PRESEASON TRAINING: Wednesday 18th December 2024

[hardtack 10,626]

59 minutes ago, djr said:

This is awkward.

How do you think my family feel?

[hardtack 10,626]

1 hour ago, djr said:

This is awkward.

And the fact that the drone manufacturer is actually ‘dji’ makes it even more awkward… however, I will leave my original comment in place, as a form of punishment for my blatant stupidity!

[58er 6,559]

On 18/12/2024 at 13:38, demon3165 said:

Been saying that for the last few years, and it's going to take time and a lot of mistakes but it will click just need time and practice. 

Yes 2021 was a shocker !

Huve dome credit where it is due. Thats also what practice is for.

Practice masks perfect.

I December no but March  maybe. 

[58er 6,559]

On 18/12/2024 at 13:38, demon3165 said:

Been saying that for the last few years, and it's going to take time and a lot of mistakes but it will click just need time and practice. 

Yes 2021 was a shocker !

Give some credit where it is due. Thats also what practice is for.

Practice masks perfect.

In December no but March  maybe. September probably even better. 

[58er 6,559]

On 18/12/2024 at 10:54, picket fence said:

Correction, just started training.

What’s going on ?

This  is beyond a joke 

I don’t care what the issues are what about team rules and expectations? 

Time to get serious in New Year. Time is running out there are no prior credits here.   

 

[Ghostwriter 1,800]

8 hours ago, thirty-one said:

I didn't make it either - was still a bit worried that 40 minutes on a train would be a bit long for my guts to deal with... Then I got in a car and drove to Albury so go figure. 

Pity you weren't there because you would've had a Demonland exclusive regarding Max.

Nah, @Demonland is the one with the Maxy scoop. Seems he knew something was up a day before the news broke, or should I say before Maxy’s larynx broke (too soon?)

Hope to see you at training again before you go back home to Seattle. And hope your guts behave themselves. Hashtag No More Squirtz 😜

[picket fence 17,496]

5 hours ago, 58er said:

What’s going on ?

This  is beyond a joke 

I don’t care what the issues are what about team rules and expectations? 

Time to get serious in New Year. Time is running out there are no prior credits here.   

 

Yep, certainly strange,unless he's on a modified program of the original modified program! Surely he is so far away from being match fit? Surely can't be considered for Kossys role, for one thing Kossy has spent time in match sims with mids. Should start at Casey and earn promotion based on benchmarks and metrics.

Edited Thursday at 21:25 by picket fence

[ManDee 7,222]

5 hours ago, 58er said:

Yes 2021 was a shocker !

Give some credit where it is due. Thats also what practice is for.

Practice masks perfect.

In December no but March  maybe. September probably even better. 

And you repeated the mistakes, come on 58 proof read then post. 🙂

[58er 6,559]

4 minutes ago, ManDee said:

And you repeated the mistakes, come on 58 proof read then post. 🙂

You know what I meant Stop having a cheap shot !!!

[Ghostwriter 1,800]

3 hours ago, 58er said:

You know what I meant Stop having a cheap shot !!!

Not a cheap shot at all, 58er. Typos notwithstanding I had trouble understanding what you were trying to express. 

[Slartibartfast 17,620]

This is a slow time of the year so I thought I'd put my thoughts down about our preseason to date.  I've seen all but one training session but keep in mind it's one man's opinion and there is so much going on that you see only a fraction of what each player is doing on any particular day. But over the journey you get a fair view of all players.

General Comments:

Fitness: the players do appear fit and of particular note for me is the great condition our second year players have come back in.  Windsor, Kolt and Brown all look really fit and have done almost the entire preseason.  I think it's important and it indicates that they may not suffer "second year blues". We've also had the majority of players doing a full preseason. Those in the rehab group are well documented and none appear to have long term recoveries in front of them. 

Training: the drills have been similar to last year and to my eye there doesn't seem to be much change in the program.  There seems to be an emphasis in using the corridor and moving the ball quickly but this is common with previous preseasons. On Wednesday, in windy conditions, when there was a little more pressure put on the ball carrier using the corridor proved problematic with a number of turnovers.

