PRESEASON TRAINING: Monday 4th December 2023

[Jaded No More 68,903]

25 minutes ago, ClaNiKo said:

Currently doing ground ball gets or marks with tackling pressure.

Notable absences - kosi and Fritta doing some running together. Oliver doing some running. And Gus doing a seperate drill with a trainer in the dreaded fluro cap

Gus is obviously in a "no contact" group, which is totally fair. Why risk him getting even the smallest head knock in December?

Very good news that he is there and running. Nobody planning on retiring would volunteer to do a time trial in 29 degrees. Right? 

What is the deal with Salem? Hopefully no more thyroid issues and just precaution. 

[joeboy 3,166]

8 minutes ago, ClaNiKo said:

Cannot believe I'm saying this but Ben Brown looked really good. Took a strong contested mark and another on a lead

Yes, I noticed his finer shape and no bandages. 
he may very well be the surprise packet of the preseason 

[Matt Demon 1,418]

17 minutes ago, ClaNiKo said:

Cannot believe I'm saying this but Ben Brown looked really good. Took a strong contested mark and another on a lead

He looked good the last two pre seasons, it seems his bung knee can't last a season of footy.

[ClaNiKo 104]

Choco came over for a chat

He seemed very impressed with McAdam, pencil him in for a round 1 (or opening round 🙄) appearance

Kosi on a different program because he just got back from SA and they don't want to overdo him.

When I asked about TMac training with the backs he suggested I was an opposition scout 😂 and didn't go into any more detail.

He confirmed #46 is Noah Yze training with them

[waynewussell 5,727]

Wandered in for a gander right on time for time trial. Tomlinson and Spargo ran as though they were here to protect their round 1 spot! Other impressive runs by Fullarton, Tholstrup and Adams (special mention to Jack Viney, who only knows one way!)

I was amazed at how vigorous Melksham was in his rehab exercises. Also good to see Fritsch and Oliver progressing well.

When they began full oval work in several groups, I walked around to watch the young talls on the Punt Road wing. I was impressed with how much effort coach Stafford put in with his instruction to this group. They were primarily engaged in one-on-one marking contests with a small running past to mop up after the contast. Most impressive in the air was Verall, who consistently got the better of Farris-White, Jefferson (who took a couple of good grabs) and Schache. When Benny Brown joined for a short stint, he was excellent at putting his opponent off balance and clunking the ball. I haven't seen Ben looking this strong for some time.

In general, noticed how smooth Billings was in run and disposal. Fullarton and NcAdam did not stand out for me in these full ground exercises. Tholstrup looks the closest to senior selection of the newbies. 

[Deez Man 100]

Went down to training with my old man today and I'll do my best to recount what we noticed.

Fritsch, Kozzie & Oliver did plenty of running away from the main group.
Melky looked a lot more mobile than I was expecting but didn't partake in much.
Gussy was there and ran the time trial and seemed to miss out on a couple of drills but was involved in most of the day.

McAdam really looks like a player we've been missing, in the match sim he was constantly leading to the right places and got on the end of a few, including one diving grab out the back. I'm prepared to say he's very likely to be in round one team - though he didn't appear to run the 2km well. Likely one of the worse performers though I don't know what his fitness was like coming to us.

Based on what I saw today, Tholstrup will be in the team very early and I'm actually prepared to say he'll play round 1 and give us a really dynamic option up forward. He brought some really nice energy when playing up forward, won a 50/50 contest and snapped truly. He then kicked another goal a couple minutes later and was clean the entire session. He also ran really well and just looked really at the level already. I am very confident he's going to be a player and he's going to add to us immediately despite not wanting to put too much pressure on him.

A few others mentioned how good Ben Brown looked and he really surprised me too. He was moving well, took a few really nice grabs and finished his work.

My dad and I were both impressed by number 14 who we later learned was Tom Fullarton. He was involved in a lot of things and really surprised me by how well he moved and his skills for a player his size. I'm going to go out on a limb and also say he'll be in the team round 1. He ran well today too.
Admittedly, he didn't get on the end of any but he was playing up the ground more.

It looks like they're going to play Tmac back this year, he was in the backline and did a few good things. One interesting play billings had the ball at half forward and Tmac was marking McAdam.
McAdam manage to evade him found a nice channel and Billings put it on his chest. May told Tmac keep your eyes on the ball carrier instead of your player in that scenario.

Billings was being used a lot in the match sim as the player to distribute the ball inside 50 and he was heavily involved and using it quite well. He's another I think will be a big chance to play early if not round 1.

