2 hours ago, biggestred said:

fox footy had 1998 r4 v carlton on yesterday arvo. tuned in and out whilst doing other things. dogga's first game, complete with pony tail. 3 goals down with 10 to go and won by 2 points. viney brown and woey all played their parts in the win. this also makes me feel very old!

Seecamp got reported and suspended for punching Pearce up the jaw early in the game.  He should have got off , because his punch was a reflex response to a vicious "below the belt" punch from Pearce.

James McDonald's winning goal looked a bit like a behind on the replay, but Carlton had been spoonfed throughout by the umps.

42 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

Dropped past today and on my observation Adam’s looks the real deal and Jake Lever looks to be in great nick. Good to see Charlie Spargo up and running and Tholstrup looks fitter and was in plenty. The highlight was Bowey’s kicking. He could be a weapon off half back with his precise, low and hard passes. As usual Jack Viney looks magnificent. 

I thought Bowey's kicking in the 2024 season seemed to be "off". If he's got this weapon back, he becomes much more valuable.

4 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I thought Bowey's kicking in the 2024 season seemed to be "off". If he's got this weapon back, he becomes much more valuable.

Bowey was pretty much stuffed after that injury in Round 1. Not many players come back flying after a 12 week injury.  

1 hour ago, Fritta and Turner said:

Last time I sought the shade but this time the sun, and now a fickle wind.  It is fly season in melboure but luckily one of the other track watchers shared the repellent.  Thankyou.

Only about 20 or so players running around.

Windsor did most of the drills but pulled out to do some work on the boundary a couple of times, then back into it.

Howes and Sestan had some hamstring? awareness so did some stretching and running on the boundary.

Lever was there doing some weirdo stretching exercises then running the boundary to build up fitness.

Spargo was also doing similar, but still running in straight lines.  Told to concentrate on rhythm and mechanics rather than speed.  Hopes to be back in full training after Xmas.

Tom Campbell running laps to build fitness.  Still hasnt got his proper kit yet, and when you look at the size of him I dont think there will be any spares lying around.

Viney leading from the front and addressed the players at one of the breaks.

Sparrow and the Roo look like they enjoy training.

There was much run and carry through the center and Boweys delivery stood out.

TMc in civvies watching on.

Is Sparrow the same body size as last year or has he slimmed downed a bit this year.

1 hour ago, Slartibartfast said:

I don’t, looked like the Essendon strips distance. 

Perfect - it means we're going to get a fantastic run with the media from now on.

1 minute ago, demon3165 said:

Is Sparrow the same body size as last year or has he slimmed downed a bit this year.

Sparrow looks even more toned... he is a solid lad and seems to be improving on the two-way running... early days!

How's my boy Laurie doing?

I made my way down from Wodonga to watch training for the first time since 21' and brought my wife along with me which she enjoyed. Fritta and Salo were there well before the rest of the boys had turned up and had worked up a real sweat. They finished their training with some goal kicking games trying to out do one another. The boys were aiming to hit each of the 4 posts and whoever hit it, won the game. They followed that with some drop punt kicks from the boundary where Chocco came over and offered some guidance he said "kick the ball high up in the air" which they both did and totally shanked the kick. They were quite animated about and I could hear them laughing away at each other so it was good to see them in high spirits. 

The rest of the boys started making their way to the track around 10am about 25 all up in attendance and I saw Tom Campbell doing his rehab in front of me. He didn't look to be in any discomfort, I think he just has some catching up to do. Tom is waiting to get a new training kit, which won't come out for a while yet so that's why he's unfortunately stuck in his casual gym clothes. Sestan, Spargo, Howes, Lever and Windsor on occasion also in the rehab group doing individual routines. Spargo had mentioned how bored he was with his rehab as he was limited in what training he could do, so I felt for him. TMac on the boundary watching on. 

I met the lovely Walking Civil War and her friend Ros, which was an absolute delight. We were so engaged in conversation that I missed a fair bit of the drills the players were doing, but I'm sure others will be able to report on it.  

