PRESEASON TRAINING: Monday 12th February 2024

[FriendlyFellow 132]

Disclaimer: Saw on the socials they were down at Gosch’s Paddock so headed down for a quick look. Little to no presence of other track watchers and no current live thread, so as a first time contributor, giving what the people need! It won’t be as expansive and comprehensive as what we’re used to… but it’s something.

Conditions: Hot and windy (no explanation needed).

Training Format: Tailored match sim; line grouping skills; running.. and lots of it.

Observations:

Tailored Match Sim:

Offense orientated simulation. Focus on transitioning the from defensive wing to forward 50. A team forwards appeared to play on the A backs, with Midfielders having cross representation of personnel.

General observations – We still bias to target kicking into the pockets. Attempted to lower the eyes on several occasions to get into the corridor, but the defensive group were strong at intercepting and pushing the rebound. Goal kicking was accurate in windy conditions.

Oliver – completed his 2km Time Trial pre-session and was fully integrated with the main group for match-sims (so yes, first session back with the group). Was on a modified running session program separate to the others. Had plenty of the ball in match sims. Was great to see close to the start of the season.

Schache - appeared to be the A forwards, along with Fritsch and Van Rooyen. Assume he’s in the starting line up whilst Petty is out. Was a key target on the long kicks into the F50.

Pickett – so active and such a livewire in the FWD line. Was the most dominant and damaging player.

Billings – genuinely looks to add class synergy in D50 and F50 connection.

VanRooyen – not quite as big as May (direct opponent), but is the closest thing we have to a big bustling forward. His development this year will be so important.

Tomlinson – looked very settled in the A defense team. Played a lock down defensive role on Schache.

Viney and Trac looked very silky in the midfield, as did Sparrow. Other observations on the mids were challenging… I’m bamboozled by the detail you guys can provide on the mids at training. They all look the same to the untrained eye.

Line grouping skills:

Only observation was that Windsor and Langdon were with the defenders. Perhaps Windsor is the emerging winger for Prac Games if Hunter remains out?

Running:

Various running drills, split into running groups that have been well documented on previous threads. To my surprise, Kolt was in the second group, albeit on a modified program - clearly has some speed and tank to build on in coming pre-seasons. Started to feel nauseated watching the efforts in the conditions so decided to call it a day there.  

Anticipated and frequently asked questions:

Petty was not partaking in training – stuck to the side with a ball in hand.

Salem was on the track and fully training in at least the match sims and line grouping skills.

Hunter & Fullarton were on a modified running programs sticking to the boundary line. Fullarton was doing some larger kms so looks to be recovering well. 

Don’t have a comprehensive list of non-trainers, so would only be guessing - which I want to avoid!

That is all I have. Enjoy!

[Bitter but optimistic 21,322]

Good job Friendly F ! Thanks!

[Slartibartfast 15,820]

Thanks for the report, much appreciated.  Did you notice Tmac on the track?  

Cheers

[FTB 143]

Thanks for the report FF!

Good to hear re: Billings. Was he in the A or B team for match sim?

[DeeZone 7,813]

Thanks FF that was a nice surprise particularly in such hot and blustery conditions, great effort.

[Roost it far 6,230]

37 minutes ago, FriendlyFellow said:

Disclaimer: Saw on the socials they were down at Gosch’s Paddock so headed down for a quick look. Little to no presence of other track watchers and no current live thread, so as a first time contributor, giving what the people need! It won’t be as expansive and comprehensive as what we’re used to… but it’s something.

Conditions: Hot and windy (no explanation needed).

Training Format: Tailored match sim; line grouping skills; running.. and lots of it.

Observations:

Tailored Match Sim:

Offense orientated simulation. Focus on transitioning the from defensive wing to forward 50. A team forwards appeared to play on the A backs, with Midfielders having cross representation of personnel.

General observations – We still bias to target kicking into the pockets. Attempted to lower the eyes on several occasions to get into the corridor, but the defensive group were strong at intercepting and pushing the rebound. Goal kicking was accurate in windy conditions.

Oliver – completed his 2km Time Trial pre-session and was fully integrated with the main group for match-sims (so yes, first session back with the group). Was on a modified running session program separate to the others. Had plenty of the ball in match sims. Was great to see close to the start of the season.

Schache - appeared to be the A forwards, along with Fritsch and Van Rooyen. Assume he’s in the starting line up whilst Petty is out. Was a key target on the long kicks into the F50.

