Training 2025 Pre-Season Thread

[KissKiss]

In that scenario I assume Fort starts the year as ruck. Then Day, Morris and Hipwood are the starting forwards with Ryan, Gardiner or Lloyd as back up options (pending injuries).

Definitely not ideal but I guess we are going to have to try a few different options across the year to replace the tall mix

 

[Pns_blister]

In that scenario I assume Fort starts the year as ruck. Then Day, Morris and Hipwood are the starting forwards with Ryan, Gardiner or Lloyd as back up options (pending injuries).

Definitely not ideal but I guess we are going to have to try a few different options across the year to replace the tall mix

Could also go with a two tall set up in the forward line. Rayner can play tall. We can also play Charlie out of the goal square, which has worked in the past.

 

[NotQuiteJezza]

Could also go with a two tall set up in the forward line. Rayner can play tall. We can also play Charlie out of the goal square, which has worked in the past.

I actually like the idea of starting the first few games at home a lot smaller than normal due to the slippery nature and humidity. I’m sure that for the last few seasons our talls have had a bad start dealing with the ball coming in overhead and just going straight through their hands. I don’t have the official stats but I’d love to see something on this.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Could also go with a two tall set up in the forward line. Rayner can play tall. We can also play Charlie out of the goal square, which has worked in the past.

It worked in the past for Charlie but not for the team

 

[BuntonRules]

It worked in the past for Charlie but not for the team

And it did not work for Rayner - we would be far inferior if we shifted him from his current role.

 

[Nuggo]

Joe out Day in seems the most logical.

 

[Saucery]

Been watching my way through the finals games (again) and I can't fathom any team in which Andrews, Payne, Starce and Answorth don't form the foundation of our back six (if fit). They are a rock wall, all this back line needs is a couple of fast rebounding, super accurate kicks to compliment them.

Zorko gets first call as he is more than a player, he's a leader and has respect from both teammates and the opposition.

McKenna for everything he brings from Gaelic football which so confounds AFL players and his energy.

And third Wilmot because he has a huge heart and will be a major part of this club for many years to come.

Kiddy is always in the mix when fit.

 

[McLuggages]

Does anyone know what date the players are due back? I may be in Queensland mid Jan and would love to catch one of these famed match-sims.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Could also go with a two tall set up in the forward line. Rayner can play tall. We can also play Charlie out of the goal square, which has worked in the past.

Charlie out of the goal square has worked in the past against teams around 13th or lower on the ladder. Against everyone else, not so much.

Avoid.

 

[Mr Ripper]

Does anyone know what date the players are due back? I may be in Queensland mid Jan and would love to catch one of these famed match-sims.

Been told the 9th - which is a Thursday, which is unusual. Wouldn't take that as gospel just yet. Probably have to wait another two or three weeks after that for the match sims to start.

 

[Berrygood]

Hope we learnt from last year. The shorter preseason and earlier O Round start. I hope we learnt not to bring underdone players in before they are ready. There seems to be quite a few best 23 in the rehab/injury list. Fortunately I think we have the depth to cover.

Ruck and tall fwd structure seems the biggest conundrum. Fort an easy in till Big O is right. Morris holds. With a cloud over Hippy, groins linger and reoccur, I think we will be grateful for the experience Day brings. Important Day is fit and ready to start the season in a fwd/ruck role. The last tall fwd spot should Hippy not be ready is wide open. Smith, injured but not really a key fwd anyway. I'm not a fan of Gardiner fwd. After his ACL he's bound to be a yard slower. He will need to rely more on Instinct to read the game and I think he'll have more success with that down back. That leaves Ryan, Lloyd or Gallop to play the Hippy role to start the season. Most impressive over the preseason should get a run. Ryan a bit more like Hippy but needs improvements.

In the midfield Neale, Clugg and Levi Ashcroft are recovering. Hard to replace all 3 to start the season, hopefully 1 or 2 come good. Dev, Marshall, Tunstill, capable of supporting the group short term.

Down back, other than Payne n Doedee, I think all are pretty good. Joyce a clear front runner to start if Jack isn't ready. He earnt some respect last season and is capable of further improvement. Gardiner will need work to get back to anywhere near his best. Plenty of competition for spots in the back 7. Should keep us strong.

Apart from key fwds our depth is very good. Some great opportunity for some to impress preseason. We don't need to start the season carrying anyone. Hopefully that leads to a better start to the 2025 season.

 

[knaf]

Been watching my way through the finals games (again) and I can't fathom any team in which Andrews, Payne, Starce and Answorth don't form the foundation of our back six (if fit). They are a rock wall, all this back line needs is a couple of fast rebounding, super accurate kicks to compliment them.

Zorko gets first call as he is more than a player, he's a leader and has respect from both teammates and the opposition.

McKenna for everything he brings from Gaelic football which so confounds AFL players and his energy.

And third Wilmot because he has a huge heart and will be a major part of this club for many years to come.

Kiddy is always in the mix when fit.

Lester? I agree with the rest.

 

[Saucery]

Lester? I agree with the rest.

Can't fault Lester, due to his versatility and leadership perhaps bench?