Moving Training Base

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

They didnt do much training. Only blokes going at it all night were the blokes who didnt play on the weekend. Hogan took set shots. Bit of kick to kick.

[dee-luded 2,958]

I have tried to find the thread but couldn't, but I just noticed that the MFC have announced a training night at Toorak Park, next Thursday. See here for details. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-06-16/heartland-training-and-family-fun-night

A while back there was some talk of us looking at Elsternwick Park as a new training base. However it fell over if it was ever really an option at all. I suggested in that post that we would be better off looking at Toorak Park as a training base as it is in the 'Heartland' close to a train station and two tram lines.

Question is, did someone from the club read that and is this a test to see how many show up and weather it could be a viable home for the demons? Personally, being a resident of the area, I would love it.

What do others make of this 'experiment.

the footy ground at elsternwick park is ideally located with many public transport facilities nearby...

but mostly it has a embankment/levy built up, that keeps out prying eyes, when the gates are locked, except from planes & helicopters.

everything is there for development, & the possibility for social rooms as well...

Edited June 25, 2015 by dee-luded

[Je Roos Salem 661]

They didnt do much training. Only blokes going at it all night were the blokes who didnt play on the weekend. Hogan took set shots. Bit of kick to kick.

Understandable given it's a bye this week. In fact most teams would probably let their players do whatever, good on behalf of the players to show up to that sort of thing. Shame I couldn't make it

[Rob Mac...... 604]

Any actual training to report?

As my earlier post indicated Mono, it was more of a very nice meet & greet social evening for supporters and kids than a heavy training session.

Some players would be on the field while others were signing autographs.

It was pretty dark out there with only 2 light towers on! Too dark for me to pick up exactly who was doing what unless they were somewhat closer.

For awhile there were two lines in white & green jumpers. One would try ways to get through the zone/line set up by the other. It was attacking, without resorting to going way backwards to maintain possession.

Goal kicking, stretching, running, handball, a few drills, ways to move the ball from midfield to goal.

I particularly noticed Tmac, Spencer, Dunn, Brayshaw, Grimes, Dawes, Watts, Garlett, Hogan, Howe, ANB, Stretch, Cross.

There were some Casey guys there too.

Coaches, incl. Roos, McCartney, Mahoney, Peter Jackson, Robbo and tons of staff.

Was hoping to see the infamous TDI Saty, but alas, didn't spot him.

Petracca was walking around looking like he couldn't wait to get out there.

The feeling was positive and freindly. Cheers

[Rod Grinter Riot Squad 5,636]

I was critical of the club for their poor form earlier in the year with one of their functions, so only fair I praise them after this.

Well done to the club, I hope the lessons have been learnt and we run things successfully like this in the future, keep up the good work

[Redleg 37,520]

the footy ground at elsternwick park is ideally located with many public transport facilities nearby...

but mostly it has a embankment/levy built up, that keeps out prying eyes, when the gates are locked, except from planes & helicopters.

everything is there for development, & the possibility for social rooms as well...

Would love to see it fully examined as an option.

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

the footy ground at elsternwick park is ideally located with many public transport facilities nearby...

but mostly it has a embankment/levy built up, that keeps out prying eyes, when the gates are locked, except from planes & helicopters.

everything is there for development, & the possibility for social rooms as well...

Spot on dee-luded. The last time I suggested moving to Toorak Park on the thread tht discussed the Elsternwick park move, many posters said it was a logistical nightmare to get to, there was no parking etc. I am not certain if those posters had actually ever been to Toorak Park because it is directly next to Toorak station and between two tram lines and has ample street parking all around it. It is far more accessible than Goschs Paddock by car. There is no free parking around there. Admittedly there is the station.

Anyway, point is, logistically and geographically there is nothing wrong with Toorak Park. It is close to bayside and the inner south east, where the majority of our supporters are based. IF, the government, AFL, us and Prahran/Old Xavs could get th funding happening to upgrade the joint, it could be a super facility. There is room to move as the huge place next door (always been unsure if it was offices or a medical facility ???) has been sold and will be re developed as far as I know.

[Swooper 251]

A VERY light night of training. Almost more for show than anything else. A great night by the club. Plenty of support there and a number of non MFC families showing up to give their kids the experience. Players were wonderful at engaging the kids. Certainly rusted on a couple of little supporters in our household.

Had a chat to Petracca. He is feeling strong in the knee and looks in great nick.

[jackaub 1,402]

Albert Park Cricket ground ticks all the boxes

[dpositive 1,547]

Essendon facilities at the gateway to Melbourne may be up for grabs if WADA and Workcare make findings that the current club cannot accomodate. AFL forced to establish Tassie bombers while Melbourne helps out by taking the site of the hands at reasonable price.

Works for me.

[MadAsHell 4,088]

I'm certainly not against the idea of moving to Toorak Park. But I'm pretty sure it's shared not only with Old Xavs, but a cricket club also, but I stand to be corrected?

If that's the case then we'd need a summer base also. Is it an option to be based at Toorak Park from March to mid October and Casey Fields mid October till end of Feb, or would that just not be practical???