Training - Wednesday 8th January, 2014

[Roger Mellie 3,572]

tasmanlvr from Bigfooty had this to say:

Noticed that I made a factual error on Monday arvo re: training report, Roos isn't there and is still in Africa on his family holiday. There's a bloke at training that looks too familiar to Roosy.

Anyway, to my update then...

Arriving at training, and first on the agenda is the padding on the goalposts. They've been changed to recognise AHG's sponsorship.

Tappy walks past us - claims 'I'll kick this with my eyes shut' on the boundary line and proceeds to nail it with a drop punt. Doubt he shut them, do it in a game ay, Tappy.

Short kicks the order of the day so far but they've been called in, then proceed to begin by running a lap.

Rehab: Kent, Riley, Fitzy, Viney, Dawes, Jamar, Clisby, Gawn. Hogan and Clark not running by the looks of things.

Stretches followed. Had a bit of everything - two groups split to run half the ground. Agility tested as well as the basic muscle stretches. Interesting. Also has body work. Dave Misson very vocal. Runthroughs follow.

Rehab boys headed off early to the other grass area. There's a fair crowd building up for this one. Would say 100+ people watching on.

You know when warm up goes for half an hour (almost) that it's going to be very much fitness based. Time to get the footy out! Short kicks across the ground for starters.

Boys come in and split into three. One group on (our) near side wing is playing keepings off with defenders wearing a vest. George Stone taking that drill. The group in the near side forward line working on delivery inside 50 with Miller and McPherson by the looks of things. On our far side, it looks like there's a focus on clearance work from defense? Hard to tell from the opposite side.

Miller's drill is altered to allow delivering mids to handball until a whistle where they then kick on demand to a given target.

Decision making in the middle looks far less rash than it used to. Easier to deliver when you're up against teammates but if this carries through to gameday I'll be rapt.

Goalkicking work in the forward line.

Clearance work now in the middle. It's a very tight drill with very little space. Two blokes run to different sides - one collects a handball while the other shadows him and tries to tackle/apply pressure.

Group comes in for a chat.

Two groups doing ball control. Alternate drills on both sides - one picking up from the ground, one handballs normally. This continues on for a solid five minutes.

The boys move on and do the same drill as they did on Monday. The centre square drill with the kick, mark + receive. Howe picks up a somewhat errant kick from Vince on the half volley and without breaking stride hands off to JKH. IM. PRESS. IVE.

Max King shanks one. Horrifically.

Jack Watts is just carressing the ball through to teammates beautifully. Using the ball very well.

Dom Tyson looking good with ball in hand as well.

Boys head off again for a break/stretch.

Another drill done similar to Monday, pick up/ride bump/handball.

Bump is then removed. Miller stops the group beforehand, it's good to know Roosy's methods have passed on to the rest of the group.

Dawesy running laps. He is absolutely ripped.

New drill that I haven't seen. Four players handball to each other then kick to a main target. Howe and Bail are the main targets nearest to us, Hogan and Tappy on the other side. Now Pedo is on our side. Max King on the other side.

Ball skills have dropped a little bit. Few kicks scratchy for forwards, Watts fumbles a handball and drops it.

Handball to running player utilised - e.g Hogan takes mark then handballs to running N.Jones.

Drill finishes. Started well but skills dropped off afterwards.

Full grounder by the looks of things. Ball skills have dropped off. A fair few shanks now.

Salem running laps now.

Group comes in. Looks like they've shifted to running.

Few weird looking runs, don't know what to make of it.

Been told Matty Lloyd was here too early on, wearing AIS gear. Hmm.

Few left the track early, noticed JKH + Terlich heading off.

One thing I like - Jesse Hogan consistently practising his goalkicking. It's one area that looking at juniors/VFL form can be worked on and it's great to see him striving to improve there.

I left having very little idea exactly what running drill the Dees were doing (I bet they end up going for another 45 minutes as I write this). Most satisfying thing was that we absolutely SCHOOLED the Victory's training numbers nearby, not sure about other clubs. We have some brilliant supporters.

[Hannibal 5,814]

playing to guard territory is akin to an existentialist directive.

A lot of effort for absolutely nothing !!

The climate change thread is on the General Board.

[Machsy 2,858]

I thought Fitzy was a good kick last year, both field kicking and set shots. Not the prettiest, but pretty effective.

He was effective for the most part, but in watching slow-motion replays of Fitzy's kicking action, it proved to be little more than pot luck.

There was one point where he kicked a banana goal from a tight angle and it looked like amazing skill.

The close up replay showed he actually slightly threw the ball up, rather than dropping it down onto his boot.

He needs to sort out his ball drop desperately.

[Machsy 2,858]

Thanks for the training report again, Rog.

[Demon Forever 219]

If non boring non tempo footy gives us a few wins this year, then bring it on.

Guys. He won a PREMIERSHIP!

I don't give a damn what game style he brings. He knows what he is doing and I entrust him with our team. Whether this is free flowing football or boring football, he has an agenda to follow that will set us up for success.

Can we really afford to be picky after a 2 win season and the other rubbish we have served up over the years?