Pickett – so active and such a livewire in the FWD line. Was the most dominant and damaging player.

Billings – genuinely looks to add class synergy in D50 and F50 connection.

VanRooyen – not quite as big as May (direct opponent), but is the closest thing we have to a big bustling forward. His development this year will be so important.

Tomlinson – looked very settled in the A defense team. Played a lock down defensive role on Schache.

Viney and Trac looked very silky in the midfield, as did Sparrow. Other observations on the mids were challenging… I’m bamboozled by the detail you guys can provide on the mids at training. They all look the same to the untrained eye.

Line grouping skills:

Only observation was that Windsor and Langdon were with the defenders. Perhaps Windsor is the emerging winger for Prac Games if Hunter remains out?

Running:

Various running drills, split into running groups that have been well documented on previous threads. To my surprise, Kolt was in the second group, albeit on a modified program - clearly has some speed and tank to build on in coming pre-seasons. Started to feel nauseated watching the efforts in the conditions so decided to call it a day there.  

Anticipated and frequently asked questions:

Petty was not partaking in training – stuck to the side with a ball in hand.

Salem was on the track and fully training in at least the match sims and line grouping skills.

Hunter & Fullarton were on a modified running programs sticking to the boundary line. Fullarton was doing some larger kms so looks to be recovering well. 

Don’t have a comprehensive list of non-trainers, so would only be guessing - which I want to avoid!

That is all I have. Enjoy!

This is what I’ve been talking about! Not a natural reporter but they’ve had a good honest crack.

[FriendlyFellow 132]

31 minutes ago, Slartibartfast said:

Thanks for the report, much appreciated.  Did you notice Tmac on the track?  

Cheers

Didn't spot him. Assume I would have spotted the new hair style if he was out there? 

[FriendlyFellow 132]

24 minutes ago, FTB said:

Thanks for the report FF!

Good to hear re: Billings. Was he in the A or B team for match sim?

A team. 

[Deeminion 345]

I thought someone mentioned last week, perhaps @WalkingCivilWar, that this week they were doing a camp in Seymour.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,344]

20 minutes ago, Deeminion said:

I thought someone mentioned last week, perhaps @WalkingCivilWar, that this week they were doing a camp in Seymour.

That was the plan. But I was told last night at 11pm there’s a late change and they won’t be going to Seymour today. I don’t know what caused the Community Camp to be shelved, nor if it’s been rescheduled. 

Edited February 12 by WalkingCivilWar
The camp may well be still on for today as planned

[DeeZone 7,813]

That’s correct the AFL website is showing Melbourne at Seymour and surrounding’s Feb 12th & 13th. Maybe they are heading off after training.!!

Thanks WCW I just saw your post something must have come up to make such a late change.😳

Edited February 12 by DeeZone

[Demonland 65,614]

 

[WalkingCivilWar 32,344]

1 minute ago, DeeZone said:

That’s correct the AFL website is showing Melbourne at Seymour and surrounding’s Feb 12th & 13th. Maybe they are heading off after training.!!

Perhaps. That would make sense actually because yesterday I was at Casa De Frittata (they have a pool 😁) and Mr and Mrs F. were sure the camp was still on.

Sorry to have caused any confusion. 

[DeeSpencer 23,189]

1 hour ago, FriendlyFellow said:

Line grouping skills:

Only observation was that Windsor and Langdon were with the defenders. Perhaps Windsor is the emerging winger for Prac Games if Hunter remains out?

Great report, I’ve seen the wings with the backs a bit, I think they’re trying to establish that run and carry connection similar to Hunt and Langdon in ‘21/22. Encouraging the wings to get the ball on the run rather than peel wide for the short kick 

[Jeremy 619]

So Petty won’t be playing footy for a long time by the sounds of it 

[Demonland 65,614]

1 hour ago, FriendlyFellow said:

Disclaimer: Saw on the socials they were down at Gosch’s Paddock so headed down for a quick look. Little to no presence of other track watchers and no current live thread, so as a first time contributor, giving what the people need! It won’t be as expansive and comprehensive as what we’re used to… but it’s something.

Conditions: Hot and windy (no explanation needed).

Training Format: Tailored match sim; line grouping skills; running.. and lots of it.

Observations:

Tailored Match Sim:

Offense orientated simulation. Focus on transitioning the from defensive wing to forward 50. A team forwards appeared to play on the A backs, with Midfielders having cross representation of personnel.

