Big thanks to all the track watchers

8 hours ago, Go Ds said:

@Roosiah mileage will vary how much people care about this. 🤣

Anyway some more ...

May - Wint (almost winter)

Salem - Lot, Slot, Cat, Sabrina, Citrus (lemon)

Lindsay is hard? So not Lohan? He's XL so Jumbo, Spreadsheet, App even Strive or Prosper.

I don't mind Leb but Duke would suit Windsor too

Viney - Creeper, Grape, even Gilbert

Steele - Remington or Rob (steal)

or by going from saint to demon something like Lucifer or Judas or plain Bad

Turner - disco

Tholstrup - Buya (as in Buy A Vowel in Wheel of Fortune

Culley - slaughter man (I'd prefer Shooter)

Melksham - any variety of milkshake is your favourite (I’d call him chocolate) (or Dairy)

Matthews - New-Leigh?

Jefferson - Prez

Howes - that (or Zat or Zing)

Mcadam- Tea or Golf (caddy).... or Shack. Nut?

Rivers - Nile or Delta. Darling would be amusing . Flow?

Campbell - TC is fine (No, We've had one before in late 80s). Soup? Warhol?

Sharp - Blade

Fritsch - Magnet

White - Wong

Petty - Cash or Crime or Crim

Berry - strawbs (or Goose or Cackle or Digga (bury)

Mentha - Butter or Cigs

Henderson - as an 80s child .... Kids , or maybe Cluck or he could be the Chook

Kentfield - If he's Clark then the Kenterfield confusion will disappear

AMW - how about ..... B?

Like it Go D’s! Demonland’s should be worried though as it shows our squad lacks imagination and it needs to be immediately addressed by (King) Charlie as a matter of urgency IMHO

5 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Big thanks to all the track watchers

Agree, there are heaps of members/supporters who follow Demonland that can't get enough of training updates.

Its forget work and check the phone almost non stop on training days.

Lets face it the Dee's take up a 'fair chunk' of our lives.

36 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Thanks @Demonland and the rest of the track watchers who provided a very thorough and detailed training report.

Much appreciated.

To the rest, please start a nicknames thread and leave it on there. Some folks honestly dont give too hoots about nicknames and prefer just to come here and read training reports as per the thread title.

Cheers, knackers.

Yeah, nah. The banter among the players, their nicknames and even their interests all add to the atmosphere at training. It’s good to read about these things and frankly, if you’re not interested, you can always move on to the next post. Easy … peasy.

I definitely heard players calling Gawn Skip and Skipper.

43 minutes ago, Chelly said:

Yeah, nah. The banter among the players, their nicknames and even their interests all add to the atmosphere at training. It’s good to read about these things and frankly, if you’re not interested, you can always move on to the next post. Easy … peasy.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”

Track watchers paint a picture for those not fortunate enough to be there in person. This comprises aspects that don’t pertain to what’s happening on the field as well as those that do.

Besides, imagine having individual dedicated threads for players’ haircuts, nicknames, favourite songs, whether they’re shy or outgoing, how they interact with each other, how they’re receiving a new coach, etc.

Unless and until Andy insists otherwise, I’ll go ahead and continue to report these observations.

PS: Rooey has had his hair cut even closer to his head. He believes the shorter his hair, the more “streamlined” he is. Bless him. But who knows… he may be right. 😁

On 05/12/2025 at 08:51, Ghostwriter said:

We all know I’ll find out next week’s session deets. 😃

Great I have a plan to go next Monday.

13 hours ago, RalphiusMaximus said:

I hate this. He's not a forward. They should be pushing him into the middle as a skillful inside mid. That's where he plays his best football. If they stop trying to force him into a role he's not suited to, we might actually see what he can do.

He will almost certainly play as a mid for Casey but he is probably so far back in the pecking order for mid spots (see the list of mids in my report remembering that Viney and Lindsay did not take part in the session) that he is used as a forward in most drills that have game day like structures. I don’t want to come across as being harsh as he does perform well in the VFL but if we are in a situation where he is playing in the ones as a mid then it is likely that we have been hit with a lot of injuries or very poor form from the 8 or 9 players ahead of him at this stage.

