Training 2024 Pre-Season

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George said:
Spent the last few hours throwing out hard rubbish.
Click to expand...
GIF by Brooklyn Nine-Nine
 
So after a day of renovations and educating some of the usual word slurring operators on here, I've finally got some free time.

Had the day off (well, wOrKiNg fRoM hOmE) so decided to check the boys out (😘) this morning.

First time down at training this pre-season, looking to get down to more in the new year as well. And because I'm not a bitch, I'm happy to share publicly 😇

I think Mave (could be wrong) mentioned it the other day about drills where the boys would go coast-to-coast in waves, and they were doing a bit of that this morning. Keeping in mind that it was atrocious conditions, the skills really were impressive from the boys and the, uh, rolling zone? they were running was moving very very smoothly. Couldn't find a player out of position. Saw quite a bit of stoppage work, breaking from stoppage, lots of contested stuff.

There's clearly a focus on leg speed and power running, some of the kids were really impressive. Darcy Wilson's gut running is something else for a kid his age. I don't follow the draft so usually don't know much about the kids coming through but for pick 18 or whatever he was it looks like he'll play round 1 the way he's travelling. Hitting targets from anywhere, power running, it was all there. After noticing him during the drills I decided to keep my eye on only him, and would urge anyone going down to training to just watch the kid go. Could swear I saw Harves in one of the passages of play. Gut running, stop at the stoppage, hands on knees, and go again. Dunno where the kid gets it from.

Spoke to one of the coaches who said Tim has eased back into the club following the issue in September and it was great to see him out there for a bit - they gave him the option of coming back after Christmas to start fresh but it's good to see him in a good enough mental space to get out there now. I didn't see him do much to be honest but just to be there was a step in the right direction.

Also was told a group of them went in for minor ops and considering it's the norm for many at this time of year, the list is very healthy. Most players on the list will complete the required amount of sessions to be "hardened" (that was the term, bit fruity) by the start of pre-season games/more competitive match sim in January.

As some have mentioned, Owens is a physical specimen, Pou has not only beefed up a bit but worked on his craft - looked very sharp. He's got a bit of the cankles going, needs to sort it out IMO. Didn't see Caminiti while I was there but been told he has also come back in ripping nick despite a little op on his knee. Keeler playing key defense, dunno about it personally but eh, coaches know more than I do. Bloke has the skill of a rover so could play anywhere. Glides across the turf.

I also wanted to give special mention to the core young kids on this list - not only were they IMO the most vocal out there today but in general they are really driving this group. Was told that they have a message group (not as good as the boomer PM wankfest on here) and our BF boy Windy, Pou, Mitch and co are driving the club forward and have set standards that apparently are reminiscent of 2003/4. Yes we have some senior players on the list but they've seemingly taken a back seat, and it's not just the physical output - some of the kids are relentless in the gym, at training, etc. Hellbent on getting the most out of themselves - coaches are extremely happy that we have these 1-4 years taking us forward. To me it's a bit of a shame that we couldn't really rely on the senior players over the years and now the new crop are taking the bull by the horns (which is not a shame ofc).

Best on today for me was Wilson - if he doesn't play round 1 I'll eat Dard's hat (and he needs it, blokes bald with a real ugly hair on the sides, nothing on top type setup)

I'm a little surprised we've managed to turn the list around (wait and see? or are we legit?) without bottoming out like we did in the early 00's though. Plucked these kids from nowhere.

iPhone users may need to sync their phones to reveal this post in full - please let me know and I can direct you to some good Android products 😘 😘
 
Ps - training again Wednesday 9.30am, and Friday 9.30am.

Was going to make Friday but can't now. Can do Friday after xo
 

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George said:
So after a day of renovations and educating some of the usual word slurring operators on here, I've finally got some free time.

Had the day off (well, wOrKiNg fRoM hOmE) so decided to check the boys out (😘) this morning.

First time down at training this pre-season, looking to get down to more in the new year as well. And because I'm not a bitch, I'm happy to share publicly 😇

I think Mave (could be wrong) mentioned it the other day about drills where the boys would go coast-to-coast in waves, and they were doing a bit of that this morning. Keeping in mind that it was atrocious conditions, the skills really were impressive from the boys and the, uh, rolling zone? they were running was moving very very smoothly. Couldn't find a player out of position. Saw quite a bit of stoppage work, breaking from stoppage, lots of contested stuff.

