Training - Monday 27th January, 2014 (Australia Day Holiday)

[daisycutter 29,743]

I was there but hard to focus on drills and training report as I had both kids running amock.

Some random observations:

Some competitive one on one marking/spoiling near me was really impressive. Dunn a stand out, rarely beaten and uses voice to instruct younger guys. Despite his light frame Hunt actually did ok in the same drill.

Michie, Cross, Tyson etc. means we can actually work the ball through in the full length match drills. Lots if game simulation today. Players really intense and involved with lots of discussions/analysis when they were rotating through the drill.

Watch Watts this year. I think he is set for a real bolter.

Blease and tapy might also surprise a few.

Skills pretty good for most of the session. And it was nearly all skills (although we did get there 40 min late)

Saw Hogan and Clark do a run through but not much else. Viney not sighted.

Howey a great bloke with the kids. My little one asked how many speccies he would take this year. He said how many do you want. She said just 30! Not asking much are we!

LOL, hope she meant 30 PER GAME !

[The Hallowed Turf 95]

Caught the train down from Ballarat with my 2 daughters this morning. We were there for the first hour or so before heading off to the air conditioned comfort of the museum. The wind was fairly brutal this morning. My first observation was, like the opinion of most, JHK is a little ripper. Surely he's a fair chance for a rd 1 berth. His application and skill were second to none. We haven't really got that many pushing for that crumbing role in the forward line. I would pick him before Byrnes.

At the risk of offending a few, one player that didn't really excite me today was Jack Trengove. I know it was reported he was injured last year but if you are injured why are you playing? Can't help but think he got games last year by virtue of being co-captain. I saw several skill errors from him this morning I expect from Nicholson (which I saw anyway). The wind wouldn't have helped but I didn't see others making the same errors. I so much wan't him to succeed so I hope what I saw was an anomaly.

Other than that it was great to see the new recruits new and old. It certainly brings a new dimension to our side. I liked Vince when he was at the Crows and I love him now he's a Dee. Silky. Michie is a solid unit. Cross knows no boundaries. And I hope Tyson can live up to the hype.

[Redleg 41,501]

_{Roos will not burn the newbies, he will give them time to develop.}

[old dee 23,872]

Thanks for all your reports folks. I envy you guys being able to watch the boys train while I'm stuck up here on the Gold Coast where things are so dull, colourless and boring.

Especially enjoy Satyricon's in depth and up close reports - they're gold.

My heart bleeds for you!

[Moonshadow 17,677]

Port Demons, please post more. Great report.

[deanox 9,989]

Was down with Rosso and bumped into Webber this morning, my first session for a while. Fantastic to see such a big cross and obviously a lot of demonlanders. Great notes from everyone above, I'll add my two cents:

- Rosso was spot on about Jonesy whacking Hunt. We heard it from 70 m away!

- the main stand out for me was the second and third efforts. There was a real focus on what the players did after disposal. Players were accelerating after hand balling or kicking. To give a shepherd or to provide support or just to get to the next contest and provide an option. It was really about running in waves. If that is how we play it'll be nice to watch.

- I'm impressed with JKH. Does everything 100%, runs hard, very clean hands, and his hair is still perfect at the end of training. I think he is a good chance to get the starting forward pocket spot ahead of Kent or Blease.

- I like the general look of Michie and Tyson. Will be great additions.

- Salam needs time to come on but looks solid through the hips/glutes.

[low flying Robbo 979]

And lastly from me it's been mentioned that one of the fun things they incorporated into training today was an exercise where players paired up standing opposite each other. Then each player with their right hand grabbed opposite players left wrist. The challenge was to slap the other player in the face with your left hand (which the other player tried to stop as they were holding your wrist with their right hand), whilst at the same time stopping your opponent from slapping you in the face with his left hand.... Sorry if that's confusing but it's hard to explain, essentially it required strength, peripheral vision and good boxing skills.... Anyway notable pairs first time they did this Nath Jones vs Trenners who surprisingly held his own (I expected Jonesy to eat him up). Grimes vs Watts (stalemate).

Grimes got Watts a ripper at the end. Surprised both of them haha

[jayceebee31 761]

Hi everyone,

1st post on DL and 1st pre-season training visit for me today.

After watching the last 2 pre-seasons under Neeld, today's visit was a refreshing experience needless to say. They look fit. There is now a definite focus on gut (two-way) running the full length of the ground to support and give options and saw some really solid examples of it from Trenners, Michie, Cross, Vince, M Jones and N. Jones.

There are some clear differences that I see already in the way we move the ball under Roos that I'd like to point out (from my perspective).

It appears as if the transition from defence, going forward, is no longer slow, wide and within 5 metres of the boundary line (TFFT).

