Training - Thursday 15th January, 2015 at Maroochydore

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

* A bit sunnier today, but still a bit of humidity in the air so conditions would have to be testing for the crew.

* The main oval was still shifting under foot a bit this morning so a lot of the drills were taking place on the smaller oval which is drier & in better nick. The swapping between ovals must be so they can make use of the full size main oval to simulate game play better, and when they don't need it they are playing it safe with preventing injuries.

* Neal-Bullen, Stretch, Harms, & Vandenberg running separate from the group. Terlich & Kent join them soon after.

* ANB's moving freely and running well, so no issues with the knee. Apparently no ligament damage and no history of that injury so he's come out of that allright. Just unlucky.

* In earlier drills, looks like the 1-5 year old guys training separately. Good chance to see them in action.

* Like the look of Whitey. He tackles well and has a point to prove I reckon. Beautiful kick. Runs a little funny but so what. Seems to have become popular amongst the guys too. Always praising him.

* Overall young guys training with good energy and spirit - good sign.

* Hoges practising short range one grab reflex marking with Millsy rocketing them at him. Didn't see him drop one and all one grab. Millsy seems to be working a lot with him one on one.

* Brayshaw composed, good decision maker. Looks like he thinks through the pressure situations well, or perhaps he doesn't think and it's all instinctive.

* Hunt has got to work on his handballing. Lacking a bit of confidence I'd say.

* Slightly concerned about Petracca's endurance for second the way he lopes around and then all of sudden he proves me wrong and takes off at speed. Definately a burst player...BBall influence. Really good footy skills though.

* Newton working hard.

* Stretch runs through the middle and snags a sausage just like his old man.

* Sensing major competition for midfield spots. You can feel it out there. Casey's midfield should go allright this year.

* After 2 hours training they break into full ground match simulations

* Salem looking good. Good speed followed by a bullet pass. Class. Ready to blossom i'd say having had a full preseason.

* Get the feeling Garlett does his best work in games.

* Hogan playing the forward and out jostles Dawesy - impressive. They swap around and Dawes gets one back on him.

* Lamumba breaks away with speed out of a pack - He's still got it.

* Bit of driving tackle work by the big blokes is interesting to watch. Mids doing the same in background. Seeing who can hold there ground. Jamar makes them all look silly for a bit. Hogan looks a little tentative against the ruckmen. And then all of a sudden to my suprise big Maxy fires up a bit and rattles a few rib cages.

* Relay team event to finish off. Approx 400m. Frost is so quick he should be going to the Olympics. Made them look silly.

Dunny tries to psych out Petracca. Petracca not fazed and has a unique turn of speed that's hard to describe. He's got a down force/ g force/ after burners thing going on. Low to the ground like Ablett.

* Quieter day tomorrow I'd say, not sure if it's worth going down. Wait and see how I feel tomorrow. Will definitely be checking out Saturday's session.

[jules7 778]

Awesome report many thanks!!

[SaberFang 7,151]

You're a legend RB, great reporting!

Saturday definitely sounds like a big session with player photos, etc. Hopefully a big crowd gets down.

[sydneydee 684]

Thanks RB, other than lacking confidence with hand balling how did Hunt look?

What about Fitz is he likely to be pushing for more senior games?

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

Thanks for the report RB - nailed it.

Seems like you're already a fan of Petracca and Brayshaw. Likelihood of seeing them in the first half or so of the season proper?

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Thanks RB, other than lacking confidence with hand balling how did Hunt look?

What about Fitz is he likely to be pushing for more senior games?

Nothing stands out about Hunt for me at this stage. Obviously he needs more development in my eyes but what do I know.

I was thinking today about the difference the elite under 18 pathway makes when they come into the AFL system compared to 18 year olds that have just played at school or local club level. It's noticeable the type of training and coaching that they have already been exposed to. Even the AIS level kids seem to have a big advantage compared to TAC Cup or SA u18's for example. If my memory serves me correctly, Hunt didn't have a whole lot of elite level junior training. So if I look at him as a tennis player convert/ project player then I feel a little bit better about where he is at (minus his draft position). I don't want to be too negative and for all I know he will start playing games this year and suprise the heck out of me and I hope he does.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Thanks RB, other than lacking confidence with hand balling how did Hunt look?

