On 22/01/2025 at 02:01, Dannyz said:

Marty Hore making a starting back spot his own. Seriously impressive. 

Interesting, I think Howes has been more impressive.

  On 22/01/2025 at 01:50, biggestred said:

I think AJ comes straight in and does the 2nd ruck/fwd role. I know he did a bit of ruck work in the vfl but I haven't heard any reports of him doing any at training. 

Sure appears that way.. Richo said as much on RSN.. Looks like R1 team may have 3-4 new faces at this rate which is extremely exciting when you consider outside Kos, Spargs, maybe Rick, we should be full strength!

AJ now ahead of Jeffo in many eyes, in terms of R1 that is.. Fritta playing HHF role leads to the suspicion he may fill much of Nibbler role, with it changing along with gameplan to be a more attacking role as opp to LY where it was more defensive & allowed Trac to roam fwd. Sharp to take the more running/def HHF role perhaps, Chin also appears to be in that mix. 2ng wing contest hotting up as well, Bowser, Billings, Spaz, Sharp, Lindsay, Langford (more HF/Mid role seems likely there) -- With Windsor behind the ball I think it might take a while to figure out who gets that role.

McAdam def firming to play R1 in Kos absence maybe in more of Fritta role in prev years, other smalls up fwd appear slim ie only Chin, Mentha & Spargo when fit filling that pure small fwd role, but Melk/McAdam/Fritta/Langford are all that good hybrid option..

Exciting times ahead...

Happy New Year everyone.

A slight cool wind but after the last days heat a welcome relief.

GhostWriter putting in a solid performance at the sausage sizzle. Dominated at the till.

Players out on the track at 9.30.

Didnt see Sparrow, Kozzie and Kentfield.

Kynan doing rehab then joined in with the main group.

Chin has a troublesome right arm/shoulder but can still run

Spargo, TMc, McVee, Kolt in rehab doing handball drills. After, Kolt ran with Chin.

Max aint getting any quicker.

Jeffo trained like he thought he belonged. Confidence is up.

To me some players at training seem to be invisible but today I give a nod to Adams, Sesso and Howes.

May has an incredible physical presence. Intimidating.

Mentha and George looked good, quick to turn the other way.

Fritta trained in a yellow vest.

Kids love Tracca and lots of them were there.

Obviously we are looking for quick ball movement with one of the drills being to move the ball on in 3 seconds.

If the vibe of the group is anything to go by then some of last years issues have dissipated.

Steven Smith in attendance.

I ate 2 sausages. 

Edited January 22Jan 22 by Fritta and Turner
more info, typo

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:32, Fritta and Turner said:

I ate 2 sausages. 

Sauce?

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:32, Fritta and Turner said:

 

I ate 2 sausages. 

… and besides buying two sausages, you made a donation to the DA, for which we are very grateful. 💖

  On 22/01/2025 at 00:18, waynewussell said:

Goody gives Ollie a pat on the back for his efforts during a short break

Wayne thanks for the reports. When you’re referring to “Ollie” in your posts are you talking about Ollie Sestan or Clarry?

Anyways the training observations are all well and good but I’ve got the most interesting news… I sold Mr Petracca Senior a snag in bread for his granddaughter Bella (Tracc’s niece) and boy, is he a lovely person! This is little Bella…

 

I also sold three sausages to Stacey Melksham for her kids. Little Teddy is still grappling with the notion that someone other than Melks or one of his kids can wear a guernsey with #18 on the back. Big sister Frankie was quick to let me know that she understands this, there was even a slight eye-roll towards her brother #annoyingLilBro

And how good is this…

Harvey fans already out and about and he’s yet to play. 

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:56, Ghostwriter said:

Anyways the training observations are all well and good but I’ve got the most interesting news… I sold Mr Petracca Senior a snag in bread for his granddaughter Bella (Tracc’s niece) and boy, is he a lovely person! This is little Bella…

 

I also sold three sausages to Stacey Melksham for her kids. Little Teddy is still grappling with the notion that someone other than Melks or one of his kids can wear a guernsey with #18 on the back. Big sister Frankie was quick to let me know that she understands this, there was even a slight eye-roll towards her brother #annoyingLilBro

And how good is this…

Harvey fans already out and about and he’s yet to play. 

The bottom photo could be of Josh Schache fans, of course.

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:27, Tolstoys Nudge said:

Sure appears that way.. Richo said as much on RSN.. Looks like R1 team may have 3-4 new faces at this rate which is extremely exciting when you consider outside Kos, Spargs, maybe Rick, we should be full strength!

AJ now ahead of Jeffo in many eyes, in terms of R1 that is.. Fritta playing HHF role leads to the suspicion he may fill much of Nibbler role, with it changing along with gameplan to be a more attacking role as opp to LY where it was more defensive & allowed Trac to roam fwd. Sharp to take the more running/def HHF role perhaps, Chin also appears to be in that mix. 2ng wing contest hotting up as well, Bowser, Billings, Spaz, Sharp, Lindsay, Langford (more HF/Mid role seems likely there) -- With Windsor behind the ball I think it might take a while to figure out who gets that role.

