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Opinion 2025: PRESEASON TRAINING, MATCH SIM & GAME NOTES (Non Discussion)
- Thread starter KLo30
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That's A.Reid btw with Harley training away from the group alongside Bazzo.
Hopefully Maric is just playing B's to be on kick outs a bit more.
View: https://twitter.com/Mitch_Woodcock/status/1887673734552805755
Hopefully Maric is just playing B's to be on kick outs a bit more.
View: https://twitter.com/Mitch_Woodcock/status/1887673734552805755
Last edited:
Pretty lengthy write up with ads and photos in-between.
Sydney Swans track watch: Braeden Campbell, Corey Warner star in match sim as John Longmire looks on
With former coach John Longmire watching on, a number young Swans took it up to their more experience teammates in another high-intensity four-quarter hitout. Here’s how it all played out.
Lachlan McKirdy
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7 min read
February 7, 2025 - 4:24PM
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03:30
Cox set to use Grand Final loss as fuel
AFL: Incoming Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox is grateful for the... more
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Former coach John Longmire watched on from a distance as the Swans were put through their paces in another absorbing intra-club match simulation.
Dean Cox was eager to see how his team solved problems on the fly, encouraging his coaches not to give too much feedback in the game and let the players fend for themselves.
And his former mentor would have liked what he saw, with a mix of standout performances from their experienced stars and young guns.
They played three 25-minute terms, with the final ‘quarter’ seeing the sides switched around so the first-team attack was lining up against the first-team defence.
A handful of players continued to be managed cautiously outside of the session, including Logan McDonald, Jesse Dattoli and Robbie Fox, who focused mainly on running. Harry Cunningham and Jake Lloyd also did not take part in the match but are not believed to be under any doubt for opening round.
McDonald and Cunningham even got involved in some of the warm-up drills before the session, kicking the ball and moving freely, before coming to the sidelines.
Former coach John Longmire, with CEO Tom Harley and chairman Andrew Pridham, was on hand to watch Sydney match in on Friday. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Peter Ladhams got the better of Brodie Grundy in the first bounce, grabbing the tap and breaking out of the stoppage for a slick clearance. The early pressure paid off for the blue side with Indhi Kirk catching Errol Gulden holding-the-ball and converting the ensuing free kick.
Callum Mills was playing across the ground, spending time in defence, midfield and in the half-forward line. He was managed throughout the session, coming off the ground during the second term.
Tom McCartin again looks to be improving his forward craft, reading the flight of the ball nicely for a strong early mark. He was finding separation nicely from Aaron Francis in what proved to be a good battle, with McCartin grabbing a goal to win the match-up.
Lewis Melican continued his strong form, taking a few intercept marks when the ball came in his direction. But Taylor Adams was also doing a great job of putting pressure on the 1s side and not allowing them to transition quickly out of defence.
Sydney Swans track watch: Braeden Campbell, Corey Warner star in match sim as John Longmire looks on
With former coach John Longmire watching on, a number young Swans took it up to their more experience teammates in another high-intensity four-quarter hitout. Here’s how it all played out.
Follow
@LMcKirdy7
7 min read
February 7, 2025 - 4:24PM
0 Comments
03:30
Cox set to use Grand Final loss as fuel
AFL: Incoming Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox is grateful for the... more
View more related videos
Former coach John Longmire watched on from a distance as the Swans were put through their paces in another absorbing intra-club match simulation.
Dean Cox was eager to see how his team solved problems on the fly, encouraging his coaches not to give too much feedback in the game and let the players fend for themselves.
And his former mentor would have liked what he saw, with a mix of standout performances from their experienced stars and young guns.
They played three 25-minute terms, with the final ‘quarter’ seeing the sides switched around so the first-team attack was lining up against the first-team defence.
A handful of players continued to be managed cautiously outside of the session, including Logan McDonald, Jesse Dattoli and Robbie Fox, who focused mainly on running. Harry Cunningham and Jake Lloyd also did not take part in the match but are not believed to be under any doubt for opening round.
McDonald and Cunningham even got involved in some of the warm-up drills before the session, kicking the ball and moving freely, before coming to the sidelines.
Former coach John Longmire, with CEO Tom Harley and chairman Andrew Pridham, was on hand to watch Sydney match in on Friday. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Peter Ladhams got the better of Brodie Grundy in the first bounce, grabbing the tap and breaking out of the stoppage for a slick clearance. The early pressure paid off for the blue side with Indhi Kirk catching Errol Gulden holding-the-ball and converting the ensuing free kick.