Some observations I did notice were that the players are still sprinting to the boundary line for a drink and taking a minute rest break. Viney had called everyone in to chat about one of their drills and he was talking about how well the players in the white bibs were performing and that everyone else had to work harder to cover ground and defend better. Bowey spoke up also showing his leadership qualities followed by McVee. 

I was impressed with Turner during some of the sims, you can see him improving each time and even did a fancy double spin to evade two tackles but then got pinned on the ground by McVee. Some of the hits were pretty physical this early in the pre-season which was good to see. Jeffo is filling out nicely, he's a confidence player so I hope he can learn from JVR how to be an aggressive forward but he'll come good this year I believe. Sestan and Laurie looking leaner now so I expect them to get a few games this year. Kentfield has a really nice size about him but just needs to working on his fitness/conditioning. Verrall a good size also. 

Important to note that Petty was in everything today and in really good shape. He was even in the second best running group when they were doing half ground 80% pace running on the boundary towards the end of the session. He's in for a big year if he stays injury free! I also heard Oliver is in a really good space and his hand is the best it's been in years so he is fit and firing to go. 

Anyway I'm on my way back to sunny Wodonga now. 

I'm backing us in to have a big year in 2025 and playing finals. 

Let's Go Demons! 

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, waynewussell said:

Sparrow looks even more toned... he is a solid lad and seems to be improving on the two-way running... early days!

The thought that Sparrow has developed in the off season is growing wings

From the ghostwriter:

Mornin’ Kitty Kat! 
Today’s observations…

The boys were out on the park early today. No Clarrie. No Riv. Ricky Lever was there, as was Salo. Tmac was there but didn’t train. He stood on the sidelines drinking coffee. 

Spargz was also there but of course he wasn’t training with the others. He’s been told he’ll be training with them post-Xmas. It’s been a long recovery but they don’t wanna rush him back. He hasn’t lost any of the muscle definition he was rocking last preseason. He chews gum and walks around like he couldn’t possibly be any more relaxed. He said that’s because he’s “bored sch!tless” walking/running in straight lines which he’s been doing solidly every day for the last six months and is looking forward to being able to run and turn in different directions. #AchillesWoes

Andy is back in #45 and is very happy about that, his permanent number. 

Kolt was again wearing #12. He chose #39 last year but likes #12 so it’ll be no surprise when he’s given #12 later this month when jumper numbers are revealed.

Tom Campbell was in civvies again because they still haven’t got his kit ready. He thinks they’ll wait until numbers are assigned before giving him his kit. He’s looking forward to “helping Max.” Personally I think they’ll work really well together because there’ll be no clash of egos the likes of which can bring a ruck combo undone. Tom knows his place, so to speak. IMHO

A lot of goal-kicking practice. Fritta and Salo were actually competing to see who could kick the most posters.😁Fritta won.

Luker was at the W final on Saturday night with Kolt (Kolt’s girlfriend plays for Hawthorn). Kolt came down after the match (wearing a Hawks scarf 🫣) to say hello but Luker wasn’t with him, he’d gone home right on the final siren. Why? Because he goes to bed at 8pm every night. 😳 He’s 19 going on 90. He doesn’t deny this and after training was delighted to be going home for a nap. Bless him.

Sesto didn’t train with the main group because of hammy awareness but reiterated that there’s no concern. They’re just being super careful with him. He was running with no apparent issue. 

Tommy Sparrow applies sunscreen to his ears only.

Training is at Gosch’s this Wednesday and Friday at 10am. Will send a report to you again on Wednesday Kat, but likely not on Friday because 37 degrees says no. 

👋 XXX

3 minutes ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

From the ghostwriter:

Mornin’ Kitty Kat! 
Today’s observations…

The boys were out on the park early today. No Clarrie. No Riv. Ricky Lever was there, as was Salo. Tmac was there but didn’t train. He stood on the sidelines drinking coffee. 

