Howie's hammy confirmed, sadly

And I forgot to mention, Jack Grimes had his nose rearranged by Tom McDonald in last session in Maroochydore, had to get it straightened

Watts tends to play as a wing/forward when they have match sim, Watts is Watts, I want the ball in hand creating, not at the bottom of a pack

The issue with Watts has never been playing at the bottom of packs, it's about going when it's your turn which is a prerequisite for all AFL players but something that he does not always do.

Havent heard anything about Matty Jones this pre-season, which im assuming is neither good nor bad. How would you say he's tracking TDI? Could still be 22 material if he cleans his disposal..

Cleaning up his disposal is the key point, his run and carry looked as good as ever (plus he looks much stronger) but I saw him miss some simple kicks at training the other day.

Cleaning up his disposal is the key point, his run and carry looked as good as ever (plus he looks much stronger) but I saw him miss some simple kicks at training the other day.

Leopards and spots CB

Went along today at about 10am and it was a beautiful morning... not too cold, not too hot. Fun session to watch today, pretty much all skills and match sim stuff. So much more interesting than fitness work! Got breezy towards the end, which did affect some kicking.

Jake Lovett hey? I was wondering who was in the #50, seriously stocky and solid in the legs / glutes! Took me awhile to work out who was in the 2nd #9 as well (not Dawes), pretty sure it was Vandenberg

As TDI mentioned, it's hard to remember everything so I'll just list comments below:

• A lot of full and half ground drills with real hard running. One was clearing the ball from defence to the other end and then clearing it from that end and so on and so forth, with a few defenders in harry high viz. Then some clearing defence and finishing with kick on goal or trying to pick a forwards who are in 1 on 1's with defenders. HL stood out to me in these drills, as did Garlett, N Jones and Newton.
• Garlett has some serious speed spears off kicks barely breaking stride.
• Frost has great closing speed and was congratulated on a few efforts punching the ball out from a leading forward.
• Lots of voice today from many players. The usual's Dunn, Dawes and also Jamar and McDonald barking out directions when watching drills or technique advice.
• During a couple of the drills Salem was put in deep defense, usually against one of the rucks, and instructed on continuously making body on body contact to keep the taller defender off balance. Praised for his work.
• Jamar, Spencer, Gawn, Watts and Hogan did some 1 on 1 key forward wrestling drills where a coach would kick inside 50 they'd alternate between defending/spoiling and being the forward. Hogan through Jamar to the ground early, made me chuckle. Jamar did well though, out-muscled most of the others. Watts got onto a few engaging defender then breaking away at speed. Spencer didn't make many early but made up for it by clunking a few towards the end. Miller instructing the boys here on body contact and pushing off. While this was going on the rest were doing ball movement drills.
• Vince did laps early then left. Pedo was also doing laps. Grimes also wasn't there that long - he was kicking with O McDonald when I arrived then both must have left.
• Terlich and Kent took part in drills but also spent some time doing laps.
• A few times during the ball drills
• Most players all seemed fairly solid throughout.
• The session finished with basically all players practicing set shots from various spots around the 50. So many balls flying in it was hard to keep track of who kicked them! If only game day felt like that... Jones and Brayshaw got into bit of a 1 for 1 goal kicking comp, which Jones won and made sure Brayshaw knew all about it. Until Brayshaw called out "what are you laughing at, you're 27 and bald!"... touche! Had the crowd laughing. On Brayshaw, he's definitely looking fitter / more defined.
• I've said it before but I'll say it again.. Petracca is so solid through the upper legs / hips! Did well in the drills today too.
• Hunt linked up pretty well in the ball movement drills.
• Someone mentioned M Jones - a bit like game day, he was racking up the possessions in the drills - a lot of run and carry. He's not slow!
• Garlett has that laconic sort movement, a bit like Watts, but he looks like such a natural when kicking at goal. They all seem to go through no matter where he's kicking them from! Quite excited by him, but I've always been a fan having a Blue bagger for a bro...
• Newton seemed to do everything well, really like the look of him. Reckon he'll slot straight in.
• To me Jamar looks the #1 ruck.
• Now that I think about it I didn't see much of Garland, he was there early but must have left..?
• Toumpas zipped around and he's handballs were all accurate bullets.
• Unsurprisingly Cross and McKenzie were 2 of the last 3 out (can't remember the 3rd).
• Jones and a few others obliged some young fans by having photos taken and signing autographs.
• I remember not really be impressed by Harmes in previous sessions, but today he seemed good! Quick and some good kicks on goal too.

