Jump to content

MFC Training (Monday)


Bhima

Recommended Posts

Great post on training.

Is there any chance that Jake Spencer can actually ruck which would allow Jamar to go to Full forward to be our strong marking forward?

I'm not sure that jake has ever had a problem with rucking. In previous years he seems to play a tap ruckman but totally ineffective around the ground. So sign are promising that he may be coming on from a skills perspective (can take a while, hence why ruckman can seemingly come from nowhere from rookie lists). Fingers crossed...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 115
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I'm not sure that jake has ever had a problem with rucking. In previous years he seems to play a tap ruckman but totally ineffective around the ground. So sign are promising that he may be coming on from a skills perspective (can take a while, hence why ruckman can seemingly come from nowhere from rookie lists). Fingers crossed...

He looked pretty good in Shanghai... seemed to have a good vertical leap and was quite confronting for the opposing ruck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Incredible!!

You got shouted down for writing off a teenager in his first season?!

Sometimes, the world makes you feel better when you realise the masses aren't that stupid afterall.

never wrote him off buddy, jst stated he looked a tad slow out there!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Anything on Stefan Martin? I'm interested to see what he's doing and whether he progresses enough to crack into the side.

From the OP:

Overall the session was highlighted by impressive skills, hard running and high speed activities. If anyone has played ultimate frisbee, they were playing the same type of game but using a tennis ball instead. It was non-stop man on man competition (teams of 10 per side) and the some of the guys looked stuffed after about 10 minutes. Steph Martin was showing some impressive speed which I haven't seen for a long time. Morton actually looked a bit bigger out there as well and his shoulders are finally starting to fill out a bit. Bartram and Bennell also really quick.

Not a lot but it's a good sign. His athleticism is his biggest weapon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sometimes, the world makes you feel better when you realise the masses aren't that stupid afterall.

I dunno man, sounds a little like taking a few valium and lying down in a dark room to me........

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To my way of thinking it's not fair to compare Trenners fitness with Sculls. Sculls ran out the season well,,, where I hear that Trenners body was getting tired & sore.

To my way of thinking the tired body would require a bigger rest, to recover, prior to starting a big heavy pre - season schedule. It takes 2 - 4 years to develop a big tank & a resilient body.

He's on his way.

It seems obvious that JT has done plenty of leg weights over the break. I reckon he's being groomed for a more inside role. With plenty of running throughout the pre-season he will slim down and shouldn't lose pace.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hope not.

Bartram played as a defensive 'stopper' small defender for most of this year, and it was a position he played successfully. Bartram can play that position well because he has great physical attributes (above average speed, endurance and strength), but he is limited in his skill execution, decision making and creativity.

Bail also has elite physical attributes, however I see Bail as being a much more creative player who can provide drive as a dashing flanker/wingman. I would like to see Bail used more as an attacking weapon than a defensive stopper.

Bartram is good defensively but will always have issues on the counterattack. While he has improved in recent seasons, Bartram's position will always be in question where a better option arises. And the drive you talk of Bail could easily been done from defence. As an attacking weapon from defensive he is superior to Bartram.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Bartram is good defensively but will always have issues on the counterattack. While he has improved in recent seasons, Bartram's position will always be in question where a better option arises. And the drive you talk of Bail could easily been done from defence. As an attacking weapon from defensive he is superior to Bartram.

I'm glad you agree with me.

Yes, they both will end up potentially playing in the defensive half of the ground, but in completely different roles. Bartram a defensive stopper role, Bail a rebounding drive-out-of-defence role. Therefore there is no risk of Bail usurping Bartram's role. Do you think the role that Gilbee plays is the same Dylan Addison? Does Nick Malceski plays the same role as Paul Bevan.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just on Steph Martin. He ran laps last Friday with Gawn and didn't do any kicking drills, and he didn't look particularly fit (that is they were running pretty slowly). However, yesterday he was training with the main group during the 'ultimate tennis ball' drills and at one point saw an opening up the middle of the field and sprinted 30 metres at top pace before he was caught. His turn of foot was what caught my eye as I've heard he came third in the 100 metres grand final sprint but during games he has always seemed very one paced. He hasn't completed any kicking drills that I have seen in the last two training sessions but must be getting close if he can run at full pace. Would love to see him sprint like that on match day.

James Strauss was looking particularly good also during the ultimate tennis ball drills. He was one of the most impressive players, as he is very quick, very agile and seems to have a good tank. Strauss was taken at 19 in a very strong draft and it was easy to see, from an athletic perspective, why he was taken that high. The question mark, based on what I have seen at VFL and AFL level seems to be whether or not he can improve the defensive aspect of his game as well as his decision making under pressure. He has been hindered by knee and shoulder injuries over the past two years and so I shouldn't be too quick to judge. He wasn't wearing any strapping on his knees or shoulders yesterday and, a bit like Blease, with a good pre-season and no injuries it will be interesting to see how much progress he will make. An excellent player to have in reserve with the talent to make an impact at the highest level.