Spargz was also there but of course he wasn’t training with the others. He’s been told he’ll be training with them post-Xmas. It’s been a long recovery but they don’t wanna rush him back. He hasn’t lost any of the muscle definition he was rocking last preseason. He chews gum and walks around like he couldn’t possibly be any more relaxed. He said that’s because he’s “bored sch!tless” walking/running in straight lines which he’s been doing solidly every day for the last six months and is looking forward to being able to run and turn in different directions. #AchillesWoes

Andy is back in #45 and is very happy about that, his permanent number. 

Kolt was again wearing #12. He chose #39 last year but likes #12 so it’ll be no surprise when he’s given #12 later this month when jumper numbers are revealed.

Tom Campbell was in civvies again because they still haven’t got his kit ready. He thinks they’ll wait until numbers are assigned before giving him his kit. He’s looking forward to “helping Max.” Personally I think they’ll work really well together because there’ll be no clash of egos the likes of which can bring a ruck combo undone. Tom knows his place, so to speak. IMHO

A lot of goal-kicking practice. Fritta and Salo were actually competing to see who could kick the most posters.😁Fritta won.

Luker was at the W final on Saturday night with Kolt (Kolt’s girlfriend plays for Hawthorn). Kolt came down after the match (wearing a Hawks scarf 🫣) to say hello but Luker wasn’t with him, he’d gone home right on the final siren. Why? Because he goes to bed at 8pm every night. 😳 He’s 19 going on 90. He doesn’t deny this and after training was delighted to be going home for a nap. Bless him.

Sesto didn’t train with the main group because of hammy awareness but reiterated that there’s no concern. They’re just being super careful with him. He was running with no apparent issue. 

Tommy Sparrow applies sunscreen to his ears only.

Training is at Gosch’s this Wednesday and Friday at 10am. Will send a report to you again on Wednesday Kat, but likely not on Friday because 37 degrees says no. 

👋 XXX

Was Caspar Watching, then?

15 minutes ago, waynewussell said:

Sparrow looks even more toned... he is a solid lad and seems to be improving on the two-way running... early days!

Thanks for that, if he can improve his speed, and endurance he will be a real asset. 

8 minutes ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

From the ghostwriter:

Mornin’ Kitty Kat! 
Today’s observations…

The boys were out on the park early today. No Clarrie. No Riv. Ricky Lever was there, as was Salo. Tmac was there but didn’t train. He stood on the sidelines drinking coffee. 

Spargz was also there but of course he wasn’t training with the others. He’s been told he’ll be training with them post-Xmas. It’s been a long recovery but they don’t wanna rush him back. He hasn’t lost any of the muscle definition he was rocking last preseason. He chews gum and walks around like he couldn’t possibly be any more relaxed. He said that’s because he’s “bored sch!tless” walking/running in straight lines which he’s been doing solidly every day for the last six months and is looking forward to being able to run and turn in different directions. #AchillesWoes

Andy is back in #45 and is very happy about that, his permanent number. 

Kolt was again wearing #12. He chose #39 last year but likes #12 so it’ll be no surprise when he’s given #12 later this month when jumper numbers are revealed.

Tom Campbell was in civvies again because they still haven’t got his kit ready. He thinks they’ll wait until numbers are assigned before giving him his kit. He’s looking forward to “helping Max.” Personally I think they’ll work really well together because there’ll be no clash of egos the likes of which can bring a ruck combo undone. Tom knows his place, so to speak. IMHO

A lot of goal-kicking practice. Fritta and Salo were actually competing to see who could kick the most posters.😁Fritta won.

Luker was at the W final on Saturday night with Kolt (Kolt’s girlfriend plays for Hawthorn). Kolt came down after the match (wearing a Hawks scarf 🫣) to say hello but Luker wasn’t with him, he’d gone home right on the final siren. Why? Because he goes to bed at 8pm every night. 😳 He’s 19 going on 90. He doesn’t deny this and after training was delighted to be going home for a nap. Bless him.

Sesto didn’t train with the main group because of hammy awareness but reiterated that there’s no concern. They’re just being super careful with him. He was running with no apparent issue. 

Tommy Sparrow applies sunscreen to his ears only.