Personnel

May: he's doing another preseason and from memory hasn't missed a session. 

JvR: another that has done every session and looks fit and strong. He hasn't shone in the full field drills but many of them don't seem to be designed to allow key forwards much opportunity. He's a leader on the field and trains with high intensity.

Salem: Started in rehab from day one with the 1 - 4th years running the boundary and has now progressed through his rehab and is in full training.  He looks really fit and his skills and experience really show out in the full field drills.

McVee:  he's a rolls royce.  Hasn't missed a session and is just so composed.  He's trained mainly with the backs but has been involved with some clearance work. He's been pretty heavily involved in the drills and his kicking is a highlight.

Petracca: well if you had doubts about his commitment you can just put that to bed. He's ripped, he's involved and he's special. Most importantly he doesn't seem hesitant about physical contact and regardless of what happens at the end of 25 I'm sure he's 100% committed to the 25 season.

Windsor:  Has moved to the backline and is an absolute standout for me this preseason to date. If Judd is a roller then Duke is a Lambo - so fast and with the skills to go with it. It's quite exciting to think what he could do this year coming.

Viney: He only knows one way and you know what that is.  Things haven't changed and he looks in great shape and hasn't missed and significant training.

Lever: Slow laps have progressed to faster laps but he's in rehab and progressing slowly. See the injury update for more info.

Spargo: For a bloke that hasn't played since round one last season he's been commented on quite a lot this preseason. Running, running and more running for Spargs as he progresses through his recovery and has now progressed into some of the skills sessions. It's been a long journey to get to where he is and I'd imagine it will take some time to get his touch back but he'll be a great addition to the playing list whether it be really good depth or in the 22.

Turner: Another of the highlights for me and has shown some impressive skills and played well in the match play drills. Great hands, good kicking for goal and a lot of involvement when the ball hits the ground. Unfortunately tweeked something later in the preseason and has spent a few sessions doing what they do in rehab - run, run, run.  He doesn't look in any discomfort and did the majority of the PS to date.

Gawn: He's the best ruck and contested ruck in the AFL.  It shows at training. He looks lean and fit. Shame about his injury but if he can still run with it I know what I'm going to be seen in January while he recovers.

Tholstrup: the Kolt was a leader when it was the first to fourth years and I'm a big fan.  He's hard to place but has been training forward and with the mids.  Energetic, faster than I remembered, involved and very encouraging to his teammates. IMO can play and will surprise.

Oliver: so much said but in the end Clarrie looks happy and relaxed and to my eye looks very fit. Perhaps not as ripped as in 21 but a different class of fit to 24. His ball handling is back and he's just getting it all the time. And his tackling is back too. I think we didn't really appreciate how much that hand injury impacted him last year. He's so important to us but things look good at present.

Langdon: Lingers has been fantastic.  So involved, so much running and his kicking is so improved on his earlier years.

Laurie:  Others have commented on his kicking and skills but I haven't noticed them this PS all that much. Where his running was elite last year (second behind ANB in the 2k trials) he's dropped a little this year. He's neat but there isn't much I can add other than he's done all the seasons and trained mainly with the forwards and some mid work as well.

Bowey:  Another standout who trained from day one with the young blokes. He looks terrific and his kicking is elite.  Involved with high skills in ball handling and decision making. Hoping for a genuine break out year.  All the signs are good.

Melksham:  I had him delisted at the end of 21 but initially in the 25 PS he was looking so fit and involved.  He isn't there filling in the numbers he's right in the mix. Sadly he's done a hammy I suspect in the second last session and let's hope it's minor.

Langford:  Lots has been said and I can't add much.  Just looks hungry and composed and "comfortable at the pace". Yes he's been caught a few times and he'll learn from that.  Better in PS than in games. His footy IQ is elite, he just knows how to be involved, he works hard and his vision is great. I don't think his pace is an issue but his kicking is a little up and under over the shorter distances and is something to work on. He's a genuine class player in the making.