Callum Mills was playing across the ground, spending time in defence, midfield and in the half-forward line. He was managed throughout the session, coming off the ground during the second term.
Tom McCartin again looks to be improving his forward craft, reading the flight of the ball nicely for a strong early mark. He was finding separation nicely from Aaron Francis in what proved to be a good battle, with McCartin grabbing a goal to win the match-up.
Lewis Melican continued his strong form, taking a few intercept marks when the ball came in his direction. But Taylor Adams was also doing a great job of putting pressure on the 1s side and not allowing them to transition quickly out of defence.
Adams also booted a great goal himself, using his body cleverly to muscle Nick Blakey out of a marking contest and get one over the back.
The Warner brothers have been two of the strongest performers this pre-season, with Chad getting his customary goal breaking out of a stoppage. Meanwhile, Corey is set to cause a real headache for Cox thanks to his relentless pressure and ability to shrug off tackles.
With Lloyd on the sidelines, Justin McInerney spent plenty of time on the wing with both he and Gulden bombing up and down the sidelines. Their speed and ability by foot formed a key part of the way the first team transitioned into attack as they then looked for players like Will Hayward or Tom Papley leading out of the pockets.
Justin McInerney and Tom Papley were involved in a minor scuffle. Picture: Phil Hillyard
The senior side was more dominant in the second term, forcing some nice turnovers and getting the ball forward with ease. James Rowbottom was very clean by hand, linking up nicely with the likes of Mills and Isaac Heeney to create strong looks on goal.
Joel Amartey stayed busy and worked across the ground, earning a 50-metre penalty and converting from just inside the arc.
With a few players switched around, the physicality returned with McInerney and Papley going at it. Papley didn’t take too kindly to a supposed cheap shot in the ribs from McInerney, but it was the latter who won the free kick after a bit of a tussle.
For the final term, as the teams switched around, McCartin found some nice space early from Melican and Rampe, taking a couple of uncontested marks in the blustery conditions. But for the most part, it was the reserves midfield that got on top with Ned Bowman and Will Green hitting the scoreboard up the other end.
There was also a noticeable lift in the communication from all, with players across the line encouraged to verbally link up with their teammates more regularly.
Swans intra-club line-ups
RED TEAM (main side)
B: Melican Blakey Wicks
HB: Florent Rampe Roberts
C: McInerney Warner Gulden
HF: Campbell Hayward Mills
F: Amartey McCartin Papley
Foll: Grundy Rowbottom Heeney
BLUE TEAM (reserves)
B: Snell Hamling Francis
HB: Bice Andrew Paton
C: Mitchell Cleary Kirk
HF: Adams B.Edwards Co.Warner
F: Bowman Green Hannily
Foll: Ladhams Jordon Sheldrick
DEFENSIVE LINE-UP
The big question mark around the Swans is how their defence will look if McCartin plays forward. He again spent the whole session on Friday morning in attack, with the key three of Melican, Blakey and Rampe taking their place down back.
One noticeable change was Sam Wicks playing in the backline for the first team. With Cunningham unavailable, Wicks looks to have taken that spot as the next small defender in the team. He also played alongside Matt Roberts and Ollie Florent.
Assistant coach Mark McVeigh confirmed after the match that McCartin’s final position is up in the air. Particularly with Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean not yet back in full training, he expects McCartin to at least start forward in the trial matches.
However, if the 25-year-old does play forward during the season, he’s confident the Swans have more than enough cover in defence. Francis is probably the next cab off the rank to join the back six, with Patrick Snell and Joel Hamling behind him.
Tom McCartin and Aaron Francis collide. Picture: Phil Hillyard
“Dean was really keen to have a look at our team and where players could perhaps slot in at times,” McVeigh said. “That doesn’t mean Tommy McCartin won’t play back.
“With a couple of players slower back from injury … Tommy’s been really impressive there. He may play there early in the pre-season games. He’s certainly been playing back as well. So he’s been flipping forward and back … it’ll probably depend on teams and match-ups.
“Yeah, we do (have enough cover). I think we underestimate Nick Blakey, how tall he is. He stands at 196cm so he can play on keys if he needs to. Melican is coming off arguably his career-best year … Rampe will go there again and can play tall or small.
“Obviously Francis has played there before. We drafted a young kid in Riak Andrew who’s been really impressive. So, we’ve got some flexibility there.”
