9 minutes ago, mo64 said:

GOTO, if the sub rule was still in place, would Oliver get selected earlier than you anticipate? Highly credentialled/drafted young mids tend to get senior games early on, if they have the necessary class. I'm wondering what Oliver lacks compared to say Brayshaw?

Hopefully, just opportunity. Brayshaw possibly played earlier than Oliver might because of a weaker list overall. 

19 minutes ago, mo64 said:

GOTO, if the sub rule was still in place, would Oliver get selected earlier than you anticipate? Highly credentialled/drafted young mids tend to get senior games early on, if they have the necessary class. I'm wondering what Oliver lacks compared to say Brayshaw?

Brayshaw really is one out of the box regardless, but he probably played more games than anyone wanted him to, due to injuries.

We lost Vandenburg, Viney, Petracca, Trengove, Kent, Salem, and Tyson at various stages last year.  At the moment all of them are available.  In a way let's hope we don't have to play him too early.  We have enough history of putting players forward before their development allows. 

1 hour ago, george_on_the_outer said:

Lamumba and Vince must be very close as both seem to be moving very freely.  Lamumba putting in a 3.9 for 50m.  Hope I don't jinx him because Dawes did a 3.6 last week, and look what happened to him.

Can I just say, are you timing this? Because if so, these would be World Record times...

Also, it is Lumumba.

Couldn't resist dropping into Gosch's this afternoon to see if the rumours about Trengove recently returning to full training were true.

 

H, JKH, Newton, Max King  and Vince were all in rehab although most looked unhindered by their respective aliments and should hopefully be back in full training soon. Newton seems to be moving pretty well at the moment. Still has strapping on his ankle but was running laps with no obvious discomfort. H was doing some 100m sprints. Ran at a good pace and looked sharp, it really looked like he was galloping across the ground. 

 

Petracca seemed to switch between the rehab group and full training a couple times. Had his knee strapped as well (although this might be for his injury last year). Not sure where he is in terms of his fitness and if a NAB Challenge game or Round 1 are possibilities.

 

In the main group, Captain Jones was the only noticeable absentee. As mentioned in earlier reports, today's drills were heavily focused on efficient ball movement. An early drill I took note of involved an in-close game of 'keepings off' where one group would quickly hand pass to each other while being pressured by the other group. 

 

O McDonald and Weideman made a couple blues here where their hand passes were smothered. Frost impressed me here. For a big lad, he has fast hands and can hit a target. He also nonchalantly hammered a 60m torp through the big sticks while waiting for the next round to start. Neal-Bullen also looked really sharp here.

 

Next drill involved the full ground and players leading and kicking the ball to each other around the oval. Players would rotate around the oval as they completed their kick. Players in the forward group would lead up to the ball and then have a shot. There was a great moment when Stretch nailed a bullet pass to Weideman who subsequently played on, straightened, and kicked the goal through the big sticks. Kent, Dunn and Salem all looked especially classy here. For those wondering (like myself), yes, Trengove is in full training at the moment. Looks completely at home with no discomfort whatsoever. He kicked with his right foot. 

 

There was also some one on one training where Mitch King, T. McDonald, Hogan, Hulett and Weideman would pair up and compete to mark or spoil the ball. Although Weideman looked a bit out of his depth against McDonald, at times he showed great signs of his one on one ability. At one stage he completely out manoeuvred McDonald and marked in front of him. 

 

The final drill I stayed for was general match simulation practice. Jayden Hunt looked absolutely brilliant here, he has a real knack for breaking away from the pack with his speed (think Sam Blease but with more muscle and grunt). Laid some fantastic tackles and at one stage completely outplayed his opponent by spoiling his mark, subsequently crumbling the ball and delivering a brilliant pass to Sam Weideman who proceeded to kick the goal from a tight angle.

 

I left soon after. All in all, the group is looking classy and starting to knuckle down for their first NAB Challenge match in 12 days time.

Thanks for all the reports. 

Just now, Cards13 said:

Thanks for all the reports. 

Ditto

Ahem...

 

It’s been a while coming, but I’m finally back on the track. The last month and a bit I really apologise for not being able to make it down - firstly the Aus Open shifted training anyway, and then uni got really hectic. Summer school does that when you try to pack everything into a very short period of time. So yeah sorry for not being able to get a few reports down.

 

Regardless, I’m finally at Gosch’s for the first time in a long time and the scene somewhat surprises, a couple of players are already into their rehab and there’s a few players here and there doing extras. It’s a credit to the work Roosy has done to ensure that players are a lot more thorough and professional in their training habits. It certainly would not have been seen under Neeld. One thing that maybe the club can perhaps invest in is a new cloth – the cloth used still has the old Schwab logo emblazoned all over it. Irrespective, I carry on.

