2016 Pre-Season (All news, press conferences, training reports, Photos)

[Milux]

Geez, D.Beams does look huge in that pic.
Feel sorry for C.Beams though, he has some talent just that his body won't let him realise his full potential. I think he will get delisted and re-rookied at the end of the season IMO unfortunately

You wanna know the scary part about that photo is?












He looks bigger in real life.

 

[SizeMatters]

Isn't he contracted until the end of 2017? (not that is stopped us with Paine of course)

well if thats the case I guess he plays out his contract.

 

[SizeMatters]

You wanna know the scary part about that photo is?












He looks bigger in real life.

His pecs are popping, forearms are strong and shoulders look broad. I think he will be playing a similar role to the one he played last year out of necessity. I don't think he will be playing that much on the outside given how well he performed as a lone hand on the inside. If I was Leppa I'd be reluctant to change something that worked extremely well.

 

[Harris Specter]

Beams, Hanley, Rockliff and Bastinac complemented by Robinson, Bell, Zorko and Rich

Oh lawdy

 

[Morgs_]

Thanks for the report. Quick question what was Bastinacs role in the match sim? Did he stand out at all or show any glimpses? Cheers.

TBH I didn't notice Basti that much, I was going through my head all the new players and he was almost an after thought. He was predominantly in the middle getting the ball out, but he did show some nice signs with his kicking. I'm not sure if it is just his personality or he's still settling in, but he was not the most vocal player out there.

 

[lionshine]

Beams, Hanley, Rockliff and Bastinac complemented by Robinson, Bell, Zorko and Rich

Oh lawdy

Forgot arguably the best of them all...... BUNDY!!!!

 

[Gadzorks]

As someone only just 30 and staring down a knee replacement in the near future I can appreciate the challenges he has with bad cartilage damage, but when it gets to this long after surgery and he still isn't back in the main group that is a bit of a red flag for me. Hope I am wrong but his knee is becoming a worry now

Had surgery on my knee 2 years ago for busted cartilage. While I now able to do any activity I have to consistently manage the knee. I can't miss a strength/rehab/training session (min 4 session/week) or increase load quickly as it gives me a bit of grief. Even then it still jams up every now and then. Surgery was totally worth it but it will never be the same as before. Maybe Claye's knee is adjusting to increased training load/changes in training activities and is being managed as a precaution. Bit of a worry when it comes to the intensity of playing a game though.

Surgeon offered to have a go at the cartilage damage in my hip as well - no thanks, not while I can still run, albeit slowly, on it.

 

[WA Lion]

Had surgery on my knee 2 years ago for busted cartilage. While I now able to do any activity I have to consistently manage the knee. I can't miss a strength/rehab/training session (min 4 session/week) or increase load quickly as it gives me a bit of grief. Even then it still jams up every now and then. Surgery was totally worth it but it will never be the same as before. Maybe Claye's knee is adjusting to increased training load/changes in training activities and is being managed as a precaution. Bit of a worry when it comes to the intensity of playing a game though.

Surgeon offered to have a go at the cartilage damage in my hip as well - no thanks, not while I can still run, albeit slowly, on it.

Yeah I can sympathise with that, had several rounds of surgery, and with each one the knee gets more and more easily unsettled and intolerant of load changes. It only gets worse as well. Eventually you are told in no uncertain terms (well in my case anyway!) that you have to give up any form or running or jumping. Hopefully Claye is a long way off this, and he may even be able to give the same treatment that has kept Nick Reiwoldt going all these years a crack

 

[Balony_pony16]

They then had a little bit of match simulation with I think Green and White teams combining against Yellow and Maroon. Was pretty congested but I was trying to keep an eye on Mathieson and Keays. Mathieson makes me smile for some reason, I just have a feeling about him and I really think he will be a great addition to our side.
Go Lions!

it seems Matho is getting some pretty big wraps from various watchers (including Craig Lambert). Is Keays a bit behind in development in your opinion? Interesting im pretty sure the Lions had Matho higher on their board then keays

 

[xplo]

it seems Matho is getting some pretty big wraps from various watchers (including Craig Lambert). Is Keays a bit behind in development in your opinion? Interesting im pretty sure the Lions had Matho higher on their board then keays

They had Mathieson at 19. Not sure where Keays was rated but have a feeling it was slightly higher.

