Track Watch: Pre-Season Week Two
Pre-season training continued for the team this week, wiht a focus on building endurance and honing skills ahead of a community and training camp in Yarrawonga.
Monday’s session featured a simulated match drill, dividing players into teams wearing black and grey training tops. The drill centered on a contest for possession on the wing, aiming to move the ball into the attacking 50. A notable play saw Kaleb smith win the ball cleanly and deliver an accurate kick, setting up a lead taken by Jonty Fowl, the team’s new No.8.
Young player Luke Trainor, 19, continued to impress, maintaining his form from his debut season with strong performances in sprinting drills. He was easily identifiable sporting new bright orange Puma boots.
Later in the week,Noah Balta rejoined the group for an early morning running session alongside tom Lynch,demonstrating impressive endurance that will excite fans. On Friday morning, before 8:30am, Hugo Ralphsmith, Jack Ross, Ben Miller, Lynch, and White participated in further endurance training with a determined focus.
The week also included celebrations for Kaleb Smith, who turned 21, with the entire squad marking the occasion before training.
On the track, Samson Ryan, 24, showed strong recovery from a foot injury that previously sidelined him, moving well and completing strong kicks and overhead marks during skills drills.
High Performance Manager Ben Serpell led a sprint session at Punt Road Oval with Sam Lalor, Harry Armstrong, Luke Trainor, Jasper Alger, Liam Fawcett, and Jonty Fowl, pushing the younger players with fast-paced drills.
Rhyan Mansell, coming off an 18-goal season, impressed with his precise kicking and clean handling in basic patterns drills, demonstrating effortless ball movement.
A lighthearted moment occurred during a drinks break when Seth Campbell playfully squirted Assistant Coach Chris newman with his drink bottle, who took it in stride.
Tom Brown showcased his strong work rate and spatial awareness in a seven vs five keeping-off drill, effectively moving into space, commanding the ball, and delivering accurate kicks in transition.
Injury recovery continued for Judson Clarke and Tom Sims, who were working through rehabilitation in the Club gym.
tyler Sonsie applied strong defensive pressure during a diamond drill, making two intercept plays while working hard off the ball.
The week concluded with a light full oval scrimmage, where new recruit Patrick Retschko, 19, demonstrated his elite running ability off the wing.He then moved forward, gathered the ball from a contest, created space, and calmly kicked a goal.
The team will now prepare for a pre-season camp in Yarrawonga and surrounding areas, with the entire playing squad expected to participate.
