PRESEASON TRAINING: Friday 13th December 2024

[Ghostwriter 1,681]

52 minutes ago, picket fence said:

 

STAR TREK CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER IN DEMONLAND

Captains log Star Date 232304 At the behest of Starfleet, we have opened a dialogue with the Klingons about the possibilities of finding them a new sport to play as it was thought that the Game “Bahrattnagek” ( Think a MORE Brutal version of Rollerball) was deemed to be Killing and decimating the young men of Klingon to such an extent that they were finding it tough to recruit warriors to man their Birds of Prey!  ( P.F note, how do I dream up this Sheeeeit?)

Intelligence has confirmed that a much better game exists on the planet earth of yesteryear circa 2024. We have been requested to carry out surveillance and bring back evidence of AFL Football, to present to Star Fleet council and Klingon approval. Capt Kirk Out

Capt Kirk “Landing party to the transporter room on the double”

Spock “Captain I have calculated the trajectory for Time Jump but we can only stay for 2 hours before the nexus timeloop disappears meaning we might not ever get back to our own Time”.

Scotty” I also Canna guarantee the integrity of Beam Crystalisation Capt

Capt Kirk “Ünderstood Scotty” Bones are there any dangerous diseases or Wildlife we need to be aware of?

Bones “ I ran a check of tricorder with Spock and it appears that feral magpies , Yowies and something called Slitheras can be a concern” A filleting kit and Fishing Glove will be handy.

Captain Kirk “ Slitheras?? What is that”

Bones “ Apparently a slang term for snakes made famous by a Philosopher called Picket Fence”

Spock “ Why Captain I can’t believe my ears”

Kirk “ Neither can we Spock, neither can we. Next stop Earth C 21^st at a place called Gosh’s!

Training report.

No shows  May, Fritta,

Rehab Mc Adams, Lever, Lindsay, Spargo, Fullarton

Skills, Drills and Manouvers, As already reported on earlier posts emphasis on quick disposals, run and overlap, using the centre corridor and better skills execution. I’ll cut straight to the chase and present my tack aways from the match sim which is after all the proof of any adjustment in game style , improvements in skills and positional differentiation from this year

Take away 1 Some players look bigger and stronger this preseason, Laurie, Chandler, Tholstrup, Brown , Jeffo and Woewodin are certainly stronger and more able bodied . By the same token Clarry definitely has lost some midriff, and Sparrow, also looks trim.

Take away 2 Players look fitter by that I mean that the gut running doesn’t exhaust some players perhaps like it used to, Windsor, Langdon, Chandler, Kossy, Viney and even Max look super fit.

Take away 3 Game style has been tweeked and using the centre corridor, sizing up best position to put the ball to advantage with centimeter perfect disposals with hand or foot was obvious today. As confidence grows and skills develop there is a more concerted belief that Perfect practice delivers more perfect results.

Take away 4 Long bombs into any line much less forward entries are much more polished. Running patterns of forwards has definitely been worked on with the result of a more seamless attack spread.

Take away 5 Troy Chaplin, Nathan Bassett and Chuck Jones have spiced things up quite a bit with operational strategies, set plays and positioning.

Take away 6 Kossy was ELECTRIC Rotating through the midfield and his zips and magic were a thing to behold

Take away 7 Trac and Clarry and Viney were not far behind with ground ball gets, Class, spread and old fashioned grunt. Midfield looks fresh and new, clearly a philosophical shift in mindset and again I bring up positioning at stoppages looked far more creative and DANGEROUS

Take away 8 Tom Campbell might well be more than an understudy to Max this year, I liked the way he bustled, ran hard and competed. Might be a surprise packet

Take away 9 Serious thought will be given to playing Harvey Langford in round 1. He just looks like he belongs. Does everything right and is not flustered and has “Class”

Take away 10 Similarly “JEFFO JUGGENAUT” Has definitely improved big time, took some strong grabs, his leading patterns were classy and he is a very accurate kick for goal. I must also add Disco also was clever and canny around goal and Van Rooyen always presented a dangerous option. Petty and T Mac played mainly back.

That’s about it, all in all enjoyable day, and last question to myself….Have we improved enough to challenge for the 8?? A resounding yes from me, The tweeks in playing style, improved fitness, and improvement by our younger brigade provide me with a very positive feeling. I hate using the Culture word so I won’t but what I will say is that there is a more steely resolve and harmony evident that I haven’t seen as much of with this group. If we can replace our injuries with like players then our depth and character will rise and get the job done I believe.