16 hours ago, picket fence said:

Won't make it!

Agree 100% pf. An example of how good under age players are found out when they are playing at the top level. With the players we have recruited this year he will find it hard to get a spot in the seniors. Will be looking for a trade at the end of 2026.

17 hours ago, Demonland said:

Laurie: Bill is a fascinating case. He excels at VFL level and looks impressive on the training track, yet he has had very few chances to show what he can do at senior level. This preseason he is being used as a forward, but for mine there are several small forwards who appear to be ahead of him, including Thomas Matthews, who is still in rehab. It feels like a last roll of the dice for him, and he needs to make the most of any opportunity he gets.

Bowey: Always a smooth operator with the ball in hand. Seeing him on crutches and in a moon boot at training today was a real blow. Hopefully it is nothing too serious and he is back tearing up the track after Christmas. He is very important to the team and I am keen to see how he is used under King and the new game plan.

Melksham: A consummate professional on the training track. He and TMac set the gold standard for preseason training standards. It will be interesting to see where he fits in the new-look Dees forward line, but he will give absolutely everything. He was jogging laps today on a limited program for some reason, and hopefully it is only load management and not some other niggle.

Taylor: Tough nut that reads the ball really well in the air. Has been a bit hit and miss with his disposal at times but I just love that from Day 1 at training he had the balls to not play it safe and to take the game on. As a consequence he bit more off than he could chew and was either caught or put under pressure. I have a feeling he will work his way into Rivers role in defence allowing Trent to play more midfield time.

Matthews: Recovering from a PCL and has been in rehab. I like the highlights I have seen and the fact that he is described as leader. Can't wait to see him in action.

Jefferson: Another interesting case. He will surely need to prove himself at Casey if he wants to break into the senior side. I would love to see a bit more mongrel from him both at training and on game day. He has clean hands and is an accurate kick for goal.Likely the last roll of the dice for him too this season. Luker Kentfield is breathing down his neck.

Howes: Blake is another player I barely notice on the training track, but whenever I do, his disposal is always clean. I am keen to see where King views his best position.

McAdam: Disappointing to see such a talented player still in rehab and likely to miss another preseason block. Achilles injuries are cruel and take a long time to mend. He is another who will need to make the most of his opportunity once his body is right.

Rivers: Given the changes to our midfield over the offseason Rivers must grab this opportunity to make the position his own.

McDonald: Like Lever, TMac is one of the first on and last off the track. A consummate professional. He deserves a place in the best 23, but there are so many tall defenders competing for only a few spots. The Key Defender position might be one of the most interesting positions to watch this season.

Adams: Another player I do not notice much of on the training track. Clean hands and neat disposal I think the true test for Jed will be on the field. Will no doubt start at Casey but must take the opportunity with both hands if given a crack at some point in the year like Petty did in 2021.

Heath: A big body and very athletic for his size. Has an excellent pair of hands and clean disposal for a guy his size. Has a nice accurate shot on goal. Not sure what his tank is like and hopefully he can learn a thing or two from Max. I hope that he gets an opportunity at some point this season particularly given the 5 man bench.

Mihocek: I was very happy to trade in Brody. He is just what the Doctor ordered for our forward line. Will provide a nice foil for JVR and will work very well with Fritta. Leads at the ball well. Excellent hands. Very accurate kick on goal.

Campbell: Break glass in case of Emergency.

Sharp: Haven't seen much of him on the track. Runs all day. Does some nice things. Can find the goals. Will be in and out of the team. Good role player.

Fritsch: Fritta looks like a new man this season. I can't quite put my finger on it. Was impressed that he was back almost from Day 1 even when he wasn't required. At the early sessions when most positions weren't back yet and we lacked defenders he was training further up the ground. Now with almost a full squad he is back to the forward line out bodying bigger opponents, taking grabs and kicking snags. Fellow trackwatchers were gobsmacked at the amount of times he was unselfish and dished off the ball when he could have had a shot. He even handballed. Perhaps the message has been received.