McAdam def firming to play R1 in Kos absence maybe in more of Fritta role in prev years, other smalls up fwd appear slim ie only Chin, Mentha & Spargo when fit filling that pure small fwd role, but Melk/McAdam/Fritta/Langford are all that good hybrid option..

Exciting times ahead...

What about Pup Brown as a forward flanker? 

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:03, BC_1718_DC said:

I’m aware there’s not many fans of him on here, but don’t think many kids would get the pace of the game when they go from sub one week, to vfl, to a full game, back to sub, back to not playing at all due to being a carry over emergency. This isn’t just Laurie either, Woewodin in a similar position. Maybe neither will make it, but a consistent run of games (possibly even at another club) would show if they’re up to it whereas the chopping and changing of it makes it near impossible to get a fair crack at it in my opinion. (Yes I’m also well aware football isn’t fair😂)

Spot on. He just hasn't been afforded the continuity that a young player needs in order to cement his spot.

Laurie's been sub in 7 of his 11 AFL games. He finally plays a full game against GWS in round 20 (the game where 6 people turned up) with a serviceable 19 possessions and then gets dropped straight away with no opportunity to back it up. Then he comes back for the dead runner against Collingwood and plays 20 or 30 minutes of footy coming on as sub when the game's basically over.

With that being said, I doubt he and Woewodin make it the long run.

 

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:59, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

The bottom photo could be of Josh Schache fans, of course.

Nah, I asked them if the jumpers were for Harvey and they said who else would they be for (slightly smartarse-ish but whatevs) and I said Josh Schache and they laughed (significantly smartarse-ish). 

I reckon Clarry's career is going to blossom from here. We know that he was severely restricted by circumstance for the last season and a half and his body shape last year was never quite right after his interrupted preseason, but it's clear that he's worked hard to get back to his superstar self and that will pay handsome dividends in 2025.

  On 21/01/2025 at 21:14, Slartibartfast said:

Is it the usual 10.00am start.  Had a Quick Look and couldn’t see it on the MFC site. 

The Demon Army thanks you sincerely xxx

A vey generous person indeed. 

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:47, Dee Boys said:

Wayne thanks for the reports. When you’re referring to “Ollie” in your posts are you talking about Ollie Sestan or Clarry?

Clarry. Sorry for the confusion. In future I'll use "Clayton".

  On 22/01/2025 at 03:12, Whispering_Jack said:

I reckon Clarry's career is going to blossom from here. We know that he was severely restricted by circumstance for the last season and a half and his body shape last year was never quite right after his interrupted preseason, but it's clear that he's worked hard to get back to his superstar self and that will pay handsome dividends in 2025.

Fully agree, WJ. Not just physically, but mentally as well. He’ll happily tell you this but you don’t need him to, it’s so obvious. Wears his big soft heart on his sleeve does our Claz 

  On 21/01/2025 at 23:20, waynewussell said:

Stellar year coming up, for Chin ...  feel it in my bones ... space-finder, unflappable for the ball, great kick from  50 m out from the sticks. Just watch!! (:-))

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:59, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

The bottom photo could be of Josh Schache fans, of course.

No Ray Biffen acolytes

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:32, Fritta and Turner said:

 

Mentha and George looked good, quick to turn the other way.

 

Yes!

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:27, Tolstoys Nudge said:

Sure appears that way.. Richo said as much on RSN.. Looks like R1 team may have 3-4 new faces at this rate which is extremely exciting when you consider outside Kos, Spargs, maybe Rick, we should be full strength!

AJ now ahead of Jeffo in many eyes, in terms of R1 that is.. Fritta playing HHF role leads to the suspicion he may fill much of Nibbler role, with it changing along with gameplan to be a more attacking role as opp to LY where it was more defensive & allowed Trac to roam fwd. Sharp to take the more running/def HHF role perhaps, Chin also appears to be in that mix. 2ng wing contest hotting up as well, Bowser, Billings, Spaz, Sharp, Lindsay, Langford (more HF/Mid role seems likely there) -- With Windsor behind the ball I think it might take a while to figure out who gets that role.

McAdam def firming to play R1 in Kos absence maybe in more of Fritta role in prev years, other smalls up fwd appear slim ie only Chin, Mentha & Spargo when fit filling that pure small fwd role, but Melk/McAdam/Fritta/Langford are all that good hybrid option..

Exciting times ahead...

I really do hope McAdam takes his chance in 2025.

 

From all reports that he is much fitter physically and mentally. 

On my way into the tennis this morning I passed some Melbourne fans and some must have gone straight to the tennis. Seen a few kids in Melbourne jumpers walking around Melbourne Park.

But I just saw the headline on the herald sun about kozzie not being at training. Is this his first session he's been absent or has he already missed a few?

