1 hour ago, Vagg said:

Very handy skill for the new guys to have if it's pistols at 50 paces at dawn, eh BB?!!  LOL

(Sorry mate!  Couldn't help myself!  But, must add that I very much appreciated your in depth report, along with the one from DeeSpencer!  Thanks, guys!!)

I am going to hit Seaspray beach for a few days this summer. Miss it!

50 minutes ago, 640MD said:

but please if there are any negatives, give us those as well,

Well 640, there were skill errors.  Not every handball found its mark, not every kick found a target, not every tackle stuck but overall the standard was pretty good.

No player looks really out of it.  Some aren't natural athletes in the way of ANB or Bedford.  Clarry, Trac and Brayshaw wouldn't match Robert Harvey.  But they are so far ahead of last year it's amazing.  Last year they didn't have players to make up a drill.  This year they stand on the sidelines because just about everyone is there.

The disappointments for me are KK, who is still just running and Harry Petty who is the same.  I worry for KK.  I don't know what the problem is but he hasn't played since June and if it's still a concussion issue that's really sad for him.  But I don't think anyone is overstating the ability of the draftees.  Jackson and Pickett both have some real X factor, but it's not the real thing yet so we can only hope it translates.  There is no reason why it shouldn't as they seem to have all the attributes.

Jackson particularly has surprised me.  He's quick.  He's quick over the ground but he's quick to recover, he's competitive in the drills and he's got surprising skills.  When I first heard we were thinking of drafting him I was disappointed.  I couldn't be more the opposite now.

It's the time of excitement.  We have the basic 18 or so we know will play if fit.  But we've got so many that could surprise.  Jordan, Sparrow, Neita, Chandler and Bedford from last year's draft have all shown something.  Not all will make it but we don't need that, we just need two or three to really push.  And this year's lot look terrific.  That's about 8 that we didn't have as realistic players last year.

 

1 hour ago, Baghdad Bob said:

Nice to meet you dpositive.  Always good to put a face to a name.

As for Nietschke's nickname, it's not mine, it's what he's called at training.  They're an imaginative lot.  River's nickname is, yes, you guessed it, Riv.

I actually would have guessed Murray

 

8 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Maxy should try something really risque and do the opposite to what he's got. Get that cut for the chin and leave his head with a mop. Time to change it up. 

25 minutes ago, In Harmes Way said:

I actually would have guessed Murray

My country cousins called me  a Yarra when I was a kid. They were cactus. Maybe just a Romsey thing.

8 minutes ago, It's Time said:

Maxy should try something really risque and do the opposite to what he's got. Get that cut for the chin and leave his head with a mop. Time to change it up. 

You never change a winning combination. Just ask Samson.

36 minutes ago, Baghdad Bob said:

The disappointments for me are KK, who is still just running and Harry Petty who is the same. 

It's the time of excitement.  We have the basic 18 or so we know will play if fit.  But we've got so many that could surprise.  

 

Great stuff,  what a fine balance in your two reports, I think that's great.  Yes I am getting a bit excited about 2020, not only football but private stuff as well.  2019 was a [censored] year  in so many ways. We might have been ahead of ourselves in 2018, but 2020 should have severe competetion for senior spots, I am getting positive. We did play well last part of 2018 thgough. So time will tell.

But we have read other years training 16,17, 18 and 19 and they suggested so much and we deliverred so little. I prefer to be surprised at how well we do rather than disappointed at how little we did.

Anyway thanks for the reports and the balance. I guess its not easy   cheers Go Dees!!

We are getting excellent reports this year. A big thankyou to everyone who describes what they've seen.

I note DeeSpencer referred to Marty Hore's kicking and (paraphrasing) mentioned him using his trusty left boot. A question for our trackwatchers...is there ever any specific training to make the players improve their kicking on their non-preferrred side?

 

19 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

We are getting excellent reports this year. A big thankyou to everyone who describes what they've seen.

I note DeeSpencer referred to Marty Hore's kicking and (paraphrasing) mentioned him using his trusty left boot. A question for our trackwatchers...is there ever any specific training to make the players improve their kicking on their non-preferrred side?

 

Yes, seen it about three times now, run by that terrible kick,  J. Lewis

There are still a couple, unnamed, who put me in danger of being hit at the fence, but it's getting better

29 minutes ago, 640MD said:

But we have read other years training 16,17, 18 and 19 and they suggested so much and we deliverred so little. I prefer to be surprised at how well we do rather than disappointed at how little we did.

not to mention the famous pre-season training thread for 2012.

 

Thanks to all the track watchers and the the detailed reports, much appreciated by those of us not living in Melbourne 

4 hours ago, Baghdad Bob said:

He's got neat skills, has good endurance and just seems to know where the ball is going.  He's the same build as Langdon and seems to play the same role just running up and down the wing.  He's still wearing the red hat which is "no tackle" (I assume) but he's showing no sign of the ACL. 

It's hard to judge in training but he just looks like he can play.  I've seen 4 sessions now and he hasn't missed a beat.  He just seems to be involved but that could just be the red hat.

What does he look like?  Has he grown?  He’s listed as 184cm. When I was down a number of weeks ago, the recovery group include Lever and someone wearing Nietschke’s number, doing a 1 on 1, where they started in the goal square and one led hard and one defended.  Lever was 100% trying to stop the Nietschke imposter, but couldn’t stop him, he was so quick off the mark.  If he got a cm, he would turn it into a couple of metres.  I was really impressed.  Only downside was he didn’t have the strongest hands at full speed. But he looked close to 190cm next to Lever which confused me.

