By the way, todays fairly low contested but fast moving match sim was probably ideally suited out at Casey where the runners would have to cover far more ground. Not great for track watchers but I hope they will move some sessions out there before the season to prepare the team for games at the MCG.

1 hour ago, ProDee said:

I appreciate the efforts of posters to keep us informed and feel like I can handle the truth about a few errant kicks.

If I was in a socialist country they may want to hide me from it.

There are some great reports, unfortunately I think in a lot of threads and posts, because it is Melbourne, there is too much focus on the negative

As far as the skills go, haven't seen much difference between last 3 years and we know the difference when the footy started

What interests me more are the grappling and tackling drills and the siighty weird leapfrog drill and rolling and jumping drill

I did this back in the early 70's in the British Army, it builds the ability to take a physical hammering but to keep coming back for more

I have asked the players, it kills them, but already feeling the benefit

Edited December 4, 20195 yr by Satyriconhome

4 hours ago, DemonOX said:

One of my concerns when reading the training reports is we are still turning the ball over and missing targets when not under pressure. 
 

I sure as hell hope we don’t repeat our turnovers and pathetic skills next season otherwise it will just be another lost season. 

This delivery problem has to be fixed, pre-season. Our players constantly make disposal a difficult task. Yze is the answer, perhaps. 

35 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

There are some great reports, unfortunately I think in a lot of threads and posts, because it is Melbourne, there is too much focus on the negative

As far as the skills go, haven't seen much difference between last 3 years and we know the difference when the footy started

What interests me more are the grappling and tackling drills and the siighty weird leapfrog drill and rolling and jumping drill

I did this back in the early 70's in the British Army, it builds the ability to take a physical hammering but to keep coming back for more

I have asked the players, it kills them, but already feeling the benefit

Yours and other reports are greatly welcomed by most and I think they've been very balanced. 

Keep up the good work. 

 

6 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

I thought Preuss had big thighs but Trac’s look seriously powerful in the pic earlier. It’s very hard not to get excited about Trac for 2020. Thanks to all for the quality reporting. 

There is a stirring deep within my loins reading about Trac in the training reports.

I’m not reaching for the panic button just yet, but Hibberd’s disposal pre-2019 was elite and vital to our 2018 being what it was. We really need him to recapture that ability as we got so badly hit on turnovers last season. 

I recognise it’s December but hearing two important players (Gus and Hibberd) butchering the ball is not the best news. 

Brown sounds like he hit the ground running, could be a smokey for Round 1. 

Wouldn't be a training thread without saty whining about negativity.

 

I appreciate the news from every other track watcher. It's always better to hear about the good and the bad. Keeps expectations real.

53 minutes ago, Pates said:

I’m not reaching for the panic button just yet, but Hibberd’s disposal pre-2019 was elite and vital to our 2018 being what it was. We really need him to recapture that ability as we got so badly hit on turnovers last season. 

I recognise it’s December but hearing two important players (Gus and Hibberd) butchering the ball is not the best news. 

Unfortunately Hibberd’s approaching 30 and his best day are probably behind him.

I thought he had a poor 2019 and just seemed really off all year.

14 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Unfortunately Hibberd’s approaching 30 and his best day are probably behind him.

I thought he had a poor 2019 and just seemed really off all year.

I’m tipping him for a bounce back season, he is looking great condition and if I Recall Saty said last year he likes an offseason to enjoy himself. He looks ready to go for this year and he’ll be brilliant again. 

Cheers for all the reports. I think they’d be just managing the loads of a few players particularly Viney. 

4 hours ago, ProDee said:

I appreciate the efforts of posters to keep us informed and feel like I can handle the truth about a few errant kicks.

If I was in a socialist country they may want to hide me from it.

That can be arranged, Comrade!

53 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Unfortunately Hibberd’s approaching 30 and his best day are probably behind him.

I thought he had a poor 2019 and just seemed really off all year.

Tipping him to go out the same way Bernie Vince did in his last year.

Was cooked last year and at his age I can't see him getting any better.

