Rehab: TMac (only because he played a full 3/4 match length yesterday), Lever, Brown, Spargo, Melksham, AMW, Woey, Smith, Hibberd, Nibbler, Howes

All rehab doing work such as weights, rowing machine, medicine ball etc

Missing: Kozzy (on leave for funeral), Lachie Hunter (Concussion - ran into Hibbo during match sim and broke nose - mandatory 12 days off)

Rest of the Group Running up hills in Yarra Park as they do every Saturday (venue changes). 

They are leaving no stone unturned to get back to where they know they have to be to get another crack at a Granny.!!!!

Correction. Lachie Hunter’s concussion was as a result of a collision with Max‘s boot whilst smothering a snap for goal during Wednesday‘s session. 

Anyone know if any unscheduled praccy matches have been organised between clubs?

Or are there only 2 warm ups before the real thing? 

that's quite a few important players in the rehab group - i'd say six of our best 23

4 minutes ago, Cheap Seats said:

Anyone know if any unscheduled praccy matches have been organised between clubs?

Or are there only 2 warm ups before the real thing? 

I thinks it’s the just the 2 that have been announced. 

From what I’ve heard the St Kilda one might be 6 periods and the Richmond game will be closer to normal match conditions. 

Just now, whatwhat say what said:

that's quite a few important players in the rehab group - i'd say six of our best 23

I believe most of them played in the match SIM and therefore those that have recently been in some type of rehab were effectively given this session off. 

It’s not panic stations. 

I also believe Clarry’s thumb is fine and it was his finger that gave him issues recently. Totally separate to the thumb surgery. He participated fully in the intense match SIM on Friday sans the fluoro yellow hat of shame. 

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

I believe most of them played in the match SIM and therefore those that have recently been in some type of rehab were effectively given this session off. 

It’s not panic stations. 

Could be a bit disconcerting. The training's intensity has been high, they have been going at each other, not recklessly but with some fervour, that have left a few with niggles.

They want them tough and ready for battle.

Good to see plenty of changes in our approach. Structurally (not too much breaking into fwd, back and mid groups, more specific instructions with goal kicking, more time in sims, greater emphasis on the computer analysis with more people hovering over more screens), types of drills (more kaos and complexity), intensity, increased amount of noise (more regularly and louder than other seasons), assisting and instructing each other (often see them one on one, talking and/or drilling), making a highly competitive environment (many activities seem to be them against us, and they are always pushing each other to go stronger/better/smarter), taking a knee and talking as a group near the end of each sessions (I imagine they discuss the purpose/intention/outcomes and air any other business), running programs at the end and not the beginning of the session. 

It will be interesting to see what this strategy and our long list can produce, especially in the last rounds and possibly finals.

Go Dees.

Hoping we don't wear them out, though they have bought into the process and our culture appears strong.

Edited February 11, 20232 yr by kev martin

Word is Rivers played a bit in the midfield. 

9 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Word is Rivers played a bit in the midfield. 

Good, has Elliot Yeo vibes 

1 hour ago, kev martin said:

Could be a bit disconcerting. The training's intensity has been high, they have been going at each other, not recklessly but with some fervour, that have left a few with niggles.

They want them tough and ready for battle.

Oh no we must be loading

23 minutes ago, Demon Disciple said:

Oh no we must be loading

Joking aside, I don't think it is loading.

I believe it is a change to their approach. The effects will be a ruthless side, who won't be just going through their paces in matches. I think we will get 4 quarters of effort and their best footy, each game. No more softness and giving the other a chance. They are working on their attitudes and mentality. 

Loading is about the total physical parameters. Which are also occurring. They will be match ready and will build their season.

All just my opinion, based on observations and interpretations. 

Edited February 11, 20232 yr by kev martin

Week to week Team Changes all season. Not just injured players.

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

Word is Rivers played a bit in the midfield. 

On Friday?

6 minutes ago, Lewis said:

On Friday?

That’s my understanding. I assume he is one of a number of 2nd string players, for want of a better word that can rotate through the midfield. 

I just want the season to start already!

4 hours ago, kev martin said:

Joking aside, I don't think it is loading.

I believe it is a change to their approach. The effects will be a ruthless side, who won't be just going through their paces in matches. I think we will get 4 quarters of effort and their best footy, each game. No more softness and giving the other a chance. They are working on their attitudes and mentality. 

B!00dy good thing if true. 2021 we were ferocious with very little drop off within games and week to week. Last year there were many a time where we were up by 20-30ish points and we’d simply turn off.

Need that killer instinct back, pronto.

Edited February 11, 20232 yr by Demon Disciple

5 minutes ago, Demon Disciple said:

B!00dy good thing if true. 2021 we were ferocious with very little drop off within games and week to week. Last year there were many a time where we were up by 20-30ish points and we’d simply turn off.

Need that killer instinct back, pronto.

I think the brain trust noticed as well. Increase the intensity, make them accountable, have them hardened up. It will be interesting to see if we go in with the killer instinct (I expect so). 

As McQueen alludes to, can't wait till the Bulldogs game and to see what we've got and what changes happen.

Those second half drop off's killed us. Nearly like watching two different games. 

7 hours ago, Demonland said:

Word is Rivers played a bit in the midfield. 

Like it. He's a good decision maker and a good kick with a decent turn of speed. Gives us options, especially if we get an injury or two (touch wood not)

The Rivers to midfield move is certainly intriguing from my point of view.

He looks extremely fit from seeing him up close and he's got that perfect combination of speed and power alongside his height being 188cm which is now the norm for being a modern prototype midfielder.

I like it.

Very good intel @Demonland, thanks. 

Rivers in the midfield is not the only difference during a game we may see.

Our main midfield group, Petracca, Oliver, Viney need a chop out more during games.

The game will be even faster this year.

Noting we already have another big bodied midfielder in Grundy, who looked in great nick yesterday.

Edited February 12, 20232 yr by Satyriconhome

clear starting inside trio: oliver, petracca, viney

next cabs: brayshaw, sparrow, harmes, jordon, dunstan

already best 23 potential rotations: pickett, rivers, anb

and then a bunch outside the expected best 26 side

34 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

Rivers in the midfield is not the only difference during a game we may see.

Our main midfield group, Petracca, Oliver, Viney need a chop out more during games.

The game will be even faster this year.

Noting we already have another big bodied midfielder in Grundy, who looked in great nick yesterday.

Saty in a training thread....as rare as a Mr snuffleupagus appearance in Sesame Street!! 

Don't be a stranger!