Plenty of gusty, strong wind about this morning. There was less margin for errors during disposals thus requiring more concentration from the players. All seemed to adjust well to the conditions. 

The session appeared to be quite light on, mainly focused on ball skills. The players and coaches jovial and supportive of each other. At times lots of noise and fun interspersed with the serious side of training. 

There were numerous and extended drills of ball work. The simulations were quite short in time and with little to no contact. The simulations emphasized lateral balls, intercepts and forward movements that split the defenders causing mismatches. The group split into their groups. Mids did stoppage work, backline punching aerial balls and the forwards mainly marking. Not much contested work or tackling performed.

Close to the end a group did some boundary runs under supervision of the fitness staff. The group included Charlie Spargo, Oskar Baker,  Dean Keilty, Harley Balic, Lachlan Filopovic, Mitch King and Cam Pederson. Could be the group playing in Casey or maybe those who didn't play AFL given a bit more work load. Though Sam Frost, Dion Johnstone, Dean Kent, Jeff Garlett, Bernie Vince, Tim Smith, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Tom Bugg and Josh Wagner not part of this group. 

Towards the end of the session, Sam Wiedeman and Harry Petty working together, Jesse Hogan working by himself. Neville Jetta, Michael Hibberd and a couple of others doing some one on one marking contests.

Sorry but didn't notice Billy Stretch. Did anyone see what he was up to? 

Pat Mckenna and Aaron vandenBerg training well. 

Jayden Hunt only one in the rehab group. He did some walking a little running and a small amount of ball skills work (no kicking).
 

Is this the week VandenBerg and McKenna play VFL?

Great to see AVB and McKenna ready to play again. Great perseverance by these 2 and the fitness guys to get to this point. If they stay fit they will, at some point, be welcome additions to our top 22. 

2 minutes ago, McQueen said:

Is this the week VandenBerg and McKenna play VFL?

From the Goodwin presser today:

 

2 minutes ago, McQueen said:

Is this the week VandenBerg and McKenna play VFL?

seems so

1 hour ago, kevin martin said:

Close to the end a group did some boundary runs under supervision of the fitness staff. The group included Charlie Spargo, Oskar Baker,  Dean Keilty, Harley Balic, Lachlan Filopovic, Mitch King and Cam Pederson. Could be the group playing in Casey or maybe those who didn't play AFL given a bit more work load. Though Sam Frost, Dion Johnstone, Dean Kent, Jeff Garlett, Bernie Vince, Tim Smith, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Tom Bugg and Josh Wagner not part of this group

Strange groupings? Looks unlikely either group was made up soley of potential ins for this week.

Thanks Kevin, most appreciated.

I hope they ease young Pat in with plenty of warm ups.  I can't imagine returning in mid winter is the best time to be testing out dodgy hammys.  Great that they are back though.

59 minutes ago, Demonland said:

From the Goodwin presser today:

 

Cheers, just watched the presser.

1 hour ago, Neil Crompton said:

Great to see AVB and McKenna ready to play again. Great perseverance by these 2 and the fitness guys to get to this point. If they stay fit they will, at some point, be welcome additions to our top 22. 

You are calling McKenna a best 22 player when hes fit, NC?

I confess I know nothing about him.

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

From the Goodwin presser today:

 

Yeah I couldn't tell if he meant playing or just in consideration for selection....

10 minutes ago, Petraccattack said:

You are calling McKenna a best 22 player when hes fit, NC?

I confess I know nothing about him.

Probably a big call at this stage I know, but basing it on recruiters comments on him, his leadership qualities ( Capt Aussie U19 cricket team) and his highlight real - and a gut feel.

Thanks again for the great report Kevin Martin!  Really interesting read, especially as we don’t get many training reports during the season.

 

Hopefully you don’t have any plans November - February...

17 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

Probably a big call at this stage I know, but basing it on recruiters comments on him, his leadership qualities ( Capt Aussie U19 cricket team) and his highlight real - and a gut feel.

I guess I'm ignorant about cricket but I don't see how being captain of a cricket team means leadership, especially in footy?  What does a cricket captain do that is relevant (besides not being a total introvert)?  Genuine question.

 

3 minutes ago, sue said:

I guess I'm ignorant about cricket but I don't see how being captain of a cricket team means leadership, especially in footy?  What does a cricket captain do that is relevant (besides not being a total introvert)?  Genuine question.

 

Might be good at setting field placements. Also could be good at altering the footy, if the other side get away from us.

Sorry I know you deserve better. Seriously, only positive might be some leadership ability that he has developed in the role.

1 hour ago, sue said:

I guess I'm ignorant about cricket but I don't see how being captain of a cricket team means leadership, especially in footy?  What does a cricket captain do that is relevant (besides not being a total introvert)?  Genuine question.

 

Good question. Certainly his cricket ability does not relate to football. But the fact that he was selected as Australia’s captain says to me that he has many qualities that would translate to football, or any sport - such as player respect, an ability to manage, relate to and direct his players, able to read a game and make decisions accordingly, lead by example etc. Just my opinion.

2 hours ago, sue said:

I guess I'm ignorant about cricket but I don't see how being captain of a cricket team means leadership, especially in footy?  What does a cricket captain do that is relevant (besides not being a total introvert)?  Genuine question.

 

I would have thought that being nominated as captain of any sporting team means you show the better leadership attributes than your peers in the team. Doesn’t mean he is going to be a gun footballer but we know he is comfortable in a leadership role. Captain of the U19 Aussie cricket team says to me that we have an individual that is determined, focused and will give it everything he has. 

4 hours ago, kevin martin said:

Close to the end a group did some boundary runs under supervision of the fitness staff. The group included Charlie Spargo, Oskar Baker,  Dean Keilty, Harley Balic, Lachlan Filopovic, Mitch King and Cam Pederson. Could be the group playing in Casey or maybe those who didn't play AFL given a bit more work load.

 

3 hours ago, david_neitz_is_my_dad said:

Strange groupings? Looks unlikely either group was made up soley of potential ins for this week.

Potential ins if we're considering something left-field for Max with respect to Sandilands' absence and looking to drop Tyson and Petty? 

31 minutes ago, Skuit said:

 

Potential ins if we're considering something left-field for Max with respect to Sandilands' absence and looking to drop Tyson and Petty? 

I missed two players from the running group. I can't remember, but at a guess it was Sam Frost and Billy Stretch. Can anyone else who was there help?

If it was these two then I think you are right Skuit, group of potential ins.

Great training report again Kev. Much appreciated. Look forward to reading more of them from you in the future

1 hour ago, Skuit said:

 

Potential ins if we're considering something left-field for Max with respect to Sandilands' absence and looking to drop Tyson and Petty? 

If you saw Casey in the vfl last week, King & Filipovic struggle at that level!

Spargo yes, but would have Frost, Stretch and Garlett well ahead of the rest!

1 hour ago, Earl Hood said:

I would have thought that being nominated as captain of any sporting team means you show the better leadership attributes than your peers in the team. Doesn’t mean he is going to be a gun footballer but we know he is comfortable in a leadership role. Captain of the U19 Aussie cricket team says to me that we have an individual that is determined, focused and will give it everything he has. 

Strange with  his injury history that he did not return to cricket. I would assume that as captain of the U19 Australian team that he could get a game at State level or in one of the shorter forms of the game.

That being said making it to the top in cricket makes the AFL system look like child's play.