Jump to content

PRESEASON TRAINING: Friday 26th January, 2024



Recommended Posts

1 hour ago, Back pocket said:

Great to see so many numbers show up and watch the boys - I imagine we will be inundated with reports from today.

 

Rufus du Sol and Fred Again were blasting through the speakers as the boys warmed up before getting into 4 periods of match sim.

 

  • No shows: Oliver, Brown, Smith
  • Present but not involved: Melky, Hunter
  • Running on side: Jefferson, Sparrow, AMW, Petty (Petty did get involved for the last period of match play)

 

A few notes from match sim:

 

  • There was a focus on changing the angle of the play, very aggressive ball movement
  • Bowey was absolutely brilliant rebounding off half back, often linking up multiple times in the one passage - players were looking to get the ball in his hands 
  • As much as people won’t like to hear it, ANB was playing through the midfield and was one of our best
  • On a similar note, TMac was also good down back - competed very strongly in the air, however you still have to worry about his decision making and kicking coming out of defence. Will be competing for that third tall spot
  • Max could do what he wanted today. Manhandled Fullerton in ruck contests and was putting the ball on a platter to the mids. Fullerton not offering a contest at all. Update: Fullerton limped off with a lower leg injury right at the end - the only injury concern to come out of today.
  • I thought Verrall was the most impressive of the backup rucks, at least provided contest at stoppages compared to the others - it is a bit worrying if Max does go down though (touch wood!)
  • Chandler heavily involved in the opening period, both in the link up and on the scoreboard 
  • Rivers was great in the B teams midfield, Laurie also competed well in there and was heavily involved
  • Hore solid, and will be fine if needed to come in
  • Howes interestingly started in the A teams defence, however did not notice too much involvement
  • The usuals: Trac makes things look easy, Viney is a gun, Fritsch our best up forward today, Kozzie and Roo got on the end of a few towards the end
  • The wingers (besides Langdon) didn’t get near it today. Billings and Windsor hardly touched it. Windsor appeared to lack confidence out there. He was constantly on the receiving end of barking instructions from players and coaches - an overload of information. Obviously has plenty of time, but the other top few from the draft this year seem to be dominating their respective clubs’ trainings. 
  • McQualter seems like a terrific pick up to replace Yze in the coaching ranks, was very vocal out there today
  • My best players today (in no particular order): Trac, Viney, Gawn, Laurie, Bowey, Rivers, TMac, ANB, Fritsch 

Re best players only non regular is Laurie

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, Ditcha said:

I was going for an afternoon walk through Ghoshs Paddock and saw Clarry Oliver training on Melbourne's training ground. He was running laps and seemed in good spirits as he replied to me that he was going well. He was there with someone else and they had footballs with them. He looked in good spirits, but I am unsure how far he is behind everyone else in conditioning. 

Without being privey to his work out volumes and numbers, he wouldn't be that far off IMO.

The only thing he might be behind in is the agility training side of things throught agility ladders and poles which isn't a great deal off.

At the end of the day it's when Clarry feels ready.

 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, Back pocket said:

Definitely agree with what you have to say Titan. In no way am I trying to write him off as a player. I have full confidence in his ability and believe he will be a star for us in the future. I was just trying to report on the one individual training session from today compared to the rest of his preseason (without sugarcoating anything). Our recruiting team has done a marvellous job over the last 10 years, so we have no reason to doubt them at all (especially this early in a player’s development).

He did have a few nice passages out there today, I was just wanting to temper expectations that he is going to be a star in the 23 from round 1, and instead we should let him develop down at Casey and trust the process. Although I’d love to be wrong and would thoroughly enjoy seeing him out there on a wing against the Swans in opening round. Go Dees!

I agree with your assessment of Windsor and that there’s no chance he’ll be in the side for the Sydney game.

You can see what he’ll become but not yet. For example there was a passage of play where he tried to take an opponent on near the boundary line at half back which would’ve opened up the field for his teammates, but ended up getting pinged for holding the ball.

Tholstrupp was quiet as well.

  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

38 minutes ago, Slartibartfast said:

My final point is that the kicking for goal was very good in difficult conditions.  As I commented to others, if we'd kicked like that in the finals we'd have won the flag, but enough of channelling Masie.  

That was my main take from the day as well.