The Warner brothers have been two of the strongest performers this pre-season, with Chad getting his customary goal breaking out of a stoppage. Meanwhile, Corey is set to cause a real headache for Cox thanks to his relentless pressure and ability to shrug off tackles.
With Lloyd on the sidelines, Justin McInerney spent plenty of time on the wing with both he and Gulden bombing up and down the sidelines. Their speed and ability by foot formed a key part of the way the first team transitioned into attack as they then looked for players like Will Hayward or Tom Papley leading out of the pockets.
Justin McInerney and Tom Papley were involved in a minor scuffle. Picture: Phil Hillyard
The senior side was more dominant in the second term, forcing some nice turnovers and getting the ball forward with ease. James Rowbottom was very clean by hand, linking up nicely with the likes of Mills and Isaac Heeney to create strong looks on goal.
Joel Amartey stayed busy and worked across the ground, earning a 50-metre penalty and converting from just inside the arc.
With a few players switched around, the physicality returned with McInerney and Papley going at it. Papley didn’t take too kindly to a supposed cheap shot in the ribs from McInerney, but it was the latter who won the free kick after a bit of a tussle.
For the final term, as the teams switched around, McCartin found some nice space early from Melican and Rampe, taking a couple of uncontested marks in the blustery conditions. But for the most part, it was the reserves midfield that got on top with Ned Bowman and Will Green hitting the scoreboard up the other end.
There was also a noticeable lift in the communication from all, with players across the line encouraged to verbally link up with their teammates more regularly.
Swans intra-club line-ups
RED TEAM (main side)
B: Melican Blakey Wicks
HB: Florent Rampe Roberts
C: McInerney Warner Gulden
HF: Campbell Hayward Mills
F: Amartey McCartin Papley
Foll: Grundy Rowbottom Heeney
BLUE TEAM (reserves)
B: Snell Hamling Francis
HB: Bice Andrew Paton
C: Mitchell Cleary Kirk
HF: Adams B.Edwards Co.Warner
F: Bowman Green Hannily
Foll: Ladhams Jordon Sheldrick
DEFENSIVE LINE-UP
The big question mark around the Swans is how their defence will look if McCartin plays forward. He again spent the whole session on Friday morning in attack, with the key three of Melican, Blakey and Rampe taking their place down back.
One noticeable change was Sam Wicks playing in the backline for the first team. With Cunningham unavailable, Wicks looks to have taken that spot as the next small defender in the team. He also played alongside Matt Roberts and Ollie Florent.
Assistant coach Mark McVeigh confirmed after the match that McCartin’s final position is up in the air. Particularly with Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean not yet back in full training, he expects McCartin to at least start forward in the trial matches.
However, if the 25-year-old does play forward during the season, he’s confident the Swans have more than enough cover in defence. Francis is probably the next cab off the rank to join the back six, with Patrick Snell and Joel Hamling behind him.
Tom McCartin and Aaron Francis collide. Picture: Phil Hillyard
“Dean was really keen to have a look at our team and where players could perhaps slot in at times,” McVeigh said. “That doesn’t mean Tommy McCartin won’t play back.
“With a couple of players slower back from injury … Tommy’s been really impressive there. He may play there early in the pre-season games. He’s certainly been playing back as well. So he’s been flipping forward and back … it’ll probably depend on teams and match-ups.
“Yeah, we do (have enough cover). I think we underestimate Nick Blakey, how tall he is. He stands at 196cm so he can play on keys if he needs to. Melican is coming off arguably his career-best year … Rampe will go there again and can play tall or small.
“Obviously Francis has played there before. We drafted a young kid in Riak Andrew who’s been really impressive. So, we’ve got some flexibility there.”
MIDFIELD MINUTES
It appears that Cox certainly has a clear first-choice midfield in mind when it comes to Chad Warner, Rowbottom, Heeney and Mills. Warner, Mills and Heeney will likely rotate in the forward line when required, but it is set to be a dominant quartet.
The question is then which players can put pressure on other positions up for grabs, or for a place on the interchange bench. James Jordon was strong through the midfield on Friday for the reserves side and was definitely one of the best on ground, linking up nicely with his teammates by hand and foot.
Angus Sheldrick had a quieter session, but was strong in defence and clean by hand when it mattered. Adams was another who shined throughout the session in a midfield-forward role as he looks to work his way back into the side.
With Corey Warner playing more time forward of the ball, Caiden Cleary ended up playing a few midfield minutes as he tried to get involved around the stoppages.
RUCK ROTATION
Grundy had a strong hitout on Friday, switching between the sides and getting practice linking up with both sets of midfield groups.
