10 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

Agree.

The one thing I took from today was about kicking the ball into the space where the receiver has to run, not directly to the receiver. It forces, for example, the forward to go to where the ball is delivered, not where they think they should lead to. And it forces the person with the ball to kick to the most advantageous location, because they have better vision of the defence. It is early days, but teaching players not to kick to a leading forward, but rather to the best position for that forward, takes time. When they have got the hang of it, then more defenders can be employed progressively until we get to match day reality.

This is precisely what Jason Dunstall, one of the greatest forwards ever, proclaims too

I’m always interested in new coaches and how they approach their early weeks at a club trying to establish their plan. Especially if the coach hasn’t had to do that before! It seems likely it’ll be a bit hit and miss for a while and maybe by the middle of next year we will have it totally nailed down

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

Moniz-Wakefield has joined the rehabbers as expected after doing all the warm ups with the main group. Doing short sharp sprints changing direction and moving laterally. Shouldn’t be too far away.

I hope he is moving Latrelle

Now for the most important news… nicknames update!

The names in red are the updates:

1. Steven May - Maysie

2. Jacob van Rooyen - Rooey, Roo

3. Christian Salem - Salo

4. Harvey Langford - Bison, Harves

5. Xavier Lindsay - X

6. Caleb Windsor - Leb

7. Jack Viney - Vines

8. Jake Lever - Rick

9. Jack Steele - Steely

10. Daniel Turner - Disco

11. Max Gawn - Maxy

12. Koltyn Tholstrup - Kolt

13. Jai Culley - Culls

14. Changkuoth Jiath - CJ, Seej

15. Ed Langdon - Langers, Lingers

16. Bailey Laurie - Bill

17. Jake Bowey - Bowsa

18. Jake Melksham - Melky

19. Xavier Taylor - Reg, Reggie

20. Thomas Matthews - Tommy

21. Matthew Jefferson - Jeffo

22. Blake Howes - Howesy

23. Shane McAdam - Shane-oh

24. Trent Rivers - Riv

25. Tom McDonald - Tmac

26. Jed Adams - Sauce, Larry

27. Max Heath - Moose

28. Brody Mihocek - Checkers

29. Tom Campbell - TC

30. Harry Sharp - Sharpie

31. Bayley Fritsch - Fritta

32. Tom Sparrow - Spaz

33. Latrelle Pickett - Trelly

34. Kalani White - Whitey

35. Harrison Petty - Petts

36. Kysaiah Pickett - Koz

37. Kade Chandler - Chin

38. Oscar Berry - Bez

39. Ricky Mentha - Ricky

40. Riley Onley - Ron, Ronnie

41. —————————

42. Aidan Johnson - AJ

43. Jack Henderson - Hendo

44. Luker Kentfield - Luker

45. Andy Moniz-Wakefield - Andy, Monners

No, I don’t know why Jed is called Larry and that’s because he doesn’t know either.

Chin’s baby is due in late March. They’ve decided not to find out the gender until the birth, or as Chin put it… “I’ll know if it’s a boy or a girl when I catch it.” 😅

What does Maysie think of training? “It’s brutal, Kingy’s a [censored] psycho” 😅 but was quick to add, “We actually love it.”

Some short observations on individual players. With so many players out there I have not been as laser focused on some of them. I have also been paying more attention to a number of the newer recruits. There are also players who, for various reasons, do not stand out and tend to blend in. This might be because they are wearing a hat, do not have a number on their guernsey, or are wearing a bib that obscures their number. I wanted to mention this as well as the fact that some players are simply doing what is expected of them, so I may not have written about them in previous observations.

May: This was May's first week back at Gosch's following the end of season break and the Training Camp. Fellow trackwatchers noted that he does not seem to be in the same peak condition as some of the other returning players. On Monday I noted that he seemed gassed after the gut running drill, although he was not the only one. He and Petty did not compete in that particular drill today and were doing timed 150 metre fast runs along the boundary instead. During Match SIM he was playing a key defender role. His disposal in these drills, under little pressure, was great. The make up of our key defender positions will be interesting to watch given that it was reported in the off season that May was shopped around or asked to explore his options. It is certainly a case of watch this space.

