Training - Wednesday November 12, 2014

[Whispering_Jack 29,275]

Same place again tomorrow and it promises to be a fine day.

In light of this (admittedly old*) article I came across on Twitter, it might be an opportune time for the players to work on their disposal accuracy ~ Stray Sherrins

* from 2011

[DeeSpencer 24,816]

I might swing by. I'll attempt to stand behind the goals and cop a Sherrin to the head. That will be my first 180k. After that in my post concussive stupor I might witness a player urinating in public and fall in the puddle. Still disorientated I'm likely to accidentally steal the MFC golf cart and run over Saty (non lethal) before crashing and dislocating a finger.

I'm aiming for 1 mil in compo for me and enough for Saty that he can start his own business, on the condition that he can only hire gen Y employees.

Can you help WJ?

[Gipsy Danger 1,067]

Link to training report from the Melbourne Football Club Supporters Page on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/melbournefcsupporterspage?hc_location=timeline

"TRAINING REPORT: I hopped off the train at Jolimont not knowing what to expect. All around, Monday was a successful day, players who we want impressing on the track impressing on the track, a very positive reception for the first training report and, most importantly, no injuries and no media trying to lambast us like they always seem to do. This beautiful Wednesday morning, I am hoping, will be n...o different, but also different because I want to see new things that can improve our players and our club. Maybe a scoop or two but that's a long shot.
Get there and there is a media guy, dunno who cause I'm standing on the opposite side in the shade instead of basking in the sun (for now) with a new trick - pre-training interviews. Not sure who with but this is a new one.
Anyway most of the boys are on the track, including Watts and Riley who weren't there on Monday. The majority WALK laps, except for Tapscott who jogs through the majority of his lap. "Rehab" group seemingly consists of Gawndog, Spencil, Terls and Bernard. They're doing seperate jogs as the rest of the boys head off on their lap around the ground. Compared to Monday it is a noticeably reduced group as about five or six blokes bugger off. Anyway, Dawes leads the way through the lap, and then proceeds to stop and do their stretches.
Bernie heads off for a jog in front of me and slots a dribble goal from the pocket, as you would. He still heavily favours his right duke as he's solely picking up the ball with it and not using the left at all.
The boys go to the other side of the ground where they perform a new stretch which I've never seen, it also proceeds to freak me out. The boys basically squat and do this kind of brief crab walk thing. Yeah I can't work it out either. Lower leg strength pls
Boys do some running exercises and then they go out and start using the footy.
Kicking drills initially, where they base it off these short kicks which go now more than 15m, and now they're doing a handball drill (from memory at Mernda they call it four star I think? Will double check)
Look on the opposite side of the ground and none other than Robbo having a kick along the boundary line. Meantime just to the right briefly there's a couple of Red Bull girls who proceed to give me wings whilst I actually never talked to them, and then leave. I mention these things because I can.
Back to training after that, um, distraction. The four star drill thing has progressed from a handball to a short kick, around 25m, this coming after Roosy has a brief chat. Skills have been decent, and then as I just type that there's a kind of dink kick by a bloke (not sure who) which misses by about 3m. Notice a few of Toump's kicks receive praise from Roosy. In the meantime Roosy has a chat to Watts, imploring him to move towards the target before moving back when he gets the ball, or something like that.
Boys split into three groups, one of them is this midfield group which has N Jones, Riley, Cross, Tapscott and Grimes in it. Those last two names interest me in terms of their presence. Another group has Dawes, Watts, Fitzy and a couple of other blokes I can't quite recognise (Garland and Dunn maybe) while there's a group on the farside which is considerably bigger doing boxing and pushups. On the near side, Tyson is doing solo fitness drills.
Alright moving on to the long side of the ground now and they're doing a drill that was seen on Monday where the focus is on quick handball to get out of pressure from an "opponent" (ie one of the fitness/coaching staff or something)
Boys move on to kicks. Skills are pretty good until N Jones (yep N Jones) drops a relative dolly of a chest mark.
The lads split up in those three groups I mentioned before, just doing some different activities this time around.
Another drill similar to that they did on Monday. I'll try explain as best I can, bloke marks on the wing, kicks to lead up player on the edge of the centre square then that bloke kicks it to a coach. Did I explain it well enough? Doubt it. Anyway this is an extremely brief drill with groups changing every couple of minutes
Collingwood assistants watching us again. Bucks is there too?
At the end of this changeover thing you can tell it's NBA season when blokes go in their foshizzle-ma-nizzle voice "ON THA BUZZAAAAAAAAA" just like Tom McDonald did in reference to a mark taken right on Roosy's whistle. Did provide lols.
Again boys split up in three groups. I am very very keen to see how Grimes goes if he is seemingly utilised in a midfield role as he is this drill, or whether he forms a half back partnership with Lumumba. We'll find out more next week when he comes back.
New drill time, this time it involves picking a rolling ball up, two handballs, then deliver inside 50. I like it.
Back to those three groups again. Same thing you know the drill now.
The repetitive work gives me a chance to look at the city outline, nearside there's a crane rebuilding an apartment block which was forced about by our methods of training the house down over the last couple of years, surely.
Boys are doing four star (again?) by the looks of things on the far side. Moar handballz.
This repetitive stuff is doing my head in slightly so I continue looking around, oh, that grass is nice and lush, can I perhaps borrow some for my front lawn? Grass is a bit yellowish atmo. Nylex sign still stands out, it's warm, moar sunscreen, whistle, let's do another drill.
Boys heading in the tent, yep, time for some running. The one exception is Cross who continues doing his own drills out on the ground, bit of goal kicking, bit of running, bit of skill work. Professionalism is amazing. I find it interesting that for whatever reason I'm comparing his attitude to Watts' attitude, who's standing on the boundary line chatting to officials. Maybe a tad harsh, maybe over the top but I couldn't help but make that comparo. Meantime the former GWS lads - Tyson and Frost - are running laps together.
Righty, the main boys are running up and down the wing with regular intervals, looks like they're going around 80-90% pace atmo with a bit in reserve.
I think Ben Newton is in this group, I see somebody who looks like him but it could easily be a Casey bloke too. Anyway back to the running, Tom Mc as always doing it easy, JKH showing pace. Boys working on their continuous running and it is indeed Newton with us leading the way by a few yards from TMac. However, some bad news with JKH pulling up in front of me grabbing at his upper hammy. Hopefully nothing more than cramp, praying that actually. Nonetheless a few of the fitness boys putting him through some stretches. He gets up but he is walking pretty gingerly. Will need to keep a tab on this. JKH says it seems to be an ankle/calf, very ginger walking back to base.
Bit of a change up after the running bits, few grapples now before returning to running.
Boys are just about to finish up as I head off to Edwin's (starving ok) so I make hay while the sun shines and get some lunch, then post this."

