Training - Thursday 8th May, 2014

[DeeSpencer 26,080]

One of the drill starts in the back pocket, defender passes and sprints to mate he has passed to, who has turned and passed to someone leading on the wing, who turns and passes or gives a handball to one of two already involved who passes to a forward who marks and gives it off to one of the three or four now charging past and they have a shot (or the forward shoots), all involved then jog around the boundary while a second group go through their paces (and they aren't going at half pace), then into the centre to set up as a third group goes through their paces forwards and back running to position.

In this drill 5 out of 6 would be along the right flank with the odd ones up the guts or left flanks.

My only problem with that drill (which they repeat most trainings) is that it always seems to start from the Northern and go along the city wing. They should change it up and go from the other end and other flank etc. It would make better sense to practice drills from all different angles and directions especially in a team that still has 6 right footers in the backline and a prevalence of right footers across the field.

[Undeeterred 3,124]

15 minute safety zone for the rest of the players.

Georgiou was in a Hannibal Lector trolley for this period.

You're fast becoming one of my favourite posters.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,909]

Rather than summarising, as already been done, thought I'd add a few observations.

Jamar v Gawn in ruck drills, pretty damn even, Jamar used his experience and strength to win many, but when Gawn held his own, he would win most.

I've said it before, but will say it again, one of the biggest differences this year is that the players really seem to enjoy training. I have no doubt they are working harder, but it seems like instead of work, they are enjoying themselves training for a game they love.

During the drills, there is a lot more movement. Last year training was quite stop start, waiting to get involved, joining in and waiting again.

This year, there always somewhere to look at training, something always happening.

One of the drill starts in the back pocket, defender passes and sprints to mate he has passed to, who has turned and passed to someone leading on the wing, who turns and passes or gives a handball to one of two already involved who passes to a forward who marks and gives it off to one of the three or four now charging past and they have a shot (or the forward shoots), all involved then jog around the boundary while a second group go through their paces (and they aren't going at half pace), then into the centre to set up as a third group goes through their paces forwards and back running to position.

In this drill 5 out of 6 would be along the right flank with the odd ones up the guts or left flanks.

Another difference this year is that the match simulation, while still a long way off from real day pressure, has a hell of a lot more pressure than what I saw last season.

A bigger crowd today than recently, sure to show some support to Jack, though nice weather would not have hurt these numbers. Few cameramen and journos but less than I was expecting.

I guess this explains why our kick outs from behinds go to the right side (at least) 5 out of 6 times.

[Satyriconhome 10,879]

I guess this explains why our kick outs from behinds go to the right side (at least) 5 out of 6 times.

And why Hawthorn's go down the left most of the time, Roos principle, keep it simple and play to your strengths