Warrants a serious, 209+ page-long discussion, I reckon.
Training Preseason Training Thread - 2024/25
- Thread starter LittleFires
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- Mar 21, 2017
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Thankyou for providing me the ability to consume their dross without financially supporting them
Couldn't agree more.
We_The_West
Senior List
Not much substance to the article... could have been written from home just by looking at the clubs X account..
Probably was.
We_The_West
Senior List
Still appreciate the opportunity to read it though. Thanks mate!
Hi gang,
I got down to my first training session of the year. Was warm and there was quite a good crowd.
Overall, it was a pretty lowkey session given the warm weather.
I got down to my first training session of the year. Was warm and there was quite a good crowd.
- First of all, there was a heap of train-ons. I cant say im familiar with all of them, but Wes Walley, Koby Evans, Banfield (Charlie I assume, but his older brother might have even been there too). Another tall bloke training with the backs I assumed was Sandy Brock. Burgiel was there too - was rusty. Even a couple others I think who I may have missed.
- Some of our listed players were also in different jersey numbers - Baker was wearing #56, Champion (i think it was) was wearing #62. So it made for tricky conditions spotting who was who.
- I didnt see Hewett, Archer Reid, Edwards, Hutchinson, Cole, Sheed at all. Oscar and Chesser I thought I glimpsed but wasn't sure.
- Running laps/not involved in the full session were Bailey Williams, Jamieson, Ginbey, Graham, H Reid, Petch, Barnett (who is a unit)
- All the rest were out there.
- Positions:
- Maric/Bo/Grego/Baker with the backs
- Hunt + Duggan with the mids
- Shanahan + Long with the forwards
- otherwise mostly as you'd expect
- Pretty sure Dewar spent the entire session running around in Sheed's #4 jersey; either that or Sheed is moving very well and has learned how to kick on his right boot
- Long trained fully, had no strapping. Has a good rapport with his predecessor in Shuey. One drill involved picking up a ground ball and handballing away while Shuey gave it to the players with the tackling bag. Of all the players, Shuey was really trying to deck Long every time. Long was loving it and was giving it right back to Shuey. Long was neat and tidy without being awesome.
- Reid - this time last year when I went to training I was seriously impressed. This year, not so - he just did run-throughs on his own (slash had Cripps as his shadow while running laps at times - maybe trying to build his tank?) and then did some one-on-one kicking drills with the trainers. Missed three in a row at one point Though to be fair, he does attract everyones gaze so maybe this was just more noticeable than for others.
- Harvey Johnston was sporting a significant elbow brace. Heard him saying afterwards to onlookers that he'd be in it for four weeks. Side note - he was absolutely fantastic with the crowd, easily the best of all the players. Has a great attitude and spoke to people with genuine enthusiasm - he even took a video message for one fan whose sister couldnt be there. Ripper kid and hopefully he gets a good run at it.
- Gross was the pick of the draftees, by a stretch (which is saying something as Allan and Shanahan were both solid). Again, I was maybe keeping an eye out for him, but he was super impressive in everything he did - looked very neat and tidy.
- Davis has an afl-ready physique - not sure what some of these kids are eating...
- Baker - tackling was a highlight - was 110% in everything he did. Decked someone much bigger at one stage (Brock maybe based on that article linked above)
- Hunt - every training session I go to, this guy looks a million bucks. Quick, hits targets, the team gets it in his hands. just doesnt seem to translate to game day
- Flynn - moved well, kicked horribly
- Grego - confirmed pale as buggery
Overall, it was a pretty lowkey session given the warm weather.
You had the perfect opportunity to do the most (un)funny thing here...
I was expecting it, pleasantly surprised when it turned out be a legit training report.
Well done sir. Congratulations you have successfully completed all first year course work for your journalism degree.
Enjoy the summer break and we welcome you back in 2025 to master the art of gaslighting by selecting a handful of extreme Facebook reactions to create an article claiming to capture the Nation's consensus.
In the absence of Keys, I ventured forth this morn to observe the doings of our company upon their return from distant errands. Herein, I set down a few stray notes taken during my watch:
- Much running and toil were evident, for it seemed the labors of endurance were of paramount focus, even beneath the unyielding gaze of Anor.
- Boromir stood nearby, his strength undiminished, sending arrows swift and true to their mark. Surely, he is destined for great deeds in the year to come.
