“Collingwood’s Midfield Coach Provides Insight into Pre-Season Progress, Player Updates, and Emerging Talent for 2024”

“Collingwood’s Midfield Coach Provides Insight into Pre-Season Progress, Player Updates, and Emerging Talent for 2024”

Collingwood’s Midfield Coach, Hayden Skipworth, addressed the media after a challenging yet high-intensity pre-season training session at the AIA Vitality Centre, influenced by rainy conditions. Skipworth expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, citing a productive pre-Christmas training block that set the tone for continued development. Emphasizing the team’s health and fitness, he reported a robust and injury-free roster, with players diligently maintaining their conditioning during the off-season.

Discussing specific players, Skipworth provided updates on the fitness of key individuals. He highlighted the dedication of certain players, particularly mentioning a pair of brothers who had invested substantial effort during the off-season. While acknowledging their readiness, he indicated a cautious approach, mentioning a short delay for one player due to foot concerns. Another player, Ash, received commendation for achieving personal bests in running times and overall fitness.

In terms of team dynamics, Skipworth revealed ongoing experimentation with different player combinations, exploring options for both taller and smaller line-ups. He stressed the team’s adaptability, acknowledging that the starting lineup for Round One might differ from the season’s conclusion.

Addressing recent recruits, Skipworth praised their positive impact on the team’s culture and performance. While recognizing their ability to play at the highest level, he indicated that final roster decisions would depend on the team’s needs as the cut-off date approaches.

The coach also addressed the situation of a key player, Hayden Skipworth, assuring that there were no immediate plans to place him on the long-term injury list. With three roster spots still available, the team will monitor McStay’s progress throughout the year.

Speaking about the squad’s motivation, Skipworth highlighted the hunger within the group, particularly among older players aware of time constraints to achieve Premiership success. He commended the players’ commitment and emphasized the absence of complaints, reflecting a positive team culture.

Looking ahead to the next generation of Collingwood stars, Skipworth mentioned promising players such as Reef McInnes,Fin Mcrae, Allan,Ed  and Josh Carmichael. While acknowledging the challenge of integrating younger talent into a successful and mature team, he expressed confidence in their preparedness to contribute when given opportunities.

Lastly, Skipworth outlined his preferences for players at centre bounces, favoring those with speed and power. He revealed a holistic approach to evaluating players’ suitability for various positions, extending beyond midfield considerations to include defenders and forwards in center bounce drills, maintaining an open-minded approach to maximize team effectiveness.