Jump to content

PRESEASON TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

Ditcha
Ditcha
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

7 minutes ago, adonski said:

Jeffo kick 10?

11

  • Quote
    • Haha 2
     
    3 hours ago, waynewussell said:

    Got down to Gosch's for an hour before the rain set in. Kev has offered some excellent observations so only a few things I can add. I'm usually very positive in general about all things MFC, so excuse me if I note a few negatives on the way through. I was looking for improvement. On that scale, I was impressed with Jefferson's movement, pace and marking up forward. Roo looked good, but regularly ran to a spot on the spread (which was a focus of forward patterns) that was ignored by the incoming ball carrier. Verrall looked good in the ball movement exercises from the backline, agile and clean by hand and foot. Key backs were McDonald (who looked fit and sharp), Howes (who gathered cleanly and created change of direction), Hore (injury free and fit), Judd (Rolls Royce, who was also used further up ground), AMW (I have him in my starting 23 in 2025) & Verrall (on occasions). Woewodin looks fit and balanced with ball movement. 

    Things that disappointed (because they were evident during 2024 season)

    Tholstrup occasionally gets into trouble with a fumble that allows defender to close him down and tackle.

    Brown sometimes holds on to it for too long, kicks under pressure and misses targets.

    Bowey seems in two minds with the ball, slows down flow and misses target enough to put the receiver under unnecessary pressure.

    Set shots, when taken, were still 50/50 proposition.

    Things that excited... 

    Windsor continued on his merry way

    Rivers looked composed and strong (at one point he ran down Viney and tackled him to the ground in a face plant. No 7 was surprised but not impressed!).

    Sparrow is trim and looks to have added a little speed to his movement.

     

     

    Wayne, this training report is great. It's okay to have a balance of positive and negative because at the end of the day you're calling it as you see it which is all we ask for. There needs to be more of this. @kev martin and @DeeSpencer when he gets down, do this really well.

    The ones that are annoying the most are the million dollar reports where there's been no mistakes made and everything is all rosy and sunshine.

    Thanks for the report 👍

  • Quote
    • Like 6
    • Thanks 3
    • Haha 1
    • Clap 1
    38 minutes ago, SthSea22 said:

    Hearing McAdam is about to call it quits

    Not quite sure why you added a laugh emoji to whatsaywhat's post - your record with mail is worse than Tom Morris’s!

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    • Haha 3
     
    7 minutes ago, picket fence said:

    If so what a Monumental recruiting stuff up! Essentally Nibbler gone for a possibly gone Mc Adams🤯😵‍💫 How utterly Melbourne!

    How utterly un-melbourne like, given our recent record with 2nd round picks. Hibberd, Melksham, Langdon anyone?

    Edited by John Demonic

  • Quote
    • Like 8
    • Thanks 1
    6 minutes ago, picket fence said:

    If so what a Monumental recruiting stuff up! Essentally Nibbler gone for a possibly gone Mc Adams🤯😵‍💫 How utterly Melbourne!

    McAdam has nothing to do with ANB, let’s wait and see what happens before we torch the club.🔥🔥

  • Quote
    • Like 5
    • Clap 1

    4 hours ago, waynewussell said:

    Does anyone who attended training know who the bloke was that Bill introduced to the whole squad early on in the session?

    Think it was Harry Sharp.

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • Thanks 4
     
    1 hour ago, waynewussell said:

    One thing I noticed at today's training that I hadn't noticed to the same degree previously... Players immediately ran off-line when they took a mark and wanted to play on. In continuous play, the receiver's first steps were to either side rather than straight ahead. I understand that players who are evasive do this instinctively, but today it seemed uniform practice to get the approaching opponent off balance.

    Now that sounds promising...

