PRESEASON TRAINING: Monday 11th November 2025

[In Harmes Way 7,749]

1 hour ago, Slartibartfast said:

I was a bit disappointed Trac and Clarrie weren't there as it would have made a bit of a statement but it probably means nothing.

Not if you're Tom Morris.

[kev martin 9,857]

Beautiful morning.

Joy all round, they look like they wanted to be there. 

21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They have slimmed down, especially the top half. Perhaps less upper-body work in the gym. Viney's thigh are huge.

Nathan Jones brought the exuberance to many in his interactions. 

Chaplin was stamping his method into the forward work. Three across the line, the flankers staying wide, though with some synchronising as they turn and run. The delivery, then getting a flanker to be front and centre, as the other stays wide. Appears he wants them to turn quickly and make angles or direct/sharp runs at the ball carrier.

Bassett going about it quietly, working on getting the outside run happening at the stoppages. 

Gus (the training assistant), led the Remembrance (lest we forget) ceremony for the minutes silence. Teared up as the RAAF jets overflew us on there way to the shrine, good timing.

The squad was doing the basics well. In a few of the drills barely a ball hit the ground.

 I was impressed with the camaraderie, vocal noise and connection, we have a good lot of youngsters.

Jed Adams looks like a leader, learnt some lessons from the Lever in the shape of being vocal.

TMac was in boots, that's the first time in ages I have not seen him start the pre-season in runners. Foot problems are well behind him. 

The only one who looked little rusty was, Windsor. 

Jefferson is my tip as a big improver. Often led the running group he was in. Some of his handballing was great, with the ball being delivered 10 meters out, with precision to running players

Sestan has slimmed down and looking good.

Turner and Howes are getting bigger, and as was pointed out by another tracky, so is Verrall. 

None of the new players, Campbell or Sharp were there.

There were 6 technicians lining around the computer screens.

Seemed like many of the Administrators and powers that be, turned up (No Green).

When they did some contact drills, both Tholstrup and Bowey disengaged from the group.

The main effort in tackling drills, was as Choco called out, 'drive them low and keep going at the arms'.

Salem and Fritsch were running laps. Fritta was looking fantastic as he out did Salo, who was straining at times.

Goody was watching them very carefully, I had the impression he liked what he saw, as did I.

Edited November 11 by kev martin

[chook fowler 19,457]

1 hour ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

Are the board meeting today?

More likely a bored meeting 

[Demonland 71,868]

Welcome back Kev. Love your work as always.

Thanks to Slarti as well.

[biggestred 5,071]

2 minutes ago, kev martin said:

 Appears he wants them to turn quickly and make angles or direct/sharp runs at the ball carrier.

 

oh my god yesssssssssssss

[DemonWheels 1,055]

Managed to make it down to training as well, beautiful day for it. Not a huge amount to report but here are a few of my observations:
– No players appeared to be in rehab, although Bowey did appear to spend a bit of time away from the main group during the bigger drills (if I recall correctly).
– Jefferson certainly looks a bit stronger, nothing too dramatic but just looks to have filled out a bit across the shoulders and arms. Reckon he'd measure about 2 inches taller if he wasn't so hunched.
– The running drills were in groups with the first and fastest featuring only Chandler, McVee and Windsor.
– The tall players were all in the last 2 groups and while they were only doing 200m sprints no one really looked too off the pace which was pleasing. Kentfield, Verrall, Adams, Jefferson etc all keeping up.
– Was great to see Jonesy back out there, this time in the sky blue coaches t-shirt. He was high-fiving and getting around all the players like he was still one of them.
– Great to see the older heads of TMac and Viney out there leading the way.
– Fox News was down with their cameras so might have been wanting to catch a glimpse of Trac or Clarry if they had turned up.
– Personally I hoped to see McAdam as I'm keen to see a fit version of him pre-Xmas but hopefully he'll appear in the next few sessions.
– McVee, Windsor and Turner probably the players that caught my eye the most.
 

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,730]

With apologies to Andy Williams...