3 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

This delivery problem has to be fixed, pre-season. Our players constantly make disposal a difficult task. Yze is the answer, perhaps. 

As Saty and others have mentioned it is very early in December. Back in my day we would be lucky to see a footy in December. Then again we didn't really train until Cricket season was finished.  Lets be positive and hope these so called high % of turnovers are not prevalent in late February which, I and you all will be trusting is not the case. I'm sure all clubs will be having issues with disposals early in Dec.

Remember we will have turnovers. Matter of limiting them to as little as possible.

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

I'm not sure that Luke will gain much from having Kozzie as a leap-frog partner

7 hours ago, drdrake said:

Can't believe an AFL club is using the Mark Williams Ball, this is the one with the yellow line up the middle to teach kids how to drop the ball correctly

IF it works I'm all for it. 

Out of curiosity is this the coach or the guy who played for Hawthorn?  If the latter, he was a bloody good kick, so there could well be something in it.   

13 minutes ago, Skuit said:

I'm not sure that Luke will gain much from having Kozzie as a leap-frog partner

That was when the three rookies were doing the "intensive exercises" together during match sim. When the breakaway groups were doing them they mostly paired off with players of similar builds. Luke probably should have paired off with Rivers. 

On Rivers he's probably taller than the specs I've seen quoted. He's a big kid. Doesn't look small standing next to Jackson. Has huge mitts. Will be a big unit with a few Preseasons under his belt. Have been told he can play midfield as well averaging 27 possessions and a goal a game as a mid. 

2 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Unfortunately Hibberd’s approaching 30 and his best day are probably behind him.

I thought he had a poor 2019 and just seemed really off all year.

 

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Tipping him to go out the same way Bernie Vince did in his last year.

Was cooked last year and at his age I can't see him getting any better.

Mmmm, maybe a little premature predicting his demise.

Hasn't even turned 30 yet.

Certainly had a poor 2019 season but doubtful that was age related.

16 minutes ago, rjay said:

 

Mmmm, maybe a little premature predicting his demise.

Hasn't even turned 30 yet.

Certainly had a poor 2019 season but doubtful that was age related.

Turns 30 in a month

8 minutes ago, Soprano661 said:

Turns 30 in a month

Well that's him done then...pension him off.

44 minutes ago, rjay said:

 

Mmmm, maybe a little premature predicting his demise.

Hasn't even turned 30 yet.

Certainly had a poor 2019 season but doubtful that was age related.

I thought his training was going well when I observed him.

Reading the play beautifully. 

Experience will help him in decision making. Like ball disposal to the right area, turning into space and evading the tackler, and structuring and leading the defensive team. 

I believe his achilles problems are behind him now. This could give him confidence to push his body to a higher limit. 

7 hours ago, Satyriconhome said:

There are some great reports, unfortunately I think in a lot of threads and posts, because it is Melbourne, there is too much focus on the negative

As far as the skills go, haven't seen much difference between last 3 years and we know the difference when the footy started

What interests me more are the grappling and tackling drills and the siighty weird leapfrog drill and rolling and jumping drill

I did this back in the early 70's in the British Army, it builds the ability to take a physical hammering but to keep coming back for more

I have asked the players, it kills them, but already feeling the benefit

Agree great reports thanks all

Dont mind the negativity which has then led to positive responses as to why bad kicking etc.it adds to the reality of the reportsand has given me more reassurance of the increase in intensity.

As supporters we can be part of that intensity through accurate observation, reporting and commentary, please keep it all up.

The photos have been fantastic and to my untrained eye seem to show greater muscle definition than previous. Many of the kids now seem to be in a more matured and solid state. 

Comments have been that tackling has been emphasised with mention of new coach. Has there been any indication of umpiring body representation to ensure our techniques are legitimate and will ensure we do not give away free kicks and receive more if impeded incorrectly?

7 hours ago, Skuit said:

I'm not sure that Luke will gain much from having Kozzie as a leap-frog partner

Kozzie on the other hand...

This is a bit disheartening. We need May focused  this year if we're any chance of success.