Veteran Demonland Trackwatcher Picket Fence ventured down to Casey Fields to bring you his observations from Friday's Match Simulation.

Greetings Demonlanders, beautiful Day at training and the boys were hard at it, here is my report.

NO SHOWS: Luker Kentfield (recovering from pneumonia in WA), also not sure I noticed Melky (Hamstring) or Will Verrall??

MODIFIED DUTIES (No Contact): Sparrow, McVee (foot), Tracc (ribs), Chandler, (AC Joint), Fullarton

Noticeable events (I’ll skip training Drills and get right into match sims)

A)   PLAYERS  

Max was back to full Match Simulations and although a little rusty looked very fit and ready for action. In fact, the ruck duels between him and Tom Campbell were very intriguing!  Max got plenty of it and marked around the ground, but I was very impressed with Tom and he might well be looked at to support Max in Games.

Sestan played down back and didn’t look all that comfortable.

Aiden Johnson played forward and took one very strong mark and was involved in some passages of play but did little else.

Shane McAdam might have kicked a goal but did little else that I saw.

Harry Petty returned to the backline and looked very comfortable. Rick Lever also joined in match sims and as he always does finds himself the ball and linked in very well. Marty Hore plays taller than he looks and competes very well.

Jacob van Rooyen TOOK the mark of the day and converted truly and contested very well as he always does.

Harry Sharp was lively and his movement up and down the ground was seamless.

THE GENERAL Steven May did as he usually does and looks like having a great year.

B) MATCH SIMS PLAY STYLE

Another poster was correct in his impressions of skills. However, a few things stood out for me.

1. Because players know the game style well and are drilled extensively in defending the footy when you haven’t got it, they automatically revert to a ‘HUNT IN PACKS ‘Mentality. Today if you tried to finesse too much you got caught and tackled MERCILESSLY.

2. The corridor was not used as much as I have previously seen in match sims and so little sideways kicks featured prominently.

3. Skills were a little hit and miss on occasions but given the intensity of match play this replicated REAL match conditions which should hold us in great stead for the year.

4. Our boys look SUPER FIT, No one gasping for air and everyone showing pace run and carry.

C) DEDICATED PLAYER WATCH

1. WHO THE HELL WAS THE PLAYER WITH NO NUMBER AND WORE A WHITE ZINC CREAM ACROSS HIS NOSE???

Whoever he was he was fantastic … took several strong marks and kicked 2 goals 1 (missed a sitter) PLAYED like a souped up Fritta! but is right footed !!!

Admin Edit: Most likely ex-Eagle Jai Culley

2. JACK BILLINGS

Was phenomenal today, was in everything, tackled hard disposed of the pill well and set up some goals and kicked a few himself I thought he was sensational.

3. THE DYNAMIC DUO….. CLARRY and JACK VINEY

Clarry is almost back to his best looks super fit and really is in “Beast” Mode. DITTO J.V just does not know when and how to give in. Clarry’s disposal was occasionally off radar but generally very very sound.

4. BILL LAURIE

As Gomer Pyle would say SURRPRISE SURPRISE SUUUURPRISE, looks a lot more composed, got plenty of it and used it well.

5. ED LANGDON

Say no more the fluid running machine and glue that binds a lot of our fortunes together!

6. KOSSY, RICKY, ROY GEORGE  AND AMW

Kozzy is a FREAK, his feet are quicker than Rudolph Nureyev and yes he occasionally tries to do too much but BOY can he play,. Ricky Mentha and  Roy have more tricks than a contortionist after being inspired by watching “The Road Runner” BEEP BEEP. AMW??? Boy do I love his run and carry out of the backline, Just exhilarating when it all comes together

7. JEFFO

Hmm well he kicked 2 goals 3 (the 3 were difficult shots with one hitting the post on the run. Look he just looks a natural player and yes, he laid some good tackles was instrumental in creating two goals and took a couple of strong contested grabs.

8. HARVEY LANGFORD 

Boy HE  is a JET ... WILL PLAY ROUND 1 Superstar in the making just has awareness, space , toughness , run and SKILLS

Finally, I would like to dedicate this training report to Australian of the Year Neale “The Reverend” Daniher and also to Hardtack. Hope you get better soon pal.

I have a gut feeling Culley takes Kentfield spot somehow on the list

Concerning to hear Kentfield has not made it back to Melbourne since Xmas due to health issues.

Observations via the YouTube clip

• Kozzy - geez he is a jet, looks as fit as ever and will cause some major headaches for opposition teams in 2025.
• Aiden Johnson - Ready made for Round 1, strong mark and has the smarts of the requirements of an AFL player. Pencil him in.
• Maxy - Made Tom look like a mug from the clips online which is no insult to Tom.
• Langford - Another who will play Rnd 1, big body who has the smarts.
• McAdam - Shano looks fit both mentally and physically in 2025. Really hope he takes his chance and repays the FC.