Training - Monday 9th February 2015

[Wiseblood 24,636]

Thanks to Ruffles, Caligula and Tux for the spot on training reports. Always a succinct read guys and free of stuff no-one wants to read. Cheers fellas.

[rjay 23,883]

I thought Viney had an ordinary year in 2014 I have my fingers crossed for better this year.

Probably what you would expect of a 2nd year player 'old dee', a bit up and down and the bump controversy probably didn't help him. I would be hoping for better this year.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

I was told today I am an ungrateful spoilt consumer, so should probably start appreciating the efforts of others who contribute to my amusement, so thanks for the reports guys

I am really encouraged hearing about Petracca's progress. I would be [censored] myself if I was a Saints supporter, we are due one the other way! Thanks guys and I'm glad to see that sanity has prevailed and normal services have resumed on Demonland.

[hemingway 7,588]

Definitely correct, but applies to the other 21 players left on the list as well.

Many ex-coaches have respectable reputations as ex-players, but Roosy had a stellar career. That brings respect. However as we know Roos has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills backed up by a teachable realistic game plan that players have confidence in. He has been realistic about the club's prospects and players abilities from the start. Players want to play for him. That is a powerful force. He has brought new blood to the club and players that have chosen to play for him (cite Lumumba) that otherwise would have viewed Melbourne as a graveyard. Then look at his support staff. He may not be the Messiah but he has gone a long way to resurrecting our old club.

[Demon Jack 6,275]

Better late than never!

Beautiful morning for training with a blue cloudless sky and cool breeze creating an ideal training environment. Most earlier posts summed up the session pretty well, I'll see if I can add a fresh spin on the mornings events.

Arrived at around 9:30 to see the boys warming up with some basic handball drills. Vince, Watts, White, Howe and Neal-Bullen (good to see him back) spent most of the session running laps.

The boys then split up into three different groups (talls, mid-sized, smalls) where each played a "keepings off" type of drill where they could only handball. One player who impressed me in the smalls (I think) was young Billy Stretch who was just ramming and tackling into anyone who had the ball. Also loved watching him use his pace to shrug off anyone Who dared to tackle him. Although I don't expect him to play much senior football this year, I could see him making a nice cameo and play a few games.

Next on the agenda was a full field drill where players kicked the ball to a leading player which would continue all around the ground. Enjoyed watching Petracca during this drill as his kicking action is a thing of beauty. While on the topic of "Truck", his endurance appears to have improved since he was first drafted. Noticed that he was going harder for longer periods of time. Dunn, Hogan, La Bamba and Jetta were some other stand outs but to be honest, most players were very solid. As mentioned in another report, Fitzy dropped a sitter but I'm just being picky. It was a entertaining drill to watch.

The final drill I tuned in for involved the boys moving the ball from the back line to the forwards at the other end of the ground. I didn't see much of the stoppage work in the back half and who was involved but there was plenty of fast movement through the wing courtesy of Lumumba. Hope we see plenty of that this year. I also noticed that Hogan was pushing himself up the ground to provide a target for the players in the middle. I remember seeing that during the Geelong NAB cup game last year. Meanwhile in the forward half of the ground, Gawn was feasting at everything at everything that came his way, using his height and strength to clunk almost every mark that came his way. Although it was a simulation, he easily finished with about 4 goals including a running one from 40 meters out on an angle. I last thing I remember from this drill was TMac launching himself to take 2-3 fantastic defensive marks in defence against the likes of Gawn and Dawes. I remember a fellow viewer who identified himself as a Collingwood supporter (who was clearly blown away by our impeccable training standards as well as TMacs efforts) asking me who number 25 was.

I left shortly afterwards.

A few short points

- Noticed that Oscar Mac has put on a few kilos over summer, looked a bit stronger in the arms which assisted him in outplaying Hogan in some marking drills

- Bail, Hunt and King weren't present.

- Couldn't help but notice Shannon Boo-urns participating in many of the training drills with the boys. Obviously still wants to be a part of the training environment and among they boys instead of just being the Welfare Manager.

- To those who were there: anyone else notice Garlett wearing the number 33 instead of his usual 36? I've noticed it during the last few training sessions I've been to.