There's clearly a focus on leg speed and power running, some of the kids were really impressive. Darcy Wilson's gut running is something else for a kid his age. I don't follow the draft so usually don't know much about the kids coming through but for pick 18 or whatever he was it looks like he'll play round 1 the way he's travelling. Hitting targets from anywhere, power running, it was all there. After noticing him during the drills I decided to keep my eye on only him, and would urge anyone going down to training to just watch the kid go. Could swear I saw Harves in one of the passages of play. Gut running, stop at the stoppage, hands on knees, and go again. Dunno where the kid gets it from.

Spoke to one of the coaches who said Tim has eased back into the club following the issue in September and it was great to see him out there for a bit - they gave him the option of coming back after Christmas to start fresh but it's good to see him in a good enough mental space to get out there now. I didn't see him do much to be honest but just to be there was a step in the right direction.

Also was told a group of them went in for minor ops and considering it's the norm for many at this time of year, the list is very healthy. Most players on the list will complete the required amount of sessions to be "hardened" (that was the term, bit fruity) by the start of pre-season games/more competitive match sim in January.

As some have mentioned, Owens is a physical specimen, Pou has not only beefed up a bit but worked on his craft - looked very sharp. He's got a bit of the cankles going, needs to sort it out IMO. Didn't see Caminiti while I was there but been told he has also come back in ripping nick despite a little op on his knee. Keeler playing key defense, dunno about it personally but eh, coaches know more than I do. Bloke has the skill of a rover so could play anywhere. Glides across the turf.

I also wanted to give special mention to the core young kids on this list - not only were they IMO the most vocal out there today but in general they are really driving this group. Was told that they have a message group (not as good as the boomer PM wankfest on here) and our BF boy Windy, Pou, Mitch and co are driving the club forward and have set standards that apparently are reminiscent of 2003/4. Yes we have some senior players on the list but they've seemingly taken a back seat, and it's not just the physical output - some of the kids are relentless in the gym, at training, etc. Hellbent on getting the most out of themselves - coaches are extremely happy that we have these 1-4 years taking us forward. To me it's a bit of a shame that we couldn't really rely on the senior players over the years and now the new crop are taking the bull by the horns (which is not a shame ofc).

Best on today for me was Wilson - if he doesn't play round 1 I'll eat Dard's hat (and he needs it, blokes bald with a real ugly hair on the sides, nothing on top type setup)

I'm a little surprised we've managed to turn the list around (wait and see? or are we legit?) without bottoming out like we did in the early 00's though. Plucked these kids from nowhere.

iPhone users may need to sync their phones to reveal this post in full - please let me know and I can direct you to some good Android products 😘 😘
Click to expand...
Worth the wait George

Wilson is quite a stand out, amazes me he was still available at our pick but glad he was. Getting a free 2024 2nd with him was a master-stroke.
 
tomjoad said:
Dublin is a great spot, I don't care what the Irish living outside the place think (they all seem to unanimously despise the city) There's some real characters around the place, and for the most part it is a very friendly spot.
Did you make it into the Thomas House at all, it's just down the road from Guinness's near Vicar street? The best pub in the country as far as i'm concerned. Great tunes. Morrissey (who admittedly is a bit of a twat...but was good when with the Smiths) likes to pull his own pints in there. Jello Biafra another one who swings in occasionally.
Click to expand...

I can’t remember Thomas House specifically… Our local was GF Handels. A reasonably historical establishment in its own right being where the Messiah was performed for the 1st time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Very much appreciating all the reports guys, thanks a lot!

Also, what happened to Membrey end of this season...? Just curious, maybe someone could DM me instead of discussing openly here? Glad to hear he's back either way.
 
tomjoad said:
Yes...YOU guys on the continent definitely got a lovely long summer. Perhaps too hot for some. Ireland unfortunately - yet typically - had it's customary two nice weeks in April, and another week in May.
June, July, August, however we were wiped out with endless rain. I had my mum over for that time. I don't think she'll ever come back, it depressed her so much.
September we got a week, and now Winter until April again 🙄
Click to expand...

Also an Aussie expat now living in Ireland! We're out west, where there's probably several dozen Irish words for 'wet'. Who knew, two Saints tragics sitting in the rain-soaked mother country studiously studying the BigFooty pre-season reports at night for that brief (but worthwhile!) hit of hopium...

Way I see the weather here is:

Glass half-full: 1/3 of the year is basically a write-off (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb). The other 2/3's exist somewhere between bearable and bloody marvellous.

Glass half-empty: foetal position take me home to Australia now else I'll likely perish during the night (which lasts for 16 hours).

Good place though, for all it's quirks!
 