In the game-sim drills I saw, it's evident that Roos wants the ball moved as close to, or through the middle as possible. If held up at half back, the switch across half-back takes place and it transitions along the opposite wing and the instinct is look to hit back into the middle of 50m arc at CHF or the edge of the square. Makes sense really being we have some good hit up forwards in (hopefully) Hogan, Dawes, Howe and Clark , no point going to the boundary.

If you can imagine the game play taking place on oval within an oval (say 15-20 mtrs in from the outer boundary), that's the radius that ball movement takes place within. It is a couple of quick short, sure ball movements and then long to the spread (and this year when there is spread, there is more than one option). I'm sure the Roos mantra is, 'Don't Give It Away Cheaply, Hit A Target'.

I've been reading anxiously for some weeks now (stuck at work) of all the posters giving their feedback on training and how this guy and that guy is up and about ... but I had trouble seeing that to be honest. Not in a bad way, let me explain.

Last year, I saw N.Jones dominate everything, Grimes trying hard and most others..... well let's just say a big gap between those two and the rest.

Today , N. Jones was no less of a shinning light. He was as manic as we have come to expect. But also at that level were Cross, Michie, M. Jones, McKenzie, Vince, Toumpas, Evans and Watts - they were all pushing hard.

I think what Roos & Co is assembling is a workhorse midfield.

I was quietly impressed today with:

Michie: He appears to be the quiet, under the radar type. He is a ball magnet - always near it and I'm sure will develop just nicely under Roos and Stone's tutelage. Strauss: He was vocal, pushed hard on all drills and his kicking is super smooth. JKH: I've read a lot about him. Not much more to say - it's all true! He is super exciting and will get his opportunity when the time is right. But he is doing his chances no harm by his training intensity. There's a little 'Jeff Farmer' in his evasiveness. Salem: People have said how slim he is and he may need more time to develop, and rightly so. But, he was 5 metres away from me standing with Toumpas - they are almost identical in size and physique. He may get his chance at some point this year if his form warrants. I do think his tank will limit his opportunities however. His kicking ... well ... hits the target in a very 'Adem Yze' kind of way. Frawley & Dunn - Very vocal and leading the way.

After the rehab group finished Jamar, Gawn and Dawes were all used as prop forwards in some full-length drills. All moving freely.

I don't feel as concerned as others here about their return to the main group. Maybe being an ex-senior coach I understand individual workloads and working to a plan. I would say at this point Spencer is the clear front runner for Rd-1. But no doubt Roos sees Jamar as the No 1 and being he is an older player, he is preparing him for an early season return (if he warrants it on form).

I wouldn't be surprised to see Dawes be back in full training, if not end of this week, definitely next. Hogan probably 1-2 weeks until full training, he is purely precautionary. Clark will be the same precautionary measure but I would say probably 2-3 weeks before a main group return. I'm basing this on their movement and how I would manage them in the same position, remembering there is a whole season ahead of us. We don't need to peak at Rd-1.

All in all, I'm quietly impressed without being as excited as others on here.

I would think the midfield additions will definitely be more sound and provide more link up and opportunity.

What we do need is for some players to take a step towards or to the next level. (Watts, Strauss, Blease, Tapscott, Evans, McKenzie, Terlich). Based on what I saw, they're all training with more intent and enjoyment.

Carn the DEES

Great first effort and really impressive.Thanks and welcome aboard.....

[low flying Robbo 979]

JKH has got some serious pace

[jayceebee31 761]

_{Roos will not burn the newbies, he will give them time to develop.}

Yep...he will not treat them like 2 year olds.....he will treat them like Melbourne Cup runners.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,095]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Dawes be back in full training, if not end of this week, definitely next. Hogan probably 1-2 weeks until full training, he is purely precautionary. Clark will be the same precautionary measure but I would say probably 2-3 weeks before a main group return. I'm basing this on their movement and how I would manage them in the same position, remembering there is a whole season ahead of us. We don't need to peak at Rd-1.

Nice report, but I do differ on a key point. I think it is actually really important for the club that we show well in the first round. We're not talking about a top contender's season where you want them to be peaking for finals. We need to stand up round one to give the players, supporters and sponsors a shot of confidence. Year after year we have looked forward to that first game, thinking we were a good chance at getting off to a flying start and had our hopes dashed. This year we have a very beatable opponent (again), a new coach and a rejuvenated midfield. We need to get that win on the board just to cement the fact that things are changing at the club and it's not going to be another year of bitter disappointment.

[Arrow 1,257]

Strauss certainly seems to be hitting his straps at a great time. Though training means little in comparison, by all reports he seems to playing great.

Might be locking down an important HBF role in the team.