Cheers to all the other posters who go down to training and provide reports to those of us who can't (this was my first sessions in a few weeks). They're greatly appreciated.

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

- Couldn't help but notice Shannon Boo-urns participating in many of the training drills with the boys. Obviously still wants to be a part of the training environment and among they boys instead of just being the Welfare Manager

He is a Development Coach who is also hoping to play every game for Casey this year, he is pre season training

Not sure why Garlett is in 33, instead of 36, unless they cocked up his jumper as well, hadn't really thought about it

[tappysquads 618]

Jokiing aside Daisy, I am more disappointed, thought he would take it up another notch with another year under his belt, he is just not standing out, he is doing everything and not doing much wrong, so I suppose that is a good sign whereas Toumpas (same year) who is coming from further back has looked a completely different player, of course that could be because he is coming from further back,, personal opinion of course

Huge fan of Viney, and I think his game style is not the type to overly stand out during practice. He is a competitive beast, so fingers crossed another solid pre season sets him up to unload on game day and take contested ball to another level

[hardtack 10,126]

Thanks to Ruffles, Caligula and Tux for the spot on training reports. Always a succinct read guys and free of stuff no-one wants to read. Cheers fellas.

A saucer of milk to Flannery O'Connor's table please!!

I have to say as an interstater, all training write-ups INCLUDING TDI's (who let's not forget, set the benchmark) and not forgetting the most recent contribution of Demon Jack, have been invaluable... not only are we unable to attend any sessions, I suspect that most, like myself, also miss the water cooler talk and the general discussion that tends to happen around the traps. Thanks ALL.

Edited February 9, 2015 by hardtack

[P-man 13,154]

Viv was really vocal today and seemed to be focused on all the drills. He did the little things well (Roos must be happy) his disposal was good, he didn't give his opponent any breathing space and would pounce if they got possession of the ball. He was just more switched on than the rest i'd say. Same goes to Riley and Terlich.

As for Kent, he has class... his reading of the play, his disposals, speed and kick along the wing is fantastic to watch but more importantly he's a competitor and likes to win. I have high hopes for Kent and everything about him says he'll be quality forward for the MFC.

Great to hear, thanks. It will be massive if If Viv can push his case for a regular spot this season.

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

Thanks for the response.

How is Brayshaw tracking? Any chance to play round 1?

stop snooping for super coach Benjamin. i know your type

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

Huge fan of Viney, and I think his game style is not the type to overly stand out during practice. He is a competitive beast, so fingers crossed another solid pre season sets him up to unload on game day and take contested ball to another level

Yes perhaps you are right, but we do have a few who can do that role now as well, as I said I haven't seen him stand out for the wrong reasons either, I am just pleased today when they took the midfield group aside at one point, there was quite a crowd, including 4 ruckmen

[jumbo returns 6,486]

Lotsa love in this thread....

[Bombay Airconditioning 5,860]

Thanks to all who posted training reports.

- What am I missing with Frost: tall, quick, athletic, can take contested mark, can spoil, and takes the game on. I know he's only played a handful of games but I think we are seeing a star in the making with him.

[Bombay Airconditioning 5,860]

- Couldn't help but notice Shannon Boo-urns participating in many of the training drills with the boys. Obviously still wants to be a part of the training environment and among they boys instead of just being the Welfare Manager

He is a Development Coach who is also hoping to play every game for Casey this year, he is pre season training

Not sure why Garlett is in 33, instead of 36, unless they cocked up his jumper as well, hadn't really thought about it

I think Burns not only being at traing but taking part in it is such a smart move. Have we done something like this before?

[Henrietta Lumbago 331]

McCartney is all around the ground, a word here, a gesture there, a good pick up I reckon

They are both professionals

My order at the moment from what I have seen at training, Ruffles might like a go as well - 1.Jones 2.Tyson 3. Cross 4.McKenzie 5 Newton 6.Michie, - Bernie has to get out of rehab,, but then you have to fit in Matt Jones or Bail, do they occupy a spot in the forward line?, haven't put a foot wrong either

Really surprised you haven't put Viney in that group...?