Goal kicking single handedly ruined our finals campaign last year (and robbed us of top 2 with some deplorable home and away scores) so it was nice to see some crisp goal kicking today, albeit under minimal stress.

Fritta was automatic from 40-50.

Laurie nailed a set shot from the boundary (as did Langdon) and kicked another from 45 after taking on an opponent who was asleep.

Chandler kicked 3 or 4 and looked assured in front of the sticks 

JVR nailed the set shot of the day, 45 out near the boundary.

I hope we respect our opportunities on goal more this year.

Edited by Bring-Back-Powell
  • Like 10
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The AFL sight saying Fullerton hammy is nasty. So much for our back up ruck plan...

"...the Demons are bracing for Fullarton to have suffered a decent hamstring strain at best and potential tendon damage at worst"

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
  • Shocked 1
  • Sad 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Ditcha said:

I was going for an afternoon walk through Ghoshs Paddock and saw Clarry Oliver training on Melbourne's training ground. He was running laps and seemed in good spirits as he replied to me that he was going well. He was there with someone else and they had footballs with them. He looked in good spirits, but I am unsure how far he is behind everyone else in conditioning. 

Nice work Ditcha!

  • Like 3
  • Clap 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Whispering_Jack changed the title to PRESEASON TRAINING: Friday 26th January, 2024
  • Demonland changed the title to PRESEASON TRAINING: Friday 26th January 2024

Re:Fullerton injury,  the training session today went for over 3 hours.  Fullerton appeared to damage it right at the end of it which is shocking luck. Whether it happened abruptly or not we don’t know, but to me that was a bit of mismanagement of his running loads. 

  • Sad 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Gawndy the Great said:

Re:Fullerton injury,  the training session today went for over 3 hours.  Fullerton appeared to damage it right at the end of it which is shocking luck. Whether it happened abruptly or not we don’t know, but to me that was a bit of mismanagement of his running loads. 

And the other 30 or so who did the full session would’ve got the loads needed to get through matches so they don’t all ping them in round 1

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Stiff Arm said:

The AFL sight saying Fullerton hammy is nasty. So much for our back up ruck plan...

"...the Demons are bracing for Fullarton to have suffered a decent hamstring strain at best and potential tendon damage at worst"

Judging by training reports over the last month maybe he's not the ruck back up.

...anyway, he's definitely not now.

Verrall seems ahead at least in ruck terms anyway.

If we get someone on the long term injury list (and it may be Fullarton) perhaps we can pick up another ruck.

 

Edited by rjay
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

There’s a firewall behind this so I will do a summary starting with the opening part

• Tom Fullarton set to start the season on the sidelines after suffering a suspected serious hamstring injury. Sent off for scans to determine if the tendon was torn.

• Others missing were Clayton Oliver (personal reasons), Ben Brown (knee) and Lachie Hunter (calf).
    
• The club expects Oliver to return in “the coming weeks”.

• Harry Petty set to resume full training in the next fortnight in the hope of playing in Rd 0 vs Swans.  (To be continued)

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With Fullerton possibly out for sometime surely the club has to look at a pre-season or selection ( if we can put someone on the inactive /long term injury list ) on a back up mature aged ruck from a state league ?

if Max went down now we would be stuffed in the ruck 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

There’s a firewall behind this so I will do a summary starting with the opening part

• Tom Fullarton set to start the season on the sidelines after suffering a suspected serious hamstring injury. Sent off for scans to determine if the tendon was torn.

• Others missing were Clayton Oliver (personal reasons), Ben Brown (knee) and Lachie Hunter (calf).
    
• The club expects Oliver to return in “the coming weeks”.

• Harry Petty set to resume full training in the next fortnight in the hope of playing in Rd 0 vs Swans.  (To be continued)

(Continued)

TRAINING NOTES

• relatively mixed teams for the match sim, with the white team possessing the 'probables' defence and the blue team the 'probables' midfield (with some exceptions).

• Angus Brayshaw building into his pre-season and will be back in full-contact drills this week. Today, he started in defence & pinch hit in the midfield at times. Was the primary ball user off half back.

• Adam Tomlinson and Tom McDonald both in defence for the blue team, while Blake Howes lined up alongside Steven May and Jake Lever in defence. Howes also had a difficult job on Bailey Fritsch, conceding a goal but held himself quite well.
    
• Trent Rivers ran through the midfield, often on Christian Petracca and at times beating him.

