Training Pre season training

[saintmike65]

Joffa - great summary.

My 5 cents:

Dodson - showed a bit - very small sample size but liked what I saw
Sharman - good size now & moving well
Hunter - to the naked eye does look fitter and running ok
Pou - in everything and really is an excellent kick
King - definitely filled out - very big man
Keeler - he looks so close to breaking out - let’s hope so!
Ari - moving well and definitely putting in (still worried about his speed but let’s see when the real stuff starts).
Henry - as noted above - doing some running which is a positive - but was sucking in the oxygen big time (to be expected)

The other thing that struck me was just maybe we finally have a decent number of guys who can kick the ball & hit a target and/or kick a goal under pressure (I’m sure I have missed a few): Sincs, Nas, Macrae, Ari, Wilks, Steele, Pou, Sharman - you can probably also add in Hill, Wood, Garcia and a few others.

• Andrew Mathieson, recent signing with Sandy training today with the saints boys…nice size at 193cm.. another leftie
• Gus McLennan again pitted against a bigger opponent & doing well…great competitor is Gus!
• Travaglia will debut round one..I’m very confident of that
• Owens won the wrestling comp at the end of training, defeating Boyd
• Young Said could be THE quiet achiever out of the draft crop…smart player that makes good decisions
• Keeler did some nice things during match sim & should debut early
• Mattaes is obviously under instruction to use his legs more when coming out of stoppage…he’s got more power & burst now he’s refined his body shape
• Henry running is a good sign but has a lot of catching up to do
• Hugh Boxhall looks a good prospect, lovely size, brave and moves well but a bit tardy with foot skills

 

[BrutThough]

Another training report for everyone (sorry if I'm repeating points from the other ones)

- Good to see King do most of the session. Didnt participate in match sim but did everything before that. Has a very strong physique now and was moing well.

- Sharman the standout forward. Didnt notice him much during the drill portion but he came to life once they started match sim. His basic skills are super clean and he just understands where to run to. Expecting a big season from him.

- One of the better sessions I've seen from Dow.

- Phillipou is just as advertised. Improving every session and clearly on his way to being an a grade mid.

- Wilson looks fantastic. I dont know if he was playing as a starting mid but he managed to always be where the ball was. Much is made about his running but his skills and general football smarts are just as good. He will be the elite mid we are after

- Of the draftees, Trav stands out. You can instantly tell why he was a high draft pick. His workrate and competitiveness already stands out. I didnt notice Said. Dodson is a good size with good skills but clearly has a lot of physical development ahead of him. Boxhall is another one who stepped up in the match sim portion - won his fair share of the ball, kicked a nice goal and didnt take a backwards step. But Steele did get him in a bone-crunching tackle which would have been a good reminder he's now in the big leagues.

- Arie has a man's body now. I've got him as a front runner for that Battle position. He was lined up on Owens for a bit and held his own.

- Webster and Butler aren't going to be pushed out easily. Webster is moving as well as ever and his kicking is still a strength. While a lot of older players sat out the half ground match sim they did, Jimmy did it all so must be in a good place physically. And Butler, his expereince and craft stood out in some of the drills. Got some praise from Ross for holding his width while no one else (not even Goddard running the drill) thought to use that space.

- Most of the senior players look ready for the real stuff to arrive.

 

[Train12]

Great summary Joffaboy, but we weren't all down on Travaglia, see attached. The other notable point that you may not have seen was that Chito defeated Boyd in the wrestling, which was worth the price of admission to see the cheering and genuine team spirit on display. I'll post the video shortly.

View attachment 2186874

Can we see that video ?

 

[Holy Hunter Clark]

Membership pack arrived and you wouldn't believe it, they've put my good-looking face on there again. Hope they remember to pay me royalties this time around

On Pixel 7 using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Palantine]

Thought it was a terrific session today (not sure if last for the year) but the conditions were great and nearly all the players and coaches were out to be seen. Pretty sure I mentioned Watson in an earlier report, and still pretty sure it's him out there training with Saints - and who got a lot of it, uses well, and finished off the running no problem.

I think the general drills have been covered so my impressions of the players from last training session I saw three or so weeks ago; I didn't spot Sinclair at all. And there was a player 49? tallish defender who looked a great shape who for the life of me no idea who he was. Don't think it was Barrat (who I didn't see) but could have been.

Of the new chaps I was pretty impressed with Boxshall who's an impressive size and weight already, and has a nice quick spin on him and can see him developing a craft for heavy traffic. Slightly rushed kicking action (snappy) for goal. But you could see a sketch of what he might become in our midfield. I really liked. Also Said was noticeable in a few drills and you can tell why he's received comments on his kicking - looks top draw.

First decent look at Tobie and he's an interesting one. Broad shoulders and thin wasted, kind of lopes and leaps over the ground, and has a tight and impressive turning circle. In a match sim there was a passage of play reminiscent of his draft highlight reel where he kept chasing the play, running like a hungry dog, anticipates well - hands on the ball, head over the ball and grabs it and goes, quick release hand pass - gets it again, another hand pass. I don't think kicking is judgeable yet, but I would guess he can become the type of player who wins us a grand final through sheer will to get the ball moving forward, and running hard into the right spots. He was shoulder to shoulder with Mr Wilson in boundary running drills toward the end.

