46 minutes ago, Slartibartfast said:

Adams and Verrell did a lot of running.  Interesting times.  I haven't seen them touch a footy at any training session and they look miles off the level of fitness required.  

 

Adams did a lot of kicking in the rehab drill he was doing with Burgoyne and Verrell. He has a nice consistent left foot. Verrell wasn’t kicking so he might be further away

They both did repeat runs with Gus on Monday and weren’t completely disgraced. Obviously a lot of work to do but they might not be that far off typical young talls like Jefferson for endurance. When it’s just the 2 of them and they’re towards the end of a long session they look pretty cooked that’s for sure!

How was Jefferson in the match style simulation?

3 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Reminds me so much of Jacks Watts with that action. 

He had a very fluent and simple action. Kicked some real clutch goals over his career. 

Watts had beautiful kicking technique - one of the best.

The key, as you suggest, is how simple it was. Few moving parts to break down.

The other thing i loved about his technique is that he only took a few steps and when he kicked it he was perfectly balanced.

In this sense his field kicking technique was almost the same as his goal kicking technique. Which weirdly is actually not that common.

2 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Lever very busy.

Schache (playing on grass) looked great until he was spoiled by Bowey

JVR loves an untimely fumble but he’s like a Labrador out there, just involved in everything 

That last set really belonged to Blake Howes. Probably had 8 touches in 5 minutes. Spoiling/out marking talls, lacing kicks, linking up. 

What position do you see Howes plainy DS?

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

The Corowa Rutherglen Football Club senior coaching role was his foer the taking this year had he not been offered another contract.

I wonder what sort of coach held make in terms of his people and man management skills. 

From a distance, I'm not convinced about his people skills ans EI.

But I don't know him, so those doubts msy well be unfounded.

1 hour ago, 58er said:

Take 2 out for Clarry and Lachie. !!! Bowey??  Did u forget or was he not up to it today? 

From what I saw, Bowey was positioning well, but got nabbed a few times under pressure and kicking wasn't as effective as usual.

It was great to get down to see the team train this morning – left feeling very enthused and confident about our year ahead. I don’t think I’ve felt as confident as I do now after departing a training session at this time of the year before, would mainly have a few question marks on certain elements of the team but I think our list is in great shape and we’ve got great balance across the whole squad. On top of that it would seem we’re pretty fit and healthy, long may it continue!

Highlights:

Sparrow – Appeared to me to have an extra step and is really bursting forward once he gets the ball. Signs of Dangerfield / Petracca about him even more after this mornings showing. Just appeared to have a bit more time and was in the thick of it and was always dynamic with what he was doing once he got hands on the ball.

Kossi – He was heavily involved when on the ball in the match sim and even more so in the handball drills. Super dynamic and exciting to watch. Again it felt like he was constantly bursting forward like Sparrow and moving past opposition players.

JVR – Looks so hungry and keen to impact. He’s a busy player and constantly moving / chasing when not in possession himself. Very impressed with what I’ve seen so far and no idea how that translates into the year ahead but looks like he could really make his mark on the team.

Howes – Looked very comfortable across half back and was quite assured in his decision making. Got a bit of it in the match sim from where I was standing. Pretty tough back line to break into but I reckon he’ll offer something a bit different to the others once he gets in.

Trac – As others have mentioned he was everywhere, primed for another big year and looking super fit.

Schache – Had a bit of a presence up forward and albeit he wasn’t being closely checked he was certainly getting his hands on it. Feel he could have an impact in tandem with Fritsch if BBB falls off a cliff.

KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING REPORT

GEORGE ON THE OUTER'S TRAINING REPORT

DEESPICABLE'S TRAINING REPORT

OLD DEE'S TRAINING REPORT

Into the warm-ups, which seem to be the same as usual.

A scoreboard is out. My guess is that they use it to simulate time left, scores and quarter, so they can perform particular scenarios.

They go into kicking drills, not the kick to kick type, but with players set at 4 points and at angles. It creates more chaos and gets them concentrating.