- Gimli locked horns with Legolas in trials of strength and swiftness. I dare say, the dwarf has the advantage in such contests at present.
- Aragorn moved amongst the company, a figure of unchallenged skill and wisdom, surpassing all save perhaps Gandalf himself in command of the field. His guidance was evident, though young Merry seemed quieter than usual, oft glancing to Aragorn for counsel. A sign, perhaps, that leadership weighs heavily upon him? It may be he shuns such a mantle for now.
- I hesitate to speak too gravely, for the heart can err in its judgments, but Samwise appeared to have enjoyed the Yuletide a bit more than his fellows. A council of the wise gathered about him, their voices earnest, and soon after, Sam was tasked with circuits of the field, his face set with determination. A boon for Pippin, perhaps, as it may grant him more prominence in days to come.
- Éowyn, fair and unyielding, practiced with her off hand throughout much of the session—a heartening sight, for it is rare to see such diligence in mastery.
- Théoden, though not actively partaking in the fray, took time between trials to impart his wisdom to the younger riders. Merry, in particular, lingered close by, listening intently.
- Faramir displayed skill aplenty, though his labors this morn were more measured. In the latter hour, he amused himself with archery, sending arrows arcing beautifully from impossible angles. Rarely did he miss his mark.
- It was most curious to observe Legolas dividing his time between the defense of our company and practice in a more aggressive stance. Mayhap he contemplates the role of a champion who can shift betwixt shield and sword as need demands. Against Gimli, he proved his mettle in a mock skirmish, first holding the line, then striking forward with grace.
- Arwen, swift as the coursing rivers, outpaced even the swift-footed Éomer in their trials.
- Nelson seemed pale of visage, his strength yet untempered for such arduous demands.
- Lastly, Gandalf was selected to end the day's efforts with a final trial—a well-placed strike of the staff. True to form, he succeeded, and the company erupted in mirth and cheer.
- Of the whereabouts of Frodo, Gollum, and Bilbo, I could not say, for they were absent from the field. If tidings reach me, I shall relay them with all haste.
RookiePick
Brownlow Medallist
- Aug 13, 2014
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Epic
AI obviously
RookiePick
Brownlow Medallist
- Aug 13, 2014
- 28,062
- 50,703
- AFL Club
- West Coast
Must have been a minor character
Bender_
X
Interesting that's an AFL rule. I don't think it's the worst rule but I do want to know how often it affects anyone outside of WA and SA and sometimes QLD. Got a bit of a "can't train as a group during covid" vibe to it.
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Bender_
X
Yeah I'm obviously in a bit of an overly paranoid mood.
Smeg Head
Just take a bite
Clearly another Geelong based rule 
Wouldn’t mind Gandalf coming in for Parto
- Jul 28, 2018
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I wandered down to training this morning, and the heat was already ridiculous. The boys kicked off early to beat the worst of it, and there was plenty to take in.
1. Lucca Grego made his presence felt early, breaking through tackles like they were nothing. After slotting a goal from 50 out, he turned to the group and shouted, “Bow before the Gregonator!” The group loved it, and even the usually stoic coach Mini cracked a grin.
2. Jobe Shanahan delivered a moment of brilliance, intercepting a kick and launching a torpedo that split the air like a laser. He followed it up with a mid-air fist pump, shouting “Physics can’t stop me!” as the ball sailed perfectly into a forward’s hands. The boys lost it, while Mini shook his head, muttering, “Only Jobe.”
3. Oscar Allen had his forward craft on full display but decided mid-session that the balls weren’t aerodynamic enough and started campaigning for training with a watermelon. Somehow, he smuggled one onto the field during a drinks break and tried to take a set shot with it. Mini stepped in immediately, confiscating the fruit and yelling, “This isn’t a farmers' market!”
4. Elijah Hewett and Campbell Chesser lit up the midfield. Hewett pulled off a sidestep so sharp it sent three defenders into each other like pinballs. Chesser followed up by breaking through a pack and delivering a perfect kick inside 50. Hewett yelled, “That’s teamwork, baby!” as Chesser gave him a cheeky wink.
5. In the defensive drills, Jeremy McGovern was his usual intercepting best, plucking marks like it was easy. The session momentarily halted when a stray dog wandered onto the field and sat directly in front of McGovern during a drill. Without missing a beat, he scooped it up, handed it to Mini, and went back to his role like nothing had happened. The dog, now dubbed “assistant coach Barky,” stayed on the sidelines for the rest of the session.