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    From today's forward structure in some sims. Looks like they are going with a 4 man set-up. 3 marking players high up, well spaced. One leads back, one leads forward and the other towards the boundary. When the ball transitioned in, Chaplin would call "go", he wanted the energy and acceleration to his system. The fourth (Sestan) was just outside the fifty and central to the game as he became the first receiver from the mids, and became the kicker. Though they only had two defenders in there, AMW and Petty, they stuffed up a few times. Mostly they were supportive. Early on in the stuff ups, a few got serious (Turner and JVR, "basic kicks" needed) and pushed Sestan (who responded well) to get it right. There was also a flood of players (small flankers) into the area after the first entry, often into the straight out and 30 infront, which worked once the ball became a ground ball get. Tough conditions as these sims happened in the rain and wind.

    I hope Chaplin has an abundance of plays in his "scrap book", as the players seem to be responding to him, with clear understanding of purpose and intention. Execution on the other hand, may take time. I reckon repeat, repeat and repeat again.

  • Quote
    • Like 11
    • Thanks 7
    • Clap 4

    11 minutes ago, kev martin said:

    From today's forward structure in some sims. Looks like they are going with a 4 man set-up. 3 marking players high up, well spaced. One leads back, one leads forward and the other towards the boundary. When the ball transitioned in, Chaplin would call "go", he wanted the energy and acceleration to his system. The fourth (Sestan) was just outside the fifty and central to the game as he became the first receiver from the mids, and became the kicker. Though they only had two defenders in there, AMW and Petty, they stuffed up a few times. Mostly they were supportive. Early on in the stuff ups, a few got serious (Turner and JVR, "basic kicks" needed) and pushed Sestan (who responded well) to get it right. There was also a flood of players (small flankers) into the area after the first entry, often into the straight out and 30 infront, which worked once the ball became a ground ball get. Tough conditions as these sims happened in the rain and wind.

    I hope Chaplin has an abundance of plays in his "scrap book", as the players seem to be responding to him, with clear understanding of purpose and intention. Execution on the other hand, may take time. I reckon repeat, repeat and repeat again.

    Im loving these reports from all the watchers

  • Quote
    • Like 7

    It’s refreshing to see some real change in method!

    Hopefully it continues

    Thanks Kev and fellow track watchers

    Edited by BW511

  • Quote
    • Like 4
    • Love 1
    7 hours ago, Slartibartfast said:

    Sparrow and Rivers trained today. Seston and Windsor stood out. Kentfield is a really big unit. Adam’s doing lots of running and not looking in any discomfort. 

    Is Adams turning a corner to match fitness, to readiness, to being a really valuable asset? It seems as if the football world is waiting patiently to elicit his alleged talents - is this possible, y'reckon?

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    24 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

    Likely McAdam will win the best and fairest

    Yes a real chance at Manangatang this year.

  • Quote
    • Haha 1
    • Clap 1

    Kentfield has a very good set shot for goal, though his marking was on and off today, especially when the rain came. Though he wasn’t alone. The one who stood out marking in the wet was Disco

  • Quote
    • Like 8
    • Thanks 1
    1 hour ago, kev martin said:

    From today's forward structure in some sims. Looks like they are going with a 4 man set-up. 3 marking players high up, well spaced. One leads back, one leads forward and the other towards the boundary. When the ball transitioned in, Chaplin would call "go", he wanted the energy and acceleration to his system. The fourth (Sestan) was just outside the fifty and central to the game as he became the first receiver from the mids, and became the kicker. Though they only had two defenders in there, AMW and Petty, they stuffed up a few times. Mostly they were supportive. Early on in the stuff ups, a few got serious (Turner and JVR, "basic kicks" needed) and pushed Sestan (who responded well) to get it right. There was also a flood of players (small flankers) into the area after the first entry, often into the straight out and 30 infront, which worked once the ball became a ground ball get. Tough conditions as these sims happened in the rain and wind.

    I hope Chaplin has an abundance of plays in his "scrap book", as the players seem to be responding to him, with clear understanding of purpose and intention. Execution on the other hand, may take time. I reckon repeat, repeat and repeat again.

    Good to hear they are working on the forward line like that, be interested to see how it goes when the mids get involved and their decision making, but least that's a positive start.

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    3 hours ago, SthSea22 said:

    Hearing McAdam is about to call it quits

    Have you seen another cover letter SthSea?

