Training 2025 Pre-Season Thread

[irel]

Ferrari did go on the dirt track last season and proved we'll be foolish to put it back there ever again

Future Lion dominates VFL debut

The future is bright at Brisbane with these brothers!

www.zerohanger.com

He proved that we have an all terrain Ferrari.

 

[KissKiss]

Zac Bailey out, Levi in, would be the closest to a like for like swap.

I kind of agree about Bailey being the odd one out.

For a wing role I still see Berry and Fletcher ahead of him. Ah Chee plays the rotation well (and we have Marshall in the wings).

As a pure small forward Cameron, Lohman and Ah Chee have been fantastic offensively and defensively and we still have Linc to return.

Then the half forward rotation we have Rayner and McCluggage who are top of their games at the moment. We also have first option of Zorko returning there (if Kiddy comes into the team) or where Levi likely fits in.

Then as a pure mid I have him well down the depth list. Neale, Wash, Dunkley, McCluggage, etc

He is a good player but I struggle to have him first choice in most roles. Utility might need to be his main strength now

 

[greendiesel]

I think your right, I'd just add the word 'eventually' Doedee gets over Lester but Doedee plays 5 or 6 VFL games first to get his rhythm back and prove the knees are stable to himself and the coaching team.

Watching him in the VFL before his recent ACL.....he'll need more than half a season before he replaces
a premiership defender in reasonable form.

 

[martinson]

Watching him in the VFL before his recent ACL.....he'll need more than half a season before he replaces
a premiership defender in reasonable form.

I agree on Doedee. Not factoring him in at all until we see how his form is. He's only played a warm up game in going on to 2 years when the season starts so he'll need to build match fitness if his body holds up.

Of course we all wish him the best and hope he does come back to good form during the year because he's a quality player who's had a devastating run of bad luck.

 

[knaf]

I think the role of defensive small forward is becoming more important as teams develop and rely on the offensive half back. To me Ah Chee appears to have mastered the role, rather than just had a great final series. In modern football all small forwards (in fact all players) have to understand their role in team defence and be committed to it. But I think we are seeing the development of players who have the skills, physical attributes and understanding of the game to negate a player like Whitfield or Coleman, and still be damaging offensively. Ah Chee also has great flexibility in the rotations and has shown he can be given specific roles as a game changes.

I like Bailey, great offensive player when on, and probably our best player in finding space in traffic. I think the knock on him being poor defensively is overstated, but he just doesn’t seem to have the mind set and because he is not physically strong his missed tackles look bad. Not great defensively rather than terrible defensively. Thought he was good as the third player in the wing rotations during the finals, but not as good as Berry and Fletcher. I just think in a team stacked with talented offensive players, he is the one to miss out to give young Levi a spot.

As others have pointed out Levi’s one game in the VFL just about demanded promotion to the AFL. I think Levi will develop into a more rounded footballer than Bailey and we need to get games into him.

 

[irel]

I think the role of defensive small forward is becoming more important as teams develop and rely on the offensive half back. To me Ah Chee appears to have mastered the role, rather than just had a great final series. In modern football all small forwards (in fact all players) have to understand their role in team defence and be committed to it. But I think we are seeing the development of players who have the skills, physical attributes and understanding of the game to negate a player like Whitfield or Coleman, and still be damaging offensively. Ah Chee also has great flexibility in the rotations and has shown he can be given specific roles as a game changes.

I like Bailey, great offensive player when on, and probably our best player in finding space in traffic. I think the knock on him being poor defensively is overstated, but he just doesn’t seem to have the mind set and because he is not physically strong his missed tackles look bad. Not great defensively rather than terrible defensively. Thought he was good as the third player in the wing rotations during the finals, but not as good as Berry and Fletcher. I just think in a team stacked with talented offensive players, he is the one to miss out to give young Levi a spot.

As others have pointed out Levi’s one game in the VFL just about demanded promotion to the AFL. I think Levi will develop into a more rounded footballer than Bailey and we need to get games into him.

Well said.

The issue for Fagan is at who's expense? For Levi to come in, we are dropping a premiership player, unless he comes in for Joey and that is unlikely to happen as it would leave us a tall short. Fagan is unlikely to go in a game without a relieving Ruckman. Where would we have been if we did not have Joe when Big O went down in the Prelim.

