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I wandered down to training this morning, and the heat was already ridiculous. The boys kicked off early to beat the worst of it, and there was plenty to take in.
1. Lucca Grego made his presence felt early, breaking through tackles like they were nothing. After slotting a goal from 50 out, he turned to the group and shouted, “Bow before the Gregonator!” The group loved it, and even the usually stoic coach Mini cracked a grin.
2. Jobe Shanahan delivered a moment of brilliance, intercepting a kick and launching a torpedo that split the air like a laser. He followed it up with a mid-air fist pump, shouting “Physics can’t stop me!” as the ball sailed perfectly into a forward’s hands. The boys lost it, while Mini shook his head, muttering, “Only Jobe.”
3. Oscar Allen had his forward craft on full display but decided mid-session that the balls weren’t aerodynamic enough and started campaigning for training with a watermelon. Somehow, he smuggled one onto the field during a drinks break and tried to take a set shot with it. Mini stepped in immediately, confiscating the fruit and yelling, “This isn’t a farmers' market!”
4. Elijah Hewett and Campbell Chesser lit up the midfield. Hewett pulled off a sidestep so sharp it sent three defenders into each other like pinballs. Chesser followed up by breaking through a pack and delivering a perfect kick inside 50. Hewett yelled, “That’s teamwork, baby!” as Chesser gave him a cheeky wink.
5. In the defensive drills, Jeremy McGovern was his usual intercepting best, plucking marks like it was easy. The session momentarily halted when a stray dog wandered onto the field and sat directly in front of McGovern during a drill. Without missing a beat, he scooped it up, handed it to Mini, and went back to his role like nothing had happened. The dog, now dubbed “assistant coach Barky,” stayed on the sidelines for the rest of the session.
6. Hamish Davis had his best session yet, taking a contested mark that drew cheers from the group. He celebrated with Bo Allen, who got so hyped he accidentally ran into a tackle bag, causing it to burst open and spray foam everywhere. The boys couldn’t stop laughing, and Mini just shook his head with a grin, saying, “Welcome to the big time.”
7. Meanwhile, Jayden Hunt had the run of the day, burning past defenders to slot a miraculous goal from the pocket. He turned to the group and yelled, “That’s how it’s done!” before tripping over a stray water bottle and landing flat on his face. Mini clapped from the sideline, deadpan as ever: “Inspirational.”
After the session, the boys headed back inside to cool off and gathered in the lounge for an online duck race – the highlight of the morning. It was chaos as the boys placed their bets, and when Jack Petruccelle’s duck, “Quack the Ripper,” surged from last place to win by a beak, the room erupted. Petch jumped onto the table, arms spread wide, and screamed, “I duck better than Boots!” before the boys tackled him in celebration, knocking over beanbags and sending drinks flying.
The 2025 season is shaping up nicely. The new recruits are slotting in seamlessly, the seniors are leading the way, and the energy around the group is infectious. If today was anything to go by, we’re building something special.
Who's that behind you?Yeah I'm obviously in a bit of an overly paranoid mood.
206cm no brainer to train him up as a fwd/ruck.With Zach Reid's injury history I am very worried about sending Archer into the ruck. Not at least until he is fully physically developed at 25-26. Archer is 206cm in boots ffs.
206cm no brainer to train him up as a fwd/ruck.
I think we need to unpack this...Running laps/not involved in the full session were Bailey Williams, Jamieson, Ginbey, Graham, H Reid, Petch, Barnett (who is a unit)
He mentioned Loch off the half back...Did lol when Jack Graham mentioned Loch Rawlinson as a kid he’s been impressed by after most on here see him as a certain delisting. Tho it could be him giving love to a fellow SA lad
Waterman will goal. As for marking, he has hands like a gecko. Grips in any circumstances.It hit it's intended target Waterman, that's elite enough for mine...if he can do that in gametime and Waterman goals, then what's not to like?
Probs an AI scrapeNot much substance to the article... could have been written from home just by looking at the clubs X account..