  • Quote
    • Haha 13
    21 minutes ago, demon3165 said:

    Good to hear they are working on the forward line like that, be interested to see how it goes when the mids get involved and their decision making, but least that's a positive start.

    I thought the same thing.

    Looks like Chaplin gets along well with Goody. Last Monday they were seen walking off into the setting sun together, or at least crossing the Yarra from the Paddock. It is a Goody/Chaplin team at the moment.

    Be interesting to see how the "oldies" adapt to the new methods.

    Seems like Chaplin will also have a fair bit of say in how he wants the mids to deliver the ball. It was the group he was hanging around with when the forward structured sims begun. He would talk and instruct the forwards after the action.

    Edited by kev martin

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    • Thanks 3
    2 minutes ago, kev martin said:

    I thought the same thing.

    Looks like Chaplin gets along well with Goody. Last Monday they were seen walking off into the setting sun together, or at least crossing the Yarra from the Paddock. It is a Goody/Chaplin team at the moment.

    Be interesting to see how the "oldies" adapt to the new methods.

    Seems like Chaplin will also have a fair bit of say in how he wants the mids to deliver the ball. It was the group he was hanging around with when the forward structured sims begun. Then he would talk and instruct the forwards after the action.

    Thanks for that.

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    3 hours ago, binman said:

    Not quite sure why you added a laugh emoji to whatsaywhat's post - your record with mail is worse than Tom Morris’s!

    tom gets it right more often than not

    scoops manure, on the other hand...

    Edited by whatwhat say what

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    They had the scoreboard out and running today. They used it during full sims. It seems the score is based on more than just goals and behinds. There is also a reading for possession of the ball. Today the possession percentage in the first 3 minutes was 6% bibs and 65% non-bibs (some time in dispute). Bibs came back at them as the sims continued. Amazing that they are getting their competitive juices flowing early.

    This pre-seasons training is similar to when they are in home and away mode. Skills, structures, and processes are emphasised. They are doing very little running, and seem to have come back in great shape. Perhaps they all had a running program during their break. 

    Edited by kev martin

  • Quote
    • Like 3
    • Thanks 4
     

    Huge thanks to Kev, Ditcha, waynew…….., Katrina & Ghost writer, Hawk and all other posters, greatly appreciated so much going on at training it’s a veritable smorgasbord loving the detailed reports and snippets of info. The boys have really come back ready to roll.👍👍👍

  • Quote
    • Like 7

    I’m not reading much into “positions” yet as there aren’t enough for a proper sim where players can play their usual positions. It’s still a wait and see for me. 
     

    Im usually not into “he’s noticeably bigger this year” as I’m not convinced you can notice that much development over 8 weeks but Verrell looks very fit and strong. Kentfield is a beast, what a bonus if he succeeds. 
     

    Seston is another where his body looks more defined. I find it hard to see where he fits in but he’s got some real AFL traits. Very strong in the clinches and a great kick. His ball handling is solid. One to watch I reckon. He looks very focused this year and comfortable in the group. 

  • Quote
    • Like 16
    • Thanks 1

    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...
    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • NON-MFC: Round 10

      The Sir Doug Nicholls Round kicks off in Darwin with a Top 4 clash between the Suns and the Hawks. On Friday night the Swans will be seeking to rebound from a challenging start to the season, while the Blues have the Top 8 in their sights after their sluggish start. Saturdays matches kick off with a blockbuster between the Collingwood and Kuwarna with the Magpies looking to maintain their strong form and the Crows aiming to make a statement on the road. The Power face a difficult task to revive their season against a resilient Cats side looking to make amends for their narrow loss last week. The Giants aim to reinforce their top-eight status, while the Dockers will be looking to break the travel hoodoo. The sole Saturday game is a critical matchup for both teams, as the Bulldogs strive to cemet their spot in the top six and the Bombers desperately want break into the 8. Sundays start with a bottom 3 clash between the Tigers and Kangaroos with both teams wanting to avoid the being in wooden spoon contention. The Round concludes with the Eagles still searching for their first win of the season, while the Saints look to keep their finals hopes alive with a crucial away victory. Who are you tipping and what are the best results for the Demons?