Aw Gees Captain Kirk and crew have just arrived! More concierge duties coming up! P.F

You didn’t include Sesto in the rehab group.  Did you forget to include him or do you not categorise him as in rehab? Just curious.
 

On that, a while back Sesto said he had a slight hammy issue but it wasn’t serious. Today Goody said that is the case and he’s almost 100% but they’re making sure he’s right before putting him back in with the main group.

[DeeZone 10,075]

Wow another great track reporting day where do I start- Demonland, Deespicable, Ghost Writer, Picket Fence and a host of other posters, observations and special comments, plus photos and action shots, this is the best pre-season reporting that I can remember including Kev Martin, Discha and many more. Pickets report was worth waiting for and looking at the marking video Mathew Jefferson has grown in size and stature, well done young man.👍😁

[DeeSpencer 26,069]

18 minutes ago, adonski said:

Someone posted a few weeks back they thought Disco would have a Jake Waterman like break out year, I reckon they will be bang on

Waterman’s development was hampered by nasty injuries and a terrible eagles side. Meant he went from nowhere to star at 25.

Disco has a chance to cement himself as a genuine afl player at 22, and a key forward at that. But I’d be shocked if he starts looking like a top 5 key forward in the comp like Waterman did overnight. 

I do think it’s pretty telling that they aren’t even experimenting whilst Lever is out with Disco swapping down back especially as Petty rolls forward at times. They’re giving Disco maximum reps to lock up a spot. 

[binman 43,704]

A couple more random thoughts:

- As advertised, AJ is very competitive, the sort of player Goody loves. But I'm very surprised how fit he looked, AFL level fit. He was running laps at the end at a very fast clip

- Sparrow has changed body shape quite noticeablely, dropped size in the the chest and upper arms. His running group, which he was at the front of, included tmac and Brown (they started their timed laps in front of me and tmac said to sparrow, 'that's a fast pace you're setting'). Jibes with the talk of him playing a different role next season, possibly wing

- koz has also lost lots size in the chest and upper arms, which is why I'm dubious he will play much time as a mid this season. Kid is a dead set freak. In the match sim, which was surprisingly willing physically, running flat out he scooped the ball one handed off the deck, handballed beautifully to a teammate, putting him in space, somehow got involved in the chain again and then kicked a perfectly weighted ball accross his body, over the top of a defender to JVR. Thing of beauty.

- The boundary line work i mentioned tracc and clarry were doing after the session finished was led by Jonesy. It was fantastic to see he tracc and claz working together. Inspired move to bring Jonesy back. Has a similar energy to gus in his ability to connect with everyone 

- Kolt has got noticeably bigger and his hair looks permed. If he was dog he'd be bulloodle; a poodle bulldog cross

Edited Friday at 06:52 by binman

[adonski 12,410]

19 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Waterman’s development was hampered by nasty injuries and a terrible eagles side. Meant he went from nowhere to star at 25.

Disco has a chance to cement himself as a genuine afl player at 22, and a key forward at that. But I’d be shocked if he starts looking like a top 5 key forward in the comp like Waterman did overnight. 

I do think it’s pretty telling that they aren’t even experimenting whilst Lever is out with Disco swapping down back especially as Petty rolls forward at times. They’re giving Disco maximum reps to lock up a spot. 

Happy to settle for a top 6 forward if the top fives already wrapped up

[Ghostwriter 1,681]

4 hours ago, binman said:

The session finished with running drills led by Selwyn. He clearly had live GPS data as he periodically called our players to finish, I assume because they had met their km target 

That’s exactly right. Apparently they all have a certain number of kms to complete and this varies from player to player.

They also have a set amount of weight training (strength training) to complete, again this varies from player to player. For example, while most of them were off to hit the showers after training, ”Halfway” (Howes) for one was off to the gym to complete his time.

