Training Pre season training

[Diehard Saint]

Heath will pass Boyd and step up into the no. 1 ruck. Boyd is a stop gap at best. Can out mark, out run, out tap and is four years younger……

As an oppo supporter what is your interest in Heath?
Do you know him? Why are you so bullish about him?
Hoping you’re right because we’ve put the time into him.

 

[stfan]

Heath will pass Boyd and step up into the no. 1 ruck. Boyd is a stop gap at best. Can out mark, out run, out tap and is four years younger……

Yes is 4 years younger...so that just means that Harry is just entering the prime years for a ruckman, and Heath is still 4 years from it.


In the here and now both are still unknown quantities at AFL Level. Though Harry right now can outruck Heath.

 

[seasonedsainter]

I re read my player by player review after some constructive criticism and yes, I had hardly a bad word to say about anyone.

I think it is because pre Christmas training is fairly not contact drills so little pressure. Every player on the list has the requisite skills to be on an AFL list so are elite in the context of their AFL ability.

When I do the post Christmas review I will cast a much more critical eye on the players and try to be as realistic as possible. there are caveats though. I am a glass half full type of person so I look for the good in a player, I am also a mug supporter who is amateur compared to the people who are actually on the ground making decisions in the AFL industry.

Like the other track watchers who do great training reviews here (not that mine are great mind you), it is intended to give most of the posters here who cant get to training a taste of what is happening. Maybe not the most accurate, however it is an opinions game so take them with a grain of salt.

100% Joff don’t worry I get it, and where would we be without a little positivity aye?? FWIW I actually share a lot of the upwards sentiment posted in here, despite the cynical posts at times, I think in an even competition and with a bit of injury luck we’re a chance to leap-frog into the serious section of the ladder real quick.

The best part is a lot of this trajectory is now dependent on the youngsters on our playing list. Can’t wait and coming home if we make Finals.

Get that BANDWAGON rolling Saints!!

Would love to see exciting attacking footy from the first bounce. Net negative ****s given just take them on!!


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Kennedy84]

His Gippsland coach said he had hardly touched the weights in his junior years, for me thats a bit of a red flag. But it may have been more his family circumstances than his motivation. He doesnt have a big frame but he doesnt rely on strength as a part of his game. Dalrymple and the club rated him highly lets hope he can fulfill that potential.

I'm the opposite, I'm fond of drafting string beans. If they can shine at junior level, with minimal strength, it suggests that they're skills are high quality and they could be something really special when they fill out.

The bigger kids are sometimes just weight bullies, then when they match up against men, they're best attribute is nullified and they're found wanting.

 

[gringo2011]

Heath will pass Boyd and step up into the no. 1 ruck. Boyd is a stop gap at best. Can out mark, out run, out tap and is four years younger……

Definitely possible. He was probably the most improved player on our list last year. He got overlooked on here because he didn't play seniors but from 2023 to 2024 his development was insane. He wet from a player looking likely to be delisted to looking like he was in the best some weeks. Had a couple of good goal hauls too. Hopefully they give him a chance to prove himself next season.

 

[dudeintheswamp]

Yeah Heath is out of contract end of 2025, he'll have to get a go this year at some stage you'd think. In fact this made me curious as to who else on the Saints list will be out of contract end of next season, and according to Footywire, we'll have nineteen players OOC then. Seems like a lot!

They are...

Hastie, McClennan, Schoenmaker, Howard, Garcia, Clark, Keeler, Carroll, Webster, O'Connell, Stocker, Windhager, Hall, Heath, Owens, Wanganeen-Milera, Byrnes, Cordy, Jones.

A few names there it'd be nice to lock away.

St Kilda Saints AFL Player Contracts

Details of AFL player contracts for the St Kilda Saints.

www.footywire.com

 

[pebblesofsand]

Yeah Heath is out of contract end of 2025, he'll have to get a go this year at some stage you'd think. In fact this made me curious as to who else on the Saints list will be out of contract end of next season, and according to Footywire, we'll have nineteen players OOC then. Seems like a lot!

They are...

Hastie, McClennan, Schoenmaker, Howard, Garcia, Clark, Keeler, Carroll, Webster, O'Connell, Stocker, Windhager, Hall, Heath, Owens, Wanganeen-Milera, Byrnes, Cordy, Jones.

A lot of those will be re-signed during next year so you'd the number OOC towards the end of the year would around 7/10 players - so not much difference between most years.

 

[dudeintheswamp]

Just realised Boyd isn't on the list above, anyone know if he has actually signed, and if so, for how long?

 

[ScrappyDo]

Yeah Heath is out of contract end of 2025, he'll have to get a go this year at some stage you'd think. In fact this made me curious as to who else on the Saints list will be out of contract end of next season, and according to Footywire, we'll have nineteen players OOC then. Seems like a lot!

They are...

Hastie, McClennan, Schoenmaker, Howard, Garcia, Clark, Keeler, Carroll, Webster, O'Connell, Stocker, Windhager, Hall, Heath, Owens, Wanganeen-Milera, Byrnes, Cordy, Jones.

A few names there it'd be nice to lock away.

