2024 Preseason Training Thread

[kev martin 10,411]

9 minutes ago, Jeremy said:

Midfield depth is a real issue.

I reckon they will put Kossie into the midfield. 

[kev martin 10,411]

26 minutes ago, Gator said:

One thing Woewodin isn't is slow.  He was second in the 20 metre sprint at the Draft Combine with a time under 2.9 seconds.

20m Sprint Result (seconds)

Rank	Result (seconds)	Name
1	2.845	Harvey Harrison
2	2.898	Taj Woewodin

Could have been the wet conditions, playing within himself, and being conscientious when in the play (less fumbling). He has bulked up, looking solid, that may also slow down that explosiveness. Thought he was Sparrow at one stage.

Thanks for those numbers.

Edited January 17 by kev martin

[sydneydee 689]

I’m down from Sydney and dropped into training with the family. It was good to meet Kev Martin and WCW for a bit of a chat. 
 

Overall it was a solid session with plenty of intensity in the match sims. 
 

In one of the exercises,  players were practising their close-in congested work with keeping off before a long handball to an outside receiver who delivered i50 or had a shot on goal. In the group closest to us Chandler, Spargo, Petracca and Rivers shared the outside role with Chandler being the most consistent with delivering the ball to the leading players advantage.  From the inside group I thought Brown showed a bit with good evasion and ball use. The others were a bit sloppy given the conditions. 
 

In match sims Petracca does some amazing things. In one highlight he sprinted 100m to cleanly gather a loose ball at pace then simultaneously putting out a fend off and pirouetted around a player before snapping a goal from 30m. It received some applause from the on lookers and trainers Others who were prominent in the match sims included Lever, May, Howes, Rivers, Fritsch, Roo  and Salem. Chandler was also busy.  Fullerton took a few strong grabs and showed a lot of promise. 
 

Tom MacDonald played forward and nearly took off Petraccas head when he took a fresh air swing at a loose ball. 

Of the new draftees Brown was my pick and got a bit of the ball. All 3 showed a lot of defensive work with some strong tacking in the sims. Brown brought down Gawn, Windsor had a great run down tackle on Howes (showed some speed) and Thulstrup tried to tackle everyone. 

After training the boys were happy to sign some autographs and Petracca gave my son his training hat that he was wearing which made his day. Aside from the weather it was great to watch footy in January.  

 

 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, picket fence said:

Gladstone Smallish??

He wasn’t hunched over, though. He just had no neck. 

[Demonland 73,140]

A clumsy slip from big man Jed Adams sent a small wobble through the Melbourne camp.

Uncapped defender Adams slipped in the soaking rain and faceplanted while in the midst of a kicking drill, with trainers called upon to check his eyesight.

The 196cm West Australian called out in pain and was off the track for 15 minutes before returning to run laps with the hint of a shiner on his right eye.

The Demons confirmed there was no fear of concussion after the slip.

[Pennant St Dee 13,304]

3 hours ago, Jeremy said:

I’m not saying he’ll miss games I’m saying we can’t throw him into the midfield round 1 surely? Too risky, I’d be surprised if he’s not at half back or on a wing to get back into it 

How is it risky, across the ground you’re open to being involved in a collision by way of a deliberate bump, friendly fire or accidental contact.

If you’re passed fit you go where best suited. We’re not talking a short time after incident 

[demon3165 2,804]

2 hours ago, picket fence said:

Gladstone Smallish??

And the younger generation going WTF....

[forever demons 2,224]

4 hours ago, Jeremy said:

I’m not saying he’ll miss games I’m saying we can’t throw him into the midfield round 1 surely? Too risky, I’d be surprised if he’s not at half back or on a wing to get back into it 

If he cant play by now after his concussion he will never play again its been mths

[forever demons 2,224]

4 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Tommy wasn’t there. The other Tommy (of the McDonald variety) was, and I asked him about his hair. I simply said, “Tommy… why?” He laughed and said, “I dunno, I was just bored and it was something to do. On holidays and bored, you know how it is.” I told him he needs to get a hobby or something, maybe take up footy. 😁

That said, it actually looks good in person. And speaking of hair, both Will and Langers look to be growing theirs back 🥳

Im growing mine back to,towards the back of my neck

[Dingo 1,126]

8 hours ago, picket fence said:

Pity I'm not out there with you WCW we would be a killer partnership like Maxwell Smart and Agent 99!🤩

Great show. I remember 1 episode where Max thought 99 had the hots for Agent 43.When Max asked her 99 said, you’re worth two 43s Max.

