Training - Friday 16th December, 2016

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,652]

Melbourne FC ‏@melbournefc  4m4 minutes ago

The boys in action this morning #myheartbeatstrue

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(I know there's sometimes a bit of banter about players wearing their caps with the peak at the back. But in all seriousness, given the amount of sunshine these players are exposed to, it's probably a good idea.) 

[mauriesy 7,160]

Yes, nothing like sacrificing your face for the back of your neck!

[Nasher 33,607]

It's probably more to do with the peak interfering with their peripheral vision with footies flying about the place. Necks and faces can easily be covered with sun screen anyway, scalps not so much (unless your name is Nathan Jones).

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,652]

5 minutes ago, Nasher said:

It's probably more to do with the peak interfering with their peripheral vision with footies flying about the place. Necks and faces can easily be covered with sun screen anyway, scalps not so much (unless your name is Nathan Jones).

I don't think it's a question about peaks forward or back; rather it's a question of caps on with peaks at the back or caps not on at all.

Anyway, let's get back to training reports...Anyone?

[Domgus Petrogan 146]

Dear everyone,

Don't worry about Clarry. 

He was the standout for me today. 

Hogan was also brilliant. 

[TeamPlayedFine39 8,380]

57 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Melbourne FC ‏@melbournefc  4m4 minutes ago

The boys in action this morning #myheartbeatstrue

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(I know there's sometimes a bit of banter about players wearing their caps with the peak at the back. But in all seriousness, given the amount of sunshine these players are exposed to, it's probably a good idea.) 

Thanks for the updates!

As a baldy myself, I completely understand Nathan Jones covering up the top of his head- burns very, very easily. 

(Ps. Hat backwards so you don't poke a teammate in the eye when in close)

[old demon me!!! 108]

6 minutes ago, Domgus Petrogan said:

Dear everyone,

Don't worry about Clarry. 

He was the standout for me today. 

Hogan was also brilliant. 

Cheers for that, it deserved a double take . 

[rjay 24,615]

A few observations from today...

Crossy is a gun, had the rehab group working before the main group came out. Just professional in his approach, well organised and you can see he has the respect of the players...funny thing, when the players were coming in early in the session Trac (sure he has ADD) was calling for a ball from Crossy, just turned his back and ignored him. A few polite words from Trac...then he found a ball to play with.

The 2 big rucks in development (King & Flip) working with Crossy handle the ball well but both are a bit awkward with their kicking style. 

Frosty is a great athlete, really hard to get away from as Hibbo found out but really has a problem with kicking, decision making or maybe both. As soon as he stops to think he's done. He needs to go with his first option, but if it doesn't come off it may do him in for confidence.

As for Clarry, he worked pretty hard but did get chipped from one of the coaches at one point for not pushing up into the action. They're making sure he doesn't sit back and admire his work. He's still a kid and at times still trains like one...but he is a gun in the making, no doubt about that and the FD will leave no stone unturned to get him there.

Skills look up across the group as far as my memory of previous year goes which is good.

A thought on the np kicking, and I hope 'Sat' gets to ask 'Macca' about this. Just looking at how this session was going, and I left before it finished. Players were still coming around onto there kicking foot so it's doesn't seem to be a rule to kick on np if you are on that side. I noticed a couple of times some quick kicks on the np and it seemed to be when covered on the mark instead of trying to get a looping handball over the top there was a quick kick on the np if necessary in place of a long handball to get play moving...just a thought. 

Edit: forgot this....

Every now and then I would notice some nice work by a player, seemed quite composed and professional in how he went about it...who is number 9? looks pretty good.

Whether Trenners makes it back as a regular who knows but he doesn't look out of place.

Edited December 16, 2016 by rjay

[Quads McTracca 20]

Popped down for a good hr or so. Agree with Whispering_Jack....the Barbie! that onion smell. felt like I was at Bunnings...

Few little points.
Jordan Lewis! ...I already feel like he is going to bring some serious value to our boys this year. The little "Lewis School" coaching sessions that were going on during every break while his group were resting. brings a smile to my face. eat it Hawthorn....

Other noticables for me.
- Stretch is catching my man Tracc in the quads department. that leg press must be copping a beating.
- TMac still on light duties.
- Big Spence also moving well. still has a rough disposal  
- Salem. Such a sublime kick
- Hibberd. Big unit.
- Crossy....could still get a game.
- JKH looks like he needs a few more months of building back up.
- Hoges looking good.
- Wattsy (and his hair) building a huge amount of confidence & swagger.
- The rookies, are all looking like rookies. baby giraffes.  

[jackaub 1,402]

On 12/13/2016 at 9:12 PM, Biffen said:

We've been arguing over trifles for some time.

I would have thought Truffles??

