Time Trials - Friday 13th January, 2012

[leehow 303]

im not talking marathon runner, and he definitely hasnt shown what you would expect a number 4 pick to show. but he does have plenty of attributes that can make him a good player. he can run all day, he can mark, he has the ability to find space, a good kick over distance. you say dont use height as an attribute, but that is one of his. he is fairly tall, which gives him a flexibilty others dont.

there are a lot of negatives, his attack on the ball has been questioned, his kicking over short distances can be average and he hasn't been able to find a permanent position, whether it be on the wing, or back or forward. there is still time though, and im hoping the change of coach can be a fresh start for cale.

[bing181 9,218]

Seeing no-one else has posted them, times available from Nico's tweets:

- Nicholson, McDonald, Trengrove, Jones, Bail all under 9.40s

- DNicholson49 Daniel Nicholson

3km. Myself 9.25sec trengrove 9.33.. All the boys ran awesome.. Everyone just wanting games to begin.

Edited January 13, 2012 by bing181

[Jordie_tackles 354]

Seeing no-one else has posted them, times available from Nico's tweets:

- Nicholson, McDonald, Trengrove, Jones, Bail all under 9.40s

- DNicholson49 Daniel Nicholson

3km. Myself 9.25sec trengrove 9.33.. All the boys ran awesome.. Everyone just wanting games to begin.

people should be happy that a few blokes beat Scullys time, upto 5!!!! great times regardless Nicho's and even Mcdonalds are amazing imo

[DeeSpencer 25,678]

“We only had two players [from Friday’s three-km time-trial] who didn’t better their times from last time.

“We had 23 out of 25 who ran PBs (personal bests).”

Does this mean they've only done it twice or does it mean 23 guys ran a faster 3km than ever before in their career. It is likely that under a different fitness coach they were doing 2km or another distance.

Nicholson is obviously at a fantastic fitness level. I'll be impressed to see if he can bring that running to the AFL especially in the midfield. Tom McDonald seemed to be struggling when I went to training on Monday. He just looked a bit flat and tired to me. Maybe it was because he was busting his ass off over summer break. It's no mean feat to beat home some of the guys he did. I think they are trialling him at CHF to see if he can play the Riewoldt style role where you just never stop presenting and always be an option for players down field.

[bjDee 1,249]

Thanks Binga.

And how pumped does Nicho sound?

[pitchfork 181]

Hmm...that many ran 3.2km under 9:40? And $cully ran 3km in 9:27? He must have been tucking into Phil's dinner over summer.

Edited January 13, 2012 by pitchfork

[Jordie_tackles 354]

If you're talking marathon runner then one needs to ask, why was he picked at number 4 in an AFL draft to play football?

What attributes does he have? Non-physiological ones so don't use 'height' as one. I am so interested in why people rate him.

Because he was the 4th best player at the time? seriously though he won the Larke Medal for the U18 carnival i believe. And as said in the AFL you dont win games by running 100 meters or even 3000 meters quickly. you run upwards of 15 Kilometers a game if you are good enough. This is what people say when they use the term elite runner and morton he runs all day. Morton finds space and reads the play well, i dont know if this suits him now that presses are all the rage, less space and more accountability required. If you can watch his U18 video, amazing skills looks the goods, one kick is drool worthy tbh

here it is just after 25 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9k754zabQ

edit - i think Morton lost all confidence under Bailey for some reason, i honestly like the kid, his first year and a half were tip top, very mucha pick four, his last 2 or so years have been nowhere near as impressive unfortunately, maybe Neeld can turn him back around?

Edited January 13, 2012 by Jordie_tackles

[RalphiusMaximus 6,046]

Because he was the 4th best player at the time? seriously though he won the Larke Medal for the U18 carnival i believe. And as said in the AFL you dont win games by running 100 meters or even 3000 meters quickly. you run upwards of 15 Kilometers a game if you are good enough. This is what people say when they use the term elite runner and morton he runs all day. Morton finds space and reads the play well, i dont know if this suits him now that presses are all the rage, less space and more accountability required. If you can watch his U18 video, amazing skills looks the goods, one kick is drool worthy tbh

here it is just after 25 seconds.

edit - i think Morton lost all confidence under Bailey for some reason, i honestly like the kid, his first year and a half were tip top, very mucha pick four, his last 2 or so years have been nowhere near as impressive unfortunately, maybe Neeld can turn him back around?

