Who you ask? What is 'The Cage'?

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/strength-and-conditioning-coach-rob-jackson-has-helped-transform-the-demons/news-story/f5baa806b3494026410636dd56033611

For those that can't get past the pay wall, Jackson is Misson's 2IC and 'The Cage' is his private gym "... an off-site sanctuary for the Dees and part of his house."

Terrific insight into building an AFL footballer.  Player specifics:

• Viney - King of the gym (no surprise there).  "At stages the Demons had to pull Viney out of the gym, teaching him he also had to be able to run".
• Tyson and Jackson made a pact two years ago to train every Christmas before any festive hams are carved.
• Hunt - tips the scales at 85kg after dropping his puppy fat
• Billy Stretch - told to bulk up
• Oliver - finished his TAC Cup season a porky midfielder clueless  when it came to nutrition.
• Jordan Lewis, at 30, replaced 1.5kg of fat with 4kg of muscle in his first red and blue summer. (now that was a surprise and credit to him for accepting the clubs regime after coming from one of the best)
• Nathan Jones weighs less now than when I got to the club, but is lifting heaps more.”
• The most athletic Demon? Recruit Joel Smith.
• Merge Smith’s athleticism with Viney’s strength and you get Christian Petracca, the explosive monster
• Defender Sam Frost could live in a buffet restaurant and you wouldn’t know it.
• Tyson, Tom McDonald, Mitch King and Daisy Pearce are among the regulars at The Cage, where they can blow off extra steam.

Its no wonder our development was so bad and we couldn't run out games - when Misson arrived he was the only person, now there are seven in the department. Another of PJ's achievements in correctly resourcing the footy department.

 

Edited June 30, 20178 yr by Lucifer's Hero

Or this link may be more user friendly. 

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/strength-and-conditioning-coach-rob-jackson-has-helped-transform-the-demons/news-story/f5baa806b3494026410636dd56033611?from=htc_rss

It's quite incredible the work that goes into all the planning.

That is why it is humorous to see people post on Demonland regarding injuries, such as Brayshaw's concussion.

I think the club has got it covered.

Great to read. This sort of stuff is why top clubs stay at the top. 

I hope we are setting up that way

3 hours ago, fndee said:

Or this link may be more user friendly. 

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/strength-and-conditioning-coach-rob-jackson-has-helped-transform-the-demons/news-story/f5baa806b3494026410636dd56033611?from=htc_rss

Neither link is friendly but I got through by posting in the headline. Very impressive article and well worth the perserverence.

The way Melbourne is resourcing it's FD, Jason Taylor is recruiting, Peter Jackson is overseeing the Administration, Goody and his team are coaching and the way the players are responding with belief, I have no doubt that we are on the cusp of an extended Golden Era in the Club's history!

Go Dees!

Off-site facility gives me the shivers.

I hate when people say things about player salaries or that they're "just playing sport". Those sorts have absolutely no idea how hard it is to stay in shape. Of course it makes it easier when you're being paid to stay in shape but it's as big a mental drain as it is a physical one. Being completely dedicated to staying healthy and avoiding many of life's most delicious, pleasuring vices is a lot tougher than most people think. I envy these guys and the resources they have available but at the same time I would never be able to work as physically and mentally hard as they do, all with the glaring eye of a public just waiting for these young men to do or say the wrong thing. This is why I earn under 6 figures and they're earning in a month what many of us earn in 6 months.

Back in the old days we had "Beamer's Boxing Camp" for 3 days a year....

25 minutes ago, Skuit said:

Off-site facility gives me the shivers.

Touch of The Weapon about is doesn't it.. 

Speaking of the weapon good to see he is back in sport, at an NRL club. 

Good article, love that Tmac and King are in there.

TracTrac is a competitive beast. Viney is not far behind, lets see him lift less but quicker and his explosive speed will be brilliant.