PRESEASON TRAINING: Monday 16th December 2024

[Lexinator 1,715]

2 hours ago, 58er said:

Or not being done in this case!!!  

It’s ironic that the bloke that has had the most fitness issues ( other than Clarry) over the last 2 pre seasons is not here on a 42 deg day.

You can go on the bike or run laps around the oval.

Perhaps he is only allergic to sun screen after all!! 

Please don’t  try a defend him unless you have legit  inside info GW. 

At least the word is that he is the fittest we have seen him at Melb ( whatever that means) and  may join the main training group after Xmas. 

My take is if you can’t train you can’t play (in season though). 

Why on earth would Shane be expected to train when he's unwell? Ridiculous. Let the man rest up, get better and not spread it further into the club.

[58er 6,558]

32 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

Legit info as told by Chocco, Peter (head physio), Nathan Basset, Ricky M, Roy George (who wore Shane’s jumper today) and Koz.

Shane physically could not train in any capacity nor could he even attend the team meeting beforehand such is the severity of this particular stomach bug. He’s not the only player who’s succumbed to it to the point of missing a session.

If they were telling me BS they must’ve got together before training to get their story straight and quite frankly I can’t imagine they’d bother. 😂

That’s fine that sounds what we all old call legitimate not very pleasant at any time let alone 42 deg heat.

Hope he recovers asap. 

[58er 6,558]

1 minute ago, Lexinator said:

Why on earth would Shane be expected to train when he's unwell? Ridiculous. Let the man rest up, get better and not spread it further into the club.

An explanation has now been given so until that was public you don’t know what robbing a 42,deg day.  See my post below 

[Fritta and Turner 4,522]

1 hour ago, Roger Mellie said:

The track watchers might have conked out in the heat.

Dont be ridiculous

[DeeSpencer 26,080]

2 hours ago, 58er said:

Or not being done in this case!!!  

It’s ironic that the bloke that has had the most fitness issues ( other than Clarry) over the last 2 pre seasons is not here on a 42 deg day.

You can go on the bike or run laps around the oval.

Perhaps he is only allergic to sun screen after all!! 

Please don’t  try a defend him unless you have legit  inside info GW. 

At least the word is that he is the fittest we have seen him at Melb ( whatever that means) and  may join the main training group after Xmas. 

My take is if you can’t train you can’t play (in season though). 

Yep poor from Shane.

Should be out there doing laps with poo running down his legs leaving a trail behind him.

Dont worry about the gps tracker, just follow the flow of brown to see how fast he’s going. 

Then make sure he touches as many water bottles as possible on his way back to Gosch’s.

Thats commitment.

[In Harmes Way 7,823]

So what I can take from these three pages:

- Spargs was training with the main group, did some match sim

- Melksham might have done a hammy

- McAdam was crook.

- It was hot, but not unbearable.

[3183 Dee 2,907]

Went along today with my lad - I didn't keep detailed notes of all the training, but from what I saw:

 - Practice drills getting the ball from forward half stoppage and delivery into 50

 - Close up 2v3 inside work/tackling

 - Stoppage drills

 - Part match sim, with the ball being started from a ball up in various parts of the ground

 - Short, full ground sim

 - Running exercises

 

Some general observations:

 - JVR looking very commanding now.

 - Harvey Langford looks VERY likely - doesn't look out of place at all. Laid a couple of great tackles on Viney, which Viney loved.

 - Kossie looks very sharp - he just finds space and time and his kicking is elite.

 - I like the look of Tom Campbell - certainly a strong unit, who loves the contest. I'd imagine Max is quite happy having a legit ruck to contend with.

 - I thought some of the disposal was still not great, despite it being a practice, although the wind was very strong across Gosch's

 - Great to see Chunk out there. It was also interesting to hear Troy Chaplin coaching the forwards, very commanding presence.

 - Not sure who the coach was in the middle of the main sim, but seemed to be running the entire session. Barking out orders and instructions, had everything under control!

 - Good to see Spargs back in the fold - participated in the first few drills and then running for the rest of the session along with Xavier Lindsay. Poor Tom Fullarton running lap after lap.

