Sorry again !!!

Should off listened to full podcast !!!

31 minutes ago, Dees1911 said:

Sorry Binman, but your coaching reference to Phil Jackson was a bit off !!

After winning 6 championships with Chicago, got sacked and went on to win another 5 with LA lakers, making him a 11 timer !!

I'm not greedy, just 1 more form Goodwin will do me !!

Indeed. The exception that proves the rule

Loved the pod gents. Still getting my hair blown back by the early season references to loading haha

17 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Loved the pod gents. Still getting my hair blown back by the early season references to loading haha

I just asked chatgpt

Do AFL clubs start 'loading' early in the season?

This was the answer (note, they are my italics under point two):

In the AFL, "loading" typically refers to a period of increased training intensity aimed at building fitness and endurance, with the goal of peaking later in the season — usually around finals time. Clubs can start loading early in the season, but whether they do depends on a few key factors:

1. Team's Season Strategy

Top contenders might load early (e.g. Rounds 3–8) to allow a drop in form mid-season, followed by a freshen-up leading into finals.

Developing teams may spread their loading more evenly, or focus on skill development rather than heavy physical loading.

2. Fixture Considerations

If a team has a tough early fixture, they might delay loading to stay competitive.

Conversely, if they expect easier opponents early, they might load then and accept a short-term performance dip.

3. Injury Management

Clubs with injury-prone lists might avoid early loading to protect their players.

Others with durable squads may hit them hard early to build a base.

4. Performance Trends

Some clubs historically load in May–June (e.g., Richmond under Hardwick was often known for peaking late).

Others, like Geelong in recent years, have manipulated form across the season through careful loading and tapering phases.

So while not all clubs "load" early, many do incorporate it in the first third of the season, especially if their sports science teams think they can manage the dip in performance.

Want an example of a team this year that looks like they might be loading early?

Edited April 23Apr 23 by binman

By the by, I answered yes to the question:

Want an example of a team this year that looks like they might be loading early?

This was the response:

Edited April 23Apr 23 by binman

Classic. Very aligned with your discussions. Arr you an Ai bot?!

5 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Classic. Very aligned with your discussions. Arr you an Ai bot?!

BI - binman Intelligence

(And like AI sometimes 'hallucinates' eg my Phil Jackson comment)

8 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Classic. Very aligned with your discussions. Arr you an Ai bot?!

I thought this note was interesting:

'Others, like Geelong in recent years, have manipulated form across the season through careful loading and tapering phases.'

I reckon that might be a factor contributing to how variable and volatile results have been this season and last season (particularly around the bye periods)

Also perhaps supports my comment about us targetting particular blocks of games to be in optimal shape - like tonight (by the by Casey looked way fitter than the tigers today)