General observations – We still bias to target kicking into the pockets. Attempted to lower the eyes on several occasions to get into the corridor, but the defensive group were strong at intercepting and pushing the rebound. Goal kicking was accurate in windy conditions.

Oliver – completed his 2km Time Trial pre-session and was fully integrated with the main group for match-sims (so yes, first session back with the group). Was on a modified running session program separate to the others. Had plenty of the ball in match sims. Was great to see close to the start of the season.

Schache - appeared to be the A forwards, along with Fritsch and Van Rooyen. Assume he’s in the starting line up whilst Petty is out. Was a key target on the long kicks into the F50.

Pickett – so active and such a livewire in the FWD line. Was the most dominant and damaging player.

Billings – genuinely looks to add class synergy in D50 and F50 connection.

VanRooyen – not quite as big as May (direct opponent), but is the closest thing we have to a big bustling forward. His development this year will be so important.

Tomlinson – looked very settled in the A defense team. Played a lock down defensive role on Schache.

Viney and Trac looked very silky in the midfield, as did Sparrow. Other observations on the mids were challenging… I’m bamboozled by the detail you guys can provide on the mids at training. They all look the same to the untrained eye.

Line grouping skills:

Only observation was that Windsor and Langdon were with the defenders. Perhaps Windsor is the emerging winger for Prac Games if Hunter remains out?

Running:

Various running drills, split into running groups that have been well documented on previous threads. To my surprise, Kolt was in the second group, albeit on a modified program - clearly has some speed and tank to build on in coming pre-seasons. Started to feel nauseated watching the efforts in the conditions so decided to call it a day there.  

Anticipated and frequently asked questions:

Petty was not partaking in training – stuck to the side with a ball in hand.

Salem was on the track and fully training in at least the match sims and line grouping skills.

Hunter & Fullarton were on a modified running programs sticking to the boundary line. Fullarton was doing some larger kms so looks to be recovering well. 

Don’t have a comprehensive list of non-trainers, so would only be guessing - which I want to avoid!

That is all I have. Enjoy!

Was McAdam training with the main group or in rehab?

[Viscount Cardwell 155]

22 minutes ago, Jeremy said:

So Petty won’t be playing footy for a long time by the sounds of it 

Maybe they’ll keep him in cotton wool for end of year trade !

[Bring-Back-Powell 13,248]

1 hour ago, FriendlyFellow said:

Oliver – completed his 2km Time Trial pre-session and was fully integrated with the main group for match-sims (so yes, first session back with the group). Was on a modified running session program separate to the others. Had plenty of the ball in match sims. Was great to see close to the start of the season.

Salem was on the track and fully training in at least the match sims and line grouping skills.

 

This is really pleasing news after a lousy couple of weeks of injury developments.

4 weeks of full training, then 2 weeks of VFL practice matches should have him good to go for the Hawks round 2 game - theoretically anyway...

[picket fence 15,276]

Excellent report F.F many thanks

Jefferson?

How did Shache Attacky look?

Oliver ready round 0 ?

Word on Mc Adam?

And finally would'nt mind betting Petty wont been seen till half way through season

[DubDee 20,778]

thanks for the report

anyone know when our first ‘official’ practice match is?

[FTB 143]

6 minutes ago, DubDee said:

thanks for the report

anyone know when our first ‘official’ practice match is?

Sunday against Richmond at Casey.

[DistrACTION Jackson 6,463]

8 minutes ago, DubDee said:

thanks for the report

anyone know when our first ‘official’ practice match is?

This Sunday is a match sim with Richmond and then we play Carlton like a week later or something

 

[FriendlyFellow 132]

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

Was McAdam training with the main group or in rehab?

Didn't spot him, but that doesn't mean he wasn't out there! 

[roy11 2,943]

Love reading the positives posts about Billings, have high hopes for him this season. Think he'll enjoy being part of this set up too.  Low key addition who could play a key role. 

[FriendlyFellow 132]

58 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Excellent report F.F many thanks

Jefferson?

How did Shache Attacky look?

Oliver ready round 0 ?

Word on Mc Adam?

And finally would'nt mind betting Petty wont been seen till half way through season

Jefferson looked to be in the B Fwd team. 

Schache looked consistent with observations across the pre-season. I thought he was a good presence in the Fwd line and is the logical KPF in line behind Petty. 

Re. Oliver, I'd hope they make him earn an Opening Round spot rather than being a walk-up, but in terms of match-fitness I'm sure players have taken the field in worse conditions throughout the year so I'm sure he'll be ready with 4 weeks to go.