3 minutes ago, AzzKikA said:

Maybe family matters over in perth for Kent?  Has anyone even seen him since the break?

I believe i read someone saw he was walking laps with Tyson early last week

JKH has a set shot from 45 and nails it. Fresh players rotate on. Macca tells resting group that three of them were within 5 meters being held up by one defender, "Open it out and good luck!"

This is wonderful commentary Waynewussell. Much appreciated.

It's extremely difficult for the outnumbered defenders, but White has been doing well. Bernie pumps a 60 metre torp when no one presents but Jones runs back, the ball ends with Hogan on the lead. He slots it with a relatively simple run up... However he misses the next one.

Got to head off soon... Kennedy slots one from the pocket. Last play coming up for me... Jones breaks free from Punt Rd wing, passes to Watts at 45... takes the shot and nails it! Cheers to all... until next time

Cheers Waynooooo

Great reporting Wayne

1 hour ago, waynewussell said:

Groups rotate now. Standouts in previous group, Watts, Jones, Wagner. Slight errors by foot... Billy, Oscar. In new group Clayton holds on to ball for too long... a little later he is monstered by Max, but bounces up and gets straight back into it. Bernie excels by foot. Kielty is praised for two great intercepts

Thank for your detailed reports again ww 

I must say I cannot ever recal Clarrie holding the ball too long. Usually gets it off with pinpoint timing and accuracy.  First time for everything I guess. 

If I can get confirmation that Kent is still in WA I'll take the drive out to Clackline to find out WTF is going on.

Seriously though, I hope he's okay and free of injury.

Hi all,

I too was there early from 10.45 so grabbed a coffee from Edwins.  Todd V has a large latte if you are wondering.

I can confirm that Dean Kent and Dom T were both out early with Dom showing fantastic ball skills with tricky shots on goal while Dean was there for the chat but afterwards I did not sight him.  He was in training gear though.

I spent a lot of time watching the 3 in rehab

ANB, Mitch Hannan and Flipper all worked incredibly hard.  If I had to rank them I would put ANB ahead in endurance and skills with Mitch and then Flipper following in that order. Having said that I was impressed with the big fellows physique for his age and he looks like a likely sort.

There was a nice round of applause when Mitch King was welcomed back into main group.

 

 

26 minutes ago, monoccular said:

Thank for your detailed reports again ww 

I must say I cannot ever recal Clarrie holding the ball too long. Usually gets it off with pinpoint timing and accuracy.  First time for everything I guess. 

It was in the context of the drill. Players are required to move it on within 3 seconds... Not a crime in the real game!

Thanks Wussell, you have made my monday bearable

far out I cant wait to see Petracca, Salem, Gus and Oliver strut their stuff this year!

waynewussell, training the house down!

Great stuff WW, love your work.

I went for the full three hours today. One of my first times at training but there was a number of things that really impressed me and I'll outline what I say below.

1) At the beginning of training I was listening to Jade Rawlings telling a fellow spectator that they were trying to drill in to our players that the second they mark the ball they turn around to see there options, almost in the one move. This drill was practiced initially and was expected to occur naturally in every other drill that followed throughout the day with the idea of moving the ball quicker.

2) Skills were reasonably good for mid January and they trained quiet well.

3) Standout performers today for me;
Melksham - THE standout for me, was running hard and fast and using the ball extremely well. Showed no sign of rust and off the back of what I saw today I am confident hes going to have an excellent year for us. Had a lot of the ball in the ball movement drills and didn't turn the ball over once, found a 2 really good long lead's 50m+ kicks to a nice hit up lead.

Hogan - Was really really pushing himself all day and his body looks to have really matured. He finished the day marking against various opponents (Spencer, Hibberd, Tommy Mac and Weid) He was very very dominant in these and even one or two that he never should of got to, he managed to spoil. I think hes going to have a monster year.

Ben Kennedy - Was hungry to show himself. Kicked a nice couple of goals in the match sim (ball movement sim), got the ball a lot. was running hard, creating and using it well.

Hibberd - was excellent one on one throughout the day and can definitely hold his own against bigger bodies. His disposal was really nice.