JVR: Has trimmed down a lot in the offseason. His short haircut no doubt amplifies this. He looks super fit and is attacking the ball on leads with ferocity while tackling just as hard. He needs a big year and I am hoping that with the arrival of Mihocek he can finally be given some support. With a five man bench it will be interesting to see what we do in terms of using a second ruckman. As has been noted, having JVR take on the back up ruck duties has not helped his forward game because he has to run up and down the field for five to eight minutes each quarter. I'm hoping for a break out year.

Salem: Often gets overlooked in training reports because he is always dependable, doing what is expected and showing those silky skills. It is great to see him get an uninterrupted full preseason, at least so far, under his belt.

Langford: Will be a star. Always so composed and always seems to have time and space, never looking rushed. Rarely misses a target and places most passes with perfect weight. Given our midfield changes, expect him to be in the centre square for the first bounce in Round 1.

Lindsay: Classy user of the footy. He was in the rehab group on the bike for most of today's session, but I have been very impressed with what I have seen from him so far this offseason.

Windsor: He seems to be the go-to player to start any play, whether off half back or through the midfield. I have been extremely impressed with his class and his effort at every session. One of the best on ground at every session.

Viney: Hopefully has a quick recovery from whatever foot related ailment is troubling him. Has a noticeable limp. He only returned to the training track this week but has spent most of the time on the bike and encouraging the team from the sidelines.

Lever: Fantastic to see Rick past the injuries he sustained throughout last season and now getting a full preseason under his belt. He is one of the first players on the field and one of the last to leave. He has been at training from Day 1, even though he was not required back until the training camp last week. He is one of the most vocal and supportive players on the field, as you would expect from the professional leader that he is.

Steele: Even though he is one of the new players I have been keen to watch, Jack often blends into the group and I have not been able to follow him as closely as I would like. It might be because he is always wearing a hat and does not have a number on his guernsey. Every time I do notice him he is doing exactly what I would expect from a player of his calibre. He tackles hard, is always running and chasing the ball, and shows clean skills. He will fill Viney's role well if Viney is absent early on.

Turner: Only returned to Gosch's this week so I have only one session to judge him. He is currently training with the Defenders and has the cleanest hand and reads the ball so well in the air. Rarely gets outmarked. Came off the field early with a hamstring niggle. Hopefully it is not too serious and it was just a precaution. Ran laps for most of the session once he came off the ground.

Max: Max doing Max things. Looks in great shape. Came off the ground early in the Match SIM and was doing some short runs along the boundary. No idea if he felt a niggle somewhere and came off as a precaution.

Tholstrup: Will be an interesting watch this season. Had a disappointing 2024. Needs a fresh start. Seems to be giving 100% effort. Playing as a midfielder. Make or break this year.

Culley: One of the standouts for me. Playing as a mid. He is so strong in the air. Can take a grab and has very nice skills. Expect him to play a mix of mid, wing and drift forward. A lot to like. I think we got a bargain here.

CJ: He is the player I am most excited to see play next year. A lot of run and carry and dash off half back. An excitement machine. I was worried about his disposal based on anecdotal evidence from spoiled, salty Hawks but so far I have not seen any of the concerns that were relayed to me. The pressure of match day will be the big test but so far I am excited by what I have seen.

Langdon: Doing Langdon stuff. Always running.

TO BE CONTINUED LATER .....

2 hours ago, GawnOfTheDead said:

Tell me no one has a headband, enough of those kicking around Geelong.

I like to think we are better than that!

CJ wears a black one. After training he wears it around his neck. That boy makes anything look cool. On Wednesday he forgot his headband so tied his hair in two ponytails using two ‘dreads’ as hair-ties. I told him he should’ve hit me up. He said What you got? I said Ribbons and scrunchies. He said “Cool. I’m a ribbons man, myself.” And yes, he’d even make that look cool.

Idk if it’s been mentioned already but Harvey sent a brief wave of panic through spectators when he came off to tell Jacob (our doc) that he’d copped a head knock. He was pointing to his cheekbone directly below his eye. Jacob did the how many fingers am I holding up thing and the eyes following Jacob’s finger thing. He had a gentle but thorough feel of Harvey’s cheekbone and it must’ve been all good because he was back out on field afterwards.