Viney looked outstanding and did his usual things, max ran well, sparrow ran well and looked good.

Noah Yze was a lot bigger and more mature looking than I was expecting and was running around in #46. 

Sestan had a good impact up forward and kicked a nice goal, his running is a mile off though.
He was probably the worst of the 2km time triallers, but he's also just so big through the hips.

Anyway Go Dees!


 

Edited December 4, 2023 by Deez Man

[old55 23,547]

The only player I didn't see was Kade Chandler.  As reported Salem left the track at the start so didn't participate. AFAIK everyone else was there and active at some level.

Noah Yze has a good frame - looks to be 188 or so and broad shoulders so size won't hold him back. Right footer.

It was a long session especially when kicked off with the TT. As reported Tommo blitzed the A team group in that.

[640MD 3,375]

Fantastic, even though it was the pie flag, this stuff makes me smile and feel good (clean) again   Tanks to all,   silent h

[Deebauched 1,220]

Sounds like our 3 trades from other clubs have no intention of being just depth players kicking the dew off the grass in the VFL.

All good for 2024. 

 

[Guest]

50 minutes ago, ClaNiKo said:

 

He seemed very impressed with McAdam, pencil him in for a round 1 (or opening round 🙄) appearance)

Staffy said similar. I told him I’ve noticed he does a fair bit of one-on-one with Shane and they seem to have a good rapport. He said they certainly do and that Shane is very dedicated and he’s “a good get.”

 

[M_9 2,082]

Pardon my ignorance:

only change to coaching ranks is McQualter replaces Yze?

Stafford remains forwards coach (and ruck coach)?

Chaplin defence coach?

[dino rover 714]

49 minutes ago, Deez Man said:

Went down to training with my old man today and I'll do my best to recount what we noticed.

Fritsch, Kozzie & Oliver did plenty of running away from the main group.
Melky looked a lot more mobile than I was expecting but didn't partake in much.
Gussy was there and ran the time trial and seemed to miss out on a couple of drills but was involved in most of the day.

McAdam really looks like a player we've been missing, in the match sim he was constantly leading to the right places and got on the end of a few, including one diving grab out the back. I'm prepared to say he's very likely to be in round one team - though he didn't appear to run the 2km well. Likely one of the worse performers though I don't know what his fitness was like coming to us.

Based on what I saw today, Tholstrup will be in the team very early and I'm actually prepared to say he'll play round 1 and give us a really dynamic option up forward. He brought some really nice energy when playing up forward, won a 50/50 contest and snapped truly. He then kicked another goal a couple minutes later and was clean the entire session. He also ran really well and just looked really at the level already. I am very confident he's going to be a player and he's going to add to us immediately despite not wanting to put too much pressure on him.

A few others mentioned how good Ben Brown looked and he really surprised me too. He was moving well, took a few really nice grabs and finished his work.

My dad and I were both impressed by number 14 who we later learned was Tom Fullarton. He was involved in a lot of things and really surprised me by how well he moved and his skills for a player his size. I'm going to go out on a limb and also say he'll be in the team round 1. He ran well today too.
Admittedly, he didn't get on the end of any but he was playing up the ground more.

It looks like they're going to play Tmac back this year, he was in the backline and did a few good things. One interesting play billings had the ball at half forward and Tmac was marking McAdam.
McAdam manage to evade him found a nice channel and Billings put it on his chest. May told Tmac keep your eyes on the ball carrier instead of your player in that scenario.

Billings was being used a lot in the match sim as the player to distribute the ball inside 50 and he was heavily involved and using it quite well. He's another I think will be a big chance to play early if not round 1.

Viney looked outstanding and did his usual things, max ran well, sparrow ran well and looked good.

Noah Yze was a lot bigger and more mature looking than I was expecting and was running around in #46. 

Sestan had a good impact up forward and kicked a nice goal, his running is a mile off though.
He was probably the worst of the 2km time triallers, but he's also just so big through the hips.

Anyway Go Dees!


 

I don’t disagree with you but I’m interested in the ins and outs

if Fullarton McAdam and Tholstrup are in round 1 and JVR and Brown are available and Brown might be over injury then the selection committee will be earning its pay

[Demonland 72,155]

 

[manny100 1,552]

4 hours ago, Demonland said:

When: Monday 4th December
Where: Gosch's Paddock 
Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm

If any Demonland Trackwatchers are heading down to Gosch’s Paddock today we’d love to hear your observations including who is training, who isn’t and who is on a modified program. 