That is a very nice highlight reel. He takes contested marks, including going back with the flight, his kicking is on display and he shows some real pace.

Can we draft this kid? :D

[Jordie_tackles 354]

That is a very nice highlight reel. He takes contested marks, including going back with the flight, his kicking is on display and he shows some real pace.

Can we draft this kid? :D

Morton should watch him play.....would love him to do all these things at AFL level

[RalphiusMaximus 6,046]

Morton should watch him play.....would love him to do all these things at AFL level

Agree totally. I really hope that a new coach and a new role will help salvage him for us, because he really looked like a class act as a junior.

[dee-luded 2,959]

"Cale Morton is an elite runner"

The amount of times I've heard that over the years is amazing.

Where did he finish in the run? Outside top five but does anybody know what position?

Elite runner Yeah, maybe a marathon, but Not 800's or 3000Mtrs.

Get him on the 400 repeat treadmill.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Because he was the 4th best player at the time? seriously though he won the Larke Medal for the U18 carnival i believe. And as said in the AFL you dont win games by running 100 meters or even 3000 meters quickly. you run upwards of 15 Kilometers a game if you are good enough. This is what people say when they use the term elite runner and morton he runs all day. Morton finds space and reads the play well, i dont know if this suits him now that presses are all the rage, less space and more accountability required. If you can watch his U18 video, amazing skills looks the goods, one kick is drool worthy tbh

here it is just after 25 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9k754zabQ

edit - i think Morton lost all confidence under Bailey for some reason, i honestly like the kid, his first year and a half were tip top, very mucha pick four, his last 2 or so years have been nowhere near as impressive unfortunately, maybe Neeld can turn him back around?

Anyone would think you drafted him, I hope not.

I'd still rather Lauchie Henderson or even Ebert.

[rjay 24,917]

I remember him being matched up against Goodes a couple of years ago and whilst Goodes came out on top Morton really took it up to him, it was a great duel to watch. The kid can play but has lost all confidence, let's hope he gets it back. of he does he could be one of the recruits of the year.

[bing181 9,218]

Hmm...that many ran 3.2km under 9:40? And $cully ran 3km in 9:27? He must have been tucking into Phil's dinner over summer.

Scully reported to have run 9:37, not 9:27.

"The 20-year-old, who left Melbourne to accept a $1 million-a-season deal at the Giants, set a sizzling time of 9mins 37 sec."

[s-t-i-n-g-a 439]

So did they run 3 or 3.2? Nicholson only mentioned 3 and I think the MFC article said 3 as well...

Edited January 13, 2012 by s-t-i-n-g-a

[Demon 16 213]

They ran 3km. Most clubs use 3km as one of their running benchmarks - I'm not sure why.

3.2km is the length of the tan at the botanical gardens - where many people (and footballers) run and is therefore often talked about when comparing middle distance running abilities.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I remember him being matched up against Goodes a couple of years ago and whilst Goodes came out on top Morton really took it up to him, it was a great duel to watch. The kid can play but has lost all confidence, let's hope he gets it back. of he does he could be one of the recruits of the year.

If you're talking about the game where Melbourne beat Sydney by 72 points, Goodes destroyed Morton that day. Goodes destroys a lot of players but Morton stood no chance unfortunately.

[Demon 16 213]

If you're talking about the game where Melbourne beat Sydney by 72 points, Goodes destroyed Morton that day. Goodes destroys a lot of players but Morton stood no chance unfortunately.

He got beaten - no doubt, but I thought he put in a pretty good game that day.

[Whispering_Jack 30,019]

A couple of significant things from time trial results assuming the times provided above are correct but first let's not get carried away with comparing the times to those of Scully at GWS.

At these distances there are a number of factors that influence the time - weather conditions, heat from the sun, winds, topography, running surface, pressure from other competitors, even things like the time of day. Some courses are out and back (start and finish at the same place) while others are point to point. Some are hilly, others are flat. That's why, even at 3k it's not all that helpful to compare times at different venues and one of the reasons why many involved in road running don't recognise world records but rather world's best. Further, I understand that GWS conducted their trials at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre which generally would be conducive to producing better times. So enough of Scully and those soft nancy Giants who need to run on a professional athletic track to show the world they can do good times

From Melbourne's perspective, the best news would have to be that all bar two of those tested posted better times than the last time trial which shows that the players have been working hard and the arduous programme set by Dave Misson is starting to pay dividends fitness wise. Obviously, we need to wait a while before it can translate into results in actual matches.