17 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Thanks to all the track watchers and the the detailed reports, much appreciated by those of us not living in Melbourne 

Also by those of us who are in Melbourne, but can't make it.  Thanks all!

6 minutes ago, Duke said:

What does he look like?  Has he grown?  He’s listed as 184cm. When I was down a number of weeks ago, the recovery group include Lever and someone wearing Nietschke’s number, doing a 1 on 1, where they started in the goal square and one led hard and one defended.  Lever was 100% trying to stop the Nietschke imposter, but couldn’t stop him, he was so quick off the mark.  If he got a cm, he would turn it into a couple of metres.  I was really impressed.  Only downside was he didn’t have the strongest hands at full speed. But he looked close to 190cm next to Lever which confused me.

I think Nietschke looks a little like Langdon in build.  He's quite fair.  Did the guy on Lever have long hair?  If not sounds a little like Smith.

I was getting quite confused between Rivers and Fritsch today.  Thankfully one is left footed!

4 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

Who is Neita? Not sure about this current nickname. 

"The Philosopher's Clone"

1 hour ago, It's Time said:

Maxy should try something really risque and do the opposite to what he's got. 

Shave his entire head bald and grow his ..... erm ... never mind. Family web site.

3 hours ago, george_on_the_outer said:

The side-line observers just oo'ed and aah'ed at Kickett in these exercises.  No-one seemed capable of getting a hand on him as he danced left, right and then around player after player.  I hope the crowd gets to see him this year, because he is one exciting fellow to watch in action.

It's hard to get excited at training reports when Juice Newtons 3rd law applies ' For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" ie Pickett is evasive and quick? Our defensive efforts were cumbersome and slow! Jackson takes an amazing mark? Omac/May with terrible defensive efforts! ?

Edited December 11, 20195 yr by John Demonic

1 hour ago, It's Time said:

Maxy should try something really risque and do the opposite to what he's got. Get that cut for the chin and leave his head with a mop. Time to change it up. 

2 hours ago, 640MD said:

Thanks for the reports      yes Feel like I was there,

 

But how do you all remember what has happened in the 3 hours    All great     but please if there are any negatives, give us those as well, 

I am old enough to decide for myself, or I can ask my darling !

 

Cheers    Go Dees !!

As I said I was there and have real difficulty n remembering what happened n the 3hours. BB and Saty particularly both made the same comment that with all that is going on particularly with a full squad you cannot possibly see all that is going on, it depends where you are on the fence and what group or player you are concentrating on. I was searching for some specific players( had to often refer to the seasoned watches who had an incredible ability to take in several actions players and also respond to me) and so did not see any thing really negative. Unless you see the tension building so that scuffles become almost a blue where players could injure each other, or that gut busting running could create fatigue, that the odd errant handpass searching for an unlikely option is a negative I did not see any.

perhaps Levers apparent lack of calf muscles could be a negative but Ian reminded me of Dustin Fletcher and I recall Tuckie who had the same negative physique, so no negatives there.

on reflection I agree with all the comments above and as I said can't thank all the commentators for their views.  There is a resounding sense of positivity among the watchers and if that is infectious to the players we should be in for a good season. It was just great as all have said to see such a wealth of bodies on the field competing with and for each other.

Oh yeah I went more specifically to watch May, had to have him pointed out to me.For such a big body and an imposing figure he is a silky mover, doesn't seem to pound the ground but rather floats around. Even when exhausted and slightly slumped over he seems more relaxed than others. I reckon he will be great to watch. Oscar also seems to have muscled up as have most of the boys and has that same appearance of floating along so it could be an interesting season for him.

Pickett as BB said is something else speed, flexibility and agility in a controlled package, can't wait to see him jump out of the box.

But I recall it said in the past that these practice games are like dancing with your sister, but I dont think that's a really great metaphor we really won't know until we see these players, techniques, strategies and tactics tested against other AFL sides. I hope that their minds are being as well developed a short their bodies and they can build that confidence against every opposition that was so lacking last year.

Go Dees

Some cracking reading here being thoroughly enjoyed in downtown Kalgoorlie. 
Thanks legends. 

Has there been any actual update on KK from the club anywhere or even whispers to any if you track watchers?

Is it definitely still concussion? Does he still have symptoms or just being cautious? Planned reintroduction to full contact etc?

Seems like it is all a big secret

3 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

I am going to hit Seaspray beach for a few days this summer. Miss it!

I envy you, mate!  Been fully 50 years since I spent this time of year at the 'Spray...!  Spent my childhood on that beach!  Enjoy!!

1 hour ago, dpositive said:

 

But I recall it said in the past that these practice games are like dancing with your sister, but I dont think that's a really great metaphor we really won't know until we see these players, techniques, strategies and tactics tested against other AFL sides. I hope that their minds are being as well developed a short their bodies and they can build that confidence against every opposition that was so lacking last year.

Go Dees

Not the worst metaphor going around. After all, one of the best dancing partnerships of all time was Fred Astaire and his sister Adele.

Edited December 11, 20195 yr by La Dee-vina Comedia
typo

1 hour ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Thanks to all the track watchers and the the detailed reports, much appreciated by those of us not living in Melbourne 

I'll second that!  From a day that began looking so bleak on the reports front, we have been hit with an avalanche of reports!  All been eagerly digested by Yours Truly!  Thanks, guys!  VERY much appreciated!!

(The bar has now been set rather high.  Just gotta keep it up!  LOL)