Track watch: Prelim Thursday main training

The Pies hit the track at the AIA Vitality Centre for their final main session of the week on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's Preliminary Final.

More than 1000 fans turned up on a beautiful day in the heartland of Melbourne's football precinct, as the squad were put through their paces.

The Pies filtered through drill rotations throughout the first half of the session, before conducting a full ground match simulation in the second hour of training and some smaller fundamental drills.

Jeremy Howe

The 2023 premiership defender again trained strongly on Thursday as he pushed his case for a re-call for Saturday's game.

While his second half of 2025 has been marred by injury, Howe was in arguably career-best form in the early stages of the year and will be a crucial member of the backline if selected.

Bobby Hill

The number 23 flew around the sun-bathed AIA Centre on Thursday as he continues to train strongly.

The Norm Smith Medallist has played only once since Round 15, however has looked typically dynamic throughout training recently.

Brody Mihocek

Mihocek threw himself at everything during Thursday's session.

Playing up forward during the match simulation, the right-footer moved freely and led strongly.

Mason Cox

In a surefire sign that September is here, Cox's parents Phil and Janette were in attendance to watch their son train ahead of a potential fourth Preliminary Final this Saturday.

The 211cm tall competed against Darcy Cameron in the ruck throughout the session's main match simulation drill.

Cox was recalled for the Qualifying Final win against the Crows a fortnight ago and finished the match with four marks from eight disposals in a strong contribution to the victory.

The American has made a name for himself throughout this week on the footy calendar in the past, producing the best performance of his career seven years ago in the 2018 Prelim win against reigning premiers Richmond.

Isaac Quaynor

After being absent for Tuesday's 90-minute session, Quaynor trained fully on Thursday.

After starring in the Qualifying Final, Quaynor looks primed for another integral role for the Pies on Saturday, as he prepares for his third Preliminary Final in four years.

Scott Pendlebury

After sticking to just running on Tuesday, the Magpies veteran trained fully on Thursday morning ahead of his ninth Preliminary Final.

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