Jump to content

Featured Replies

30 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

Frost and Keilty can both go forward for Casey, Keilty wasn't there today, and depending who is picked for AFL, Casey should have enough tall timber for Frost to play in defence

I haven't seen Declan or Frosty train with the forward coaches (doesn't mean they haven't ). Frosty was kicking some good goals at training today. I think he would be useful up forward, size, speed and defensive pressure. Declan also has mainly trained with the backs but I think he is a very flexible player. We haven't seen him in the big show yet, there are a few in the same box. Plenty of pressure for spots in the team. In AFL history there haven't been many switch players, usually picked and play forward or back. Could be another Goody innovation regular exchanges through the backs and forwards.   

 
18 minutes ago, Brownie said:

Thanks to @kevin martin and @Dee Zephyr for the reports.
I'm really interested in the midfield drills. We have the best ruckman in the comp and we've been slaughtered in the midfield the last two weeks. You mentioned that Max played a slightly different role in the drills. Did there seem to be a particular focus on the taps and clearance work at the session? Cheers

Always plenty of ruck drills with the mids. Often not with a strong defensive role. Today they did the stoppages with a bit more pressure and opposition around the drop area. Max has a beautiful relationship with Jack Viney. It was on display at training today, great taps to a fast moving rover. I think Jacks season is building and we will start getting the better of clearances even against the stronger sides. We need to handle the pressure from the opposition much better. I think it was where Collingwood got the better of us. That is why they are using blocks and sheppards to create space, make overlaps and ease the oppositions pressure.

17 minutes ago, kevin martin said:

I haven't seen Declan or Frosty train with the forward coaches (doesn't mean they haven't ). Frosty was kicking some good goals at training today. I think he would be useful up forward, size, speed and defensive pressure. Declan also has mainly trained with the backs but I think he is a very flexible player. We haven't seen him in the big show yet, there are a few in the same box. Plenty of pressure for spots in the team. In AFL history there haven't been many switch players, usually picked and play forward or back. Could be another Goody innovation regular exchanges through the backs and forwards.   

I'm in a very small minority I know, but I think Frosty's well worth another try up forward. His attributes coupled with Hoges and TMac would make us near impossible to defend against. I don't think the right dynamic was there when he played forward previously and his pace on the back of the other 2 running their defenders around is quite appealing. To me anyway.

 
1 hour ago, 640MD said:

Can only agree.   Great to hear he was training with the main group again 

he deserves a good bit of luck for s change

It really is going to be an example of an enormous haul against the odds for Vanders to make his body stand up to a team selection in the ones. G&D, persistence, focus and resolve. A bit like the way The Ox return from devastating injuries a decade or so, ago. We should all be very proud of Vanders for this effort and hope that his luck changes for the better. I'd love to see him play again and I think, this time, he will be solid as a rock as a benchmark of his endeavours.

51 minutes ago, kevin martin said:

I think Jacks season is building and we will start getting the better of clearances even against the stronger sides. We need to handle the pressure from the opposition much better. I think it was where Collingwood got the better of us. That is why they are using blocks and sheppards to create space, make overlaps and ease the oppositions pressure.

Incredibly important and it will maximise Max's maxims to the max. These types of clearance opportunities will be icing on the cake for the best ruckman in the AFL. Rucking does involve roving crumbers, blocks and shepherds from the team - not just taps and hopes to get it right, next time for an effective clearance. 


7 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

 

Good luck with selection as some of the players pushing for a spot this week were certainly a highlight. T Smith and Frost very clean and strong with marking. Interestingly, Frost was used as a leading forward in some drills and was excellent overhead and kicked accurately from distance. He took J Smith to school a few times one on one.

 

Happy to answer any questions as best I can. 

Could Frost be a surprise selection up forward to replace Pedo?

5 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Not sure how close to selection Baker is but I did notice him in the midfield group along with Stretch during the centre square drills with the regulars.  It looked like those 2 were being used as the outlets from stoppages at times. 

Now that does make one think. Using Baker and Stretch as team clearers/just outside stoppages, etc.

Some good chemistry will be needed but it does seem a move in the correct direction.

It almost releases Jones and Viney from some of that responsibility to focus on subsequent ball carriage/disposal matters.

It could relieve Jones of what are now more onerous recovery demands between bursts and perhaps, replacing Vince and/or Lewis as flankers - removing a 'slowing down' from the playmaking outset. There seems to be a chain of thought and our impressive movement linked to this idea that might well be exploited by the whole team.