Big Harry is big, and went toe to toe with Mitch in the wrestle playoff at very end of the session that Mitch won and the boys went so wild they lifted him onto their shoulders. It was fun to watch - and says something about the comradery happening within the group. Harry did well in the running drills and is clearly shorter than Heath and Dodson however could serve a decent purpose with physicality and competitiveness. Liked Dodson's size and game sense - smooth on his feet.

Keeler keeps impressing - can see him next year bobbing up to kick a couple of useful goals in games. Another; Caminiti only running laps but moving really well (actually was doing an isolated drill toward the end involving a coach and Stocker, and him running and spinning back, marking and going for goal. He's in big man shape. King is incredible to look at. Running hard laps around the boundary - along with Windy and Stocker. Stocker looks awesome - more compact physically and running over the top of the ground. Wouldn't be surprised if he has a big season 2025.

Tried to keep an eye on Hall who at one point reminded me of a puff chested Daniel Kerr running along all upright and tidy delivering a measured chip pass.

I'm just in love with Matteas as a player and person. Out there he's as happy as a pig in Pou. Led so much of the running. Physically awesome. Wilson also obviously very strong. And there's no problem with Hastie's tank (who was praised by a coach for remaining calm heading into 50 meters to deliver a good ball).

Of the drills I enjoyed BJ stabbing the ball out of a back pocket hitting up targets in an attempt to move the ball down the wing. Seemed some flexibility here (long, short, inbound or down the line) seemed the focus was wherever it went to reposition or crumb/scramble/receive to keep the ball progressing forward. Loud communication amongst the players.

I was impressed with Bolton. A drill sergeant type who's got his head in the game. Heard Misson say to the Brains Trust that Boris was at Harvard (USA)? If I got that right.

Lastly I really liked Hunter today. Looks thin and tough. Refused to let go of a jumper in a tackle. Said hello to the track watchers. Good signs and hope he can go injury free for a long spell. WangaMilly kicking a thing a celestial beauty.

 

[Joffaboy]

• Andrew Mathieson, recent signing with Sandy training today with the saints boys…nice size at 193cm.. another leftie
  

Was he the lad with strapping on his shoulder? If it was he showed some stuff in match sim.

On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[beside the seaside]

Jeez todays training reports are getting the juices flowing. Arie, Wilson, Pou. Shwing!

Thanks everyone

 

[Veer Right]

Preseason is our best period, no disappointments, no reality checks, lots of new toys and grandiose dreams running wild. If we can't get excited now we might as well give up.

Come on Tommy, it's preseason and nearly Christmas. You need to triple that at this time of year. 90+ playing CHB. Hunter Clark for the Brownlow and our new ruck from the SANFL to be the new Max Gawn while winning the most admirable thighs award from Sinclair..

Hard to get a gauge on who is doing well when everyone is a superstar who will be pushing hard for brownlow and the rising star honours.

Still, something is better then nothing at this time of year.

 

[akaifu]

• Andrew Mathieson, recent signing with Sandy training today with the saints boys…nice size at 193cm.. another leftie
• Gus McLennan again pitted against a bigger opponent & doing well…great competitor is Gus!
• Travaglia will debut round one..I’m very confident of that
• Owens won the wrestling comp at the end of training, defeating Boyd
• Young Said could be THE quiet achiever out of the draft crop…smart player that makes good decisions
• Keeler did some nice things during match sim & should debut early
• Mattaes is obviously under instruction to use his legs more when coming out of stoppage…he’s got more power & burst now he’s refined his body shape
• Henry running is a good sign but has a lot of catching up to do
• Hugh Boxhall looks a good prospect, lovely size, brave and moves well but a bit tardy with foot skills

Boxshall sounds like the mid we were all hoping Owens would be last season

 

[jimmytigs]

Jimmy sounds like a busy schedule. We are in Chiang Mai now and next off to Cambodia, then Laos. Glad to see the Thai Saints are so strong.

off to philippines for a month next month then back here for 2,then australia,but getting a real hankering for vietnam

 

[akaifu]

Another training report for everyone (sorry if I'm repeating points from the other ones)

- Good to see King do most of the session. Didnt participate in match sim but did everything before that. Has a very strong physique now and was moing well.

- Sharman the standout forward. Didnt notice him much during the drill portion but he came to life once they started match sim. His basic skills are super clean and he just understands where to run to. Expecting a big season from him.

- One of the better sessions I've seen from Dow.

- Phillipou is just as advertised. Improving every session and clearly on his way to being an a grade mid.

- Wilson looks fantastic. I dont know if he was playing as a starting mid but he managed to always be where the ball was. Much is made about his running but his skills and general football smarts are just as good. He will be the elite mid we are after

- Of the draftees, Trav stands out. You can instantly tell why he was a high draft pick. His workrate and competitiveness already stands out. I didnt notice Said. Dodson is a good size with good skills but clearly has a lot of physical development ahead of him. Boxhall is another one who stepped up in the match sim portion - won his fair share of the ball, kicked a nice goal and didnt take a backwards step. But Steele did get him in a bone-crunching tackle which would have been a good reminder he's now in the big leagues.