Lindsay: really all I've seen from his is run, run, run and then do it again. He's been involved in a few of the quieter skills drills which are mainly done on the other side of the ground to where I stand so I can't offer much. But as I said to a mate "JT pick Windsor out of the pack and he looks great, no reason XL can't be the same.

Jefferson: If you've read the training report, and if you've got this far into this I assume you have, much has already been said and I agree with it. He looks bigger and stronger.  He's more involved.  He's got very good skills and he's had some really good cameo moments. He's progressing nicely and I'm buying shares but they are slightly speculative. He's also done all sessions with is in sharp contrast to last year when he was on his own program well into February and if you remember he started in the backline for Casey.

Howes: he's tall. If he's not as tall as Lever he's not far off it.  He's just gone about his business.  He makes very few mistakes and he's quietly involved if you know what I mean.  He's one of those players you don't notice until you do and once you have you see he's much more involved than you thought. He's trained with the backs and done all sessions.

McAdam: look there's been a lot of debate and quite a lot of criticism of him and while he's been in rehab and then absent I think he's looked in really good shape.  He's just run so much with apparently no injury and I think they are just trying to do something different with him to get him through a season. So not much to report, make your own judgement but he looks fit and committed to me but I'm a glass half full sort of supporter.

Rivers: looks great. Training with the mids and doing all the sessions. He's really powerful through his legs.  There's no reason not to hope he picks up through the midfield and just adds to what he showed last year.

Tmac: where to start?  Well as one of the older statesmen he started from day one and was a standout for a good part of the PS.  Perhaps a little quieter in the last few sessions but all he does is so clean and while many deny it, his kicking is very good. He's also extremely fit finishing high up in the time trials. It's hard to see him not in the starting 22 on form which makes it hard to see why Petty is going back. For me you can forget "Petty is the future".  That's right but we are playing in the present and atm Tmac is a standout at training.

I'll finish the players later and if there's interest.  All this is really doing is summarising all the training reports of mine and others.  I'd be interested in other track watchers view where they differ from mine because as I say, you don't see everything.

 

[demon3165 2,804]

10 hours ago, 58er said:

Yes 2021 was a shocker !

Give some credit where it is due. Thats also what practice is for.

Practice masks perfect.

In December no but March  maybe. September probably even better. 

I said the past few years if one had bothered to read what I have been saying and 2 in the words of RDB perfect practice, makes perfect.

[ManDee 7,222]

3 minutes ago, demon3165 said:

I said the past few years if one had bothered to read what I have been saying and 2 in the words of RDB perfect practice, makes perfect.

Not according to 58er he says "Practice MASKS perfect"

😄

[demon3165 2,804]

10 minutes ago, ManDee said:

Not according to 58er he says "Practice MASKS perfect"

😄

Well he probably thinks he knows more than RDB...

[nedleg 177]

Does anyone have an idea if there'll be any open sessions early in the new year? Here with the kids for a month and thought I'd try and prove to them big Maxy is a real person and not just someone we see on the TV at 5am in Germany sometimes...

[Ghostwriter 1,800]

8 minutes ago, nedleg said:

Does anyone have an idea if there'll be any open sessions early in the new year? Here with the kids for a month and thought I'd try and prove to them big Maxy is a real person and not just someone we see on the TV at 5am in Germany sometimes...

They resume training at 10am on Thursday the 9th of January at Casey Fields. The schedule thereafter has yet to be announced.

If you and your kids are here for most of January there’s these sessions…

 

At this stage they’re set to commence at 10am. 

Edited Friday at 03:33 by Ghostwriter

[Robbie02 51]

23 minutes ago, demon3165 said:

Well he probably thinks he knows more than RDB...

To be fair, aside from 6 flags as a player (2 as premiership captain) and another 4 as coach, AFL and Melbourne teams of the century, Australian Football Hall of fame - Legend Status, Sport Australia Hall of Fame etc, etc what would Barrass know about footy? Nothing! 
 

PS 10 Premierships! Isn’t that amazing

[demon3165 2,804]

1 hour ago, Robbie02 said:

To be fair, aside from 6 flags as a player (2 as premiership captain) and another 4 as coach, AFL and Melbourne teams of the century, Australian Football Hall of fame - Legend Status, Sport Australia Hall of Fame etc, etc what would Barrass know about footy? Nothing! 
 

