A full squad hit the track at the AIA Vitality Centre on Tuesday morning for the Pies’ first of two main training sessions before Saturday’s Preliminary Final.

The team enjoyed a weekend off as they learnt the Brisbane Lions would be their opponent on the penultimate weekend of the season, returning on Monday for a light indoor session.

Tuesday’s training saw the intensity ramped up with a host of rotations throughout the first hour, with a focus on ball movement and team play.

A black jumpers against white jumpers scenario-based drill took place as the second half of the session got underway, as the Pies got to work with use of the full ground.

Some goal-kicking ensued as the session wound down as the players faced some blustering conditions towards the Yarra River end of the oval.

Below are some key updates out of Tuesday’s training.

Jeremy Howe

The veteran defender who is on the way back from an adductor injury sustained in Round 24 against Melbourne trained strongly for the majority of Tuesday’s session.

Part of the larger group during the early rotations and then as the squad got to work on their ball movement, Howe covered the ground well.

With a full main session still to come on Thursday, the 35-year-old ended his session slightly earlier than the rest of the group as he continues to ramp up his loads.

Brody Mihocek

Mihocek looked strong throughout Tuesday’s training, showing his typically dangerous traits in front of goal throughout the scenario-based drills.

The resilient forward will also use Thursday’s session to get himself in tip top shape for Saturday’s game.

Bobby Hill

The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist did the full session on Tuesday as he reintegrates with the main group.

The damaging small forward’s last game was against this week’s opponent in the Lions, when he came on as the sub back in Round 21.

Scott Pendlebury

The Magpies champion had a light session on Tuesday as he prepares for a ninth Preliminary Final.

Doing some jogging on the far side of the oval as the larger group filtered through rotations, the midfielder in his 20^th season will continue to prepare his body in a meticulous manner ahead of Saturday’s game. 

A couple hundred Pies supporters were in attendance on Tuesday and the Magpie Army is encouraged to turn up in numbers for Thursday’s Open Training! Head to the Finals Hub for all the details.