- Arie has a man's body now. I've got him as a front runner for that Battle position. He was lined up on Owens for a bit and held his own.

- Webster and Butler aren't going to be pushed out easily. Webster is moving as well as ever and his kicking is still a strength. While a lot of older players sat out the half ground match sim they did, Jimmy did it all so must be in a good place physically. And Butler, his expereince and craft stood out in some of the drills. Got some praise from Ross for holding his width while no one else (not even Goddard running the drill) thought to use that space.

- Most of the senior players look ready for the real stuff to arrive.

Wouldn’t be surprised if we are trying to mould Wilson into a Gulden-type player - diminutive size but immense aerobic capacity and positioning

Means we can get the best out of him without having to play him as a full time inside mid

 

[PoppedCorn]

...or what we call a Tony Lockett half season

I think he could kick half a Lockett

Christ knows why we were so down on Travaglia during draft time, including me. Holy hell the kid is good, clean,
great disposal. Wonderful mover, can see him debuting very early. Personally more impressed than I was with Wilson this time last year.

 

[saintmike65]

Was he the lad with strapping on his shoulder? If it was he showed some stuff in match sim.

On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

Black hair…wore #49

 

[saintmike65]

Boxshall sounds like the mid we were all hoping Owens would be last season

Yeah, think he’ll be a no nonsense grunt player..eventually a Steele replacement

 

[Saint Watto]

Membrey wore #1 in his 1 game for Sydney.

AFL Tables - Sydney v Essendon - Fri, 1-Aug-2014 7:50 PM - Match Stats

I stand corrected TP..........I thought I was onto an awesome stat !!!!!!

Wrong.

 

[akaifu]

Yeah, think he’ll be a no nonsense grunt player..eventually a Steele replacement

would be interesting to see how he can maximise his athletic traits in a contested bull role, maybe model his game on Fyfe’s?

Considering he’s a pick 45, him becoming a Willem Drew type to free up Pou Travaglia Garcia Windy etc to go full attack would be nice

 

[Saint Watto]

...or what we call a Tony Lockett half season

Legend has it....or an awesome urban myth.......that how many 4 n 20 pies Plugger could reach up and pull down off a shelf determined if he passed his fitness test...!!!!!

I don't believe that for a nano second.

Mind you.....Plugger did love a meat pie !!!!!

 

[Verdun66]

Just loving all the reports. Keep them coming!

Mitchito winning the wrestling….that must have been great to watch. Hopefully he hits this season in better shape. Was it that he over-trained last preseason and was a bit flat? If he hits the form he promised in the previous season, watch out.

Was enjoying the reports of Garcia and his progress a few weeks ago. Then he seemed to injure himself according to reports. Been put on ice? Maybe another youngster overdoing the training. Sounds crazy that some don’t train enough and others do too much. Emphasises how committed these young guys are. Augers well.

We just need a relatively clean bill of health going into next season. Been a while since we could say that. All very encouraging.

 

[Diehard Saint]

All these training reports are amazing - thank you everyone.

Problem is I’ve become addicted to them and the positivity and where am I going to get my fix when they break for the holidays?

Can someone please just make some up over the next couple of weeks.
Please..

 

[True Believer]

It looks like there quite few Saints in this part of the world at present.

We are just at Natai Beach at present. We have been beach hopping for almost three weeks now.

Our highlight apart from reading the training reports was our three days snorkelling at Ko Surin off the coast in amazingly clear water. Lovely coral and abundant fish. Even got to swim with a venomous sea snake (So good training to keep me on my toes when posting here)!

The black and white striped Kraits? There's a tonne of those in Fiji......

 

[BrutThough]

Wouldn’t be surprised if we are trying to mould Wilson into a Gulden-type player - diminutive size but immense aerobic capacity and positioning

Means we can get the best out of him without having to play him as a full time inside mid

I also see some Max Holmes in him if we do want to go the full-time mid option with him.

 

[Mr Platinum]

Can we see that video ?

Ask and you shall receive. Boyd is a huge unit, I’m 191cm and he towers over me.
View attachment att.bgbs7ZAjwY700egxIZZ0uiOfdLX89N2AqrClYDAoNWk.mp4

 

[Joffaboy]

Black hair…wore #49

Blond guy with strapping, sure they were calling Vossy. Could have been Jackson.

On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Mr Platinum]

Blond guy with strapping, sure they were calling Vossy. Could have been Jackson.

On SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

This is Matho, he’s another St Kevin’s Old Boy from the VAFA.
He’s an elite 800 metre runner, will be very good for Sandy, covers the ground beautifully and has an elite left shoe, likes it tough as well.

 

[BrutThough]

This is Matho, he’s another St Kevin’s Old Boy.

View attachment 2187020View attachment 2187020

I'm already a Matho fan. Looked good today.

Sandy getting some decent recruits.