39 minutes ago, Cyclops said:

If we are looking for new nicknames then maybe Riley Onely could be "Roy" "Onely the lonely" Orbison.

His nickname is ‘Ron’.

20 minutes ago, Greg Schneider said:

Isn’t Matthews only just starting running before Christmas? There’s no way he’ll be in full training

Apologies, you are correct. Running well before Christmas - not full training. So he's definitely further back, by some margin.

21 hours ago, Tolstoys Nudge said:

I agree with you. It is a bit like the Riley Onley situation. It is hard to fathom how a quick, athletic 6’5” mid who was rated in the top 30 at the beginning of the year slid to us in the rookie draft. Every club (including us) overlooked him on average 3 times.

Interesting oversights, in hindsight, every year.

Perhaps the most classic thatI immediately recall were James Hird picked I think in the 80s or 90s range, and Chris Grant pick >100 as I recall.

Every club's fanbase could well complain about those obvious oversights - every club passed on them both many times. Were all the recruiters those years inept???

1 hour ago, BigBadBustling said:

So he's definitely further back, by some margin.

And will be hard to make that up. He may get in required levels of fitness, and even play some games - but difficult to see him making it through the whole season.

Still, will be interesting watching his development.

On 01/12/2025 at 16:24, Demonland said:

I'll also add that in these "Match SIM" drills it is usually just two key forwards/backs in the forward 50 and maybe a smaller forward or mids running in with the ball. It isn't the traditional match setup with 6 forwards and 6 backs set up like in a game.

I concur. Too early to say where players will play, apart from the obvious - MIhocek and JVR forward - TMac and Petty back. I suspect King is observing the general chaos footy at early training and actual positioning will come later. He is being true to his word - "show me what you have", "play what's in front of you" - "get after it". For example, he has said we should get expect some of our half-backs raging forward and kicking goals, whilst some of our forwards push back to cover for them, "because of the chaos". Will be an interesting season - I guess we'll get the first look in the intra-clubs and practice matches early next year as to what this game style looks like. One things for sure - it will not be formulaic.

15 hours ago, Fritta and Turner said:

Um, how is Fritta going?

Without being rude I would label Fritta a "caoster" at training - doesn't excel and doesn't hurt anyone. Turns up. Still in your best 23....

Unless King wants to make a statement.....?

13 hours ago, Demonology said:

How did maysie go? Keen to see if he’s got some movement back

He's present. Struggling with the running. Twas always thus.....fascinating to see if he plays Round 1. Jed not present on Monday.....