I'm also not a huge fan of Jamar being able to spend a large amount of time forward if Spencer can fill the second ruck possie. I think we should remember that Jamar's highest value is around the ground, especially as a target when kicking out of defense. Jamar has also taken marks in the forward line while drifting forward as the ruckman, rather than playing as a key forward. He was used predominantly at full forward when Bailey first coached the Dees and it failed miserably. Of course, the team, player, and coach have improved since that time, however I would prefer to see Jamar on the ball where he one all-Australian duties rather than as a forward, and I just don't see him as our saviour in the forward line, but love it when he does occasionally get down there.

Edited by Bhima
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If players such as Martin, Strauss, Spencer, Maric and Blease come on over the next 12 to 24 months then spots in the team are going to be very hard to come by. You can add Tapscott and Jetta as well as pick 12 this year to make 8 possible inclusions. Personally I see the pressure coming down on Bartram, simply due to his disposal. Dunn, Was 2009 his best form?. Then you've got Macdonald, Bail, Jones, Bennell, Petterd all currently deserving of a game. Let's hope they can all stay fit and have a massive preseason as competition for spots is going to make us an even better side.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If players such as Martin, Strauss, Spencer, Maric and Blease come on over the next 12 to 24 months then spots in the team are going to be very hard to come by. You can add Tapscott and Jetta as well as pick 12 this year to make 8 possible inclusions. Personally I see the pressure coming down on Bartram, simply due to his disposal. Dunn, Was 2009 his best form?. Then you've got Macdonald, Bail, Jones, Bennell, Petterd all currently deserving of a game. Let's hope they can all stay fit and have a massive preseason as competition for spots is going to make us an even better side.

Except for Jetta and Maric, who I really don't think will make it, I agree. I mean Barts no disrespect, but I think if our best side in 2 years has Bartram in it, we have a problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm glad you agree with me.

Yes, they both will end up potentially playing in the defensive half of the ground, but in completely different roles. Bartram a defensive stopper role, Bail a rebounding drive-out-of-defence role. Therefore there is no risk of Bail usurping Bartram's role. Do you think the role that Gilbee plays is the same Dylan Addison? Does Nick Malceski plays the same role as Paul Bevan.

I'm not. Bail can play the role Bartram does with the ability to attack on the rebound with better disposal. You're unnecessarily pidgeionholing Bartram to suit your argument. We need a small defender down back that can defend, make competent decisions under pressure and use the ball well offensively. Bail could potentially do that better than Bartram.

In addition, we have Scully, Trengove, Moloney, Morton, McKenzie, Gysberts, Davey, Sylvia and potentially Blease, Tapscott, Jones, Bennell in the midfield for rotation plus in a year to Viney jnr and other draft picks, Bail might be seeking a solid spot as the smaller defender given the competition in the midfield.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Geez poor Barty is copping a bit of stick on here, Personally his second half of this year was as good as anyone's. The thing about this forum is people start talking about how bad Bartrams disposable is all of sudden it snowballs and then it's taken as gospel. I watched him closely this year and since he started wearing those yellow boots he was outstanding. It's not true to say his decision making and disposal is poor beacuse it simply isn't.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Geez poor Barty is copping a bit of stick on here, Personally his second half of this year was as good as anyone's. The thing about this forum is people start talking about how bad Bartrams disposable is all of sudden it snowballs and then it's taken as gospel. I watched him closely this year and since he started wearing those yellow boots he was outstanding. It's not true to say his decision making and disposal is poor beacuse it simply isn't.

Agree wholeheartedly. He's been tarred with that brush and nobody will accept any evidence to the contrary. Now when people watch him and he makes a single mistake the response is, "Ohhhh Bartram you always butcher the footy". It's very annoying.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He's been tarred with that brush and nobody will accept any evidence to the contrary. Now when people watch him and he makes a single mistake the response is, "Ohhhh Bartram you always butcher the footy". It's very annoying.

I agree with that.

But I am not sure why the other poster needed the Bartram sympathy vote. All thats being argued is that while Bartram has improved over last year there may well be better options in the small defender. I put forward Bail. And Bartrams disposal has moved from problematic to moderate. He still has a fair way to go to claim his disposal skills as much of a strength as his endurance

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I agree with that.

