5 minutes ago, Hell Bent said:

I have a mate who always gets good mail from North. They were pretty gutted to miss out on him as he was a father/son candidate and rated him pretty highly,  they were set to use their next draft pick on him and we're gambling on him sliding. 

You can't be a father and son candidate after 80 games! 

Paul was a very good player. Excellent kick, smooth mover. 

55 minutes ago, dee-tox said:

You can't be a father and son candidate after 80 games! 

Paul was a very good player. Excellent kick, smooth mover. 

Guess that's why they didn't nominate him.  Lucky for us from the sound of things. 

19 hours ago, Danelska said:

So, I hear ANB is tearing it up (via the AFL website) - great for him and his endurance.  What about Billy Stretch - where is he at, and maybe its a question with no real answer - can he make an impression and imbed himself in the team? 

One of my greatest hopes with the team is that Billy Stretch can emulate a reasonable percentage of the fine running, ball-carrying and disposal that his father, Stephen, was able to achieve on all grounds. 

Thanks for the reports - they provide oxygen to those of us who don’t live in MLB.

Stretch is a super neat and tidy footballer. I’m surprised he didn’t have more of an impact last year, but I think he might this year - he’s the type of footballer that I expect Goodwin likes.

I reckon Bernie will have a big year this year. He’s not past it. Not remotely. The toe injury he suffered last year affected him more than I think many here realise. I also think Lewis will have a big year (once again). These two still have plenty to offer IMO.

I’m super excited about Spargo. I reckon he’ll prove to be an absolute gem for pick 29.

I’m just hoping we have a decent run with injuries. And Viney back - he’s critical. Then it’s simply up to us, as I reckon we’re now good enough to win more games than we lose.

 

Billy really looks like a player i hope he gets a fair go at it ,not just in and out every second week

56 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

reckon Bernie will have a big year this year. He’s not past it. Not remotely. The toe injury he suffered last year affected him more than I think many here realise. I also think Lewis will have a big year (once again). These two still have plenty to offer IMO.

Agreed on Bernie, anybody thinking he is going to go quietly is mistaken

He is in the best shape I have seen since he joined the club, trains every session at a really high standard

Lewis is just Lewis, watching him coach the players during a drill is a bonus

9 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

Agreed on Bernie, anybody thinking he is going to go quietly is mistaken

He is in the best shape I have seen since he joined the club, trains every session at a really high standard

Lewis is just Lewis, watching him coach the players during a drill is a bonus

Much like Daniel Cross before him, Lewis is our on-field coach. We would not have lost that Freo game last year had he not been suspended. He remains a super important player for us.

 

1 hour ago, forever demons said:

Billy really looks like a player i hope he gets a fair go at it ,not just in and out every second week

Billy's 2017 was enigmatic to say the least. Let's hope 2018 is his breakout year .. he needs it.

probably his last chance

26 minutes ago, forever demons said:

probably his last chance

Why?

17 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

Why?

clubs dont seem to hang onto players for to many years if they dont show enough and then draft others who show junior potential

1 hour ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Much like Daniel Cross before him, Lewis is our on-field coach. We would not have lost that Freo game last year had he not been suspended. He remains a super important player for us.

 

And talking of Jordan Lewis:

 

 

Edited January 20, 20187 yr by Dee Dee

billy is contracted with us til the end of 2019 i believe?

the pressure is on him this year to really 'break out' a la anb last year

to be honest, i expected it to be the other way around in 2017

stretch is clearly an afl-capable player, but whether or not he makes it with us or not remains to be seen

if he is not a regular in the team by the end of this year, he may be re-assessing his options in order to further his career

like others, i hope he makes it as he's very neat by foot

2 hours ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Much like Daniel Cross before him, Lewis is our on-field coach. We would not have lost that Freo game last year had he not been suspended. He remains a super important player for us.

 

Unfortunately it's was a lot of do as I say not as I do. Maybe the slower pace of the half back line will suit him. Adding Lever and Lewis to Hibberd and Hunt means our half backline is potentially very attacking and open. How they maintain structures and pick the right moments to leave their opponents will go a long way to determining our success.

4 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Unfortunately it's was a lot of do as I say not as I do.

Lewis was third in our B&F, and that with missing a few matches.