A day that seems to be getting them into competitive mode.

They do some handball games. Two stations are about 7 on 7, and one station is larger, then they rotate through them. Back to kicking drills, 3 stations, one hitting up the leader going sideways, another with the leader going away from the kicker and the kicker having to put a full range hit, can't remember what the other one was, they rotate through them.

Full sims, tackling and competitive. Sparrow put his body on the line numerous times, I saw him body whacked 4 or 5 times. It was at a frenetic pace and got heavier as it continued. Worried a couple of times, Bailey got a hit, Tracc went down, Farris-white came off head hit (great leadership by Brayshaw as he escorted him), Impressed with Pickett, sharp turning, untouchable with ball, beautiful disposals, closes down space so quickly. Schache has a good lead, gets separation. Lever and Viney (holding back from tackling) keeping up the standards, Howes looking good as was Woewodin who has the same composure as Salem. No-one can keep up with Chandler. JVR is ready. Spargo getting to the drop of the ball. Tomlinson was playing too high, let attacking players get space behind him. Brodie still finding his feet.

Some of our ball movement from back to forward was quick, delightful, and deliberate. Good structures already. Bowey did some great intercepts.

They didn't do any stoppage plays, so Grundy, Max didn't go up against each other.

After the sims into some goal kicking for mids and forwards, with the back-line hanging together in a warm down, talk it over kind of gathering with the ball moving between them. They were whistled, the runners are put on and away they go. Gruelling lap sprinting and fartlek running. They will sleep well tonight.

Tracc was still on the paddock doing set shot kicking after everyone had left.

Interesting that Hunter is not at training, not a good sign as these ones seem really team building. 

Talked to Richardson. Burgoyne(#33), they haven't decided yet. He will play for Casey if not listed. Lives with Pickett. I also asked about J.Smith. He tells me they still rate him and is not far off from completing rehab. Talked to J.Smith, told me he got an infection. Must have been post minor surgery.

Talked to the volunteer, tells me Friday is for Casey. So I assume Monday, Wednesday 9.30 am at Gosch's and Friday at Casey, will be the schedule.

GEORGE ON THE OUTER'S TRAINING REPORT

DEESPICABLE'S TRAINING REPORT

OLD DEE'S TRAINING REPORT

3 hours ago, waynewussell said:

Brayshaw so laconic…

I don't know if anybody is interested but is this the first sighting of 'laconic' for this year?

How was Jefferson in the match style simulation?

Thanks for compiling my posts, @Demonland !

Good news from the session: lack of obvious injuries being carried...i.e. apart from Kossie with a single tape under his knee, there were no other players with strapping, unlike the finals last year.

Even BBB, who was only doing goal kicking, didn't have his usual knee bandage. 

There were some heavy knocks.  Kiah F-W got hit heavily on the scone in a marking contest, and didn't look all too well. Gus assisted him off the ground while calling for trainers.  But he rejoined later.  Fritsch was very tender after being tackled and clutched at his knee, hobbled off, but also came back on.  Trac went down in a tackle and was looking the worse for wear, but also returned and was seen taking shots for goal after everyone else had long departed back to AAMI.

Definitely buy the JVR shares, with Blake Howes as the smokey speculative.  And if Sestan can build some endurance( he is a loooong way behind at the moment) he will be something special with his strength and kicking skills. 

DEESPICABLE'S TRAINING REPORT

OLD DEE'S TRAINING REPORT

Got there a little late, but saw all the match sim and the running drills at end of session.

My thoughts (although much of this has been covered by others).

T-Mac: If I had to pick a BOG from the match sim, then T-Mac got the 3 votes easily. He is moving freely and the less-tight defence during the match sim just suits him to a tee as his smarts and positioning are always better than others. 

Trac: As someone who has been critical of his turnovers in recent times, I have got to say he was 100% with his disposal today and looked a clear team leader. The downside was that he appeared to jar his knee in a tackle late in match sim and spent a bit of time with treatment. The outcome must have been OK, because he did all the running drills at end of the session.

