TRAINING: Wednesday 15th February 2023

[BC_1718_DC 1,478]

18 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

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

Yep. Was flicked a message almost instantly after I posted it. Expected back in training on Friday 👏🏼

[DeeSpencer 26,091]

1 hour ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

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. 

Onballers: Oliver, Petracca, Viney, Pickett, Sparrow.

Wings: Langdon, Hunter, JJ/Gus

Not sure where Harmes fits, played a bit forward when he was making his way back from rehab in the green hat. Haven’t seen enough match sim since

Apart from JVR, Sparrow has probably been the standout improver, possibly on par with Pickett, whom from what I’ve seen can’t be limited to a cameo mid.

[Demonland 73,266]

48 minutes ago, 12345_54321 said:

Any track watcher have an idea why Grundy was absent?

 

Prized off-season recruit Brodie Grundy was not seen at Gosch’s Paddock for Wednesday’s training.

Grundy is currently being managed and is expected to be back to full training on Friday

[Tarax Club 4,058]

1 hour ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Does having a sparrow help?

Yes. As long as he’s got a wicked curved beak, talons and can pick up the crumbs :)

Edited February 15, 2023 by Tarax Club

[dazzledavey36 55,458]

Would not be surprised of Harmes isn't playing round 1.

Reckon he's on the outer now with the emergence of Sparrow and Jordon and more midfield minutes for Pickett.

[whatwhat say what 23,109]

27 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Would not be surprised of Harmes isn't playing round 1.

Reckon he's on the outer now with the emergence of Sparrow and Jordon and more midfield minutes for Pickett.

I think the footy dept was just pretty clear about it with him post 2022, hence the peptides interest which came to nothing

[IRW 1,388]

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

 

Prized off-season recruit Brodie Grundy was not seen at Gosch’s Paddock for Wednesday’s training.

Grundy is currently being managed and is expected to be back to full training on Friday

Because he us injury prone ?

[Willmoy1947 4,170]

4 hours 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.

Loved that report, and a question re JVR. Is he holding back on actually hitting the packs too hard, so as to practise the entries into when  there is the inevitable spills and ground work?

[Dr. Gonzo 24,368]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Would not be surprised of Harmes isn't playing round 1.

Reckon he's on the outer now with the emergence of Sparrow and Jordon and more midfield minutes for Pickett.

Handy depth though. You really need a good squad of 30 to challenge for a flag, he may not play round 1 but he'll get his chance through the year.

[IRW 1,388]

man.

TMac’s on the run kicking has improved too. It cannot be underestimated how much we missed TMac late in the season for his work up the ground and in the 50m arc. He looks super fit

"his leg is as good as its ever going to be now" said Oscar at Tom's birthday party for his son.

the actual question is how it will stand up it he gets a tweak, not how good is it right now

 

 

 

[kev martin 10,501]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Would not be surprised of Harmes isn't playing round 1.

Reckon he's on the outer now with the emergence of Sparrow and Jordon and more midfield minutes for Pickett.

I believe Harmes is a tagger. Not only stops his opponent but plays off him.

When that job is needed to be done, he is the best at the club.

Edited February 15, 2023 by kev martin

[dazzledavey36 55,458]

15 minutes ago, kev martin said:

I believe Harmes is a tagger. Not only stops his opponent but plays off him.

When that job is needed to be done, he is the best at the club.

Part tagger you mean..

 Wasn't played as a tagger at all in both finals last year when we had the likes of Luke Parker, Callum Mills and Lachie Neale smash us around the midfield in both games.

 

[Fat Tony 5,291]

6 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Part tagger you mean..

 Wasn't played as a tagger at all in both finals last year when we had the likes of Luke Parker, Callum Mills and Lachie Neale smash us around the midfield in both games.

 

He was on the wing because Jordon was injured/dropped. 

[kev martin 10,501]

14 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Part tagger you mean.

Yes, you are right, when they were getting first use of the ball, Goody didn't change it up and lock Harmes onto them.

Perhaps he will end up as depth, if he can't play as I see it, his speciality as a stopper. 

He seems to get guided to the right places by his opponent, where he takes advantage. 

14 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Wasn't played as a tagger at all in both finals last year when we had the likes of Luke Parker, Callum Mills and Lachie Neale smash us around the midfield in both games

 

Edited February 15, 2023 by kev martin

[adonski 12,613]

Poor Harmesy. Was/is a genuinely good tagger, but isn't suited to his part time half forward / wing / mid bits and pieces role. 

