The summer training is moving more towards match sim -albeit with a lot of pauses for coaching and reiterating messages to the players. Latrelle was a highlight in the first proper match sim, kicking 3 goals by my count. He seems like a natural crumbing forward who takes his opportunities when they come his way.

There was no clear A and B team today and a lot of positions are still up for grabs. It's unclear as yet who will be the starting midfield - Kossie, Langford, Rivers, Culley, Windsor, Steele, Sparrow, Kolt, Lindsay and Onley all ran through there today and Viney was watching from the sidelines. Most likely we will have more rotation through there in previous years and it is handy that several of those players can also play forward, back or wing as needed. Gawn was mostly working on running.

I really like watching Steele's well rounded game - he has toughness, skills and endurance. He holds himself to a high standard and I think he will quickly become one of our most consistent contributors.
It was good to see Checkers in the first match sim though he took the bike during the second one. I noticed him coaching Kalani at one stage which was good to see. May still strikes me as an important on-field leader and a great kick out of the backline even if his athleticism is starting to wane.

I think this iteration of the team looks best when we are slicing and dicing across the field with pace from Kossie, Windsor, Rivers, Langdon plus guys like CJ and Taylor out of the backline, leading to mismatches and out the back goals in the forward line. With no Petracca, Oliver and Viney injured at the moment its unlikely we will be dominating the inside game each week but that's part of our team's evolution. We are still a work in progress and it will be interesting to see how Steven King reshapes our team - there will certainly be some exciting times this year but also perhaps times where we come up against our limitations.

Max did a bit of match sim. By the last quarter of it, a few of the players were gassed. They were yelling for Roo to take some centre work but he was off field, cooling off a bit. He did some running and was back out there after a break. After all, not many players do the whole two hours of the game. Same with a few other players, particularly the young blokes.

The match sim often doesn't use the rucks - the "umpire" throws the ball in a random direction and whoever is closest gets possession and starts the sim. Also they played some of it without full forward/pockets/full back at one end.

I think it was a bit of a lighter session. The players would disagree I think.

Also if I heard correctly, there's no training on Friday. The players are on a four day break after today's session.

As @Greg Schneider noted as a novice track watcher....nothing to see here!

Match Sims are not what we have come to expect or have seen in the past, they seem to be an exercise to work on a particular aspect of ball movement. Starting in the middle, there is a no contest between rucks and the ball just moves freely out. Maybe it is getting forwards to present, but there is no real tackling and because of the lack of numbers on the field you finish with really open forward lines, which would never happen in a real game.....make of it what you will.

But I suspect the main match sims are being conducted behind closed doors at Casey, given the short time to season opener and a new coach trying to implement changes.

I'll go out on a limb now....we will not see McAdam play a game this year. Barely, and I mean barely running, unable to extend one leg fully, and it is the end of January. Today looked even worse as he had a knee bandage on, then off and did the running with much less speed than even last week.

Sadly, we will also see little of Viney. @Demonland mentioned his training is limited to half a dozen bunny hops. No running, not even walking the boundary. When he is finally able to get some running in, with the lack of the ability to do it now for months, means he will take a long, long time to get to necessary fitness levels. The same will inevitably apply to Bowey.

The one thing noted by @thirty-one was correct.....at the end of the session, the players were gassed. All over the field they were on haunches sucking in the big ones. They are obviously being pushed harder than before. After two hours of "sims" and drills they finish with a series of 200m sprints. If it were me, the ambulance would be called.

25 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

As @Greg Schneider noted as a novice track watcher....nothing to see here!

Match Sims are not what we have come to expect or have seen in the past, they seem to be an exercise to work on a particular aspect of ball movement. Starting in the middle, there is a no contest between rucks and the ball just moves freely out. Maybe it is getting forwards to present, but there is no real tackling and because of the lack of numbers on the field you finish with really open forward lines, which would never happen in a real game.....make of it what you will.

But I suspect the main match sims are being conducted behind closed doors at Casey, given the short time to season opener and a new coach trying to implement changes.