"It's the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids starting training
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It's the most wonderful time of the year"

[dazzledavey36 54,654]

Jeffo looks big.

[Lucifers Hero 39,687]

11 minutes ago, kev martin said:

Gus (the training assistant)

 

In so many ways the best possible news! 🥰

... is it too much to hope for 'Gus and Gawny' again ...  too soon ...

 

And many thanks for the report, Kev.

[kev martin 9,857]

5 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

In so many ways the best possible news! 🥰

... is it too much to hope for 'Gus and Gawny' again ...  too soon ...

 

And many thanks for the report, Kev.

Sorry, not Brayshaw. 

Gus the training assistant/volunteer, a Veteran who the club has wrapped their arms around.

Edited November 11 by kev martin

[Lucifers Hero 39,687]

1 minute ago, kev martin said:

Sorry, not Brayshaw. 

Gus the training assistant/volunteer, a Veteran who the club has wrapped their arms around.

We live in hope that one day Gus #10 is active with the club again.

[picket fence 17,112]

17 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Jeffo looks big.

Can ANYONE upload a picture? As iterated last week a good source iterated that this was the case Dazz!

[Demon Disciple 12,086]

2 hours ago, Dee Boys said:

The Liverpool that have won the league once in the last 34 years? 

At least we won it legitimately, unlike a certain Manchester team that remain under investigation for allegedly breaching the EPL version of the salary cap.

[Demon Disciple 12,086]

3 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Can ANYONE upload a picture? As iterated last week a good source iterated that this was the case Dazz!

Not a lens big enough to fit him in picket 😝

[Demonland 71,868]

[Roost it far 8,224]

9 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Can ANYONE upload a picture? As iterated last week a good source iterated that this was the case Dazz!

I hate to think what you’ll do with a picture of Jefferson looking big!

[Demongirl35 1,051]

Really hoping Jed Adams comes along. I feel like I’ll stress less about May finishing up in the next couple of years haha 

[ElDiablo14 4,996]

7 minutes ago, Demonland said:

JVR you star!!! 😎😎

[Demon Disciple 12,086]

Poor Chin looks to have aged 20 years in 10 weeks 😁

[Willmoy1947 4,085]

3 hours ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

I'll message her shortly.  ATM I'm wrangling a Year 8 class who's not in the mood of doing any work!

Just tell them that there is a raffle going on with first prize as a one way ticket to Texas

[adonski 12,027]

Jeffo has looked to filled out more

Kentfield is huge

[Ugottobekidding 1,184]

3 minutes ago, adonski said:

Jeffo has looked to filled out more

Kentfield is huge

Which area?😳

[Katrina Dee Fan 3,489]

30 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

We live in hope that one day Gus #10 is active with the club again.

I spoke to Richo at the last round of AFLW, he's of the opinion that it may take another couple of years to get Gus back engaged in any football.  He said he's not even allowed to play golf at the moment, insurance reasons, which is pretty sad.

[Ted Lasso 19,458]

I managed to stop in for a little look, but i am not great at training reports so i will do my best. 

• Everyone looked in really good shape from a fitness perspective, the players look lean, are running really well and i think it's really encouraging for the young guys to look this fit and ready to go before pre-season even starts. 
• Jacob Van Rooyen looked noticeably stronger to me, i'd be shocked if he doesn't take a really big step this year, I agree with other posters thoughts on Jefferson and Windsor, both stood out, Jefferson looks like he's done an enormous amount of work. 
• One thing that really stood out for me was the impact of Nathan Jones, the entire group looked like they got a real lift from him being there, and you could see right away he is going to settle in really well to coaching life. 
• It looks as though a lot of players have been given homework around their running, which probably reflects the change in game plan
• Goody looks like the absolute weight of the world has been lifted off his shoulders, it seems the break and release of some pressure has done him an enormous amount of good. 
• I know it's very early but the entire vibe of the club felt much more lighthearted, fun and energetic than i can remember it being since maybe 2021

 

[BigBadBustling 351]

It's good to see Jed Adams looking more like Jed Adams and less like Harrison Petty

😂