Went to training today, really good session, mostly the same drills, match simulation had umpires, Jack Viney tackled Tommy Mc again and resisted temptation to face plant him.

Frost is definitely looking at being a forward, did match sim as forward and did goal kicking practice at the end of the session whilst rest were running, spoke to him, feellng really good.

Stand outs for me today Hogan, Garlett, Grimes, Kent, Hunt and Matt Jones, quicker ball movement is what they are looking for with two or three options by hard running.

There was one lovely coast to coast goal with Terlich being the one who had gut run to get himself alone in the centre square and he had options either side.

Weideman and the rest of the young guys did some match sim, he put a really nice left foot step on Oscar Mc to round him and kick a nice goal.

On the injury front Salem had slight issue with knee, same with Watts, Oliver is still growing so making sure we don't break him, Lumumba and Petracca are both a couple of weeks away from rejoining main group, Newton is back jogging, a few more weeks, Vince is being eased back in with his history of hamstring issues in preseason ... all this info from the players I asked.

Will be putting up some pics on Twitter at Demonpk, any questions feel free.

 

How'd #9 fare ?

What are your thoughts on Matt Jones Saty?

From what I have read he has had a very impressive pre-season and could surprise a few of us this year.

Would you have him in the best 22 and what role?

 

 

 

I was pretty impressed by the intensity and general standard of the match simulation.  Our main issue is still going to be hitting targets by foot, but there were some nice passages of play; and the midfield is looking stronger.

I'll eat a little humble pie with Frost, as he looked very good today as a leading/marking target in the forward-line.  While I much prefer him in defence i was surprised by his forward-line work.  His kicking for goal will be a bit hit or miss.

Weideman moved very well, but he needs lots more strength in marking contests.  A lot to look forward to, but he's a work in progress and I thought Oscar McDonald had his measure.  I was impressed with Oscar today.

BenKen ran on to some very good crumbs and used his pace.

Tyson looks strong and was again prolific.  He looks set for a superb season.

Viney was fantastic.  He turned one over for a goal when he used his right foot in defence, but overall he looked a class above what he was last year.  His pace and tackling was first class.  He's been freed up and I doubt he'll tag this year.  

Stretch is coming along nicely.  As is Harmes who did some really good things in the midfield.  

Hunt's pace is an asset and he too found a bit of it.  He butchered a couple by foot, but also hit some nice passes.

Hoges was Hoges.

Gawn was excellent, but he dropped two marks in the goal-square he should have taken.  Clunked the third.  He should really impact the scoreboard this year.

Hulett continues to look a player.

Bugg worries me.  He turns it over with poor decisions and kicking.  He'll get games, but I'm not a fan.

Grimes was good.  Played midfield.  

ANB fumbled today.   

Kent and Garlett did well.  Kent has bulked up, but has maintained his pace and evasiveness.  

And a pat on the back to a player many of us feel is on his last legs.  Terlich was very good - again.  He gets lots of it and today hardly wasted a disposal.  I've been a critic, but credit when it's due.  He's been an excellent trainer throughout summer.

6 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

How'd #9 fare ?

Looks really good.  Didn't do match sim, but is moving really well and looks strong in both upper and lower region.

Thanks for the reports Saty and ProDee.

12 hours ago, ProDee said:

Looks really good.  Didn't do match sim, but is moving really well and looks strong in both upper and lower region.

Yes he did, did the first part, spoke to him afterwards, said he feeling really confident in his body, but one tick at a time.

6 minutes ago, ProDee said:

And a pat on the back to a player many of us feel is on his last legs.  Terlich was very good - again.  He gets lots of it and today hardly wasted a disposal.  I've been a critic, but credit when it's due.  He's been an excellent trainer throughout summer.

 

Very surprised to read this. Do you think his performance merits inclusion in round 1?

Cheers for the reports Saty and ProDee.

Cannot wait to see Kent back in action. 

JKH slight hammy apparently.

13 hours ago, 13thFlagIsComing said:

What are your thoughts on Matt Jones Saty?