Tomorrow morning, like every Saturday morning, they have hill sprints at stupid o’clock (7am I think). In the past you’d only ever hear them moan about this. Not anymore though, haven’t heard a single complaint this preseason. Well, almost no complaints…

Steve the property steward was telling me that despite an expected top of 40 degrees on Monday the boys will be training just as hard and for just as long. Spargz was doing stretching exercises behind Steve and must’ve heard our conversation because when Steve said this, he (Spargz) moved his head to the side so as I could see him and mouthed “[censored]!” 😂

[kev martin 10,397]

The area was buzzing, Victory and Storm teams were also training. The mornings mild temperature was made to train in.

They were including some rehabbers in the warm-up and drills. Great to see Spargo in a training Jersey and with boots on. Lindsay had a little time in the sims. Lever and McAdam the kicking drills only.

When they had a full field drill, defenders in yellow bibs, ran and pressured near the ball users. First time I'd seen this defensive movement included in drills. If they caught them they tapped the back, or they placed themselves in blocking positions, or they stand the mark and go when the play-on happened.

Coaches continue to work in pairs, and they can be in any of the various groups. My guess is they coach according to a skill set, not a line preference at the moment. Though, when they have gone into their line groups they take up the designated roles.

I like the pairing of JVR and Jefferson. They don't get in each other's way, and their skill sets compliment the other. Big bash, ground ball get, find outside or behind space, alongside, aerial and leading acumen.

They want the players to keep out of the corridor areas. Calls of stay wider rang out. Appears they are trying to make leads into the spaces, in the middle of the field. 

AMW has become a close down tackling machine.

Tmac hasn't put a foot wrong.

The drills are performed at an outstanding skill level. Hoping the sims follow suit. They continue to work hard on their structures and intentions. 

They are eager and happy out there.

Edited Friday at 07:23 by kev martin

[Whispering_Jack 30,573]

3 hours ago, Rolling Stone said:

Some glowing reports about the players.

My question is whether the trackwatchers who have been going down to Gosch's think we can improve enough to return to the top half of the ladder in 2025?

Damn good question Mr. Stone. 

While watching this morning’s session with some very astute observers on the boundary line, we were pondering over exactly where the 2025 list stands by way of comparison to the great 2021 premiership team.

Here’s the team that beat the Western Bulldogs in the Grand Final at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, on Saturday 25 September 2021:-

The players who are no longer at the club are Michael Hibberd, Angus Brayshaw, Alex Neal-Bullen, Ben Brown, James Harms, Luke Jackson and James Jordon (sub who didn’t get on the ground). There were also a few good depth players who for one reason or another didn’t make the cut, notably Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta, Jayden Hunt, Jake Melksham, Sam Weideman, Aaron vandenBerg and Toby Bedford. A few of those were on their way out. Daniel Turner had just been drafted in the mid-season draft. Adam Tomlinson was on a long spell out with an ACL. Kade Chandler and Joel Smith were thereabouts.

Are we better now?

It’s hard to replace some of those premiership stars (Brayshaw, Brown, Hibberd and Jackson were instrumental), there are some question marks about some of the key midfielders from 2021; only time will tell whether the team remains as fit and healthy as it was back then. 

I did see room for optimism on today’s showing at Gosch’s Paddock. Kozzy was outstanding today but he’s out suspended for the first three games. Trent Rivers is maturing into an important piece in the side. They look to be the big improvers over the intervening time.

You would have to be happy with the progress of Clarry and Tracc - they displayed an attitude today that augured well for their return to “normalcy” within the team.

There seems to be a nice infusion of high level elite young talent from the last two drafts in Windsor, Tholstrop, Langford and Lindsay are all blue sky. Judd McVee is emerging as a quality defender. Then there were the young key forwards Jacob van Rooyen, Turner, Matt Jefferson and newcomer Aidan Johnson held their marks and moved around the ground with flair, noting that their cause was aided by the absence of Steven May and the fact that Jake Lever was running laps around the boundary.

The jury’s out but I’m optimistic for a return to the finals.

[Dingo 1,120]

4 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Moreover, Goody has said he’ll debut EARLY in the season. They’re excited about this.

I don’t doubt you , but when and where did Simon say this?

[Roost it far 8,571]

7 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

Damn good question Mr. Stone. 

While watching this morning’s session with some very astute observers on the boundary line, we were pondering over exactly where the 2025 list stands by way of comparison to the great 2021 premiership team.

