Training - Monday 28th January, 2013

[Whispering_Jack 30,876]

Tomorrow, I hope to make it to training for the first time in over a year and with the anticipation of that event, I'm feeling a bit like a kid again.

Back in those days (when I was a kid), I was an unabashed fan of Bugs Bunny whose character has been described as personifying "supreme heroism" and "humanity's aspirations to prevail over all difficulties and antagonists". Let's not forget that Bugs' heyday was back in the 50s and 60s when Melbourne was highly successful in fighting evil and winning premierships.

Well, after enduring what was a very painful season in 2012 and having then to put up with sheer nastiness over the off season from characters like Caroline Wilson (I liken her to Elmer Fudd complete with shotgun at the ready to blow the brains out of our beloved Demons) and other media antagonists like Jon "Pepe Le Pew" Pierik, Jay "Hippety Hopper" Clark and Greg "Daffy Duck" Denham, it will be refreshing to go down to AAMI Park to watch some actual footballers, even if it's just to while away an hour or so watching the players do some pre season training drills.

And how appropriate it is that the session is taking place in the shadows of Rod Laver Arena as they pack up the remnants of the tennis and close enough to the G where the curtain is about to fall on an uninspiring summer of cricket? Those sports are virtually done and dusted and the footy season beckons.

All that's needed now is for the AFL head honcho Foghorn Leghorn Vlad to light up his exploding cigar and blow away the iniquitous tanking inquisition and the universe will once again be in harmony.

But that's for another time and place and for now, I want to tick some (match) boxes.

I want to see the box ticked that shows the players improving in their KPI's. I want to see greater enthusiasm, better skills, positive attitudes, keenness and competition for spots on the team and I want to see healthier, fitter bodies on the park.

I want to see evidence that our intensity has gone up from last year's 60% of "elite" to 80% as promised. Show me Speedy Gonzales, the Road Runner and some tough guy characters, but most of all, the spirit of the hero, prevailing over all those who connive to defeat and dominate us.

On with the show, this is it!

[Deeman 1,528]

Too right. No more Mouse Divided or Scaredy Cats. We'll even defy Martin the Martian Sheeds and take over the game.

[waynewussell 6,550]

I look forward to your report Whispering_Jack. Hopefully they won't be resting too many and you'll get to see the full contingent!

[1964nowMORE 492]

Is there a set starting time yet? The usual 9.15-11.30am? Planning to take down to excited kids having "ironed" on a new #31 and #7 this morning.

[syl 40]

Is there a set starting time yet? The usual 9.15-11.30am? Planning to take down to excited kids having "ironed" on a new #31 and #7 this morning.

You're a good parent!

I will go down too if it is a 9am start. Haven't been to training since 2000!!

Can't wait for footy season, I want to cryogenically freeze myself like Cartman when he couldn't stand the wait until the release of the Wii!

[Cards13 9,117]

You're a good parent!

I will go down too if it is a 9am start. Haven't been to training since 2000!!

Can't wait for footy season, I want to cryogenically freeze myself like Cartman when he couldn't stand the wait until the release of the Wii!

Butters you [censored]!!!!

[Robot Devil 1,895]

MFC website says 9:15am start. I'll be trying to get there if I can.

[melborn4vr 13]

Butters you [censored]!!!!

First post, can't resist. 12th episode, 10th season.

Cartman is frozen with Butters help. Unfortunately finds out that wii is outdated technology.

[Whispering_Jack 30,876]

Can I assume that unless tonight's tennis is a record breaking marathon, there's ample parking nearby?

[Roger Mellie 4,145]

Greg Wile E Coyote Denham

[Whispering_Jack 30,876]

First group out were Jack Viney, Daniel Nicholson, Tom McDonald and Max Gawn who made the other three look like dwarves.

Max puts on his GPS and is having a kick with one of the coaches. Looks like he's set for a bit of running.

The rest of the group preparing to enter the arena.

[Robot Devil 1,895]

Main group just arriving now?

[Whispering_Jack 30,876]

Main group just arriving now?

Yep. And many of them are putting on their GPS's.

A bearded Jack Watts rolls in a bit late.

No sign of Novak Djokovic.

[Robot Devil 1,895]

Yep. And many of them are putting on their GPS's.

Time to settle in for the show then!

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

McDonald and Nicholson look to be opening up a butcher shop together.

[Whispering_Jack 30,876]

I'm going to have to learn a lot of players numbers this year ... and buy a can of Aerogard.

Mitch Clark and Jack Trengove walking past with footballs in hand. Mitch just kicked a footy that almost landed in the moving equipment van. No probs with his accuracy this year.

Boys just warming up.

[Deeoldfart 8,082]

This is amazing! Sitting in Canberra getting a running commentary on training at Gosh's. Looks like the scheduled gardening will have to wait. Thanks guys!

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Barry doesn't look as thin as people make him out to be, he at least has some definition already. Would easily beat Morton in an arm wrestle.

[Robot Devil 1,895]

I reckon there's about 100 supporters here (give or take a few) at the moment. I think my eyesight is going though. Could be twice as many.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Great to see the players being trained on how to tackle properly, Whelan was the last Melbourne player who knew how to tackle.

[Robot Devil 1,895]

To quote the coach in the tackling drill:

"Get up quick or you're out of the game."

[Alcho Dee 269]

This is amazing! Sitting in Canberra getting a running commentary on training at Gosh's. Looks like the scheduled gardening will have to wait. Thanks guys!

This is great stuff, how are our new boys going...Viney Toumpas and Hulk Hogan.

Just told the missus to put her panties back on because I have live training reports to read...

[Robot Devil 1,895]

Viney looks to be a great kick with his left foot. Haven't seen Toumpas or Hogan up close yet.

Geez Dunn is a big unit. Also good to see Mitch Clark doing a few half pace run throughs earlier as well.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Dunn looks toned, always had a good size but not toned. Davey looks a little more like the forward pocket he used to be, which is good.

[Robot Devil 1,895]

Toumpas looks pretty good in traffic.