PS 10 Premierships! Isn’t that amazing

lmfao....not much to add..

[DemonWheels 1,075]

4 hours ago, Slartibartfast said:

This is a slow time of the year so I thought I'd put my thoughts…

 

Thank you @Slartibartfast this is an amazing read and so good to hear from someone who has been consistently present at training. All sounding positive which is great to hear.

[adonski 12,427]

4 hours ago, Slartibartfast said:

This is a slow time of the year so I thought I'd put my thoughts down about our preseason to date.  I've seen all but one training session but keep in mind it's one man's opinion and there is so much going on that you see only a fraction of what each player is doing on any particular day. But over the journey you get a fair view of all players.

General Comments:

Fitness: the players do appear fit and of particular note for me is the great condition our second year players have come back in.  Windsor, Kolt and Brown all look really fit and have done almost the entire preseason.  I think it's important and it indicates that they may not suffer "second year blues". We've also had the majority of players doing a full preseason. Those in the rehab group are well documented and none appear to have long term recoveries in front of them. 

Training: the drills have been similar to last year and to my eye there doesn't seem to be much change in the program.  There seems to be an emphasis in using the corridor and moving the ball quickly but this is common with previous preseasons. On Wednesday, in windy conditions, when there was a little more pressure put on the ball carrier using the corridor proved problematic with a number of turnovers.

Personnel

May: he's doing another preseason and from memory hasn't missed a session. 

JvR: another that has done every session and looks fit and strong. He hasn't shone in the full field drills but many of them don't seem to be designed to allow key forwards much opportunity. He's a leader on the field and trains with high intensity.

Salem: Started in rehab from day one with the 1 - 4th years running the boundary and has now progressed through his rehab and is in full training.  He looks really fit and his skills and experience really show out in the full field drills.

McVee:  he's a rolls royce.  Hasn't missed a session and is just so composed.  He's trained mainly with the backs but has been involved with some clearance work. He's been pretty heavily involved in the drills and his kicking is a highlight.

Petracca: well if you had doubts about his commitment you can just put that to bed. He's ripped, he's involved and he's special. Most importantly he doesn't seem hesitant about physical contact and regardless of what happens at the end of 25 I'm sure he's 100% committed to the 25 season.

Windsor:  Has moved to the backline and is an absolute standout for me this preseason to date. If Judd is a roller then Duke is a Lambo - so fast and with the skills to go with it. It's quite exciting to think what he could do this year coming.

Viney: He only knows one way and you know what that is.  Things haven't changed and he looks in great shape and hasn't missed and significant training.

Lever: Slow laps have progressed to faster laps but he's in rehab and progressing slowly. See the injury update for more info.

Spargo: For a bloke that hasn't played since round one last season he's been commented on quite a lot this preseason. Running, running and more running for Spargs as he progresses through his recovery and has now progressed into some of the skills sessions. It's been a long journey to get to where he is and I'd imagine it will take some time to get his touch back but he'll be a great addition to the playing list whether it be really good depth or in the 22.

Turner: Another of the highlights for me and has shown some impressive skills and played well in the match play drills. Great hands, good kicking for goal and a lot of involvement when the ball hits the ground. Unfortunately tweeked something later in the preseason and has spent a few sessions doing what they do in rehab - run, run, run.  He doesn't look in any discomfort and did the majority of the PS to date.

Gawn: He's the best ruck and contested ruck in the AFL.  It shows at training. He looks lean and fit. Shame about his injury but if he can still run with it I know what I'm going to be seen in January while he recovers.

Tholstrup: the Kolt was a leader when it was the first to fourth years and I'm a big fan.  He's hard to place but has been training forward and with the mids.  Energetic, faster than I remembered, involved and very encouraging to his teammates. IMO can play and will surprise.