I'll go out on a limb now....we will not see McAdam play a game this year. Barely, and I mean barely running, unable to extend one leg fully, and it is the end of January. Today looked even worse as he had a knee bandage on, then off and did the running with much less speed than even last week.

Sadly, we will also see little of Viney. @Demonland mentioned his training is limited to half a dozen bunny hops. No running, not even walking the boundary. When he is finally able to get some running in, with the lack of the ability to do it now for months, means he will take a long, long time to get to necessary fitness levels. The same will inevitably apply to Bowey.

The one thing noted by @thirty-one was correct.....at the end of the session, the players were gassed. All over the field they were on haunches sucking in the big ones. They are obviously being pushed harder than before. After two hours of "sims" and drills they finish with a series of 200m sprints. If it were me, the ambulance would be called.

25 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

As @Greg Schneider noted as a novice track watcher....nothing to see here!

Match Sims are not what we have come to expect or have seen in the past, they seem to be an exercise to work on a particular aspect of ball movement. Starting in the middle, there is a no contest between rucks and the ball just moves freely out. Maybe it is getting forwards to present, but there is no real tackling and because of the lack of numbers on the field you finish with really open forward lines, which would never happen in a real game.....make of it what you will.

But I suspect the main match sims are being conducted behind closed doors at Casey, given the short time to season opener and a new coach trying to implement changes.

I'll go out on a limb now....we will not see McAdam play a game this year. Barely, and I mean barely running, unable to extend one leg fully, and it is the end of January. Today looked even worse as he had a knee bandage on, then off and did the running with much less speed than even last week.

Sadly, we will also see little of Viney. @Demonland mentioned his training is limited to half a dozen bunny hops. No running, not even walking the boundary. When he is finally able to get some running in, with the lack of the ability to do it now for months, means he will take a long, long time to get to necessary fitness levels. The same will inevitably apply to Bowey.

The one thing noted by @thirty-one was correct.....at the end of the session, the players were gassed. All over the field they were on haunches sucking in the big ones. They are obviously being pushed harder than before. After two hours of "sims" and drills they finish with a series of 200m sprints. If it were me, the ambulance would be called.

It would be the undertaker for me.

Based on what I saw, here's my stab at our team as it stands, minus all the injured players - I included Mihocek in the injured, but he did do most of the match sim today.

This is my fourth pre-season session this year I've attended and my standouts have been - Kossie, Culley, Roo, Windsor and Salem (missing today of course) - but remember these 14 or 15-man style games suit running players who like space.

Defenders (7) - We have lost quite a few of our small brigade and contrary to articles, Moniz-Wakefield would be a long shot to make it in time for Rd 1 as he is still in a graduated rehab phase.

Smalls/Mids - Lindsay (may even do kick-ins if Salem is out for a while), CJ, Taylor and Howes

Talls - Lever, Adams (based on desire to blood him and he does bring closing speed, but T-Mac has looked better and May is clearly better but out of favour), Turner

Midfielders (9 includes ruck) - Based on today Heath gets in, but obviously Gawny is expected to be raring to go well before then.

1st rotation - Pickett (licence), Rivers, Steele; 2nd rotation - Windsor (licence), Sparrow, Langford* (also some wing duties). Wings: Culley, Langdon, Ruck: Heath (Gawn when fit)

Forwards (7) - Roo, Fritsch and Chandler would be first picked and from then it's a bit of a lottery, but I'd expect the excitement of Latrelle will see him named for Rd 1. Personally I'd play May up forward, but that seems unlikely based on the training I've seen. Mihocek would play Rd 1 if fit as well.

Smalls: Chandler, Latrelle. Mids: Fritsch, Tholstrup (just, although Mentha was busy today, but mega fumbly). Talls: JVR (playing lead-up high), Johnson (back up ruck), Jefferson (certainly not my choice, but it seems likely he will be trialled again more from the goalsquare).

Left out based on today, but you'd think will be ready by Rd 1: Gawn, Mihocek, Salem, Petty

Left out but unlikely to be ready by Rd 1: Viney, Melksham, Bowey, AMW.