What about Fitz is he likely to be pushing for more senior games?

Haven't notice Fitzy a whole lot over the past few days. Not sure why.

[DeeSpencer 24,941]

Nothing stands out about Hunt for me at this stage. Obviously he needs more development in my eyes but what do I know.

I was thinking today about the difference the elite under 18 pathway makes when they come into the AFL system compared to 18 year olds that have just played at school or local club level. It's noticeable the type of training and coaching that they have already been exposed to. Even the AIS level kids seem to have a big advantage compared to TAC Cup or SA u18's for example. If my memory serves me correctly, Hunt didn't have a whole lot of elite level junior training. So if I look at him as a tennis player convert/ project player then I feel a little bit better about where he is at (minus his draft position). I don't want to be too negative and for all I know he will start playing games this year and suprise the heck out of me and I hope he does.

It's a bit chicken or egg though isn't it? Do they look better because of the coaching or are they getting that coaching because they are the better players? Hunt's definitely a project, but at the same time he was coached by Robert Shaw so got better than the average standard coaching I'd suggest. Hopefully he stays fit and can play some decent footy at Casey. He showed some speed in the grand final sprint and doesn't look so raw as to be hopeless from what I've seen at trainings. Our first years this year set the bar pretty high, comparatively besides Oscar McDonald looking very skinny they are probably ahead of Hunt and King.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Thanks for the report RB - nailed it.

Seems like you're already a fan of Petracca and Brayshaw. Likelihood of seeing them in the first half or so of the season proper?

NAB Cup will tell a story. I can definitely see the gap between where they are at and the more senior guys...Even last year's recruits are ahead in some ways.

Still a bit of time to go before the season so who knows? They don't seem to be ready to go like a Brock McLean was at that age.

Petracca slightly ahead of Brayshaw perhaps at this stage. Can easily see him playing off a forward flank from the get go. Adjusting to the intensity is the key. Time will tell.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

* A bit sunnier today, but still a bit of humidity in the air so conditions would have to be testing for the crew.

* The main oval was still shifting under foot a bit this morning so a lot of the drills were taking place on the smaller oval which is drier & in better nick. The swapping between ovals must be so they can make use of the full size main oval to simulate game play better, and when they don't need it they are playing it safe with preventing injuries.

* Neal-Bullen, Stretch, Harms, & Vandenberg running separate from the group. Terlich & Kent join them soon after.

* ANB's moving freely and running well, so no issues with the knee. Apparently no ligament damage and no history of that injury so he's come out of that allright. Just unlucky.

* In earlier drills, looks like the 1-5 year old guys training separately. Good chance to see them in action.

* Like the look of Whitey. He tackles well and has a point to prove I reckon. Beautiful kick. Runs a little funny but so what. Seems to have become popular amongst the guys too. Always praising him.

* Overall young guys training with good energy and spirit - good sign.

* Hoges practising short range one grab reflex marking with Millsy rocketing them at him. Didn't see him drop one and all one grab. Millsy seems to be working a lot with him one on one.

* Brayshaw composed, good decision maker. Looks like he thinks through the pressure situations well, or perhaps he doesn't think and it's all instinctive.

* Hunt has got to work on his handballing. Lacking a bit of confidence I'd say.

* Slightly concerned about Petracca's endurance for second the way he lopes around and then all of sudden he proves me wrong and takes off at speed. Definately a burst player...BBall influence. Really good footy skills though.

* Newton working hard.

* Stretch runs through the middle and snags a sausage just like his old man.

* Sensing major competition for midfield spots. You can feel it out there. Casey's midfield should go allright this year.

* After 2 hours training they break into full ground match simulations

* Salem looking good. Good speed followed by a bullet pass. Class. Ready to blossom i'd say having had a full preseason.