Here’s the team that beat the Western Bulldogs in the Grand Final at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, on Saturday 25 September 2021:-

The players who are no longer at the club are Michael Hibberd, Angus Brayshaw, Alex Neal-Bullen, Ben Brown, James Harms, Luke Jackson and James Jordon (sub who didn’t get on the ground). There were also a few good depth players who for one reason or another didn’t make the cut, notably Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta, Jayden Hunt, Jake Melksham, Sam Weideman, Aaron vandenBerg and Toby Bedford. A few of those were on their way out. Daniel Turner had just been drafted in the mid-season draft. Adam Tomlinson was on a long spell out with an ACL. Kade Chandler and Joel Smith were thereabouts.

Are we better now?

It’s hard to replace some of those premiership stars (Brayshaw, Brown, Hibberd and Jackson were instrumental), there are some question marks about some of the key midfielders from 2021; only time will tell whether the team remains as fit and healthy as it was back then. 

I did see room for optimism on today’s showing at Gosch’s Paddock. Kozzy was outstanding today but he’s out suspended for the first three games. Trent Rivers is maturing into an important piece in the side. They look to be the big improvers over the intervening time.

You would have to be happy with the progress of Clarry and Tracc - they displayed an attitude today that augured well for their return to “normalcy” within the team.

There seems to be a nice infusion of high level elite young talent from the last two drafts in Windsor, Tholstrop, Langford and Lindsay are all blue sky. Judd McVee is emerging as a quality defender. Then there were the young key forwards Jacob van Rooyen, Turner, Matt Jefferson and newcomer Aidan Johnson held their marks and moved around the ground with flair, noting that their cause was aided by the absence of Steven May and the fact that Jake Lever was running laps around the boundary.

The jury’s out but I’m optimistic for a return to the finals.

The jury isn’t out. It’s in baby and so are the Dee’s….in the top 4 that is.

[Ghostwriter 1,681]

Just now, Dingo said:

I don’t doubt you , but when and where did Simon say this?

At training in the first week of preseason, maybe third session (on the Friday). I told him there were two players who’ve yet to debut and I was wondering about their progress (Jeffo and Sesto). Without hesitating he said, “Matty will play in the firsts, that’s gonna happen and it’ll be early in the season.” Then he said, “Ollie’s still a way off at this point but he’ll get there.”

[picket fence 17,465]

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

Waterman’s development was hampered by nasty injuries and a terrible eagles side. Meant he went from nowhere to star at 25.

Disco has a chance to cement himself as a genuine afl player at 22, and a key forward at that. But I’d be shocked if he starts looking like a top 5 key forward in the comp like Waterman did overnight. 

I do think it’s pretty telling that they aren’t even experimenting whilst Lever is out with Disco swapping down back especially as Petty rolls forward at times. They’re giving Disco maximum reps to lock up a spot. 

Disco impressed me today, has desire, hunger for the contest and is developing confidence nicely!

[Dingo 1,120]

18 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

At training in the first week of preseason, maybe third session (on the Friday). I told him there were two players who’ve yet to debut and I was wondering about their progress (Jeffo and Sesto). Without hesitating he said, “Matty will play in the firsts, that’s gonna happen and it’ll be early in the season.” Then he said, “Ollie’s still a way off at this point but he’ll get there.”

Thank you Ghostwriter.You are close to all the action.
You remind me of WCW.

Keep up the good work.

 

[picket fence 17,465]

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

Had a busy day at training catching up with some Demonlanders and the Podcast Team so my focus on the session was not high.

A couple of things that I will highlight was Harvey Langford's double tap tackle on Windsor during a One on One Ground Ball drill. Langford ferociously tackled Windsor to the ground twice within the same segement of the drill. We have a very special one here. Hungry and on the hunt for the ball. Uses it very well.

Windsor's kicking to targets in the forward 50 is elite.

Tholstrup's overhead marking in the middle of the ground is very strong.

Kozzy is looking in super great nick. He is not as bulky in the shoulders and looks to have slimmed down. His ball movement is sublime.

Trac and Clarry look so focused and if we get maximum output from the two of them this season then look out.

Judd McVee is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen on the training track and that includes watching Jack Viney on the training track over 12 or 13 years.

JVR rarely loses a one on one marking contest. Granted neither May or Lever was training with the main group in todays session.