1 hour ago, WERRIDEE said:

Could Frost be a surprise selection up forward to replace Pedo?

I pray to God no.

Pedersen isn't an AFL quality key forward, but it won't be Frost replacing him.  

 
  • Author
2 hours ago, Brownie said:

Thanks to @kevin martin and @Dee Zephyr for the reports.
I'm really interested in the midfield drills. We have the best ruckman in the comp and we've been slaughtered in the midfield the last two weeks. You mentioned that Max played a slightly different role in the drills. Did there seem to be a particular focus on the taps and clearance work at the session? Cheers

Kevin pretty much covered it with his response to you Brownie. 

My initial thought on seeing Max as a mid in the centre bounce drills was to just block/restrict some of our regular mids from getting the ball. 

 

  • Author
1 hour ago, WERRIDEE said:

Could Frost be a surprise selection up forward to replace Pedo?

Personally Werridee, I’d be very surprised if Frost came in and played as a forward. Bull was just as impressive early in the session with the slippery ball. At least both are giving themselves every opportunity for a recall.


32 minutes ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Personally Werridee, I’d be very surprised if Frost came in and played as a forward. Bull was just as impressive early in the session with the slippery ball. At least both are giving themselves every opportunity for a recall.

I’d reckon Frosty would be #4 in the queue.  Smith = Weids> Pedo> Frost.  Frost has played 1 1/2 quarters forward.  Not enough of an audition for mine.

  • Author
6 minutes ago, buck_nekkid said:

I’d reckon Frosty would be #4 in the queue.  Smith = Weids> Pedo> Frost.  Frost has played 1 1/2 quarters forward.  Not enough of an audition for mine.

Fair enough buck. When i was leaving training I  did take a look back and noticed Weid was the only left on the track talking to two people. I couldn’t identify if they were coaches or trainers/physios from the distance. I thought he might get included this week and hope he didn’t suffer some sort of niggle. Simply an observation though.

9 hours ago, SFebey said:

Thanks for your efforts @Dee Zephyr

Happy to hear they practised the switch, this is one thing that stands out a mile when we play the better sides, we get pressured then either lose confidence or go the safe option every time, we need to keep the switch on as its our strength. It happened clearly in Tigers and Pies games where we went into our shells and didn't switch.

Interesting to hear Frost was training up forward, I wonder why? Apparently he played some time forward at Casey recently, could it be Frost for Pedersen perhaps?

 

He played forward last week, I believe, VFL.

Had a beauty of a kick, to a teammate inside 50, at CHF,,, surrounded by opposition.. pinpoint.

6 hours ago, Is Dom Is Good said:

Goodwin isn't afraid to back the young guys in.

Would not be surprised in the slightest if Petty is selected and I'd also back him in to perform well.

I think Petty will be an In, for his height match up, and his intercept skills.   Oscar may need some help with Dixon.

I reckon Tyson may get a nod to come in.

And possibly Garlett as well.

 

IMO, we 'played tired', last week.

I called for a few players to be rested, against Crows, or Dogs games.   I think we payed for that on the Q/B game.

10 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Arrived around 10am and the session was just about in full swing. I’ll try my best as my fingers are frozen. 

The first thing I noticed was no rehab group. Lever, Hunt and Maynard the obvious absentees. Kent a no show also but overhead he might be lining up at Casey this week and was to train with them.

Great to see McKenna and Vanders in the main group with the latter looking really sharp and vocal. I was surprised to see Vanders move as well as he did. 

A lot of encouragement throughout the session and it was a solid hitout. A lot of short drills in duration but no lack of intensity. 

To me it looked like the session was built up around rapid ball movement and frequent switching with players supporting the receivers for options. Skills were very good in somewhat slippery conditions. 

Good luck with selection as some of the players pushing for a spot this week were certainly a highlight. T Smith and Frost very clean and strong with marking. Interestingly, Frost was used as a leading forward in some drills and was excellent overhead and kicked accurately from distance. He took J Smith to school a few times one on one.

A drill I found interesting was one of the centre square setups. I believe it was Filipovic used as the ruck with Max used as a blocking midfielder and his opponents had to find their way around him and win the ball. He didn’t let up on them.

Another Max highlight was his 50 metre chase on Baker. He didn’t catch him but never gave up and was actually gaining on him by the end. Everyone around us commented at the effort that Max put in. That’s what you want to see from your leaders even if it’s just a training session. Brilliant work.

Dion Johnstone was very good with his kicking and it was good to see him up close. Hopefully he gets a chance soon, I liked what I saw.

