Training 2025 Off-Season & Preseason reports and discussion

[peetoo]

Hmmm. Another defender? He’s rated very high as a possible top ten pick isn’t he?

Get him with Carlton’s first rounder

 

[kazzooka]

Nash will be a threat in the forward half if and when he can get his overhead marking up to scratch. His kicking is steadily improving and he hits targets pretty reliably. However, his overhead marking is nowhere near AFL standard. Fix that and at 198cm he could be a menace resting in the forward half.

That would be a dream scenario. I don't expect him to be a forward or even a goal kicking mid type. Just that sometimes you get the ball forward and you need to kick a goal. Nash at the moment, it's like a guaranteed miss or a handball to someone under more pressure because he knows he isn't good in front of goal. Worpel for instance in those moments just goes immediately takes the first option to kick the goal.

 

[DogDaySonny]

Squiggle predicts the Hawks finish top of the ladder. Wheelo predicts the Hawks finish second. Live Ladder predicts first.

It’s not even Feb yet? Come on.

 

[Slainte]

Squiggle predicts the Hawks finish top of the ladder. Wheelo predicts the Hawks finish second. Live Ladder predicts first.

It’s not even Feb yet? Come on.

The betting markets have us second favourite for the flag. Early days but I don't think any of these predictions are crazy.

 

[Steven Tyler]

Gatorade knows who’s hot right now















Ok, they are doing all teams………..

 

[kazzooka]

The betting markets have us second favourite for the flag. Early days but I don't think any of these predictions are crazy.

If you look at our form from the 0-5 start we lost 5 more but only Sydney and Geelong beat us comfortably, the 3 other losses (port x2, gws) could have gone either way. And most would think that the natural improvement, turning our weakness (tall defenders) into a strength with Barrass, Battle then Blank and Frost available not missing from key finals. Day and Mackenzie. I think that had Day, Mackenzie and Frost not been injured we'd certainly beat Port, a sydney in sydney prelim would have been a challenge but a real indicator of how much we improved through the year but would be the game i'm least confident in.

Brisbane at the MCG we win 9 times out of 10. They haven't beaten us since 2019

 

[cryptor]

Squiggle predicts the Hawks finish top of the ladder. Wheelo predicts the Hawks finish second. Live Ladder predicts first.

It’s not even Feb yet? Come on.

Got fed by the algorithm a preseason prediction video from a Bulldogs fan the other day. He had us finishing 9th for no other reason than he thought we needed to be humbled. With that type of sharp analysis it's a surprise he only had 19 subscribers.

 

[kirbatron]

Gee whiz Ramma is looking massif in today's pics.. could he burst onto the scene in 25'

 

[matey]

Yeah got to the ground this morning with son and was told by curator training starting at 12 grrr so we couldn’t hang around. But it would have been a good session in the heat. Shout out to Scrim in the pics …… such an underrated clubman that walks around quietly with a big stick!

 

[perrdan86]

Yeah got to the ground this morning with son and was told by curator training starting at 12 grrr so we couldn’t hang around. But it would have been a good session in the heat. Shout out to Scrim in the pics …… such an underrated clubman that walks around quietly with a big stick!

Geez they all look in ripping condition.

 

[kazzooka]

Yeah got to the ground this morning with son and was told by curator training starting at 12 grrr so we couldn’t hang around. But it would have been a good session in the heat. Shout out to Scrim in the pics …… such an underrated clubman that walks around quietly with a big stick!

Great pics.

I still can't get over how "full back" Tom Barrass looks. Has anyone ever looked more full back then him?

 

[Tall Tales and True]

Helluva' shot of Croc! (You can't help but wonder how good ...?)

On SM-S916B using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[perrdan86]

Surely i'm not the only one that keeps checking this thread multiple times an hour hoping for match sim reports? lol

 

[matey]

Geez they all look in ripping condition.

From observing today’s session the biggest thing that stood out for me today ……. the boys do turn up early coming in through the car park. It’s a report but that’s all I got!