I was super impressed with Jefferson's leading and marking. He kicked some nice goals from outside 50 and I only saw 1 poor shot for goal that he didn't kick through. A one stage he was on a lead and the kick was a little bit wayward. Whilst on the lead in a straight line up the field towards 50 he read that it was not going to hit him and he moved laterally to mark it. A little thing but I was impressed with the speed that he recognised it and made the decision to move to get to the ball. I've seen bits and pieces of him at Casey and have been anywhere from very impressed to a little underwhelmed. I'm cognizant of the fact that key position players take longer to develop and that he was always going to take a little longer that JVR but I think this year will be his make or break. He will likely start at Casey but this is the season he needs to take the step up. I like what I have seen in the preseason but his destiny is in his hands. 

Aidan Johnson is a very nice size for a forward. Moves well. Has a good pair of hands. A nice kick for goal. I will not be surprised if we see him trialed in the preseason matches and providing all goes well in those matches or early at Casey I won't be shocked if he gets a call up particularly because he would be a better option as the relief ruck for Max than having those duties fall on JVR. This is not a knock on JVR; ruck work because I think he did an excellent job in that relief ruck role. However I think that was to the detriment of his development as a forward as ruck work can be punishing on the body not to mention all the running up and down the field exhausting him when he has to go back to playing key forward. The less rucking he has to do outside of the forward 50 arc the better. He is a key forward and should only be used as such. We don't want to rob Peter to pay Paul.

Disco Turner has the safest pair of hands in the business. I am very bullish on him this season and firmly believe that he will breakout even more this season. He reads the ball in the air so well and just has the ability to clunk them.

On Kalani White. He is only doing warm ups and non-contact stuff and isn't involved in the larger drills and match sims but boy do I love what I see and pray to all of the footy Gods that he chooses his beloved Demons. He is a tall and skinny kid as you've seen in the photos but he is 16 and still growing and a couple of preseasons under his belt and a good nutrition plan and he will put on some bulk. He is very athletic for someone of his height and has very nice and clean skills which often times player of that height don't possess.

It was great to see Charlie Spargo running sprints along the boundary. Since the team has returned to the track Spargo has progressively increased the intensity of his training from stationary handballing and kicking to some light movement and agility training with the trainers to slow jogging along the boundary to running and today was the first time I have seen him sprinting at a good clip. Hopefully he is not too far away from returning to the main group. I would love to see him in the full training after the Christmas/New Years break.

It is fantastic to see such a small rehab group and this time of the preseason. In past years we have had many players in various stages of rehab and as we have all surmised the less body of training work that is put in during the preseason it is almost impossible to make that up during the Season. Only having a handfull of players in the rehab group and the majority of players in full training can only be a positive heading into the 2025 season.

Lever is recovering from post season surgery. I heard someone mention shoulder surgery but he also had a thin strap under one of his knees. He had slowly increased his running load while at training and I hope he too returns to the main group after the break.

New recruit Xavier Lindsay had post season surgery on his PCL. I'm not sure what his timeline to return is but he would be chomping at the bit to get involved. The little I have seen of his skills when he has been able to participate in now contact stuff is something to be excited about.

Melksham is new to the rehab group. I don't know what his ailment was and I'm sure it's been mentioned in some of the previous training reports but by the end of today session he was joining in with the main group in the match sim and did not look to be hampered by anything. He too looks to have come back in great nick (as does our other veteran TMac). Both could be playing their final seasons and neither of them will die wondering.

The one player I am most disappointed with in this preseason is McAdam. Another poster has reported that he was doing intense training sessions over the offseason. My hope after an injury interuptted preseason last year and then an injury interrupted season with only 3 senior berths and 11 games at Casey was that those injury concerns were all behind him. Since his return he has spent another preseason, at least the pre-Christmas block, in the rehab group. Granted I do not have any insight or knowledge as to what the issue or injury concern or if it is just precautionary, but I was hoping that he too could have a full preseason under his belt and hit the season running. I do believe that if fully fit he has a lot to offer which is why it is so disappointing that he is not tearing up the track. Finger crossed he is back on the track after the break.

Great report Demonland and I concur with Mc Adam, this is a potentially serious BUST!

[DistrACTION Jackson 9,193]

The amount of optimism on this thread is reaching dizzying heights

[demoncat 1,513]

3 minutes ago, DistrACTION Jackson said:

The amount of optimism on this thread is reaching dizzying heights

[Roost it far 8,571]

7 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Great report Demonland and I concur with Mc Adam, this is a potentially serious BUST!