I for one, want to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I don't care on whether the footy style is going to be exciting or not.

Just saying!

[SaberFang 7,141]

The 'official' MFC website is a joke. Cant they get someone to take some pics at training and put them on the site? is it that hard? Even when they do it once in a blue moon its like 6 or 7 pics. Pathetic,

Agreed, would be nice if they could find a bit of extra money to get a photographer or videographer in a few times a week to take training photos. I assume the boys are in Tuesdays/Thursdays doing gym work as well? Some behind the scenes stuff would be a real treat, and great publicity.

Edited January 8, 2014 by Lamashtu

[CBDees 3,162]

Agreed, would be nice if they could find a bit of extra money to get a photographer or videographer in a few times a week to take training photos. I assume the boys are in Tuesdays/Wednesdays doing gym work as well? Some behind the scenes stuff would be a real treat, and great publicity.

Maybe they could take individual snaps of all players wearing the same jumper rather than the assortment that they feature now. Also regular updates of the player profiles would be good [or does Barry still weigh 70kg?).

[Deecisive 1,658]

The brand of footy Roos is pursuing is similar to the running game that we were doing pretty well for a few games with Bailley before its wheels fell off. hopefully adding a strong defensive side to that game will stop that from happening. Far better this approach than the gollingwood around the boundary approach. I think stats show that last year we lost it out of the middle/clearances and we got absolutely crucified when we turned it overs so if we can increase in both of these areas, plus introduce Hogan, Dawes and Clarke into the forward line with Howe we should win a lot more games, a lot of clubs are going to have a real problem handling all of these players if we can get them out onto the paddock together.

I think the club really needs to start to spend a few $$'s on technology, i.e. put together some video clips of training and think seriously about doing webcasts or streaming ALL of the Casey games, while melbourne has been going so poorly in the last couple of years supporters have been desperate to see some hope for the future by watching Casey, last year Hogan was the star attraction. This year we seem to have a few really good up an coming kids that supporters will want to see how they are going/playing, the club needs to feed that interest and passion. Also in broadcasting the game they may pick up some more casey supporters or opposition team supporters who tune in. This would be a better way of marketing MFC and they could obviously chuck in a few plugs for our sponsor or have their emblems flashed up, etc during the broadcast to give something back to our sponsors a good year by Casey will mean better exposure to sponsors and hopefully more sponsors wanting to get onboard. Streaming would obviously assist our interstate and overseas supporters.

[What 18,810]

Agreed, would be nice if they could find a bit of extra money to get a photographer.

Why?

All it takes is for Matt Burgan to take 10 minutes out if the day and take a digtial camera on to the track and take a bunch of pics and upload them to the website

Its so simple

Too bad the official site doesnt give a [censored] about the fans

[Goodvibes 3,596]

Why?

All it takes is for Matt Burgan to take 10 minutes out if the day and take a digtial camera on to the track and take a bunch of pics and upload them to the website

Its so simple

Too bad the official site doesnt give a [censored] about the fans

Unfortunately Matt Burgan is photogophobial.

Edited January 8, 2014 by Goodvibes

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

Throw the filth guy that you live with out and move a woman in.

nah man, too much free training gear to be had! Even if it is filth colors.

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

Hogan signed a 10 year contract yet?

[Carrot Top 947]

Guys. He won a PREMIERSHIP!

I don't give a damn what game style he brings. He knows what he is doing and I entrust him with our team. Whether this is free flowing football or boring football, he has an agenda to follow that will set us up for success.

Can we really afford to be picky after a 2 win season and the other rubbish we have served up over the years?

I for one, want to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I don't care on whether the footy style is going to be exciting or not.

Just saying!

Agreed. I'll take a bunch of scrappy wins over a bunch of free flowing losses. I want a successful team not a pretty one.

Further to that I wonder how many Swans fans (real ones that actually understand the game, that is) that care what the Roos brand of footy looked like in 05 and 06?

[Demon Forever 219]

Agreed. I'll take a bunch of scrappy wins over a bunch of free flowing losses. I want a successful team not a pretty one.

Further to that I wonder how many Swans fans (real ones that actually understand the game, that is) that care what the Roos brand of footy looked like in 05 and 06?

Exactly

[Machsy 2,858]

The 'official' MFC website is a joke. Cant they get someone to take some pics at training and put them on the site? is it that hard? Even when they do it once in a blue moon its like 6 or 7 pics. Pathetic,

How many employees do you think the club has sitting around waiting to do this?

If they do, is it a wise move to employ such a person, for a club that is in serious debt?

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

How many employees do you think the club has sitting around waiting to do this?

If they do, is it a wise move to employ such a person, for a club that is in serious debt?

Taking a few photos then uploading them to the website wouldn't cost a cent and would take no more than 30 minutes. HH is slightly obsessed by photos however.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 10,294]

I would encourage before people whine about our site to have a look at the content of other club sites over the offseason. Collingwood aside, we have clearly the most updates, interviews and videos of the offseason.

[Machsy 2,858]

The truth of the matter is that at this time of year, there are probably a lot of the digital media team on leave.

