Two umps here. On Friday 13th?

Watts, Vince, Garlo's, ANB, Hunt, Howe, White, sitting out

Practice match! JKH with first goal!

Watts out again. Bring on the Toump for the NAB Cup.

Is Watts part of our future? I've had a feeling for a while now he is just filling a gap until an elite distributer becomes AFL hardened then he's on his way out- feel he's a liability up forward, and down back, didn't want to start a new thread on this and don't want to turn it into a character assassination, just feel unless he finds the want to compete and get the ball, he is on borrowed time..

Is Watts part of our future? I've had a feeling for a while now he is just filling a gap until an elite distributer becomes AFL hardened then he's on his way out- feel he's a liability up forward, and down back, didn't want to start a new thread on this and don't want to turn it into a character assassination, just feel unless he finds the want to compete and get the ball, he is on borrowed time..

...she says in February...

Time will tell.

There is too much attention on a bloke who is now no longer the impetus for our brighter future.

We have other players to ruin, s&sd...

Is Watts part of our future? I've had a feeling for a while now he is just filling a gap until an elite distributer becomes AFL hardened then he's on his way out- feel he's a liability up forward, and down back, didn't want to start a new thread on this and don't want to turn it into a character assassination, just feel unless he finds the want to compete and get the ball, he is on borrowed time..

Not a lot of sweet and plenty of sour...

Competitive match practice was short and sweet, sweet to see come footy again, even at this level.

It wasn't a full match practice as only about 14 per side but it was full contact without the players trying to hurt each other. "Quarters" were only about 5 or 7 minutes and at times the ball would just be given to the opposition. Conditions were warm but perfect otherwise.

The one that impressed me was Petracca. He looked absolutely comfortable in this company, winning contested possession and seemed to make good decisions. Kicking a little iffy but not bad.

Others to do well were, apart from the regulars (Jones N, Lumumba, Grimes, Tyson etc) were M Jones who I didn't have near my 22 but today was good. He has speed, knows how to find it and disposed of it well. He's in the running for a midfield spot.

Max Gawn took some took contested marks and Spencer was involved round the ground. I think Jamar, regardless of his seniority, is under pressure for his spot.

The reality is that the match was short and it was hard to pick out "best" players. And half were wearing green vests covering their numbers which makes them hard to identify when they are on the other side of the ground.

Oh, and special mention to the Toump who I thought was good and involved today. Of course the issue is how many can translate to match day.

Sounds like Mat Jones, Gawn, Petracca and Kent in recent weeks are throwing there hands up for a chance to make the round 1 team. Can't wait to see the debate on Demonland when the first side is announced for week 1

Kent is a monty for round 1 imo

Competitive match practice was short and sweet, sweet to see come footy again, even at this level.

It was a full match practice as only about 14 per side but it was full contact without the players trying to hurt each other. "Quarters" were only about 5 or 7 minutes and at time the ball would just be given to the opposition. Conditions were warm but perfect otherwise.

The one that impressed me was Petracca. He looked absolutely comfortable in this company, winning contested possession and seemed to make good decisions. Kicking a little iffy but not bad.

Others to do well were, apart from the regulars (Jones N, Lumumba, Grimes, Tyson etc) were M Jones who I didn't have near my 22 but today was good. He has speed, knows how to find it and disposed of it well. He's in the running for a midfield spot.

Max Gawn took some took contested marks and Spencer was involved round the ground. I think Jamar, regardless of his seniority, is under pressure for his spot.

The reality is that the match was short and it was hard to pick out "best" players. And half were wearing green vests covering their numbers which makes them hard to identify when they are on the other side of the ground.

Oh, and special mention to the Toump who I thought was good and involved today. Of course the issue is how many can translate to match day.

Thanks BB and yes

Sorry, I'll wait for question time then.

Sorry, I'll wait for question time then.

Or the season...

Thanks for your write up Bob. How was Hoges travelling out there? ("By foot" doesn't count )

I agree S&S, Watts needs a big year with all the pressure for spots, or he will find himself at Casey, a lot.

I agree S&S, Watts needs a big year with all the pressure for spots, or he will find himself at Casey, a lot.

How much pressure there is for spots will be revealed in the first few games.

I am not certain there will be as much pressure as you suggest.

I am confident our list has improved by I doubt it will have made a quantum leap which your comment suggests.

There are a lot of fit boys for a change this year, and all will be training with the intention of playing Round 1, unless told otherwise. How is that not pressure?

There are a lot of fit boys for a change this year, and all will be training with the intention of playing Round 1, unless told otherwise. How is that not pressure?

I am not saying there will not be increased pressure I just don't think it will be at the same level as you.