        • Thanks
      • 165 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREVIEW: Brisbane

      And just like that, we’re Narrm again. Even though the annual AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round which commemorates the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to our game has been a welcome addition to our calendar for ten years, more lately it has been a portent of tough times ahead for we beleaguered Narrm supporters. Ever since the club broke through for its historic 2021 premiership, this has become a troubling time of the year for the club. For example, it all began when Melbourne rebranded itself as Narrm across the two rounds of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round to become the first club to adopt an Indigenous club name especially for the occasion. It won its first outing under the brand against lowly North Melbourne to go to 10 wins and no losses but not without a struggle or a major injury to  star winger Ed Langdon who broke his ribs and missed several weeks. In the following week, still as Narrm, the team’s 17 game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Dockers. That came along with more injuries, a plague that remained with them for the remainder of the season until, beset by injuries, the Dees were eliminated from the finals in straight sets. It was even worse last year, when Narrm inexplicably lowered its colours in Perth to the Waalit Marawar Eagles. Oh, the shame of it all! At least this year, if there is a corner to turn around, it has to be in the direction of something better. To that end, I produced a special pre-game chant in the local Narrm language - “nam mi:wi winnamun katjil prolin ambi ngamar thamelin amb” which roughly translated is “every heart beats true for the red and the blue.” >y belief is that if all of the Narrm faithful recite it long enough, then it might prove to be the only way to beat the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday. The Lions are coming off a disappointing draw at Marvel Stadium against a North Melbourne team that lacks the ability and know how to win games (except when playing Melbourne). Brisbane are, however, a different kettle of fish at home and have very few positional weaknesses. They are a midfield powerhouse, strong in defence and have plenty of forward options, particularly their small and medium sized players, to kick a winning score this week after the sting of last week’s below par performance.

        • Clap
        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 11 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • REPORT: Hawthorn

      There was a time during the current Melbourne cycle that goes back to before the premiership when the club was the toughest to beat in the fourth quarter. The Demons were not only hard to beat at any time but it was virtually impossible to get the better them when scores were close at three quarter time. It was only three or four years ago but they were fit, strong and resilient in body and mind. Sadly, those days are over. This has been the case since the club fell off its pedestal about 12 months ago after it beat Geelong and then lost to Carlton. In both instances, Melbourne put together strong, stirring final quarters, one that resulted in victory, the other, in defeat. Since then, the drop off has been dramatic to the point where it can neither pull off victory in close matches, nor can it even go down in defeat  gallantly.

        • Clap
        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 1 reply
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • CASEY: Footscray

      At twenty-four minutes into the third term of the game between the Casey Demons and Footscray VFL at Whitten Oval, the visitors were coasting. They were winning all over the ground, had the ascendancy in the ruck battles and held a 26 point lead on a day perfect for football. What could go wrong? Everything. The Bulldogs moved into overdrive in the last five minutes of the term and booted three straight goals to reduce the margin to a highly retrievable eight points at the last break. Bouyed by that effort, their confidence was on a high level during the interval and they ran all over the despondent Demons and kicked another five goals to lead by a comfortable margin of four goals deep into the final term before Paddy Cross kicked a couple of too late goals for a despondent Casey. A testament to their lack of pressure in the latter stages of the game was the fact that Footscray’s last ten scoring shots were nine goals and one rushed behind. Things might have been different for the Demons who went into the game after last week’s bye with 12 AFL listed players. Blake Howes was held over for the AFL game but two others, Jack Billings and Taj Woewodin (not officially listed as injured) were also missing and they could have been handy at the end. Another mystery of the current VFL system.

        • Thanks
      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: Brisbane

      The Demons head back out on the road in Round 10 when they travel to Queensland to take on the reigning Premiers and the top of the table Lions who look very formidable. Can the Dees cause a massive upset? Who comes in and who goes out?

        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 284 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PODCAST: Hawthorn

      The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 12th May @ 8:00pm. Join Binman, George & I as we dissect the Demons loss to the Hawks. Your questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human.

        • Clap
        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 53 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland
    View All