From what I have read he has had a very impressive pre-season and could surprise a few of us this year.

Would you have him in the best 22 and what role?

Think Roos is a fan, during match sim he was everywhere, as everyone agrees just needs to tidy up his disposal, I don't have a best 22.

49 minutes ago, ProDee said:

I was pretty impressed by the intensity and general standard of the match simulation.  Our main issue is still going to be hitting targets by foot, but there were some nice passages of play; and the midfield is looking stronger.

I'll eat a little humble pie with Frost, as he looked very good today and as a leading/marking target in the forward-line.  While I much prefer him in defence i was surprised by his forward-line work.  His kicking for goal will be a bit hit or miss.

Weideman moved very well, but he needs lots more strength in marking contests.  A lot to look forward to, but he's a work in progress and I thought Oscar McDonald had his measure.  I was impressed with Oscar today.

BenKen ran on to some very good crumbs and used his pace.

Tyson looks strong and was again prolific.  He looks set for a superb season.

Viney was fantastic.  He turned one over for a goal when he used his right foot in defence, but overall he looked a class above what he was last year.  His pace and tackling was first class.  He's been freed up and I doubt he'll tag this year.  

Stretch is coming along nicely.  As is Harmes who did some really good things in the midfield.  

Hunt's pace is an asset and he too found a bit of it.  He butchered a couple by foot, but also hit some nice passes.

Hoges was Hoges.

Gawn was excellent, but he dropped tow marks in the goal-square he should have taken.  Clunked the third.  He should really impact the scoreboard this year.

Hulett continues to look a player.

Bugg worries me.  He turns it over with poor decisions and kicking.  He'll get games, but I'm not a fan.

Grimes was good.  Played midfield.  

ANB fumbled today.   

Kent and Garlett did well.  Kent has bulked up, but has maintained his pace and evasiveness.  

And a pat on the back to a player many of us feel is on his last legs.  Terlich was very good - again.  He gets lots of it and today hardly wasted a disposal.  I've been a critic, but credit when it's due.  He's been an excellent trainer throughout summer.

Is there scope for Bugg takeover the role that Viney did so well at last year, given his disposal is questionable?

12 hours ago, McQueen said:

Is there scope for Bugg takeover the role that Viney did so well at last year, given his disposal is questionable?

I hope we get to the Hawthorn stage where we don't have put someone into the backline or as a tagger because of questionable disposal - all the hawks are good by foot. It needs to be one of the two key pillars for inclusion in the team - hunger for the contest and ability to make good decisions and good disposal of the ball ( ok - thats three pillars).

( they have one footballer at hawthorn with questionable disposal....used to hang around the MFC changerooms a bit)

One player I haven't heard much of in the last few training reports is vandenBerg, how is he travelling?

12 hours ago, Satyriconhome said:

Think Roos is a fan, during match sim he was everywhere, as everyone agrees just needs to tidy up his disposal, I don't have a best 22   

You had one last year and Matt Jones was a 'lock'.  Not surprised that you're not giving one now.  Not exactly your strong suit.

12 hours ago, ProDee said:

I was pretty impressed by the intensity and general standard of the match simulation.  Our main issue is still going to be hitting targets by foot, but there were some nice passages of play; and the midfield is looking stronger.

I'll eat a little humble pie with Frost, as he looked very good today and as a leading/marking target in the forward-line.  While I much prefer him in defence i was surprised by his forward-line work.  His kicking for goal will be a bit hit or miss.

Weideman moved very well, but he needs lots more strength in marking contests.  A lot to look forward to, but he's a work in progress and I thought Oscar McDonald had his measure.  I was impressed with Oscar today.

BenKen ran on to some very good crumbs and used his pace.

Tyson looks strong and was again prolific.  He looks set for a superb season.

Viney was fantastic.  He turned one over for a goal when he used his right foot in defence, but overall he looked a class above what he was last year.  His pace and tackling was first class.  He's been freed up and I doubt he'll tag this year.  

