Training - Wednesday 11th February, 2015 at Casey Fields

[Whispering_Jack 30,135]

Midweek training this week is on at Casey Fields starting at 9.00am.

@melbournefc: OPEN TRAINING: There will be an open training session at Casey Fields tomorrow from 9am. #myheartbeatstrue

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

Well I ain't going down there, would mean leaving now, over to somebody else, will leave it till Friday.

[Freddy Fuschia 741]

IIRC there are some good judges out at that part of the world. It makes for some interesting reading to see what views we get of our playing list from these people.

[Freddy Fuschia 741]

No offence to you TDI - your reports have been fantastic IMO.

[The Devil Inside 2,147]

IIRC there are some good judges out at that part of the world. It makes for some interesting reading to see what views we get of our playing list from these people.

Good point, will be interesting to read a different viewpoint, except Wednesday is usually a 'slacker' session

[Whispering_Jack 30,135]

Satyr, you deserve the rest so enjoy it.

I read on the Monday training thread that you felt there was an improvement in both the two way running and the kicking at training. The latter is something that will be gauged better when the team plays under the pressure of competition but the former is something that I've been expecting since Dave Misson arrived at the club three years ago.

At the time, the fitness staff measured the group's capacity to run and the word was that the results were disappointing. We had too many players who didn't measure up and fingers were pointed at some of them who didn't have the work ethic to get up to the level of the stronger clubs. We were told that it would be a three year project and so here we are at the point where we can expect some results - especially since some of our worse trainers have fallen by the wayside.

So I would ask those at tomorrow's session to observe and report on how hard the players are running. Hopefully, we're getting at least closer to the middle of the table instead of down the back where we were three years ago because that's the area, along with improved skills, that can help us move up the ladder.

[bing181 9,237]

From The Other Place (with thanks to Azillolz)

Kent, jetta and toumpas are standing out today, but overall skills are great lots of noise mostly by lumumba and crossy which is excellent to see

[daisycutter 29,616]

From The Other Place (with thanks to Azillolz)

Kent, jetta and toumpas are standing out today, but overall skills are great lots of noise mostly by lumumba and crossy which is excellent to see

any decent scooters?

[hardtack 10,537]

any decent scooters?

Don't they tend to thrash them out in the suburbs?

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,755]

From The Other Place (with thanks to Azillolz)

Kent, jetta and toumpas are standing out today, but overall skills are great lots of noise mostly by lumumba and crossy which is excellent to see

Sorry Bing. Your statement that Kent, Jetta and Toumpas are "standing out today" can be read two ways. I originally read it the way I hope you intended - that they are the star performers today. But you could have meant they are not training and just standing on the boundary line. Was my initial interpretation correct?

[Azillolz 53]

Hey Guys,

I was at the open training today down at casey fields.

Standouts today were Kent, Frost, Toumpas, Newton, Jetta and N Jones

Hogan was running laps as were watts, and a few new players but disappeared by 9:30

Wasn't as hot or as windy as it gets down here in cranbourne.

No Roosy today, goodwin and miller were running the show.

Three groups today mostly, Forwards, Mid and Defence.

Feel free to ask any questions

[Azillolz 53]

Overall looks fantastic, Jamar looks fitter than ever and looks like he can do a couple more seasons,

Dunny's endurance has improved massively and would probably able to do a rebounding role as well, Frost looks set for round 1.

Midfield looks like a tighter unit with Brayshaw and Petracca looking quite settled, Harmes contesting with Lumumba, N jones and Cross, Got belted but had a go.

Gawn looking like holding down the resting ruckman position in the forward line while his goal kicking has vastly improved.

No one was really poor but Dawes, JKH, McKenzie and Terlich looked second rate. while the likes of Vince and Bail were hardly noticed.

Jones and Brayshaw had their goal kicking contest afterward which Brayshaw hilariously rolled along the ground to put chunk off.

[CBDees 3,167]

Hey Guys,

I was at the open training today down at casey fields.

Standouts today were Kent, Frost, Toumpas, Newton, Jetta and N Jones

Hogan was running laps as were watts, and a few new players but disappeared by 9:30

Wasn't as hot or as windy as it gets down here in cranbourne.

No Roosy today, goodwin and miller were running the show.

Three groups today mostly, Forwards, Mid and Defence.

Feel free to ask any questions

What was it that particularly caught your eye with Toumpas? What caused him to stand out? (This question is also directed to La Dee-vina Comedia)

[Azillolz 53]

What was it that particularly caught your eye with Toumpas? What caused him to stand out? (This question is also directed to La Dee-vina Comedia)

For me it was his endurance, he was constantly attacking the ball and his kicks hit the target, during the contested sessions though he tried to muscle his way into it but to no avail, towards the end he ended up running from the contest towards the forward flank to receive the kick. marking was fair aswell. Interesting as to whether he can translate this into game play this season. He has fortunantly stopped watching the play and is now doing it. Probably one of our top trainers.

[Azillolz 53]

Satyr, you deserve the rest so enjoy it.

I read on the Monday training thread that you felt there was an improvement in both the two way running and the kicking at training. The latter is something that will be gauged better when the team plays under the pressure of competition but the former is something that I've been expecting since Dave Misson arrived at the club three years ago.