 - I think Chandler will be the new ANB

[Scoop Junior 3,513]

I went down today in what were pretty ordinary conditions - hot and windy.

When I got there, they were doing repeat simulations of a stoppage on the wing and then moving the ball inside 50. There seemed to be an emphasis on handballing out of the stoppage, usually there were 3 or 4 handballs to chain out until a player received it in space and could then carry the ball forward. I thought the handballing was sharp and accurate but it is training against your mates in December.

I thought Clarry got some great reads off hands in the stoppages and did step through the stoppage to come out the front rather than just give it off as soon as he got it. Langford also had two lovely reads, getting the first possession on the move from the stoppage. On the second occasion, he won it and stepped his way through the traffic to clear out the front.

After that, they did some tackling on the far side of the ground.

This was followed by more simulations, this time moving the ball from half back on a slow play. The emphasis here appeared to be on kicking a way through when the oppositon's defensive structure was set. There was barely any handballing in this drill, with almost all of the movement short kicks. There seemed to be a desire to kick on 45s and particularly a 45 into the corridor if an option opened up. Eyes seemed to look for the corridor, but if no option presented, it was then moved out wide. There were no long bombs or kicks over the mark. Not suggesting this is a game plan thing - more likely it was just a drill to practice short kicking in tight areas.

Then finally, before I left, they split into 3 groups. The small backs did more 45 degree kicking, with Brown and Windsor in this group. The mids did ground ball work and the forwards had goal kicking practice.

From what I saw, Spargo ran along the boundary at a good speed. Lindsay and Fullarton also did boundary runs. Not sure what happened with Disco but he also did boundary runs and didn't appear inhibited. Lever looked further behind in his rehab. Petty was with the backs during the sims, along with TMac and May.

Also not sure what happened with Melk but Chandler dinked a kick into space and Melksham was running on to it (with the flight of the ball). He made a long sustained sprint to get there and then pulled up and grimaced a bit after it. I didn't see him grab anything but it was the sort of action where you can twinge a leg muscle.

As others have said, thought Kozzie looked great running through the middle. On one play him and Trac fought for the ball on the ground. It was closer to Kozzie and he grabbed it, bounced up to his feet and sidestepped another player almost in one fluid movement and then cleared it.

Tough session in that kind of heat - these guys really are impressive athletes.

Edited December 16 by Scoop Junior

[Redleg 41,421]

5 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Roy George is here

Any more info on Roy, either what you saw today, or heard?

[Fritta and Turner 4,522]

Obviously not an ideal day for training with the heat and strong wind but.....

The boys were out early at 9.30.  The shed was packed with iced ddrinks.

The full squad participated in the drills for about the first 45 minutes with the exception of McAdam (absent feeling a bit crook) and Woey (on the bike and then watched on). George in nos 23.

All the drills this year emphasied fast ball movement, winningb the contest in the middle and then passing to the fwd.  Considering the conditions this drill went well.  It was great to see Spargs (not Charles ok) participating.

After about 45 minutes Spargo, Lever , Sestan, Lindsay (Xave), Turner and Fullarton pulled out.  Sestan had something checked out then joined back in, Spargo, Lever and Lindsay on a modified program, Turner had a foot issue and not sure about Fullarton.

AJ looked like he had face planted in a bucket of sunscreen

Viney asked them to keep the noise up and Spargs replied with 'fffff yeah.

Tracca no legionaires hat

Roo tackles well.

I would give me left leg to be able to kick like Fritta.

Had a quick word with TMc who said his brother Oscar was doing well.

Left about 11.15 with drills still going and Langford, Mentha and AJ running the boundary.

The boys look fit and the vibe is good,  About 20-30 track watchers in attendance.

[DiscoStu17 788]

51 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Yep poor from Shane.

Should be out there doing laps with poo running down his legs leaving a trail behind him.

Dont worry about the gps tracker, just follow the flow of brown to see how fast he’s going. 

Then make sure he touches as many water bottles as possible on his way back to Gosch’s.

Thats commitment. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AmcFh9AFJ/?

[deelusions from afar 1,861]

25 minutes ago, Fritta and Turner said:

I would give me left leg to be able to kick like Fritta.

Not sure if that would be possible if you gave your left leg?