I am a Tyson fan and want him back in the side but unsure if it will be this week. Looks bereft of confidence especially with his kicking. Missed a few targets where other players hit theirs. 

Towards the end of the session Jesse, Weid, Pedersen and T Mac were having the ball kicked to them and competing one on one. They swapped over every kick with each winning their fair share of contests.

The other forwards, Melksham, Fritsch, Bugg, Garlett, Spargo and Hannan were setup around the goal square. A kick would come in and one of them had to deliberately tap the ball to ground whilst the others would try to rove it or pick it up cleanly from the deck. Garlett was very clean and smart around goals. A couple of times he kicked the ball off the ground truly  as his opponents were too close for him to pick it up. 

Didnt see much of the defenders drills as they were on the other side of the ground so apologies for that. It was basically a full squad out there and impossible to keep track of all.

Trac ran some solid laps after the session was finished.

Happy to answer any questions as best I can. 

Thanks ...  great report.

Any sign of Tim Smith?  Presumably recovered from whatever injury he had, but maybe back to Casey for him?

Would that indicate that Weideman is the front runner for the third tall forward / relief ruck spot?

3 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

It really is going to be an example of an enormous haul against the odds for Vanders to make his body stand up to a team selection in the ones. G&D, persistence, focus and resolve. A bit like the way The Ox return from devastating injuries a decade or so, ago. We should all be very proud of Vanders for this effort and hope that his luck changes for the better. I'd love to see him play again and I think, this time, he will be solid as a rock as a benchmark of his endeavours.

IF the poor guy (VDB)  gets back he will no doubt play with incredible intensity to try to atone for what he has missed out on.  Good luck to him ... he deserves a stroke of good luck.

 


4 hours ago, kevin martin said:

I haven't seen Declan or Frosty train with the forward coaches (doesn't mean they haven't ). Frosty was kicking some good goals at training today. I think he would be useful up forward, size, speed and defensive pressure. Declan also has mainly trained with the backs but I think he is a very flexible player. We haven't seen him in the big show yet, there are a few in the same box. Plenty of pressure for spots in the team. In AFL history there haven't been many switch players, usually picked and play forward or back. Could be another Goody innovation regular exchanges through the backs and forwards.   

I think they are playing Frosty forward atmo,,,  possibly a list management thing. To workout what to do at seasons end, Re him and Pedo, and our selections, this year.

4 hours ago, FireInTheBelly said:

I'm in a very small minority I know, but I think Frosty's well worth another try up forward. His attributes coupled with Hoges and TMac would make us near impossible to defend against. I don't think the right dynamic was there when he played forward previously and his pace on the back of the other 2 running their defenders around is quite appealing. To me anyway.

I agree FITB.

Frosty was not mature enough for forward work a couple of years back, and he didn't have the confidence that a couple more years can deliver a person.

 He has now had a few years in the system and is maturing. physically/mentally.

He could Yet become a forward follower, and he has the Ssspeed and mobility, to do the role TMc and Pedo have done before him.  But he must start to take Strong marks around the ground, and inside Packs...  has to crash packs.

Nobody should mention our training at trying to block, to give our mids more space, because if we do we will get an extra 15 to 20 free kicks paid against us on match night this Friday........

3 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

It really is going to be an example of an enormous haul against the odds for Vanders to make his body stand up to a team selection in the ones. G&D, persistence, focus and resolve. A bit like the way The Ox return from devastating injuries a decade or so, ago. We should all be very proud of Vanders for this effort and hope that his luck changes for the better. I'd love to see him play again and I think, this time, he will be solid as a rock as a benchmark of his endeavours.

Its really only the one injury, that has curtailed him mainly;,, a serious injury, a fracture to the heel.  It's taken him a long time to get that one injury right.  With a couple of other niggles around it, around the same timeframe.

6 minutes ago, willmoy said:

Nobody should mention our training at trying to block, to give our mids more space, because if we do we will get an extra 15 to 20 free kicks paid against us on match night this Friday........

willmoy - it is at Adelaide Oval so there will be a massive discrepancy by default.

  • Author
21 minutes ago, monoccular said:

Thanks ...  great report.

Any sign of Tim Smith?  Presumably recovered from whatever injury he had, but maybe back to Casey for him?

Would that indicate that Weideman is the front runner for the third tall forward / relief ruck spot?