However, the most noticeable element was how well Ladhams and Green acted against him. They were constantly putting him up against it with each player getting their own moments to shine.
What did look promising is that each of the trio got forward for moments in the attacking line, flying high to grab some contested marks with each of them getting some strong shots on goal.
It’s a good sign for the ruck stocks at the club, and that Grundy will have plenty of support in 2025.
PLAYERS WHO IMPRESSED
Braeden Campbell
With his move forward of the ball now cemented, Campbell was a clear standout on Friday with both his decision-making and forward pressure.
The Academy product laid several big tackles which garnered rounds of applause from coaches on the sidelines. He also managed to grab a couple of goals from his relentless intensity in the forward line.
It’s a good indication that Campbell is high in Cox’s estimation and could grab that half-forward/forward pocket role that previously had been considered for one of Caiden Cleary or Corey Warner.
Braeden Campbell was a standout. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Corey Warner
Warner again showcased his potential with several really nice touches playing across both the senior and reserves sides.
He won the ball hard at the contest and also broke out of tackles as he looked to spark transition forward. Again, he missed a couple of targets by foot, but also finished with an impressive goal from nearly 50 metres out.
If he can match that end product with his physicality at the contest, he’ll likely get plenty of minutes in 2025.
Sam Wicks
Wicks has relished the move into the backline and shone when thrown into the back pocket on Friday morning.
His speed is well suited to moving the ball quickly out of defence, while his intensity and ability to chase down tackle created plenty of opportunities for turnovers.
There was also a sense of composure when he had the ball running off halfback as he set up a couple of goals with some booming kicks that dropped over the back of the opposition. With so many left-footers in defence at the moment, he could also be a nice right-footed option to complement the likes of Blakey, Rampe and Roberts.
Isaac Heeney had eyes for the footy. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Isaac Heeney
The reigning Swans’ B & F winner was typically classy through the midfield and looked a step ahead for most of the match.
His decision-making was strong and it was good to see him continue to float forward on occasions where he converted a strong contested mark inside 50.
Heeney has worked regularly with the midfield coaches, and in particular Grundy, to read taps and be ready to be the first to claim the ball out of the stoppages.
It appears he’s got a license to be even more attacking around the contest and he’s ready for a big year after the way his 2024 ended.
Originally published as Sydney Swans track watch: Braeden Campbell, Corey Warner star in match sim as John Longmire looks on
It appears that Cox certainly has a clear first-choice midfield in mind when it comes to Chad Warner, Rowbottom, Heeney and Mills. Warner, Mills and Heeney will likely rotate in the forward line when required, but it is set to be a dominant quartet.
The question is then which players can put pressure on other positions up for grabs, or for a place on the interchange bench. James Jordon was strong through the midfield on Friday for the reserves side and was definitely one of the best on ground, linking up nicely with his teammates by hand and foot.
Angus Sheldrick had a quieter session, but was strong in defence and clean by hand when it mattered. Adams was another who shined throughout the session in a midfield-forward role as he looks to work his way back into the side.
With Corey Warner playing more time forward of the ball, Caiden Cleary ended up playing a few midfield minutes as he tried to get involved around the stoppages.
RUCK ROTATION
Grundy had a strong hitout on Friday, switching between the sides and getting practice linking up with both sets of midfield groups.
However, the most noticeable element was how well Ladhams and Green acted against him. They were constantly putting him up against it with each player getting their own moments to shine.
What did look promising is that each of the trio got forward for moments in the attacking line, flying high to grab some contested marks with each of them getting some strong shots on goal.
It’s a good sign for the ruck stocks at the club, and that Grundy will have plenty of support in 2025.
PLAYERS WHO IMPRESSED
Braeden Campbell
With his move forward of the ball now cemented, Campbell was a clear standout on Friday with both his decision-making and forward pressure.
The Academy product laid several big tackles which garnered rounds of applause from coaches on the sidelines. He also managed to grab a couple of goals from his relentless intensity in the forward line.
It’s a good indication that Campbell is high in Cox’s estimation and could grab that half-forward/forward pocket role that previously had been considered for one of Caiden Cleary or Corey Warner.
Braeden Campbell was a standout. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Corey Warner
Warner again showcased his potential with several really nice touches playing across both the senior and reserves sides.
He won the ball hard at the contest and also broke out of tackles as he looked to spark transition forward. Again, he missed a couple of targets by foot, but also finished with an impressive goal from nearly 50 metres out.