[forever demons 2,224]

2 hours ago, Jeremy said:

Midfield depth is a real issue. We lost Harmes Dunstan and Jordon and didn’t replace them with anyone. Billings is the closest thing but he’s a half forward who can occasionally pinch in the midfield at best. At this stage our best midfielder isn’t even at the club and there’s no way Brayshaw will be thrown in there too early this season (at all?). We won’t have the luxury of Trac going forward at this stage. We don’t know if Rivers is a midfielder or not, sample size way too small. There really isn’t a lot to call on this year, coupled with no legitimate backup ruckman either. If one or two go down I think we are in trouble. Surprised this wasn’t addressed during the trade period. 

Rivers should stay at half back,hes got his confidence up now and his run and carry is fantastic and inspiring ,much like Gary Hardeman

[Older demon 2,779]

8 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Imho this boy is ready to go…

Laying some really hard tackles. Super agile and endless energy. 

Go Ollie a natural footballer

 

[binman 43,758]

2 hours ago, Gator said:

One thing Woewodin isn't is slow.  He was second in the 20 metre sprint at the Draft Combine with a time under 2.9 seconds.

20m Sprint Result (seconds)

Rank	Result (seconds)	Name
1	2.845	Harvey Harrison
2	2.898	Taj Woewodin

That surprises me a bit i have to admit. But only in the sense that he is quick over the first 20 meters as i've always thought his cruising speed is pretty quick. Good combo.

Do you see Woey making it Gator?

Or perhaps a better question is do you think he has good upside?

(i'm not sure myself). 

Edited January 17 by binman

[Macca 17,032]

26 minutes ago, forever demons said:

Rivers should stay at half back,hes got his confidence up now and his run and carry is fantastic and inspiring ,much like Gary Hardeman

How would Hardeman go as an intercept mark specialist these says?  Without having to worry too much about his opponent!  

He would absolutely dominate

[Rab D Nesbitt 8,491]

Apparently Disco Turner has put on (censored) kilograms over the summer so far. 

[Tarax Club 3,959]

53 minutes ago, forever demons said:

Rivers should stay at half back,hes got his confidence up now and his run and carry is fantastic and inspiring ,much like Gary Hardeman

Now there was a dasher off half-back.  Gary at 187cm and 90kg was very similar in physique to Trent at 188cm and 88kg but played mostly at CHB. He could also drive a ball a distance, he was a magnificent raking drop punt in his pomp.

Edited January 17 by Tarax Club

[Gator 17,449]

55 minutes ago, binman said:

That surprises me a bit i have to admit. But only in the sense that he is quick over the first 20 meters as i've always thought his cruising speed is pretty quick. Good combo.

Do you see Woey making it Gator?

Or perhaps a better question is do you think he has good upside?

(i'm not sure myself). 

In fairness, the times that day were wind assisted.  That said, he still came second out of plenty and wind assisted, or not, it's very fast.

I like his prospects.  Good size, skills and speed, and seems really coachable.  I don't see a star, but I think he can become a good player.

[DeeZone 10,100]

Thanks WCW, Waynew, startibart, Kev, Sydee and all other posters great reports from Gosh’s today. I love the reports and special comments they have made my day and such a crappy start to the day as well.

[Kent 2,914]

13 hours ago, Gator said:

One thing Woewodin isn't is slow.  He was second in the 20 metre sprint at the Draft Combine with a time under 2.9 seconds.

20m Sprint Result (seconds)

Rank	Result (seconds)	Name
1	2.845	Harvey Harrison
2	2.898	Taj Woewodin

What happened to Harvey?

