Training Report and Photos 29/1

[Lord Travis 10,163]

Bate interview (link may not work, go to Melbournefc website)

Said Scully and Trengove were 1 & 2 in Yoyo test (Beep test). Followed by Jones and Morton.

Very impressive from the youngsters then, as Morton and Jones both have elite endurance. We knew Scully was a determined fitness freak, but to be beating Jones and Morton already is impressive!

[Viney Vidi Vici 110]

Just curious, was it Mahoney or Bailey or someone else who gave Watts the spray?

Thats why I asking about the assistant coaches. he was an older looking, tubby kind of guy. wow, he can get stuck into them. Watts was absolutely nailed, for first, being flat footed, but then disagreed with the coach and a lot of 'F...ing smartass' could be heard. Nothing massive to worry about, just a typical 18 year old response from a guy in an adult world. I can understand, but pretty sure he'll keep his mouth shut now.

and yeah, Blease was pretty quiet, just doing lap stuff. not close to joining by the looks.

Strauss, yes, if he can do it under pressure, he's well equiped to fill in a gap for us.

and to those Cheney-downers, just prepare yourself for a little suprise. He's well involved in training, and i think much more impressionable than a lot of players.

[jayceebee31 666]

Thats why I asking about the assistant coaches. he was an older looking, tubby kind of guy. wow, he can get stuck into them. Watts was absolutely nailed, for first, being flat footed, but then disagreed with the coach and a lot of 'F...ing smartass' could be heard. Nothing massive to worry about, just a typical 18 year old response from a guy in an adult world. I can understand, but pretty sure he'll keep his mouth shut now.

and yeah, Blease was pretty quiet, just doing lap stuff. not close to joining by the looks.

Strauss, yes, if he can do it under pressure, he's well equiped to fill in a gap for us.

and to those Cheney-downers, just prepare yourself for a little suprise. He's well involved in training, and i think much more impressionable than a lot of players.

Might have been Chris Connolly who gave the spray.Have a look at the coaches on Melbournefc website

Edited January 29, 2010 by jayceebee31

[Viney Vidi Vici 110]

Might have been Chris Connolly who gave the spray.Have a look at the coaches on Melbournefc website

did my research, answer is O'Donnell. Development coach... his job is to get these guys up to speed I suppose.

[Deeoldfart 7,720]

Thanks a million for the reports and photos guys. Especially appreciated by us country and interstate supporters who can't get to training, and rely totally on you guys for a much needed 'Demon fix' at this time of year. Keep up the good work!!

[Keyser Söze 0]

Very impressive from the youngsters then, as Morton and Jones both have elite endurance. We knew Scully was a determined fitness freak, but to be beating Jones and Morton already is impressive!

Jones said Scully actually won by a level.

After just finishing rehab from a fractured patella.

He's a freak.

[Whispering_Jack 27,971]

Thanks Andy -- frustrating going all the way down there. However, I cannot understand why the Football department does not get the website of the MFC changed when alterations are made.Still showing-

Pre Season Training

Training Times

The Melbourne Football Club's next open training sessions is;

- Friday 29 January - 8am - Casey Fields

O well thanks for your effort and love the new site. Well done to all.

jayceebee31. We had no problem at all with missing out. The club is entitled to structure its training as it wishes. There are important reasons for conducting beep tests - all clubs are continually assessing the progress of their players and this was obviously the appropriate time to carry the tests out. The good thing was that there were people there from the club keeping the small crowd of Demon supporters informed as to what was happening and when the players were expected to return so we weren't kept in the dark at all. 

Anyhow, I got to see very little of the training because we had to leave for an appointment elsewhere. I did manage to catch a sight of Luke Tapscott limbering up. When I saw vision of him playing for North Adelaide in a SANFL final my concern was his heavy set build, particularly the big calves which suggested possible weight problems down the track. I hope it's not my imagination but he looked a bit more chiselled and showing the benefits of the training regimen at elite level. 

This is in line with comments I am hearing to the effect that the club's preparation of its players is becoming more and more professional and we are finally catching up to the big name clubs. BTW it's part and parcel of that professionalism that requires the club to make the development of its players the # 1 priority and we should be thankful for that and not complain about little things like the players doing their part of their training elsewhere. In the end, hopefully it will translate into a more successful club and that's what IMO really counts. 

[Demonland 64,807]

Photos courtesy of george_on_the_outer

Petterd and Wona

Rivers

Spencer

Strauss

Tapscott

Tapscott

Warnock

Bate

Bennell

Blease

Cheney

Dunne

Hughes and Watts

[Demonland 64,807]

Wona

Wona & Watts

Trengove

Morton

Morton and Bell

Jurrah

Jurrah

Jetta

Bennell, Maric & Green

Gawn & Tapscott

Garland

Garland

[Benny & The Jett 0]

Nice Work RE: The Pics!!