Stretch is coming along nicely.  As is Harmes who did some really good things in the midfield.  

Hunt's pace is an asset and he too found a bit of it.  He butchered a couple by foot, but also hit some nice passes.

Hoges was Hoges.

Gawn was excellent, but he dropped tow marks in the goal-square he should have taken.  Clunked the third.  He should really impact the scoreboard this year.

Hulett continues to look a player.

Bugg worries me.  He turns it over with poor decisions and kicking.  He'll get games, but I'm not a fan.

Grimes was good.  Played midfield.  

ANB fumbled today.   

Kent and Garlett did well.  Kent has bulked up, but has maintained his pace and evasiveness.  

And a pat on the back to a player many of us feel is on his last legs.  Terlich was very good - again.  He gets lots of it and today hardly wasted a disposal.  I've been a critic, but credit when it's due.  He's been an excellent trainer throughout summer.

I like the acquisition of Bugg and think he'll play a role in our side, but, I do agree that his decision making has been questionable at times.  I've seen him do some terrific things for GWS and then make an error that you just shake your head at.  Hopefully Roos, Goodwin etc. can help to eradicate that from his game as I still believe he will be a positive addition to the side this year.

12 hours ago, nutbean said:

I hope we get to the Hawthorn stage where we don't have put someone into the backline or as a tagger because of questionable disposal - all the hawks are good by foot. It needs to be one of the two key pillars for inclusion in the team - hunger for the contest and ability to make good decisions and good disposal of the ball ( ok - thats three pillars).

( they have one footballer at hawthorn with questionable disposal....used to hang around the MFC changerooms a bit)

If you have poor disposal you are not much use IMO.

Still its only a training run and lets give him some time before we can him.

Hard to believe the current FD would recruit someone who has poor disposal!

Thanks for the reports as always Saty and ProDee

I see in the Murdoch press today several teams had full-scale intra-club games today, albeit their NAB Challenge games are a week earlier than ours, any ideas as to when our first official Intra-Club hitout is scheduled to be?

39 minutes ago, ProDee said:

Hunt's pace is an asset and he too found a bit of it.  He butchered a couple by foot, but also hit some nice passes.

 

I was there for a little bit of the match sim. I was impressed by Hunt's defensive intensity; he has the speed and he was using it to pressure opposing forwards. Hope it translates to game day. 

And while Trenners was still on light duties and not in the match sim, he was joining in the drills before the match and looked to be moving freely. Fingers crossed, and toes.

12 hours ago, DeeZee said:

One player I haven't heard much of in the last few training reports is vandenBerg, how is he travelling?

Really well, like Kent, looking fit and strong, a lot of voice from him at training, got a thumbs up from him as he left the session

There is going to be some serious competition for spots

The intra club is next Friday at Casey, that should show who Roos thinks is best 22

Just a note Terlich has to play out of skin this year, not surprised he is one of the strongest showings in preseason along with Matt Jones

(note to Wiseblood, followed advice from a couple of other posters and put you on ignore, so put it away)

 

ProDee and Saty - thanks for the reports. Much appreciated.

ProDee - you mention that Frost's kicking for goal will be a 'bit hit or miss'. Any chance you can expand on this? Is he a long kick? It seems he's inaccurate from your comment. Is this technique issue that can be fixed? Or is he simply a slightly unskilled defender trying to play forward?

I can't actually recall how he connects with the ball. Or how far he can kick it.

 

1 minute ago, Ron Burgundy said:

ProDee and Saty - thanks for the reports. Much appreciated.

ProDee - you mention that Frost's kicking for goal will be a 'bit hit or miss'. Any chance you can expand on this? Is he a long kick? It seems he's inaccurate from your comment. Is this technique issue that can be fixed? Or is he simply a slightly unskilled defender trying to play forward?

I can't actually recall how he connects with the ball. Or how far he can kick it.