 

Jay Kennedy-Harris is the first player to walk past of those who isn’t doing any form of rehab – I would say that he’s somewhat more shredded than the last time I was here. Clearly the boys are putting in a lot, especially in their upper bodies, from everything I’ve read and seen. Looking further up and I notice Heritier Lumumba in the rehab group – even he’s looking a little bit slimmer than the last time I saw him train.

 

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of one of the first to arrive is the fact that there is an umpire walking across. Can’t work out who it is but that only means one thing – match simulation. You beauty. Not entirely unexpected because our first game is in 12 days, but that also means I get to have a serious look at what Goodwin has planned for us. That’s pretty exciting.

 

So some Billy Stretch’s to get into it. Christian Petracca is having a bit of a kick-to-kick with Crossy and Max King over on the near side. Christian’s still looking fit and is starting to kick the ball around. I don’t realistically expect him to play in Round One to be honest. Not unless he absolutely kills it in whatever NAB Challenge game he’s slated to play. Expect him in the VFL to start with. Put him on your SuperCoach bench.

 

The first drill is split up into two groups, one of them doing a handball drill where they have to work their way past a defender who’s wearing a bib, the other group doing some kicking drills. There’s a couple of things I notice. The first of which is Sammy Frost looking really strong on the training track, which is really pleasing – of course Sammy had his injury issues throughout all of 2015 with that toe of his and I’m really looking forward to him giving Hogan a chop out up forward this season.

 

The other is Jack Trengove. Also a well-documented case in 2014/15, and I’m pretty sure regulars who’ve either gone to the track or seen photos of him circulate on social media know how ripped he is. It’s really promising to see him running at a good pace, using the ball as if he was never gone and backing himself to take on faux defenders as well. It’s really promising to see.

 

The second drill is a full grounder and more or less I’m keeping my eye in on the new blokes more than the ones who were in the best 22 last season. Sammy Weideman is the first I’m keeping an eye on as part of our hopeful future forward line dynasty. The pleasing thing is Weideman’s looking really good out on the track to start with physically. He’s moving around really well after coming off that well documented five-month injury layoff. There’s still a bit to work on, and that combined with just getting some regular game time into the bloke means that Casey supporters will be seeing a lot of him to start off with. Which is understandable and I’m willing to wait.  

 

‘Clarry’ Oliver is the next bloke who comes across over to the far side where I’ve found myself. Early indicators are everything I’ve expected from a bloke who’s been a rather late bloomer, but also one who has a truckload of potential. He does not miss a beat with his kicking. It is probably the definition of ‘low and hard’ which I hear on the regular. If there’s something I question about him it’s probably his explosiveness off the mark, but then again it’s the first time I’ve seen him in full training. I’m now happily convinced I might see him play a number of games this year. Not as many as Gus Brayshaw managed straight off the bat, but I’m expecting Neal-Bullen and Stretch-like amounts of games (so around 10 then).

 

The next drill passes by and it’s a bit of a change up from what I’ve seen previously. There’s four groups – one which wears white vests, one which wears green, one in pink and one wearing their normal jumpers. The aim of the drill sees one team try to move the ball as quickly as possible through the ground, mostly incorporating good decision making and use through the middle. While the other group sits out, they are asked to sprint from the near-side wing to the goalsquare.

 

Some things which are pretty evident – Tom McDonald continues to up his leadership game as he organises the defense, where he also makes some excellent tackles whilst defending.

 

The drill also sees a bit of an injury scare for Dean Terlich, who lays a tackle then gets up relatively gingerly, holding his right ankle. After some consultation with a physio, Terlich is able to jog off, but it’s certainly the last thing he needs as he battles to get back into the side.

 

The drill, irrespective, carries on. Another bloke who continues to impress with his decision making and ability is Salem. He always seems to find a bloke in space, even under pressure. It’s a very special ability he has and I’m hoping that he can make the most of what is hopefully a move to the midfield for season 2016 which is exactly what I want to see. Hopefully he stays injury-free.

 

Additionally, a bloke who’s really flying under the radar as a candidate to see more gametime in 2016 is Oscar McDonald. What I’ve really noticed is that his improvement has been every bit as rapid as brother Tom’s. His running and ball use in this drill is very good. I think he certainly has the ability to win a spot in that Melbourne defense, particularly now that Melksham is out for the year. When you look back at his performance against the Giants in Round 23, I’d back him in for sure.

 

The next drill is a bit of a change up, similar in nature to the previous drill but now much more tightly confined to one area of the ground and split into three groups. Both the group in front of the faithful and the one on the wing are trying to clear the ball either end – the one in the 50 are either trying to kick a goal (white vests) or are trying to get a clearing kick (jumpers), whereas the one on the far-side wing encourages more handball when trying to clear the area.

