Training Pre season training

[SteeleSaints]

Understand and it is hard to give a proper picture when I an writing a stream of conciousness.
The forwards in the red were basically defending with no real importance in getting forward.
An example, in an earlier drill, Naz turned it over in the corridor and it end up with Jones 40 out. He just kicked it back to the line coach.
The focus was on movement, spread, quick switches and rolling to position.
This was highlighted by the positioning training up and down the ground.
Let's face it, Our small forwards are Higgo and Butts, both are fit and both looked very good.
The blokes that should be happy with this would be Arie, O'Connell, Barrat, and McLennon who are battling to fill the vacant Battle spot.
Hall looks favoured over Carroll and Jones who both are looking good also. A healthy list for a change (touch wood).

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It seems the trialling of Caminiti in defence (CHB) didnt continue today, if he doesnt play there who is the most likely of the 4 mentioned? Barrat is probably the most suited to the role but is it too big an ask for a first year player.

 

[Joffaboy]

Doesn’t sound like Ari’s ready.
Sounds like Hammer has regressed?
Alix a mile off it yet?
Hall round one cert.
Chito up and about.

Arie, correct, still a bit to go.
Hammer looked ok but is definitely playing forward
Tauru just started running
Hall?
Chito playing forward

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[akaifu]

It seems the trialling of Caminiti in defence (CHB) didnt continue today, if he doesnt play there who is the most likely of the 4 mentioned? Barrat is probably the most suited to the role but is it too big an ask for a first year player.

As of present, after watching last Friday's session, I believe it's Cordy

 

[Joffaboy]

Does it seem Windy isn't training with the mids as much as some others? Steele, Macrae, Phillipou seem to have three midfield roles locked up for now. Who gets the fourth will be interesting. Garcia, Jones, Windy?

Windy was training in the mids just not mentioned as much as others.

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[Joffaboy]

how has travaglia gone in match sim?

Like a first year recruit.

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[Broski]

Article from the HS: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...m/news-story/c5ce020e3a1ed4ab612b23c9942584c0

For those who can't access. A quick summary is:

• Mattaes was in everything and is set to explode this season.
• Macrae will be great for our midfield. Forget 2024, will win plenty of the pill.
• Boyd showcased he's a chance to play this year. With no Marshall at training, he was too good for Dodson and Heath.
• Travaglia showed moments but Hill showed that experience matters.
• Tauru did some running, which is at least promising. As did Henry, Clark etc.
• Collard was another to just do running. I am interstate, but is there anything to worry about with him?
• Hastie had some nice moments - poised, used his run, hit targets and was the prominent distributor for the weaker side. Reckon he gets forgotten by many, but I like what he may develop into.
• Barrat was in the action down back and didn't let himself down. Competed strongly, rarely got beaten in the air and followed up well when the ball was on the deck. Strong build for a kid and kicks it really well.

 

[SaintWrld]

Arie, correct, still a bit to go.
Hammer looked ok but is definitely playing forward
Tauru just started running
Hall?
Chito playing forward

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How was Keeler today? Any chance he beats out hammer for a spot in the best 22 forward line? Although if they persist with Boyd ruck and Marshall forward then they will probably both find themself playing for sandy. Not convinced the Boyd experiment will last more than a handful of games though

 

[Remboy]

Both Joey and Roo at training

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On the red team or yellow team?

 

[BrutThough]

I also headed down to training today. It was a big sessions, over two and a half hours, which was good to see.

- King looks as good as ever - physically looks bigger/stronger and generally looks really happy. Looked unstoppable in the match sim portion - kicking 4 and held his marks well. Also combining well with Higgins. If those two can stay fit and out there together, we will have a very dangerous duo.

- Phillipou is living up to the hype. Still going to make some mistakes but his presence in the midfield was notable. Also managed to hit the scoreboard. Hugo also did some nice things, starting in the A side midfield with Phillipou and Macrae/Steele who swapped teams at the break.

- Speaking of Macrae - one of the complaints from Dogs supporters was his inability to cover the ground. It's only match sim, but that doesnt appear to be the case anyway. Maybe it's our running program but I would never have known it was an issue he's had from watching him. The impact he is going to have cant be overstated. Even just giving Steele a mature opponent to play on each session is going to help the mids improve overall.