Reckon reducing his role is partly responsible for him trying to do too much more often than not when he has the footy...desperate to take his chances.

[AzzKikA 2,371]

9 hours ago, Demon Jack said:

Also, Viney looks more physically imposing and threatening than he ever has, which is saying something! The 'JV made me cry' thread is getting a few bumps this year I reckon.

[kev martin 10,501]

20 minutes ago, adonski said:

Poor Harmesy. Was/is a genuinely good tagger, but isn't suited to his part time half forward / wing / mid bits and pieces role. 

Reckon reducing his role is partly responsible for him trying to do too much more often than not when he has the footy...desperate to take his chances.

Is there a place for Harmes as the super-sub?

He is able to fill, forward, back, mid, or put the breaks on an opposition player tearing it up. 

You are right about him trying to do too much and not really finding his niche.

Edited February 15, 2023 by kev martin

[Kick_It_To_Pickett 3,293]

JJ ahead of Harmes is a poor decision. Harmes seems to be out of favour with the coaches, as evidenced in the off season. James Jordon needs to develop his game and be more creative with his play. I thought his inclusion in the side last year actually hindered us. Very slow mover of the ball. Does not hurt the opposition at all. 

[dazzledavey36 55,458]

22 minutes ago, kev martin said:

Is there a place for Harmes as the super-sub?

He is able to fill, forward, back, mid, or put the breaks on an opposition player tearing it up. 

You are right about him trying to do too much and not really finding his niche.

Absolutely.  

[Demon Disciple 12,315]

37 minutes ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

JJ ahead of Harmes is a poor decision. Harmes seems to be out of favour with the coaches, as evidenced in the off season. James Jordon needs to develop his game and be more creative with his play. I thought his inclusion in the side last year actually hindered us. Very slow mover of the ball. Does not hurt the opposition at all. 

Yep, always stops and props.

[picket fence 17,743]

4 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Would not be surprised of Harmes isn't playing round 1.

Reckon he's on the outer now with the emergence of Sparrow and Jordon and more midfield minutes for Pickett.

Daz, I have seen several trainings and Harmes has been much better than Jordan... I for one feels that Harmsy himself feels like he belongs and would I and perhaps himself would  be more than surprised if he misses out!

PS I have a bit on but am confident of getting down to Casey Snake and Venomous others venue Friday!

Edited February 15, 2023 by picket fence

[Monbon 1,840]

5 hours ago, hardtack said:

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

Per favore, please let's keep Klaus Günter Karl Nakszynsk outta this. Also Werner Herzog.  Ora Nobis, instead re the mighty Demons. Okay, Nakszynsk - a fine Danziger German name, I don't think - had molto demons, ma, in Espana, don't we all have at least mille tre, not to mention my current demon of choice, Coriole Sangiovese?

[hardtack 10,704]

51 minutes ago, Monbon said:

let's keep Klaus Günter Karl Nakszynsk outta this. Also Werner Herzog.

Hey, Werner is the kind of example our Demons need… never took a backward step, to the point of literally eating his own boot.

[Demonland 73,266]

12 hours ago, IRW said:

Because he us injury prone ?

Indirectly perhaps. It seems that at most sessions lately one or two random players have been missing for that session only to return to full training the next session. 

This is all just conjecture on my part based on some observations over the past few weeks. Players that have missed sessions have returned with no apparent injury concerns. They may have had a niggle or some awareness or they may just be managing their loads over a long preseason. 

Viney didn’t train last Wednesday after training Monday and returning Friday. 

May and Harmes weren’t at a session the week prior to that and returned the next one.

I assume they give certain players a session off here and there to manage them. They can’t do every player at the same time so they probably stagger it.

I wouldn’t be surprised if both Fritsch & Grundy are back training in full on Friday. 

Hopefully @picket fence can confirm or we’ll have to scour the club photos to prove this hypothesis. 

[Demonland 73,266]

In addition we are definitely managing/nursing Ben Brown through the preseason. He takes part in some drills and not others and is often doing separate work with the trainers or in the gym.

He is taking part and kicked bags of goals on at least 2 separate occasions during full match SIMs at Casey so it would seem he is match fit but given his knees and his age they are carefully managing him through preseason to maximize his longevity throughout the season proper.