[wattsjurrahdunne 88]

I was also there for entire session and like other posters I am not at all concerned about the players being continually agonised over in the Rehab group. I would expect everybody except Garland to be on track for Round 1 barring any future mishaps.

An example of this was the beautiful work today by Kent. His pace and disposal was a highlight when he eventually joined the main group. Clearly being carefully managed thru his patella soreness and me thinks even he will be good to go for Rd 1.

I think that the Bullies must be travelling real well if they can let Cross go! Probably not what we want, but Cross will probably finish Top 3 in our B & F this year.

I think we have improved our midfield considerably this year, however, anyone that thinks it will be a strength is kidding themselves. I really hope that Tyson plays 20 plus games and the body holds up as he seems to possess something we're so short of, being midfield class. Already got bit of grunt and more coming in with Mitchie, Cross & Riley, just need some midfield class.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,095]

I think that the Bullies must be travelling real well if they can let Cross go! Probably not what we want, but Cross will probably finish Top 3 in our B & F this year.

I have a couple of mates who are rabid Bulldog supporters. They tell me he had two big issues counting against him. One was that they have too many of his kind of player in the club and the other is that he isn't quick enough defensively and he was getting burned on the turnover. Oddly enough they never mentioned his kicking which some on here have cited as a possible issue. I suspect that with us he will play a far more inside role than he did with them, so we shouldn't be too concerned with the perceived deficiencies in his game. He looks to me to be great value for us.

[rjay 25,095]

I was also there for entire session and like other posters I am not at all concerned about the players being continually agonised over in the Rehab group. I would expect everybody except Garland to be on track for Round 1 barring any future mishaps.

An example of this was the beautiful work today by Kent. His pace and disposal was a highlight when he eventually joined the main group. Clearly being carefully managed thru his patella soreness and me thinks even he will be good to go for Rd 1.

I think that the Bullies must be travelling real well if they can let Cross go! Probably not what we want, but Cross will probably finish Top 3 in our B & F this year.

I think we have improved our midfield considerably this year, however, anyone that thinks it will be a strength is kidding themselves. I really hope that Tyson plays 20 plus games and the body holds up as he seems to possess something we're so short of, being midfield class. Already got bit of grunt and more coming in with Mitchie, Cross & Riley, just need some midfield class.

I'm not sure anyone thinks it will be a strength just yet but it should at least be competitive which is streets ahead of where it has been over the last few seasons.

[Carrot Top 947]

I'm not sure anyone thinks it will be a strength just yet but it should at least be competitive which is streets ahead of where it has been over the last few seasons.

If we can break even there, then we'll be alright. We converted pretty well from some horrendous I50 stats over the last couple of years, and it looks like our forward line is better than it was then. A break even will also give our reasonable backline a chance.

If the midfield can go a step further and win more than they lose over the next couple of years then we will be in good shape. Not great. Great is a ways off. But good. And that will make me a happy camper.

[Port Demons 131]

Welcome aboard Port Demons. I don't suppose you can tell us who you coached and what years?

Sorry Rosso, I probably should have clarified that. I obtained my Senior Cert in 2010 and coached Bayside FC in Div-1 VicSoccer (yep, different code. Hope I'm not outcast now because of that) for 2010, 2011 & 2012 seasons before my work consumed me yet again. I'm a SAP Training Consultant so I'm often consumed by projects and travelling for work, hence not being able to make pre-season this year (sadly). One day I hope to coach back at the grass roots level of AFL.

[Machsy 2,858]

Strauss certainly seems to be hitting his straps at a great time. Though training means little in comparison, by all reports he seems to playing great.

Might be locking down an important HBF role in the team.

I'm also excited to hear my own observations of Strauss before Xmas are similar to what people are still seeing now.

I think, barring injury, he'll play 22 games in 2014.

In the backline, not on the wing.

He's been one I've followed closely since his drafting, and he was definitely lacking in confidence in his first few seasons.

BP, in spite of his poor record, did always say that Strauss was the type that would probably take longer.

Before breaking his leg he had made strides, but the injury set him back a year or so.

I'm excited to see him cement a spot in the 22.

[Machsy 2,858]

I have a couple of mates who are rabid Bulldog supporters. They tell me he had two big issues counting against him. One was that they have too many of his kind of player in the club and the other is that he isn't quick enough defensively and he was getting burned on the turnover. Oddly enough they never mentioned his kicking which some on here have cited as a possible issue. I suspect that with us he will play a far more inside role than he did with them, so we shouldn't be too concerned with the perceived deficiencies in his game. He looks to me to be great value for us.

Cross is smart enough to play within his means, i.e. he doesn't try to execute kicks that are beyond his ability.

Plays it safe, maintains possession.