Oliver: so much said but in the end Clarrie looks happy and relaxed and to my eye looks very fit. Perhaps not as ripped as in 21 but a different class of fit to 24. His ball handling is back and he's just getting it all the time. And his tackling is back too. I think we didn't really appreciate how much that hand injury impacted him last year. He's so important to us but things look good at present.

Langdon: Lingers has been fantastic.  So involved, so much running and his kicking is so improved on his earlier years.

Laurie:  Others have commented on his kicking and skills but I haven't noticed them this PS all that much. Where his running was elite last year (second behind ANB in the 2k trials) he's dropped a little this year. He's neat but there isn't much I can add other than he's done all the seasons and trained mainly with the forwards and some mid work as well.

Bowey:  Another standout who trained from day one with the young blokes. He looks terrific and his kicking is elite.  Involved with high skills in ball handling and decision making. Hoping for a genuine break out year.  All the signs are good.

Melksham:  I had him delisted at the end of 21 but initially in the 25 PS he was looking so fit and involved.  He isn't there filling in the numbers he's right in the mix. Sadly he's done a hammy I suspect in the second last session and let's hope it's minor.

Langford:  Lots has been said and I can't add much.  Just looks hungry and composed and "comfortable at the pace". Yes he's been caught a few times and he'll learn from that.  Better in PS than in games. His footy IQ is elite, he just knows how to be involved, he works hard and his vision is great. I don't think his pace is an issue but his kicking is a little up and under over the shorter distances and is something to work on. He's a genuine class player in the making.

Lindsay: really all I've seen from his is run, run, run and then do it again. He's been involved in a few of the quieter skills drills which are mainly done on the other side of the ground to where I stand so I can't offer much. But as I said to a mate "JT pick Windsor out of the pack and he looks great, no reason XL can't be the same.

Jefferson: If you've read the training report, and if you've got this far into this I assume you have, much has already been said and I agree with it. He looks bigger and stronger.  He's more involved.  He's got very good skills and he's had some really good cameo moments. He's progressing nicely and I'm buying shares but they are slightly speculative. He's also done all sessions with is in sharp contrast to last year when he was on his own program well into February and if you remember he started in the backline for Casey.

Howes: he's tall. If he's not as tall as Lever he's not far off it.  He's just gone about his business.  He makes very few mistakes and he's quietly involved if you know what I mean.  He's one of those players you don't notice until you do and once you have you see he's much more involved than you thought. He's trained with the backs and done all sessions.

McAdam: look there's been a lot of debate and quite a lot of criticism of him and while he's been in rehab and then absent I think he's looked in really good shape.  He's just run so much with apparently no injury and I think they are just trying to do something different with him to get him through a season. So not much to report, make your own judgement but he looks fit and committed to me but I'm a glass half full sort of supporter.

Rivers: looks great. Training with the mids and doing all the sessions. He's really powerful through his legs.  There's no reason not to hope he picks up through the midfield and just adds to what he showed last year.

Tmac: where to start?  Well as one of the older statesmen he started from day one and was a standout for a good part of the PS.  Perhaps a little quieter in the last few sessions but all he does is so clean and while many deny it, his kicking is very good. He's also extremely fit finishing high up in the time trials. It's hard to see him not in the starting 22 on form which makes it hard to see why Petty is going back. For me you can forget "Petty is the future".  That's right but we are playing in the present and atm Tmac is a standout at training.

I'll finish the players later and if there's interest.  All this is really doing is summarising all the training reports of mine and others.  I'd be interested in other track watchers view where they differ from mine because as I say, you don't see everything.

 

Jeffo..........

[58er 6,559]

4 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Not a cheap shot at all, 58er. Typos notwithstanding I had trouble understanding what you were trying to express. 

You probably didn’t read the poster who indicated we were a poorly skilled team and then another said about being the last few years.

I said “2021 was a shocker!”

and then practice makes ( masks ) perfect. Yes typo but not hard to know what that statement is.

then said not in practice in December perhaps ( maybe) in March but very likely in September. 

ie getting better all the time with constant practice. 

Since then I Have been bombarded by GW saying she had trouble in  understanding this and 3165 introducing RDB and his amazing premiership record of 10 flags and was accused of probably thinking I was more clever than RDB.

