Mega AFL pre-season track watch: Who’s tearing up the track at your club
They’ve been at their clubs less than a month, but a number of new draftees have already made a big impression at training. See all the recent standouts here.
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From breakout contenders to old stars in new colours, every AFL side hit the track in the first week of December.
Top draftees Sid Draper and Josh Smillie starred in match simulations, old Dog Bailey Smith made his first appearance for the Cats and Essendon’s mid-season draftee Saad El-Hawli looks like an early-season debutant candidate.
Ourfooty experts attended 12 pre-season sessions from across the AFL this week, and here are the players that stood out on track.
ADELAIDE
Simeon Thomas-Wilson – 2 December
Sid Draper
Wearing bright pink boots during the match simulation, Draper was in the stronger side and kicked an impressive goal early. He then produced a tremendous chase-down tackle to wrap up Sam Berry, which got his teammates excited for the youngster.
Isaac Cumming
If the Crows can keep him fit then Cumming could have a big impact on their ball movement. While conditions weren’t great at West Lakes on Monday – hot and windy – Cumming was still clean with his ball movement and looks like he can be a weapon down back for the Crows.
Dan Curtin
Continued to be used as a forward and continued to show some impressive signs. The most impressive on Monday might have been when he gave it to Keane as things got heated. On the surface Curtin does seem somewhat reserved so the Crows would be thrilled to see some fire in the West Australian’s belly.
Oscar Ryan
There aren’t too many players on the Crows list who are yet to play an AFL game. Draper’s first should come soon but don’t be surprised if Ryan isn’t too far behind him. Nicks said Ryan reminded him of the great Gavin Wanganeen. The running defender has returned in good shape and impressed with his tank and kicking on Monday.
TRACK WATCH: FULL ADELAIDE TRAINING NOTES
CARLTON
Josh Barnes – 4 December
Adam Cerra
Hamstring issues have peppered Cerra’s last two seasons but the former Docker looked in great shape to dive into pre-season. The onballer moved well and was not part of the large rehab group at the start of training.
Ollie Hollands
The renowned runner never has any question marks about his fitness and he appears well suited to a role at halfback. The Blues will debate his position throughout summer but his line breaking run was a highlight of a defensive drill.
Jagga Smith
The No. 3 draftee has settled in seamlessly, training in the midfield group and showing off his elusive footwork to avoid would-be tacklers.
Corey Durdin
Blues fans have high hopes for Durdin after shoulder woes and he moved strongly on Wednesday, despite wearing a fluoro cap, indicating he was not to have contact. With Matt Owies now at West Coast, Durdin and Jesse Motlop will hold important roles next year as small forwards.
Jack Silvagni
It was in last pre-season Silvagni did his ACL and missed the entire season, but he looked ready to go on Wednesday. He played as a forward target during a midfield drill.
TRACK WATCH: FULL COLLINGWOOD TRAINING NOTES
COLLINGWOOD
Glenn McFarlane – 3 December
Dan McStay
This time last year McStay faced a long rehab ahead of him following his knee reconstruction. He looks to be a building a very strong base off the back of his five games and eight goals to close out the season.
Reef McInnes
The one-time forward has barely missed a beat in his move to defence and looks a realistic chance of locking down a spot early next season. Has bulked up and even spent part of the season duelling with a much taller Mason Cox.
Tew Jiath
The young Magpie defender launched himself at a player running away from a pack, then laid a smothering tackle that brought a monster roar from his teammates. He looks to have put more bulk on his frame and is putting his hand up to add to his solitary game.
TRACK WATCH: FULL COLLINGWOOD TRAINING NOTES
ESSENDON
Josh Barnes – 5 December
Alwyn Davey Jnr
Kicked a goal in a drill then followed up with a speedy sprint – caused a turnover. Impressed in a full ground drill – displayed gut running and didn’t miss a target as he aims to build on his 10 appearances in 2024.
Nick Bryan
Sold some candy on Alwyn Davey on the last line of defence during a drill. Followed up with a give and go repeat effort. Also contested well aerially in a full ground drill.
Lewis Hayes
Kicked a goal in a drill and followed up with a strong holding-the-ball-worthy tackle on speedy Isaac Kako, loudly praised by teammates and coaches. The uncapped teen has been a hard worker so far in summer.
Saad El-Hawli
Continued his strong start to pre-season. Pressure and work rate his two most impressive attributes during the session. Played with the ‘A’ defence in match simulation.
TRACK WATCH: FULL ESSENDON TRACK WATCH
GEELONG
Dan Batten – 2 December
Mitch Knevitt
His 193cm frame looks noticeably bigger and Dangerfield mentioned him as a player he expects to see running through the midfield early in the season. The 21-year-old amassed 38 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 13 clearances, 10 tackles and 224 SuperCoach points in their final VFL game for the season and shapes as a breakout contender.