Source: Melbourne Football Club Supporters Page

PS do the kid the favour and like his page if you have Facebook.. he puts a lot of good stuff on there.

https://www.facebook.com/melbournefcsupporterspage?hc_location=timeline

[DeeSpencer 24,816]

I didn't get hit by a footy.

Got there late. Traffic was a shocker.

Dawes and Watts heading off for coffee and/or a lap of a tan when I parked at 10:30. Wearing their man bras. They later returned to Gosch's at 11am carrying their man bras #freethenipple

Gawny watching on. Terlich in heavy conversation with the training staff. He seems to be recuperating from something.

Two groups of senior players on deck. Jones, Cross, Grimes and Riley - working heavily with the Goodwin. Fitzy, Dunn and Garland with Rawlings. They were doing moderate skills drills. Clearance stuff for the mids with Goodwin doing boundary throw ins, Jones and Cross don't know it's November. I don't think Grimes is a clearance player, Riley had his measure. The bigs were practicing an opponent off and then dropping to where the space is to mark as well as by default practicing kicking to advantage. Fitzy doesn't fill you with confidence he's still such an awkward type. But Garland and Dunn look in good touch.

Which brings us to the main group: Pedersen, Howe, Matt Jones, JKH, Toumpas, McDonald, Frost, Spencer (for early stuff), Evans, Tappy, Viney, Harmes, 3 or 4 Casey lads.

So absent (bearing in mind they might have finished up by the time I got there) Barry (retired), Hogan, Kent, Salem, Hunt, Jetta, Garlett, Lumumba, Newton, Stretch, Trengove, Vince, McKenzie, Michie, Jamar.