Oh and I forgot a really interesting bit, rather stocky young lad training in jumper 50 today, name of Jack Lovett

I mentioned this before - Brett Lovett was too short, carried too much weight, had thighs like tree trunks, couldn't really jump, slow as all slow and was one of the best players I have seen at Melbourne, If we recruit this kid and he is half as good as his dad i will be happy.

Edited January 28, 201510 yr by nutbean

Oh and I forgot a really interesting bit, rather stocky young lad training in jumper 50 today, name of Jack Lovett

There was a kid training on Monday (he was wearing a hat) that I did not recognise, was this him?

So if Hogan is on a modified program, would round 1 be in doubt for him?

Just an insight into the sort of things that are being undertaken with the young guys is that after Mondays training Brayshaw was having a goal kicking contest with Jones. Jones stood on the mark at the 50 and Dave Mission reminded Gus to move in and he had to kick from 40 out and not 50. Only a small thing but I assume its all part of looking after the younger players.

Just an insight into the sort of things that are being undertaken with the young guys is that after Mondays training Brayshaw was having a goal kicking contest with Jones. Jones stood on the mark at the 50 and Dave Mission reminded Gus to move in and he had to kick from 40 out and not 50. Only a small thing but I assume its all part of looking after the younger players.

I understand why this is being done, but it does annoy me that a player can't practice kicking from 50 metres out (which is something he will do in games).

Edited January 28, 201510 yr by Clint Bizkit

Howie's hammy confirmed, sadly

And I forgot to mention, Jack Grimes had his nose rearranged by Tom McDonald in last session in Maroochydore, had to get it straightened

Howie wouldn't have known what it was...he's hardly ever missed a game or even a session through injury. Don't think he's ever had a soft tissue. Hopefully he will be back on track soon.

Great report Ruffles, I can't be arsed describing all the drills, I pick a highlight or two

Can confirm Clint that Jake/Jack? Lovett was the one in the cap on Monday.

I understand the angst that Watts' has brought to some supporters, but clean slate, I had the joy of standing next to one of the supporters who watches training and criticises everything, I lasted a millisecond or two, if a player does not perform under Roos to Roos' satisfaction, they are going to get used to the trip to Casey this year. (Last year when Watts was available he picked him, there is serious competition this year)

I love Garlett when he turns up for the session, he trudges up like he is going to the dentist, then just tears it up and then trudges off again. laconic doesn't even cover it

They finally had the training tops with the numbers on arrive, but cocked it up rather, Vandenberg wore 9 and Frost was in 21, so I assume they somehow lost these 2?

Ruffles glad you noticed the Salem bit, you will have seen he has got quite the body on him now, but doesn't use it to everybody's satisfaction, think he was too used to using the footy smarts as a junior, they have him bodying up quite a bit during training

Harmes had glandular fever before Xmas, knocked him around, finally back at full fitness, knows even as a rookie, Roos will look at him, he is getting better and better each session, Josh Mahoney comment....'a good young kid...very coachable'

Oscar McDonald I think was just getting the 'kid' session that the others have had, left early after not doing much

Edited January 28, 201510 yr by The Devil Inside

I read Jack Grimes was doing some kicking with OMac today..... that'll raise the blood pressure of a few on 'land!

I talked to Jack Fitzpatrick at training on Monday and he confirmed it was Jack Lovett.

Super report Ruffles, spot on and informative. Terrific to hear Jake Lovett is already down at the club and putting his name forward. As others have mentioned if he ends up being at least half as good as his old man we'll be very happy indeed.

I understand why this is being done, but it does annoy me that a player can't practice kicking from 50 metres out (which is something he will do in games).

Specialists say its too hard on the hammies at this stage of pre.

Great reports guys.

