Training 2023 Pre-season thread

[scoman]

A few names that might be considered:

Walker - Would be dependent on him wanting to go again of course and where he sees his long-term future (Melbourne or SEQ).

Buzza - Already here, hasn't exactly proven himself at the level though. Doesn't really stand out at VFL level either.

Arnold - Similar to Buzza in that he is already involved with the club. Has looked reliable at times in the VFL and still relatively young.

Greene - Another guy already at the club. It's not really a like for like replacement though as Greene is not tall enough to be considered a number 1 or 2 key defender. More of a replacement for Gardiner/ Starce.

Ethan Phillips - Mature age VFL player who was tipped to get drafted this year. Don't think that happened? Was named fullback in the VFL team of the year and won the medal for best young talent in the VFL this year, same as Charlie Dean the previous year. I wonder if he is training at another club?

Jack Maibaum - Didn't get a run in his time at Sydney, although a quick look at his thread on the Sydney board suggests he may have spent a good chunk of his time there in the injury list. Like Phillips, he was named in the VFL team of the year for 22'

 

[Nunez]

Riley Greene come on down!

 

[scoman]

Riley Greene come on down!

I like the idea (he has looked fantastic in the VFL and I believe he hasn't had a great run at it during his draft years), but I'm not sure he is the right fit. Isn't he 187 cm or something like that? He would need Sicily levels of ability to succeed as a number 1 or 2 key defender. I guess it's not out of the question if Fullerton is moved permanently to a defensive role as cover for Andrews and Payne. Will add him to my list above.

 

[Nunez]

I like the idea (he has looked fantastic in the VFL and I believe he hasn't had a great run at it during his draft years), but I'm not sure he is the right fit. Isn't he 187 cm or something like that? He would need Sicily levels of ability to succeed as a number 1 or 2 key defender. I guess it's not out of the question if Fullerton is moved permanently to a defensive role as cover for Andrews and Payne. Will add him to my list above.

I don't see anyone who is available playing near Adams level at AFL level. Ultimately Andrews, Gardiner & Payne are our KPD - two lockdowns and one interceptor. If one goes down, two can still play lockdown roles and we can look at rotating Gunston down back and Fort or Fullarton up forward.

Greene can lock down on medium talls and can intercept. While he wouldn't be physically ready to play on a KPF of a high quality, he could definitely play a role IMO.

 

[jjami15]

Ethan Phillips for me. He is that true KPD size. When would we be able to get him in?

 

[Thomasno]

Josh Walker to make a return? Knows our system and would be a cheap insurance policy. I thought he was reliable when he played with us and was not terrible when we let him go. He was clearly behind Andrews, Marcus and Payne and was surplus to needs more than anything.

He didn't have a huge opportunity to play with freedom in a poor North Melbourne side, and was arguably delisted to make way for youth and their next rebuild.

He only turned 30 in November so has plenty of footy left in him.

I could get behind Walker. I always liked him down back with us, like you said he’d be behind the others but he’s good enough to plug a hole when needed.

 

[Thomasno]

Ethan Phillips for me. He is that true KPD size. When would we be able to get him in?

Agreed with this. If he’s the best fullback at VFL level and still quite young, surely he’s more than capable to come and be depth for us? And with our KPD luck he’s bound to get a game this year lol

 

[Saucery]

I could get behind Walker. I always liked him down back with us, like you said he’d be behind the others but he’s good enough to plug a hole when needed.

Yes I agree, we need someone who can play on the big gorilla type forwards. Marcus's intercept marking will be sorely missed though.

 

[Saucery]

Any love for Mitch Brown, that's if he can be tempted to come out of retirement.

 

[jfn]

Yes I agree, we need someone who can play on the big gorilla type forwards. Marcus's intercept marking will be sorely missed though.

I think that player is Jack Payne, but task now is to feed him mongrel sandwiches before the season starts. He a great size and shape to play on the biggest forwards. Got some speed too. He just needs to realise just how good he could be.

 

[Tom14]

195cm Irish bloke, used to play for St Kilda.

 

[scoman]

195cm Irish bloke, used to play for St Kilda.

Ok might have to edit my post above then....haha

 

[Nathan Barley]

Has been training with Collingwoods vfl team

No Kilkenny return for Darragh Joyce

The former minor All-Ireland winning captain is set to continue his career in Australia with Collingwood’s VFL team.

www.irishexaminer.com

 

[Nunez]

We do love the Irish...

 

[Cubs2Lions]

195cm Irish bloke, used to play for St Kilda.

Darragh Joyce | AFL

Follow Darragh Joyce's progress through AFL

www.saints.com.au

Three games for the red, white and black and a string of impressive showings in the VFL in 2019 saw Irishman Darragh Joyce elevated to the senior list ahead of Season 2020.

Manning the key posts up forward and down back for injury-riddled Sandringham, Joyce was one of the side's most consistent performers, particularly in one-on-one contests and through his vocal on-field leadership – a trait inspired by Melbourne Storm legend and St Kilda Leadership Coach, Billy Slater.

An operation to repair ligament damage in his thumb and a hamstring tendon injury hindered Joyce's run in the early part of the 2020 pre-season, but following the Saints' relocation to Noosa, has begun to hit his straps for the reserves.

The former hurling star from Kilkenny has played predominantly as a forward in the defender-heavy line-up, utilising the versatility he showcased for the Zebras to pin down a main role in attack.

Joyce was selected by St Kilda as a Category B rookie at the end of 2016, becoming just the third Irishman to ever represent St Kilda in its 147-year history.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Seems a logical choice. Better backup than Fullarton or Lester. Good age bracket to be near his peak physically while if he can take his chance should be able to get 5-6 or more years out of him.

 

[saintkildaman]

Joyce is a quality athlete, tough as nails. Struggled when given a go at senior level last season but years prior I thought he looked solid at AFL level. Solid pick up for KPD depth.

 

[Mr Ripper]

Was a spectator at training this morning, Joyce.

 

[Saucery]

I think that player is Jack Payne, but task now is to feed him mongrel sandwiches before the season starts. He a great size and shape to play on the biggest forwards. Got some speed too. He just needs to realise just how good he could be.

Actually I didn't mean on field but in depth, what if Payne goes down? I think a mature age back up is needed but who?

 

[Cubs2Lions]

Actually I didn't mean on field but in depth, what if Payne goes down? I think a mature age back up is needed but who?

And god forbid it never occurs, but what happens if Andrews or Gardiner either go down to LTIs as well

We definitely need all the luck we can on keeping our KPD stocks fit and healthy in 2023.

 

[Brett C]

And god forbid it never occurs, but what happens if Andrews or Gardiner either go down to LTIs as well

We definitely need all the luck we can on keeping our KPD stocks fit and healthy in 2023.

Every club needs a bit of luck and there isn’t a club in the league that could cover 2 or 3 long term injuries to quality defenders in the same position.

If that happens then you cover as best you can

 

[janty]

Could always throw McStay down back as lose man to take some intercept marks.

 

[Dalions]

Could always throw McStay down back as lose man to take some intercept marks.

That would be great for the wobbles.

 

[nup]

Bad luck for Adams but every side has those players who can be a weapon but just don't have luck go their way. Huge respect for him

 

[FeastOrFamine]

Really disappointed for Adams. Besides Neale, he was one of the acquisitions from the 2018 off-season I followed the closest. Hopefully for his sake he can return to full health, even if that means potentially giving up footy.

I suppose a positive from this is that Jack Payne should have a solid run at it if he's fit. If he can become a bit more agro and throw his size around he could be a massive weapon down back for us.