• Caleb Windsor spent most of the session on the wing, lining up on Jack Billings and had some run in the midfield.

• ANB spent time in the main midfield rotation, starting alongside Jack Viney and Petracca.

• Tom Fullarton (before the injury) and Will Verrall rotated through the ruck role against Max Gawn, but were no match for him.

• Jed Adams played deep forward (although elsewhere here it’s been reported he played in defence). 

• Steven May received a corkie near the end but played on.

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Christian Petracca comfortably slotted his set shots both during the warm up and match simulation, despite the windy and wet conditions.

•  Shane McAdam popped up at times, kicking an opportunistic goal & laid some strong tackles early.

• A deft kick in traffic from ANB that hit Brayshaw streaming through the centre square, with the switch of play sparking a set shot and goal.

• Jack Viney starred through the midfield, winning contested ball and laying bone-crunching tackles

ABSENTEES (apart from those already mentioned) 

• Matthew Jefferson completed a running program along the boundary side.

• AMW & Tom Sparrow did their own modified program early in the session, then ran laps.

• Christian Salem started the session with the main group but was pulled out about an hour in and sent for sprint work with AMW.

• Harrison Petty was pulled out of the session just before the match simulation, instead hitting the exercise bike with Jefferson.

• Lachie Hunter ran messages for both teams and called players for interchanges.
 

  • Thanks 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Very impressed with Laurie today.

2 nice goals and been heavily involved. My tip for most improved this year.

His lateral movement is OP, has worked hard on his in-tight handballing which was an issue in terms of hitting moving targets, being indecisive as a result — but looks to have hit that behind him, natural finisher who hits targets and keeps eyes low and more importantly, keeps a 180* View of what’s around him… Howes, Bowey, Laurie, a fit (maybe) Salem, Billings & Windsor are all going to help our general kicking efficiency this year & most of all the i50 kick. Rivers playing through middle also gives us some fwd movement burst & puts speed on the ball, Mcvee might also go through there and Kossie should do another 10-15% mid mix this year.. A def need that is looking a little stronger, but key will be if we’re willing to sacrifice def positioning 5-15% more at times to take the game on more — if we do, I sense it’ll play to our strengths, if we don’t… I know it’ll be very much to our detriment & our OPP joy… MANY Club insiders laud our predictability and whisky it’s also a strength, some get the sense clubs would be nervous if we put carried a little more risk!!!

  • Like 4
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


7 hours ago, Gawndy the Great said:

Petty seems to have a slight limp in his gait. Right foot appears hampered. Still running with McAdam and Gus.

 

but is now taking part in a modified pre set match sim scenario. Took a mark on the lead and foaled.

Well.. yes, he is! But wrapt he’s back 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Gawndy the Great said:

#33 Fullerton ? limping from ground

Let’s hope it’s not torn.. rough start for a kid who looked to be going alright  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Gawndy the Great said:

DLs  best mate Kingy is here. Want me to pass on any messages?

Ohhhh LAWD I wish I’d of been there to mess with that real-life-buoy!!!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, DemonJack 14 said:

With Fullerton possibly out for sometime surely the club has to look at a pre-season or selection ( if we can put someone on the inactive /long term injury list ) on a back up mature aged ruck from a state league ?

if Max went down now we would be stuffed in the ruck 

We would be stuffed anyway, but yes, we should go get a big 26 year old lug from somewhere.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, Back pocket said:

Great to see so many numbers show up and watch the boys - I imagine we will be inundated with reports from today.

 

Rufus du Sol and Fred Again were blasting through the speakers as the boys warmed up before getting into 4 periods of match sim.

 

  • No shows: Oliver, Brown, Smith
  • Present but not involved: Melky, Hunter
  • Running on side: Jefferson, Sparrow, AMW, Petty (Petty did get involved for the last period of match play)

 

A few notes from match sim:

 

