook running, some negotiating of the mini-hurdles, while Harvey did some agility work between the cones. Josh, wearing a bandage on his elbow, went back inside early.

How did the players warm-up? Aggressive actions using the resistance tape, lots of walking forward on alternating legs, being asked by the trainers to push hard as they went forward, while holding an object above their heads. Sprinting from crouched positions according to the whistle, ending with springing from a prostrate position which would have tested the hamstrings. This was accompanied by strong volume from the players.

Activities etc.? Three groups formed which corresponded with line areas, hence the defenders used half the ground to tussle in pairs, break from the contest and kick the ball. The forwards worked on ground ball retrievals as the coach would roll the ball on the ground for them to scoop the ball, then compete, lay off the ball etc. The mids were split into gold vests and black tops and focussed on close-in handballs and evasion. Therein followed the grid attack which involved whole ground ball movement. There was a lot of handball overlap movement and kicking to position with players moving into the ball.

The final formal task on the agenda was some match simulation. The black team won easily with Howes again playing in defence for the white team and JDG playing forward for the duration; the latter found a lot of space and kicked truly multiple times. Crisp and Roan were as customary opposed again on the wing which could be a portent for the Hawthorn set-up. Cameron again showed his marking prowess clunking one close to goal.


Random observations:


Howes not only looks likely in defence but has a penetrating kick with such power that some players found them difficult to mark. He is aggressive and with tutelage and ongoing exposure we could have a future KPD.

Swadling impressed again in the match simulation as he has been recently in the VFL. Swadling is as smooth as - finish this simile……

Buller looked buoyant, perhaps aware of his imminent reinclusion; the five goal performance in the VFL has probably reignited his confidence after a rocky start in the seniors with the Pies but most key forwards experience the vicissitudes of form as they build their career.

Schultz - trained with freedom today after reportedly suffering Achilles soreness and looking a bit lame at times during the Anzac Day clash.

Moore - played in defence, was testing his body leaping to touch the ball on the mark, and running with the ball out of defence as is his wont. Let’s hope he lasts a bit longer this time in what will be a muscular match
Parker - played in black in the matchplay and always competes vigorously, not averse to body contact. This is something which is required when playing the unsociable Hawks, and he, like Long, will be fresh after being the carryover player, regardless of what people think of this selection.

Smit - there are still concerns over his kicking and the reliability of his marking but he’s certainly more athletic than he looked at first. He spilled one of Howes’s rockets but buttered up well at ground level, retrieved the ball and moved with agility to feed Swadling who slithered through congestion with elegance.

Hill - Bobby is completing everything. Today he played in the white top during the match simulation and continues to develop fitness and hone his skills in all the drills

The likely selection appears to be:

In Parker, Long, Moore
Out Howe and Pendles (drew the long straw) Hayes (omitted)

For this clash we need to be aggressive in approach and if offered the opportunity to clean up one of their players, repay them for their taking out of Howe late last year which certainly discombobulated our players early in the piece.

 

[BillyElliott]

Finally a report comes through for today Annabele from FB


Conditions - setting the scene - the largeish throng of fans was kept waiting for an hour after the scheduled starting time as players didn’t file out until 10.30. They would have noted the vividly blue skies, windless conditions as indicated by the still trees ringing the arena and enjoyed the idea of being sun-kissed on another late autumn day. The dew blinking on the grass had dissipated while the onlookers patiently waited. Their appetites were whetted literally and metaphorically by the sight of players breakfasting in the cafe.

Who was missing? The notable absentee was Membrey who’d already been flagged by some to be omitted. The unfortunate Reef was an expected absence.

Did the colour of the top mean anything? Buller, wearing black suggested that he may replace Membrey, while Parker also donned the black top. Pendles and Howe had been mooted by themselves and the hierarchy to miss so he must come into contention with Moore the obvious replacement for Jeremy. Hayes wore white and Harrison came out in black, however, the latter was mainly working on the sidelines, indicating that he wouldn’t be called up. Roan Steele was also in white though he would seem to be in little danger of being demoted.

Rehab? Sometimes it’s hard to know whether an appearance here means a genuine injury or is part of the ongoing monitoring of loads by Wade who was seen prior to training walking around the athletics track with Hayden Skipworth. Harrison, Josh and Howe undertook running, some negotiating of the mini-hurdles, while Harvey did some agility work between the cones. Josh, wearing a bandage on his elbow, went back inside early.