- The other mids - Windy played a combination of mid and fwd. Carroll had some moments and I can see him playing this year but is prone to some skill issues. Similar with Boxhall, he's a ball magnet but the kicking could do with some work.

- Owens has appeared to improve his ball dropped. Kicked 3 and overall, looking better than he did last year. Sharman had a quieter display but thats going to happen when the other two targets dominating. Hall was the other forward not he A team the whole time and had some excellent moments. I didnt notice him much until the proper match sim started but seems to go to another level in a game situation.

- Of the backs, all the normal best 22 types looked good. It should remain our best line this year. Stocker played for the 'B' side but his leadership and the way he directs the younger players really stands out. The third tall position is still in limbo with no real standouts. Arie, as expected, used the ball very well. I saw some mentioning McLennan as an option but I just think he's too small for it. Was noticeably smaller than Wilkie when they were on each other in some drills. He was also linked up on Higgins so I presume the coaches also see him as a smaller defender than a CHB option.

- Marshall was missing but I noticed him inside doing some work. Hopefully it's nothing serious. Henry should be joining in main training soon - did a few drills with the main group but spend the rest on the side in rehab or running laps. He's moving well and running at a decent pace. Also great to see Tauru outside for the first time.

- Brynes was playing half-back and looked pretty good. Jones seemed to be spending more tham fwd than in the midfield for the B group. While he's back in the pecking order, he trains hard and makes his opponent earn it. Barrat played back in the match sim but in the drills portion, spent time forward as well. He's an excellent size for a first year.

- Travaglia spent the session with the mids and then playing directly on Hill. His competitive nature is obvious and he's got some skill. Not sure he is as ready-to-go as Wilson was but I expect to see him at some point this year.

That covers most players.

 

[Joffaboy]

I also headed down to training today. It was a big sessions, over two and a half hours, which was good to see.

- King looks as good as ever - physically looks bigger/stronger and generally looks really happy. Looked unstoppable in the match sim portion - kicking 4 and held his marks well. Also combining well with Higgins. If those two can stay fit and out there together, we will have a very dangerous duo.

- Phillipou is living up to the hype. Still going to make some mistakes but his presence in the midfield was notable. Also managed to hit the scoreboard. Hugo also did some nice things, starting in the A side midfield with Phillipou and Macrae/Steele who swapped teams at the break.

- Speaking of Macrae - one of the complaints from Dogs supporters was his inability to cover the ground. It's only match sim, but that doesnt appear to be the case anyway. Maybe it's our running program but I would never have known it was an issue he's had from watching him. The impact he is going to have cant be overstated. Even just giving Steele a mature opponent to play on each session is going to help the mids improve overall.

- The other mids - Windy played a combination of mid and fwd. Carroll had some moments and I can see him playing this year but is prone to some skill issues. Similar with Boxhall, he's a ball magnet but the kicking could do with some work.

- Owens has appeared to improve his ball dropped. Kicked 3 and overall, looking better than he did last year. Sharman had a quieter display but thats going to happen when the other two targets dominating. Hall was the other forward not he A team the whole time and had some excellent moments. I didnt notice him much until the proper match sim started but seems to go to another level in a game situation.

- Of the backs, all the normal best 22 types looked good. It should remain our best line this year. Stocker played for the 'B' side but his leadership and the way he directs the younger players really stands out. The third tall position is still in limbo with no real standouts. Arie, as expected, used the ball very well. I saw some mentioning McLennan as an option but I just think he's too small for it. Was noticeably smaller than Wilkie when they were on each other in some drills. He was also linked up on Higgins so I presume the coaches also see him as a smaller defender than a CHB option.

- Marshall was missing but I noticed him inside doing some work. Hopefully it's nothing serious. Henry should be joining in main training soon - did a few drills with the main group but spend the rest on the side in rehab or running laps. He's moving well and running at a decent pace. Also great to see Tauru outside for the first time.

- Brynes was playing half-back and looked pretty good. Jones seemed to be spending more tham fwd than in the midfield for the B group. While he's back in the pecking order, he trains hard and makes his opponent earn it. Barrat played back in the match sim but in the drills portion, spent time forward as well. He's an excellent size for a first year.