* Get the feeling Garlett does his best work in games.

* Hogan playing the forward and out jostles Dawesy - impressive. They swap around and Dawes gets one back on him.

* Lamumba breaks away with speed out of a pack - He's still got it.

* Bit of driving tackle work by the big blokes is interesting to watch. Mids doing the same in background. Seeing who can hold there ground. Jamar makes them all look silly for a bit. Hogan looks a little tentative against the ruckmen. And then all of a sudden to my suprise big Maxy fires up a bit and rattles a few rib cages.

* Relay team event to finish off. Approx 400m. Frost is so quick he should be going to the Olympics. Made them look silly.

Dunny tries to psych out Petracca. Petracca not fazed and has a unique turn of speed that's hard to describe. He's got a down force/ g force/ after burners thing going on. Low to the ground like Ablett.

* Quieter day tomorrow I'd say, not sure if it's worth going down. Wait and see how I feel tomorrow. Will definitely be checking out Saturday's session.

Just made it easier for me to read. Great work.

[SaberFang 7,151]

So Jamar looks like he's holding his own? He had no preseason last year so I'm excited to see what he can do in 2015, but cautiously optimistic given his age.

Definitely a good sign that so few players seem to be harnessing injuries this year. Must be at least 10 extra fit players compared to this time last year... although plenty of time left until April.

[WERRIDEE 5,362]

* Neal-Bullen, Stretch, Harms, & Vandenberg running separate from the group. Terlich & Kent join them soon after.

So is Watts training with the main group now or is he still on a modified program?

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

Great report again RB, from what I can gather Hunt is a confidence problem, played second fiddle to Salem and Josh Kelly at Brighton Grammar, now with missing a year, tends not to show his attributes with so many ahead of him, coaches are working with him on it, Roos always encouraging him to take the game on

Garlett loves the running drills doesn't he, although I am surprised he is not shining in the game simulation, normally does in Melbourne

And yes White does have an individual running style, I reckon we should put a video on the club website of Toumpas, Fitzpatrick, Hogan, Petracca and White running laps together, that should scare a few opposition teams

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

Sensing major competition for midfield spots. You can feel it out there. Casey's midfield should go allright this year.

Both Justin Plapp (think that's it, can never spell it right) and Shannon Byrnes are both looking forward to working and playing with the talent that can't get into the 22

I have watched a lot of training, hard to contain the old excitement when Petracca puts on one of those bursts, seen him do it a couple of times

Still think Brayshaw may debut before him

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,221]

Looking at the photos on the club website. Nathan Jones has no chance of becoming AA this year while he continues to wear plain ordinary black footy boots.

[AzzKikA 2,371]

Thanks again Bruiser!

Im not so much worried about how individuals are going, but more with how is the team going working together with so many new faces. Does H try to do everything like he did at the pies? Or are our guys vocal enough that he doesn't get into trouble, are the older blokes struggling with these new game plan concepts, ie; Do the same ones get pulled up and the plan explained to them again? We can have every player ripping the track up but if they cannot work together it is all for nothing.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

So is Watts training with the main group now or is he still on a modified program?

Main group and finishing a tad earlier.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Thanks again Bruiser!

Im not so much worried about how individuals are going, but more with how is the team going working together with so many new faces. Does H try to do everything like he did at the pies? Or are our guys vocal enough that he doesn't get into trouble, are the older blokes struggling with these new game plan concepts, ie; Do the same ones get pulled up and the plan explained to them again? We can have every player ripping the track up but if they cannot work together it is all for nothing.

I won't have a solid answer on that until we seen games I'd say. Nothing to compare it to given the last time I watched training was Neeld era out at Casey. Having said that you can feel that there is an evenness across the board and they seem to be meshing well. I haven't noticed anyone noticeably getting it wrong.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Sensing major competition for midfield spots. You can feel it out there. Casey's midfield should go allright this year.

