Preview 2024 Goodbye (To 2025) New; Preseason Discussion

[Blinky Nyland]

They also work on technique. We are yet to see a significant improvement to our player's skills in the last decade.

Absolutely correct. The amount of running in the game has exploded and the emphasis of High Performance staff and coaches has shifted to equipping players for that component, somewhat at the expense of skill development. Thats something that is not as fatiguing as running and lifting weights that players could fill more of their off time doing. Guys don't get as skilled as Eddie Betts or Willie Rioli without spending their own time actually enjoying and being somewhat obsessed with perfecting their kicking and ball handling craft.

 

[Willsy10]

Went to training yesterday. Watched Rory Atkins kick a goal and immediately run up to Ken - who was already waiting there with his hand up for a high five.

I was almost excited for 2025. See you all at the footy in 2026.

Is this bad?


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[simba_]

of course it's bad, Ken Hinkley and Rory Atkins shouldn't be anywhere near our club

 

[EskimoPAFC]

That culture though.

How many AFL players actually say they want to be the best (and put in the work for it) rather than throw in the generic line that they will do what the coaches ask?

Our closest to that attitude were Tredrea and Wingard, and Wingard got pulled up by coaches for thinking that way.

JHF is on record as saying exactly that.

 

[Peninsula Boy]

Butters has the love of the game.

 

[Doctor Feel]

JHF is on record as saying exactly that.

That's Oopie Goopie to you mate.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

AFL Academy players training at clubs this week. Three at Port (of course Dyson Sharp at the crows)

Port Adelaide will have three draft hopefuls train with the club next week. Local pair Harley Barker and Sam Cumming will be there, as will Taj Murray, who is from the Northern Territory but also tied to North Adelaide. The ruckman has been on the radar of clubs since an impressive under-16s carnival in 2023.

Who is training at your club?​

Adelaide: Matt Leray, Dyson Sharp
Essendon: Cooper Duff-Tytler
Hawthorn: Willem Duursma
Greater Western Sydney: Liam Hetherton
Melbourne: Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Port Adelaide: Harley Barker, Sam Cumming, Taj Murray
St Kilda: Archie Ludowyke
Sydney: Lachlan Carmichael, Noah Chamberlain

The 2025 draft prospects training at your club this week

A famous footy name is among 12 draft prospects training at AFL clubs this week

www.afl.com.au

 

[Holden Hillbilly]

AFL Academy players training at clubs this week. Three at Port (of course Dyson Sharp at the crows)

Port Adelaide will have three draft hopefuls train with the club next week. Local pair Harley Barker and Sam Cumming will be there, as will Taj Murray, who is from the Northern Territory but also tied to North Adelaide. The ruckman has been on the radar of clubs since an impressive under-16s carnival in 2023.

Who is training at your club?​

Adelaide: Matt Leray, Dyson Sharp
Essendon: Cooper Duff-Tytler
Hawthorn: Willem Duursma
Greater Western Sydney: Liam Hetherton
Melbourne: Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Port Adelaide: Harley Barker, Sam Cumming, Taj Murray
St Kilda: Archie Ludowyke
Sydney: Lachlan Carmichael, Noah Chamberlain

The 2025 draft prospects training at your club this week

A famous footy name is among 12 draft prospects training at AFL clubs this week

www.afl.com.au

Harley Barker (Sturt/South Australia)
Wing | 187cm | 02/05/2007
A dashing outside runner, Barker has already established himself as a mainstay for both club and state. He played 15 games for the finals-bound Sturt and made three of a possible four appearances in the South Australian Under 18 setup. Most effective as a wingman or half-back, Barker is capable of connecting the field with powerful running and thrives when taking the game on. At 187cm, he’s already a decent size and suits the hybrid build of modern day athletes.

Samuel Cumming (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder | 184cm | 27/07/2007
Cumming is a well-traveled prospect having hailed from Wentworth in NSW. The North Adelaide midfielder took out the SANFL Under 18 MVP award this season having averaged 27 disposals, six marks and four clearances across 10 outings. He also made two appearances in South Australia’s Under 18 side this year and ran riot in the National Futures match, gathering 24 disposals, 11 marks, and a goal in typically hard-working fashion. As prolific as they come, Cumming’s consistency and volume of output are already high-level.

Taj Murray (North Adelaide/Northern Territory)
Ruck | 199cm | 05/02/2007
Clearly the Northern Territory’s best prospect and a rare genuine tall out of the top end, Murray continues to develop nicely. He was the Thunder’s most impactful player throughout two heavy losses in the Coates Talent League this year, having been their Under 16 MVP in 2023. The high-leaping and agile ruck is quite lean and raw but follows up his work at ground level and covers it nicely. He has strong potential to translate his traits to key position posts at either end of the ground, and is currently in South Australia’s state academy given he turns out for North Adelaide in the SANFL Under 18s.

 

[Willsy10]

of course it's bad, Ken Hinkley and Rory Atkins shouldn't be anywhere near our club

Yeah i guess, but the fact they are is not news.