TRAINING: Monday 25th March 2024

[Demonland 70,022]

Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training.

DEMON DYNASTY'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Kade Chandler's left knee heavily strapped.

BBB, Spargs & Jake Lever also in rehab group.

Jake Bowey solo running separate kicking/sprint/agility drills.

Super fine morning / early arvo at Gosch's for the boys to blow out some cobwebs.

Choco initially had the light duties / rehab group consisting of Chandler, BBB, Lever & Charlie Spargo.

The boys started on their own.  Then Choco joined the fray, initially as an observer.

He wasn't happy with their frivolity & banter and told them so ..."stop talking you blokes & watch what you're doing!"

They were initially doing HB drills then 15 - 20 meter stab passes where Choco asked them to place their kicking foot down after the kick and toward the target.  Everyone followed instructions except Chandler (knee issue? Or just didn't listen lol).

The main group (as listed by Kev earlier) went off too the boundary to do their bungy stretchy thingies before blowing some webs out with some half oval runs

They then split into approx 3 diff forward focussed drills.  Much of it connection boased with kicks coming inside and / or shooting for goal on the run after transversing obstacles etc.

Choco was overseeing much of it including the short 30 meter (ish) passing drills into 50.  His main emphasis was on accuracy with one instruction "Perfect kicks!  Every one of them is a potential goal assist.  Perfect kicks!"

Choco always driving and asking for high standards never grows old 👏🏼

All in all, outside the light duties group and Bowey (on his own program), all involved in the main group looked to be in tip top shape albeit some were no doubt carrying the usual bumps / bruises from previous encounters.

Shane McAdam looks super fit to me and suggested such mentioning he is roughly two weeks away.

First time i've seen him live and looks a lot rangier than I figured.  His reels suggest he can play tall on the lead which makes sense.  How is he at ground level i wonder?

Lachie Hunter is one more week away and then a likely starter for Casey the following week apparently (all going well).

Melk is in fine shape and very happy with his progress so far and according to WCW on track for a second half appearance (touch wood)

As already noted, BBB while obviously on a light program, appeared to be moving / kicking (short passes) without hindrance.

Jake Lever same and no way he is continuing through the high knee lift stepping drills if he was uncomfortable in any way imho.

Spargo & Chandler restricted to light stuff and probably safe to assume Chin may not make the cut although there's another four full days before Saturday so who knows.

Ollie Sestan doing alot of work both with the main group, then the lap work after plus additional stuff after everyone except Bowey had left.  The FD must have high hopes for the young fella and see something special here.

Tom Sparrow very happy with Saturday and playing back in the middle.  Lovely fella to speak to is Tom.

Caleb Windsor said he pulled up fine after Saturday also and is right to go.

Had the pleasure of meeting WCW (bonus hugs!).  Great gal who i'm sure has red & blue running through her veins.

Fingers crossed for Saturday.

Carn the Mighty Demons!

KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS

Numbers are down, 24 in the main group. None who played yesterday at Casey are with them. 

Light duties include, BBB, Jake Lever, Kade Chandler, Charlie Spargo.

Shane McAdam is in the main squad, as are Melky, Daniel Turner, and Lachie Hunter. 

Tom McDonald in runners, though full training.

No Steven May.

Fairly light run today, as it is the recovery session. Mainly grid work, large and small, with goal kicking to finish. 

Some of those who didn't play Saturday and have now integrated back into training did extra laps at the end. Tracc and Tom Sparrow also joined them.

Lachie Hunter hitting up beautiful kicks. Daniel Turner looks fit. Melky into everything. 

Jack Viney looked like he has a small niggle. In the run throughs was behind the pack, which is unusual. 

Harry Petty without restrictions, was kicking goals 50 meters out with accuracy and ease. Shane McAdam and Tom Sparrow joined in as well.

Kade Chandler in the rehab has some light strapping on left knee.

Tom McDonald didn't do much with the group, mainly running laps.

Jake Bowey working hard, running sprints, then laps.

Jake Lever was lightly strapped, and did a 30 minute workout with a trainer. Looks good to go.

Lever discarding his strapping post training.