But he may miss the odd opportunity of a teammate slipping free by a couple of metres 45m away, that Watts or Toumpas could nail.

Not a hanging offence.

I'd say more than anything that I agree with the first point - the dogs have too many kids who are good enough to play and of the same type.

[rjay 25,095]

Cross is smart enough to play within his means, i.e. he doesn't try to execute kicks that are beyond his ability.

Plays it safe, maintains possession.

But he may miss the odd opportunity of a teammate slipping free by a couple of metres 45m away, that Watts or Toumpas could nail.

Not a hanging offence.

I'd say more than anything that I agree with the first point - the dogs have too many kids who are good enough to play and of the same type.

They also have a few senior players in Boyd, Murphy and Gia...needed to balance their list and helped us as we don't have those senior players.

[Biffen 12,947]

They also have a few senior players in Boyd, Murphy and Gia...needed to balance their list and helped us as we don't have those senior players.

Surely Gia isn't going around again.

he must be in his Forties by now!

[drdrake 3,187]

They also have a few senior players in Boyd, Murphy and Gia...needed to balance their list and helped us as we don't have those senior players.

Just like we had to do a few years back, hopefully like us this bites the doggies in the arse

[Slartibartfast 17,635]

An example of this was the beautiful work today by Kent. His pace and disposal was a highlight when he eventually joined the main group.

Glad someone has mentioned Kent. His pace and kicking today were very good and added a bit to the group I thought. He's got the body and aggression I reckon Roos will like and he finished last season well which was a great credit to a first year player.

I also thought that Tyson was very good. Natural ball winner and uses it very well.

Of course the one that caught my eye was Jordie McKenzie. Hands were clean and never missed a target.

Having said that it all looks good now and it's not until we start playing that we'll know. Players like Strauss my just be like Bennell who looked a million dollars on the track but under the genuine pressure of AFL just wasn't good enough. The most interesting thing about the season will be to see who breaks out of the pack and consolidates a place and who were just preseason teasers. It never seems to be who you think and when the team settles there are always 4 or 5 who surprise.

[Whispering_Jack 30,684]

What I like about a new season is that you know some teams are going to improve, some will go into decline and some will surprise but there's a lot of unknowns about which club will do what and Melbourne, because of its recent history of failure followed by the installation of a coach with a history of success, certainly comes into that last category.

So being up here on the Gold Coast, I thought it would be a good idea to discover how an opposition side trains at this stage of the pre-season and to see whether I could learn something from the comparison.

After a bit of a false alarm and some crossed wires yesterday, I discovered that the Gold Coast Suns were training this morning at Carrara. I was told that it was an open training session but it was actually closed.

However, this didn't stop me because the players were training on a ground next to the main stadium and it was no trouble watching through a wire fence.

My handicap was that unlike the Demons where I'm familiar with most of the players and I can work out the newbies pretty quickly, I don't have much of a clue about how to identify the Suns. I can report however, that Gary Ablett is training the proverbial down, Jaeger O'Meara is a big unit for a second year player and if the bloke wearing 28 was really Jack Martin then he could have some issues going forward because he certainly did not resemble the young indigenous kid who burned up the TAC Cup Under 18s a couple of years ago. There was a kid wearing a different number who did look like Jack and if it's him then he could give Jesse Hogan a run for his money in the competition to be the NAB Rising Star. Campbell Brown was definitely one player missing and the Suns look to have lost a bit of punch in his absence.

But enough of that. Demonlanders aren't really interested in the individuals at opposition clubs. Did I see anything discernibly different up here to what I saw two weeks ago at Casey Fields?

Not really. There were a number of drills involving running with the ball and short passing to both players on the move and stationery targets, some sprints and the standard didn't seem much different to ours. I didn't discern that the Suns were going through a change of style. They're still a young side that moves the ball well and, despite the presence of Ablett and Harley Bennell, they didn't stand out as a group any more than our players did at the session I attended. If there was one point of difference, I think it was that they seemed to have more of their players out on the track and less in rehab than we had but I don't know the specifics.

I reckon if our taggers can put the reigning Brownlow Medallist out of business again when next we play, then we're a big chance.

POSTSCRIPT: The actual office and gymnasium/indoor facilities are truly substandard for an AFL club. These are situated in huts and sheds at the side of Metricon Stadium and it's reminiscent of the facilities we used to have at the old Junction Oval (they even have what looks like a "vault"). Nevertheless, Gary Ablett came here - puts Chris Judd to shame.

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Strauss certainly seems to be hitting his straps at a great time. Though training means little in comparison, by all reports he seems to playing great.

Might be locking down an important HBF role in the team.

Strauss is ok in space, His brain seizes up when the space closes down so he needs to address that.

Good to hear that he is training well as he has some nice attributes.