Would never ever think any footy person as clever as RDB as he was my childhood hero and wore his 31 jumper from 10 years old and judge him as our No 1 player with Robbie no2. 

Let’s be honest GW 3165 or myself would not be in the queue for cleverness and footy knowledge cf to the great RDB. Certainly not understanding the point I  made shows a distinct lack of knowledge and understanding on this matter with your comments GW and 3165. 

FWIW let’s see how we improve in practice in March and as a team by September and I’ll bet you we will be much improved. 

End of matter as far as I am concerned and will try and check type in future.

Go Dees  

 

[Ghostwriter 1,800]

1 hour ago, 58er said:

You probably didn’t read the poster who indicated we were a poorly skilled team and then another said about being the last few years.

I said “2021 was a shocker!”

and then practice makes ( masks ) perfect. Yes typo but not hard to know what that statement is.

then said not in practice in December perhaps ( maybe) in March but very likely in September. 

ie getting better all the time with constant practice. 

Since then I Have been bombarded by GW saying she had trouble in  understanding this and 3165 introducing RDB and his amazing premiership record of 10 flags and was accused of probably thinking I was more clever than RDB.

Would never ever think any footy person as clever as RDB as he was my childhood hero and wore his 31 jumper from 10 years old and judge him as our No 1 player with Robbie no2. 

Let’s be honest GW 3165 or myself would not be in the queue for cleverness and footy knowledge cf to the great RDB. Certainly not understanding the point I  made shows a distinct lack of knowledge and understanding on this matter with your comments GW and 3165. 

FWIW let’s see how we improve in practice in March and as a team by September and I’ll bet you we will be much improved. 

End of matter as far as I am concerned and will try and check type in future.

Go Dees  

 

Okaaaaaay 😳

Thank you for explaining… I think.

 

One thing I completely understand is your obvious respect and admiration for the late, great RDB and that’s very cool.

 

We friends again?

😘

[demon3165 2,804]

2 hours ago, 58er said:

You probably didn’t read the poster who indicated we were a poorly skilled team and then another said about being the last few years.

I said “2021 was a shocker!”

and then practice makes ( masks ) perfect. Yes typo but not hard to know what that statement is.

then said not in practice in December perhaps ( maybe) in March but very likely in September. 

ie getting better all the time with constant practice. 

Since then I Have been bombarded by GW saying she had trouble in  understanding this and 3165 introducing RDB and his amazing premiership record of 10 flags and was accused of probably thinking I was more clever than RDB.

Would never ever think any footy person as clever as RDB as he was my childhood hero and wore his 31 jumper from 10 years old and judge him as our No 1 player with Robbie no2. 

Let’s be honest GW 3165 or myself would not be in the queue for cleverness and footy knowledge cf to the great RDB. Certainly not understanding the point I  made shows a distinct lack of knowledge and understanding on this matter with your comments GW and 3165. 

FWIW let’s see how we improve in practice in March and as a team by September and I’ll bet you we will be much improved. 

End of matter as far as I am concerned and will try and check type in future.

Go Dees  

 

Well you are clearly down the list though.....

[whatwhat say what 22,933]

11 hours ago, Slartibartfast said:

This is a slow time of the year so I thought I'd put my thoughts down about our preseason to date.  I've seen all but one training session but keep in mind it's one man's opinion and there is so much going on that you see only a fraction of what each player is doing on any particular day. But over the journey you get a fair view of all players

very much looking forward to part 2 and 3

based upon what you've seen, curious to see who you see as changing positions - other than windsor to the backline, petty potentially the same - or roles

really strong write ups for the former, tholstrup, turner in particular i thought

[58er 6,559]

11 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Okaaaaaay 😳

Thank you for explaining… I think.

 

One thing I completely understand is your obvious respect and admiration for the late, great RDB and that’s very cool.

 

We friends again?

😘

Yes we are both Dees fans and I did attend RDB’s Memorial Service last year flying in and home from Brisbane on the one day.

There is no one in the AFL that is greater than our RDB.  He stands above in credibility performance and loyalty to a cause.