TRAINING: Tuesday 7th February 2023

DAZZLEDAVEY'S TRAINING REPORT

Great day all round.

It was a low key kind of session which I suppose makes sense from yesterday full match sim. The boys are seriously looking fit and they know. To see the boys up close and see the likes of JVR who really is a beast for his age is something to be excited about this year.

@Deemania since 56 is right 100%. There was no stand out particular just the team cruising along ticking the boxes. Very jovial out there with Maxy, Melksham, Lever, Petracca the ones always vocal and keeping the group up beat.

Realistically it wasn't so much a full footy type training but more groups of about 10? rotating through to each drills with some doing stationary kicking drill, and some doing some keepings off down the far wing.

Short and sharp and was enough to draw a crowd. They still would have worked up quiet a sweat considering was fairly hot. 

Was great to catch up with a few local boys such as Spargo, Turner, Schache and Oliver from MB days and James Jordon who's a close friend with my little brother from Yarrawonga. Once they picked me out of the crowd they came and shook hands and was happy to take photos with my young lad. Was great to catch up with these lads and not even a change of ego or arrogance in them since being in the system.. Still the same country kids as when i knew them back when they were 16 year olds coming through the ranks. Was blown away with how incredibly fit Turner is compared to when was a fat chubby kid coming through the system. Was blown away also with how trimmed Schache is. Leaving no stone unturned and wouldn't surprise if on training form he plays round 1.

Got carried away talking to Oliver just talking life in general and about few mutual friends we knew that I completely forgot to ask about his hand 🤦‍♂️

Maxy Gawn is a genuine rock star. Everywhere he went the kids were following him around and hassling the poor kid (in a fun way). Very good with the kids and we're incredibly lucky to have him as our skipper.

Few notes on players.

Howes: Smooth mover and quite tall then i thought. He was standing next to Turner during the initial warm up and I thought he was a smidge taller? Turner is listed at 194cm. 

JVR: Has a presence already. Just a big strong lad who'll command that forward 50 in the next few years. I knew he was a big boy but didn't realise how physically imposing he already is. You can certainly build a forward line around this kid.

Jefferson: Didn't really see much of him to be honest.

Jed Adams: Interesting kicking action but didn't seem to trouble him, in fact he's got a pretty good kick on him with a bit of penetrative to go with. Got a few positive feedback from choco.

Deakyn Smith: Very interesting player. He's a smooth mover who's well balanced and is clean below his knees. Quiet poised in the kicking drills and was happy. No idea what position the coaches have in mind for him but he'll be a player of interest for me.

Sparrow: A big ball of muscle. Trains at a real intensity and look pretty focused and ready to go. Hoping he takes that next step.

Burgoyne: In the stationary kicking near me he didn't even miss a target. Was composed and just neat with his disposal. I think he was a bit surprised that I called him out for a photo and signature for my lad. Asked him abut his chances getting on the list and in his own words.. "Yeah nah should be pretty easy to get a gig."

Grundy and Hunter do train at high intensity.  Can tell they have come from clubs that demand high performance and these blokes are certainly bringing that to the club. You can't have enough of these guys because it certainly rubs onto the young players.

Guys like Lever, Melksham and Rivers are looking incredibly fit. Ball in hand all 3 barely missed a target. 

Competition for spots will be heating up! Good luck to Goody and the coaches picking round 1 side because there is some genuine talent on display today that will miss out unfortunately. 

Players mingled with supporters and went out of their own way to take photos with the kids etc.

DAZZLEDAVEY'S NOTES FROM THE TRAINING THREAD:

Have arrived and boys doing a circut on the netball courts. 

Some ridiculous fit dudes here.