I have just returned to The Manor after watching my first training session in about 2 years.  I followed that up with a pleasant luncheon at The Duke along with a currently expelled Demonlander.

Just a couple of observations.

Tmac. In rehab but geez I reckon he’s shed a few kegs.

Clarrie. Also looked in terrific condition and moved really smartly in both match sims and other drills. I reckon he’s back !

JVR. Was very clean with his hands. Admittedly he wasn’t under real pressure but I’m hoping he’s developing into a one grab man. Was also moving very well and exuded confidence in everything he was doing. Big year coming up?

Trac. Looked ripped as ever and, perhaps more importantly, looked at ease with the world.

Tom Campbell. First time I’ve seen this bloke. He’s a big bastard. Looks a real head beater!

Harvey Langford. Saw him do a bit. He  seems very comfortable in the group and demonstrated good kicking skills. He will be a good size when he adds a bit of upper body muscle.

 

PS. I was going to buy a snag but there was a rough looking sheila behind the till. I reckon she was carrying a shiv so I kept my distance.

  On 22/01/2025 at 05:30, Bitter but optimistic said:

I have just returned to The Manor after watching my first training session in about 2 years.  I followed that up with a pleasant luncheon at The Duke along with a currently expelled Demonlander.

Just a couple of observations.

Tmac. In rehab but geez I reckon he’s shed a few kegs.

Clarrie. Also looked in terrific condition and moved really smartly in both match sims and other drills. I reckon he’s back !

JVR. Was very clean with his hands. Admittedly he wasn’t under real pressure but I’m hoping he’s developing into a one grab man. Was also moving very well and exuded confidence in everything he was doing. Big year coming up?

Trac. Looked ripped as ever and, perhaps more importantly, looked at ease with the world.

Tom Campbell. First time I’ve seen this bloke. He’s a big bastard. Looks a real head beater!

Harvey Langford. Saw him do a bit. He  seems very comfortable in the group and demonstrated good kicking skills. He will be a good size when he adds a bit of upper body muscle.

 

PS. I was going to buy a snag but there was a rough looking sheila behind the till. I reckon she was carrying a shiv so I kept my distance.

you never know when she will turn,look what she did to WCW

  On 22/01/2025 at 03:16, Ghostwriter said:

Fully agree, WJ. Not just physically, but mentally as well. He’ll happily tell you this but you don’t need him to, it’s so obvious. Wears his big soft heart on his sleeve does our Claz 

Hi.

Really confused about our squad today, wasn't sure who was out there.

When I first arrived I only saw Chandler and Koltyn in rehab. Chin was running the boundary, strapped left shoulder, heard him say the injury was in the  joint of the shoulder area and could be 3 to 4 weeks. Koltyn did an agility test in boots (failed the test) then into runners and doing some boundary sets. He is looking bigger bodied this time out.

The other rehabbers, Tracc, Gawn, Woewodin, Lever, Fullarton, and Jefferson, participated in the warm-up and some non-contact drills, then ran laps when the sims started, and drilled in rehab group. I think Jefferson had a run in the sims.

Tmac and McVee in runners on the bike early and then Judd did some jogging away from Gosh's.  

Spargo still doing his own program.

I saw Mentha early on, but couldn't see him later on.

Sparrow was in casual gear, and hanging around the tent. 

No Kentfield or Kossie.

Turner was getting some sim time. Had a big collision with Jed Adams, looked in pain spending a couple of minutes on the deck. Walked off to the boundary, waved the trainers away, then the sims finished. Looked like no injury was sustained.

Sims were done with fewer turnovers through the middle today. The backs with Adams are Howes did well. Plenty of pressure, spoils and good decisions. 

Clarrie looking fit, he got very creative out there, taking them on, keeping them guessing and with plenty of involvement. 

McAdam found space and separation many times, in the forward area.

Some of our ball movement was fast, often finding the central corridor after moving the ball around in the arc of the backline.

JVR getting his mojo going, attempting pack marks, and demanding the ball with his presence.

Fritsch has been working on his defensive skills, saw him attack the ball carriers one after another. 

Sharp is a difficult match up as he runs hard and can switch up the pace. Just wish he would get more disposals. 

Langdon was getting a few balls in the forward 50 as he ran the rails.

Melksham is doing well, in lots of contests and winning enough of them.

Windsor is also running well off the halfback. Love when the ball is in his hands. 

AMW is playing good consistent footy.

Sestan is chasing everyone, again one that doesn't get enough of the ball.

Verral needs some confidence, only saw him do a couple of good things. A little more time at Casey I reckon.

We were short of numbers today, some run-ons including Noah Yze were with us.

Plenty of fans and fun.

 

 

 

Edited January 22Jan 22 by kev martin

  On 22/01/2025 at 02:23, Slartibartfast said:

Interesting, I think Howes has been more impressive.

Persist with this kid. Definitely something there I reckon.