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,233]

It is not surprising to me that it’s appears from recent reports that Rivers and to some degree Salo are training at least in part for midfield minutes. We have lost midfield depth and that’s before you consider we look likely to not have Clarry for at least the start of the season. We have Disco and Howes appearing to be cherry ripe for senior exposure in our back 7. Our ball use forward of centre has been bland and ineffective. Salem and Rivers are both aggressive, creative kicks. I like the move and you can always revert the plan if it does not prove positive. 

[Roost it far 8,582]

What's people's take on Jed Adams? Have we a player on our hands?

[Webber 10,538]

14 hours ago, Gator said:

One thing Woewodin isn't is slow.  He was second in the 20 metre sprint at the Draft Combine with a time under 2.9 seconds.

20m Sprint Result (seconds)

Rank	Result (seconds)	Name
1	2.845	Harvey Harrison
2	2.898	Taj Woewodin

Very confidently tipping Taj to be the break-out player of 2024. Underrated on here, but has all the tricks, along with an uber-professional attitude. Will exponentially improve with experience. 
 

(also tipping he’ll be a whipping boy until his value becomes undeniable). 

[binman 43,758]

59 minutes ago, Webber said:

Very confidently tipping Taj to be the break-out player of 2024. Underrated on here, but has all the tricks, along with an uber-professional attitude. Will exponentially improve with experience. 
 

(also tipping he’ll be a whipping boy until his value becomes undeniable). 

Nah, can't see him becoming a whipping boy.

As self appointed DL defender of whipping boys, i don't think he is made of the right stuff to be be a fully fledged whipping boy.

For a start he has to get a regular spot in the ones so he can be accused of taking the spot of a player deemed more worthy. And he is the son of a gun, so there is too much good will for him to cop it.

But on a serious note, I hope you prove to be correct Webber but i'm a bit more ambivalent about his chances of taking his game to another level and being a regular in the ones.  

I agree he is super professional (which i think can be a really underrated attribute - though not by coaches and teammates), but i'm not sure he has 'all the tricks' or the x factor. 

That said i think what he does has is an excellent tank, covers the ground well and is developing into a terrific athlete - attributes that have never been more important and will only continue to grow in importance.

And maybe i under value his skills because he is so disciplined and eschews flair.

I think his preparedness to work hard means he will further build his tank and become an even better athlete, which will give him an edge over many teammates and an excellent chance of cementing a best 22 spot.   

And as Gator noted, and as you imply, he is super coachable and we know Goody rewards players who play their assigned role and follow instructions. 

Edited January 17 by binman

[DeeZone 10,100]

Agree with Gator, Webber and you pose some interesting possibilities binman, I am definitely the glass half full when it comes to our squad. I see McAdam replaces Jake Melksham, Billing’s covers James Harmes role whilst the Kolt and the Duke develop and Woewodin comes in and replaces JJ’s role in the team. He looks ready to go and should get plenty of opportunities particularly whilst Clayton is out. I am also hopeful that Laurie, Howes and Disco get plenty of game time early in the season.

[Ollie fan 3,468]

38 minutes ago, binman said:

Nah, can't see him becoming a whipping boy.

As self appointed DL defender of whipping boys, i don't think he is made of the right stuff to be be a fully fledged whipping boy.

For a start he has to get a regular spot in the ones so he can be accused of taking the spot of a player deemed more worthy. And he is the son of a gun, so there is too much good will for him to cop it.

But on a serious note, I hope you prove to be correct Webber but i'm a bit more ambivalent about his chances of taking his game to another level and being a regular in the ones.  

I agree he is super professional (which i think can be a really underrated attribute - though not by coaches and teammates), but i'm not sure he has 'all the tricks' or the x factor. 

That said i think what he does has is an excellent tank, covers the ground well and is developing into a terrific athlete - attributes that have never been more important and will only continue to grow in importance.

And maybe i under value his skills because he is so disciplined and eschews flair.

I think his preparedness to work hard means he will further build his tank and become an even better athlete, which will give him an edge over many teammates and an excellent chance of cementing a best 22 spot.   

And as Gator noted, and as you imply, he is super coachable and we know Goody rewards players who play their assigned role and follow instructions. 

"Super professional, excellent tank, preparedness to work hard, disciplined, lacks X factor" - are you talking about Taj or his dad?

What I am trying to say is: that is exactly what his dad was like, and he won a Brownlow......