 

[Morgs_]

it seems Matho is getting some pretty big wraps from various watchers (including Craig Lambert). Is Keays a bit behind in development in your opinion? Interesting im pretty sure the Lions had Matho higher on their board then keays

I don't think he is behind or in front, too early to tell at this stage. I think they will compliment each other over the course of their careers. I just really like the look of Mathieson, something about his footballing ability makes me smile. IMO Keays will debut before Mathieson purely from an endurance stand point.

 

[Lace Out]

I reckon Keays and Matho would only get a game this season through another bad injury toll.They're a chance I guess.

 

[AFLQLD]

Such a good thing that we are discussing young players with such potential. It really is an exciting time. The season will come upon us soon enough and I am sure there will be some pleasant surprises and some disappointments. But I really do think that the future looks brighter than it has for some time.

 

[Tassie4ever]

I reckon Keays and Matho would only get a game this season through another bad injury toll.They're a chance I guess.

Should really let this go through to the keeper, but seriously. We ran 17th last year- we finished in front of one team. And that was only because we won our last game against a side who arguably rested half their senior team.

And our NEAFL side was worse.

I reckon anyone who shows a hint of promise will get a gig.

 

[Sherrinator]

Should really let this go through to the keeper, but seriously. We ran 17th last year- we finished in front of one team. And that was only because we won our last game against a side who arguably rested half their senior team.

And our NEAFL side was worse.

I reckon anyone who shows a hint of promise will get a gig.

They will get a gig when we lose half our midfield to annual injury toll.

 

[Brett C]

Should really let this go through to the keeper, but seriously. We ran 17th last year- we finished in front of one team. And that was only because we won our last game against a side who arguably rested half their senior team.

And our NEAFL side was worse.

I reckon anyone who shows a hint of promise will get a gig.

Completely agree, you'd think we have been a top 8 side for the past 3 or 4 years.

We have been a below average side and it's time to give some young players with talent a crack.

I'd be disappointed if both Keays and Mathieson didn't each play at least a handful of games.

I can see Mathieson being a gun, not an athlete but he is a hell of a footy player.

 

[whizkizz]

Should really let this go through to the keeper, but seriously. We ran 17th last year- we finished in front of one team. And that was only because we won our last game against a side who arguably rested half their senior team.

And our NEAFL side was worse.

I reckon anyone who shows a hint of promise will get a gig.

I'm with Lace out on this one.

He said they would get games if we're ravaged by injury again.

If Beams, Rockliff, Hanley, Rich, Bundy, Robbo, Zorko, Bell and Bastinac are all getting a game, I'm not sure how you squeeze in a Keays or a Mathison.

I'd also argue that the Dogs didn't rest half their senior side; they rested 3 players - but that's beside the point. We finished second last because we barely got a team on the park all year (and note the flow on effect into the NEAFL).

I'm not sure if you're suggesting they're now walk up starters, but I wouldn't be surprised if they only manage a handful of games each. Anything more is a bonus (or an indication we're struggling!).

 

[carnthemlions]

I'm with Lace out on this one.

He said they would get games if we're ravaged by injury again.

If Beams, Rockliff, Hanley, Rich, Bundy, Robbo, Zorko, Bell and Bastinac are all getting a game, I'm not sure how you squeeze in a Keays or a Mathison.

I'd also argue that the Dogs didn't rest half their senior side; they rested 3 players - but that's beside the point. We finished second last because we barely got a team on the park all year (and note the flow on effect into the NEAFL).