Training is at Gosch’s this Wednesday and Friday at 10am. Will send a report to you again on Wednesday Kat, but likely not on Friday because 37 degrees says no. 

👋 XXX

Excellent reporting again, thanks, 37 degrees, you actually believe the Melbourne forecast, it will probably be hail and high winds.

I like being down at the track watching them go through the rigours.

They are still into skills and drills. The running component of previous preseasons is minimal. They did a few sets of boundary 250 meters hard runs, just enough to get them on their hunches, after the sims finished. A few got extra runs. My guess is they are getting the kilometres via the drills. At one stage Goody hollered for them to sprint back up the field after a sims action. They did it willingly. The run to boundary area after completions, and as a group, is encouraged.

They were a bit off in the sims. That gusty wind caused miss-hits and fumbles. The coaches really want them to do the basics well.

Viney is ready to go. His efforts and running are exemplary.

Petty is vocal, wants the ball and is setting up many of the plays that come out of the backline.

JVR is warming into the training. Looking better every time I see him.

Bowey not missing anything, some beautiful hits up through the centre, no room for errors kind of passes. Adams was trying to do the same thing but got picked off or missed  the target a few times.

AMW is nearly always first to the ground ball.

Brown is moving very well when he gets the ball. Finds that space that allows him time to make good decisions.

Jefferson and JVR were looking for leads off the back of the defenders blind spots.

Lever was running with a funny gait. Maybe protecting his achilles tendons.

Campbell is large, he has maturity about him, and moves with some agility for a big man. I can see him being a bit of a protector.

The vocal levels were boisterous, at one stage in the sims just about every one of them found voice.

They are enjoying it.

Edited November 18, 2024Nov 18 by kev martin

Before anyone decides to go to training either Wednesday or Friday, it might be worth checking that it's on.

Edited November 18, 2024Nov 18 by alpha33

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times

AFL

Gosch's Paddock

Monday, November 18
Gosch's Paddock
10:00am - 11:30am

Wednesday, November 20
Gosch's Paddock
10:00am - 11:30am

Friday, November 22
Gosch's Paddock
10:00am - 12:00pm

Mansfield

Tuesday, November 26
9am - 10am: Open Training
10am - 10.15am: Player Signing Session
Mansfield Recreation Reserve

22 minutes ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Was Caspar Watching, then?

Something like that!

 

2 hours ago, bluey said:

Any sign of young Yze or Roy George?

That is a very interesting question Bluey, in particular the second name. Any reasoning behind that, do you know something?

4 hours ago, Slartibartfast said:

No. 

Windsor kicking on his left foot but participating in all the drills.

 

Would’ve love for McAdam to be putting the effort in early, was really unfit last year.

Pretty disappointing, not sure how invested he is.

Hope I’m proven wrong 

2 hours ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Was Caspar Watching, then?

There are two unwritten rules when referring to ghostwriter's identity.

1.

2.

Disco will explode in 2025 I reckon

 

3 hours ago, Jumping Jack Clennett said:

Carlton had been spoonfed throughout by the umps.

As it has ever been, so it is today.

1 hour ago, Billy said:

Would’ve love for McAdam to be putting the effort in early, was really unfit last year.

Pretty disappointing, not sure how invested he is.

Hope I’m proven wrong 

Potentially a HUGE bust!

5 hours ago, Roost it far said:

Dropped past today and on my observation Adam’s looks the real deal and Jake Lever looks to be in great nick. Good to see Charlie Spargo up and running and Tholstrup looks fitter and was in plenty. The highlight was Bowey’s kicking. He could be a weapon off half back with his precise, low and hard passes. As usual Jack Viney looks magnificent. 

Sorry.. seeing the words low kick and Viney in same passage still hurts far far too much!

2 hours ago, Billy said:

Would’ve love for McAdam to be putting the effort in early, was really unfit last year.

Pretty disappointing, not sure how invested he is.

Hope I’m proven wrong 

Unsure that is fair... we dont know what situ is, he may not be right or was told to hold-off, lets just wait and see!