AFL Track Watch: All the latest from pre-season training, Bulldogs complete match-sim
He’s currently the third most popular choice in SuperCoach, but will Toby McLean get a game in Round 1? He was prominent in match-sim, but perhaps for the wrong side.
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We’re scouting AFL clubs on the track as we draw closer to the start of the 2023 season.
Stay tuned for updates this pre-season.
BULLDOGS TRACK WATCH
DAMAGING DARCY
Towering young gun Sam Darcy looks set for a breakout year as he continues to shine in defence for the Dogs.
The 19-year-old played as part of the stronger defensive side during match simulation and held his own matching up on first-choice key forwards Aaron Naughton, Rory Lobb and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Darcy flew for everything and took some strong contested marks in the air, while his follow-up work at ground level was also good for a player of his size.
Liam Jones and Josh Bruce played as part of the same defence as Darcy, with Bruce having swapped ends over summer after being a key forward for most of his AFL career.
While primarily lining up in attack, Lobb switched with ruckman Tim English to do some relief ruck work at times during the session.
MORE MIDFIELD FOR WEIGHTMAN
Fourth-year Western Bulldogs forward Cody Weightman is eyeing some more midfield time this season and made his presence felt in the thick of the action during match simulation on Friday.
Weightman started at the centre bounce on multiple occasions and found plenty of the ball with some clearances and nice disposals going forward.
The 22-year-old still spent some time lining up in attack, but has impressed coaches with his midfield craft over summer.
“He brings something different to what we’ve got at the moment,” Western Bulldogs midfield coach Marc Webb said.
“I think it’s a work in progress but we like what we’ve seen so far.”
Fellow forward Riley Garcia is also being given some more opportunity through the midfield.
TRELOAR TROUBLE
Another week and another missed training session for Adam Treloar.
The gun midfielder did a little bit of light running on the sidelines but again didn’t take part in match simulation at Western Bulldogs training on Friday.
After post-season ankle surgery, Treloar has struggled to build his training loads and has consequently managed to do very little over pre-season so far.
However, the Bulldogs say he is “moving well” and that they will “hopefully see him back in the next week or so”.
The 29-year-old played 22 games last season, averaging 27.1 disposals.
OTHER MISSING DOGS
Star midfielder Bailey Smith is expected back in full training next week after again missing match simulation on Friday.
Smith instead ran some laps and completed some light drills away from the main group at Skinner Reserve as he continues to deal with some soreness.
The Bulldogs said Smith was “very close” to taking part in the lengthy session of match simulation, but was held back as a precaution.
The 21-year-old has been on a modified program since training resumed earlier this month.
Defender Caleb Daniel was also on light duties as he deals with some back spasms, while Alex Keath (ankle), Hayden Crozier (ankle) and Tim O’Brien (hamstring tightness) also ran some laps and did some light skill drills away from the main group.
WATCH ON McLEAN
After two seasons ruined by injury, Toby McLean is pushing to win back a regular senior spot this year.
He featured through the midfield and forward line for the ‘B’ team during match simulation on Friday, but was tough in the clinches and won a bit of the ball.
The ‘A’ team midfield included the usual suspects of ruckman Tim English and onballers Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore.
McLean returned for the Bulldogs’ losing elimination final against Fremantle last year and had an impact with 21 disposals, four clearances and nine tackles playing predominantly on a wing.
“He’s got a lot of versatility there,” Webb said.
“He’s been going through the mids and forward as well because we know he has played those roles really well. There hasn’t been anything really bedded down and the opportunity is there for him to find his feet in multiple roles. A player that has that versatility is very important.”
JJ BACK DOWN BACK
Jason Johannisen is back racking up disposals across half-back - the position he played when he won the Norm Smith Medal in 2016.
The 30-year-old had been used predominantly as a forward the past two season and kicked eight goals from eight matches last year.
However, he was moving well and used the ball with class as he was back playing where he looks most comfortable at the other end of the ground on Friday.
BOMBERS TRACK WATCH
LIVEWIRES
Father-son draftee Alwyn Davey, Jye Menzie and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will be given golden opportunities to press for a round 1 berth when the practice matches ramp up next month.
Davey has impressed in recent weeks with his silky moves in attack and could be on track for some early game time to help bolster the club’s forward options and tackling pressure.
McDonald-Tipungwuti could also be in the frame early on after dropping a considerable amount of weight in his return to the club.
