Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force at Wednesday morning's open training session at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations of preseason training.

DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Present: May, JVR, Salem, Langford, Lindsey, Windsor, Viney (red jumper but in rehab ) Lever, Steele, Turner, Gawn, Tholstrup, Culley, CJ, Langdon, Laurie, Melksham (blue rehab gear), Taylor, Matthews, Jefferson, Howes, McAdam, TMac, Adams, Heath, Mihocek, Campbell (neck brace), Sharp, Fritsch, Sparrow, Pickett, White, Pickett, Chandler, Berry, Mentha, Onley, Johnson, Henderson, Kentfield, AMW.

Rehab: Viney, Mihocek, Melksham, Henderson, McAdam

Absent: Bowey (made an appearance later in the session), Petty & Rivers

The lights are on at Gosch’s Paddock.

Mentha, Adams & Berry doing some extra fast running with Selwyn Griffiths.

Rest of the team doing their warmups.

Laurie has the fluro hat on meaning no contact. He has a glove on his left hand.

JVR has his left knee bandaged and is with a trainer away from the main group warmups.

JVR resumes training in the warmup.

Sharp did all the warmups with the main group but is now running laps as they start training proper. He rejoined for most of the training drills but he and a few other mentioned later did not participate in the "Match Simulation" drills.

Just to clarify, when we refer to “Match SIM” we’re talking about larger drills that mirror match-like conditions, not a full 18-v-18 practice match played across the whole ground. Full-ground Match SIM or Practice Match sessions are typically held during closed sessions at Casey Fields.

Any time I refer to “Match SIM” in my report, it generally means a drill designed to replicate the random, match-like chaos of a game situation, usually on a smaller scale, rather than a structured craft type drill.

The group has split into a 4 different groups for different craft drills which has split the squad into their line positions.

1. Midfield Drill in the Centre Square - Max, Heath, Steele, Langford, Kolt, Pickett, Langdon, Windsor, Culley, Onley, Sparrow

2. Key Forwards and Defenders - The Ball is kicked up to a one on one forward vs defender grappling with a second defender coming in for the punch spoil - JVR, Turner, Adams, Lever, Jefferson, TMac, May, Kalani, May, Kentfield

3. Small Forwads snapping for goal from various positions - Trelly, Laurie, Chandler, Matthews, Mentha, Fritsch

4. Half backs Drill - Howes, AMW, Taylor, CJ, Salem, Lindsay taken by Jared Rivers.

This breakup of players into their lines gives you a good indication of where players are likely to lineup.

So far Matthews has participated in all the drills. Not sure whether he will participate in the contact/match Sim type drills but he can’t be too far away from integrating back.

McAdam and May are running fast laps separately with different trainers.

The group has now split into 3 or 4 random groups of players for different types of keepings off drills. Some with just handballs in a more confined area and others in a larger area with kicking. All players cycle through in their groups to all the different drills that are set up around the ground.

Mihocek running laps.

Melksham and Henderson are on the bikes in the shed.

Some type of “Match SIM” about to start. It will be interesting to see who doesn’t participate as it will tell where some are at in terms of full training participation.

May and McAdam still running laps.

Matthews has left the field and is running laps.

Max and Heath doing a grappling marking drill and AMW, Laurie and Sharp are crumbing and kicking it to a leading Mihocek.

CJ and JVR doing half laps.

There is a small group of 8 (4 vs 4) doing a confined space keepings off handball drill and another larger group (9 vs 9) doing a “Match SIM” type drill confined to the middle third of the ground from wing to wing.

The "Match SIM" drill has very fast ball movement and there is a lot of crossing to the other side of the field of play as they attempt to bring the ball from one end to the other.

There are 3 groups. The two teams currently competing in the "Match SIM" and the other group doing the keepings off handball drill. Periodically one of the teams in the "Match SIM" is switched out with the team doing the keepings off handball.

Max, Heath, Sharp, McAdam & AMW all running laps now.

Most of the group doing short running interval sprints around the boundary in groups of 5.