It was mainly boxing work mixed in with skills (bit of handball up, pass it across, kick in to the 50 to a leading coach) and the 3 man kicking drill they do to get a short kick, then quickly move to provide a lead. Roos focusing the group on getting the kicks up with a bit of air and steadying to make sure of it. Seems the instruction is to give the forwards a chance instead of blazing away trying to lace it out. Some nice kicks, some shockers.Then a criss cross handball drill that had the voices up and laughing, something a bit more relaxed.

Eventually they moved in to more running. JKH looked to have a niggle by that stage and wanted to discuss it with the support staff, maybe a calf but nothing alarming. A fast paced lap where the Casey bloke James blitzed Tommy McDonald and the rest of the field. Had a 50m lead doing it easy. Pig Dog (who looks fitter than last year) and Pedo towards the back but no one really battling I don't think.

Tyson had done some work hooked up to a trainer dragging him along behind. Trying to get some power in his legs I guess. He then ran laps with Frost for a while before Tappy joined in and then Tappy and Tyson were doing a solid session of interval running. Tappy keeping up the pace nicely. His legs look lean. Still a strong lad but not excessively. He's putting his best foot forward and the Barry news likely helps him.

The main group were then in for some gruelling repeat sprint sets. Nice old school stuff. Viney led the way. Powering through them. Everyone (of a pretty small bunch by then) battled on pretty well. Wasn't overly impressed by Toumpy, he seemed to labour a bit but they were all getting through them.

[chook fowler 19,270]

interesting Grimes is in the midfield group. Wasn't a roaring success when tried there before as I recall.

Hard to know where his best position is.

[DeeSpencer 24,816]

interesting Grimes is in the midfield group. Wasn't a roaring success when tried there before as I recall.

Hard to know where his best position is.

No midfield group really. He was in the smalls group with the 3 midfielders. The talls were practicing marking. There was only 7 of them on deck and it made sense for him to pair up with Riley. If he's at half back he'll need to know how to match up on resting mids at clearances.

I'd wait until training resumes for everyone and there's more division in groups before reading something in to it.

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

annnnnnnnnnnddddddddd iii''''mmmmmmmm back.
After a weeks "holiday" (ban) for bad language which, i may add, it would have been nice if i was properly notified of my first "supposed" warning. But that's the D'land game/hierarchy i suppose

Cheers for the training updates mother f..., i mean...gang.
Keep them coming.

[old dee 23,506]

interesting Grimes is in the midfield group. Wasn't a roaring success when tried there before as I recall.

Hard to know where his best position is.

He is a half back or nowhere IMO.

But I am not a fan so I am probably biased.

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

I was there again, the verbose report from Facebook above covers most of the drills, not sure where he/she sees the Collingwood staff though, although Chris Anstey (much to Tommy Mac's joy) was there watching the whole session, had a good chat to Roosy at the end so must be a llnk there

Ben Newton was not there again, only ones missing who I didn't see, Hogan, Jetta, Jamar, McKenzie and all the newbies, Frost was only new recruit again

Vince, Gawn, Spencer and Terlich were in the 'rehab' group

I spoke to a few of the players

Terlich is in rehab coz he had an ankle clear out over the off season, only a week away or so

Both Gawn and Pencil are ticking every box on the way back, Max was pleased with his GPS numbers today

Some of the younger guys were out early and did handball drills on the other oval and then went back inside, Salem, Kent, Hunt, King...Salem still mentally scarred from Arsenal's miserable performance at the weekend

JKH has had a bit of tightness in his right calf since he came back, they are going to check it out

Jimmy Toumpas was all ready to go day 1 and then got gastro, he is back fine now and raring to go

Asked a few about Ed Morris, Howie said he was a goer, most think maybe his height or lack thereof is only thing that would stop him getting on a list

Spoke to Crossy who is backing up for his 15th pre season, spent nearly two hours out on the track, not officially due back till next Monday, impressed by how most players have come back in top shape, glad the message is getting through, loves working with Roosy, paraphrase "he is straight and direct, no misunderstanding", was sad at the situation that unfolded at the Bulldogs, I reckon if you want a midfield spot, you will need to get past Crossy first

Spoke to Sam Frost, they expect him to bulk up to about 97Kg in preseason and then trim it down to a playing weight of about 95Kg for the season ,he's at 93 at the moment

Tappy fully understands the reasoning behind his delisting, couldn't get a consistent run at it, was invited to train on, not sure what is going to happen, Club has told him he needs to look after himself (ie if he gets an offer from another Club) is actually injury free, had the gastro and gave it to Jimmy Toumpas

Going to put some photos on my Twitter Demonpk

Forgot, first day on the long road for Trengove, inside doing weights (from Tappy)

Edited November 12, 2014 by The Devil Inside

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

He is a half back or nowhere IMO.