The Bombers struggled to apply pressure in the forward half of the ground last year but would have been encouraged by Menzie’s showing, kicking a couple of clever goals on Wednesday.
McDonald-Tipungwuti briefly retired last year but has worked hard on improving his fitness and could yet make a quick return to the senior side in the early part of the season.
He shone at times in match simulation on Wednesday with his precise field kicking and deft touch helping set up scoring opportunities for teammates.
McDonald-Tipungwuti remains one of the most accurate set shots for goal in the game.
The Bombers have been pleased with the small forward’s application to training after struggling with the demands of the game at the top level last year, leading to his decision to briefly step away.
LOCKED IN
Essendon’s senior core players are locked in to Brad Scott’s vision to help the club rise up the ladder after a tumultuous end to the 2022 season.
Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell, Jordan Ridley, Darcy Parish and Andrew McGrath are buoyed by the changes and have been among the most impressive performers over summer.
Heppell considered leaving Essendon last year after carrying a huge load on and off the field through another difficult year.
But the veteran defender, who may still be Essendon’s best leader, could again be given the captaincy after a strong summer.
Merrett was outstanding in match simulation on Wednesday, hitting targets on the run from the centre square, and is the other leading candidate, alongside McGrath.
McGrath has been moved into a defensive position after settling there toward the back end of last season.
Parish is one of the leading free agents in this year’s pool but has been commended for his buy-in and performance over summer.
Essendon sacked coach Ben Rutten last year after club chiefs became frustrated with the club’s lack of on-field progress in the back half of last season.
Scott has been determined to improve the defence and provide clearer direction for the players since his appointment.
MAGIC MARTIN
Nic Martin looks set to take his game to a new level this year in his role as a goalkicking wingman/half-forward.
Martin stormed on to the AFL scene last year after being picked up in the pre-season and has again turned heads over summer with his hard running and smarts inside 50m.
Martin finished fifth in the Rising Star award last year but did not receive any votes from new coach Scott.
There are high hopes he could develop into an elite wing-forward.
PERKING UP
Archie Perkins is expected to be given more midfield minutes this year.
The explosive ballwinner has spent the bulk of his first two years in a forward role but will be swung through the engine room more often this season.
The Bombers have been bolstered in the small forward department and are keen to inject Perkins in the centre square at times in 2023 to make the most of his speed, creativity and power.
BLUES TRACK WATCH
RUCK BATTLE
After having post-season knee surgery last year, ruckman Marc Pittonet is almost back in full training.
The 26-year-old battled it out against 23-year-old rising star Tom De Koning during match simulation as the pair vie for the No.1 ruck spot this year.
Pittonet made a strong start to last season before going down with a PCL injury in Round 6, providing an opportunity for De Koning which he took with both hands.
Pittonet returned in the final month of the season, forcing De Koning out of the side for the last two games of the year.
However, De Koning looks stronger this year and primed for a big 2023.
FISHING IN THE MIDDLE
With regular onballers Sam Walsh and Matthew Kennedy out injured, Zac Fisher was playing onball during match simulation on Wednesday and showed off his agility and ball-winning ability in close quarters.
Fisher primarily featured as a high half-forward across his 22 games last season.
However, some more midfield minutes could be on the agenda at least in the early part of this season given the Blues’ injury woes.
INSTANT IMPACT
Carlton targeted some more outside run with its top picks in last year’s national draft and look to have hit the nail on the head in selecting Ollie Hollands at pick 11.
The 19-year-old is a running machine and was very good on a wing during match simulation with his run and carry.
Hollands has pace to burn and the endurance to match, while some desperate defensive actions would not have gone unnoticed by the coaches.
It won’t be an easy midfield to break into at the Blues, especially given Fremantle recruit Blake Acres is expected to occupy one wing.
But Hollands is certainly pushing his case for an early debut this year.
Fellow draftee Lachie Cowan, who was selected at pick 30, has also slotted in very nicely at the Blues over summer, while Jaxon Binns showed he is also a very strong runner.
MISSING BLUES
With just 50 days to go until it’s traditional Round 1 showdown with Richmond, Carlton has a far from ideal bill of health.
The Blues held some modified match simulation during an open training session on Wednesday morning, but a large number of players did not take part.
Gun midfielder Sam Walsh briefly did some running on the sidelines at the start of the session as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
Lachie Young (ankle), Matthew Cottrell (foot), Matthew Kennedy (foot) and Jordan Boyd (foot) are also all recovering from injuries and were missing in action.