It's still a very decent side, even with our injuries, and the difference from recent years is that it is a very quick unit. Our issue will be our toughness in the contest, but we will play at breakneck speed.

PS: Bet you I forgot someone!

31 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Based on what I saw, here's my stab at our team as it stands, minus all the injured players - I included Mihocek in the injured, but he did do most of the match sim today.

This is my fourth pre-season session this year I've attended and my standouts have been - Kossie, Culley, Roo, Windsor and Salem (missing today of course) - but remember these 14 or 15-man style games suit running players who like space.

Defenders (7) - We have lost quite a few of our small brigade and contrary to articles, Moniz-Wakefield would be a long shot to make it in time for Rd 1 as he is still in a graduated rehab phase.

Smalls/Mids - Lindsay (may even do kick-ins if Salem is out for a while), CJ, Taylor and Howes

Talls - Lever, Adams (based on desire to blood him and he does bring closing speed, but T-Mac has looked better and May is clearly better but out of favour), Turner

Midfielders (9 includes ruck) - Based on today Heath gets in, but obviously Gawny is expected to be raring to go well before then.

1st rotation - Pickett (licence), Rivers, Steele; 2nd rotation - Windsor (licence), Sparrow, Langford* (also some wing duties). Wings: Culley, Langdon, Ruck: Heath (Gawn when fit)

Forwards (7) - Roo, Fritsch and Chandler would be first picked and from then it's a bit of a lottery, but I'd expect the excitement of Latrelle will see him named for Rd 1. Personally I'd play May up forward, but that seems unlikely based on the training I've seen. Mihocek would play Rd 1 if fit as well.

Smalls: Chandler, Latrelle. Mids: Fritsch, Tholstrup (just, although Mentha was busy today, but mega fumbly). Talls: JVR (playing lead-up high), Johnson (back up ruck), Jefferson (certainly not my choice, but it seems likely he will be trialled again more from the goalsquare).

Left out based on today, but you'd think will be ready by Rd 1: Gawn, Mihocek, Salem, Petty

Left out but unlikely to be ready by Rd 1: Viney, Melksham, Bowey, AMW.

It's still a very decent side, even with our injuries, and the difference from recent years is that it is a very quick unit. Our issue will be our toughness in the contest, but we will play at breakneck speed.

PS: Bet you I forgot someone!

32 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Based on what I saw, here's my stab at our team as it stands, minus all the injured players - I included Mihocek in the injured, but he did do most of the match sim today.

This is my fourth pre-season session this year I've attended and my standouts have been - Kossie, Culley, Roo, Windsor and Salem (missing today of course) - but remember these 14 or 15-man style games suit running players who like space.

Defenders (7) - We have lost quite a few of our small brigade and contrary to articles, Moniz-Wakefield would be a long shot to make it in time for Rd 1 as he is still in a graduated rehab phase.

Smalls/Mids - Lindsay (may even do kick-ins if Salem is out for a while), CJ, Taylor and Howes

Talls - Lever, Adams (based on desire to blood him and he does bring closing speed, but T-Mac has looked better and May is clearly better but out of favour), Turner

Midfielders (9 includes ruck) - Based on today Heath gets in, but obviously Gawny is expected to be raring to go well before then.

1st rotation - Pickett (licence), Rivers, Steele; 2nd rotation - Windsor (licence), Sparrow, Langford* (also some wing duties). Wings: Culley, Langdon, Ruck: Heath (Gawn when fit)

Forwards (7) - Roo, Fritsch and Chandler would be first picked and from then it's a bit of a lottery, but I'd expect the excitement of Latrelle will see him named for Rd 1. Personally I'd play May up forward, but that seems unlikely based on the training I've seen. Mihocek would play Rd 1 if fit as well.

Smalls: Chandler, Latrelle. Mids: Fritsch, Tholstrup (just, although Mentha was busy today, but mega fumbly). Talls: JVR (playing lead-up high), Johnson (back up ruck), Jefferson (certainly not my choice, but it seems likely he will be trialled again more from the goalsquare).

