TRAINING: Wednesday 15th February 2023

[Its Time for Another 4,223]

50 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Well this is exact why I asked because he did post a insta story of himself a few days ago in a 4 wheel drive on what looked like a beach in Perth.

Very strange time to be away from Pre Season training as it reaches it's final peak. Hope it's not a Go Home Factor already. Hopefully the 4 wheel drive pic is old. 

[Its Time for Another 4,223]

2 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Wow I've just watched him kick 8 in a row. Exactly the same every time. Not going to miss that shot this year. 

[Demonland 72,213]

4 hours ago, Demonland said:

I have a sneaking suspicion that Kye Turner just got the last list spot. 

players in a huddle cheering and patting someone on the back. 

I didn’t notice Burgoyne here today. 
 

This is what I witnessed.

 

[Robbie57 2,020]

Thanks for the reports guys, fantastic. and lets get you some fuschia or red and blue one eyed glasses.  

[jnrmac 20,090]

1 hour ago, Cheap Seats said:

Bowey on a lead? Did he get lost?

BOWEY PLAYED A LOT OF HIS JUNIORS IN THE FORWARD LINE AND IT WAS ONLY WHEN HE GOT TO THE DEES THEY HAD TO TEACH HIM DEFENCE,

Sorry about that couldnt be bothered re-typing....

So its possible they might use him in the forward line at some point...

[jnrmac 20,090]

8 minutes ago, Demonland said:

This is what I witnessed.

 

Beautiful.. A joy to watch. Must be a thrill for the young man.

[kev martin 9,896]

2 hours ago, Neil Crompton said:

Didn’t see you mention Joel Smith either in rehabbers or absent. Was he finally in the main group then?

J. Smith absent.

B. Fritch on an exercise bike. 

Thought they wound back a bit on the work load today. Could have been due to the morning being hot.

I think a few drank a bit before the session, as many had to squat and urinate. Tmac at the 50 meter arc. You really wouldn't want to be rolling around in it!

Their concentration in drills was the worst I've seen this season, as plenty of simple drops and misses.

When challenged, they did better.

Our movement during the handball game is getting better as they run great lines to slice the defenders and break the tackles, though some tackling and herding is great.

They are being very supportive of each other, and appear to be having fun.

K.Turner played the sims well. Nothing like getting the thumbs up. He ran to space well, read the plays, got involved and made a few take'em-on rebounds out of the backline.

JVR plays with a ferocity, though I thought Petty was starting to beat him, but not for long.

D.Smith is a bit inconsistent and needs work on his tackling. Spreads well and has a good dance when he gets the ball.

Schache has been dropping some marks, when in a contest but in the best position, unlike Max who works hard for the best position and was clutching them.

McVee was looking strong and composed when he gets the ball.

Lever, May, Oliver, Harmes, Spargo, Brayshaw, Langdon, Jordon, Rivers Sparrow, ANB, Chandler keeping the standards up during sims.

Kossie, Tracc, Hunter, and Bowey, the best afield. 

SLARTIBARTFAST'S TRAINING REPORT

[Demonland 72,213]

3 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

BOWEY PLAYED A LOT OF HIS JUNIORS IN THE FORWARD LINE AND IT WAS ONLY WHEN HE GOT TO THE DEES THEY HAD TO TEACH HIM DEFENCE,

Sorry about that couldnt be bothered re-typing....

So its possible they might use him in the forward line at some point...

Nothing I've seen in any of the training sessions I've been to this preseason suggest that he will be played anywhere but across half back/defence. He may have just ended up forward on this occasion.

[Demonland 72,213]

8 minutes ago, kev martin said:

Thought they wound back a bit on the work load today. Could have been due to the morning being hot.

I concur with this. Both @george_on_the_outer and I noted that it seemed to be an easier session today. Not suggesting the intensity wasn't up but it seemed like a much lighter session than we've witnessed over the past few weeks.

Some of the interludes in between the main drills seemed lighter (load wise not intensity).

Having said that all the spectators would have been gassed if we'd trainined a 1/4 as much.

[kev martin 9,896]

6 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Having said that all the spectators would have been gassed if we'd trainined a 1/4 as much.

The numbers of spectators have been down, ever since the training ground kerfufle. We were getting over 100, today around 70. 

Gee, I think if Tracc laced one of those passes to any of us we probably wouldn't get up, neither alone go again. He really is trying to pinpoint them, Lasers! 

Edited February 15, 2023 by kev martin

[Slartibartfast 17,297]

I was at training today and it's all been covered.  There wasn't any real match sims which I find the most revealing so I thought I'd reflect on what I've noticed most over the training sessions I've seen.

The intensity has been high and the skills have been good but I expect when the real stuff starts and real match pressure is applied we will see our fair share of skill errors. I'd like to think that we will be more direct and a lot of the drills in match sim have been moving the ball quickly from the backline forward with a focus on the key forwards running into space out the back.  But this relies on the opposition letting us do it and I don't think that's likely to happen.  We may be a little more direct but I'm guessing there will be many plays to the forward pocket in an effort to lock it in and create repeat entries.  Our improvement forward will come from having fit KPF and better delivery.