Mitch McGovern was on the sidelines as he continues a modified training program, but the key defender had taken part in match simulation on Monday.
Forward Jack Martin was also on light duties with some lingering soreness, while Sam Philp, Josh Honey, David Cuningham and Domanic Akuei were among others who only took part in some light drills.
Most of the issues are relatively short-term ones, with the exceptions of Walsh, Boyd, Cottrell and Cuningham who are still some way away from returning to full training.
However, after a 2022 season which was ravaged by injury it is not the best of starts to 2023 for the Blues.
MOSQUITO FLEET
Small forward Jesse Motlop has been one of the standouts over summer for Carlton and was again buzzing around the forward line and finding the ball during match simulation on Wednesday.
Motlop has added some size to his frame and has also built his tank, which might allow him to be used as more of a high half-forward this year.
Fellow small forward Corey Durdin wasn’t slacking off with his defensive actions despite it just being a hit out with teammates, completing a nice smother and following up by snapping one of multiple goals for the day.
Matthew Owies also had an impact as he found the ball a few times.
The trio of smalls could hold the key to a Carlton rise up the ladder this year if they can boost their goal kicking output to complement power key forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
WILLIAMS BACK
After managing just nine games last season due to injury, Zac Williams is fit and firing once again.
Williams has barely missed a beat over pre-season and did some very nice things on the track on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old was moving well, clean with his hands and disposal and helped provide some run and drive off halfback, alongside fellow rebounding defenders Adam Saad and Sam Docherty who also caught the eye.
The former GWS defender has played just 25 games across his first two seasons at the Blues, having featured in only 14 matches in his first season at the club in 2021.
DEMONS TRACK WATCH
Melbourne captain Max Gawn was the first to hit the training track as he builds up his recovery from a low-grade hamstring injury.
Gawn, who hurt his hamstring at training last Friday at Casey Fields, completed the bulk of his work before any of his teammates had arrived for the start of the Wednesday session at Gosch’s Paddock.
The star ruckman jogged laps of the oval, briefly did a kick-to-kick and then ran a few more laps before heading inside.
The skipper looked comfortable as he completed the session, beating the heat before his teammates sweated it out in the sun.
The club said on Monday Gawn had commenced a modified program and he would be reintegrated to training over the next fortnight.
Max Gawn out on the track after avoiding serious damage to his hamstring. ðŸ™ðŸ™Œ pic.twitter.com/eJYIIjcUQv
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) January 24, 2023
FORWARD FOCUS
Second-year forward Jacob Van Rooyen has impressed track observers with his pre-season form over summer and it’s easy to see why.
The 19-year-old 193cm forward provided a strong and mobile marking target for the Demons during match play on Wednesday.
His overhead marking, on several occasions, was particularly impressive.
It augurs well for the Demons’ forward stocks, which will also welcome back key forward Tom McDonald after recovering from a foot injury which cruelled the second half of his season last year.
The 30-year-old is now back in full training after having surgery post-season to remove a plate from his foot and looked in good shape on Wednesday.
WELCOME BACK
He might have recently returned to main training, but McDonald’s teammates weren’t going easy on him during match play on Wednesday.
Defender Trent Rivers wasn’t going to let him get away with an easy mark at half forward, applying a heavy spoil which the coaches deemed to be a free kick to McDonald.
McDonald then opted to play on, with Rivers launching at him again and bringing him to ground with a fierce tackle.
This time, Rivers had the free kick paid his way.
INJURY LIST
Normally Melbourne’s general manager of football performance Alan Richardson is the one providing the update on the club’s injured players.
But it appears Richardson has been an addition to the Demons’ injury list himself.
Richardson was spotted keeping a watchful eye over training at Gosch’s Paddock with his right foot in a moon boot.
LIGHT WORK
Key backman Jake Lever, forwards Jake Melksham and Charlie Spargo and defender Joel Smith were among those on modified training loads on Wednesday.
The Demons reported Lever had a bruised foot after another player had stomped on him during a previous session, while Melksham has a minor calf complaint.
Spargo and Smith, who is recovering from ankle surgery, are on modified programs.
Lever and Melksham did some early handball work away from the main group before heading off the track, with Melksham then putting in a solid session on the exercise bike.
Spargo completed some of the early drills before focusing on running, while Smith also largely completed running work.
The Demons said all of the players should integrate back into full training over the next one-two weeks.
YOUNG ROOS DUO LIGHTING UP PRE-SEASON
Chris Cavanagh
North Melbourne has vowed to wrap its arms around young gun Tarryn Thomas, who has returned to training after he was charged by police last week.