If he gets injured during preseason Roy George says hello

[old55 23,687]

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

Had a busy day at training catching up with some Demonlanders and the Podcast Team so my focus on the session was not high.

A couple of things that I will highlight was Harvey Langford's double tap tackle on Windsor during a One on One Ground Ball drill. Langford ferociously tackled Windsor to the ground twice within the same segement of the drill. We have a very special one here. Hungry and on the hunt for the ball. Uses it very well.

Windsor's kicking to targets in the forward 50 is elite.

Tholstrup's overhead marking in the middle of the ground is very strong.

Kozzy is looking in super great nick. He is not as bulky in the shoulders and looks to have slimmed down. His ball movement is sublime.

Trac and Clarry look so focused and if we get maximum output from the two of them this season then look out.

Judd McVee is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen on the training track and that includes watching Jack Viney on the training track over 12 or 13 years.

JVR rarely loses a one on one marking contest. Granted neither May or Lever was training with the main group in todays session.

I was super impressed with Jefferson's leading and marking. He kicked some nice goals from outside 50 and I only saw 1 poor shot for goal that he didn't kick through. A one stage he was on a lead and the kick was a little bit wayward. Whilst on the lead in a straight line up the field towards 50 he read that it was not going to hit him and he moved laterally to mark it. A little thing but I was impressed with the speed that he recognised it and made the decision to move to get to the ball. I've seen bits and pieces of him at Casey and have been anywhere from very impressed to a little underwhelmed. I'm cognizant of the fact that key position players take longer to develop and that he was always going to take a little longer that JVR but I think this year will be his make or break. He will likely start at Casey but this is the season he needs to take the step up. I like what I have seen in the preseason but his destiny is in his hands. 

Aidan Johnson is a very nice size for a forward. Moves well. Has a good pair of hands. A nice kick for goal. I will not be surprised if we see him trialed in the preseason matches and providing all goes well in those matches or early at Casey I won't be shocked if he gets a call up particularly because he would be a better option as the relief ruck for Max than having those duties fall on JVR. This is not a knock on JVR; ruck work because I think he did an excellent job in that relief ruck role. However I think that was to the detriment of his development as a forward as ruck work can be punishing on the body not to mention all the running up and down the field exhausting him when he has to go back to playing key forward. The less rucking he has to do outside of the forward 50 arc the better. He is a key forward and should only be used as such. We don't want to rob Peter to pay Paul.

Disco Turner has the safest pair of hands in the business. I am very bullish on him this season and firmly believe that he will breakout even more this season. He reads the ball in the air so well and just has the ability to clunk them.

On Kalani White. He is only doing warm ups and non-contact stuff and isn't involved in the larger drills and match sims but boy do I love what I see and pray to all of the footy Gods that he chooses his beloved Demons. He is a tall and skinny kid as you've seen in the photos but he is 16 and still growing and a couple of preseasons under his belt and a good nutrition plan and he will put on some bulk. He is very athletic for someone of his height and has very nice and clean skills which often times player of that height don't possess.

It was great to see Charlie Spargo running sprints along the boundary. Since the team has returned to the track Spargo has progressively increased the intensity of his training from stationary handballing and kicking to some light movement and agility training with the trainers to slow jogging along the boundary to running and today was the first time I have seen him sprinting at a good clip. Hopefully he is not too far away from returning to the main group. I would love to see him in the full training after the Christmas/New Years break.

It is fantastic to see such a small rehab group and this time of the preseason. In past years we have had many players in various stages of rehab and as we have all surmised the less body of training work that is put in during the preseason it is almost impossible to make that up during the Season. Only having a handfull of players in the rehab group and the majority of players in full training can only be a positive heading into the 2025 season.

Lever is recovering from post season surgery. I heard someone mention shoulder surgery but he also had a thin strap under one of his knees. He had slowly increased his running load while at training and I hope he too returns to the main group after the break.

New recruit Xavier Lindsay had post season surgery on his PCL. I'm not sure what his timeline to return is but he would be chomping at the bit to get involved. The little I have seen of his skills when he has been able to participate in now contact stuff is something to be excited about.

Melksham is new to the rehab group. I don't know what his ailment was and I'm sure it's been mentioned in some of the previous training reports but by the end of today session he was joining in with the main group in the match sim and did not look to be hampered by anything. He too looks to have come back in great nick (as does our other veteran TMac). Both could be playing their final seasons and neither of them will die wondering.

