Vice-captain Andy Brayshaw spoke to media on Monday morning, giving them an insight into his thoughts on pre-season training so far.

Fyfe, a physical presence
Brayshaw said Nat Fyfe’s strength is valuable in the midfield, helping himself and fellow vice-captain, Caleb Serong play their roles.

“Nat’s been going well. He’s being managed as well and is slowly building into the pre-season,” Brayshaw said.

“When he gets his opportunities with the main group, he’s really strong and his body is in really good nick at the moment.

“I see him as a midfielder, and he helps out blokes like Caleb and myself because he's massive. He’s a physical presence.

“When you have a big, strong body like that, pushing blokes around and doing the things he does, it’s pretty special.

“Even though he’s not captain anymore, he still seems like one of the best leaders in the group and offers a lot of advice to these young guys coming through as well, so hopefully we can see him out on the park in 2024.”

Draftees here to impress
Cooper Simpson and Jack Delean are a few names among the new draftees who have impressed Brayshaw, getting to work from day one.

“A couple of young faces have shown some good signs really early,” Brayshaw said.

“Cooper Simpson has really impressed me.

“I think we were really lucky to get him at the pick we did.

“From what I’ve seen he can play as a small forward or can come and have a hit in the midfield.

“I’ve played a few tight handball games with him, and he’s been able to use both sides of his body really well and get out of traffic, which is really handy.”

Last Friday’s main training saw Delean shake off a heavy tackle with ease, catching the attention of his vice-captain.

“He (Jack Delean) has been great. Another one who has really impressed,” Brayshaw said.

“When you see an 18-year-old get tackled like that, to bounce back up and keep going is really promising.

“I think the whole group of guys we’ve picked up (in the draft) have that drive and intensity.”

Sharp shaping up
Brayshaw spoke highly of midfielder Jeremy Sharp, who was signed on day one of the pre-season supplemental selection period.

“Jeremy Sharp has clearly been showing everyone that he’s super fit and can run all day,” Brayshaw said.

“Everything I’ve seen of him both on the track, but also catching up with him outside of the Club, he’s a great bloke and trains as hard as anyone so we’re really fortunate we’ve got him.

“He’s going to be a great asset on the wing."

Sharp has already made impressive strides in pre-season to put his hand up for the vacant wing role.

“A few guys know that spot is up for grabs,” Brayshaw said.

“It’s a really important role for us and there’s a few guys that are really fighting for it.

“At the moment I think Sharp is one that’s leading the race for that.

“He’s shown his fitness, and his ball use is looking really good out on the track.

“If he keeps training the way he has, I’m sure he’ll be out there round one.”

Young rucks look up to Darcy
Working on building their connection in the midfield, Brayshaw said he’s working closely with ruckman Sean Darcy, while also adding a few new faces into the mix.

“I’ll be working closely with Caleb (Serong), Sean (Darcy) and some of these new guys that have come in. It’s an exciting time, but definitely looking to improve again on last year,” Brayshaw said.

“Sean’s one who’s always positive. He’s been spending a bit of time on the far side with myself and slowly building into things, but when he does get his chance, he’s got that physical presence and he’s obviously really strong.

“There are a few young rucks that are really looking up to him and he’s showing them the way as well.”

Looking ahead: youth bring excitement
“While we may not be as experienced, with youth you have a lot more energy and can play with a lot more excitement, so I guess that’s the lens we’re trying to look at it through,” Brayshaw said.

“We still have a couple of old heads who can also really steady all these young guys.

“In the same breath, in the fourth quarter, when hopefully some other teams are getting tired, we’ll have these guys who are able to run out games.

“I am excited for next year, another chance for us to have a crack at it.”

THREE THINGS WE SAW: Midfield battle heats up
McCarthy keen to make an impact
50 PHOTOS: Kings Park Hills Session 9 December