But I am not a fan so I am probably biased.

I asked him, he's not particularly fond of you either!!!....hahaha (joke)

[old dee 23,506]

I asked him, he's not particularly fond of you either!!!....hahaha (joke)

Great minds think alike saty

[FireInTheBennelly 4,060]

I didn't get hit by a footy.

Got there late. Traffic was a shocker.

Dawes and Watts heading off for coffee and/or a lap of a tan when I parked at 10:30. Wearing their man bras. They later returned to Gosch's at 11am carrying their man bras #freethenipple

Gawny watching on. Terlich is heavy conversation with the training staff. He seems to be recuperating from something.

Two groups of senior players on deck. Jones, Cross, Grimes and Riley - working heavily with the Goodwin. Fitzy, Dunn and Garland with Rawlings. They were doing moderate skills drills. Clearance stuff for the mids with Goodwin doing boundary throw ins, Jones and Cross don't know it's November. I don't think Grimes is a clearance player, Riley had his measure. The bigs were practicing an opponent off and then dropping to where the space is to mark as well as by default practicing kicking to advantage. Fitzy doesn't fill you with confidence he's still such an awkward type. But Garland and Dunn look in good touch.

Which brings us to the main group: Pedersen, Howe, Matt Jones, JKH, Toumpas, McDonald, Frost, Spencer (for early stuff), Evans, Tappy, Viney, Harmes, 3 or 4 Casey lads

So absent (bearing in mind they might have finished up by the time I got there) Barry (retired), Hogan, Kent, Salem, Hunt, Jetta, Garlett, Lumumba, Newton, Stretch, Trengove, Vince, McKenzie, Michie, Jamar

It was mainly boxing work mixed in with skills (bit of handball up, pass it across, kick in to the 50 to a leading coach) and the 3 man kicking drill they do to get a short kick, then quickly move to provide a lead. Roos focusing the group on getting the kicks up with a bit of air and steadying to make sure of it. Seems the instruction is to give the forwards a chance instead of blazing away trying to lace it out. Some nice kicks, some shockers.Then a criss cross handball drill that had the voices up and laughing, something a bit more relaxed.

Eventually they moved in to more running. JKH looked to have a niggle by that stage and wanted to discuss it with the support staff, maybe a calf but nothing alarming. A fast paced lap where the casey bloke James blitzed Tommy McDonald and the rest of the field. Had a 50m lead doing it easy. Pig Dog (who looks fitter than last year) and Pedo towards the back but no one really battling I don't think.

Tyson had done some work hooked up to a trainer dragging him along behind. Trying to get some power in his legs I guess. He then ran laps with Frost for a while before Tappy joined in and then Tappy and Tyson were doing a solid session of interval running. Tappy keeping up the pace nicely. His legs look lean. Still a strong lad but not excessively. He's putting his best foot forward and the Barry news likely helps him.

The main group were then in for some gruelling repeat sprint sets. Nice old school stuff. Viney led the way. Powering through them. Everyone (of a pretty small bunch by then) battled on pretty well. Wasn't overly impressed by Toumpy, he seemed to labour a bit but they were all getting through them.

The shock of a new contract?

[Jaded No More 68,133]

Thanks for the reports everyone.

Nice to read while I'm stuck in hell work.

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

The shock of a new contract?

My hero, said from the safety of your keyboard, at least he is on a AFL list, are you?

[DeeSpencer 24,816]

I was there again, the verbose report from Facebook above covers most of the drills, not sure where he/she sees the Collingwood staff though, although Chris Anstey (much to Tommy Mac's joy) was there watching the whole session, had a good chat to Roosy at the end so must be a llnk there

Did see Chris Anstey. Wasn't sure it was him. Then I figured it looked a lot like him and there can't be many other 7 footers in Melbourne.

There were a few guys in Pies gear at the Northern end of the ground when I got there. They didn't stay much longer. They were actually talking to Tommy Couch who was obviously passing by for some reason.