About five years ago, it was usually Cameron Bruce who produced the best times in these trials with the likes of Brock McLean just behind him (McLean won his first time trial when he crossed to Carlton). Then along came Nathan Jones who competed closely with Bruce, as did Morton a year later and more recently Scully and Jack Trengove were neck and neck in these trials and other endurance testing.

What we now have is Trengove and Jones coming in at third and fourth which indicates that we have some real standout improvers in our ranks:-

• Daniel Nicholson - taken in the December 2010 rookie draft which means this is his first full pre season. He has been impressive in running work throughout the last 2 - 3 months and this result is outstanding. Remember, one of his main attributes is his pace over short distances which makes him one of a rare breed who possesses speed and endurance. During his debut season there were some question marks about his disposal skills and sometimes, his decision making but they were certainly by no means anywhere near major issues. With the right coaching, these things can IMO be easily ironed out and, in time we could have an elite footballer on our hands.

• a late draft pick a few years ago, Rohan Bail has improved enormously in a short period of time. Fully fit (and all the indicators are positive in this regard), he will be a strong challenger for a spot in the midfield.

• Tom McDonald - similar to Nicholson in that he is no slouch for pace and also has good endurance. The thing is that he's listed at 194cm 88kg so he's certainly not built like a scrawny Ethiopian distance runner. Moreover, he is a good mark and kick, only 19 and will get bigger and better. He's being trialled in our forward line where he will be competing for places with Clark, Watts, Howe, Green and Jurrah. Interesting.

• Trengove and Jones obviously posted good times and appear to be in good nick and while we don't know Morton's time, I'd be surprised if it wasn't close to the top five. What it does mean is that we definitely have a group of runners who are at the top level of fitness at this stage of the year and Misson has expressed some satisfaction in this regard.

It's also heartening to hear that Sam Blease and Jordan Gysberts are improving their times.

Overall, the indications are that high standards are being set and we can now look forward to the lead up to the season with some optimism which I suppose is par for this time of year but this time, there's actually some evidence which backs up that view.

[DirtyDees DDC 176]

Possibly slowing down as a result of putting on all that weight recently.

The MFC site has an article on the time trials. - Nicholson tops time-trial

The article state that 23 out of 25 players improved their times from the last run.

So we have 46 players on our list; we are are just 7 weeks away from our first NAB cup match, and we only have 25 footballers who can currently take part in a 3k time trial?

Taking away the long term injury to Max Gawn, that leaves 20 guys who are still having a limited or interrupted pre-season.

[Whispering_Jack 30,019]

So we have 46 players on our list; we are are just 7 weeks away from our first NAB cup match, and we only have 25 footballers who can currently take part in a 3k time trial?

Taking away the long term injury to Max Gawn, that leaves 20 guys who are still having a limited or interrupted pre-season.

No need for the panic to set in. Most clubs have players on limited programmes at this time of year and there are probably a number of reasons why not all players took part.

With seven weeks to go before the NAB Cup, it means there are 11-12 weeks to go before Round 1 - that's ample time.

In the world of cricket, 11 weeks ago,Pat Cummins and James Pattinson had yet to debut in test matches, Ben Hilfenhaus was in the wilderness and who would have thought that Dave Warner would have been doing anything other that hitting 6's in the BBL?

There's a lot of water to flow under the bridge yet and while the ideal would be to have everybody on the track throughout the preseason, that's an unrealistic expectation given that our game is a high pressure contact sport.

[DirtyDees DDC 176]

No need for the panic to set in. Most clubs have players on limited programmes at this time of year and there are probably a number of reasons why not all players took part.

With seven weeks to go before the NAB Cup, it means there are 11-12 weeks to go before Round 1 - that's ample time.

In the world of cricket, 11 weeks ago,Pat Cummins and James Pattinson had yet to debut in test matches, Ben Hilfenhaus was in the wilderness and who would have thought that Dave Warner would have been doing anything other that hitting 6's in the BBL?

There's a lot of water to flow under the bridge yet and while the ideal would be to have everybody on the track throughout the preseason, that's an unrealistic expectation given that our game is a high pressure contact sport.

I'm rapt to see Nicholson and Tommy Mac do so well. It's a pity we can't also get Tapscott, Sylvia and McKenzie in the main group atm. WJ you've previously identified a possible weakness in our midfield, and they are all part of our midfield group.

Tommy Mac is an interesting case. I believe he did a lot of basketball as a kid, so he could have flown under the radar of the recruiters.