[Moonshadow 16,156]

Great report cohort. Much appreciated. Please attend more sessions.

[Pennant St Dee 11,250]

Cheers for all the training reports TDI, Ruffles and Caligula, much appreciated from a passionate Dee on the other side of the country

[Henrietta Lumbago 331]

Huge fan of Viney, and I think his game style is not the type to overly stand out during practice. He is a competitive beast, so fingers crossed another solid pre season sets him up to unload on game day and take contested ball to another level

Exactly, because if we were to choose a team from training reports, it would seem Shannon Byrnes would be getting a game ahead of Viney.

Viney's statistics are impressive for his first two years...

Average disposals 17.5(2013) & 19.9(2014)

Average tackles 4.2(2013) & 4.4(2014)

And he has played 33 games in his first two seasons and should played his 50th later this year.

[Deez 298]

Thanks WJ, I will be there tomorrow, but I am afraid there will be no further postings from me, whatever I glean from the players from now on will be kept to myself, or those I chat to, to everybody who follows me on Twitter, I will still be posting the pictures

This should solve the problem for the mods, nobody needs the garbage that occurs, hopefully a few others will attend and give a run down on what happened,

such a shame.

I have always appreciated your insight.

If you do change your mind I will read.

Its nice to hear about your interactions with the players.

Thanks TDI

[1 red eye 1 blue eye 754]

Great report TDI, cohort, Demon tux and Demon Jack. Much appreciated. Please attend more sessions.

[DeeSpencer 23,084]

I think Burns not only being at traing but taking part in it is such a smart move. Have we done something like this before?

Yeah with Byrnes the last two years and Rodan the year before

Thanks to all who posted training reports.

- What am I missing with Frost: tall, quick, athletic, can take contested mark, can spoil, and takes the game on. I know he's only played a handful of games but I think we are seeing a star in the making with him.

I don't mean this is a negative way, but he's the typical athlete turned in to footballer. And his endurance is ok but not amazing (which is true of most younger talls who aren't Tom McDonald). But he'll have to work on his kicking, marking and reading the play to beat the best forwards. Size, speed, toughness and competitiveness are some very good building blocks for a key defender though.

[WERRIDEE 5,206]

Spoke to Jade Rawlings today, complimented him on how the backline looks so solid, he even said, he is going to have a problem deciding which 6 or 7 are in the 22, said that was great rather than a problem

Does Rawlings see T.McDonald, Dunn, Garland and Frost all in the same backline together?

Watts and Vince have been in the rehab group for a long time, will they have time to do enough training sessions to be considered for the fist NAB challenge game or are they in some doubt?

Is vandenBerg training with the forwards or mids?

Is Dawes doing any ruck work?

Good to see Gawn doing well as a forward I have him in my best 22 after those glowing reports.

Love your work TDI.

[Whispering_Jack 27,936]

I think Burns not only being at traing but taking part in it is such a smart move. Have we done something like this before?

It's a good move because, apart from playing, Burns has a coaching/player development role at Casey and he's going to be instrumental in ensuring consistency of playing style throughout the group no matter at what level, something which in my view broke down last year although admittedly this was due partly to the fact that there was a lack of depth at Casey to cope with a style of play that relies on running and fitness.

[Dee-licious 1,800]

Thanks for the reports guys.

Looking at the midfield ratings you've both talked about McKenzie, a nuggety midfielder who plays his role. I was wondering where you see our new brigade (Brayshaw, Petracca, Stretch, and to a lesser extent Salem, Toump, & Viney) compared to where he is at pre-season? Thanks,

[Webber 9,982]

Exactly, because if we were to choose a team from training reports, it would seem Shannon Byrnes would be getting a game ahead of Viney.

Viney's statistics are impressive for his first two years...

Average disposals 17.5(2013) & 19.9(2014)

Average tackles 4.2(2013) & 4.4(2014)

And he has played 33 games in his first two seasons and should played his 50th later this year.

As long as he stays fit/uninjured, he won't be shifted from our midfield this year. Players of his physical presence are rare, and with natural improvements in skills, endurance and reading the game, he'll be all over it this year, particularly considering he's going to get more help. That he doesn't stand out at training is of no concern whatever I reckon.