And that’s a wrap from me. I’ll be back next Wednesday and I’ll give my impressions then of each individual player.

HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Absent: Rivers and Petty (Bowser turned up, which was nice).

Of the rehabbers, I'll take an educated stab on availability:

Far Away - Bowey (of course) Viney, McAdam, Henderson, Campbell (still in neck brace and walking only)

Getting Closer - Matthews, Mihocek, Laurie, Melksham, Gawn

Almost there - Sharp, AMW.

JVR had a bandage on his knee and looked a little proppy today. Luker Kentfield seemed to also have a sore foot, but I would not classify them as rehabbers - just two to watch.

These Wednesday sessions seem like "craft" sessions so we don't see full-on match sims, just many different drills, goal-kicking, etc...

Track-watchers view of "training the house down category" Culley, Fritsch, Windsor, with Trelly Pickett the stand-out of the new boys. Getting a little excited about what Matthews might be able to do as he increases the activities he can particpate in, and with Bowey's absence, Taylor's chances of being in the Round 1 team probably increasing.

So many mid-fielders to choose from - have almost forgotten about the old numbers 5 and 13.....

DANNY Z'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

My observations

Standouts:

Steele - performs every action with intent and professionalism. His kicking was sharp and his transition from attack to defence was elite.

Culley - his aerial presence is a standout. What his added is driving his legs out of contested situations.

Kentfield - presents at the kicker with intensity and follows up his work on the ground well for his size.

Chandler - goes under the radar in such reports but he trains at a high level, does the basics incredibly well. His forward craft like snap kicks and defensive pressure look stronger than ever.

Windsor - his 2 steps before he kicks have slowed and this is helping his execution. Looks more balanced. His flair and confidence are high. Ceiling is huge.

Fritsch - his leading patterns and evasiveness were at times unplayable to the defender he was opposed. Will be suited to the faster game plan in being able to find space in the 50.

Not to be overly negative but a couple of things I did notice also:

Howes provides great overrun lap from behind but doesn’t think of ‘what’s next’ when he runs to a certain area so the chain dies out.

Langford for his many positives which have been noted throughout the pre season does often take a second to long with ball in hand.

Salem was uncharacteristically sloppy with the footy a couple of times.

Ricky Mentha has some super high level moments of speed or skill but will just as quickly lapse in concentration.

I’ll finish by saying that I feel for Shane McAdam. Two of his three years here spent running laps and watching his mates kick the footy. I hope he gets a chance to show his ability this season at some point.

KEV'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Beautiful morning at Gosch’s, good temp, no wind.

Plenty of power on show as they go against each other. There is some care being shown (not as forceful in tackles as pre Christmas hits). That sense of trepidation for this tracker as they close down each other in contests near to the spectators. A tension exist to the possibility of injury, passes my thoughts.

They were serious and professional again, except one stage earlier on, they gathered in a circle which ended in rapturous applause and joy.

The goal kicking has been integrated into the warm up drills. Smaller groups, with kicks over the mannequin or a snap after bouncing the ball off the mini trampoline. Only a few kicks from the boundary. Plenty going through or close to the goal. A few of the longer snaps ending anywhere.

The sim ran cross field and with very small width. I get a sense that the boundary line is the enemy. My guess is that the ball will move quickly through the middle and most congestion will be in the forward or back 50 arc.

Ball movement was very angular, rarely a straight down the line hit up unless it was a small pass to open the field up.

Plenty of forward leads off the back of the defender.

The defenders checked closely through the middle and their intensity was up.

It was all watched closely by King, who continues to voice his teachings when needed or appropriate.

WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Thanks to all the track watchers. I was there as early as Berry and left 90 minutes later. The reports above have been comprehensive and I have little to add...

I enjoyed the competitive forward lead to a pass, and midfielder trying to hit the target. For me, Roo and Fritsch were head and shoulders as forwards. Roo hits the ball at pace, with strength, and is showing signs of stickier fingers this year.

Steele and Kolt were the best of the kickers in this activity... the former at 100% or close to it.