Left out based on today, but you'd think will be ready by Rd 1: Gawn, Mihocek, Salem, Petty

Left out but unlikely to be ready by Rd 1: Viney, Melksham, Bowey, AMW.

It's still a very decent side, even with our injuries, and the difference from recent years is that it is a very quick unit. Our issue will be our toughness in the contest, but we will play at breakneck speed.

PS: Bet you I forgot someone!

I think you are pretty much close to the mark. However with most of the additional defenders you raised who would be available round 1, I make a count of 9 (Salem, Petty and even Onley). In which case I see Lindsay playing off a wing with culley the inside mid of the second rotation. That then allows one of the others listed in the midfield to be the other small/mid forward in place of tholstrup.

Interestedly, Kentfield is listed on the MFC site as a key defender and saw in some training reports he has done some time at CHB. Gives another string to his bow.

Matthews will give more flexibility, but not until he gets games under his belt. I'm also one of the few who rates sharp.

At least for the first time since our flag I can see where more than 10 goals a game are going to come from. Apart from the addition of Latrelle and Mihoceck, nearly all our midfielders are goal kickers.

6 hours ago, Demonland said:

Petty & Kentfield in the fluro hats.

Assume that Petty may have had concussion which is why hasn’t been at training.

Head made out glass. Poor lads had heaps lately.

The Steven King era at Melbourne is well and truly in motion ahead of the 2026 campaign, with the Demons continuing to build towards their first unofficial match in just over three weeks’ time.

Melbourne hit Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday morning for a solid mid-week session, and it was one All-Australian defender who stood clearly above the rest.

Down back, Jake Lever was a class above against his attacking teammates, with his kicking, intercept work and overall defensive composure consistently catching the eye.

The 29-year-old was rarely, if ever, beaten in one-on-one contests and was among the loudest on the track, constantly organising and directing those around him.

After an injury-interrupted 2025 campaign that limited him to just eight games — his equal-lowest return in 11 AFL seasons — Lever looks primed for a significant rebound.

His long-time defensive partner Steven Maywas also in fine touch, thriving in drills designed to favour the forward and showing trademark competitiveness.

May spent time locked in battle with Jacob van Rooyen, along with Tom McDonald, and impressed with his leadership by offering constructive feedback to the young key forward during the opening half of the session.

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Van Rooyen looked notably lean and fit, troubling defenders with his leading patterns and appearing ominous when creating one-on-one marking contests on the move.

Delivering the ball to him and Melbourne’s other forwards were the likes of Harvey Langford and Koltyn Tholstrup, who were stationed between the arcs for the Demons’ full-ground transition drills that made up the latter half of the two-hour hit-out.

Kysaiah Pickett and recruit Jack Steeleunsurprisingly featured heavily through the middle of the ground, with Pickett regularly breaking lines through run-and-carry before releasing teammates by hand.

Pickett’s cousin, Latrelle Pickett, was among the most eye-catching performers of the session and made it abundantly clear why rival clubs were keen on the Glenelg product ahead of last year’s draft.

The 20-year-old, who kicked 30 goals in Glenelg’s SANFL reserves last season, showcased his natural craft around goal while also producing several high-intensity defensive efforts through tackles and repeat sprints.

Kysaiah Pickett (left) poses with Latrelle Pickett (right) after the latter was selected by the Melbourne Demons at the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Third-year midfielder Caleb Windsor was busy throughout the full-ground drills, while Jai Culley again showed promise and continues to be tipped by good judges as a potential senior-level contributor in 2026.

Uncapped 19-year-old Ricky Mentha looked impressive and dashy in moments too, and may loom as an option across half-forward this season.

The pair of Aidan Johnson and Max Heathdueled in the ruck throughout the second half of Wednesday morning, in the absence of skipper Gawn. Johnson looked threatening in the air and could shape as a reliable forward-ruck option, while Heath looked strong in a contested setting.

Utility Daniel Turner was solid down in defence, and at this stage looks poised to play the role of a third tall down back; a position he isn’t entirely unfamiliar with at the top level.