Hannan - was in the rehab group and he really really impressed me. He has a really nice kick on him, beautiful hands and is just one of those guys that looks super co-ordinated. From what i saw today he will play games for us in 2017.

Lewis - the usual (god he's a beautiful kick)

Max - trained really hard and pushed the group

Watts - similar to max (also kicked a number of goals in the match sim (ball movement sim). Managed to get one of the few intercepts when playing for the outnumbered defensive team and its fair to say he enjoyed it.

Salem - similar to Lewis, his kicking is absolutely delightful to watch. Quite sure the boys were calling him 'Sarge' not sure if thats a new thing or I was mishearing but seems appropriate.

Weid - Wasn't able to win a 1v1 in the same company as i mentioned Jesse was in earlier at the end of training but impressed me throughout. He was using the ball very well in ball movement drills.

4) Negatives? 
There weren't many. I love christian petracca but it was interesting that at one point when it was his turn to play the defensive role he didnt put in much effort and Macca yelled at him "you are letting the team down by not defending to the best of your ability" It was obvious this [censored] him off a bit but it was good. The boys were really challenging him to get the most out of himself in the running as well. I think we will see the best of christian when he drives himself to get there more, which I have no doubt he will.

Happy to answer any questions if you have any!
 

33 minutes ago, deeznutz said:

4) Negatives? 
There weren't many. I love christian petracca but it was interesting that at one point when it was his turn to play the defensive role he didnt put in much effort and Macca yelled at him "you are letting the team down by not defending to the best of your ability" It was obvious this [censored] him off a bit but it was good. The boys were really challenging him to get the most out of himself in the running as well. I think we will see the best of christian when he drives himself to get there more, which I have no doubt he will.
 

Jesus I love Macca.

I was there for the full 3 hours as well. I found today's session more taxing than the one a week ago and a higher intensity. Then add the warmer day and what appeared a higher expectation from the assistant coaches and it was definitely on another level. Fast movement of the ball, get back quick, take first option and hard spread both ways were the clear focus. 

Standouts for me today were Hunt, Melksham and Wagner, who all worked at consistently high intensity and won and executed with the ball clinically. Tim Smith also stood out with some strong forward play and clinical goal kicking in the full ground drill. 

Just to add to the earlier comment on Trac, he really struggles to stay switched on during the full session particularly when he doesn't have the ball. Additionally he continues to try and do more than he needs to and was critiqued numerous times for not taking the simple option. Reading Macca's player updates on the MFC site it is going to be an interesting balancing act getting his team play versus flair right this year. 

Also overheard twice that the intra club practice match will be Friday Feb 10 at Olympic Park Oval (no time mentioned but suspect similar to training).

 

Great reports guys.  Thank you.  Seems the cultural evolution continues unabated. Regardless of what happens this season, I get the feeling watching the Dees will be far more enjoyable than in recent years.   ............ Wouldn't be hard to surpass recent years though.

 

 

6 minutes ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

I was there for the full 3 hours as well I found todays session more taxing than the one a week ago and a higher intensity. Then add the warmer day and what appeared a higher expectation from the assistant coaches and it was definitely on another level. Fast movement of the ball, get back quick, take first option and hard spread both ways was a clear focus. 

Standouts for me today were Hunt, Melksham and Wagner. Smith also stood out with some strong forward play and clinical goal kicking in the full ground drill. 

Just to add to the earlier comment on Trac he really struggles to stay switched on during the full session particularly when he doesn't have the ball. Additionally he continues to try and do more than he needs to and was critiqued numerous times for not taking the simple option. Reading Macca's player updates on the MFC site it is going to be a interesting balancing act getting his team play versus flair right this year. 

Which Smith?

Just now, Vogon Poetry said:

Which Smith?

Tim. 

14 minutes ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

Tim. 

I reckon Tim Smith is going to be our Jack Redpath. 

3 hours ago, AzzKikA said:

Maybe family matters over in perth for Kent?  Has anyone even seen him since the break?

I think you'll find that Kent is having some issues with his back.