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

Did see Chris Anstey. Wasn't sure it was him. Then I figured it looked a lot like him and there can't be many other 7 footers in Melbourne.

There were a few guys in Pies gear at the Northern end of the ground when I got there. They didn't stay much longer. They were actually talking to Tommy Couch who was obviously passing by for some reason.

Tommy Mac made sure he had a good chat with Anstey as well, a basketball tragic, must say I don't venture to the northern end perhaps that's why I don't see them. Tommy Couch is/was a personal trainer now...has done a bit of work with the boys over the off season, probably having a sticky at his handiwork, Chip Frawley gave him an ad on Twitter as well, Chip was also bemoaning the fact that he got a parking ticket in the city this morning, I tweeted "aw what a shame"

Forgot Tyson is doing specific work on his core, coz he has had a bit of hammy trouble in the past

Edited November 12, 2014 by The Devil Inside

[binman 42,053]

My hero, said from the safety of your keyboard, at least he is on a AFL list, are you?

Ahh all is well with the world. The natural cycle of life: beautiful spring weather, hayfever, great horse races, Saty springing to the defense of his boys and taking a swipe at any poster silly enough to make even the mildest of harmless jokes.

Nothing like routines to buffer against the fear of impermanence.

[FireInTheBennelly 4,060]

Ahh all is well with the world. The natural cycle of life: beautiful spring weather, hayfever, great horse races, Saty springing to the defense of his boys and taking a swipe at any poster silly enough to make even the mildest of harmless jokes.

Nothing like routines to buffer against the fear of impermanence.

To be fair, the hook was well baited.

I don't mind Terlich, the only issue is his disposal and I don't think I'm alone when I say my hearts in my mouth every time he has ball in hand (Grimes in a similar boat). If he cleans that up he's very valuable to the side.

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

Ahh all is well with the world. The natural cycle of life: beautiful spring weather, hayfever, great horse races, Saty springing to the defense of his boys and taking a swipe at any poster silly enough to make even the mildest of harmless jokes.

Nothing like routines to buffer against the fear of impermanence.

I only get bored with the ones that give themselves an erection by posting something derogatory

[old dee 23,506]

I only get bored with the ones that give themselves an erection by posting something derogatory

Hmm I might try this technique Saty

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

I was there again, the verbose report from Facebook above covers most of the drills, not sure where he/she sees the Collingwood staff though, although Chris Anstey (much to Tommy Mac's joy) was there watching the whole session, had a good chat to Roosy at the end so must be a llnk there

Now, now Saty, don't get your knickers in a knot now that you have a "rival" to the title of 'Best Training Reporter'. Competitiveness pushes people to reach their best.

Edited November 12, 2014 by The Song Formerly Known As

[Pates 9,625]

Good reports from everyone, interesting hearing Tappy's comments. Everyone here had him a lock to get a rookie spot, but he's certainly not taking anything for granted. Barry's decision will increase his chances but I think don't see a realistic future for him with us.

Looking forward to meeting Frost through the year, I reckon he sounds like a really good pick up. I'm happy with how we've gone about the trade period, I feel I can say we've improved our list.

[boydie 655]

Spoke to Sam Frost, they expect him to bulk up to about 97Kg in preseason and then trim it down to a playing weight of about 95Kg for the season ,he's at 93 at the moment

Can any gym junkies / fitness nuts explain the above. I understand bulking up and trimming down, but what I don't get is why do you bulk up for preseason and then trim down to a playing weight? Why not just bulk up to the playing weight and maintain it?

[Grandson of a gun 276]

Can any gym junkies / fitness nuts explain the above. I understand bulking up and trimming down, but what I don't get is why do you bulk up for preseason and then trim down to a playing weight? Why not just bulk up to the playing weight and maintain it?

There are a number of factors. Primarily though, he will not be able to do the requisite amountif gym work and eat the same diet required to maintain the extra muscle during the season due to playing games, recovery sessions, maintaining fitness etc. it is the same case for all players in that they will bulk up or get strongerin the preseason and taper off throughout the year.

Each preseason/year it's a case of 4 steps forward 2 steps back. Cumulatively over a number of seasons the numbers keep adding up and they develop the physique at about 22-23 that can the carry them through the rest of their career.

[felixdacat 459]

Thanks for the reports ppl. Trying to keep a lid on it and curb my enthusiasm as its only pre-season but its great to hear what's happening on the track.