Tyrian Lonestar said:
Worth the wait George

Wilson is quite a stand out, amazes me he was still available at our pick but glad he was. Getting a free 2024 2nd with him was a master-stroke.
Click to expand...
If you get the chance go and have a look. He doesn't look like a kid that's been at the club a couple weeks at all.

Actually you went to training right or was that someone else? Anyway next time keep a note of him lol
 
George said:
If you get the chance go and have a look. He doesn't look like a kid that's been at the club a couple weeks at all.

Actually you went to training right or was that someone else? Anyway next time keep a note of him lol
Click to expand...
Yeah I went yesterday, Wilson looks like he's been in the system for 2 years already.
 
We were able to drop in to Morrabbin for a tour (see the seat we sponsored in the Danny Frawley Centre) and throughout the centre. Sensational. Will add some photos of it and of training tonight.

These are random thoughts from training from two Queenslanders and the things that struck us. These may be obvious or known to all, but stood out to us:
- we were told that all of the list were back in training at the club at the start of November. This wasn't just the Years 1-4 but the whole list back and training before the scheduled start. The staff at the club call it the "ROSS EFFECT". It showed later when seeing the players on the track. They look fit, sharp and are not showing the early session labouring that we may have seen in the past.

- the club has large digital clocks everywhere plus the countdown clock on the scoreboard. We were told that being aware of the time and always being early is SUPER important If you are late for anything you will be punished

- the ground surface is sensational. A credit to the grounds man. It is A Class. They had a little rain and some early drizzle but conditions weren't too bad. Not sure of other comments of how terrible it was but we stood by the fence throughout and didn't get wet at all

- It is obvious very quickly that training is well planned, super organised and everyone knows what to do. Assistant coaches have white boards on boundary that they run out between drills to go through the next session. All sessions are timed and shown on the main scoreboard so everyone knows exactly where they are up to in the set

- Darcy Wilson stood out for the entire training session. This kid is super quick. Whether it be in the drills, group work, match simulation, or 100 metre run throughs he is slick. He is very quick off the mark and pushes himself to be the first in all that he does. It seemed from our brief, yobbo view from the sidelines that he will play from round one. He did full training not restricted laps etc. Didn't see him miss or sit out of anything for the 2.5 hours on the ground. Loved that for the 20 x 100 metre run throughs no one could get within 5 metres of him. Several tried to challenge him on several individual runs, but he was not to be caught or beaten. Couldn't have been more impressed with him.

- The Pou has bulked up and was pushing in the top 3 in all 100 metre run throughs. With Wilson and Windy he was one of 3 young guy stand outs

- Windy looks a million dollars His strength and speed in drills and match sims were excellent. No doubt he is primed for a great year ahead

- Liam Henry will be the best recruit 2024, possibly in the league. He can run like the wind and was everywhere. He sets it up, passes, receives again, sets up goals. Saints forwards will be licking their lips with how quickly the ball will be coming in

- Mason Wood wasn't on the ground for long and went in to do bike and gym work Didn't see Butler at all

- Both Max and Mitch Owens have both put on considerable muscle

- Collard needs 1-2 years before he will play seniors. He has the size and build of a 16 year old

- Arie Schoenmaker still has a ways to go with fitness etc, but boy can he kick a football. The one that stood out was the 60 metre goal off one step. Not just length and blazing away but in drills he showed real class

- All new recruits except Wilson did early drill sessions then ran laps. They will be 2025 onwards you would have to think

- Can see why Tom Campbell won the best clubman award. He is so positive with all players, especially the younger guys and also with all supporters. What a great guy to have in the club

- One random thing that jumped out was with Pou at the end of a drill going to grab the ball for a 55metre shot at goal. He was half way through the run it to kick and Ross called out for all to come in. He stopped dead on the spot and sprinted the 15 metres to the group. Self discipline but also obviously if Ross says now, it is NOW

- Lastly wasn't aware of the small die hard group of Saints Supporters - "Brains Trust" who congregate on the wing in front of the change rooms. Well done to you all, glad to know the club has the volunteer brains trust watching everything.

Anyway random thoughts. Thanks to Rachelle and the club for such a great experience. So positive with the direction of the club. Go Saints
 
I am not as convinced by Wilson as others are but a big caveat, I think he will be an extremely good player once properly developed, which in the Saints current setup will surely happen.

Wilson is a running machine, that is well known. Until you see it live you really don't understand his capacity. He also has a turn of pace. That is Riewoldt qualities for a midfielder. Roo would blow up his opponent, with endurance, then explosive leads, then repeat leads, over and over. A defender one on one would be destroyed by Riewoldt.
Transfer that to midfield. Wilson will jog and sprint jog and sprint rinse and repeat, anyone running with him for an extended period will get shredded.
So his natural ability is there. The concern I have is his skills currently. His disposal in his highlights as an under-age was sloppy in my opinion and training sessions he has been the same. He is not clean, even the disposal of the much critisised Dow and Henry look much better than his.