The one player I am most disappointed with in this preseason is McAdam. Another poster has reported that he was doing intense training sessions over the offseason. My hope after an injury interuptted preseason last year and then an injury interrupted season with only 3 senior berths and 11 games at Casey was that those injury concerns were all behind him. Since his return he has spent another preseason, at least the pre-Christmas block, in the rehab group. Granted I do not have any insight or knowledge as to what the issue or injury concern or if it is just precautionary, but I was hoping that he too could have a full preseason under his belt and hit the season running. I do believe that if fully fit he has a lot to offer which is why it is so disappointing that he is not tearing up the track. Finger crossed he is back on the track after the break.

Great report thanks @Demonland, but just one correction - Kalani White's birthdate it 5 May 2007 - he's 17 and half, not 16 which has been suggested more than once on Dland.

For context, he's just 6 months younger than 2024 Draft phenomenon Alix Tauru.

Edited Friday at 08:14 by old55

[Ghostwriter 1,681]

Poop-shute update:

So on Wednesday Richo told me Vines was crook in the guts as a result of eating a dodgy prawn on a pizza the night before. Specifically, he’d knowingly eaten a prawn that still had its poop-shute. Richo told me if I go on Demonland I’m to tell everyone that “silly Jack” ate something he knew would make him ill. So I did.

This morning Richo came over and told me I need to hug Jack and apologise because he (Jack) had found out I’d told DL. So after training I told Jack I need to apologise for poop-shute-gate. He said, “bloody Richo… he stitched me up!” Then he said, “imagine anyone believing that story.” I said I believed it. Jack said, “bloody Richo… stitched us both up!”

So there was no dodgy prawn (with or without poop-shute) and the truth is a few of the players had a stomach bug which made them very ill but was short-lived. Fritta was afflicted today and I’m guessing so too was Maysie. 

[Ghostwriter 1,681]

23 minutes ago, Dingo said:

Thank you Ghostwriter.You are close to all the action.
You remind me of WCW.

Keep up the good work.

 

Thank you, Dingo. I remind you of WCW, do I? She also reps the DA, and the coaches and admin are massive DA fans, which is awesome. ❤️💙

[picket fence 17,465]

Dont worry WCW was there today with her acolytes! ( and I mean that in a "nice" way!) .She needs to come back to Demonland IMO! I'm reminded of the words of this song

WHY DONCHA COME BACK PLEASE HURRY WHY DONT YOU STAAYY FOR GOOD THIS TIME!

Edited Friday at 08:44 by picket fence

[Deemania since 56 6,714]

3 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

He's definitely a more viable back up option than throwing JVR and Petty to the wolves as first and second rucks.

Bewdy!

[FireInTheBennelly 4,099]

2 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Poop-shute update:

So on Wednesday Richo told me Vines was crook in the guts as a result of eating a dodgy prawn on a pizza the night before. Specifically, he’d knowingly eaten a prawn that still had its poop-shute. Richo told me if I go on Demonland I’m to tell everyone that “silly Jack” ate something he knew would make him ill. So I did.

This morning Richo came over and told me I need to hug Jack and apologise because he (Jack) had found out I’d told DL. So after training I told Jack I need to apologise for poop-shute-gate. He said, “bloody Richo… he stitched me up!” Then he said, “imagine anyone believing that story.” I said I believed it. Jack said, “bloody Richo… stitched us both up!”

So there was no dodgy prawn (with or without poop-shute) and the truth is a few of the players had a stomach bug which made them very ill but was short-lived. Fritta was afflicted today and I’m guessing so too was Maysie. 

Next time you see Richo, tell him to ram it, ram it, ram it.

[DeeSpencer 26,069]

3 hours ago, kev martin said:

AMW has become a close down tackling machine.

Still down back? I wish they’d give him a 3 game contract forward in Pickett’s absence 

[Demonland 73,106]

2 hours ago, old55 said:

Great report thanks @Demonland, but just one correction - Kalani White's birthdate it 5 May 2007 - he's 17 and half, not 16 which has been suggested more than once on Dland.

For context, he's just 6 months younger than 2024 Draft phenomenon Alix Tauru.

Fixed - thanks! 🙏