Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

GEORGE ON THE OUTER’S MATCH SIM OBSERVATIONS 

Training at Casey...what could be more of a simulation of winter football conditions....wet, raining, windy....yep it's the middle of summer, but no sunscreen required.  Even @picket fence 's slippery mates would have taken the day off and retreated to more habitable locations.

Advertised as a match simulation session, it was hard to draw any conclusions or real observations.  This was because of the absence of numerous player for whatever reason, or players who were on some sort of restricted programme, or just plain injured.  As a consequence, there were numerous Casey listed players filling in, but obviously getting plenty of good experience themselves.

On the sidelines, we know about Jake Melksham, and of course no Clayton Oliver or Joel Smith.  Christian Salem, Jack Billings & Tom Sparrow were just running laps, with Sparrow looking to be the one doing it at full stretch.  No sight of Lachie Hunter, BBB, Shane McAdam & AMW, while Matt Jefferson walked on and off the field to physio areas. Every year it is a concern when players aren't on the track post Christmas break, and you can utterly guarantee for every week they are not there, you can take a week off the season for them. With 11 missing out of a list of 44, it’s not good!

There was all the usual warm-up's and drills but the match simulation was the most important.  But, as said before, what can one take from it with so many sidelined?

What could be taken away were things like:

TMac playing permanently in the backline.  For those that have been around from when he played their last, be prepared for much of the same.  Indecisive about where the ball is going, strong marking, but watch out for the kicking. One wonders how he will find a hole to fill with Steven May, Jake Lever, Adam TomlinsonDaniel Turner, Trent Rivers, Jake Bowey, Christian Salem, Jed Adams, Marty Hore, Blake Howes all vying for the back 6 positions.

Blake Howes and Disco Turner are going to be putting up their hands fairly soon for a role in the senior defensive structure, and both stood out on multiple times during the sim.  But don't discount Adams, who probably is 3rd in line, but having built up considerably in the off-season is showing some real promise with genuine football skills.

Interestingly, Judd McVee was playing further up the ground, and found himself taking shots at goal at one point, so maybe the coaches have something more planned for him.

Harry Petty was back for the drills, but didn't compete in the sim, likewise Angus Brayshaw, and to a certain extent Max Gawn, who came back for only a short spell in the sim.  Probably to give the backups some time for assessment.  In this respect Will Verrall is streets ahead of Tom Fullarton, and I suspect Fullarton will only find a role as a forward....although we need plenty of those options given the situation at the end of last season. 

JvR almost took mark of the year reminiscent of the one Michael Roach held on to many, many years ago, but unfortunately he spilled it in the end, but he truly was sitting on top of the pack to attempt to take the ball at waist height.  If he connects something similar in the season, he will be taking home the MOTY easily.

Kozzy Pickett spent the whole session in the middle, and like most years, nobody can lay a hand on him.  He just dances through traffic when he has no right to do so.  And with questions over Clayton Oliver, both he and Bailey Laurie can expect more opportunity in the engine room. 

ANB gave a clinic on how to kick to the opposition when under no pressure.  So no change there.  Rivers was magnificent to watch as he streamed from HB and delivers accurately. Kade Chandler was very involved and seemed to be on the end of numerous chains.  But he was also active in contested situations, so maybe a mid-field rotation role might be on the cards in season proper. Taj Woewodin showed glimpses of what may be possible, but with these types of simulations and with tackling and pressure not at the levels of AFL games, it is difficult to judge.  Still he looks more and more like his old man, and is obviously benefitting from the training programmes.

I know people will ask about the new draftees, but sorry, not much to report.  They after all are just starting out and some of the Casey players show more, simply because they are stronger, fitter and accustomed to the speed of the action.  Just give them time.  And don't expect to see them playing any time soon, unless we hit a huge injury problem.

That's all from me but wait for @Six6Six and his photo's to appear, as he was busy with the telphoto lens and should have some great shots of the action.

image.png

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 3

Posted

Thanks George, Neal/ Bullen will be lucky to get a game in this forward line…looks like Bailey Laurie will take his place…Binman will be most upset.

  • Shocked 1
  • Vomit 1

Posted
11 hours ago, jayceebee31 said:

Thanks George, Neal/ Bullen will be lucky to get a game in this forward line…looks like Bailey Laurie will take his place…Binman will be most upset.

Nibbler is ALWAYS one of the first players picked! Dont expect anything different.

  • Love 1
Posted
10 hours ago, picket fence said:

Nibbler is ALWAYS one of the first players picked! Dont expect anything different.