Thanks for your write up Bob. How was Hoges travelling out there? ("By foot" doesn't count )

I kept a bit of an eye on him throughout the morning, he spent the opening drills and warm ups running laps etc with the rehab boys. Once the main group broke up into their 3 teams for a bit of round robin match sim set up, Hogan joined the main session and just looked the part. He just seemed to play the part of a regular up the ground full forward... and I don't mean 'regular' as a negative... consistent, solid and great awareness for someone yet to play his first senior game.

He also just has this demanding presence on the field, making every opportunity to be a usable option. Also makes sure to show his frustration with poor delivery, think it was young Brayshaw who while under slight pressure kicked a bit of an up and under towards Hogan, which gave all 3 nearby defenders time to react and easy spoiler and counter. Certainly wouldn't want to get between him and the ball!

I am not saying there will not be increased pressure I just don't think it will be at the same level as you.

I think the pressure will be higher for some than others, and Jack will be one that has a lot of pressure on him.

I think the pressure will be higher for some than others, thats all.

As usual time will tell

As usual time will tell

Fairys muff.

I kept a bit of an eye on him throughout the morning, he spent the opening drills and warm ups running laps etc with the rehab boys. Once the main group broke up into their 3 teams for a bit of round robin match sim set up, Hogan joined the main session and just looked the part. He just seemed to play the part of a regular up the ground full forward... and I don't mean 'regular' as a negative... consistent, solid and great awareness for someone yet to play his first senior game.

He also just has this demanding presence on the field, making every opportunity to be a usable option. Also makes sure to show his frustration with poor delivery, think it was young Brayshaw who while under slight pressure kicked a bit of an up and under towards Hogan, which gave all 3 nearby defenders time to react and easy spoiler and counter. Certainly wouldn't want to get between him and the ball!

I actually wouldn't want to be the ball either, when Hogan marks the ball he almost deflates it with his vice like smash!

Attended training. Haven't been to many so hard to compare but here goes ...

There was a lot of match sim as stated by previous posters. I must say, I was wondering where the Demons were training and who the team was on Gosch's paddock, the training intensity has lifted that much.

One thing I disagree with from another poster is that competition will be fierce for spots, including for the first time in years in the midfield. Interestingly, I don't think there were as many standout players as in previous years as the gap between our best trainers and worst is no where near as large as before.

Just a few to catch my eye, observations below:-

- Max Gawn showed some great contested marking strength on a number of occasions. Tom Mac was ragdolled a number of times by Max. I expect he will play deep forward, rotating ruck with Jamar this year. Marking really well.

- We have a number of first year players that may actually be too good to leave out. Petracca has a real turn of speed and has strength/smarts to go with it. Will surely play early on. Brayshaw just does not waste a disposal, not as noticeable as Petracca but again he should play early. Stretch also impressed me today, small but a low centre of gravity enables him to scoop up the ball at pace and speed off. Might get a shot later in the year. Vandenberg is a big lad, seemed right in it most of training but a few errant kicks he will need to iron out to play seniors. Not yet convinced on him yet. The other lads further behind these four.

- Hogan does not like to be beaten, ever. Has that strut to him a la Jono Brown. Can't wait to see him play.

- Newton looks solid, a bit like Brayshaw does not make errors but also flies under the radar.

- Mitchie, I am not sure about yet. Doesn't seem to have enough penetration when kicking long. Just cant see it.

- Viney is a classic. Jones got a free kick paid and Viney pushed him hard in the chest. He is just one way, all aggression.

- Matt Jones. Seems to have developed an extra yard and seems more poised with the ball in hand. Unfortunately noticed Terlich for opposite reasons.

- Salem. Would love him and Jetta in the backline. Kicking sublime and Jets to lock down the most dangerous small.

- Frost. First time I have seen him and he has some real toe for a big guy. Marked, ran past and baulked an opponent at one stage. Impressive.

- Last but not least Toumpas. Looks like he just belongs now. Maybe just taking longer than some of the bigger kids to adjust at AFL level. I expect many Demonlanders will pleasantly surprised this year.

I think the pressure will be higher for some than others, and Jack will be one that has a lot of pressure on him.

I don't agree with this at all and -not having a go - i am surprised there seems to be a number of posters who think he might drop to the magoos.

Leaving aside the issues of being picked number 1 and his lack of intensity last year he was one of our most consistent players. He is also without question our most skillful player by foot and i would argue also by hand. He has also has exceptional vision and creates scoring opportunities.

Given we are not blessed with a team full of great kicks who have great vision and set up goals i think he is safe in the side.

Barring injury i would be very surprised if he does not play every game.