How did the players warm-up? Aggressive actions using the resistance tape, lots of walking forward on alternating legs, being asked by the trainers to push hard as they went forward, while holding an object above their heads. Sprinting from crouched positions according to the whistle, ending with springing from a prostrate position which would have tested the hamstrings. This was accompanied by strong volume from the players.

Activities etc.? Three groups formed which corresponded with line areas, hence the defenders used half the ground to tussle in pairs, break from the contest and kick the ball. The forwards worked on ground ball retrievals as the coach would roll the ball on the ground for them to scoop the ball, then compete, lay off the ball etc. The mids were split into gold vests and black tops and focussed on close-in handballs and evasion. Therein followed the grid attack which involved whole ground ball movement. There was a lot of handball overlap movement and kicking to position with players moving into the ball.

The final formal task on the agenda was some match simulation. The black team won easily with Howes again playing in defence for the white team and JDG playing forward for the duration; the latter found a lot of space and kicked truly multiple times. Crisp and Roan were as customary opposed again on the wing which could be a portent for the Hawthorn set-up. Cameron again showed his marking prowess clunking one close to goal.


Random observations:


Howes not only looks likely in defence but has a penetrating kick with such power that some players found them difficult to mark. He is aggressive and with tutelage and ongoing exposure we could have a future KPD.

Swadling impressed again in the match simulation as he has been recently in the VFL. Swadling is as smooth as - finish this simile……

Buller looked buoyant, perhaps aware of his imminent reinclusion; the five goal performance in the VFL has probably reignited his confidence after a rocky start in the seniors with the Pies but most key forwards experience the vicissitudes of form as they build their career.

Schultz - trained with freedom today after reportedly suffering Achilles soreness and looking a bit lame at times during the Anzac Day clash.

Moore - played in defence, was testing his body leaping to touch the ball on the mark, and running with the ball out of defence as is his wont. Let’s hope he lasts a bit longer this time in what will be a muscular match
Parker - played in black in the matchplay and always competes vigorously, not averse to body contact. This is something which is required when playing the unsociable Hawks, and he, like Long, will be fresh after being the carryover player, regardless of what people think of this selection.

Smit - there are still concerns over his kicking and the reliability of his marking but he’s certainly more athletic than he looked at first. He spilled one of Howes’s rockets but buttered up well at ground level, retrieved the ball and moved with agility to feed Swadling who slithered through congestion with elegance.

Hill - Bobby is completing everything. Today he played in the white top during the match simulation and continues to develop fitness and hone his skills in all the drills

The likely selection appears to be:

In Parker, Long, Moore
Out Howe and Pendles (drew the long straw) Hayes (omitted)

For this clash we need to be aggressive in approach and if offered the opportunity to clean up one of their players, repay them for their taking out of Howe late last year which certainly discombobulated our players early in the piece.

She seems to have forgotten a replacement for Membrey. Good to hear Shoota is fine.

 

[Peters_Nuts]

Howes not only looks likely in defence but has a penetrating kick with such power that some players found them difficult to mark. He is aggressive and with tutelage and ongoing exposure we could have a future KPD.

 

[Daicos Torpedo]

AFL site reports Membury out for a month with a Hammie...
Bad luck for Tim, but Jack and Charlie get a chance...

 

[Sea fog]

She seems to have forgotten a replacement for Membrey. Good to hear Shoota is fine.

Agree which seems odd as Membrey out was implied in the report with him missing etc. I reckon he was due to be dropped on form and am glad we get to see Buller and West might get a go further down the track with him injured.

 

[WanderingDude]

Disappointed for Membrey. A period off now may be good for player and club latter in the year. A reset. A young player gets a go. I suspect Buller over West. Having both options is not pie like and brilliant. The selection of Buller feels a better match for the Hawks. Both will move up in the pecking order. A series of opportunities are available. I hope Hayes isn’t dropped, but looks likely. He’ll be back. I find Annabele’s report wonderful and it’s lack of Allan in any part is probably telling.
Edit: Shooter so good.

 

[BillyElliott]

Agree which seems odd as Membrey out was implied in the report with him missing etc. I reckon he was due to be dropped on form and am glad we get to see Buller and West might get a go further down the track with him injured.

I kind of expected Membrey to be managed/rested/dropped for this match off a 5 day break, particularly with Buller playing so well in the VFL.

 

[granniewolf]

She seems to have forgotten a replacement for Membrey. Good to hear Shoota is fine.

Ahhhhhhhh she used one of my favourite words, discombobulated!