At the time, the fitness staff measured the group's capacity to run and the word was that the results were disappointing. We had too many players who didn't measure up and fingers were pointed at some of them who didn't have the work ethic to get up to the level of the stronger clubs. We were told that it would be a three year project and so here we are at the point where we can expect some results - especially since some of our worse trainers have fallen by the wayside.

So I would ask those at tomorrow's session to observe and report on how hard the players are running. Hopefully, we're getting at least closer to the middle of the table instead of down the back where we were three years ago because that's the area, along with improved skills, that can help us move up the ladder.

From what I observed today, We can run one way alright (depends on the player) but not the other way. To often in the clearance drills the ones involved in the actual clearance would slowly move up the ground with no urgency. I reckon the coaches are trying to get certain players to move all the way up the ground when we have a clearance from a ball up or ball-in. Chunk was one of these players where he would help the clearance pass it to Toump on the wing and run to get it back around CHF to deliver into the fwd 50. But the players doing that would walk back to the reset which doesn't bode well if we turn it over at CHF. For me Tyson or Viney can fit this role with the other midfielder moving up to lock it in our forward 50. Overall the running is ok, we aren't overly quick but we have much more endurance now.

[Ethan Tremblay 30,861]

Is there any truth they had to train in flak jackets and combat helmets?

[Azillolz 53]

Is there any truth they had to train in flak jackets and combat helmets?

Only when they have to train against Lynden Dunn. He has also gotten rid of that stupid bun

[Ethan Tremblay 30,861]

Only when they have to train against Lynden Dunn. He has also gotten rid of that stupid bun

He must read demonland.

Interesting re your comments about the two way running. Roo's stated a few days ago that during the off season a big emphasis had been placed on it. Maybe just an off day or still putting it all together?

[Azillolz 53]

He must read demonland.

Interesting re your comments about the two way running. Roo's stated a few days ago that during the off season a big emphasis had been placed on the two way running. Maybe just an off day or part of the drill?

Maybe so, I didn't really see much two way running today, maybe because its wednesday which is a slack day, the drill itself didn't require much two way running but still discouraging to see older players walking back to the reset. Today was more focused on clearances specifically from the HBF with throw ins, Jamar did most of the tap work vs Spenser with some players moving up toward HF once the clearance had been made. Maroochedore probably had that influence but with the nab cup weeks away maybe moving toward gameplay.

[Jinty060 66]

I was there from just after 9 to finish up about 10.40. Not many on lookers barely a dozen at the start. First training for me this season and the change in body shape of many is very noticeable esp. Fitzpatrick.

Rehab consisted of Watts, Hogan, Vince (I think I saw him once!). No shows were Roos, Riley, King

I saw Hogan do a few laps and then he heading in about 9.30. Didn't see Garland at all until the end of training (maybe inside) and I saw Garlett (wearing 33) and I think vandenberg at the start doing short kicks to each other then not seen after that. White appeared mid train but didn't see him on the park. Maybe they were in rehab on the other side of the ground?

Forwards did a lot of leading and goal kicking. Mainly Dawes (who looked a bit bored by the end) Gawn, Fitzpatrick, Pedersen, Petracca, Bail & JKH. Gawns leading was good. Jamar & Spencer did all the ruck work.

Toumpas was very visible playing the outside receive and runner. Looked sharp but up close he is a small unit compared to the others, same with Michie.

It was a light session I feel

Last out there were Jamar doing some skills with a coach and Salem doing one on one defensive punching with Rawlings, as well as a few doing goal kicking and yes, Cross was one of them.

There was a group of young mums with there kids at the gate and most of the players stopped had a chat and signed jumpers. Very approachable.

[beelzebub 23,376]

We're not really going to know where we are until we compete against another team.

Thanks for the reports

[daisycutter 29,616]

Don't they tend to thrash them out in the suburbs?

i think casey is well past suburbs, hardtack. probably closer to sydney

[Azillolz 53]

i think casey is well past suburbs, hardtack. probably closer to sydney

The metro line doesn't even go as far as casey, Cranbourne is the closest.

[mdemonski2 403]

Maybe so, I didn't really see much two way running today, maybe because its wednesday which is a slack day, the drill itself didn't require much two way running but still discouraging to see older players walking back to the reset. Today was more focused on clearances specifically from the HBF with throw ins, Jamar did most of the tap work vs Spenser with some players moving up toward HF once the clearance had been made. Maroochedore probably had that influence but with the nab cup weeks away maybe moving toward gameplay.

I suggest that with the coaches emphasis on two way running, that those who do not do this come game day, may get used to their surrounds today! With our increased depth and fitness, there are no more excuses! Hopefully it was due to the lighter day as you suggested mate.

[Azillolz 53]

I suggest that with the coaches emphasis on two way running, that those who do not do this come game day, may get used to their surrounds today! With our increased depth and fitness, there are no more excuses! Hopefully it was due to the lighter day as you suggested mate.

I agree, we now have the depth so that if you don't pull your finger out you get shipped to casey for a few weeks, the only regulars i feel are N Jones, Tyson vince and cross, even then Newton and Michie has the ability to play regular football, Unfortunately in that case we may not see Petracca and Brayshaw as often as we would like. I can see both of them getting spells of being the sub. Toumpas is dying to get more senior action if his work ethic is anything to go by, probably an indicator of how much he needs to work to get games which is exciting to see.