Tapscott = Manchild. Would love to see him standing side-by-side with the 206cm Max Gawn, quite a contrast...Not being picky or anything but, its actually Bennell not Jetta in the photo with the caption 'Jetta, Maric *& Green'.

Good to hear Watts is coping the odd spray. Can't afford to let the kid think he can get by on just natural ability. Will toughen him up a bit for the big time. Needs to get a bit more agro in him...

Also, how superb is Strauss' kicking action by the way? For those who had reservations of us delisting Buckley, just wait till you see this kid in action..Will set us up from hb for the next 10-15 years with sublime footpassing..

Haha, i just noticed the shot of Spencer above Strauss..Just look at the 'ball drop' of each player. Spencer's is going to have a fair amount of hang time there i'd suggest..

Edited January 30, 2010 by Benny & The Jett

[wattsup 470]

whats up with mortons hair almost didnt recognise him

[jayceebee31 666]

jayceebee31. We had no problem at all with missing out. The club is entitled to structure its training as it wishes. There are important reasons for conducting beep tests - all clubs are continually assessing the progress of their players and this was obviously the appropriate time to carry the tests out. The good thing was that there were people there from the club keeping the small crowd of Demon supporters informed as to what was happening and when the players were expected to return so we weren't kept in the dark at all. 

Anyhow, I got to see very little of the training because we had to leave for an appointment elsewhere. I did manage to catch a sight of Luke Tapscott limbering up. When I saw vision of him playing for North Adelaide in a SANFL final my concern was his heavy set build, particularly the big calves which suggested possible weight problems down the track. I hope it's not my imagination but he looked a bit more chiselled and showing the benefits of the training regimen at elite level. 

This is in line with comments I am hearing to the effect that the club's preparation of its players is becoming more and more professional and we are finally catching up to the big name clubs. BTW it's part and parcel of that professionalism that requires the club to make the development of its players the # 1 priority and we should be thankful for that and not complain about little things like the players doing their part of their training elsewhere. In the end, hopefully it will translate into a more successful club and that's what IMO really counts. 

JW- thank you for explanation and I agree with you totally. However, when Andy placed the opening post on thid thread it was a photo on the ground with NO EXPLANATION. I agree when the spectators are only delayed. It is very different when you are stood up- re no turn up at all.

[RalphiusMaximus 5,993]

Interesting picture of Hughes and Watts. Make Hughes look like a big lad. Also quite happy with the look of Spencer. He's clearly put on some muscle.

[Keyser Söze 0]

Interesting picture of Hughes and Watts. Make Hughes look like a big lad. Also quite happy with the look of Spencer. He's clearly put on some muscle.

??? Spencer lost 11kg due to illness and looks frail to me.

The photo of Tapscott & Gawn is my favourite - Tapscott looks like a 3rd year player and Gawn looks like an awkward 16 year old ball kid.

Such a contrast.

[Jarka 767]

*Warning* - Slightly negative comment imminent

It's great to hear that Watts isn't allowed to coast through the training sessions, however I'm a touch disappointed that he needs a spray to get himself going. I'd be amazed if our other kids like Scully or Trengove ever needs a kick up the backside to get them going, and the comments about Tapscott being frustrated with being held back also stand out as a possible difference in attitude.

I know it's only the early stages and I have full faith that Watts will get the best out of himself, it's just not that great to hear

[45HG 1,539]

Probably worth a consideration Jarka

[Benny & The Jett 0]

*Warning* - Slightly negative comment imminent

It's great to hear that Watts isn't allowed to coast through the training sessions, however I'm a touch disappointed that he needs a spray to get himself going. I'd be amazed if our other kids like Scully or Trengove ever needs a kick up the backside to get them going, and the comments about Tapscott being frustrated with being held back also stand out as a possible difference in attitude.

I know it's only the early stages and I have full faith that Watts will get the best out of himself, it's just not that great to hear

I'm sure Watts isn't the first number 1 draft pick to be on the receiving end of a spray - it doesn't necessarily mean he 'isn't' working hard enough. Just maybe the coaches are being extra 'tough' on him because of his ability..

Though snapping back at a coach who's just spat venom at you for screwing up is not the smartest thing to do. Should just cop it on the chin and move on..

[... 11]

*Warning* - Slightly negative comment imminent

It's great to hear that Watts isn't allowed to coast through the training sessions, however I'm a touch disappointed that he needs a spray to get himself going. I'd be amazed if our other kids like Scully or Trengove ever needs a kick up the backside to get them going, and the comments about Tapscott being frustrated with being held back also stand out as a possible difference in attitude.

I know it's only the early stages and I have full faith that Watts will get the best out of himself, it's just not that great to hear

I was there and heard the whole thing. Storm in a teacup!