Sparrow: Nothing much new to report regarding Spaz. Gets a lot of the footy. Playing in the middle. Wouldn't mind him pushing forward a little bit.

Latrelle Pickett: Love everything I have seen from Trelly. Classy user of the ball, can sell candy, has pace and can work his way up and down the ground. It is a thing of beauty to watch the two Picketts combine. It will set the G on fire.

White: Tall, skinny and athletic. Has a nice pair of hand and a nice leap. I haven't seen much of him but he will take time to develop. A year in the gym will do him the world of good as will learning at the feet of one of the greatest rucks in history as well as the two other big body rucks. I expect that he will cut his teeth in the forward line at Casey.

Petty: Much to the relief of a lot of Demonlanders Petty is back training with the Defenders. He reads the ball so well in the air and has a very clean pair of hands. Having an uninterrupted preseason will be a blessing for him too.

Kozzy: Absolutely sublime. Lock him in as a full time midfielder. He is electric on the training track. You could sell tickets just to watch him practice. Not much more to say about him. Star.

Chandler: Have seen Kade's leadership qualities blossom this preseason. Expect him to play the high half forward role this season.

TO BE CONTINUED ....

After a long time watcher of AFL football I have never seen players develop "mongrel" you either have it or you don't. Jefferson will continue to play the way he has in the past. Another who will be looking for a new home in 2026.

16 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Gosch’s: Monday, Wednesday and Friday next week.

10am - midday (11:30 on Weds)

Thank you.

3 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Thanks @Demonland and the rest of the track watchers who provided a very thorough and detailed training report.

Much appreciated.

To the rest, please start a nicknames thread and leave it on there. Some folks honestly dont give too hoots about nicknames and prefer just to come here and read training reports as per the thread title.

Cheers, knackers.

Seriously, people go off on tangents all the time and given trackwatchers will use some nicknames in their reports it's a pretty small tangent. Honestly if someone mentions a player's baby or Labradoodle or One Direction T shirt or how they watched The Three Amigos last night or The Flower Drum what's it matter? It's all part of the rich tapestry. And as someone else said you can scroll down. I'm assuming you did anyway - Roosiah and I didn't slide in some tasty morsel about team tactics or Viney's limp in our nickname posts. Just scroll down.

(BTW you must find the jade monkey before the next full moon. Dang! I meant to hide that!)

2 hours ago, Chelly said:

Yeah, nah. The banter among the players, their nicknames and even their interests all add to the atmosphere at training. It’s good to read about these things and frankly, if you’re not interested, you can always move on to the next post. Easy … peasy.

You're easily pleased.

Good for you.

Id rather good a good detailed training report in a training thread. As I said, if thats for you, go start your own thread.

Edited 7 hours ago7 hr by dazzledavey36

14 minutes ago, Go Ds said:

Seriously, people go off on tangents all the time and given trackwatchers will use some nicknames in their reports it's a pretty small tangent. Honestly if someone mentions a player's baby or Labradoodle or One Direction T shirt or how they watched The Three Amigos last night or The Flower Drum what's it matter? It's all part of the rich tapestry. And as someone else said you can scroll down. I'm assuming you did anyway - Roosiah and I didn't slide in some tasty morsel about team tactics or Viney's limp in our nickname posts. Just scroll down.

(BTW you must find the jade monkey before the next full moon. Dang! I meant to hide that!)

I have no idea what the [censored] you're talking about to be honest.

22 hours ago, Kev said:

It was a mouthguards in day.

Interestingly, Spaz brings a mouthguard to every session, including captain’s and flush runs.

Unlike Fritta who never wears a mouthguard, even during matches. Even playing as a junior- no mouthguard ever.

GW responded to my request for a list of nicknames (and player names-numbers, since the AFL in their wisdom have yet to allow clubs to publish that data) so that I could follow who was being talked about in this training thread. I thank her for that. I don't think it has affected the rest of this thread much and the odd reference to nicknames is surely part of almost any thread.