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Geez they all look in ripping condition.

Worps looks as cut as I’ve ever seen him, I have an inkling “The Worpedo” could be in for a very big year.

 

[Blackhawk42]

Would have been hot for the fellas in that training top. It's a genuine footy jumper, as opposed to a training singlet.

Also, if we're being honest, it looks cleaner and more eye catching than our new clash/legends design.

 

[matey]

I have cheekily asked Weddle on why he lost to Amon in the time trials .
He said it's alright as he's taller and bigger and he got a different program.
He also added that he's faster this year compared to last year (I did not ask how he measured it), it is just that the other players are faster than him this year .... which he says is a good thing, more competition.

The most intriguing player for mine over summer. Why a different program he’s looking bigger and would be closer to 100kg than 90! So looking forward to seeing what plans Sam has for this young man

 

[Siri]

So I took my two boys to today's training session with the best intentions. My youngest has special needs, so unfortunately I had one eye on my boy & the other eye on our boys. I stayed for about 90 minutes. Massimo was the first player out & Calsher retreated to the rooms after walking a couple of laps with a trainer.

Stunning day with beautiful blue skies and no wind. From the onset, there was a great vibe amongst the group & plenty of banter as they lined up for a team photo. Jars was the loudest motivator.

The rehab group consisted of the usual suspects (Lewis, Blanck, Frost etc) who ran numerous laps before partaking in a kick to kick & repeat sprints. They were on the far wing so it was difficult to gauge if they did any drills where they changed direction etc. Ginni & The Wiz also ran laps before concentrating on passing to one another & goal kicking. They didn't partake in any of the main drills, although they didn't appear to be stifled in any way. On one occasion coach Mitchell was (again) mentoring The Wiz on kicking around the corner, from the left pocket on the right. Mitchell nailed every shot (freak) whilst The Wiz went at about 60 or 70 per cent. Both Ginni & Wiz look very fit.

The remainder of the group partook in numerous drills which consisted of handballing under pressure, kicking in tight (multiple players stood in a set of cones, there were heaps of balls in play & they had to chose the best option outside of the cones) & end to end play. The end to end play was pretty dynamic & there was an expectation that players would run on after disposing of the ball & create space to present as an option, decoy or receiver. Day, CJ, Newk, Weddle & Massimo stood out to me & my eldest, each for different reasons. CJ was moving beautifully ... I mean really beautifully (although his hands were a little hard), Day is just a footballer's footballer, Massimo's kicking is sublime, Weddle excites you (even at training) & Jai terrifies his own team mates. Moore was also prominent but his disposal was a little off. During the handball drills no one could get a hand on Chol. He just meandered through the contest, as fluid as my drool. He really seems motivated.

Due to niggles or training loads (I suspect) some players would peel off & run laps or sprints as opposed to partaking in the drills. McCabe, The Beast, Seamus, Breust, Gunners, Butler & Sic ran past or watched on ... just to name a few.

The match sim kicked off around the time my youngest was motioning for fish & chips. It was hard & mouthguards were in (for both me & the players). Anyway ... the teams consisted of the usual vests & no vests. From what I saw, Jai & Worpel were fantastic in close. On one occasion Worpel evaded three tackles prior to kicking it forward. Although his kick was below par, his evasive skills & core strength were evident. I couldn't stay for much longer, but I did note that players were instructed not to man the mark, but peel off to shut down space. On one occasion Scaife forgot to do this & Chol gave him an absolute spray from the boundary. I was taken aback a little, as Mabior otherwise seems to be so laid back. To me it screamed of him taking on a mentoring role for Jasper. On another occasion Weddle crashed into / soared over Meek (who is just massive) to kill a ball. His team mates responded accordingly. The Beast unleashed to run down CJ & all tackles were full on. It was definitely a match sim. Battle surprised me with how agile he is & as someone said earlier, Barrass is just a quintessential full back.

