Firstly, let me say how much I appreciate the fearless reporters that post to all of the training threads during the pre-season. Resident where I am in N-W Europe it is really a critical off-season lifeline so that I can get a real feel for what the team is up to. A really big personal thank-you to all of you.

Now, without putting too much pressure on all of you, the next 5 months leading into the ’26 season will be the most critical pre-season reporting period that we have had for many a year. So, no shirkers!

A big turnover of senior players, new senior players coming to the club, a new coach and new assistant coaches, a couple of first round picks to run the eye over…… a new style of play… a different approach to training? So much we will all need feedback on

Again, a big thanks to all the track watchers. I am looking forward to whatever reports land and I am very optimistic about next season the following ones.

Go Dees in ’26!

Agree with all the above.

We're (checks date on the computer) already three weeks into October, so it's now more than seven weeks since our 2025 season ended. When does training officially begin?

Early starters have already been training. there were some social postings yesterday..

To save people reporting here for the first couple of weeks in advance here is my training report,

The boys look in better shape than last year.

They were running harder than they had in last year's preseason.

Recruits look bigger than I thought.

Coaches were more engaging this year.

Training the house down big year coming.

Players have bulked up.

End of report.

I'll be farewelling Seattle soon and returning to Melbourne. The track watchers have been grand, it's almost like being there, so thank you all. A big round of applause 👏

(Okay, so during the 2025 pre-season I was actually there but having things confirmed and then during the season having folks reporting what was happening was great.)

(Wonders if Pickett Fence will be around?)

Last preseason I thought we'd win the flag because they ran to get their drinks at every break. Turns out that is not an indicator.

6 minutes ago, thirty-one said:

(Wonders if Pickett Fence will be around?)

Pickett, JEFFO won’t become the new DL whipping boy. ‘Cos playing at Casey ain’t relevant.

I’m noticing a huge change in how fit the players look virtually. The change certainly seems to have shaken the place up and everyone looks like running power and capacity has been a huge focus. Tom sparrow looks completely different to me already.

54 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Last preseason I thought we'd win the flag because they ran to get their drinks at every break. Turns out that is not an indicator.

No, you were right - you just got your years wrong.

It was an indicator we'd win it in 2026.

I've crunched the data and the running fir drinks indicator always has a two season lag.

Dont forget the old cliche of smashing PB’s.

Love to get WALKING CIVIL WAR back on board, I miss you and your great posts about the MFC and the team training .

41 minutes ago, Ted Lasso said:

I’m noticing a huge change in how fit the players look virtually. The change certainly seems to have shaken the place up and everyone looks like running power and capacity has been a huge focus. Tom sparrow looks completely different to me already.

Tom is the name I want to hear big things about this preseason. Had the years, the loads, and now finally the positional vacancy to have impact. Hope he’s setting himself to become Mr Melbourne (or at very least a Mr <insert month> of the mfc calendar)

1 hour ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Agree with all the above.

We're (checks date on the computer) already three weeks into October, so it's now more than seven weeks since our 2025 season ended. When does training officially begin?

Young guys: November 11th

Seniors: December 1st

10 hours ago, CHF said:

Firstly, let me say how much I appreciate the fearless reporters

Again, a big thanks to all the track watchers. I am looking forward to whatever reports land and I am very optimistic about next season the following ones.

Go Dees in ’26!

Heartily agree even though I am only 3 hours away.

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

Last preseason I thought we'd win the flag because they ran to get their drinks at every break. Turns out that is not an indicator.

It’s how enthusiastic Etc. doing it for each other. Did not translate into the first 5 games. Season over and the coach was Gawn

Usually someone spots a few running around in the last week of October - unofficial training

1 hour ago, JOHNNY DEE said:

Love to get WALKING CIVIL WAR back on board, I miss you and your great posts about the MFC and the team training .

You might want to check out Ghostwriter's posts then.....

Was great to see a group of the boys running around before the official start of training. Led by Tmac what a legend he is. Refusing to let age dictate him out of the game. I hope King plays players on merit as Tmac deserves a go and if plays to last year's standard to keep his spot . No reason this season has to be his last

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

Last preseason I thought we'd win the flag because they ran to get their drinks at every break. Turns out that is not an indicator.

If we can convince the AFL to abandon water carriers, we will be elite at this part of the game.

3 hours ago, thirty-one said:

I'll be farewelling Seattle soon and returning to Melbourne. The track watchers have been grand, it's almost like being there, so thank you all. A big round of applause 👏

(Okay, so during the 2025 pre-season I was actually there but having things confirmed and then during the season having folks reporting what was happening was great.)

(Wonders if Pickett Fence will be around?)

It’ll be good to have you back! No one rocks the Melb guernsey and tie-dyed combo like you do 😅

3 hours ago, The end is nigh said:

Tom is the name I want to hear big things about this preseason. Had the years, the loads, and now finally the positional vacancy to have impact. Hope he’s setting himself to become Mr Melbourne (or at very least a Mr <insert month> of the mfc calendar)

Mr January

Is that the X-rated factor or the family friendly calendar?

Edited 19 hours ago19 hr by Tarax Club
King Steven has deecreed... edit

5 hours ago, demon3165 said:

To save people reporting here for the first couple of weeks in advance here is my training report,

The boys look in better shape than last year.

They were running harder than they had in last year's preseason.

Recruits look bigger than I thought.

Coaches were more engaging this year.

Training the house down big year coming.

Players have bulked up.

End of report.

Did they put that infamous soccer ball in front of a firing squad? Wilson! 😂

Edited 19 hours ago19 hr by Go Ds

4 hours ago, binman said:

No, you were right - you just got your years wrong.

It was an indicator we'd win it in 2026.

I've crunched the data and the running fir drinks indicator always has a two season lag.

Doesn't it depend on what's in those drinks?

14 hours ago, CHF said:

Firstly, let me say how much I appreciate the fearless reporters that post to all of the training threads during the pre-season. Resident where I am in N-W Europe it is really a critical off-season lifeline so that I can get a real feel for what the team is up to. A really big personal thank-you to all of you.

Now, without putting too much pressure on all of you, the next 5 months leading into the ’26 season will be the most critical pre-season reporting period that we have had for many a year. So, no shirkers!

A big turnover of senior players, new senior players coming to the club, a new coach and new assistant coaches, a couple of first round picks to run the eye over…… a new style of play… a different approach to training? So much we will all need feedback on

Again, a big thanks to all the track watchers. I am looking forward to whatever reports land and I am very optimistic about next season the following ones.

Go Dees in ’26!

And some of the Trackwatchers behind the scenes banter -

Wow. Who is that sprinting over there? - a dog walker has just run on to retrieve a ball.

Viney looks much taller. - I think someone else is wearing nos 7.

Has anyone seen (insert players name here)? No, but I saw his sister in Maccas (Thx)

and

You DIDNT did you Ghosty? - Yes.