 

Ron, they have him working on it, trying to slow him down slightly, he rushes at his set shots, he like a lot of other players is good on the run where they can't overthink it

1 minute ago, Satyriconhome said:

Really well, like Kent, looking fit and strong, a lot of voice from him at training, got a thumbs up from him as he left the session

There is going to be some serious competition for spots

The intra club is next Friday at Casey, that should show who Roos thinks is best 22

Just a note Terlich has to play out of skin this year, not surprised he is one of the strongest showings in preseason along with Matt Jones

(note to Wiseblood, followed advice from a couple of other posters and put you on ignore, so put it away)

 

I love that the likes of Terlich and Matt Jones are training out of their skins. These guys have to be to get a game and it means that guys who we consider above them in the pecking order also have to lift their game because of the competition for their spots.

I have always believed that when looking at what makes one team better than another - don't look at the first five players picked - look at the last five picked and how they are playing. 

Some footage of Trengove training here.

By the time I arrived at Gosch’s at 10:30 the boys had been training for 45 minutes, so I missed the warm up and drills that followed. However, I did get to see the start of what was essentially an intra-club match (match sim) for the rest of the session. Three ‘quarters’ of approximately 20 minutes each with two AFL umpires officiating, one with curly hair and some other guy.

Firstly, I didn’t sight Dawes, Vince, Oliver, Newton, White, or Petracca- not to say that they weren’t there earlier or were on the other side of the ground. Max King, Lumumba and Trengove were in the rehab group in front of where I was watching, over on the Punt Rd side of the ground.

The remaining players were split into two teams-

Green bibs: Hogan, Watts, Frost, Garlett, Kent, Kennedy-Harris, Gawn, Tyson, Viney, M. Jones, Grimes, Stretch, Hunt, Garland, Wagner, Jetta, O. McDonald.

No bibs: Pedersen, Weideman, Hulett, Mitch King, Kennedy, Spencer, N. Jones, vandenBerg, Brayshaw, Michie, Harmes, Bugg, Neal-Bullen, Dunn, T. McDonald, Salem, Terlich.

I may have got a couple of those mixed up because I wasn’t taking notes but they’re pretty right.

Saty and ProDee have summed it up well. A few other things I noticed:

JKH started ‘on the bench’, came on to a contest in the goal-square and went straight off with something wrong with his upper leg/groin.  He lasted less than 5 minutes.

Terlich was good at buttering up and running out of congestion. A couple of less players on the field seems to suit a player like him.

Garland turned the ball over a couple of times- missing kicks to dangerous spots that resulted in rebound goals. As ProDee pointed out, both teams were guilty of this but I guess the one positive was that conversely they were able to take full advantage of the error and quickly move the ball forward for a goal.

vandenBerg knows where to run when his teammates have the ball.

Gawn continued his great preseason, working hard up and down the ground. Although he may have dropped a couple of marks, he did take a nice contested mark in the goal-square and also took a nonchalant one-hander running into goal on the end of a good passage of play.

Hunt and Harmes were good- they tried hard and although they made a few mistakes they kept backing themselves and taking the game on. Selection for the first few rounds is going to be very interesting.

Weideman uses his body well in marking contests but just couldn’t hang onto the ball today. Hulett shows promise- he is a natural forward.

Viney’s tackle on T.Mac was beautiful. Tommy, as he does quite often, took too long to kick and Viney grabbed his wrist and right hip and just pulled him to ground. Not as brutal as the tackle on Tuesday, but as effective.

1 minute ago, nutbean said:

I love that the likes of Terlich and Matt Jones are training out of their skins. These guys have to be to get a game and it means that guys who we consider above them in the pecking order also have to lift their game because of the competition for their spots.

I have always believed that when looking at what makes one team better than another - don't look at the first five players picked - look at the last five picked and how they are playing. 

You have to remember that preseason match sim doesn't involve 18 on 18. You have more space, and can get away with a slightly errant disposal, that you won't get away with during the season proper. Good luck to Terlich and Jones, but can't see either of them getting a senior game unless we have a massive injury list.