[waynewussell 4,873]

I arrived at 10:00am and took up position on the fence where the players rested before rejoining the action. For that reason quite a bit of what was happening onfield was blocked, but the conversation of the resting players was a real insight to their focus and commitment to the drill. Too much to mention in detail but Gawn, Lewis, Watts and Jones were central to giving feedback and adjusting the tactics to be more competitive. I snapped away with my iPhone, being so close, and I will try to post a few here. In general, the training session was grueling in the already balmy atmosphere. There were many turnovers but I put that down to the growing awareness and application of defensive skills and the clear understanding of the gameplan. The players were going at full pace and the run and spread was exceptional. There were so many standout moments by the regular stars that I will only make mention of those that are on the rise. Oliver is going to take the next step in 2017. In one tackle routine he took on Max, who had no hesitation in thrusting a forearm in Clarrie's face. Oliver hung on like a terrier and Max continued to roughhouse him. Oliver seemed a little pizzed off with this treatment, but he won't take a backward step! Salem is back to his 'smooth-as-silk' best. Brayshaw is set for 22 games plus finals! Petracca will live up to the promise. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by Johnstone's belief, skill and forward pressure. Oscar is looking sharp, more defined and more confident.

[McQueen 17,864]

Does Goodwin lose his cool at all like Roosy and Macca do and give the blokes a spray?

 

[What 18,810]

Surely this isnt the last session of the year?

They only returned a few weeks ago, jesus christ.  AFL footballers have it so easy.

[DeeSpencer 24,784]

No Kent, no ANB as far as I saw.

Rehab: Hannan, Wagner, JKH, King, Flippers, Melksham. Pedda and McDonald for some. Joel Smith and Mitch White did runs throughs instead of the final drills. 

Lots of full ground ball movement v opposition after some lighter drills earlier.

Observations:
- Frost is a hard one. Half the list couldn't get near tackling him today, not even close. But his disposal is a worry.
- Oliver was certainly training hard. Sprinting passed team mates in drills on the spread.
- Garlett's lack of brains with forward pressure continues to annoy me and he's not the only one who seems to switch off as a forward or not quite get the zoning right as a defender. They are working on them and some get it better than others.
- Hibberd seems very good across half back at reading the play.

- Lewis looks well versed at where to go as a mid. He'll often just sit inside and infront of a target down the line. Today was the most impressed I've been by him. Super sharp quick decisions and kicked well.
- Vanders back up forward makes a difference to the work rate both ways, his skills might not be perfect but he works hard
- All of the first year draftees were held out of the final match sim but Tim Smith impressed earlier, the tempo doesn't look too fast for him and Keilty took a nice grab and kicked well
- Viney makes a noticeable difference to the pressure around the midfield. Players just know they can't run around or through him. Frost was running passed everyone but stopped with Viney.
- Brayshaw was heavily involved in several of the drills. His ability to intercept and burst was really noticeable. Some of his kicks were picked off but other times his direct style of play led to getting out the back
- Tyson is just better. Faster. Smoother on both feet. 
 

[DeeSpencer 24,784]

1 minute ago, Petraccattack said:

Surely this isnt the last session of the year?

They only returned a few weeks ago, jesus christ.  AFL footballers have it so easy.

I think they have a 2 week break over xmas/new years which isn't really all that unusual, it just falls early this year. Unlike most of us they can't spend it boozing and eating.

The long break from September (for non finalists) all the way to mid November is a different issue but if they want to play well they better work in that time. And who really cares how long they get off, the 22 weekends from March to September is when they earn their money regardless of if they trained 365 days a year or had 20 weeks off.

[CBDees 3,165]

One person not mentioned was Bugg. How is he looking?

Also love some feedback on Trenners and whether he looks likely to regain the top 22?

[rjay 24,615]

11 minutes ago, CBDees said:

One person not mentioned was Bugg. How is he looking?

Also love some feedback on Trenners and whether he looks likely to regain the top 22?

 

1 hour ago, rjay said:

Edit: forgot this....

Every now and then I would notice some nice work by a player, seemed quite composed and professional in how he went about it...who is number 9? looks pretty good.

Whether Trenners makes it back as a regular who knows but he doesn't look out of place.

 

[chook fowler 19,264]

32 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

No Kent, no ANB as far as I saw.

Rehab: Hannan, Wagner, JKH, King, Flippers, Melksham. Pedda and McDonald for some. Joel Smith and Mitch White did runs throughs instead of the final drills. 

Lots of full ground ball movement v opposition after some lighter drills earlier.

Observations:
- Frost is a hard one. Half the list couldn't get near tackling him today, not even close. But his disposal is a worry.
- Oliver was certainly training hard. Sprinting passed team mates in drills on the spread.
- Garlett's lack of brains with forward pressure continues to annoy me and he's not the only one who seems to switch off as a forward or not quite get the zoning right as a defender. They are working on them and some get it better than others.
- Hibberd seems very good across half back at reading the play.

