Beautiful morning at Gosch’s. Vibe was quite subdued.

Many were in warm gear (beanies, puffers, hoodies, etcetera), and in various kits without numbers, which made it hard to see who was out there.

They wandered round a bit, a few kicked for goals, later more joined them, some young ones did a slow lap with some stretches in between.

The backline gathered with Basset for a long chat, minus Lever who was doing his own low-key program.

Oliver and Fritsch, kick to kick.

They appeared happy.

Edited July 12, 2025Jul 12 by Kev

Could Lever be a potential late out?

Not wanting him to face the side he'll be playing for next year?

The named 23 plus Tom Campbell all in attendance today, other than Steven May. TMac (although named for Casey yesterday) was present also. So it is likely TMac will be in for May, unless they are waiting to see how May presents tomorrow? Perhaps we are fortunate Larkey is not playing - TMac a pretty good match up for Darling.

The other notable absentee was the Ghostwriter. Hope all is good with you Ghosty!

3 minutes ago, adonski said:

Could Lever be a potential late out?

Not wanting him to face the side he'll be playing for next year?

Lever was present but was doing particular exercises with the physio - involving a rubber band and resistance work. Hope he is OK because otherwise it could be a "no Lever/May" game.

Our theory with Campbell is that given he is insurance for Max,the best plan is to keep him fresh. When he has played for Casey he has played the main ruck role, gives his all and invariably looks sore afterwards. Not ideal if you are on standby to play that role in the AFL the following week...

6 minutes ago, adonski said:

Could Lever be a potential late out?

Not wanting him to face the side he'll be playing for next year?

I think Lever is good to go, especially as May looks likely to miss.

Tmac was kicking goals, and leading for the inside 50 hit ups.

Tmac didn't attend the backline chats with Bassett, though neither did Salo or Windsor. I think Basset mainly talked to the young ones, Turner, McVee, Bowey, Rivers and Lindsay.

Edited July 12, 2025Jul 12 by Kev

1 hour ago, Harvey Wallbanger said:

The named 23 plus Tom Campbell all in attendance today, other than Steven May. TMac (although named for Casey yesterday) was present also. So it is likely TMac will be in for May, unless they are waiting to see how May presents tomorrow? Perhaps we are fortunate Larkey is not playing - TMac a pretty good match up for Darling.

The other notable absentee was the Ghostwriter. Hope all is good with you Ghosty!

Well spotted Harvey. TMac recalled for Maysie (ill)

Lucky that we have such an excellent replacement!

Love the selection of Lindsay at HBF - at least, that's where he is named although that probably means nothing. But I suspect it will be his ideal position. Going forward to 2026, I see our backline non-talls as Mcvee, Bowey, Lindsay and the remaining spot out of Rivers and AMW (depends on whether Rivers becomes a permanent midfielder).

25 minutes ago, Ollie fan said:

Lucky that we have such an excellent replacement!

Love the selection of Lindsay at HBF - at least, that's where he is named although that probably means nothing. But I suspect it will be his ideal position. Going forward to 2026, I see our backline non-talls as Mcvee, Bowey, Lindsay and the remaining spot out of Rivers and AMW (depends on whether Rivers becomes a permanent midfielder).

You'd think Rivers by now would be playing in the midfield.

Serious problems if he's not playing a majority of midfield minutes next season.

16 minutes ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

You'd think Rivers by now would be playing in the midfield.

Serious problems if he's not playing a majority of midfield minutes next season.

needs to improve his footskills.. don't need another up and under bomber :-/ once he gets on top of that, absolutely!

31 minutes ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

You'd think Rivers by now would be playing in the midfield.

Serious problems if he's not playing a majority of midfield minutes next season.

Big thanks to Harvey Wallbanger and Kev Martin for their training reports and all posters, as mentioned earlier that was a good pick up on Steven May.

I think that losing AMW forced McVee to stay down back and Riv back to half back flank but with Bowey and Salem staying back it free’s McVee and Lindsay to play running half backs and Riv into the midfield. Glad to see Windsor in the side and TMac as well.

4 hours ago, DeeZone said:

Big thanks to Harvey Wallbanger and Kev Martin for their training reports and all posters, as mentioned earlier that was a good pick up on Steven May.

I think that losing AMW forced McVee to stay down back and Riv back to half back flank but with Bowey and Salem staying back it free’s McVee and Lindsay to play running half backs and Riv into the midfield. Glad to see Windsor in the side and TMac as well.

Hope your right but Riv and Bowie are running backs with McVee and salo back.McVee to do the manning up again

7 hours ago, Harvey Wallbanger said:

The named 23 plus Tom Campbell all in attendance today, other than Steven May. TMac (although named for Casey yesterday) was present also. So it is likely TMac will be in for May, unless they are waiting to see how May presents tomorrow? Perhaps we are fortunate Larkey is not playing - TMac a pretty good match up for Darling.

The other notable absentee was the Ghostwriter. Hope all is good with you Ghosty!

Is Max in doubt?

3 hours ago, Demons11 said:

Is Max in doubt?

No, Gawn looked fine at the Captain's run.

My thoughts are they are giving Campbell a feel for the game day preparation. My guess, they will bring him in if Gawn needs a managed day off.

My guess is that with a big game for Max against Xerri tomorrow and just a six day break into Carlton, they may want to keep Campbell fresh in case he is needed next week. That selection allowed Verrall to be the primary ruck tonight for Casey and it was one of the best games he has played I reckon, particularly in the second half.....

10 hours ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

You'd think Rivers by now would be playing in the midfield.

Serious problems if he's not playing a majority of midfield minutes next season.

I don't think so. He gives us great bounce and offence from half back.

He was a serious thrust as a half back in 2023 and IMV, became our barometre in terms of transition footy.

Edited July 12, 2025Jul 12 by Adam The God