It's 10:40 Sydney Time, 07:40 Perth Time, what else are we going to do to amuse ourselves?Do people actually read this AI slop?
I just scroll on past
You leave me no other option but to totally agree with you.Waterman will goal. As for marking, he has hands like a gecko. Grips in any circumstances.
Glad to see bulls got a mention, but left out the old bull (Yeo) struggling under the midday sun, a writer's missed opportunity?Hemingway chimes in.
The West Coast Eagles grind on, sweat running in the hot sun. Training is fierce. Men collide, bodies hit hard. The small forwards, young and old, fight for their place. Jack Petruccelle burns fast across the field, while Liam Ryan waits, calm and sharp, ready to strike. Harley Reid, a young bull, shows power that cannot be denied.
Oscar Allen, the new leader, watches. He nods, pleased. “We’ve lifted,” he says. “The standards, the hits, all of it. The young ones are ready. They push, and the team grows stronger.”
But not all are untouched by the grind. Luke Shuey, their captain, falls. A leg injured. They scan, they wait.
Through it all, the team moves forward. The veterans train apart, pacing themselves, wise in their years. The young ones seize the chance, hungry for their future. The Eagles are not yet what they will be, but they are moving there, step by step, blow by blow【8】【10】.
In the absence of Keys, I ventured forth this morn to observe the doings of our company upon their return from distant errands. Herein, I set down a few stray notes taken during my watch:
Should time allow, I shall endeavor to share sketches of the day’s toils. In the meanwhile, do send word should aught weigh upon your thoughts!
- Much running and toil were evident, for it seemed the labors of endurance were of paramount focus, even beneath the unyielding gaze of Anor.
- Boromir stood nearby, his strength undiminished, sending arrows swift and true to their mark. Surely, he is destined for great deeds in the year to come.
- Gimli locked horns with Legolas in trials of strength and swiftness. I dare say, the dwarf has the advantage in such contests at present.
- Aragorn moved amongst the company, a figure of unchallenged skill and wisdom, surpassing all save perhaps Gandalf himself in command of the field. His guidance was evident, though young Merry seemed quieter than usual, oft glancing to Aragorn for counsel. A sign, perhaps, that leadership weighs heavily upon him? It may be he shuns such a mantle for now.
- I hesitate to speak too gravely, for the heart can err in its judgments, but Samwise appeared to have enjoyed the Yuletide a bit more than his fellows. A council of the wise gathered about him, their voices earnest, and soon after, Sam was tasked with circuits of the field, his face set with determination. A boon for Pippin, perhaps, as it may grant him more prominence in days to come.
- Éowyn, fair and unyielding, practiced with her off hand throughout much of the session—a heartening sight, for it is rare to see such diligence in mastery.
- Théoden, though not actively partaking in the fray, took time between trials to impart his wisdom to the younger riders. Merry, in particular, lingered close by, listening intently.
- Faramir displayed skill aplenty, though his labors this morn were more measured. In the latter hour, he amused himself with archery, sending arrows arcing beautifully from impossible angles. Rarely did he miss his mark.
- It was most curious to observe Legolas dividing his time between the defense of our company and practice in a more aggressive stance. Mayhap he contemplates the role of a champion who can shift betwixt shield and sword as need demands. Against Gimli, he proved his mettle in a mock skirmish, first holding the line, then striking forward with grace.
- Arwen, swift as the coursing rivers, outpaced even the swift-footed Éomer in their trials.
- Nelson seemed pale of visage, his strength yet untempered for such arduous demands.
- Lastly, Gandalf was selected to end the day's efforts with a final trial—a well-placed strike of the staff. True to form, he succeeded, and the company erupted in mirth and cheer.
- Of the whereabouts of Frodo, Gollum, and Bilbo, I could not say, for they were absent from the field. If tidings reach me, I shall relay them with all haste.
Still growing, perhaps too early to assign a role206cm no brainer to train him up as a fwd/ruck.
The old bull, young bull joke springs to mind.Glad to see bulls got a mention, but left out the old bull (Yeo) struggling under the midday sun, a writer's missed opportunity?