- Lewis looks well versed at where to go as a mid. He'll often just sit inside and infront of a target down the line. Today was the most impressed I've been by him. Super sharp quick decisions and kicked well.
- Vanders back up forward makes a difference to the work rate both ways, his skills might not be perfect but he works hard
- All of the first year draftees were held out of the final match sim but Tim Smith impressed earlier, the tempo doesn't look too fast for him and Keilty took a nice grab and kicked well
- Viney makes a noticeable difference to the pressure around the midfield. Players just know they can't run around or through him. Frost was running passed everyone but stopped with Viney.
- Brayshaw was heavily involved in several of the drills. His ability to intercept and burst was really noticeable. Some of his kicks were picked off but other times his direct style of play led to getting out the back
- Tyson is just better. Faster. Smoother on both feet. 
 

I'm glad Garlett is facing some serious competition for his spot. He has great skills but is a very lazy player. 

Edited December 16, 2016 by chook fowler

[Fat Tony 5,090]

6 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

No Kent, no ANB as far as I saw.

Rehab: Hannan, Wagner, JKH, King, Flippers, Melksham. Pedda and McDonald for some. Joel Smith and Mitch White did runs throughs instead of the final drills. 

Lots of full ground ball movement v opposition after some lighter drills earlier.

Observations:
- Frost is a hard one. Half the list couldn't get near tackling him today, not even close. But his disposal is a worry.
- Oliver was certainly training hard. Sprinting passed team mates in drills on the spread.
- Garlett's lack of brains with forward pressure continues to annoy me and he's not the only one who seems to switch off as a forward or not quite get the zoning right as a defender. They are working on them and some get it better than others.
- Hibberd seems very good across half back at reading the play.

- Lewis looks well versed at where to go as a mid. He'll often just sit inside and infront of a target down the line. Today was the most impressed I've been by him. Super sharp quick decisions and kicked well.
- Vanders back up forward makes a difference to the work rate both ways, his skills might not be perfect but he works hard
- All of the first year draftees were held out of the final match sim but Tim Smith impressed earlier, the tempo doesn't look too fast for him and Keilty took a nice grab and kicked well
- Viney makes a noticeable difference to the pressure around the midfield. Players just know they can't run around or through him. Frost was running passed everyone but stopped with Viney.
- Brayshaw was heavily involved in several of the drills. His ability to intercept and burst was really noticeable. Some of his kicks were picked off but other times his direct style of play led to getting out the back
- Tyson is just better. Faster. Smoother on both feet. 
 

Thanks for the report. I am a glass half full with respect to Frost. While Frost will never be a complete player, he is one of the best athletes in the game and break away speed is crucial in today's game.

I even wonder if he should be tried in the centre square as a midfielder just for the bounce.

 

[Lucifers Hero 38,985]

Haven't read much about Hunt or Oscar in training threads - would love to hear any news on how they are travelling.

[Satyriconhome 10,340]

56 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Haven't read much about Hunt or Oscar in training threads - would love to hear any news on how they are travelling.

Well Hunt tried to break Jack Watts' leg at training, "I got the ball didn't I"   he is looking better than last year

I asked both Goody and Macca they want a team that can kick both sides to keep ball going forward, non preferred practice will be staying

Col Garland looks in top shape, asked him how he was travelling, first time in four years he is pain free in ankles, able to complete every session

Also Trengove trained really well today said he is now able to do whatever he wants on the field without 'worrying' about his body

More later, pics are up on Instagram  and treat time later Six was there taking heaps of photos

Edited December 16, 2016 by Satyriconhome

[rjay 24,615]

18 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Haven't read much about Hunt or Oscar in training threads - would love to hear any news on how they are travelling.

Hunt is a pest 'Lucifer', in the nicest of ways. He's so quick and willing to get back to spoil & or take the ball away.

If they hesitate or are not pin point with the pass he's on to it.

Will be a real weapon, even more so in season 2017.

Edited December 16, 2016 by rjay

[stevethemanjordan 6,952]

1 hour ago, Fat Tony said:

Thanks for the report. I am a glass half full with respect to Frost. While Frost will never be a complete player, he is one of the best athletes in the game and break away speed is crucial in today's game.

I even wonder if he should be tried in the centre square as a midfielder just for the bounce.

 

I've always been a skeptic when it comes to 'athletes' playing league footy.

Frosty needs to keep things really simple in regards to disposing of the pill. First and easiest option should always be on the radar for him.

I don't mind that he goes for runs and takes opposition on but it's the move after that which becomes most crucial for a players like him.

For our backline to really work as a cohesive unit next year, players like Frost need to know that there is no use taking on an opponent only to blaze away aimlessly inside 50. (Unless of course it is needed at that point in the game).

Hibberd, Salem, Vince, Lewis. We need to be getting the ball into our best users hands. 

Thanks for the reports btw.

Edited December 16, 2016 by stevethemanjordan

[Satyriconhome 10,340]

And yes they are driving Oliver hard,  leadership group and coaches, he is responding really well, joked with him afterwards, Gawny gave him nice forearm across throat, responded with jab to ribs

Edited December 16, 2016 by Satyriconhome

[Redleg 40,219]

5 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

And yes they are driving Oliver hard,  leadership group and coaches, he is responding really well joked with him afterwards, Gawny gave him nice forearm across throat, responded with jab to ribs

I love this kid.