Over the PS journey there have been a few surprises for me.  Steven May has been consistent and terrific down back, he's been in good form. Tmac has been good all preseason and isn't giving his spot up without a fight.  JvR has been a real surprise.  We've been told to be patient and not expect too much but JvR hasn't read the script.  What sets him apart from the other KF is his intensity when the ball hits the ground.  He's brave in the air and ferocious when it hits the ground in a way Tmac, BBB, Fritta and Gawny aren't.  That makes him a pretty attractive option forward but of course with everyone fit someone is going to miss and from reports BBB is flying in the match sims at Casey.

My best and most consistent performer goes to JJ.  He's never flashy, never the best but just always good.  He does the basics very well and is finding a lot of the ball particularly when playing inside mid.  He suffers from being too versatile and hasn't made a position his own.  But his PS form has him clearly in the best 22 and I'll be fascinated to see where he fits.  The other player pushing really hard is Kade Chandler.  He's too good for Casey but he needs to really take his chance when it comes.  For me, he takes ANB‘s spot because in my view his skills are significantly better but of course there are those that argue ANB plays such an important structural role for us he's a lock.  I don't see it that way.

Kossie is another to catch the eye.  He looks bigger, stronger and more involved.  We know the talk, now it's a matter of seeing if he really does play meaningful midfield minutes and if he can perform.

Of the young kids Judd McVee is the best performer for mine.  Howes, DSmith, Laurie, Woey, and this years crop aren't close imo and will find it really hard to get a go.  Howes looks to be the most dangerous with very good AFL attributes but he's a way off it in my book.

I imagine they will have a full match sim at Casey on Friday and then go into the season proper training pattern from then on which means Wednesdays at Gosch's will be craft sessions and a bit of loosening up between matches and for Wednesday track watches that takes a bit of spice out.  

Anyway, I'd be interested in other track watches views and who their standouts of the PS have been.  It goes without saying that the mature players all do well - Gawn, Trac, Clarrie et al.  We know what they bring and all are doing well.

[sue 9,107]

Any indication at training that there might be any variation to how we kick-in from a behind?

[Demonland 72,213]

Just now, sue said:

Any indication at training that there might be any variation to how we kick-in from a behind?

At the training sessions I have been to there has been no noticeable kick out strategies being worked on or performed that I was aware of.

During any of the match SIMs or full or half ground work when play is restarted from the full back line it isn't really a kick in from a behind scenario at least to me anyway. Others trackwatchers may have noticed something. Perhaps they work on it at Casey.

[kev martin 9,896]

32 minutes ago, Slartibartfast said:

Anyway, I'd be interested in other track watches views and who their standouts of the PS have been. 

Kossie, playing very smart footy, untouchable at times.

Max, always smiling and interacting with team-mates, not perfect plays but he makes up for it in leadership role. Improving every session.

Viney, running faster then I have seen him. Always supporting the new or young players. 

Tracc, seems to be on a mission. Striving for perfection. Working to give Sparrow the finer points of the game.

Oliver, fitter and faster than I have seen him. Much more animated then previous seasons.

Tmac, full preseason under the hood, will be hard to stop.

Hunter,  love his work. Very smart player, creates space, overlaps and makes beautiful decisions 

Edited February 15, 2023 by kev martin

[Fat Tony 5,231]

38 minutes ago, Slartibartfast said:

Tmac has been good all preseason and isn't giving his spot up without a fight.  JvR has been a real surprise.  We've been told to be patient and not expect too much but JvR hasn't read the script.  What sets him apart from the other KF is his intensity when the ball hits the ground.  He's brave in the air and ferocious when it hits the ground in a way Tmac, BBB, Fritta and Gawny aren't.  That makes him a pretty attractive option forward but of course with everyone fit someone is going to miss and from reports BBB is flying in the match sims at Casey.

Great summary Slartibartfast.

I think TMac is reasonable on the deck, but I think you are a bit harsh and I wouldn't say he lacks intensity there. Fritsch plays like a seagull on the ground (swooping in and out). And Brown and Gawn are major liabilities on the deck inside 50.

I watched about 75% of the VFL games last year and JVR reminds me a bit of Neitz, albeit not as long a kick.

While Brown has reportedly done very well in the preseason, I wonder if he will be able to co-exist alongside Gawn inside 50, because if they don't mark it, we will be chasing tail the other way.

[old dee 23,792]

26 minutes ago, sue said:

Any indication at training that there might be any variation to how we kick-in from a behind?

The whole kick to the left thing is intrigued to me. I wish I was sure of winning tattslotto as I am we will never to right.

[Tarax Club 3,916]

Don't think BBB is quite the liability some here believe when the ball hits the deck. As with Big Max its a long way down but IMM they don't disgrace themselves when contesting for the ball and deftly moving it on to the team's advantage when the opportunity arises. Of course the opposition defenders are going to have their say on proceedings, amongst the 'giraffes' are more agile 'gazelles' and 'wildebeests' who can quickly sweep the ball away giving the impression the big guys are lumbering in their wake. A few 'leopards' and 'cheetahs' might be required to redress the balance.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,787]

What seems to be the ranking of our mids after Oliver, Petracca, Viney and Brayshaw? In other words, what is the preferred order for our trackwatchers of Sparrow, Harmes, Jordon and Dunstan (and anyone else)? 