A few comments, to add to the other reports from Friday’s training  session. Considering the trying conditions, strong northerly wind and high temperatures the standard of skills exhibited was quite high, stamina and fitness levels overall were very good.   

Agree with positive comments made by a number of observers/posters here re: Bernie Vince,  Max Gawn, Dom Tyson, Dean Kent, Billy Stretch, Christian Salem, Alex Neil-Bullen,Christian Petracca, Tom MacDonald, Jesse Hogan all were noticeable for a range of attributes from their physical conditioning through to their determination and skills exhibited during the training drills.

Impressed that most participants maintained an admirable intensity throughout the session which was intelligently managed by the coaching staff. Observed numerous rotations to allow for recovery and plenty of opportunity provided for maintaining hydration levels.

Of the new recruits Bailey Fritsch moved with poise and purpose, looked very neat skills wise,  was able precisely pass the footy by foot and appears accurate over an extended distance despite the conditions. He judged the flight of the ball superbly and marked confidently despite the strong gusting wind. Close by he is deceptively strong around the hips and upper thighs. 

After all the training drills were completed and most players departed for what one assumes was a cool shower. Josh Wagner, Jayden Hunt and Neville Jetta did some extra-curricula work competing in pairs for the high kicked incoming ball. Their positioning/bodywork to spoil or mark the ball was terrific. Jettta despite giving up “inches” was the obvious master.

Observations on the possible ‘game plan’ for the coming season. Competewith strength around the packs, gain possession and clear congestion by handball and reminiscent of Hawthorn maintain possession by short passing allowing forwards time to lead into space to receive an accurate footpass. Well at least that appears to be plan A.

Final thought as a visitor to the centre of the footy universe from the top end, conditions were much tougher for footy than ever experienced in the ‘cooler’dry season evenings in Darwin. Ok will acknowledge pre-season training is not a fixtured AFL game. But training intensity and duration appear to mimic something of game conditions.

In anticipation of a continued positive  trend on Goody’s team performance graph for season 2018. Adios from your northern correspondent.?Go Demons!

 

25 minutes ago, Tarax Club said:

A few comments, to add to the other reports from Friday’s training  session. Considering the trying conditions, strong northerly wind and high temperatures the standard of skills exhibited was quite high, stamina and fitness levels overall were very good.   

Agree with positive comments made by a number of observers/posters here re: Bernie Vince,  Max Gawn, Dom Tyson, Dean Kent, Billy Stretch, Christian Salem, Alex Neil-Bullen,Christian Petracca, Tom MacDonald, Jesse Hogan all were noticeable for a range of attributes from their physical conditioning through to their determination and skills exhibited during the training drills.

Impressed that most participants maintained an admirable intensity throughout the session which was intelligently managed by the coaching staff. Observed numerous rotations to allow for recovery and plenty of opportunity provided for maintaining hydration levels.

Of the new recruits Bailey Fritsch moved with poise and purpose, looked very neat skills wise,  was able precisely pass the footy by foot and appears accurate over an extended distance despite the conditions. He judged the flight of the ball superbly and marked confidently despite the strong gusting wind. Close by he is deceptively strong around the hips and upper thighs. 

After all the training drills were completed and most players departed for what one assumes was a cool shower. Josh Wagner, Jayden Hunt and Neville Jetta did some extra-curricula work competing in pairs for the high kicked incoming ball. Their positioning/bodywork to spoil or mark the ball was terrific. Jettta despite giving up “inches” was the obvious master.

Observations on the possible ‘game plan’ for the coming season. Competewith strength around the packs, gain possession and clear congestion by handball and reminiscent of Hawthorn maintain possession by short passing allowing forwards time to lead into space to receive an accurate footpass. Well at least that appears to be plan A.

Final thought as a visitor to the centre of the footy universe from the top end, conditions were much tougher for footy than ever experienced in the ‘cooler’dry season evenings in Darwin. Ok will acknowledge pre-season training is not a fixtured AFL game. But training intensity and duration appear to mimic something of game conditions.

In anticipation of a continued positive  trend on Goody’s team performance graph for season 2018. Adios from your northern correspondent.?Go Demons!

 

Great summary Ron, any chance we could get Gerry’s thoughts on the squad’s performance as well!  