St Kilda Saints AFL Player Contracts

Details of AFL player contracts for the St Kilda Saints.

www.footywire.com

Most of them should be OOC at this point. I'd surmise the abnormally high number is driven by the equally high number of kids who are just at that point.

 

[Saint believer]

I re read my player by player review after some constructive criticism and yes, I had hardly a bad word to say about anyone.

I think it is because pre Christmas training is fairly not contact drills so little pressure. Every player on the list has the requisite skills to be on an AFL list so are elite in the context of their AFL ability.

When I do the post Christmas review I will cast a much more critical eye on the players and try to be as realistic as possible. there are caveats though. I am a glass half full type of person so I look for the good in a player, I am also a mug supporter who is amateur compared to the people who are actually on the ground making decisions in the AFL industry.

Like the other track watchers who do great training reviews here (not that mine are great mind you), it is intended to give most of the posters here who cant get to training a taste of what is happening. Maybe not the most accurate, however it is an opinions game so take them with a grain of salt.

I love them Joff.

As a Taswegian, I got my first look at RSEA park yesterday.

I love the glass half full model. What is the point of following/ supporting a team if it can’t bring a smile and some cheer!

Merry Christmas all and go saints in 2025.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[akaifu]

Just re-watched the first half of the Swans game, Clark was so clean and dominant at clearance when Row was able to tap it down to him. So much so they moved Rowbottom to him at a lot of stoppages and also had Gulden covering space in front of him so he couldn’t hit the drop zone at pace

That version of Clark would be nice to see on a consistent basis in 2025 with more TOG and especially if Boyd is able to do even better than Row in the hitouts

 

[gringo2011]

Just re-watched the first half of the Swans game, Clark was so clean and dominant at clearance when Row was able to tap it down to him. So much so they moved Rowbottom to him at a lot of stoppages and also had Gulden covering space in front of him so he couldn’t hit the drop zone at pace

That version of Clark would be nice to see on a consistent basis in 2025 with more TOG and especially if Boyd is able to do even better than Row in the hitouts

We have a few guys who had seasons that were interrupted by injury and didn't get full preseasons last year. Dow, Clark, Butler, Wood, King etc all had stalled starts or interruptions. If they can stay fit the whole side could benefit massively.

 

[akaifu]

We have a few guys who had seasons that were interrupted by injury and didn't get full preseasons last year. Dow, Clark, Butler, Wood, King etc all had stalled starts or interruptions. If they can stay fit the whole side could benefit massively.

Dow spoke on SEN a couple weeks ago and said he was 100% injury and niggle-free. Hopefully stays that way and he at least somewhat lives up to his pick 3 label because that would do wonders for us alongside Steele Crae Pou Clark Windy

Just hoping when contact increases post-Christmas that we are well-conditioned and resist injuries more so than previous years

 

[Fehring]

View attachment 2190914
Nick Riewoldt started off a skinny kid as well.

Hunter dreams of biceps that big.

 

[Leap of Faith]

The difference is Boyd wasnt on our list when I was discussing him.

Now if Boyd suceeds I will be the first the concede how very wrong I was. Time will tell I guess I still have strong doubts. My beef with picking up Boyd was discussed before the National Draft and I was concerned we would be over looking quality kids to fit him in. As it turned out we passed on Hofmann and didnt take Cole or Peckett, so that left list positions for players like Dodson (huge potential ruckman) & Said then to grab Boyd as a rookie. Its a lot different to considering taking him as a National Draft choice.

You might recall I was skeptical of Adrian Cole as a prospect, said I wouldnt take him and copped ridicule because of it. Plenty on the forum thought I was nuts and had NFI what was I was talking. I think I was well vindicated when he was completely over looked in both drafts by all clubs. Elwood Peckett was also but at least the club have continued to work on his development brought him into the fold at Sandringham and would think he is a MSD chance if we have any LTI's.

I also had strong discussions with some re Smiley's game, as some touted him as a definite No 1 pick which I questioned. As it turned there is talk that the Saints werent even going to take him if he fell through to our picks. Footy is a subjective topic, I have strong views at times because I want the best out of all our players and sucess for the club.

You’re coming on all reasonable about it now. But you were vehement about what a dud he is. Without going back and searching for the actual posts, I believe you called him, “a spud from a state league” among other things. You also labelled his recruitment as just another example of how hopeless our club’s culture is.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Yeah Heath is out of contract end of 2025, he'll have to get a go this year at some stage you'd think. In fact this made me curious as to who else on the Saints list will be out of contract end of next season, and according to Footywire, we'll have nineteen players OOC then. Seems like a lot!

They are...

Hastie, McClennan, Schoenmaker, Howard, Garcia, Clark, Keeler, Carroll, Webster, O'Connell, Stocker, Windhager, Hall, Heath, Owens, Wanganeen-Milera, Byrnes, Cordy, Jones.

A few names there it'd be nice to lock away.

St Kilda Saints AFL Player Contracts

Details of AFL player contracts for the St Kilda Saints.

www.footywire.com

We have alot of players on 1 year contracts only.
Eight definates to sign on- Garcia, Hastie, Heath, Keeler, NWM, Owens, Sch'maker, Windhager. We had 10 players leave this year, so letting go of another 11, is not a stretch.