But I am not sure why the other poster needed the Bartram sympathy vote. All thats being argued is that while Bartram has improved over last year there may well be better options in the small defender. I put forward Bail. And Bartrams disposal has moved from problematic to moderate. He still has a fair way to go to claim his disposal skills as much of a strength as his endurance

I think Bail would be wasted stuck deep on a small forward. He's so attacking and fast, really fits the mould of the old-school wingman. Looking forward to his play this year, could be a smokey at a good price in Supercoach.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Bail would be wasted stuck deep on a small forward. He's so attacking and fast, really fits the mould of the old-school wingman. Looking forward to his play this year, could be a smokey at a good price in Supercoach.

Given the way the game is played today, I thinking skills would also provide us with a wonderful rebounding player out of defence whose speed and use of the ball would really hurt the opposition.

I am also looking forward to his year as I thought he was much improved from his first season at Casey.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Geez poor Barty is copping a bit of stick on here, Personally his second half of this year was as good as anyone's. The thing about this forum is people start talking about how bad Bartrams disposable is all of sudden it snowballs and then it's taken as gospel. I watched him closely this year and since he started wearing those yellow boots he was outstanding. It's not true to say his decision making and disposal is poor beacuse it simply isn't.

He's improved, but it is still an issue for him. He is in much the same position as Cheney was. Very good 1-1 competitor, able to beat his opponent to the ball, but we can't be sure what happens after. I agree that he's become better, but with guys like Straus out there earmarked for rebounding roles his days could be numbered.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Batram had a very good second half of the season.

He can be a part of the 22 going into 2011.

He still has problems with his kicking and it can be atrocious on occasion.

This doesn't make me a 'robot' or 'just listening to the a common meme'...

I saw it with my own two eyes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He's improved, but it is still an issue for him. He is in much the same position as Cheney was. Very good 1-1 competitor, able to beat his opponent to the ball, but we can't be sure what happens after. I agree that he's become better, but with guys like Straus out there earmarked for rebounding roles his days could be numbered.

He's better than Cheney and if it guys like Strauss competing for his position, he's safe. Strauss needs to find the mojo to compete at AFL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #3 Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best. He was also inconvenienced by minor niggles later in the season. This was a blow for the club that sorely needed him to fill gaps in the midfield at times as well as to do his best work in defence. Date of Birth: 15 July 1995 Height: 184cm Games MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 26 Brownlow Meda

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7

    2024 Player Reviews: #39 Koltyn Tholstrop

    The first round draft pick at #13 from twelve months ago the strongly built medium forward has had an impressive introduction to AFL football and is expected to spend more midfield moments as his career progresses. Date of Birth: 25 July 2005 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 10 Goals MFC 2024: 5 Career Total: 5 Games CDFC 2024: 7 Goals CDFC 2024: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #42 Daniel Turner

    The move of “Disco” to a key forward post looks like bearing fruit. Turner has good hands, moves well and appears to be learning the forward craft well. Will be an interesting watch in 2025. Date of Birth: January 28, 2002 Height: 195cm Games MFC 2024: 15 Career Total: 18 Goals MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 17 Games CDFC 2024: 1 Goals CDFC 2024:  1

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 15

    2024 Player Reviews: #8 Jake Lever

    The Demon’s key defender and backline leader had his share of injuries and niggles throughout the season which prevented him from performing at his peak.  Date of Birth: 5 March 1996 Height: 195cm Games MFC 2024: 18 Career Total: 178 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 1

    2024 Player Reviews: #13 Clayton Oliver

    Lack of preparation after a problematic preseason prevented Oliver from reaching the high standards set before last year’s hamstring woes. He carried injury right through the back half of the season and was controversially involved in a potential move during the trade period that was ultimately shut down by the club. Date of Birth:  22 July 1997 Height:  189cm Games MFC 2024:  21 Career Total: 183 Goals MFC 2024: 3 Career Total: 54 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 17

    BLOODY BLUES by Meggs

    The conclusion to Narrm’s home and away season was the inevitable let down by the bloody Blues  who meekly capitulated to the Bombers.   The 2024 season fixture handicapped the Demons chances from the get-go with Port Adelaide, Brisbane and Essendon advantaged with enough gimme games to ensure a tough road to the finals, especially after a slew of early season injuries to star players cost wins and percentage.     As we strode confidently through the gates of Prin

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    2024 Player Reviews: #5 Christian Petracca

    Melbourne’s most important player who dominated the first half of the season until his untimely injury in the Kings Birthday clash put an end to his season. At the time, he was on his way to many personal honours and the club in strong finals contention. When the season did end for Melbourne and Petracca was slowly recovering, he was engulfed in controversy about a possible move of clubs amid claims about his treatment by the club in the immediate aftermath of his injury. Date of Birth: 4 J

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 21
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...