So that is my one knock on him. But let's put it in context. 18 y.o., first preseason, pre Christmas.
Wasn't there yesterday and it sounds like he impressed. I won't hang a kid for getting into the swing of AFL standards, that's for sure.
I personally would just not like to see him debut when not quite ready. I suppose we will know more after Christmas, however as at today, and with everyone fit, he isn't in R1.
But boy do we have a kid, when ready will be a boon for the STKFC.


On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app
 

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Thanks for the writeup Sunshine Sainter, really interesting.

These two points stand out to me the most:

Sunshine Sainter said:
- the club has large digital clocks everywhere plus the countdown clock on the scoreboard. We were told that being aware of the time and always being early is SUPER important If you are late for anything you will be punished

- One random thing that jumped out was with Pou at the end of a drill going to grab the ball for a 55metre shot at goal. He was half way through the run it to kick and Ross called out for all to come in. He stopped dead on the spot and sprinted the 15 metres to the group. Self discipline but also obviously if Ross says now, it is NOW
Click to expand...

There's no ****ing around at the Saints anymore. I don't want to single out anyone but with these new standards it becomes a lot easier to understand why a certain player or two wanted out after being able to cruise under previous regimes.

It's just so exciting to finally feel confident about the direction of the club. It may not bear fruit in 2024 but I have no doubt that on our current trajectory and with a bit more (well overdue) luck here and there, this group will seriously challenge.
 
seasonedsainter said:
Very much appreciating all the reports guys, thanks a lot!

Also, what happened to Membrey end of this season...? Just curious, maybe someone could DM me instead of discussing openly here? Glad to hear he's back either way.
Click to expand...
There are things in players lives that aren’t for public knowledge.
 
I watched Gresh intro vid to Essendon and he’s grown back the brows.
Very lush.
 
seasonedsainter said:
Also an Aussie expat now living in Ireland! We're out west, where there's probably several dozen Irish words for 'wet'. Who knew, two Saints tragics sitting in the rain-soaked mother country studiously studying the BigFooty pre-season reports at night for that brief (but worthwhile!) hit of hopium...

Way I see the weather here is:

Glass half-full: 1/3 of the year is basically a write-off (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb). The other 2/3's exist somewhere between bearable and bloody marvellous.

Glass half-empty: foetal position take me home to Australia now else I'll likely perish during the night (which lasts for 16 hours).

Good place though, for all it's quirks!
Click to expand...
For me the most amazing thing about Ireland was how close it was to places where the weather and food were so much better and girls were tanned and friendly. Just the tiniest little plane trip. Incredible. Would go back, just for that.
 
saintmike65 said:
There are things in players lives that aren’t for public knowledge.
Click to expand...

Sure I totally get/agree with that. Does seem to be referenced quite a bit through here though, as if people know. I'm not fussed tbh, just curious as I said. I used to see him occasionally doing running training around our street when we lived Bayside and at the supermarket, seemed a decent bloke.
 
Last edited:
stavro#4 said:
It’s nice more and more posters are getting down and just seeing what I and few others mentioned this time last year.

Professional club under Ross.

Standards

Expectations.

Hard work
Click to expand...

I just read all 4 pages of the Melbourne pre-season thread. Now I know it's December but far out the difference in tone is stark! They're comparing excess stomach amongst some players, ragging on others who should have been cut, saying the drills are average & are in a general milaise about Oliver... Also noticed in their TT they had 1 or 2 blokes a good 30m ahead, as against a hungry pack up the front at Moorabbin... plus it was 1km shorter.
 
seasonedsainter said:
I just read all 4 pages of the Melbourne pre-season thread. Now I know it's December but far out the difference in tone is stark! They're comparing excess stomach amongst some players, ragging on others who should have been cut, saying the drills are average & are in a general milaise about Oliver... Also noticed in their TT they had 1 or 2 blokes a good 30m ahead, as against a hungry pack up the front at Moorabbin... plus it was 1km shorter.
Click to expand...
You also need to factor in that it’s different levels.

3 years ago they won a flag.

Straight sets exit 2 years running.

They probably want to see something different.