I'm not sure if you're suggesting they're now walk up starters, but I wouldn't be surprised if they only manage a handful of games each. Anything more is a bonus (or an indication we're struggling!).

The biggest problem over the last couple of years has been the fact that we've often been forced to play numerous first year players no matter what. If they earn their spot, good for them. Otherwise, we really aren't in a position where pushing more first first year players into the side makes sense.

 

[POBT]

The "we were shit last year so anyone will get a game over our mob" is wrong on just so many levels.

 

[Clarkythelion]

I think the game will change slightly this season. Endurance will be a factor, albite just a little. Some teams with bigger bodies who bullied others around with their short sharp bursts will find the going a tiny bit harder and endurance players will be a bit better off with less interchange. Injuries did play a big part with the Lions last year never have a consistent bunch on the park. We do have some great runners that can take less interchange, Close, Paparone, Mayes all came with good motors, Tom Bell and Bastinac apparently can play long minutes. Hanley and others also. I'm not suggesting a mighty improvement but most teams are talking about 'new training' so most seem to think the game will change. The changes are meant to result in less players around the ball so maybe the kids with clean hands and good disposal come into the game more. Mathieson for me is a great gut to have in a red vest this year.

 

[WA Lion]

The "we were shit last year so anyone will get a game over our mob" is wrong on just so many levels.

Completely agree, you'd think we have been a top 8 side for the past 3 or 4 years.

We have been a below average side and it's time to give some young players with talent a crack.

I'd be disappointed if both Keays and Mathieson didn't each play at least a handful of games.

I can see Mathieson being a gun, not an athlete but he is a hell of a footy player.

Absolutely agree POBT.

We have been a below average side Brett C as we have been forced to give games to youngster ahead of their time due to the GH5 and insane injury tolls, you would like to continue that run of being below average by gifting games to youngsters?

The players this year that are coming in to their 3rd and 4th seasons are where our improvement will come from, but you are essentially advocating for continuing to gift games to 1st years before they are ready (which would be at the expense of the 3rd and 4th year players). We would be resigned to indefinite mediocrity with that sort of team selection. The only reason we have been below average is because we have had so many 1st year players in the 1st team before their time.

Let the kids earn their stripes.

 

[pauldrc]

I'm with Lace out on this one.

He said they would get games if we're ravaged by injury again.

If Beams, Rockliff, Hanley, Rich, Bundy, Robbo, Zorko, Bell and Bastinac are all getting a game, I'm not sure how you squeeze in a Keays or a Mathison.

Others also ahead who can/do play through the midfield area also include:

Mayes, Robertson, Jansen, Taylor, Lester....we have a lot of midfield depth, and consequently a lot of players that are probably currently above Keays and Mathison....

 

[POBT]

It is a bit like media people saying Schache is a lock for a spot on the basis that our forward line has been terrible. It totally disregards the development/availability of Freeman and Close and the signing of Walker. Neither of those players were available (much) last year. Schache may well be a better option than those guys (or we may play 3 or 4 at once) but that's not the argument some people present.

FWIW, I would seriously consider Keays or Mathieson for Green's spot and it may be that they aren't that far behind the 2nd or 3rd year players on the fringe of senior selection. But that's a different conversation.

 

[SizeMatters]

It is a bit like media people saying Schache is a lock for a spot on the basis that our forward line has been terrible. It totally disregards the development/availability of Freeman and Close and the signing of Walker. Neither of those players were available (much) last year. Schache may well be a better option than those guys (or we may play 3 or 4 at once) but that's not the argument some people present.

FWIW, I would seriously consider Keays or Mathieson for Green's spot and it may be that they aren't that far behind the 2nd or 3rd year players on the fringe of senior selection. But that's a different conversation.

But Green is the leading goal kicker!

 

[M Malice]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-01-28/hanley-pledges-lions-will-hang-on-to-their-talent