[stevethemanjordan 6,952]

Because he was the 4th best player at the time? seriously though he won the Larke Medal for the U18 carnival i believe. And as said in the AFL you dont win games by running 100 meters or even 3000 meters quickly. you run upwards of 15 Kilometers a game if you are good enough. This is what people say when they use the term elite runner and morton he runs all day. Morton finds space and reads the play well, i dont know if this suits him now that presses are all the rage, less space and more accountability required. If you can watch his U18 video, amazing skills looks the goods, one kick is drool worthy tbh

here it is just after 25 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9k754zabQ

edit - i think Morton lost all confidence under Bailey for some reason, i honestly like the kid, his first year and a half were tip top, very mucha pick four, his last 2 or so years have been nowhere near as impressive unfortunately, maybe Neeld can turn him back around?

This is what I mean....

You have shown me a clip of a guy who is constantly fed the ball from congestion and he kicks to team mates. I'm sorry, but anyone playing state footy at that level should be able to do that.

At number 4 in a draft, you would think a player would posses a few more attributes.

'Finding space'... Anyone can find space if you tell them to and if they are playing a particular role.

You can't prove that he can play from watching that video.

Taggart and Tynan's highlights reel are just as good, yet they went 40 + picks later than Morton.

And where is the goose that said Morton had the potential to be the best player in the league?

There is no room for guys like him on our list if he continues to play the way he does.

[Hannibal 5,814]

This is what I mean....

You have shown me a clip of a guy who is constantly fed the ball from congestion and he kicks to team mates. I'm sorry, but anyone playing state footy at that level should be able to do that.

At number 4 in a draft, you would think a player would posses a few more attributes.

'Finding space'... Anyone can find space if you tell them to and if they are playing a particular role.

You can't prove that he can play from watching that video.

Taggart and Tynan's highlights reel are just as good, yet they went 40 + picks later than Morton.

And where is the goose that said Morton had the potential to be the best player in the league?

There is no room for guys like him on our list if he continues to play the way he does.

Some people can rise above their prejudices and others either can't, won't, or don't have perceptions with the type of clarity that peaks my interest. I'm as disappointed with Morton as anybody, because we really need him to progress his football. We've invested a lot in Morton and other early picks and if a premiership is to be won we need most things going right. But what I saw in that video was a 192/3cm smooth mover who made good decisions and executed quality skills. I saw a very versatile player that showed he was a good mark and was able to finish good work by kicking quality goals. I saw evasive skills and a player at home in defence, on the wing, or drifting forward. I saw the prototype modern AFL footballer.

Unfortunately Morton has badly stagnated at AFL level, but I certainly recognise why expert judges awarded him the Larke Medal and why he was chosen with pick 4.

[Jordie_tackles 354]

This is what I mean....

You have shown me a clip of a guy who is constantly fed the ball from congestion and he kicks to team mates. I'm sorry, but anyone playing state footy at that level should be able to do that.

At number 4 in a draft, you would think a player would posses a few more attributes.

'Finding space'... Anyone can find space if you tell them to and if they are playing a particular role.

You can't prove that he can play from watching that video.

Taggart and Tynan's highlights reel are just as good, yet they went 40 + picks later than Morton.

And where is the goose that said Morton had the potential to be the best player in the league?

There is no room for guys like him on our list if he continues to play the way he does.

\

The game has changed, not everyone can "read the play" it is one of the things that sets players apart. Morton reads it and finds space, anyone can be in space, but finding it in the right areas ahead of play is a good thing, and not every player or alot imo can do it very well.

I made the point that this isnt ideal in the modern game also, but Morton can build other aspects into his game then he will have quite a few strings, i think he will have got some from Bailey and a whole new set of skills like many others from Neeld and Co.

The kicking he showed was quite good, the one i particularly pointed out was to a 1 on 3 and he manged to put it on his team mates [censored], that was a good kick, also early you wanted to disregard his natural advantages such as his height, which is great for him to have.

In saying this i dont think he is starting 23 by an stretch round one atm, unless Neeld can teach him something, but he definitely has a place on our list, has alot of natural talent, and potential and has shown a bit in his first few years, Neeld has wiped teh slate clean so hopefully we see alot of players living upto their potential again,

Morton, Sylvia, Davey, Green

i also dont think he was comprehensively beaten by Goodes, didnt hold him that well, but the guy has won multiple brownlow medals ect, and Morton kicked 2 goals on him and worked hard