 

[Saintscomemarchingin]

Just re-watched the first half of the Swans game, Clark was so clean and dominant at clearance when Row was able to tap it down to him. So much so they moved Rowbottom to him at a lot of stoppages and also had Gulden covering space in front of him so he couldn’t hit the drop zone at pace

That version of Clark would be nice to see on a consistent basis in 2025 with more TOG and especially if Boyd is able to do even better than Row in the hitouts

Clark is a very clever player, always looking to move play on, by using a tap on or a grubby little kick, which often pays off.
And if he could bring back that special side-step more often, would be a bonus.

 

[PoppedCorn]

His ability to somehow stand up while being tackled yet still gettig a dispistal away is unreal

 

[akaifu]

His ability to somehow stand up while being tackled yet still gettig a dispistal away is unreal

Knows how to manoeuvre his body - I dare say that has a lot of Lenny's teachings about it

Uses momentum to his advantage. That centre bounce clearance against Sydney where he made that diving handball out to Steele was chef's kiss - perfect execution as he was going to ground

He's a great user by foot, need to see more of it on a more consistent basis with hopefully improved fitness

 

[LuckyBounce!]

Just re-watched the first half of the Swans game, Clark was so clean and dominant at clearance when Row was able to tap it down to him. So much so they moved Rowbottom to him at a lot of stoppages and also had Gulden covering space in front of him so he couldn’t hit the drop zone at pace

That version of Clark would be nice to see on a consistent basis in 2025 with more TOG and especially if Boyd is able to do even better than Row in the hitouts

Yesterday I watched the second half of the Geelong game and had some serious wood!

 

[SteeleSaints]

You’re coming on all reasonable about it now. But you were vehement about what a dud he is. Without going back and searching for the actual posts, I believe you called him, “a spud from a state league” among other things. You also labelled his recruitment as just another example of how hopeless our club’s culture is.

My major concern was over looking bright young rucking talent in a very good and deep draft to take a gap filler. As it turned out we got the best rated ruckman Alex Dodson late in the draft so it was a win. As it was looking at that time I was concerned we were going to take Boyd at the draft (taking Hofmann, Cole & Peckett as possible rookies) and again not drafting for the future, so yes I was pretty worked up about it.

You are right I was strong in my opinion on Boyd from what I saw he looked like a complete spud at SANFL level. I remain skeptical that his game will translate to AFL in any form, hence why not one other AFL club displayed interest. He has since been added as a SSP rookie and costs us nothing and not a senior list position so it is a little more palatable. Would I have still added an alternative young player absolutely!

To answer your other point how many other gap filling ruckman have we had on our list over the years (way too many) and what have they acheived. You also have to remember Boyd is the complete fall back option as initially the club were 100% committed to Soldo. I still think ideally the club want to play Marshall forward, is Boyd going to fill that void again who knows! It felt like we went shopping for a Ram 1500 and were satisfied we got a Kia Seltos.

 

[akaifu]

My major concern was over looking bright young rucking talent in a very good and deep draft to take a gap filler. As it turned out we got the best rated ruckman Alex Dodson late in the draft so it was a win. As it was looking at that time I was concerned we were going to take Boyd at the draft (taking Hofmann, Cole & Peckett as possible rookies) and again not drafting for the future, so yes I was pretty worked up about it.

You are right I was strong in my opinion on Boyd from what I saw he looked like a complete spud at SANFL level. I remain skeptical that his game will translate to AFL in any form, hence why not one other AFL club displayed interest. He has since been added as a SSP rookie and costs us nothing and not a senior list position so it is a little more palatable. Would I have still added an alternative young player absolutely!

To answer your other point how many other gap filling ruckman have we had on our list over the years (way too many) and what have they acheived. You also have to remember Boyd is the complete fall back option as initially the club were 100% committed to Soldo. I still think ideally the club want to play Marshall forward, is Boyd going to fill that void again who knows! It felt like we went shopping for a Ram 1500 and were satisfied we got a Kia Seltos.

And you're still having a go at him. How would you know he is a "Kia Seltos"? You watched one SANFL game of him

And what other option did we have? There were no AFL-standard ruckman on the market aside from Soldo, and if we had given up a pick for one, we would not have gotten Dodson

After we rejected Soldo, Boyd wasn't just the "fall back option"...he was the only palatable option

Have some faith in the coaching staff. They are all experienced veterans at this craft especially when recruiting for Ross Lyon's game plan. They know what they are doing

 

[saintron]

Has Boyd signed with us yet

 

[saintmike65]

Clark is a very clever player, always looking to move play on, by using a tap on or a grubby little kick, which often pays off.
And if he could bring back that special side-step more often, would be a bonus.

He’s a much maligned player sadly but important to our midfield mix!
He deserves a clear run at it in ‘25

 

[Saint Ray]

He’s a much maligned player sadly but important to our midfield mix!
He deserves a clear run at it in ‘25

yep, I agree and I just fail to understand all the negative crap.