Maybe that’s one of the major reasons we haven’t succeeded over the last two years….doesnt do enough in my opinion.

Posted
On 20/01/2024 at 09:32, picket fence said:

Nibbler is ALWAYS one of the first players picked! Dont expect anything different.

On match day, Nibbler adds ... and adds ... just what we need, at unexpected moments. 

  • Love 1
Posted
On 21/01/2024 at 08:44, Deemania since 56 said:

On match day, Nibbler adds ... and adds ... just what we need, at unexpected moments. 

On his better days, Nibbler's high work rate justifies his place in the 22. On a bad day ........  well, let's not go there.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    THE ACCIDENTAL DEMONS by The Oracle

    In the space of eight days, the Melbourne Football Club’s plans for the coming year were turned upside down by two season-ending injuries to players who were contending strongly for places in its opening round match against the GWS Giants. Shane McAdam was first player to go down with injury when he ruptured an Achilles tendon at Friday afternoon training, a week before the cut-off date for the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period (“SSP”). McAdam was beginning to get some real mom

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    PREGAME: Practice Match vs Fremantle

    The Demons hit the road for what will be their first of 8 interstate trips this year when they play their final practice match before the 2025 AFL Premiership Season against the Fremantle Dockers in Perth on Sunday, 2nd March @ 6:10pm (AEDT). 2025 AAMI Community Series Sun Mar 2 Fremantle v Melbourne, Rushton Oval, Mandurah, 3.10pm AWST (6.10pm AEDT)

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 113

    RETURN TO NORMAL by Whispering Jack

    One of my prized possessions is a framed, autographed guernsey bearing the number 31 worn by my childhood hero, Melbourne’s champion six time premiership player Ronald Dale Barassi who passed away on 16 September 2023, aged 87. The former captain who went on to a successful coaching career, mainly with other clubs, came back to the fold in his later years as a staunch Demon supporter who often sat across the way from me in the Northern Stand of the MCG cheering on the team. Barassi died the

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports

    PODCAST: Match SIM vs North Melbourne

    Join us LIVE on Monday night at 8:30pm—note that this special time is just for this week due to prior commitments. We'll break down the Match SIM against North Melbourne and wrap up the preseason with insights into training and our latest recruits. I apologize for skipping our annual season review show at the end of last season. After a disapponting season filled with off-field antics and a heated trade week, I needed a break. Thankfully, the offseason has recharged me, and I’m back—ready t

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 43

    GAMEDAY: Match SIM vs North Melbourne

    After an agonizingly long off-season the 2025 AFL Premiership Season is almost upon us and the Demons have their first practice hit out against the Kangaroos in a match simulation out at Arden Street. The Demons will take on the Kangaroos in match simulation play, starting from 10am AEDT and broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo. The play start time was brought forward from the initial 11am bounce, due to the high temperatures forecast.  The match sim will consist of four 25-minute qu

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 465

    TRAINING: Friday 21st February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers beat the Friday heat to bring you their observations from this morning's Captain's Run out at Gosch's Paddock in the lead up to their first hit out in a Practice Match tomorrow against the Kangaroos. TRAVY14'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS On the park: Trac Spargo Gawn Viney Langdon May Fritsch Salem Henderson Rehab: McVee (updated to include Melk, Kolt, AMW and Kentfield) Spoke to "Gus" the trainer, he said these are the guys no

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Wednesday 19th February 2025

    Demonlander The Analyser was the sole Trackwatcher out at Casey Fields today to bring you the following observations from this mornings preseason training session. Training  was at Casey today. It consisted of a match simulation for one half  and then a free choice activity time. Activities included kicking for goal,  aerial , contest work etc. I noticed the following players not in match simulation Jack Viney  running laps and looks fine for round one . I think Kolt looks like he’s im

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    TRAINING: Monday 17th February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers were on hand at Monday morning's preseason training at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their brief observations of the session. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Gentle flush session at Gosch's this morning. Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars) McVee, McAdam. Rehabbing: Great to see Kentfield back (much slimmer), walking with Tholstrup, TMac (suspect just a management thing), Viney (still being cautious with that rib cartilage?), Melksham (

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    MATCH SIM: Friday 14th February 2025

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers made their way out to Casey Field's for the Melbourne Football Club's Family Series day to bring you their observations on the Match Simulation. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars), McVee, Windor, Kentfield, Mentha Present but not playing: Petracca, Viney, Spargo, Tholstrup, Melksham Starting Blue 18 (+ just 2 interchange): B: Petty, TMac, Lever, Howes, Bowey Salem M: Gawn, Oliver, La

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...