Angus: After missing most of pre-Christmas on light duties, he was back doing everything today, except that he was a little out of touch. Got caught with it a couple of times. But he'll be better for the run.

Rivers: This is a crucial year for Trent as he lost his way a little last season. And I liked what I saw from Riv and he has bulked up a bit so isn't as easily brushed aside. He also looks mega fit.

JVR: It's now almost obligatory for everyone to comment on our new FF. And yes he did look pretty good matched against Steven May. But he did also make a couple of turnover howlers. But it's his ability to keep at it, that make him so watchable. 

Kossie: T-Mac got my votes, but who did I enjoy watching. It looks like he's going to play in the middle at times and he will provide a spark and break open the lines. It's just like watching Cyril or Aaron Davey. He's the most dangerous player on our side. Mr Electric.

Ollie Sestan: He didn't touch it much, but when he did, he made a few lovely link-up plays. I have said before that I reckon JVR is the only newcomer likely to play this season, but who knows, this guy may be a chance late in the season. He has big Brian Wilson style hips, so he's hard to push off it.

Harmesy: Had to play up forward in the match sim and I do feel for him. He was willing to go to Essendon in the off-season so he could get some midfield minutes and let's hope his natural happy-go-lucky nature can overcome his obvious frustrations. He's a Melbourne man through and through so I hope he can find his way through what shapes as a tricky season.

OLD DEE'S TRAINING REPORT

1 hour ago, binman said:

I wonder what sort of coach held make in terms of his people and man management skills. 

From a distance, I'm not convinced about his people skills ans EI.

But I don't know him, so those doubts msy well be unfounded.

If they don’t perform they’ll get their ears boxed. Old school coaching. Bring it back.

Was Goody at training?

25 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Rivers: This is a crucial year for Trent as he lost his way a little last season. And I liked what I saw from Riv and he has bulked up a bit so isn't as easily brushed aside. He also looks mega fit.

I thought the same. Bulked up, even looking taller. His running group appeared to be the second one (probably top 8). They ran hard. Taking on some leadership/giving directions down back in the sims, and reading the play well.

2 minutes ago, Jontee said:

Was Goody at training?

Yep he was!

1 minute ago, Jontee said:

Was Goody at training?

Yes

Was really encouraging their competitive juices. Called out the scores in the competitive drills and wanted them to go hard, especially during transitions after turnovers. 

Clarry and Hunter both have been sick this week. Club hope they’ll be back on track Friday 👍🏼

Thank you so much Demonland, Kev, DS, WW, starting, GotoW, Dfp, Binman, Demon and all other posters it was a veritable smorgasbord. So much great info from so many different angles, loved it.!!!

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

How was Jefferson in the match style simulation?

Didn't get much of an opportunity as couldn't get hands on ball. Competed a few times for the mark and got out back at least once for an easy goal. He appeared confident out there.

1 minute ago, kev martin said:

Didn't get much of an opportunity as couldn't get hands on ball. Competed a few times for the mark and got out back at least once for an easy goal. He appeared confident out there.

Cheers Kev.

Another thing, what position did they have Howes playing?

Such an intriguing player to me.

 

5 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Cheers Kev.

Another thing, what position did they have Howes playing?

Such an intriguing player to me.

 

I think he will be a tall mid.

Saw him working with Viney and a coach. In the sim, he popped up more in the central area. Would love for us to have a tall winger.

Edited January 11, 20232 yr by kev martin

8 minutes ago, kev martin said:

Didn't get much of an opportunity as couldn't get hands on ball. Competed a few times for the mark and got out back at least once for an easy goal. He appeared confident out there.

I echo Kev's comments.  Jefferson and JVR seemed quite confident out there, although JVR presented more and has a greater impact.

Saw Kyah Farris-White looking a little lost a few times during the match sim but otherwise quite fit.  He needs longer to work on his footy IQ but it should come with time.