If he can match that end product with his physicality at the contest, he’ll likely get plenty of minutes in 2025.
Sam Wicks
Wicks has relished the move into the backline and shone when thrown into the back pocket on Friday morning.
His speed is well suited to moving the ball quickly out of defence, while his intensity and ability to chase down tackle created plenty of opportunities for turnovers.
There was also a sense of composure when he had the ball running off halfback as he set up a couple of goals with some booming kicks that dropped over the back of the opposition. With so many left-footers in defence at the moment, he could also be a nice right-footed option to complement the likes of Blakey, Rampe and Roberts.
Isaac Heeney had eyes for the footy. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Isaac Heeney
The reigning Swans’ B & F winner was typically classy through the midfield and looked a step ahead for most of the match.
His decision-making was strong and it was good to see him continue to float forward on occasions where he converted a strong contested mark inside 50.
Heeney has worked regularly with the midfield coaches, and in particular Grundy, to read taps and be ready to be the first to claim the ball out of the stoppages.
It appears he’s got a license to be even more attacking around the contest and he’s ready for a big year after the way his 2024 ended.
Originally published as Sydney Swans track watch: Braeden Campbell, Corey Warner star in match sim as John Longmire looks on
Great Barrier in defence again yesterday , need this to work to get our structure back🤞
"A" team yesterday was 21
D: J Daicos , Houston , Howe , Maynard , McInnes , Moore , Quaynor
M: Cameron , Crisp , N Daicos , Lipinski , Pendlebury , Perryman , Sidebottom
F: Elliott , Hill , McCreery , McStay , Membrey , Mihocek , Schultz
It's only February but starting to get excited (just hope they can stay on the park for the whole season)
Floreat Pica
In Fly we trust
"A" team yesterday was 21
D: J Daicos , Houston , Howe , Maynard , McInnes , Moore , Quaynor
M: Cameron , Crisp , N Daicos , Lipinski , Pendlebury , Perryman , Sidebottom
F: Elliott , Hill , McCreery , McStay , Membrey , Mihocek , Schultz
It's only February but starting to get excited (just hope they can stay on the park for the whole season)
Floreat Pica
In Fly we trust
Last edited:
This lady has been attending Collingwood training since the Coventry's were playing 😀
View: https://twitter.com/Jen2310/status/1888136760867324068
View: https://twitter.com/Jen2310/status/1888136760867324068
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West Coast Pre-Season Match Simulation Training Notes
• Harley Reid $434k MID didn't participate in the match simulation but trained on the sidelines
• Elijah Hewett $122k FWD/MID played for the A Team and in all the CBA action & was fantastic. Rotated FWD but 70/30 MID/FWD split
• Bailey Williams $369k RUC played Ruck for the A Team
whole Matt Flynn $261k RUC lined up for the B Team
• Jack Graham $376k FWD/MID started in the CBA action for the A Team & was having a great game. This is the role that saw him come second in Richmond's B&F when the Tigers were playing finals
• Liam Baker $443k FWD/MID was best in ground &played accross HB. Will be a massive POD but in this role he's very tempting
• Jack Hutchinson $233k FWD played inside MID all day
• Archer Reid $119k RUC/FWD was very impressive & will push for a spot in the side this year. My favourite RUC/FWD loop this season, as I can see him playing at some point
Source: @JeppaDT
#AFL #AFLFantasy #SuperCoach
• Harley Reid $434k MID didn't participate in the match simulation but trained on the sidelines
• Elijah Hewett $122k FWD/MID played for the A Team and in all the CBA action & was fantastic. Rotated FWD but 70/30 MID/FWD split
• Bailey Williams $369k RUC played Ruck for the A Team
• Jack Graham $376k FWD/MID started in the CBA action for the A Team & was having a great game. This is the role that saw him come second in Richmond's B&F when the Tigers were playing finals
• Liam Baker $443k FWD/MID was best in ground &played accross HB. Will be a massive POD but in this role he's very tempting
• Jack Hutchinson $233k FWD played inside MID all day
• Archer Reid $119k RUC/FWD was very impressive & will push for a spot in the side this year. My favourite RUC/FWD loop this season, as I can see him playing at some point
Source: @JeppaDT
#AFL #AFLFantasy #SuperCoach
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- AFL Club
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Geelong v Hawthorn on Monday will be live on Kayo.
View: https://twitter.com/HawthornFC/status/1888832600250384792
View: https://twitter.com/HawthornFC/status/1888832600250384792