6. Hamish Davis had his best session yet, taking a contested mark that drew cheers from the group. He celebrated with Bo Allen, who got so hyped he accidentally ran into a tackle bag, causing it to burst open and spray foam everywhere. The boys couldn’t stop laughing, and Mini just shook his head with a grin, saying, “Welcome to the big time.”
7. Meanwhile, Jayden Hunt had the run of the day, burning past defenders to slot a miraculous goal from the pocket. He turned to the group and yelled, “That’s how it’s done!” before tripping over a stray water bottle and landing flat on his face. Mini clapped from the sideline, deadpan as ever: “Inspirational.”
After the session, the boys headed back inside to cool off and gathered in the lounge for an online duck race – the highlight of the morning. It was chaos as the boys placed their bets, and when Jack Petruccelle’s duck, “Quack the Ripper,” surged from last place to win by a beak, the room erupted. Petch jumped onto the table, arms spread wide, and screamed, “I duck better than Boots!” before the boys tackled him in celebration, knocking over beanbags and sending drinks flying.
The 2025 season is shaping up nicely. The new recruits are slotting in seamlessly, the seniors are leading the way, and the energy around the group is infectious. If today was anything to go by, we’re building something special.
1. Lucca Grego made his presence felt early, breaking through tackles like they were nothing. After slotting a goal from 50 out, he turned to the group and shouted, “Bow before the Gregonator!” The group loved it, and even the usually stoic coach Mini cracked a grin.
2. Jobe Shanahan delivered a moment of brilliance, intercepting a kick and launching a torpedo that split the air like a laser. He followed it up with a mid-air fist pump, shouting “Physics can’t stop me!” as the ball sailed perfectly into a forward’s hands. The boys lost it, while Mini shook his head, muttering, “Only Jobe.”
3. Oscar Allen had his forward craft on full display but decided mid-session that the balls weren’t aerodynamic enough and started campaigning for training with a watermelon. Somehow, he smuggled one onto the field during a drinks break and tried to take a set shot with it. Mini stepped in immediately, confiscating the fruit and yelling, “This isn’t a farmers' market!”
4. Elijah Hewett and Campbell Chesser lit up the midfield. Hewett pulled off a sidestep so sharp it sent three defenders into each other like pinballs. Chesser followed up by breaking through a pack and delivering a perfect kick inside 50. Hewett yelled, “That’s teamwork, baby!” as Chesser gave him a cheeky wink.
5. In the defensive drills, Jeremy McGovern was his usual intercepting best, plucking marks like it was easy. The session momentarily halted when a stray dog wandered onto the field and sat directly in front of McGovern during a drill. Without missing a beat, he scooped it up, handed it to Mini, and went back to his role like nothing had happened. The dog, now dubbed “assistant coach Barky,” stayed on the sidelines for the rest of the session.
6. Hamish Davis had his best session yet, taking a contested mark that drew cheers from the group. He celebrated with Bo Allen, who got so hyped he accidentally ran into a tackle bag, causing it to burst open and spray foam everywhere. The boys couldn’t stop laughing, and Mini just shook his head with a grin, saying, “Welcome to the big time.”
7. Meanwhile, Jayden Hunt had the run of the day, burning past defenders to slot a miraculous goal from the pocket. He turned to the group and yelled, “That’s how it’s done!” before tripping over a stray water bottle and landing flat on his face. Mini clapped from the sideline, deadpan as ever: “Inspirational.”
After the session, the boys headed back inside to cool off and gathered in the lounge for an online duck race – the highlight of the morning. It was chaos as the boys placed their bets, and when Jack Petruccelle’s duck, “Quack the Ripper,” surged from last place to win by a beak, the room erupted. Petch jumped onto the table, arms spread wide, and screamed, “I duck better than Boots!” before the boys tackled him in celebration, knocking over beanbags and sending drinks flying.
The 2025 season is shaping up nicely. The new recruits are slotting in seamlessly, the seniors are leading the way, and the energy around the group is infectious. If today was anything to go by, we’re building something special.
I remember a few years ago players training in high heat which was said to be as beneficial as high altitude training. I think some teams went to the mid east, iirc. I wonder if that's allowed now.