At this point my youngest had had enough so we had to peel off. I had no intention of posting, but figured that I'd try to share the love. It was my first training session this year & it's left me & my family pumped for 2025. Everyone looks fitter than Schoenmakers with bigger hands than Pittonet. Go hawks!

 

[threesixpio]

So I took my two boys to today's training session with the best intentions. My youngest has special needs, so unfortunately I had one eye on my boy & the other eye on our boys. I stayed for about 90 minutes. Massimo was the first player out & Calsher retreated to the rooms after walking a couple of laps with a trainer.

Stunning day with beautiful blue skies and no wind. From the onset, there was a great vibe amongst the group & plenty of banter as they lined up for a team photo. Jars was the loudest motivator.

The rehab group consisted of the usual suspects (Lewis, Blanck, Frost) who ran numerous laps before partaking in a kick to kick & repeat sprints. They were on the far wing so it was difficult to gauge if they did any drills where they changed direction etc. Ginni & The Wiz also ran laps before concentrating on passing to one another & goal kicking. They didn't partake in any of the main drills, although they didn't appear to be stifled in any way. On one occasion coach Mitchell was (again) mentoring The Wiz on kicking around the corner, from the left pocket on the right. Mitchell nailed every shot (freak) whilst The Wiz went at about 60 or 70 per cent. Both Ginni & Wiz look very fit.

The remainder of the group partook in numerous drills which consisted of handballing under pressure, kicking in tight (multiple players stood in a set of cones, there were heaps of balls in play & they had to chose the best option outside of the cones) & end to end play. The end to end play was pretty dynamic & there was an expectation that players would run on after disposing of the ball & create space to present as an option, decoy or receiver. Day, CJ, Newk, Weddle & Massimo stood out to me & my eldest, each for different reasons. CJ was moving beautifully ... I mean really beautifully (although his hands were a little hard), Day is just a footballer's footballer, Massimo's kicking is sublime, Weddle excites you (even at training) & Jai terrifies his own team mates. Moore was also prominent but his disposal was a little off. During the handball drills no one could get a hand on Chol. He just meandered through the contest, as fluid as my drool. He really seems motivated.

Due to niggles or training loads (I suspect) some players would peel off & run laps or sprints as opposed to partaking in the drills. McCabe, The Beast, Seamus, Breust, Gunners, Butler & Sic ran past or watched on ... just to name a few.

The match sim kicked off around the time my youngest was motioning for fish & chips. It was hard & mouthguards were in (for both me & the players). Anyway ... the teams consisted of the usual vests & no vests. From what I saw, Jai & Worpel were fantastic in close. On one occasion Worpel evaded three tackles prior to kicking it forward. Although his kick was below par, his evasive skills & core strength were evident. I couldn't stay for much longer, but I did note that players were instructed not to man the mark, but peel off to shut down space. On one occasion Scaife forgot to do this & Chol gave him an absolute spray from the boundary. I was taken aback a little, as Mabior otherwise seems to be so laid back. To me it screamed of him taking on a mentoring role for Jasper. On another occasion Weddle crashed into / soared over Meek (who is just massive) to kill a ball. His team mates responded accordingly. The Beast unleashed to run down Jars & all tackles were full on. It was definitely a match sim. Battle surprised me with how agile he is & as someone said earlier, Barrass is just a quintessential full back.

At this point my youngest had had enough so we had to peel off. I had no intention of posting, but figured that I'd try to share the love. It was my first training session this year & it's left me & my family pumped for 2025. Everyone looks fitter than Schoenmakers with bigger hands than Pittonet. Go hawks!

Bloody glad you did post. One of the best in 2025 yet.

 

[Newmo89]

Training notes from Monday 13th of January.
No shows - nil
Rehab group - Seamus Mitchell, Sam Frost, James Blanck, Mitchell Lewis, Noah Mraz, Luke Breust, Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan
Ginnivan, Mraz, and Wiz ran copious amounts of laps - Ginnivan and Watson took many shots at goal.
Frost ran laps - hoping to do ball work soon
Lewis ran laps and was kicking goals - very clean striking of the ball.
Ward watched on for most of training - still recovering from illness.
During match simulation, Punky, Buttsy and Sicily ran laps instead of taking part in it.