 

On the near-side wing there’s an interesting quartet – Tom McDonald, Sam Weideman, Mitch King and Cam Pedersen. All four are working on their one-on-ones. The inclusion of Pedersen as a defender intrigues me in a sense, given that a lot of our supporters rate him as a forward higher than even Dawes. Then again, with Frost coming in and Pedersen still (in my eyes anyway) a member of the best 22, you have to put him somewhere. Anyway, I can’t help but admit that it’s pretty exciting seeing Weideman manage to beat McDonald in a one-on-one. As for King, he is regularly outpointed by McDonald, highlighting how much development he needs to get games. It’s a very eye-opening experience seeing the difference between a developing forward and a top-line defender.

 

As the groups chop and change, there’s some pretty ordinary news with the sight of Tom Bugg heavily limping. It appears to be a right ankle injury, and seriously struggles to stay upright when he puts pressure on his foot with his boot off. Bugg leaves the track, his NAB Challenge campaign somewhat clouded at the moment.

 

Bit of a highlight and reinforced confidence comes when Kent pursues a high ball which was kicked as the boys move off to their next drill, and marks at full tilt. Quickly, he then delivers a low sort-of chizzler to Harmes. Maybe not massive in the scheme of things normally but remember Kenty is coming off a hamstring tear which completely ruined his 2015 season, and he’s looking good out on the track. Pretty significant in terms of his fitness if you ask me.

 

This next drill that I mention is a little closer to match simulation but there’s a great big flood of about 30 players trying to get the ball in one half of the ground, perhaps even only inside the forward 50. The jumpers have the ball first and work their way to about 20 out where Alex Neal-Bullen takes a good mark under pressure, and converts. The green vests side works their way up in a far more unconventional manner, which sees short kicks and switches aplenty. In particular, there’s a really good switch from Oliver which is rather impressive.

 

The boys then get into a boundary throw in situation, and what impresses me is Vandenberg winning the ball from a Max Gawn tap, then progressing to work about 60-65 metres to win the ball on the opposite wing, delivering a good ball inside 50. Another instance seems to be bringing out the weird and wonderful today – Gawn CRUMBS a marking contest and gets the hands to Viney. Yep, it’s all happening.

 

Speaking of Viney, he has been everywhere in this drill, collecting seven touches, a couple of clearances and a goal to boot in this drill. He has really taken his second half of the season by the scruff of the neck and looks to be building to an even bigger 2016. Remember, he played 16 games. He missed out on the B&F by just one votes to Vince who we all thought was a dead set machine all season. Viney is an animal.

 

As the sides are changed around a little to even things up (the jumpers have provided much of the play), Kennedy and Vandenberg (who has also gathered plenty of the footy in this drill) combine for a svelte Kennedy snap around the body for a goal. While Kennedy still has a knock on his decision making which has again been fairly evident today, that kind of goal sense will be handy for us this year and it’s enough to see him in my SuperCoach side at the moment – albeit on the bench.

 

Another couple of things I take out of this drill is that Gus Brayshaw looks to be carrying on his solid debut season, and collects around about nine touches and kicks a goal. Hogan (I surprisingly haven’t mentioned his name a lot, if at all) has had a very solid session, and although Dunn manages to get a hand on a marking attempt, Hogan’s cat-like reflexes allow him to outpoint Dunn on the ground. He still very much looks the player he was last season – set shot still on point, and really getting into a really good rhythm now. The only true difference you see with big Hoges’ is his electric green boots which are slightly less fluoro than mine – or so I’d like to think anyway. I’m just hoping I have something over him which isn’t our ages.

 

Annoyingly, despite the boys heading off into match simulation, a combination of my mother returning from the Harbour City and Mernda starting training at 6 meant that I had to bugger off. Nevertheless, I remain very happy with the improvements the boys have shown since I last saw them train in December.

 

Couple of other things I take out of it

 

-There is an intraclub on Friday at Casey Fields at around 9:45 in the morning

 

-Following the Dees/Dogs game at Craigieburn on the 6^th of March there will be a practise match involving the women’s teams

Thanks Tas...some writeup

Appreciate it ( and others )

Great report Tas!

Thank you all for the report

So thrilled for Trenners!

Anyone got anything on Jones absence?

Thank you to our intrepid training watchers for the excellent reports.

4 minutes ago, Ted Fidge said:

Thank you to our intrepid training watchers for the excellent reports.

Thanks to the trepid ones too!! 

44 minutes ago, tasmanlvr said:

 

On the near-side wing there’s an interesting quartet – Tom McDonald, Sam Weideman, Mitch King and Cam Pedersen. All four are working on their one-on-ones. The inclusion of Pedersen as a defender intrigues me in a sense, given that a lot of our supporters rate him as a forward higher than even Dawes. Then again, with Frost coming in and Pedersen still (in my eyes anyway) a member of the best 22, you have to put him somewhere. Anyway, I can’t help but admit that it’s pretty exciting seeing Weideman manage to beat McDonald in a one-on-one. As for King, he is regularly outpointed by McDonald, highlighting how much development he needs to get games. It’s a very eye-opening experience seeing the difference between a developing forward and a top-line defender.