We are getting different. But our base was almost a pile of burning shit and now we appear to be a professional out fit again.
 
luca77 said:
For me the most amazing thing about Ireland was how close it was to places where the weather and food were so much better and girls were tanned and friendly. Just the tiniest little plane trip. Incredible. Would go back, just for that.
Click to expand...
Incredible. Places we've been outside of Ireland last few years - Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Iceland, Canary Islands... At some stage want to get back to Italy, have business contacts in Slovenia & Switzerland so want to visit there + the Scandinavian countries... Agree the food in Ireland took me ages to adjust to. It's just not like home, everything is slightly diferent plus the meat here has nothing on Australian meat for my tastes. Best chips I've ever had though haha.
 
stavro#4 said:
You also need to factor in that it’s different levels.

3 years ago they won a flag.

Straight sets exit 2 years running.

They probably want to see something different.

We are getting different. But our base was almost a pile of burning s**t and now we appear to be a professional out fit again.
Click to expand...

True yeah.
Outsider looking in feels like Goodwin is running a mates club over there.
Most bullish thing coming out of Saints this pre-season and last is the ownership, hunger and drive coming from the young core. We haven't had that for a long time.
 
Sunshine Sainter said:
We were able to drop in to Morrabbin for a tour (see the seat we sponsored in the Danny Frawley Centre) and throughout the centre. Sensational. Will add some photos of it and of training tonight.

These are random thoughts from training from two Queenslanders and the things that struck us. These may be obvious or known to all, but stood out to us:
- we were told that all of the list were back in training at the club at the start of November. This wasn't just the Years 1-4 but the whole list back and training before the scheduled start. The staff at the club call it the "ROSS EFFECT". It showed later when seeing the players on the track. They look fit, sharp and are not showing the early session labouring that we may have seen in the past.

- the club has large digital clocks everywhere plus the countdown clock on the scoreboard. We were told that being aware of the time and always being early is SUPER important If you are late for anything you will be punished

- the ground surface is sensational. A credit to the grounds man. It is A Class. They had a little rain and some early drizzle but conditions weren't too bad. Not sure of other comments of how terrible it was but we stood by the fence throughout and didn't get wet at all

- It is obvious very quickly that training is well planned, super organised and everyone knows what to do. Assistant coaches have white boards on boundary that they run out between drills to go through the next session. All sessions are timed and shown on the main scoreboard so everyone knows exactly where they are up to in the set

- Darcy Wilson stood out for the entire training session. This kid is super quick. Whether it be in the drills, group work, match simulation, or 100 metre run throughs he is slick. He is very quick off the mark and pushes himself to be the first in all that he does. It seemed from our brief, yobbo view from the sidelines that he will play from round one. He did full training not restricted laps etc. Didn't see him miss or sit out of anything for the 2.5 hours on the ground. Loved that for the 20 x 100 metre run throughs no one could get within 5 metres of him. Several tried to challenge him on several individual runs, but he was not to be caught or beaten. Couldn't have been more impressed with him.

- The Pou has bulked up and was pushing in the top 3 in all 100 metre run throughs. With Wilson and Windy he was one of 3 young guy stand outs

- Windy looks a million dollars His strength and speed in drills and match sims were excellent. No doubt he is primed for a great year ahead

- Liam Henry will be the best recruit 2024, possibly in the league. He can run like the wind and was everywhere. He sets it up, passes, receives again, sets up goals. Saints forwards will be licking their lips with how quickly the ball will be coming in

- Mason Wood wasn't on the ground for long and went in to do bike and gym work Didn't see Butler at all

- Both Max and Mitch Owens have both put on considerable muscle

- Collard needs 1-2 years before he will play seniors. He has the size and build of a 16 year old

- Arie Schoenmaker still has a ways to go with fitness etc, but boy can he kick a football. The one that stood out was the 60 metre goal off one step. Not just length and blazing away but in drills he showed real class

- All new recruits except Wilson did early drill sessions then ran laps. They will be 2025 onwards you would have to think

- Can see why Tom Campbell won the best clubman award. He is so positive with all players, especially the younger guys and also with all supporters. What a great guy to have in the club

- One random thing that jumped out was with Pou at the end of a drill going to grab the ball for a 55metre shot at goal. He was half way through the run it to kick and Ross called out for all to come in. He stopped dead on the spot and sprinted the 15 metres to the group. Self discipline but also obviously if Ross says now, it is NOW

- Lastly wasn't aware of the small die hard group of Saints Supporters - "Brains Trust" who congregate on the wing in front of the change rooms. Well done to you all, glad to know the club has the volunteer brains trust watching everything.

Anyway random thoughts. Thanks to Rachelle and the club for such a great experience. So positive with the direction of the club. Go Saints
Click to expand...


how about last years recruits? Keeler, Hotton etc
 

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