Jefferson and Kalani were clever getting out the back, as others have pointed out, but neither have the hustle and bustle of JVR

It was good to see McAdam able to do more than run laps. He is progressing!

May will be an important player again in 2026. He is getting fitter every session and rumours of his demise are exaggerated

Langdon was a standout today

Don't think we will see Melksham or Viney in round 1

McDonald continues to be the most consistent spoiler in 1 on 2 'defend the lead' activity

Heath is looking more competitive in the aerial contests and more confident in belonging

Sharp is the fastest hammy patient I have ever witnessed!

DEEFENCE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Just a small observation but Harvey Langford pulled off a very cool J’ai Ali move where he was kicked the ball and he caught it his left hand behind his body and in a scooping motion spun it around to the front of his body washing off the momentum in the movement while the ball looked superglued to his hand. So nonchalant So exciting.

Other than that The new Pickett was moving nicely in Sim play, Kolt still rushes things. CJ has the skinniest ankles I have ever seen, Jefferson can strike the ball but sadly I don’t see him coming on with his defensive mindset, just not a see ball get ball type. Langdon excelled in the fwd 50 entry drill (kicking to a player marked by 2 others) Chin impresses in training , most thrill moment was watching Xavier T break two tackles from best 20 players including one from Kossie that had intent, kid is an assassin, top 5 rising star and plays Round 1.

GREAT SAGE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Watched the entire session today. Key takeways;

• Culley: Lived up to the preseason hype

• Kozzie: Looked a class above

• Steele: Often involved & did not miss a kick.

• Trelly: Found space in forward drills and some nice tackles.

• Windsor: Had his kicking boots on and they were working.

• Luka: Some good grabs, wont be surprised if he gets games.

• Moose: Is a beast.

• Jeffo: Hot and cold. Has nice soft hands.

• Fritta: Fit and energized.

• Kalani: Looked good for a very raw kid.

• Kolt: Showed a bit in match sim.

• Max: Punched ball over the boundary and coached spectator to watch the ball into his hands :).

• Coaches: Good drills with lots of instruction.

TOLSTOYS NUDGE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Oscar Berry first player out on track & Matty Scarlett is here raring to go with I’m looking fwd to seeing 1st hand.

McAdam is in attendance.

Recovery atm: Viney, Hendo, Checkers, McAdam & Melky doing handballs with Jonesy.

Spoke to Richo who said next week or so Mihocek will be in some contact drills.

Side note: Matthews is looking better literally by the touch — agreed slow as you’d expect but is already showing flashes of being bake to do the one-touch things so many players just can’t do!

Both Kolt and Jefferson showed some TRULY great signs today. KOLT looks a new man physically and seems to have matured— pressure solid and kicking/decisions best I’ve seen it inc penetration.

JEFFO stood out ESP in the pocket leading drills especially in getting separation and his patterns great, held most grabs except a double where there was no pressure, follow-up effort notably looks better, def seems to be in frame for King but needs to keep going as Kentfield is a UNIT, and closing fast — his hands were the best of all today outside Culley.

Kalani was a real surprise — found space in the fwd drills (where kicker has to find 1/2 fwds that are outnumbered by / def — Kalani kept find space out back, took ball at highest point etc — so raw and think that he’s clearly a while away but the talent is Def there and he didn’t look out of place at all!

Great session — best I’ve seen in years.

FRITTA AND TURNER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Berry first out on the park followed by the Coach with some unknown, which turned out to be his son, Oscar. Participated in many of the drills, including kick to kick with dad.

All present except for Rivers and Petty. Bowey arrived late and was watching on. Obviously has a sore foot. TC in a serious neck brace and walked the boundary at a gentle pace. Viney headed back to the sheds after an hour, pursued by autograph hunters.

Laurie had the no contact hat on but did not seem to be troubled by his hand. Max also with the finger guard has become adept at marking one handed.

Sharpie running like a gazelle. So much for a hammy. Maysie running laps, moving better than previous weeks, building condition. Mihocek looks ready to go to me. Salo did not have that 'groin niggle' from last Wednesday.

I liked the defenders drill, two on one where you block an opponent so that a team mate can get a clear run.