- Travaglia spent the session with the mids and then playing directly on Hill. His competitive nature is obvious and he's got some skill. Not sure he is as ready-to-go as Wilson was but I expect to see him at some point this year.

That covers most players.

What was really noticeable was the size of Macrae and Phillipou as mids. Dont think we have ever had a Bont or Cripps type mid in size before, let alone two. Carroll is no slouch in the size department either. With Boyd in the middle it really is a new look midfield.
In the match sim Mclennon beat Pou a few times and looked to have really come on.

Henry still has some issues changing direction and was working hard with the trainer to get that agility back.

Travaglia will be fine, got a lesson in wing work by Hill which is really good. He is a quality footballer but is 18. Needs to develop. What Wilson has over him is his freakish running, the best in the League according to last years stats. Travaglia is also an outstanding runner but not as good as Wilson. Reckon Trav gets a gig in the back half of the season.

 

[pebblesofsand]

What was really noticeable was the size of Macrae and Phillipou as mids. Dont think we have ever had a Bont or Cripps type mid in size before, let alone two. Carroll is no slouch in the size department either. With Boyd in the middle it really is a new look midfield.
In the match sim Mclennon beat Pou a few times and looked to have really come on.

Henry still has some issues changing direction and was working hard with the trainer to get that agility back.

Travaglia will be fine, got a lesson in wing work by Hill which is really good. He is a quality footballer but is 18. Needs to develop. What Wilson has over him is his freakish running, the best in the League according to last years stats. Travaglia is also an outstanding runner but not as good as Wilson. Reckon Trav gets a gig in the back half of the season.

Was Barrat playing? How did he look?

 

[Joffaboy]

Was Barrat playing? How did he look?

Looked ok, has the body to play R1. Don't know about ability just yet.

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[sasaint]

Also went to the training today. Some random observations mostly about the players who are improving. The top tier, and I include Macrae in that group, all look cherry ripe:

• In the first match sim in one ruck contest Boyd literally just threw Max Heath to the ground. If Max can get over Boyd, he can tap it but otherwise Boyd dominated
• Max Hall looks very good at the contested ball and his disposal was pretty good too. I think we have one there.
• Lance Collard just running… no jogging laps. Liam Henry also running laps but a very quick pace. Later Liam ran with Lance and clearly was urging him to push himself.
• Max King was clunking goals from everywhere. Looks in form.
• Chito also clearly has improved his set shot routine and was slotting them too.
• Keeler has put on some muscles and contests much better, but he did have trouble hanging onto his marks which was disappointing.
• Angus Hastie was very impressive in congested situations and was able to thread through them and deliver some nice passes.
• Boxshall was pretty impressive and seems to love the contest. Carroll also got hold of it pretty often and showed footy smarts. It’s now hard to rank these second tier mids. Clark was running laps which suggests he is still a while off.
• You have to think that Garcia will be in the best 22, but he does make a habit of bombing it long out of congestion. Could be a problem for Ross.
• Ryan Byrnes is Mr Reliable. It will be difficult for Ross to leave him out as he just gets into good positions and makes smart decisions with ball in hand. Has that defensive mindset that Ross loves.
• NWM had some surprisingly horrible disposals. May just not have been switched on as you hardly saw a mistake in the last half of 2024.
• Barrat was matched up on Max King for a while. What great experience for the young man and a vote of confidence by Ross.
• Toby looked like a first-year player. Others think he will get games early. I doubt it. His disposal at times was poor with a couple OOF when he wasn’t under pressure. Don’t want that on game day.
• Lots of players from Sandy running around and training off to one side with some of the Saints boys.
• It was great chatting with one of the retired recruiters and lifetime members getting some of the inside stories when Bevo was in charge of recruiting. Really great fella who knows his stuff.

Generally things are looking good so far this pre season.

 

[Saint_Dos]

As of present, after watching last Friday's session, I believe it's Cordy

Never thought I would be asking a question about how Cordy is looking this pre-season but here we are...

How is his fitness looking? How have him and Doog's looked as a combo (I am pretty doubtful on that pairing)

 

[Barrels]

The “pLaY tHe KiDs” U23 side…

B: O’Connell - Barrat - McLennan
HB: Schoenmaker - Tauru - Wang.-Mil.
C: Travaglia - Phillipou (c) - Wilson
HF: Carroll - Caminiti - Owens
F: Hall - Keeler - Dodson
Foll: Heath - Windhager - Garcia

Int: Collard Hastie Boxshall Said Armstrong​

I can dig that. For the first time in a long while there’s some genuine established quality in there, rather than hope for improvement.