Bailey Smith
Was eased into his first session with all his new teammates. But as Patrick Dangerfield said, it will be difficult to hold the ultra-competitive midfielder back. Was like a bull at a gate in 1-on-1 drills with a couple of the support staff and his intent would have excited any Cats fan watching.
Jhye Clark
Could a switch down back be on the cards for the prized top 10 pick? Clark played off halfback during match simulation drills and while his kicking looked a little suspect at times, he tried his best to create coming out of defence. Also stayed back to complete some extras with Shaun Mannagh.
Cam Guthrie
He didn’t complete the entire session with the main group – doing a running block with Mitch Duncan and Mark Blicavs – but seeing Guthrie move well is a big positive after a cursed run over the past two seasons. Dangerfield said Guthrie will be like a “new recruit” in 2025.
Mitch Edwards
We didn’t see much of Edwards in 2024, but he moves in a way no 207cm ruckman should. He followed up a dropped mark by quickly gathering, getting a one-two handball back and hitting a target lace out with precision.
TRACK WATCH: FULL GEELONG TRAINING NOTES
GOLD COAST
Callum Dick – 4 December
Sam Flanders
Has donned the blonde and black hair in pre-season and so far left everyone else in his dust. Won the 2km last week and looks like a man on a mission, leading from the front in every drill and dominating in the contested work.
Ben Ainsworth
Looks eager to put the frustrations of a down 2024 season and shoulder injury to bed with an electric start to pre-season. Like Flanders has set the bar on the track so far.
Tom Berry
Fell out of favour late last season and has come back with a chip on his shoulder. Has set the tone with his tackle pressure and looks uber-fit. Knows spots inside 50 will be at a premium this season.
Ben King
Making the most of another injury-free pre-season and is absolutely gliding across the field. Has looked nigh-untouchable in all the contested work so far.
TRACK WATCH: FULL GOLD COAST TRAINING NOTES
GWS GIANTS
Lachlan McKirdy – 2 December
Finn Callaghan
One of the Giants’ most talented prospects, Callaghan is off-contract at the end of 2025 and by next year could elevate his name into the discussion as one of the best young players in the competition. Every pre-season he has come back looking better than the last, while his athleticism and ball-handling look to have taken another step up even if it was just the first main session of the season.
Jacob Wehr
Wehr played 11 matches last season but fell out of favour in the back half of the year. He earned another opportunity to impress via the rookie list and will be one of the early contenders for the vacant wing spot opened up by Isaac Cumming’s departure. Has brilliantly service by boot, the next step is matching his efficiency with his work at the contest.
Nick Madden
The 20-year-old is yet to make his AFL debut but was close on several occasions in 2024 before a long-term ankle injury ended his season. After amassing some standout showings in the ruck at VFL level, he has trimmed down and looks ready to put some more pressure on Kieren Briggs’ role in the side.
James Leake
Another impressive youngster yet to debut, last year’s first-round draft pick was touted for his versatility and could be a prime candidate to replace Harry Perryman as the Giants’ Mr Fix-It. Whether it’s running off halfback or working further up the ground, Leake is ready to build off some strong VFL matches and show Adam Kingsley he deserves a place come opening round.
TRACK WATCH: FULL GIANTS TRACK WATCH (Scroll down)
MELBOURNE
Jay Clark – 3 December
Aidan Johnson
Drafted with a late selection, the mature-age Werribee forward could shape as a round 1 bolter after an impressive start to his Melbourne career. He looks to be a combative key forward who can provide a back-up rucking option to Max Gawn, with the Demons toying with a multiple-ruck 23 for the past four seasons with various success (Luke Jackson, Brodie Grundy).
Harrison Petty
The South Australian utility looks poised to move back to defence after a lean year up forward. Drafted as a defender, Petty was thrown into attack on occasion by Simon Goodwin early in his career, but made the move permanent in 2024. He kicked just nine goals in 20 games, but is training in defence to start the 2025 pre-season.
TRACK WATCH: FULL DEMONS TRAINING NOTES
PORT ADELAIDE
Simeon Thomas-Wilson – 6 December
Jason Horne-Francis
The Hornet went to another level in 2024 and looks like he will improve further in 2025. Returning to pre-season after his US trip, Horne-Francis was impressive on the track with his kicking and his aerobic capacity standing out. There wasn’t a lot in terms of separating him and Zak Butters — the hardest trainer at the club — during the session.
Rory Atkins
Made the shock move to Alberton as part of the Lukosius trade but is putting his best foot forward at the Power. The former Crow and Sun won the Power’s 2km time trial ahead of Mitch Georgiades.
Christian Moraes
The draftee impressed last week and continued to do so on Friday. Clubs do like to ease draftees into it but in potentially a sign of how much the Power already likes him Moraes was involved in one of the half-field drills on Friday, as his fellow draftees watched on from the sidelines. He took a fine contested mark as he continues to hold his own with his more experienced Power teammates.