Just a quick question in regards to Saty who I love the training reports and photos. And this isn't a Saty bashing post but how does Salem feel when post like these from you are put up on twitter??

Peter K‏@Demonpk

@melbournefc @billyjstretch taking on @salem1507 ,glad to say @Arsenal supporter got pantsed .and complained to ref.

Peter K‏@Demonpk

@melbournefc ..the @Arsenal supporter @salem1507 ...and @jackviney7 one on one, Jack won I am glad to say haha

Personally I would feel a little disappointed if that was me being put down like that. Im sure other might feel different but just thought on social media out on the public its bit unfair on the young kid.

This is not a bashing or put down just want to get your thoughts on it Saty.

Edited January 28, 201510 yr by dazzledavey36

This is not a bashing or put down just want to get your thoughts on it Saty.

Well, I guess we should be thankful for small mercies. We made it all the way through to page 2 before it started all over again.

Watts tends to play as a wing/forward when they have match sim, Watts is Watts, I want the ball in hand creating, not at the bottom of a pack

Salem is doing a lot of work with Simon Goodwin, as are the other young guys, comment from my lady on Monday, gee Christian has grown up, he is a man now, he is really solid now, best part of training today was Goodwin taking Billy Stretch, Salem, Viney and Petracca for a bit of one on one stoppage work, not a backward step to be seen

Oh and I forgot a really interesting bit, rather stocky young lad training in jumper 50 today, name of Jack Lovett

Watts tends to play as a wing/forward when they have match sim, Watts is Watts, I want the ball in hand creating, not at the bottom of a pack

Loving the sound of Goodwin working closely with the future. Very exciting

Salem is doing a lot of work with Simon Goodwin, as are the other young guys, comment from my lady on Monday, gee Christian has grown up, he is a man now, he is really solid now, best part of training today was Goodwin taking Billy Stretch, Salem, Viney and Petracca for a bit of one on one stoppage work, not a backward step to be seen

Oh and I forgot a really interesting bit, rather stocky young lad training in jumper 50 today, name of Jack Lovett

Watts tends to play as a wing/forward when they have match sim, Watts is Watts, I want the ball in hand creating, not at the bottom of a pack

Salem is doing a lot of work with Simon Goodwin, as are the other young guys, comment from my lady on Monday, gee Christian has grown up, he is a man now, he is really solid now, best part of training today was Goodwin taking Billy Stretch, Salem, Viney and Petracca for a bit of one on one stoppage work, not a backward step to be seen

Oh and I forgot a really interesting bit, rather stocky young lad training in jumper 50 today, name of Jack Lovett

Watts tends to play as a wing/forward when they have match sim, Watts is Watts, I want the ball in hand creating, not at the bottom of a pack

Salem is doing a lot of work with Simon Goodwin, as are the other young guys, comment from my lady on Monday, gee Christian has grown up, he is a man now, he is really solid now, best part of training today was Goodwin taking Billy Stretch, Salem, Viney and Petracca for a bit of one on one stoppage work, not a backward step to be seen

Oh and I forgot a really interesting bit, rather stocky young lad training in jumper 50 today, name of Jack Lovett

Whoops

Obviously very excited

Went along today at about 10am and it was a beautiful morning...

Thanks for your thorough and informative report Ruffles. Hope you get to more!

Was interested to read you mention the vocal senior players, could we be developing some good leaders at the club? Looks promising.

Hogan on light program had the hammie scanned on Friday by the by.

Minor omission. Only the most exciting part of the thread.

We're beginning to build quite the legacy. Did Grinter or Tingay have any sons?

Rod Grinter has two sons, the eldest James is 22. Terrific youngster and loved his footy as a junior. Afraid I can't say whether he even still plays footy. Would have played school footy with St Kevin's.

Thanks for the reports folks.
Takes some commitment to post 'em.
And I appreciate 'em.

Harmes had glandular fever before Xmas, knocked him around, finally back at full fitness, knows even as a rookie, Roos will look at him, he is getting better and better each session, Josh Mahoney comment....'a good young kid...very coachable'

Out of the rookies who looks most likely to replace Trengove on the senior list? Is it too early to tell?

What group is Bail training in?