They have to take it at some time.

I find the criticism both ignorant and highly amusing.

[Machsy 2,858]

Taking a few photos then uploading them to the website wouldn't cost a cent and would take no more than 30 minutes. HH is slightly obsessed by photos however.

It would if you have other things you need to be doing.

I'm somewhat familiar with the running of clubs' digital media, and the biggest obstacle is actually the highly temperamental system produced by Telstra that the AFL forces them to use.

Very buggy and you'd be highly surprised how long some very simple things take to do.

And considering both the club and the AFL do upload training photos periodically, it's an embarrassingly silly complaint.

[CBDees 3,162]

It would if you have other things you need to be doing.

I'm somewhat familiar with the running of clubs' digital media, and the biggest obstacle is actually the highly temperamental system produced by Telstra that the AFL forces them to use.

Very buggy and you'd be highly surprised how long some very simple things take to do.

And considering both the club and the AFL do upload training photos periodically, it's an embarrassingly silly complaint.

No need to shoot the messenger by defending the Club staff against fellow Demonlander's genuine concerns. I realise that they work within AFL constraints and do not have full freedom in how they operate their own website or phone app however I am sure that it would pay dividends if they could overcome the many obstacles and update it more regularly/thoroughly. It is not only news that is erratic but it is hard to find current information about players with their bio details sometimes a season behind. Having got that off my chest, can anybody enlighten me about Barry's current weight (as per my earlier post pasted below)?

Post #58

Maybe they could take individual snaps of all players wearing the same jumper rather than the assortment that they feature now. Also regular updates of the player profiles would be good [or does Barry still weigh 70kg?).

[Machsy 2,858]

No need to shoot the messenger by defending the Club staff against fellow Demonlander's genuine concerns. I realise that they work within AFL constraints and do not have full freedom in how they operate their own website or phone app however I am sure that it would pay dividends if they could overcome the many obstacles and update it more regularly/thoroughly. It is not only news that is erratic but it is hard to find current information about players with their bio details sometimes a season behind. Having got that off my chest, can anybody enlighten me about Barry's current weight (as per my earlier post pasted below)?

Post #58

Maybe they could take individual snaps of all players wearing the same jumper rather than the assortment that they feature now. Also regular updates of the player profiles would be good [or does Barry still weigh 70kg?).

Who shot the messenger??

I shot the message.

It's genuinely silly concern.

[the fork 357]

Great turnout yesterday, heaps more than Monday, a great vibe around the ground I thought.

Great to have a closer look at some players. Had a chat to JKH, really friendly, intelligent young man. Loving the club, training and busting to get a game in his first year.

Watched Hunt closely. Beautiful field kicking, speed and not scared to give a few instructions to team mates, which I thought was a good thing.

Same could be said for Harmes also. Great kick of the footy and a genuine intensity around the ball.

[Moonshadow 16,347]

Might be just me, but I'm loving the idea of first year players finding it hard to get a senior game initially. Playing AFL firsts should be earned rather than an expectation. In the past we've often granted early games to players to get games under their belts, eg, Morton and even Bennell. To see guys like JKH and Salem strive hard at training knowing that they may not get a game for 12 mths keeps them very hungry and competitive.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,505]

Might be just me, but I'm loving the idea of first year players finding it hard to get a senior game initially. Playing AFL firsts should be earned rather than an expectation. In the past we've often granted early games to players to get games under their belts, eg, Morton and even Bennell. To see guys like JKH and Salem strive hard at training knowing that they may not get a game for 12 mths keeps them very hungry and competitive.

Or it may make them bored and depressed and want to leave the club. Nevertheless, I suspect quality recruits would understand the point and react as you've suggested. I have an unfounded suspicion that young players expecting to be gifted games may have thrived under earlier regimes but hopefully not this one.

[Its Time for Another 4,054]

This comes across to me like you didn't watch Sydney much while Roos was there, and took your opinion of them straight from the pages of the Herald Sun.

Right back at you Champ. I watched most home games throughout Roosy's tenure. Like most teams on a good day they played exciting attacking footy. A good day is when you have the ball, have teammates unmarked ahead of you and the opposition are behind you. Then they were attacking. It didn't happen that much. Unless Goodsy got the ball anywhere, then the team became attacking. Otherwise in close contests it was always players flooding behind the ball and a lot of lateral movement to hold possession and control the tempo. Don't know what team you were or were not watching. Personally I hated the flooding, closed down era of footy from 2003 to 2009 of which the Swans were arguably the main proponents. It took Bomber with the Cats to work out how to solve it. The answer has become gut running up and down the ground all day to break the flood.

To be fair to Roosy I assume he created a game plan to match his playing list. In '05 and pretty much his whole tenure he had at best a working class midfield without outstanding skills or pace and came up with a game plan that shut down one of the arguably greatest midfields of all time. Horse has an entirely different midfield stacked with speed and elite skills both of which give you the ability to be attacking. What does Roosy have with MFC this year? I would suggest more of the former than the later, so I am expecting defensive shutdown football.