Just read through the posts.

Thanks all for taking the time and making the effort to update the forum.

Much appreciated.

Sounds like they have come back looking good.

With our trade ins' quality and our draft picks our list will be very strong.

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 5,118]

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Staffy said similar. I told him I’ve noticed he does a fair bit of one-on-one with Shane and they seem to have a good rapport. He said they certainly do and that Shane is very dedicated and he’s “a good get.”

 

I noted how McAdam specifically acknowledged Stafford, positively and with elaboration, in his Club website interview.

Thanks all Watchers 👏

[dazzledavey36 54,861]

53 minutes ago, dino rover said:

I don’t disagree with you but I’m interested in the ins and outs

if Fullarton McAdam and Tholstrup are in round 1 and JVR and Brown are available and Brown might be over injury then the selection committee will be earning its pay

I don't think Petty will be ready by round 1 so certainly opens up the door for Brown.

[DeeSpencer 25,678]

Great reports guys.

If he’s in the team we really need to use Tomlinson’s big tank more, particularly to get rebound out of him. He can be a good field kick - good distance and penetration. Can cough it up a bit under pressure because he’s heavy footed. 

But he has to be instructed to take off and run and for the other defenders to find him with switches and link play.

Makes no sense to have a player who can blow up the tanks of the big forwards chasing him and restrain him to simply sitting in the back pocket.

Hopefully McQualter can get some of that Richmond rebound game going

[Young Blood 2,620]

17 minutes ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

I noted how McAdam specifically acknowledged Stafford, positively and with elaboration, in his Club website interview.

Thanks all Watchers 👏

I was trying to think how many players in the last few years have nominated Melbourne as club of choice for trade/free agency. Ed Landon, Ben Brown maybe others I'm missing? Either way both these players saw an opportunity for a clearly defined and needed role in the best 22. I'm hoping that McAdam has similar success in this regard. He's shown consistency as a proper lead up target with great forward craft with some genuine speed and marking ability. I don't see why he can't flourish at Melbourne.

[Bystander 903]

11 minutes ago, Young Blood said:

I was trying to think how many players in the last few years have nominated Melbourne as club of choice for trade/free agency. Ed Landon, Ben Brown maybe others I'm missing? Either way both these players saw an opportunity for a clearly defined and needed role in the best 22. I'm hoping that McAdam has similar success in this regard. He's shown consistency as a proper lead up target with great forward craft with some genuine speed and marking ability. I don't see why he can't flourish at Melbourne.

Delivery ?

[Guest]

29 minutes ago, manny100 said:

Sounds like they have come back looking good.

They have all returned looking either the same as they were or better. It’s amazing the change in some of them. Not just the likes of Matty J, ‘Bill’ Laurie and Taj who’ve all put on some bulk, but Riv for example: he’s really lean and is just muscle upon muscle and so, so strong! Saw many attempts (at these sessions) to tackle him… good luck with that, fellahs. He ain’t goin’ down. And Spaz (I don’t like calling him that but it’s what his mum told us he wants), he also looks lean and mean, and perfectly toned.

Then there’s Kozzie who also looks super lean and toned. I said, “Geez Kozzie, you’re looking good!” He said “Thanks,” took a swig of water, then said, “you’re looking good, too.” 🤣 I was with two DA friends and if you think I reminded them every 5-10 minutes about Kozzie saying that, you’d be spot on. 😁

[Guest]

4 hours ago, ClaNiKo said:

Tyla hanks is here. Not sure if she's helping out with the session or just watching.

Hanksy works for the Club, as in, that’s her day job. As does Banno and Goldie a couple of others. Unfortunately the girls need day jobs to supplement their match payments. Hopefully that will change sooner rather than later. 

[deelusions from afar 1,810]

24 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Great reports guys.

If he’s in the team we really need to use Tomlinson’s big tank more, particularly to get rebound out of him. He can be a good field kick - good distance and penetration. Can cough it up a bit under pressure because he’s heavy footed. 

But he has to be instructed to take off and run and for the other defenders to find him with switches and link play.

Makes no sense to have a player who can blow up the tanks of the big forwards chasing him and restrain him to simply sitting in the back pocket.

Hopefully McQualter can get some of that Richmond rebound game going

I've thought the same for a number of years.  However I think the problem is he isn't particularly quick so if he turns it over up the field (or a team mate does when he's run hard forward) then he becomes a liability.  His kicking is ok but I don't think any opposition is going to fear him getting it in the corridor forward of centre like them might with May.