In all seriousness though, thanks to you and everyone for braving the heat and providing these reports!

[kev martin 10,409]

Clayton Oliver was looking great in the sims. Moving well to space, getting his hands on the ball easily in the congested areas, and linking to others. Had a word to Choco about him. Still says he has some improvements to go. I think he was saying his fitness isn't primed yet. 

Jed Adams had a central lock down role on various forwards, in the sims. He got his fist to plenty of balls and was first to it for the ground ball. Working very well. May was lurking in the left or right pocket to intercept plenty of balls. Backline looking strong. A gusty wind helps them as the hit up players missed a few times. They also had the occasional difficulty getting the ball out.

Jefferson's hands weren't as good today, but stepping up for some good clunks was JvR.

Bayley Fritsch is looking eager, he has determination about him, 

Tmac is still looking good, reading the play well and outpointing the forwards.

Judd McVee and Caleb Windsor, looking very classy, with plenty of participation, both are ball magnets.

Jack Viney's not taking prisoners, hitting all and sundry, hard. Moving well, and creating links through his leads and gut running. 

Jake Lever had the lime green cap on when participating in drills, (the no tackling piece). He is running the boundary with enthusiasm and really striding out. Leadership in spades when on the field.  

Charlie Spargo in with the forwards, playing that high up and delivery into the 50 role.

I didn't see Woey out there today.

Will Verrall was rucking, along with Max Gawn and Tom Campbell in sims and structures. 

We have three elusive indigenous players out there. Ricky Mentha is gaining confidence, skills, especially his kicking, has improved (rarely missing), moves beautifully to and in spaces. George moves very similar to him, though Kossie is starring. They all have a smile going and are clearly loving being at it together. Mentha has regularly got visitors down here. Socially, he appears good for Kossie.

The Kolt is really maturing. Rarely missing his disposals anymore and making the right decisions. 

Previous drills had all of them doing some bouncing of the ball. Today (last training as well), they didn't practice that skill.

The tackling drill and defensive style in sims had plenty of intensity.  I get worried when they go hard at each other.

Talking about hard, they didn't go easy with the exertion required because of the heat. Coaches and trainers pushed them. At the end of one sim they could barely get up a run, that they have been doing to the sheds. 

I think I saw Melky tweek a hammy. Probably an early Christmas break for him.

All the previous rehabber's had time with the main group. 

[Ghostwriter 1,800]

33 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Any more info on Roy, either what you saw today, or heard?

He has signed with Casey as we’d thought which is why he can now train with us. He knows the club is hoping to keep him out of ‘the limelight’ lest another club swoops.

Re the ‘brother boys’ Roy is similar to AMW in that he’s outgoing and seems comfortable around people. Koz is an introvert, says he always has been and probs always will be, and Ricky is similar. I mentioned it before in this thread that Matty Whelan took these boys (Shane included) on a camping/fishing trip on Saturday. Matty said the mix of personalities is a great thing because they learn from one another. This is one of the reasons we hope to keep Roy. Besides that, Roy says he doesn’t want to be anywhere else. 

[The Great Pretender 475]

Big wrap for Clarrie here -

Track watch: Star Demon back to his best as electric forward continues midfield trial

 

[DistrACTION Jackson 9,224]

42 minutes ago, The Great Pretender said:

Big wrap for Clarrie here -

Track watch: Star Demon back to his best as electric forward continues midfield trial

 

This little bit was nice to read as well

The Demons' first draft pick of 2024, Harvey Langford, also impressed in match simulation drills, including two perfectly-read roves off of Max Gawn’s rucking, before bursting from the stoppage without a finger laid on him and kicking a penetrating punt inside 50.

[Rab D Nesbitt 8,483]

Work commitments haven't allowed me to get down to Goschs for a look yet but the more I read about Harvey Langford the more I wonder if we're looking at the next Trac and the thought of seeing in the same side has me salivating. 

[Tolstoys Nudge 1,734]

4 hours ago, 58er said:

Or not being done in this case!!!  

It’s ironic that the bloke that has had the most fitness issues (other than Clarry) over the last 2 pre seasons is not here on a 42 deg day.

You can go on the bike or run laps around the oval.