  • There was a focus on changing the angle of the play, very aggressive ball movement
  • Bowey was absolutely brilliant rebounding off half back, often linking up multiple times in the one passage - players were looking to get the ball in his hands 
  • As much as people won’t like to hear it, ANB was playing through the midfield and was one of our best
  • On a similar note, TMac was also good down back - competed very strongly in the air, however you still have to worry about his decision making and kicking coming out of defence. Will be competing for that third tall spot
  • Max could do what he wanted today. Manhandled Fullerton in ruck contests and was putting the ball on a platter to the mids. Fullerton not offering a contest at all. Update: Fullerton limped off with a lower leg injury right at the end - the only injury concern to come out of today.
  • I thought Verrall was the most impressive of the backup rucks, at least provided contest at stoppages compared to the others - it is a bit worrying if Max does go down though (touch wood!)
  • Chandler heavily involved in the opening period, both in the link up and on the scoreboard 
  • Rivers was great in the B teams midfield, Laurie also competed well in there and was heavily involved
  • Hore solid, and will be fine if needed to come in
  • Howes interestingly started in the A teams defence, however did not notice too much involvement
  • The usuals: Trac makes things look easy, Viney is a gun, Fritsch our best up forward today, Kozzie and Roo got on the end of a few towards the end
  • The wingers (besides Langdon) didn’t get near it today. Billings and Windsor hardly touched it. Windsor appeared to lack confidence out there. He was constantly on the receiving end of barking instructions from players and coaches - an overload of information. Obviously has plenty of time, but the other top few from the draft this year seem to be dominating their respective clubs’ trainings. 
  • McQualter seems like a terrific pick up to replace Yze in the coaching ranks, was very vocal out there today
  • My best players today (in no particular order): Trac, Viney, Gawn, Laurie, Bowey, Rivers, TMac, ANB, Fritsch 

Mate, really? We’re worried about Windsor already? Some reports say he looked right at home pattern & speed wise, Wing often goes unrewarded mate, kids dominating are doing so at clubs where they’re  up against not much — I’d be worried if our draftees were dominating our probables team for mine!

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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  

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #3 Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best. He was also inconvenienced by minor niggles later in the season. This was a blow for the club that sorely needed him to fill gaps in the midfield at times as well as to do his best work in defence. Date of Birth: 15 July 1995 Height: 184cm Games MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 26 Brownlow Meda

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #39 Koltyn Tholstrop

    The first round draft pick at #13 from twelve months ago the strongly built medium forward has had an impressive introduction to AFL football and is expected to spend more midfield moments as his career progresses. Date of Birth: 25 July 2005 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 10 Goals MFC 2024: 5 Career Total: 5 Games CDFC 2024: 7 Goals CDFC 2024: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #42 Daniel Turner

    The move of “Disco” to a key forward post looks like bearing fruit. Turner has good hands, moves well and appears to be learning the forward craft well. Will be an interesting watch in 2025. Date of Birth: January 28, 2002 Height: 195cm Games MFC 2024: 15 Career Total: 18 Goals MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 17 Games CDFC 2024: 1 Goals CDFC 2024:  1

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 15

    2024 Player Reviews: #8 Jake Lever

    The Demon’s key defender and backline leader had his share of injuries and niggles throughout the season which prevented him from performing at his peak.  Date of Birth: 5 March 1996 Height: 195cm Games MFC 2024: 18 Career Total: 178 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 1

    2024 Player Reviews: #13 Clayton Oliver

    Lack of preparation after a problematic preseason prevented Oliver from reaching the high standards set before last year’s hamstring woes. He carried injury right through the back half of the season and was controversially involved in a potential move during the trade period that was ultimately shut down by the club. Date of Birth:  22 July 1997 Height:  189cm Games MFC 2024:  21 Career Total: 183 Goals MFC 2024: 3 Career Total: 54 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 17

    BLOODY BLUES by Meggs

    The conclusion to Narrm’s home and away season was the inevitable let down by the bloody Blues  who meekly capitulated to the Bombers.   The 2024 season fixture handicapped the Demons chances from the get-go with Port Adelaide, Brisbane and Essendon advantaged with enough gimme games to ensure a tough road to the finals, especially after a slew of early season injuries to star players cost wins and percentage.     As we strode confidently through the gates of Prin

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    2024 Player Reviews: #5 Christian Petracca

    Melbourne’s most important player who dominated the first half of the season until his untimely injury in the Kings Birthday clash put an end to his season. At the time, he was on his way to many personal honours and the club in strong finals contention. When the season did end for Melbourne and Petracca was slowly recovering, he was engulfed in controversy about a possible move of clubs amid claims about his treatment by the club in the immediate aftermath of his injury. Date of Birth: 4 J

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 21
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...