Without putting words in Gerry's mouth I'd be happier if someone could manipulate Lewies feet and legs to stop him falling over !

re game plans

12 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

...Observations on the possible ‘game plan’ for the coming season. Competewith strength around the packs, gain possession and clear congestion by handball and reminiscent of Hawthorn maintain possession by short passing allowing forwards time to lead into space to receive an accurate footpass. Well at least that appears to be plan A.

...

I wonder if the game plan includes the players behind the player doing the accurate short pass getting into an appropriate position in case the foot pass is a disaster?  (Not being facetious, just hoping such things are planned for).

@Drunkn167 how is Declan coping with the pre-season so far? What group is he training with? I would be interested to know. Thankyou in advance 

19 hours ago, DemonAndrew said:

billy is contracted with us til the end of 2019 i believe?

the pressure is on him this year to really 'break out' a la anb last year

to be honest, i expected it to be the other way around in 2017

stretch is clearly an afl-capable player, but whether or not he makes it with us or not remains to be seen

if he is not a regular in the team by the end of this year, he may be re-assessing his options in order to further his career

like others, i hope he makes it as he's very neat by foot

Billy must correct his running style if he is to make it.  He takes his first 3 steps sideways, before he accelerates forward.  You don't get that much time in AFL level football. 

As he is taking those first 3 steps he moves the ball in hand from side to side, and as a result cannot get a kick off.  It's only when he has "stabilised" that he is able to deliver the ball. 

8 hours ago, fndee said:

@Drunkn167 how is Declan coping with the pre-season so far? What group is he training with? I would be interested to know. Thankyou in advance 

Good mate, real good. He's training with the backline, just came home from a bonding camping trip the backline boys organised for Friday night.

He's looking much better then last years preseason. Took 13 seconds off his 2km PB, is within the top 5 at the club when it comes to lifting weights in the gym in certain categories (deadlifted over 200kgs before the Xmas break) and seems to be doing well.

He also is trying to learn as much from the others as possible, especially Lever. Says whenever there is a one-on-one drill he always grabs Lever to test himself against. 

We'll have to wait and see if he gets a chance in the JLT games but so far it's going well.

Edited January 21, 20187 yr by Drunkn167

1 hour ago, Drunkn167 said:

Good mate, real good. He's training with the backline, just came home from a bonding camping trip the backline boys organised for Friday night.

He's looking much better then last years preseason. Took 13 seconds off his 2km PB, is within the top 5 at the club when it comes to lifting weights in the gym in certain categories (deadlifted over 200kgs before the Xmas break) and seems to be doing well.

He also is trying to learn as much from the others as possible, especially Lever. Says whenever there is a one-on-one drill he always grabs Lever to test himself against. 

We'll have to wait and see if he gets a chance in the JLT games but so far it's going well.

Does he have much "mongrel" in him D167?

I've never seen footage of him play. Not even 1 minute.

On 20/01/2018 at 12:29 PM, Ron Burgundy said:

Thanks for the reports - they provide oxygen to those of us who don’t live in MLB.

Stretch is a super neat and tidy footballer. I’m surprised he didn’t have more of an impact last year, but I think he might this year - he’s the type of footballer that I expect Goodwin likes.

I reckon Bernie will have a big year this year. He’s not past it. Not remotely. The toe injury he suffered last year affected him more than I think many here realise. I also think Lewis will have a big year (once again). These two still have plenty to offer IMO.

I’m super excited about Spargo. I reckon he’ll prove to be an absolute gem for pick 29.

I’m just hoping we have a decent run with injuries. And Viney back - he’s critical. Then it’s simply up to us, as I reckon we’re now good enough to win more games than we lose.

 

RB Stretch IMO does not hurt the opposition. What skill does he have that the other team fears?

He moves well but does not have anything above average speed.

He is not a goal kicker.

He does not possess great defensive skills.

He is not a high mark.

He is not a ball extractor.

Again IMO he is an average player in a group of 40+

He is a substitute when injuries mount up.

 

Edited January 21, 20187 yr by old dee

12 hours ago, faultydet said:

Does he have much "mongrel" in him D167?

I've never seen footage of him play. Not even 1 minute.

Yeah mate, for sure.

Dont know if these show mongrel but these highlights I found show his courage