 

I think it was actually Hulett in this drill tasman, but I can understand the confusion because he's a man child and almost as big as Pedersen already.

It's worth noting that Hulett's competitiveness shone through. He doesn't like to get beaten 

Also forgot to mention that Hunt can really roost a big kick too, similar to Dunny. He kicked out following a behind from the goalsquare to about 70m

Here is a nice little update about training today:  

Jack Trengove takes major step forward, but two Dees injured at training

Some snippets:

- An upbeat Trengove, 24, trained alongside his teammates through almost the entire two-and-a-half hour session, before exiting Gosch's Paddock when match simulation started ... Trengove looked sharp in the full ground ball movement drills and received plenty of encouragement from teammates.

- While Trengove's presence on the track was a sight for sore eyes for Demons supporters, apparent ankle injuries to Tom Bugg and Dean Terlich were not.

- Jack Watts was back in full training after a modified fortnight period of rehab, due to a sore knee.

- However, skipper Nathan Jones was absent.

- Christian Petracca (toe) and Heritier Lumumba (ankles) continued their rehab programs away from the main group.

- The highlight of Monday's session came from youngster Jayden Hunt whose superb chase down tackle is exactly why he is considered a smoky for round one.

Very encouraging for Jack and absolutely fab for Jayden!

1 hour ago, george_on_the_outer said:

1 hour ago, FireOath said:

Can I just say, are you timing this? Because if so, these would be World Record times...

Also, it is Lumumba.

 

The times are for the middle 50m over 100m.  So they are going full tilt at the point timing starts. 

Wow! Awesomely good reporting everyone.

Great reports! 

My interest, belief and confidence in this team is usually peaking about this time in February. Before crushing defeats and a big injury toll give way to a round 1 belting . A belting  that it brings in both the start of early signs of winter, reveals how carried away I actually was and  shows just how far off the pace we truly are.  BUT....this year feels genuinely feels different.  Less blind hope and more, at least it SEEMS, reasoned confidence. 

Not counting the established players that I feel we can fully count on Jones etc etc  , there is Kent, Petracca, Trengove, Hogan, Dyson, Viney, Brayshaw, Gawn, Benken, Hunt,  the weed and Oliver ( eventually) as well as the new game plan, etc etc ETC. Just SO many players and things to look forward to watching this year.  I look at the coaches and see Roosy, Goodwin and McCartney...( I cant ever remember seeing an array like that at this club) I look at the admin team and see Jackson. 

I know its Feb and I know I shouldn't say stuff like this solely on the back of promising training reports....(mad) but if my heart could talk it feels like 1987 all over again. 

3 hours ago, Akum said:

Had something dashing through my guts at about 1.45am. Didn't help my sleep.

Don't think it was Gus though. Unless he's changed a lot ...

Sure it wasn't a vindaloo?

 

1 hour ago, george_on_the_outer said:

The times are for the middle 50m over 100m.  So they are going full tilt at the point timing starts. 

Even allowing for being mid 50m, I would be amazed if Dawes could run 3.6 secs for 50m without a cyclone behind him, a steep downhill decline and a skateboard! 

3 hours ago, tasmanlvr said:

Couple of other things I take out of it

 

-There is an intraclub on Friday at Casey Fields at around 9:45 in the morning

 

-Following the Dees/Dogs game at Craigieburn on the 6^th of March there will be a practise match involving the women’s teams

Can anyone confirm this? I'd like to go, but the trip needs certainty!. Not evident on the club's site.

(Ditto the women's game. If you haven't seen one, I recommend!)

Maybe it was Dawes in the Plucka  Duck costume doing the ad where he skateboards down the hill (at 3.6 secs for 50m)

22 minutes ago, small but forward said:

Maybe it was Dawes in the Plucka  Duck costume doing the ad where he skateboards down the hill (at 3.6 secs for 50m)

Plucka has better hands and is less injury prone.

Sorry Chris .... I do like you 

Edited February 15, 20169 yr by Palace Dees

How did my man Cam Pedersen train today? Looking forward to him having a big year and proving that #pedomyths are more than myths.

For those inquiring about the intra-club match, this is from mfc website:

MELBOURNE will hold an intra-club/match simulation session on Friday morning at Casey Fields. 
The hit-out will start at 9:45am.
This will be in preparation to Melbourne’s NAB Challenge opener against Port Adelaide at Playford Alive Oval, Elizabeth on Saturday, February 27 (1:35pm).
Friday morning will feature a combination of match practice and skills training.
The Casey Demons will also hold a BBQ on the day.