Phew

58 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

Christian Salem - Salo

I hope he didn’t get that nickname because of his like for a certain film.

27 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Windsor: He seems to be the go-to player to start any play, whether off half back or through the midfield. I have been extremely impressed with his class and his effort at every session. One of the best on ground at every session.

Good to hear and development isn’t linear, takes time and you need sometimes to stick with it for the long term benefits whilst also considering other factors.

For those critical of him being tried off half back there’s often long term reasons. You want players to have a few strings to their bow and also think of the list build moving forward.

If Trac goes and we push Rivers up the ground, Judd hasn’t resigned yet will AMW come back as he was progressing- who do we see given time will fill that role to give us rebound off D50 and on turnover

Another factor is Windsor had an interrupted pre season so be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.

There were a few glimpses and cameo moments in his run off half back last season to not give up on the rotation off HB through the middle or wing with Windsor

Edited 43 minutes ago43 min by Pennant St Dee

2 minutes ago, hardtack said:

I hope he didn’t get that nickname because of his like for a certain film.

Where were you on the 120 Games of Salo

It was a mouthguards in day. The weather, mild temperature and a consistent wind blowing down the Paddock.

Initial drills had a group doing kick to kick, another of laissez-faire goal kicking, and one I didn’t really take notice of. Interestingly they didn’t rotate, my guess is they put them into groups that work on particular crafts.

The structured sims continue to emphasize fast ball movement, with offence outnumbering defense. Though they are starting them in areas of greater pressure. Once the ball gets out they go fast, often looking for centre or well inside the boundary, then asking for angled kicks into a forward player.

They went to a full field game. Two ten minute halves. Non bibs dominated. The bibs were pressured, couldn't find space and made some fundamental errors. The non bibs appeared to have an extra (though they didn't), especially in the forward area where a loose player made that last kick easier.

Culley doing plenty, aerial work with numerous follow-up efforts. TMac everywhere, including many intercepts. The forwards for the bibs barely got a look in, and when it came down their way there was a scramble. Koltyn set up well, he hit the central kick numerous times. Jefferson (high up the field), looking strong, beat Petty with some playing in front and taking contested marks. Mentha looking for the ball on the outside. Latrelle, getting used to the speed, had to rush his disposals. Taylor switched off a couple of times, though is a ball magnet, has a swagger and very good hands (so clean). Laurie is playing smart footy, heavily involved, linking well and getting to the next contest. Still lacking speed. AJ is working the hardest out there, two way running, gets the ball and goes again. They attempted to bring the bibs into the game by starting at the 50 arc, but it didn't work, non-bibs dominating. Rivers loved what they were doing, the defensive and ball movement into the forwards.

After the game they went to structured sims, where offence out numbered the defense again.

They started the ball in an area where the defenders had a chance to close it down. So when the mids get the ball they have to break the line by spreading or with smart handballs. Once it is out they run hard and then hit an open area. The pressure is on them to be clean as sloppy slows the whole process down.

They then moved into their line groups. Rivers taking the backs. Chaplin with the forwards. A mid or two in both lines, who bring the ball in or take it out. Taylor with the backs.

Finished with goal kicking.

Interspersed through the session was group, small group and individual sprints or laps.

They also had them sprint to the water bottles after a few of the drills/sims finished.

They are a happy lot. Great to see Gawn and May talking and enjoying each other's company in between exercises. There is plenty of equality out there.

Edited 22 minutes ago22 min by Kev

57 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Some short observations on individual players. With so many players out there I have not been as laser focused on some of them. I have also been paying more attention to a number of the newer recruits. There are also players who, for various reasons, do not stand out and tend to blend in. This might be because they are wearing a hat, do not have a number on their guernsey, or are wearing a bib that obscures their number. I wanted to mention this as well as the fact that some players are simply doing what is expected of them, so I may not have written about them in previous observations.

May: This was May's first week back at Gosch's following the end of season break and the Training Camp. Fellow trackwatchers noted that he does not seem to be in the same peak condition as some of the other returning players. On Monday I noted that he seemed gassed after the gut running drill, although he was not the only one. He and Petty did not compete in that particular drill today and were doing timed 150 metre fast runs along the boundary instead. During Match SIM he was playing a key defender role. His disposal in these drills, under little pressure, was great. The make up of our key defender positions will be interesting to watch given that it was reported in the off season that May was shopped around or asked to explore his options. It is certainly a case of watch this space.