Perhaps he is only allergic to sun screen after all!! 

Please don’t  try a defend him unless you have legit  inside info GW. 

At least the word is that he is the fittest we have seen him at Melb (whatever that means) and  may join the main training group after Xmas. 

My take is if you can’t train you can’t play (in season though). 

Oh boy.. sorry but that’s just speculative cap as my kids would say  

[kev martin 10,409]

29 minutes ago, Rab D Nesbitt said:

Work commitments haven't allowed me to get down to Goschs for a look yet but the more I read about Harvey Langford the more I wonder if we're looking at the next Trac and the thought of seeing in the same side has me salivating. 

I think he is good player, learning quickly and has had very good trainers in his developmental period prior to AFL.

He plays in those tight areas, will burst into space, break the lines, and throws his weight around in defensive plays.

He is going to be hard to match up to, he appears taller and slimmer than Tracc.

Occasionally misses his kicks, but has plenty of time to get that right. The ones I see him miss have been when tight on the boundary with few options but to go short along the boundary line.

Does not lack confidence when playing and keeps a humble personification most of the time.

His development is going to be interesting. 

I'd also include Rivers in the conversation with Tracc and Langford, as possible game changers.

Edited Monday at 05:07 by kev martin

[Ghostwriter 1,800]

1 hour ago, Fritta and Turner said:

 

Tracca no legionaires hat

 

He said he rarely forgets to bring it but that’s what happened today. He applied extra sunscreen on the back of his neck. As it turns out the sun wasn’t a problem for the most part. 

[chook fowler 19,530]

21 minutes ago, kev martin said:

I think he is good player, learning quickly and has had very good trainers in his developmental period prior to AFL.

He plays in those tight areas, will burst into space, break the lines, and throws his weight around in defensive plays.

He is going to be hard to match up to, he appears taller and slimmer than Tracc.

Occasionally misses his kicks, but has plenty of time to get that right. The ones I see him miss have been when tight on the boundary with few options but to go short along the boundary line.

Does not lack confidence when playing and keeps a humble personification most of the time.

His development is going to be interesting. 

I'd also include Rivers in the conversation with Tracc and Langford, as possible game changers.

Trac, Langford, Clarrie, Kolt, Viney and Rivers - impressive midfield group

[Redleg 41,421]

1 hour ago, Ghostwriter said:

He has signed with Casey as we’d thought which is why he can now train with us. He knows the club is hoping to keep him out of ‘the limelight’ lest another club swoops.

Re the ‘brother boys’ Roy is similar to AMW in that he’s outgoing and seems comfortable around people. Koz is an introvert, says he always has been and probs always will be, and Ricky is similar. I mentioned it before in this thread that Matty Whelan took these boys (Shane included) on a camping/fishing trip on Saturday. Matty said the mix of personalities is a great thing because they learn from one another. This is one of the reasons we hope to keep Roy. Besides that, Roy says he doesn’t want to be anywhere else. 

Thanks GW and love your last line.

I have a feeling about this kid, that I know others might not share, but we will see as the season unfolds.

I also don't think it can be overestimated, the benefit that can come from a few indigenous boys being at the same club and carving out their footy careers, together with their brothers.

Edited Monday at 05:30 by Redleg

[kev martin 10,409]

5 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

Trac, Langford, Clarrie, Kolt, Viney and Rivers - impressive midfield group

Got a feeling they are giving Koltyn plenty of half-forward time. Kossie is a mid now, I think.

[BC_1718_DC 1,367]

Just now, kev martin said:

Got a feeling they are giving Koltyn plenty of half-forward time. Kossie is a mid now, I think.

Scary thought re Kozzy being a full time mid when our small forwards are pretty much non-existent outside him. We really lack a ‘crumber’/spark once Koz exits that forward line. 
 

Hope it’s something in the target list through draft/trade in the next year or 2. 

[Ghostwriter 1,800]

I didn’t see him but apparently a topless Mason Cox walked past Gosch’s very slowly and even stopped to watch our boys train. My buddy who saw him said she got the impression he was trying to stay unnoticed which makes me think he’s even dumber than he looks, could you get a more conspicuous filth player?! 😂