Training 2023 Pre-season thread

[Kevvo]

It might soon be simpler to list Gardiner’s uninjured body parts. He’s had a rough run.

 

[M Malice]

Reported today that Dizzy has had ankle/achilles issue as well as the shoulder and may miss round 1. Not ideal.

Ankle issues on top of shoulder probably means he hasn't had much of an off season, he might need to come back through the reserves when he's right, by then Rayner could have made the 3rd tall defender position his own.

 

[Quested]

Didn't we only just give Dizzy another 3 years? Poor bloke definitely having/had a bad run, but it's further justification for the Rayner experiment. With his physique and presence, I can definitely see him worrying some of the best forwards in the comp.

 

[pulpdriver]

Ah Chee apparently unavailable the next month due to quad strain, explains why he wasn't in the 26. Dizzy no estimated return date is concerning but he is always injured. Lock Cam into the 22 in defence. Our depth in defence could really be tested this year.

 

[Nathan Barley]

I think Joyce has to play round 1 (or Fullarton)

Not much luck with Adams, Gardiner, Lester and Michael all injured

 

[Matt_BL]

Might have been some misreporting but Lester played in the VFL trial so he may be an option to play back. But if he wasn’t in the 26 squad v Sydney coaches might have others ahead, including Rayner.

 

[Gadzorks]

I think Joyce has to play round 1

Not much luck with Adams, Gardiner, Lester and Michael all injured

Trying to find a positive - it's early in the season so they can recover and work their way back to full strength by finals?

 

[Grasshopper17]

Trying to find a positive - it's early in the season so they can recover and work their way back to full strength by finals?

Plenty of opportunities to give games to younger/less experienced players. Which we've been crying out for all summer.

 

[martinson]

Trying to find a positive - it's early in the season so they can recover and work their way back to full strength by finals?

We've been proactive in getting hold of Joyce and repositioning Rayner so we're probably already on to Plan B . Let's hope it's plain sailing from here.

 

[lionshine]

Lohmann back this week. Are the reserves getting another hit out?

 

[Nathan Barley]

Lohmann back this week. Are the reserves getting another hit out?

Playing Southport on Friday IIRC

 

[Simbatheking21]

 

[mattsmob]

Trying to find a positive - it's early in the season so they can recover and work their way back to full strength by finals?

As long as they’re given a full opportunity to get back to 100%. I honestly don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world to just rule Gardiner out for the first half of the season. It’ll allow him to basically do a delayed pre-season and play a shorter season which surely can’t be bad for his body.
In hindsight it’s probably what could’ve happened to Rich and Zorko last season.

 

[Dalions]

Captaincy decision tomorrow.
So 5 players must have put their hand up for the Captaincy, with Fages saying their are 5 still in the running. 3 players are probably easy guesses with Andrews, Neale and McCluggage the other 2 are a bit harder to guess, maybe 2 of the new boys in Gunston and Dunkley, maybe Rich, Berry.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Captaincy decision tomorrow.
So 5 players must have put their hand up for the Captaincy, with Fages saying their are 5 still in the running. 3 players are probably easy guesses with Andrews, Neale and McCluggage the other 2 are a bit harder to guess, maybe 2 of the new boys in Gunston and Dunkley, maybe Rich, Berry.

Is there any audio/video of his press conference today?

 

[Dalions]

As long as they’re given a full opportunity to get back to 100%. I honestly don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world to just rule Gardiner out for the first half of the season. It’ll allow him to basically do a delayed pre-season and play a shorter season which surely can’t be bad for his body.
In hindsight it’s probably what could’ve happened to Rich and Zorko last season.

Definitely needs to be given time to get him fully fit.
No need to rush him back just for the sake of it.
Although we do feel very short in the backline and it could be this years Achilles Heel, so to speak.

 

[Dalions]

Is there any audio/video of his press conference today?

Not yet, but I am sure it will come.

 

[Big Sauce 21]

Did we re-sign Gardiner for 3 years ?

 

[Dalions]

Did we re-sign Gardiner for 3 years ?

Hopefully on a reduced contract

 

[M Malice]

Did we re-sign Gardiner for 3 years ?

Nice new avatar Heisenberg.

 

[Berrygood]

Gardiner set back not good at all. I'm also good to give him as much time as he needs to get right. It's the back end of the season he'll be needed most.

Puts a lot on Rayners shoulders. Looks certain he will start the season as a back. I hope he's up to it, it certainly adds a different dimension. Might be an idea to have Prior as the bench defender. I think he can play taller and can lock down a player if Cams man got away for a bit. Also covers Cam if he's thrown into the middle.

Gee's I hope Joyce has something to offer. That third tall/med defender depth will be stretched this season. Can feel it in my bones.

Zorks out for trial but coach happy he can step up without it. I think he can too, but only at 100%. I'm OK if he misses the first cpl of rounds if needed.

Important game v Geelong for Wilmot, Devrob, Tunstil and Prior if they all get a run. I'm a big fan of those kids. I hope they're around for a long time. Add Ashcroft n Fletcher to that group and they're a large part of our future 5yrs down the track.

You look at those 6 kids alongside the group of Clugg, Berry, Starce, Bailey, Rayner, Payne and Coleman and we've drafted so well over the years. Set us up for a long time.

 

[Squizz89]

 

[Tom14]

As expected. I'd have gone Neale solo, but would be throwing Harris under the bus a bit to do so.

 

[M Malice]

Ditto what Tom14 said.... I'd prefer a solo captain but am perfectly fine with Harris and Lachie in a dual captains role.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Probably the most logical choice

Wouldn't mind Clug or Ashcroft taking over from Neale in 2-3 years and Andrews continuing