 

[akaifu]

Never thought I would be asking a question about how Cordy is looking this pre-season but here we are...

How is his fitness looking? How have him and Doog's looked as a combo (I am pretty doubtful on that pairing)

The pairing isn’t perfect but it’s ok for now. It’s a go back to go forward kind of thing with Barrat Arie Tauru coming through

Really hoping Barrat can have a Max Michalanney-like emergence in debut year. Certainly has the body for it

 

[Diehard Saint]

Very happy with what I’m reading about Boyd, could prove a very sharp pick up. Garcia and Pou giving each other hell in match sim is awesome, bring the fire boys

Hall too.
All very well getting the top picks and expecting good things from them, but when these speculative picks also come good - a la Wilkie and Sharman then we’re really cooking.

 

[luca77]

I also headed down to training today. It was a big sessions, over two and a half hours, which was good to see.

- King looks as good as ever - physically looks bigger/stronger and generally looks really happy. Looked unstoppable in the match sim portion - kicking 4 and held his marks well. Also combining well with Higgins. If those two can stay fit and out there together, we will have a very dangerous duo.

- Phillipou is living up to the hype. Still going to make some mistakes but his presence in the midfield was notable. Also managed to hit the scoreboard. Hugo also did some nice things, starting in the A side midfield with Phillipou and Macrae/Steele who swapped teams at the break.

- Speaking of Macrae - one of the complaints from Dogs supporters was his inability to cover the ground. It's only match sim, but that doesnt appear to be the case anyway. Maybe it's our running program but I would never have known it was an issue he's had from watching him. The impact he is going to have cant be overstated. Even just giving Steele a mature opponent to play on each session is going to help the mids improve overall.

- The other mids - Windy played a combination of mid and fwd. Carroll had some moments and I can see him playing this year but is prone to some skill issues. Similar with Boxhall, he's a ball magnet but the kicking could do with some work.

- Owens has appeared to improve his ball dropped. Kicked 3 and overall, looking better than he did last year. Sharman had a quieter display but thats going to happen when the other two targets dominating. Hall was the other forward not he A team the whole time and had some excellent moments. I didnt notice him much until the proper match sim started but seems to go to another level in a game situation.

- Of the backs, all the normal best 22 types looked good. It should remain our best line this year. Stocker played for the 'B' side but his leadership and the way he directs the younger players really stands out. The third tall position is still in limbo with no real standouts. Arie, as expected, used the ball very well. I saw some mentioning McLennan as an option but I just think he's too small for it. Was noticeably smaller than Wilkie when they were on each other in some drills. He was also linked up on Higgins so I presume the coaches also see him as a smaller defender than a CHB option.

- Marshall was missing but I noticed him inside doing some work. Hopefully it's nothing serious. Henry should be joining in main training soon - did a few drills with the main group but spend the rest on the side in rehab or running laps. He's moving well and running at a decent pace. Also great to see Tauru outside for the first time.

- Brynes was playing half-back and looked pretty good. Jones seemed to be spending more tham fwd than in the midfield for the B group. While he's back in the pecking order, he trains hard and makes his opponent earn it. Barrat played back in the match sim but in the drills portion, spent time forward as well. He's an excellent size for a first year.

- Travaglia spent the session with the mids and then playing directly on Hill. His competitive nature is obvious and he's got some skill. Not sure he is as ready-to-go as Wilson was but I expect to see him at some point this year.

That covers most players.

If Owens has improved his ball drop, that's a pretty significant observation!
Bloody hope you're right! If so, well done on picking it up.

 

[akaifu]

If Owens has improved his ball drop, that's a pretty significant observation!
Bloody hope you're right! If so, well done on picking it up.

He’s guiding it down more than just dropping it now

Also releasing it closer to his boot so less room for error

Will never be able to fix the fact he has a two handed drop so this is almost as close as we can get to a ‘good’ ball drop

 

[Saints TV]

Match sim took place at RSEA today - here are the main points to come out of the extensive Friday session, including an impressive Phillipou display in the midfield.