But it would be good though to have a nicknames thread as DD36 suggests so we don't have to search for that info when this particular training thread is out of date.

15 hours ago, Demonland said:

Kentfield: Very impressed with this kid. Saw a little bit of him in the back end of Casey season and he impressed with his marking and goal kicking ability. Has no preseason due to illness last year and has come back to the club this preseason looking fit and trimmed down but still a good size. Could be the surprise packet up forward for us some time in 2026. He may even be ahead of Jefferson. Like Jeffo the ball is in his court to earn that spot and keep it.

I think kentfield seems to have that mongrel in him which you love to see in a KPF. Hopefully with a big preseason we get to see the best of kentfield this year. Still so young too, only just turned 20 this year

14 hours ago, Go Ds said:

Is that like a White Russian? (Seriously what is it?)

There are no toilets nearby at Gosch’s. The boys would have to walk all the way to and from AAMI, or, if they temporarily have zero regard for their health and well-being, they can use the ancient outdoor toilet block near where Storm train. But this rectangle of death is almost as far away as AAMI, so using it would be twice as stoopid.

Therefore, the bushes near our marquee are makeshift dunnies, for number ones anyways.

9 minutes ago, sue said:

GW responded to my request for a list of nicknames (and player names-numbers, since the AFL in their wisdom have yet to allow clubs to publish that data) so that I could follow who was being talked about in this training thread. I thank her for that. I don't think it has affected the rest of this thread much and the odd reference to nicknames is surely part of almost any thread.

But it would be good though to have a nicknames thread as DD36 suggests so we don't have to search for that info when this particular training thread is out of date.

Done. But only because you asked nicely 😅

7 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

Therefore, the bushes near our marquee are makeshift dunnies, for number ones anyways.

What about all the players who aren't Steven May?

3 hours ago, old dee said:

After a long time watcher of AFL football I have never seen players develop "mongrel" you either have it or you don't. Jefferson will continue to play the way he has in the past. Another who will be looking for a new home in 2026.

I tend to agree but there’s a subtle difference between a player having mongrel and having the body size, confidence and experience to bring out the mongrel in him. To some, that aggressive nature comes naturally while to others, it never happens. Most players are somewhere in the middle and it might take a little time to come out. We haven’t seen it in Jeffo yet but I hope that light globe goes on and he finds that bit of mongrel in himself.

3 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Interestingly, Spaz brings a mouthguard to every session, including captain’s and flush runs.

Unlike Fritta who never wears a mouthguard, even during matches. Even playing as a junior- no mouthguard ever.

Really didn’t notice the finer details. Did see a few dangling from the lips. Though, my sentiment meant that they were tackling and competing with some bravado, plus the sim was more a match practice.

3 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Therefore, the bushes near our marquee are makeshift dunnies, for number ones anyways.

We need a porta poti for them. I saw three head to the far away end, kneel and do the, I am a river to my people. MFC should do better!

2 minutes ago, Leopold Bloom said:

I tend to agree but there’s a subtle difference between a player having mongrel and having the body size, confidence and experience to bring out the mongrel in him. To some, that aggressive nature comes naturally while to others, it never happens. Most players are somewhere in the middle and it might take a little time to come out. We haven’t seen it in Jeffo yet but I hope that light globe goes on and he finds that bit of mongrel in himself.

I honestly think he lacks the talent for the top level. He has rarely if ever dominated a game at VFL level. He has some had some good games but nothing that screams I should be in the seniors. His few games at the top level have been a couple of marks and a goal or two but seems to go missing for parts of the game. A friend said to me last year he looks the figure in those blow up people you see at car yards that are all arms and body flying about. Sadly I was struggling up disagree.

4 hours ago, old dee said:

After a long time watcher of AFL football I have never seen players develop "mongrel" you either have it or you don't. Jefferson will continue to play the way he has in the past. Another who will be looking for a new home in 2026.

I have also never seen a player that 2 grabs marks get better either. Weideman was like that.