TRACK WATCH: FULL POWER TRAINING NOTES
RICHMOND
Tarquin Oakley – 6 December
Kamdyn McIntosh
Richmond waited to give Kamdyn McIntosh a list spot until after the trade period, but the veteran looks to have taken that in his stride this pre-season. The 30-year-old finished second in the 2km time trial at the end of last month and his running power was on show again on Friday. McIntosh continually found space in match play by using sheer work rate and his bullet passes hit up his teammates with precision. Should be able to play the 10 matches he needs to bring up a deserved 200-game milestone for the club.
Tom Lynch
A full pre-season is set to help Tom Lynch get out on the field and stay there in 2025. Lynch has had a heavily interrupted last two years at Richmond, playing just eight games out of a possible 46. The Tigers are pleased with his current condition and the dual premiership player was able to partake in some contact drills where he confidently stood up to dish off a handpass while being tackled. It’s vital that Lynch plays senior football this year to show the way in the Tigers’ young forward line.
Seth Campbell
The teenager looks set to create plenty of problems for defenders alongside Mansell in the front half for Richmond next year. Campbell is looking super fit, using his pace to explode away from those willing to try and keep up with him. His creativity around goal was also on show, slotting a goal from the pocket off one step during match simulation.
Josh Smillie
He was one of the few draftees to take part in the match play, wowing onlookers with a no-look handball in congestion to set his teammate away.
TRACK WATCH: FULL RICHMOND TRAINING NOTES
ST KILDA
Harvey Constable – December 6
Jack Macrae
The former Dog impressed during the whole session with his trademark kicking on full display. During a length of the field drill, Macrae put in a rapid fire sprint before diving full length and producing a double-fister over the boundary line. Teammates were quick to rush to him and he jumped up with a big grin and a flex of the muscles.
Tobie Travaglia
The No. 8 pick was impressive during an up-and-back drill on the wing – he was the middle link in the chain, working hard both ways and lofting two 15 metre handpasses to teammates in space.
Darcy Wilson
The second-year Saint appears to have bulked up and his running capacity was once again on full display. Wilson comfortably outran all of his teammates running laps around the ground and looked explosive during the drills.
Brad Hill
Heading into his 14th season, Hill looks fit and is running well. In a front-and-centre drill, his chase down tackle saw the entire group of about 25 players get around him. Was the clear leader during other drills, instructing younger teammates and being a vocal presence.
TRACK WATCH: FULL SAINTS TRAINING NOTES
SYDNEY
Lachlan McKirdy – 3 December
Peter Ladhams
The backup ruckman looks in very good nick to start pre-season and is running strongly. His ball use, especially his kicking, was also on display. It’s a big year for Ladhams given his is coming off contract, but Cox’s early suggestion of making sure everyone gets a game should give him some confidence of deputising at some point for Brodie Grundy.
Lewis Melican
Melican has been very vocal during the first few sessions of pre-season, often leading the running drills and getting around his teammates. He is exuding confidence following his career-best year and could be tasked with more responsibility if McCartin is shifted forward.
Jack Buller
Buller played in the AFL a week after being picked up in the 2022 mid-season draft but hasn’t been spotted since due to countless injuries. However, he has started pre-season strong and many Sydney defenders have stated he can be a handful in one-on-one contests. Could be one to watch if Cox is set on changing their forward dynamic, and if the 23-year-old can get his body right.
Sam Wicks
Wicks fell out of the team in the back half of last season but is playing for a contract again and has ticked all the right boxes early. His speed and forward pressure has always been a standout, but the 25-year-old looks to have bulked up slightly and will hope he can win a place back in the club’s best 23.
Caleb Mitchell
Mitchell is another one who has caught the eye in multiple pre-seasons but hasn’t quite been able to break through consistently. He made his debut earlier this year and was a constant presence in drills, buzzing around the ball and always looking to get involved. Now in his third year in the AFL, it could be his time to finally shine.
TRACK WATCH: FULL SYDNEY TRACK WATCH
WEST COAST
West Coast’s new recruit Jack Graham has opened up on the exciting young talent the rebuilding Eagles have amid his first pre-season with the club.
Graham said he has been loving his time in Perth, having arrived three weeks ago, and is bullish about the young list his former Richmind colleague Matthew Clarke has begun to assemble.
The premiership Tiger - who is only 26 himself - named the three young Eagles who have impressed him so far.
On Harley Reid:
“He’s a pretty special player and he’s pretty exciting.
“I remember playing against him last year and I think he might have got “Bakes” (Liam Baker) holding the ball,” he said.
“I was thinking that’s pretty funny because that was halfway through the year and Bakes hadn’t made up his mind. I was thinking ‘jeez I wonder if they’re going to be teammates next year’.”
On Elijah Hewett:
“He hasn’t been on the park for the last year and already seeing what he’s doing this preseason is pretty special.”
On Reuben Ginbey and next season:
Graham said Ginbey has impressed him with “everything” he does..
“We know we’ve got a lot of work to do … we’ll just keep trying to get better and build on that every day, every game, every round.”
Originally published as Mega AFL pre-season track watch: Who’s tearing up the track at your club
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