Kelly O'Donnell was supervising the tackling session when it happened. He was making sure blokes weren't getting twisted in the tackles because he was obviously worried about knees and ankles. Then he said something to Watts about being flat-footed (as stated previously in this thread). Then he said, "don't you shake your f'ing head at me when I'm talking to you!" "F'ing smartass". "Come and speak to me after the session."

Then there were back pats and bum taps all round as some of the other players near Watts just told him to get his head back in the game. It was a minor incident. It probably happens all the time at all footy clubs.

THE END.

No scandal. No developmental problems. No feuds. No abnormal behavior. No reason for its own thread!

Anybody else notice how big Cheney is? He is a massive bloodnut.

Warnock is a true leader in the backline.

Gysberts handles the ball beautifully.

I spent $20 at McDonalds on the way home and felt sick after it.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

"don't you shake your f'ing head at me when I'm talking to you!" "F'ing smartass". "Come and speak to me after the session."

doesn't sound like a storm in a coffee mug to me! Glad to hear the coaching staff are hardasses, apparently Bails doesn't put up with much s--t either

still, this is the first we've heard of anything like this, up until now it's just been glowing reports on the character of the bloke and where his head is at mentally/emotionally

[Viney Vidi Vici 110]

*Warning* - Slightly negative comment imminent

It's great to hear that Watts isn't allowed to coast through the training sessions, however I'm a touch disappointed that he needs a spray to get himself going. I'd be amazed if our other kids like Scully or Trengove ever needs a kick up the backside to get them going, and the comments about Tapscott being frustrated with being held back also stand out as a possible difference in attitude.

I know it's only the early stages and I have full faith that Watts will get the best out of himself, it's just not that great to hear

Yeah, Jarka, its a worthwhile comment, but from what I can tell, its no big deal, just Watts being an 18-year old guy, as one myself, I understand. These things will sort out. O'Donnell has the experience to know how to get these guys acting like adults in an adult environment. I'm not fazed.

[Viney Vidi Vici 110]

I was there and heard the whole thing. Storm in a teacup!

Kelly O'Donnell was supervising the tackling session when it happened. He was making sure blokes weren't getting twisted in the tackles because he was obviously worried about knees and ankles. Then he said something to Watts about being flat-footed (as stated previously in this thread). Then he said, "don't you shake your f'ing head at me when I'm talking to you!" "F'ing smartass". "Come and speak to me after the session."

Then there were back pats and bum taps all round as some of the other players near Watts just told him to get his head back in the game. It was a minor incident. It probably happens all the time at all footy clubs.

THE END.

No scandal. No developmental problems. No feuds. No abnormal behavior. No reason for its own thread!

Anybody else notice how big Cheney is? He is a massive bloodnut.

Warnock is a true leader in the backline.

Gysberts handles the ball beautifully.

I spent $20 at McDonalds on the way home and felt sick after it.

all spot on Barry. Say hi next time if you see another bloodnut sitting on the sidelines (me).

[Wolfmother 182]

Hey boys,

Do any of you know when the club plans to have an interclub. I can't really get down to training but may take the morning off to watch the boys go through their paces

Regards

Wolfmother

[jabberwocky 2,301]

doesn't sound like a storm in a coffee mug to me! Glad to hear the coaching staff are hardasses, apparently Bails doesn't put up with much s--t either

still, this is the first we've heard of anything like this, up until now it's just been glowing reports on the character of the bloke and where his head is at mentally/emotionally

Not having seen the incident it's hard to judge but a 19 year old shaking his head in disagreement at a coach that is trying to coach you is not on and is cause for minor concern. It gives an insight into the mindset of the player. He deserves to get his a#@e reamed.

There may be a couple of maturity/committment issues in young Jack that need to be ironed out but then I had a few of those at 19 too. I look forward to hearing about Jack running himself hard at training or throwing himself into match simulations or praccy matches.

[... 11]

all spot on Barry. Say hi next time if you see another bloodnut sitting on the sidelines (me).

Willco.

[Jarka 767]

Not having seen the incident it's hard to judge but a 19 year old shaking his head in disagreement at a coach that is trying to coach you is not on and is cause for minor concern. It gives an insight into the mindset of the player. He deserves to get his a#@e reamed.

There may be a couple of maturity/committment issues in young Jack that need to be ironed out but then I had a few of those at 19 too. I look forward to hearing about Jack running himself hard at training or throwing himself into match simulations or praccy matches.

Yeah, the point that I was trying to make was that it was only a minor concern, I didn't see the incident so I don't know exactly what happened and I'm grateful for the views of those who were there. If young Watts believes he can get away with showing his displeasure to the FD then he's in for a very steep learning curve, on the training track it doesn't matter what draft pick you were or how much talent you have, only hard work is accepted.

BarryDawson, great to hear O'Donnell putting him in his place, your post puts it all into perspective

Edited January 30, 2010 by Jarka