New Eagles recruit Clay Hall is in awe of Tom McCarthy's progress, calling him a 'freak' and praising his rapid improvement. Hall highlights McCarthy's journey from local and VFL football to the Eagles' mid-season draft, noting his impressive performance as a midfielder this pre-season. Hall also mentions Harley Reid's dedication to improving his fitness and diet, calling it 'unreal'.
Collingwood's Jordan De Goey has seemingly 'broken the shackles' of a challenging 2025 season, showcasing his explosiveness and skill in drills. This development eases concerns about the team's reliance on Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury.
Tom Green, a star midfielder for the Giants, welcomes Clayton Oliver's arrival, believing it will strengthen the team's on-ball dynamics. Green highlights Oliver's expertise and the positive impact of their collaboration in the past.
Ryan Lester, a Lion, expresses confidence in the team's ability to replace Brandon Starcevich's departure with a mix of experienced and young players, including Noah Answerth and Luke Lloyd.
Adelaide's Izak Rankine and Riley Thilthorpe, despite some injury scares, appear to have avoided serious harm. Reilly O'Brien reassures fans that these drills are controlled and necessary for player development.
Elsewhere, Melbourne's Jack Viney is making progress in his recovery from Achilles soreness, and Tyson Stengle has returned to Geelong after a leave of absence. North Melbourne draftee Lachy Dovaston is poised for a Round 1 AFL debut, impressing with his speed and agility.