Training 2025 Pre-Season Thread

[martinson]

I know this one is late to the party but completely agree. He played a 35 disposal, 1 goal game as a 17 year old in his sole VFL appearance. He isn't playing VFL if he is healthy, unfortunately someone has to make way for him. I suspect it won't be Jaspa. Unless we revert to two talls, which is unlikely, it has to be one of either Bailey, Rayner (0% chance), Ah Chee, Lohmann or Charlie. Based solely on last year, Bailey is the one who should be under the pump the most but I suspect, unfortunately for Cal, he may be the loser in all of this.

Nah . People are still looking at Cal as they always have. He's too valuable. I don't think they'd be looking at it that way internally.

 

[pod17]

Nah . People are still looking at Cal as they always have. He's too valuable. I don't think they'd be looking at it that way internally.

Totally agree with this. Very potent forward with the ability to make the oppositions dashing defenders accountable. They don’t grow on trees.

Bailey did have a down year but carried an injury and showed some signs he was turning the corner late in the year. That said, IF Levi is to walk straight into the starting side after an injury in the preseason, Bailey could be the one that is vulnerable.

I still think it’s most likely he starts in the VFL or at best the sub until injury or form opens the door for him.

 

[Perrip]

Likelihood of every AFL club’s prospective round one debutants rated

Brisbane
Levi Ashcroft was touted as the best player in the draft class throughout his under-18s campaign, and while he was a father-son selection to the reigning premiers there is an expectation he slots straight into their best 22. Ashcroft has been impressive during the summer, and while he’s unlikely to walk straight into the starting midfield, the No.5 pick should feature in Opening Round. Sam Marshall may be forced to begin his career in the VFL, while key forward Ty Gallop is a project player.
Verdict: Lock him in

 

[Perrip]

 

[Scubaveg]

After giving it some thought, I could genuinely see Zorko being a super sub for us this year. Will give us a lot of flexibility and allow us to prepare our lines for post-Zorko football. Keeps him playing, his body fresh and will undoubtedly have a big impact in the role.

100%.


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[McIvor]

I know this one is late to the party but completely agree. He played a 35 disposal, 1 goal game as a 17 year old in his sole VFL appearance. He isn't playing VFL if he is healthy, unfortunately someone has to make way for him. I suspect it won't be Jaspa. Unless we revert to two talls, which is unlikely, it has to be one of either Bailey, Rayner (0% chance), Ah Chee, Lohmann or Charlie. Based solely on last year, Bailey is the one who should be under the pump the most but I suspect, unfortunately for Cal, he may be the loser in all of this.

No chance in me view.

 

[acuguy]

With Joe gone, Ah Chee becomes even more significant for our forward line. Cal was an absolute elite junior, clearly some of his footy at the back end of the year was elite AFL standard. I'm expecting him to become a dominant player on the ground in 2025.

 

[notliondown]

What’s your aol?

That's a bit personal for a footy forum isn't it?

 

[notliondown]

I think the wildcard is lack of hunger or more like lack of desperation. It took quite a few to have career best seasons or step up in finals (Joe). They won't necessarily hit those levels again

I'm hoping for the opposite in a way...

We've always been a team that's tended to cruise way too often but now they understand the reward for real effort.

We know they can do it, they know they can do it. Maybe 2024 creates the understanding of the results of real application now they have actually held the cup in their hands.

 

[Sproj]

McKenna out, Levi in but the question is, who is sub. It could be Levi given his interrupted preseason.

 

[notliondown]

IMO we'd be much better to start him as sub if our best 22 are fit and bring him in for longer minutes/full time role if the younger guys can't get it done/get hurt.

Still think McCarthy could fill Zorko's spot and make it his own...

 

[Bucking Beads]

Still think McCarthy could fill Zorko's spot and make it his own...

Very good field kick. Be very interesting to see how we roll out this season. We are stacked with talent. An adjusted game plan would be required with out big Joe though.

 

[p4p1]

What is the likelihood of a 36 year old footballers body holding up for a whole season? If he's best 22, is it best to play him at his fittest EARLY in the season or closer to finals?

6 months is a very long time to play football for younger bodies, let alone an older guy in Zorko. Not to mention, we have Coleman coming back and short, medium and long term he is our best 22. I'm not convinced both he and Zorko can fit comfortably together off half back.

I think you're assuming neither can defend or lockdown as required. It is unlikely to work if they both play all out attacking HBF roles all the time but they're both capable as defenders, Kiddy more so than Zorks but being able to rotate the attacking role will cause headaches, especially if they can work to free each other up.

 

[p4p1]

Personally I think that if he starts coming up a bit sore and struggling to get up for games, we will start playing him as a Sub or give him a rest every now and then but he will be in the 22 if he is coming up well after games.
If he goes well this year, I could see him playing next year as well.

Edit: With 2 really good years he could go close to surpassing both Marcus Ashcroft (318) and Simon Black (322) games records.

Would be incredible for a guy who didn't play an AFL game until he was 23. Blacky had played 50+ games by the time he turned 23, Ashcroft just over 100.

 

[p4p1]

No chance in me view.

Someone is coming out for Levi, Cal, rightly or wrongly is the only one other than Lohman who has a history of being dropped.
We can say without a shadow of a doubt, unless injury strikes, it won't be Charlie or Rayner, which leaves, Cal, Kai and Zac. Cal's defensive role is very important going forward, I am not advocating for him being dropped. I just don't see Kai or Zac being dropped for Levi either.

 

[Toastie]

Hi all. First post here. Go lions!
Just wondering how the Ashcrofts are looking? I read Levi is not in full training. Should he be right for round 1?

 

[Happy_Neale]

Surely its McKenna out of the side for Levi with Bailey to play more midfield minutes. Levi takes the forward role and chops out in the mid when Bailey is off. Rayner 90% forward with the license to roam.

 

[Happy_Neale]

Also...its OR as in, opening round. No such thing as round 0

 

[Dodongo]

Dodongo is back after being pardoned for Dodongo's role in the January 6 riots. Dodongo praises Trump!

Dodongo is looking forward to seeing back-to-back.