I believe the premiership side starts the season. They are entitled some respect, after all we waited for twenty years for a side to get that elusive premiership. The side performed miracles during the finals and everyone played a blinder in the Grand Final.

I am incredibly conflicted. In my mind Levi starts because he is a generational talent and as you say we need to pump games into him. Prior to Christmas there was talk that our rehab group extended to 16 players. Some may not be fit for the opening weeks of the season. So, a spot or two may open up that way.

I see the season being one of the most competitive year for spots in the starting 23 in memory.
Really, one can mount a case just about for every single player on our list. What a dilemma to have?

 

[martinson]

I think the role of defensive small forward is becoming more important as teams develop and rely on the offensive half back. To me Ah Chee appears to have mastered the role, rather than just had a great final series. In modern football all small forwards (in fact all players) have to understand their role in team defence and be committed to it. But I think we are seeing the development of players who have the skills, physical attributes and understanding of the game to negate a player like Whitfield or Coleman, and still be damaging offensively. Ah Chee also has great flexibility in the rotations and has shown he can be given specific roles as a game changes.

I like Bailey, great offensive player when on, and probably our best player in finding space in traffic. I think the knock on him being poor defensively is overstated, but he just doesn’t seem to have the mind set and because he is not physically strong his missed tackles look bad. Not great defensively rather than terrible defensively. Thought he was good as the third player in the wing rotations during the finals, but not as good as Berry and Fletcher. I just think in a team stacked with talented offensive players, he is the one to miss out to give young Levi a spot.

As others have pointed out Levi’s one game in the VFL just about demanded promotion to the AFL. I think Levi will develop into a more rounded footballer than Bailey and we need to get games into him.

Not sure on Bails. He had a few ordinary games during the year but to his credit he was able to play a role for us right through the finals series and remained disciplined in his approach.

He had a few injury issues I believe and let's see how he goes with a full pre season. It's funny how sentiment changes isn't it . A couple of years ago we would've been devastated to lose him because he was one of the big hopes of being a superstar.

I think McKenna might be a lot better this year as well.

All this talk about an embarrassment of riches is fine but you can still only play 23 to win games. Things went our way in the finals series when we needed them to and maybe we're going to be overrated off the back of the GF. On paper we have a great team and plenty of options . It's all exciting and looks good but we still have to keep reproducing what we've shown we're capable of.

 

[Grasshopper17]

I think the role of defensive small forward is becoming more important as teams develop and rely on the offensive half back. To me Ah Chee appears to have mastered the role, rather than just had a great final series. In modern football all small forwards (in fact all players) have to understand their role in team defence and be committed to it. But I think we are seeing the development of players who have the skills, physical attributes and understanding of the game to negate a player like Whitfield or Coleman, and still be damaging offensively. Ah Chee also has great flexibility in the rotations and has shown he can be given specific roles as a game changes.

I like Bailey, great offensive player when on, and probably our best player in finding space in traffic. I think the knock on him being poor defensively is overstated, but he just doesn’t seem to have the mind set and because he is not physically strong his missed tackles look bad. Not great defensively rather than terrible defensively. Thought he was good as the third player in the wing rotations during the finals, but not as good as Berry and Fletcher. I just think in a team stacked with talented offensive players, he is the one to miss out to give young Levi a spot.

As others have pointed out Levi’s one game in the VFL just about demanded promotion to the AFL. I think Levi will develop into a more rounded footballer than Bailey and we need to get games into him.

Bailey has improved at corralling the ball carrier. The next phase in the evolution of his defensive attributes is knowing when to go in for the tackle. And being able to stick them when he does.

 

[Nunez]

Bailey has improved at corralling the ball carrier. The next phase in the evolution of his defensive attributes is knowing when to go in for the tackle. And being able to stick them when he does.

Also has to know when to sneak a gut punch in. Hasn't quite worked out the Butters technique.

 

[Elixuh]

Ferrari did go on the dirt track last season and proved we'll be foolish to put it back there ever again

Future Lion dominates VFL debut

The future is bright at Brisbane with these brothers!

www.zerohanger.com

Are you questioning me?

 

[Nunez]

Are you questioning me?

Did he stutter?