If Gawn goes down, he might be a good backup ruckman that could wear down his opponent (most ruckman aren't quick off the mark) though I suspect Fullerton would get first go at this.

[DeeZone 9,821]

A big thanks to ClaNiko, WCW, waynewussell, Deez man, old55 and all posters for your great reports and comments. So good to hear that everyone has come back in such good shape, particularly Gussy and to hear that Thommo and Spargs ran so well in the time trials, good luck BBB and TMac. Although I feel it is going to be super tough to get a gig with the Dees in 2024.!!

[Demonland 72,155]

From the Herald Sun:

Melbourne midfield star Angus Brayshaw has been given formal approval to continue his AFL career as he made an impressive return to pre-season training on Monday.

Brayshaw was knocked out in the Demons’ qualifying final loss to Collingwood in one of the most dramatic moments of the season, with good friend Brayden Maynard ultimately cleared by the AFL appeals board.

Brayshaw’s brother said in the immediate aftermath he would consider his football future but as his symptoms cleared Demons mid Angus was always determined to continue his AFL career.

On Monday as the Demons senior players returned to training with a 2km time trial Brayshaw ran impressively in baking Melbourne heat then joined his teammates in training.

The fluro yellow hat which indicated he was not yet allowed contact was the only indication that Brayshaw would be treated differently to his teammates.

The Demons have ticked every medical box and had his return approved by the AFL, which means a player contracted to 2028 will have ambitious plans to play a full 2024 season.

Melbourne’s players broke up into smaller groups for that 2km time trial and Charlie Spargo, who played only 14 senior games this year, set a withering pace.

He led home Jack Viney, Brayshaw and Lachie Hunter in one group, while Adam Tomlinson burnt off hard-running Alex Neal-Bullen in the battle of the club’s best runners.

Ben Brown was limited to only seven AFL games given knee issues in 2023 but ran freely as he pushed Steven May hard and was excellent in match simulation as he enters the final season of his contract.

TRAINING NOTES

Melbourne star Clayton Oliver will be held back from full training until mid-January as he continues to rehabilitate his knee after off-season surgery.

The Demons had said Oliver was four weeks from integrating into full training but the expectation is that the Demons medicos will treat his return date with caution.

Melbourne has few issues with his physical conditioning as he ran sprints, kicked the football to fellow rehab group member Bayley Fritsch and did some light touch work.

And while he will be footy’s most scrutinised man this off-season Melbourne is also optimistic he has made gains away from football with his personal issues.

Coach Simon Goodwin recently admitted Oliver’s complicated personal challenges “have been ongoing for multiple years”.

He was admitted to hospital after a seizure the Demons star said was partly attributed to ADHD medication.

The Demons also have swingman Joel Smith awaiting a date from Sports Integrity Australia for a hearing date over his match-day cocaine positive.

Smith has accepted a provisional suspension and is unable to train with the Demons but will face a short SIA ban as well as a likely Demons internal suspension.

NEW FACES

Melbourne’s draftees in Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup were both in action but it was the veterans in former Demon Marty Hore and ex-Saint Jack Billings who will be worth watching over summer.

Billings hit up teammates including full forward Brown with impressive foot skills in match drills to show exactly why the Demons traded for the left-footer.

Hore was the VFL’s best interceptor in the past two seasons and could get early games with Harrison Petty playing forward and Smith potentially suspended.

Tom McDonald and Adam Tomlinson will both be pushing for that third defensive spot behind May and Jake Lever, who was impressive pushing McDonald in their 2km time trial.

Ex-Lions tall Tom Fullarton also ran well as he prepares to back up Gawn in the ruck.

INJURY ISSUES

Melbourne is confident Harry Petty will be in full training well before round 1 as he recovers from a serious lisfranc injury that ended his 2023 season.

Petty, keen to return to Adelaide but not released by the Demons, will play as a key forward alongside Jacob Van Rooyen.

Van Rooyen and ex-Crows forward Shane McAdam were both at the forefront as the Demons slotted straight into mid-forward connection drills.

The Demons failed miserably to capitalise on their welter of inside 50s as they lost in straight sets for the second season in a row.

Fritsch was on light duties after his foot issues of 2023 which included a mid-season fractured foot and then toe ligament injury which he endured through finals.

Kysaiah Pickett ran the time trial but then did run-throughs instead of training with the main group he battles some low-level groin soreness.

Jake Melksham is ahead of schedule in his early recovery from an ACL tear but will only be back late next season.

[Demonland 72,155]