Match simulation highlights.
CJ had a great tackle, ball and all, which he was very excited about. He kicked a goal from 50m after drifting forward from half back. He was quick off the mark and relatively reliable with his disposal. Had a spoil with Scrimma on Chol that had him up and about.
Hustwaite had 4 centre clearances and looked good through the middle - his challenge is when the ball went the other way, as he didn’t have the speed to go with his opponent at times.
Morrison was ever reliable with the ball in hand.
Cody Anderson played as a small forward - his defensive pressure was huge. Almost chased down CJ and was frustrated he missed.
Serong played on Ramsden - Serong had some good wins and helped with the rebound, however Ramsden got him a few times over the back.
Gunners kicked three goals - his positioning and movement was excellent. He played on McCabe early in, before Battle was moved onto him.
Scaife kicked a few goals - got his body in the right spot but didn’t hold on to a few marks he would have liked.
Daysy will be better for the run but was unscathed
Frenchie had a cut left eye and left the park a few minutes early.
Reeves looked really good - won the hit out battle over Meek and his field kicking was really good. He appears to be over his back issues and was running and moving more freely. He looks like he will challenge Meek.
Barrass just knows where to be and what to do when the ball comes into the defensive half.
Nash’s disposal continues to improve, as does Finn’s.

 

[DogDaySonny]

Training notes from Monday 13th of January.
No shows - nil
Rehab group - Seamus Mitchell, Sam Frost, James Blanck, Mitchell Lewis, Noah Mraz, Luke Breust, Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan
Ginnivan, Mraz, and Wiz ran copious amounts of laps - Ginnivan and Watson took many shots at goal.
Frost ran laps - hoping to do ball work soon
Lewis ran laps and was kicking goals - very clean striking of the ball.
Ward watched on for most of training - still recovering from illness.
During match simulation, Punky, Buttsy and Sicily ran laps instead of taking part in it.

Match simulation highlights.
CJ had a great tackle, ball and all, which he was very excited about. He kicked a goal from 50m after drifting forward from half back. He was quick off the mark and relatively reliable with his disposal. Had a spoil with Scrimma on Chol that had him up and about.
Hustwaite had 4 centre clearances and looked good through the middle - his challenge is when the ball went the other way, as he didn’t have the speed to go with his opponent at times.
Morrison was ever reliable with the ball in hand.
Cody Anderson played as a small forward - his defensive pressure was huge. Almost chased down CJ and was frustrated he missed.
Serong played on Ramsden - Serong had some good wins and helped with the rebound, however Ramsden got him a few times over the back.
Gunners kicked three goals - his positioning and movement was excellent. He played on McCabe early in, before Battle was moved onto him.
Scaife kicked a few goals - got his body in the right spot but didn’t hold on to a few marks he would have liked.
Daysy will be better for the run but was unscathed
Frenchie had a cut left eye and left the park a few minutes early.
Reeves looked really good - won the hit out battle over Meek and his field kicking was really good. He appears to be over his back issues and was running and moving more freely. He looks like he will challenge Meek.
Barrass just knows where to be and what to do when the ball comes into the defensive half.
Nash’s disposal continues to improve, as does Finn’s.

Great report, Newmo89. Thanks. Are these pics working for anyone else? They are coming up blank for me.

 

[threesixpio]

Great report, Newmo89. Thanks. Are these pics working for anyone else? They are coming up blank for me.

Same

 

[Dewnior]

During match simulation, Punky, Buttsy and Sicily ran laps instead of taking part in it.

Thanks for the report.

Do you know why Buttsy ran laps? Was it just management?