 

[BuntonRules]

Unfortunately for the players involved, but mayhap we have some trade bait/compensation for the KPF we are - undoubtedly - in the market for. Almost an embarrassment of riches.

 

[Dalions]

Unfortunately for the players involved, but mayhap we have some trade bait/compensation for the KPF we are - undoubtedly - in the market for. Almost an embarrassment of riches.

I know I will probably get shot down, but I wonder with AhChee out of contract this year that we may look at getting some trade value for him?
We are fairly well stocked in that area of the ground.
And he may get some pretty decent offers this year if his form keeps up and we may not be able to match what others can offer.

 

[Grasshopper17]

I know I will probably get shot down, but I wonder with AhChee out of contract this year that we may look at getting some trade value for him?
We are fairly well stocked in that area of the ground.
And he may get some pretty decent offers this year if his form keeps up and we may not be able to match what other can offer.

 

[Dalions]

Starce is one that I would hate if we let go.

 

[Scubaveg]

So what role does Levi play?


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[martinson]

Starce is one that I would hate if we let go.

Starc is probably out of our control. He either wants to stay or not. I wouldn't throw the world at him but obviously he's a very good player ,replaceable if WC throw the kitchen sink at him but it would hurt us just the same. Maybe he loves it here and has no intention of leaving.

As far as Cal goes the penny hasn't dropped for most of our supporters.

 

[Dalions]

So what role does Levi play?


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Would presume will start half forward/Mid/Wing?

 

[Dalions]

Starc is probably out of our control. He either wants to stay or not. I wouldn't throw the world at him but obviously he's a very good player ,replaceable if WC throw the kitchen sink at him but it would hurt us just the same. Maybe he loves it here and has no intention of leaving.

As far as Cal goes the penny hasn't dropped for most of our supporters.

I hope they both stay.

 

[briztoon]

I know I will probably get shot down, but I wonder with AhChee out of contract this year that we may look at getting some trade value for him?
We are fairly well stocked in that area of the ground.
And he may get some pretty decent offers this year if his form keeps up and we may not be able to match what others can offer.

Pretty sure his partner is a local girl.

 

[martinson]

Pretty sure his partner is a local girl.

I don't care what Cal gets offered ( within reason ) there's no hope of him opting to leave the Lions.

Cornes was on to it about Round 14 when he called him the most underpaid player in the AFL. I don't think he'd be making any unreasonable demands.

 

[Dalions]

I don't care what Cal gets offered ( within reason ) there's no hope of him opting to leave the Lions.

Cornes was on to it about Round 14 when he called him the most underpaid player in the AFL. I don't think he'd be making any unreasonable demands.

No demands I am sure.
But the offers will come especially if his Finals form continues.
Is the type of player that many clubs would love to have.

 

[martinson]

No demands I am sure.
But the offers will come especially if his Finals form continues.
Is the type of player that many clubs would love to have.

For sure. Charlie's 31 , Linc's 31. Cal's the improve. I can think of others that I'd rather lose if we have to let players go.

 

[rye]

bailey could contribute at an all australian squad level playing a role akin to miers / dylan moore where he starts on a flank and rolls up. quick enough to beat opponents back to goals, dangerous inside 50, good tank to cover ground, has enough midfield craft to contribute at a stoppage and is damaging with his field kicking (see geelong final). i dont think the coaches would consider him out of the 22.

unfortunately we probably have 28~ players we are trying to squeeze into 22 this year. i would back the guys who played in the premiership side to hold their spots for round 0 and put the pressure on the players outside to push past them. im assuming day will get first crack at daniher's spot.

coleman, l ashcroft, doedee, mckenna, gardiner, mccarthy and to a lesser extent brain, marshall, beecken and reville would all be getting a game at many of the clubs in the league. the battle for spots will be harsh but as we saw last year, injuries will likely open opportunity for all these guys at some point.

 

[Elixuh]

I give Bailey a bit of rope. IMO his season was partly derailed by injury, partly confidence and partly learning and contributing in new ways which aren’t necessary to his absolute strengths. See how he goes in 25.

The thing which might make it difficult is things like…if we get our halfback to the point that Motty can play further up the groud around the ball as was the intention last season but for injuries…it may lead to a bit of a squeeze.

Maybe Rayner plays cbas and deep forward in 25 without Joe and Bailey takes the linking role.