I'm assuming for this discussion that if Pickett and ANB play as mids, it's just in cameo roles. 

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,787]

1 minute ago, Tarax Club said:

Don't think BBB is quite the liability some here believe when the ball hits the deck. As with Big Max its a long way down but IMM they don't disgrace themselves when contesting for the ball and deftly moving it on to the team's advantage when the opportunity arises. Of course the opposition defenders are going to have their say on proceedings, amongst the 'giraffes' are more agile 'gazelles' and 'wildebeests' who can quickly sweep the ball away giving the impression the big guys are lumbering in their wake. A few 'leopards' and 'cheetahs' might be required to redress the balance.

Does having a sparrow help?

[monoccular 17,431]

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

Nothing I've seen in any of the training sessions I've been to this preseason suggest that he (Bowey) will be played anywhere but across half back/defence. He may have just ended up forward on this occasion.

..like Froggy Crompton did one important day in 1964 🤗🤗  

1 hour ago, Slartibartfast said:

I was at training today and it's all been covered.  There wasn't any real match sims which I find the most revealing so I thought I'd reflect on what I've noticed most over the training sessions I've seen.

The intensity has been high and the skills have been good but I expect when the real stuff starts and real match pressure is applied we will see our fair share of skill errors. I'd like to think that we will be more direct and a lot of the drills in match sim have been moving the ball quickly from the backline forward with a focus on the key forwards running into space out the back.  But this relies on the opposition letting us do it and I don't think that's likely to happen.  We may be a little more direct but I'm guessing there will be many plays to the forward pocket in an effort to lock it in and create repeat entries.  Our improvement forward will come from having fit KPF and better delivery.

Over the PS journey there have been a few surprises for me.  Steven May has been consistent and terrific down back, he's been in good form. Tmac has been good all preseason and isn't giving his spot up without a fight.  JvR has been a real surprise.  We've been told to be patient and not expect too much but JvR hasn't read the script.  What sets him apart from the other KF is his intensity when the ball hits the ground.  He's brave in the air and ferocious when it hits the ground in a way Tmac, BBB, Fritta and Gawny aren't.  That makes him a pretty attractive option forward but of course with everyone fit someone is going to miss and from reports BBB is flying in the match sims at Casey.

My best and most consistent performer goes to JJ.  He's never flashy, never the best but just always good.  He does the basics very well and is finding a lot of the ball particularly when playing inside mid.  He suffers from being too versatile and hasn't made a position his own.  But his PS form has him clearly in the best 22 and I'll be fascinated to see where he fits.  The other player pushing really hard is Kade Chandler.  He's too good for Casey but he needs to really take his chance when it comes.  For me, he takes ANB‘s spot because in my view his skills are significantly better but of course there are those that argue ANB plays such an important structural role for us he's a lock.  I don't see it that way.

Kossie is another to catch the eye.  He looks bigger, stronger and more involved.  We know the talk, now it's a matter of seeing if he really does play meaningful midfield minutes and if he can perform.

Of the young kids Judd McVee is the best performer for mine.  Howes, DSmith, Laurie, Woey, and this years crop aren't close imo and will find it really hard to get a go.  Howes looks to be the most dangerous with very good AFL attributes but he's a way off it in my book.

I imagine they will have a full match sim at Casey on Friday and then go into the season proper training pattern from then on which means Wednesdays at Gosch's will be craft sessions and a bit of loosening up between matches and for Wednesday track watches that takes a bit of spice out.  

Anyway, I'd be interested in other track watches views and who their standouts of the PS have been.  It goes without saying that the mature players all do well - Gawn, Trac, Clarrie et al.  We know what they bring and all are doing well.

“….What sets him [JVR] apart from the other KF is his intensity when the ball hits the ground.  He's brave in the air and ferocious when it hits the ground in a way Tmac, BBB, Fritta and Gawny aren't…”  

he must be really something if he is ahead of Frittata in particular in this aspect of his game   Sounds so exciting  🤗🤗🤗

 

[12345_54321 1,164]

Any track watcher have an idea why Grundy was absent?

[chook fowler 19,459]

12 minutes ago, 12345_54321 said:

Any track watcher have an idea why Grundy was absent?

Being managed according to the Hun. No specific injury concerns apparently 

[Pennant St Dee 13,185]

Thanks for all the updates, looking forward to the real stuff starting.

Not long to go now

[hardtack 10,537]

5 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

Prefer that to navigating Aguirre (Klaus Kinski) down the Amazon River!

Or Fitzcarraldo for that matter... don't want to incur the wrath of god.

[demon3165 2,719]

2 hours ago, sue said:

Any indication at training that there might be any variation to how we kick-in from a behind?

Think they will change that now out to the right out to the right........