 

 

Bull trained strongly and wasn’t hindered at all mono. Weid was talking to a couple of staff members on the ground after most had made their way back to AAMI. Couldn’t tell if they were coaches or trainers. Hopefully it was some advice rather than talk of a niggle. I didn’t see him compete in any ruck work today. Maybe @kevin martin noticed him in ruck drills.

Edited by Dee Zephyr


18 hours ago, SFebey said:

Thanks for your efforts @Dee Zephyr

Happy to hear they practised the switch, this is one thing that stands out a mile when we play the better sides, we get pressured then either lose confidence or go the safe option every time, we need to keep the switch on as its our strength. It happened clearly in Tigers and Pies games where we went into our shells and didn't switch.

Interesting to hear Frost was training up forward, I wonder why? Apparently he played some time forward at Casey recently, could it be Frost for Pedersen perhaps?

 

Can't agree more SF.  In addition we failed to hit up free players in either pocket with the short kick from the goal square and/or play on from the goal square.

This meant we mostly bombed it to defensive 50 arc playing right into the hands of Collinwood's hard press and tall marking brigade like Cox and Grundy.  This allowed the Pies to deliver the ball from a more dangerous 50 meter area more often putting more pressure on our backs instead of from 70/80 if we took the outlet kick or played on from the square.  It also meant that even if we managed to get it over the boundary it was often happening 20 / 30 meters closer to Collingwood's goal.

Our defence last week was fairly shizen all round and needs addressing.

Edited by Rusty Nails

 
11 hours ago, willmoy said:

Nobody should mention our training at trying to block, to give our mids more space, because if we do we will get an extra 15 to 20 free kicks paid against us on match night this Friday........

Would hate to admit that this is correct, given the equal playing field presented to all teams by the AFL and its umpiring preparation prior to an allocated game. 

15 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

Could Frost be a surprise selection up forward to replace Pedo?

I think we've come to the conclusion that Frost is not the option forward. Now why did we think that before and if we are wrong, what has changed to suggest it now ???


Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

Featured Content

  • REPORT: West Coast

    On a night of counting, Melbourne captain Max Gawn made sure that his contribution counted. He was at his best and superb in the the ruck from the very start of the election night game against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium, but after watching his dominance of the first quarter and a half of the clash evaporate into nothing as the Eagles booted four goals in the last ten minutes of the opening half, he turned the game on its head, with a ruckman’s masterclass in the second half.  No superlatives would be sufficient to describe the enormity of the skipper’s performance starting with his 47 hit outs, a career-high 35 possessions (22 of them contested), nine clearances, 12 score involvements and, after messing up an attempt or two, finally capping off one of the greatest rucking performances of all time, with a goal of own in the final quarter not long after he delivered a right angled pass into the arms of Daniel Turner who also goaled from a pocket (will we ever know if the pass is what was intended). That was enough to overturn a 12 point deficit after the Eagles scored the first goal of the second half into a 29 point lead at the last break and a winning final quarter (at last) for the Demons who decided not to rest their champion ruckman at the end this time around. 

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • PREGAME: Hawthorn

    The Demons return to the MCG to take on the High Flying Hawks on Saturday Afternoon. Hawthorn will be aiming to consolidate a position in the Top 4 whilst the Dees will be looking to take a scalp and make it four wins in a row. Who comes in and who goes out?

      • Like
    • 66 replies
    Demonland
  • PODCAST: West Coast

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 5th May @ 8:00pm. Join Binman, George & I as we analyse the Demons 3rd win row for the season against the Eagles.
    Your questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show.
    If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human.

    • 13 replies
    Demonland
  • POSTGAME: West Coast

    Following a disastrous 0–5 start to the season, the Demons have now made it three wins in a row, cruising past a lacklustre West Coast side on their own turf. Skipper Max Gawn was once again at his dominant best, delivering another ruck masterclass to lead the way.

      • Clap
      • Like
    • 201 replies
    Demonland
  • VOTES: West Coast

    Max Gawn leads the Demonland Player of the Year from Jake Bowey in 2nd place. Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon and Clayton Oliver round out the Top 5. Your votes for the win over the West Coast Eagles in Perth. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1.

      • Like
    • 36 replies
    Demonland
  • GAMEDAY: West Coast

    It's Game Day and the Demons have a chance to notch up their third consecutive win — something they haven’t done since Round 5, 2024. But to do it, they’ll need to exorcise the Demons of last year’s disastrous trip out West. Can the Dees continue their momentum, right the wrongs of that fateful clash, and take another step up the ladder on the road to redemption?

      • Love
      • Like
    • 669 replies
    Demonland