JVR: Has trimmed down a lot in the offseason. His short haircut no doubt amplifies this. He looks super fit and is attacking the ball on leads with ferocity while tackling just as hard. He needs a big year and I am hoping that with the arrival of Mihocek he can finally be given some support. With a five man bench it will be interesting to see what we do in terms of using a second ruckman. As has been noted, having JVR take on the back up ruck duties has not helped his forward game because he has to run up and down the field for five to eight minutes each quarter. I'm hoping for a break out year.

Salem: Often gets overlooked in training reports because he is always dependable, doing what is expected and showing those silky skills. It is great to see him get an uninterrupted full preseason, at least so far, under his belt.

Langford: Will be a star. Always so composed and always seems to have time and space, never looking rushed. Rarely misses a target and places most passes with perfect weight. Given our midfield changes, expect him to be in the centre square for the first bounce in Round 1.

Lindsay: Classy user of the footy. He was in the rehab group on the bike for most of today's session, but I have been very impressed with what I have seen from him so far this offseason.

Windsor: He seems to be the go-to player to start any play, whether off half back or through the midfield. I have been extremely impressed with his class and his effort at every session. One of the best on ground at every session.

Viney: Hopefully has a quick recovery from whatever foot related ailment is troubling him. Has a noticeable limp. He only returned to the training track this week but has spent most of the time on the bike and encouraging the team from the sidelines.

Lever: Fantastic to see Rick past the injuries he sustained throughout last season and now getting a full preseason under his belt. He is one of the first players on the field and one of the last to leave. He has been at training from Day 1, even though he was not required back until the training camp last week. He is one of the most vocal and supportive players on the field, as you would expect from the professional leader that he is.

Steele: Even though he is one of the new players I have been keen to watch, Jack often blends into the group and I have not been able to follow him as closely as I would like. It might be because he is always wearing a hat and does not have a number on his guernsey. Every time I do notice him he is doing exactly what I would expect from a player of his calibre. He tackles hard, is always running and chasing the ball, and shows clean skills. He will fill Viney's role well if Viney is absent early on.

Turner: Only returned to Gosch's this week so I have only one session to judge him. He is currently training with the Defenders and has the cleanest hand and reads the ball so well in the air. Rarely gets outmarked. Came off the field early with a hamstring niggle. Hopefully it is not too serious and it was just a precaution. Ran laps for most of the session once he came off the ground.

Max: Max doing Max things. Looks in great shape. Came off the ground early in the Match SIM and was doing some short runs along the boundary. No idea if he felt a niggle somewhere and came off as a precaution.

Tholstrup: Will be an interesting watch this season. Had a disappointing 2024. Needs a fresh start. Seems to be giving 100% effort. Playing as a midfielder. Make or break this year.

Culley: One of the standouts for me. Playing as a mid. He is so strong in the air. Can take a grab and has very nice skills. Expect him to play a mix of mid, wing and drift forward. A lot to like. I think we got a bargain here.

CJ: He is the player I am most excited to see play next year. A lot of run and carry and dash off half back. An excitement machine. I was worried about his disposal based on anecdotal evidence from spoiled, salty Hawks but so far I have not seen any of the concerns that were relayed to me. The pressure of match day will be the big test but so far I am excited by what I have seen.

Langdon: Doing Langdon stuff. Always running.

TO BE CONTINUED LATER .....

If Kolt cannot impress during training, i have a lot of worries for the kid. Geez i hope he can turn it around. If we just saw a few spurts of brilliance we may have a bit more faith - here's hoping.

24 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

If Trac goes and we push Rivers up the ground, Judd hasn’t resigned yet...

I think you have a bit of news to catch up on... @Pennant St Dee

2 hours ago, joeboy said:

This is precisely what Jason Dunstall, one of the greatest forwards ever, proclaims too

And reminiscent of the way Jack Gunston carved us up late in the season.

It sounds like windosr, Langford, Lindsay and culley are probably all likely to play a lot of midfield this year based on reports. Is that fair?