1 hour ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

I was there for the full 3 hours as well. I found today's session more taxing than the one a week ago and a higher intensity. Then add the warmer day and what appeared a higher expectation from the assistant coaches and it was definitely on another level. Fast movement of the ball, get back quick, take first option and hard spread both ways were the clear focus. 

Standouts for me today were Hunt, Melksham and Wagner, who all worked at consistently high intensity and won and executed with the ball clinically. Tim Smith also stood out with some strong forward play and clinical goal kicking in the full ground drill. 

Just to add to the earlier comment on Trac, he really struggles to stay switched on during the full session particularly when he doesn't have the ball. Additionally he continues to try and do more than he needs to and was critiqued numerous times for not taking the simple option. Reading Macca's player updates on the MFC site it is going to be an interesting balancing act getting his team play versus flair right this year. 

Also overheard twice that the intra club practice match will be Friday Feb 10 at Olympic Park Oval (no time mentioned but suspect similar to training).

 

No praccy match may be under lights or so I have been told   ie evening to avoid heat

3 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

No praccy match may be under lights or so I have told   ie evening to avoid heat

Brilliant if true.

PF Training report 

Arrived at 10.30 and Fillipovic, Hannan and Neal Bullen in rehab group taken by Crossy and others

1st impressions Fillipovic reminded me of Juice Newton in physique ( There, got that one outa the way), Hannan bigger than expected but really Neal Bullen won't be in rahab long as his skilled ball work and fitness were evident and sublime.

Earlier Tyson and Kent ran some laps interpersed with rests and stretches, Tyson ( NO TAPE on knee or ankle eviden)t. Both kicking balls latter but went inside as main groups arrive. 

Training as intense and varied as I have seen 2 and a half hour plus session with plenty of ball work interspersed with some gut running.

OBSERVATIONS 

1 Drills set so that correct decision making gets rewarded with fluent and precise set ups for loose man who then sets up scoring opportunity

2 Specifically I was near punt rd fence and one drill conisted of 70r 8 againast 5 with pressure on ball carrier to be precise in executing correct option for handball

3 The variation of this was that colored shirts Blue, Green Orange White used so that the players had to pinpiont  a deignated shirt color in sequence and produce correct play. This I believe simulates match conditions where variable options for attack are called for. Macca at one stage instructed players to set up in a V delta so as to have options. He also said if anyone fumbles you must go in and assist teammate

4 Another drill using half the ground and again variations of zone defence in colored shirts vs Blue shirts setting up scoring options. This was very good and really again tested positioning quick ball movement and correct options undr pressure. In fact all traing drills had a random component with pressure and correct options and hard running to position.

 PLAYERS a few random selections

Hibberd , I would hate to run into him in a dark alley fearsome physique reminding me of one Byron Picket several axe handles across the chest and with quickness, skills and GRUNT

Melksham, another great pick up. elusive quick and makes good decsions.

Lewis usual self assured performance very good pick up

Ben Ken, Clarry Choo, Choo Clearance machine, Watts, Hogan, Stretch , Smith, Harmes, Jones all very very good Gawn customary and new recruits all look good sizes with physiques which look AFL Ready. This is a good thing, No more easily brushed of the ball players. Petracca has an "Odd" Physique very low centre of Gravity which explains why he keeps his feet in contests. Nev Jetta gee he reads the play so well!. Wagner also came under notice with some good ball usage and attack.

Players look fit strong and able!!

A few negatives ( well I have to say it and anyone else who was there would back this up). Trengove is cooked !!several times he appeared in drills to be running on the spot with no acceleration and pace seems to have gone. A pity really! Tom Mac makes skill errors in drills so no surprise in a game for mine! 

I believe the focus has changed with more emphasis on correct positioning, correct disposal options and upgraded skill development. We also look very fit! An over 2.30 hour intensive session in the heat and I saw little signs of fatigue!

Go DEES 

Yours PF 

Happy to engage in dialogue fellow Demonlanders'

On Hannan, I was watching him kick goals with both feet the other day, thought his non preferred was the left but asked him and he said right   didn't miss with either foot  scary