Thomas was back on the track with teammates at Arden St on Monday morning after spending time away from the club on personal leave.
Thomas was last week charged with a single count of threatening to distribute an intimate image following a three-month police investigation over a dispute with an ex-girlfriend.
He will face Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on March 28.
Newly-appointed North Melbourne co-captain Luke McDonald said it was good to have Thomas back in the fold.
“We’re always there supporting Tarryn,” McDonald said.
“That matter’s before the courts so there’s not too much we can say. But Tarryn is a great kid and he’s as talented as anyone on our list and we’re going to be there for him no matter what.”
Thomas, 22, has been training with the defensive group as he prepares for a change of roles this year.
The talented ball-user has primarily been played as a midfielder-forward across his first four seasons at AFL level but featured in only 10 matches last year due to injury and personal issues.
“He’s been doing a lot of work with the backline and, gee whiz, he’s been super down there,” McDonald said.
“It’s a big year for the whole footy club but we know if we can get Tarryn out there for 22 games, we know that he’s going to make a big difference to our side.
“He’s got some serious tricks and could be a real weapon for us off the halfback line.”
McDonald was named as co-captain of the Kangaroos last Friday alongside Jy Simpkin after a player vote struggled to split the pair.
“I think we were split by one vote,” McDonald said.
“Ever since we were co vice-captains, we’ve always been really trying to help drive the group and we’ve always done it together.
“I couldn’t think of anyone else that I’d want to share this role with.”
KANGAROOS TRACK WATCH
VETERAN VOICES
The Kangaroos might have a pair of new captains in Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin, but the club’s veterans aren’t taking a back seat.
Former skipper Jack Ziebell – who stepped down after six years in the role – remains at the club and is still as vocal as ever out on the track with his instruction and encouragement of teammates.
Ex-Hawthorn midfielder Liam Shiels is already proving a shrewd pick up for similar reasons, with teammates noting that he has been “driving the standards” over summer and has also been quite vocal.
Shiels was signed by the Kangaroos as a rookie in December through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period, just months after his announcing his retirement following 255 and three premierships with the Hawks.
LIFT IN STANDARDS
It might still be January, but there’s not a lot of mucking around going on at Arden Street.
There has been a noticeable lift in training standards under new coach Alastair Clarkson, with players themselves saying they are doing more of the “small things” right which they hope will translate to better results on the field.
During ball movement drills at training on Monday, players in the defending groups were being barked at to press up and properly man the mark in a bid to put pressure on the ball carrier.
There was no tolerance for slacking off.
PHILLIPS FIRING
There is plenty of excitement building about young midfielder Will Phillips after his 2022 season was wiped out by illness.
Phillips did not play a single senior game last season after battling glandular fever, but is back in full training and consistently catching the eye.
“This time last year he was absolutely flying. The first intra-club game he was best on ground,” McDonald said.
“He’s definitely back to that point now so it’s just about backing up session to session with Will. He’s a great character and he’s really helping us to drive the standards as a young leader coming through.
“I think North fans are going to get really excited seeing the No. 29 back out there.”
The No. 3 draft pick in 2022, Phillips drew comparisons to Gold Coast midfielder Matt Rowell during his draft year.
SLOW AND STEADY
Prized North Melbourne draftee George Wardlaw is still slowly building his fitness after a rough run of injuries over the past 12 months.
Wardlaw took part in some of the drills at training on Monday but also spent significant time away from the main group doing some running.
The No. 4 pick in last year’s draft, Wardlaw missed much of his under-18 season due to repeat hamstring injuries, illness and concussion.
“Georgie has had a little bit of an injury cloud every now and again so he’s still getting eased into it,” Simpkin said.
The better news is that fellow top draft pick Harry Sheezel has been “lighting up the track” with his work in the attacking half, while rookie draft selection Blake Drury has also been ultra-impressive in a new role in defence.
‘FUNNY’ CLARKO
Coaches are often a little more relaxed in the pre-season than they are during the cut and thrust of a home-and-away campaign.
However, new North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has still surprised a few of his new troops with his happy and humorous demeanour.
The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach was cracking plenty of smiles and handing out a few ‘thumbs up’ as he took charge of training on Monday.
“He’s a funny coach,” new North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin said.
“I didn’t expect it coming in. I didn’t think he’d be so funny. I was more expecting a serious side of him. But so far he’s been really good.”
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