There were plenty of positives to come out of last Saturday’s pre-season practice matches in Googong, as the Kiama Power men’s squad outscored the Wollongong Bulldogs and Googong Hogs.
Playing four 22-minute quarters at Rockley Oval, Sean Byrne’s men made the trip down the Hume Highway, with the likes of Josh Simpson, Toby Trudgett and Shea Hammond in the midfield, and Harry Wallace and Max Cook featuring in the backline.
Despite missing Jack Eastwood, Jamison Lynn, Luke Vallence, Max Whiticker, Odin Brown and Ryley Walker due to Navy representative duties, and only seven of last year’s regular senior team making the trip south, the remainder of the Kiama squad took part in Saturday’s intense hit-out as the Power turned up the heat ahead of their final practice match against the Woden Blues on Saturday, March 21 in Kiama.
TERRIFIC TOBY
One of the stories of the day was the dominant form of emerging star, Toby Trudgett.
Playing predominantly in the midfield, the electric 19-year-old finished the day with 25 disposals and took multiple intercept marks in an eye-catching display.
Not only was he dangerous with the ball, Trudgett also made chasedown tackles inside Kiama’s forward 50m and was deemed as Head of Football Operations Sam Hodges’ best player on the day.
“Trudge was doing a lot of the one-percenters exceptionally well as a mid,” Hodges said.
RISING RHYS
While Trudgett went about his business in the middle of the ground, Rhys Hartwig stole the show up forward to prove that he’s ready to make a big impact in his new colours in 2026.
Primarily playing as a full forward, Hartwig kicked one goal in two quarters against the Bulldogs, before getting into his groove for a strong showing as he kicked four majors in the following two quarters against the Hogs.
Hartwig’s second half performance included six contested marks inside 50m.
Providing a glimpse of how dynamic their partnership could be, Hartwig combined brilliantly with fellow recruit Liam Zeschke as both key forwards provided plenty of options in the front half of the ground as they look to become permanent fixtures in the Power forward line this season.
MAGIC McGEE
Last year Ethan McGee had a breakout campaign which saw the youngster regularly featured as one of the best players in reserve grade, and was always reliable when called into the senior team.
The talented midfielder – who has been one of the shining lights on the track across the pre-season – was everywhere in Saturday’s practice match, finding plenty of the footy from half-back and running on top of the ground to play a huge role in the Power’s surging playing style.
RESULTS
First Half vs Bulldogs
Kiama 5.4-34
Wollongong 4.3-27
Second Half vs Hogs
Kiama 6.4-40
Googong 5.5-35
The next phase of Kiama’s pre-season preparations will see the Power men take on the Woden Blues at Bonaira Oval on Saturday, March 21 at 11am.