200+ spectators in attendance.

DEESPENCER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

2 on 1 marking drill for the talls.

Key forwards: JVr, Jeffo, Kentfield

Key backs; Lever, Adams, T Mc, Disco, Berry

May and Kalani swapped bibs between the roles which is interesting. Wouldn’t read too much in to it but could be something we see with May, and I’d start Kalani down back at Casey if we can find a role for him.

AJ doing some rehab work with an unknown left footer, looks fine. Mihocek running at speed. No sign of Petty.

Howes, Taylor, Salem, CJ, AMW, Lindsay our small backs working on ball movement.

They cycled through 4 different drills.

• Keeping’s off kicking

• running handball down the boundary

• Break from congestion to hit a 2 on 1 forward

• Breaking from half forward to take pings at goal

Hard to read much in to it. I like Onley’s field kicking. Matthews needs to flatten it out a bit but bombed a goal from 50 no problems. Lindsay kicking well in a lot of drills.

In general the energy was pretty good and skills reasonable.

The Max’s, Laurie, Sharp, AMW doing some light ball movement

CJ, JVR and Matthews doing sprints

Main group split in 3 teams, yellow off to the side doing some small ground stuff, the other 2 teams in a match sim across the middle of the oval.

Kossie is on a different level to everyone else even if it doesn’t always end perfectly.

Trelly getting involved too, he loves a cut back in to the corridor kick that sets up scores.

A big contest by Luker draws some praise from Richo.

Red team: Steele busy, Jeffo making an impact with some defensive hands in and getting out the back, Harvey having a bit of a mare

Yellow team: JVR just looks a different player this year, just more comfortable attacking the footy

White vs Yellow coming up now.

If Lever, Adams and Taylor are our backline based on this match sim we’re in trouble.

Yellow just all over white. Salo and Langdon controlling things

Nice intercept and run through the middle by X Taylor now tho, gets it to Kossie for the finish.

I noticed a number of turnovers from Howes today, but also that he got pressure on Koz and laid tackles where just about no one else from our team would.

And I want to see him taking the game on as much as possible at training. Even at Casey he’d have 25 touches but not a single one of them is aggressive. All short sideways or long and wide.

I suspect if he makes it long term he’ll be a defensive stopper first but he has to grow his offensive side, if for nothing else just to get out of trouble when it’s hot. He coughed the ball up in embarrassing ways at times last year.

EARL HOOD'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

One drill involved key defenders and key forwards with a coach lobbing high balls to a 2 on 1, two defenders against one forward with Matthew Scarlett instructing how the defenders should work in tandem to deny the forward. It was JVR, Jeffo, Kentfield up against combos of TMAC, Lever, May, Adams, Berry and Turner. Kalani had a go at both roles. It highlighted how difficult it is for a forward to take on 2 defenders when the defenders have time to set up for a long ball. In the drill Jeffo managed to halve a number of contests, getting the ball to ground and following up.

ROOOOOOOOOOO'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Kolt warming up with snaps and it’s going going great to put it lightly

He really need to slow it down and work on his ball drop.

Tom Campbell here in neck brace.

Kolt bringing loads of energy.

Just scored a goal in match sim from a turnover he created.

3 goals and an assist for Jefferson.

Roo back out there.

Xavier Taylor is still looking a bit out of his depth.

Struggling to intercept and get his own ball and relying on his teammates but when he does get the ball he his looking to move the ball aggressively. Looking a bit stuck at times. Wants to take the game on but is unsure how to.

I'm a bit worried about Trelly's tackling strength.

Struggling to run down and bring bigger teammates to the ground.

Needs work on core and hip strength imo.

Kalani White 3 goals seems to be playing quite deep forward. Similar strengths and weaknesses to Jefferson (take that how you will).

Kalani could be a very solid forward. Leading patterns are a bit iffy but once he cleans that up a bit he could be a very solid player.

Lever is still stuck under the old game plan imo.

JVR not running with the main group.

He is on his own running but seems to be going alright.

Outstanding reports.

Many thanks

Thanks, great reports