 

[matey]

So I took my two boys to today's training session with the best intentions. My youngest has special needs, so unfortunately I had one eye on my boy & the other eye on our boys. I stayed for about 90 minutes. Massimo was the first player out & Calsher retreated to the rooms after walking a couple of laps with a trainer.

Stunning day with beautiful blue skies and no wind. From the onset, there was a great vibe amongst the group & plenty of banter as they lined up for a team photo. Jars was the loudest motivator.

The rehab group consisted of the usual suspects (Lewis, Blanck, Frost etc) who ran numerous laps before partaking in a kick to kick & repeat sprints. They were on the far wing so it was difficult to gauge if they did any drills where they changed direction etc. Ginni & The Wiz also ran laps before concentrating on passing to one another & goal kicking. They didn't partake in any of the main drills, although they didn't appear to be stifled in any way. On one occasion coach Mitchell was (again) mentoring The Wiz on kicking around the corner, from the left pocket on the right. Mitchell nailed every shot (freak) whilst The Wiz went at about 60 or 70 per cent. Both Ginni & Wiz look very fit.

The remainder of the group partook in numerous drills which consisted of handballing under pressure, kicking in tight (multiple players stood in a set of cones, there were heaps of balls in play & they had to chose the best option outside of the cones) & end to end play. The end to end play was pretty dynamic & there was an expectation that players would run on after disposing of the ball & create space to present as an option, decoy or receiver. Day, CJ, Newk, Weddle & Massimo stood out to me & my eldest, each for different reasons. CJ was moving beautifully ... I mean really beautifully (although his hands were a little hard), Day is just a footballer's footballer, Massimo's kicking is sublime, Weddle excites you (even at training) & Jai terrifies his own team mates. Moore was also prominent but his disposal was a little off. During the handball drills no one could get a hand on Chol. He just meandered through the contest, as fluid as my drool. He really seems motivated.

Due to niggles or training loads (I suspect) some players would peel off & run laps or sprints as opposed to partaking in the drills. McCabe, The Beast, Seamus, Breust, Gunners, Butler & Sic ran past or watched on ... just to name a few.

The match sim kicked off around the time my youngest was motioning for fish & chips. It was hard & mouthguards were in (for both me & the players). Anyway ... the teams consisted of the usual vests & no vests. From what I saw, Jai & Worpel were fantastic in close. On one occasion Worpel evaded three tackles prior to kicking it forward. Although his kick was below par, his evasive skills & core strength were evident. I couldn't stay for much longer, but I did note that players were instructed not to man the mark, but peel off to shut down space. On one occasion Scaife forgot to do this & Chol gave him an absolute spray from the boundary. I was taken aback a little, as Mabior otherwise seems to be so laid back. To me it screamed of him taking on a mentoring role for Jasper. On another occasion Weddle crashed into / soared over Meek (who is just massive) to kill a ball. His team mates responded accordingly. The Beast unleashed to run down CJ & all tackles were full on. It was definitely a match sim. Battle surprised me with how agile he is & as someone said earlier, Barrass is just a quintessential full back.

At this point my youngest had had enough so we had to peel off. I had no intention of posting, but figured that I'd try to share the love. It was my first training session this year & it's left me & my family pumped for 2025. Everyone looks fitter than Schoenmakers with bigger hands than Pittonet. Go hawks!

During this time of year its posts like this that adds a spring in the step …… keep posting thanks Siri

Yes your reference to the drills around congested close in stuff (to first get the ball and get it out) and quick dynamic work over the ground (no one is ever flat footed where teammates are running full throttle to create an option) you can see where our game style is going. Sam now has established a group of players to implement it effectively. We now have a good mix of tough in congestion types complimenting our quick and fit hard runners on the outside types. Saw it evolving last season the connection is really starting to click

Very happy as a supporter rocking up to games knowing we will be trying to play attacking, aggressive, high scoring footy. Buckle up!

 

[TheFourPillars]

Thanks for the report.

Do you know why Buttsy ran laps? Was it just management?

Because he is still not in full contact.