Both Justin Plapp (think that's it, can never spell it right) and Shannon Byrnes are both looking forward to working and playing with the talent that can't get into the 22

I have watched a lot of training, hard to contain the old excitement when Petracca puts on one of those bursts, seen him do it a couple of times

Still think Brayshaw may debut before him

I hope they both get a go early on. Endurance conditioning looks to be the knock on Petracca at the moment but he might be one of those types that builds it up when the games come around. I like the look of him playing half forward. Good set of dukes

[Beats 190]

It's a bit chicken or egg though isn't it? Do they look better because of the coaching or are they getting that coaching because they are the better players?

I've read a few interesting articles on player development in soccer, the general premise is that young players do look better because of the coaching. The idea behind this is that in soccer player talent is identified very, very early (under 10's) so a player who receives 10+ years of elite coaching will look better than the guy who's had none.

An interesting point put forward is that players born towards the start of the year are more likely to make representative teams, this is due to the cut off date for age groups being December 31. If you are born on January 1 you have 10 months of growth/ physical development over a player born in October. With the same talent level you generally take the bigger/ more athletic kid. When it's time for rep teams the next year the kid born in January not only has 10 months of growth on the one born in October, they also have experience at a higher level. Once again, if they have the same talent you pick the older kid because he is physically larger and now has a year of experience in the system. etc etc.

This idea doesn't translate fully to AFL, as talent identification isn't done as early so the 'older' kid doesn't have as much of a leg up through years of elite level training, but it would be interesting to do an analysis of player birthdays across the competition (particularly for players who have gone through the TAC cup/ AIS systems) as I think you would find the birthdays to be skewed towards either end of the year.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

*Won't be attending/ reporting today's training.

*Nothing interesting about watching craft for the spectator - need to be in ear shot.

*Saturday session all pens blazing.

[Moonshadow 17,577]

*Won't be attending/ reporting today's training.

*Nothing interesting about watching craft for the spectator - need to be in ear shot.

*Saturday session all pens blazing.

Love ya work Bruiser. Can you come down and do the Goschs sessions in future please?

[hemingway 7,615]

NAB Cup will tell a story. I can definitely see the gap between where they are at and the more senior guys...Even last year's recruits are ahead in some ways.

Still a bit of time to go before the season so who knows? They don't seem to be ready to go like a Brock McLean was at that age.

Petracca slightly ahead of Brayshaw perhaps at this stage. Can easily see him playing off a forward flank from the get go. Adjusting to the intensity is the key. Time will tell.

Really good read RB, informative comments on players we want to hear about. Also interesting and realistic comments on Petracca and Brayshaw progress. Lots to look forward too. Still concerned about our ruck stocks and maintaining an injury free Hogan, but our midfield is looking so much better with improved skills, run and footy smarts. Just trying to keep a lid on my renewed enthusiasm. Probably the first few games will bring me back to earth but its a good time of the year to dream.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Love ya work Bruiser. Can you come down and do the Goschs sessions in future please?

Thanks mate, didn't think my reports are that good.

Can I come down to Goschs to report??

A few things come to mind:

1. I don't want to make Burgs too jealous because he's obviously reading my material - Thanks Matt

2. If someone wants to pay for my airfair & accomodation each week I'll happily provide an ongoing coverage.

3. I'll happily talent scout for the MFC up here in qld in a part time role - Thanks Todd & Jason, I know your reading this too.

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

Burgos Diary Day 4:

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/melbourne/news/2015-01-16/day-4-hot-dees-train-hard-on-camp

These are my "highlights":

Training is again held at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex. And already it’s a hot one upon arrival. It ends up being a sizzler. Oh, which reminds me, I saw a television commercial for Sizzler last night – I didn’t realise they’re still around! Upon searching on Google, I discover there are 26 restaurants in Australia – including a whopping 18 in Queensland. New South Wales and Western Australia make up the rest. So there you go …

It’s a great call from the coach, although I was thinking the Joker (minus the red -lippy) or Marlon Brando from the much-loved 1996 remake of The Island of Dr Moreau on some of the players.