Daniel Turner kicks out of defensive 50 during a full ground transition drill.Source: FOX SPORTS

After starting just before 10am local time, the Demons players left the track around 12:15pm looking well spent after an eduring session in the bright Melbourne sun.

INJURY WATCH

A number of Demons were restricted to running duties as they continue to build back to full fitness.

Captain Max Gawn (fractured finger), Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Harrison Petty and Luker Kentfield completed significant running around Gosch’s Paddock, with Petty and Kentfield wearing fluro ‘no-contact’ hats. Harry Sharp, who looked particularly fit, joined the group later in the session.

Veteran Jake Melksham completed an extended block of high-intensity running, while Christian Salem was limited to slower-paced laps of the oval.

Christian Salem runs laps of Gosch's Paddock on Wednesday January 28.Source: FOX SPORTS

Foxfooty.com.au contacted the club last week regarding a potential hamstring complaint for Salem, but was told there were “no concerns” with his fitness.

Shane McAdam continued rehabilitation from an Achilles injury after missing the entirety of last season, while Bailey Laurieshowcased a glove similar to his captain after hand surgery to repair a fracture.

Inside midfielder Jack Viney was restricted to very light movement on the sidelines and observed the full-ground drills, and mature-age recruit Jack Henderson remained limited as he recovers from a sacrum (back) injury.

Jake Bowey continued his rehab from a foot injury sustained late last year, and first-year small forward Tom Matthews was managed throughout the session as he recovers from a meniscus injury.

Brody Mihocek ran laps towards the back end of training alongside ex-Hawk Changkuoth Jiath, with the former Pie looking relatively untroubled by a recent toe complaint.

I got along for a bit of the middle session. Watched a very energetic 2 defenders on 1 forward with a midfielder kicking to their lead.

Lever and May pair so well, they shut most of the forwards down

Absolute stand outs were Disco as a defender and Roo and Fritta as forwards. Brody was heavily involved as well. The other one who seemed quite elusive was Bill Lawrie. Not quick but crafty.

Still waiting to see what caused us to pick up Kolt. He is so keen but lacks a bit of class IMHO

Damn they are fit!! They just go and go.

Disappointing lack of soccer balls too.

3 hours ago, Go Ds said:

The House Of Pain in effect, y'all

I say the House Of Pain is in effect

You know the House Of Pain is in effect y'all

And anyone that steps up in gettin' wrecked

I preferred their other big song - Hop Around!

It’s interesting that the media report posted by @Demonland focussed heavily on Lever’s solid hit out, yet the track watchers here barely mentioned him… was he performing as well as Will Faulkner would have us believe?

Also, is there any likelihood that we might rotate Langford and Culley between the wing and midfield (yes, I know the wing IS midfield, but you know what I mean 😉 I’m useless with terminology)?

Tipping Lever for the BnF this year

IF he can stay fit

53 minutes ago, hardtack said:

It’s interesting that the media report posted by @Demonland focussed heavily on Lever’s solid hit out, yet the track watchers here barely mentioned him… was he performing as well as Will Faulkner would have us believe?

Also, is there any likelihood that we might rotate Langford and Culley between the wing and midfield (yes, I know the wing IS midfield, but you know what I mean 😉 I’m useless with terminology)?

See my previous post HT

5 hours ago, george_on_the_outer said:

As @Greg Schneider noted as a novice track watcher....nothing to see here!

Match Sims are not what we have come to expect or have seen in the past, they seem to be an exercise to work on a particular aspect of ball movement. Starting in the middle, there is a no contest between rucks and the ball just moves freely out. Maybe it is getting forwards to present, but there is no real tackling and because of the lack of numbers on the field you finish with really open forward lines, which would never happen in a real game.....make of it what you will.

But I suspect the main match sims are being conducted behind closed doors at Casey, given the short time to season opener and a new coach trying to implement changes.

I'll go out on a limb now....we will not see McAdam play a game this year. Barely, and I mean barely running, unable to extend one leg fully, and it is the end of January. Today looked even worse as he had a knee bandage on, then off and did the running with much less speed than even last week.

Sadly, we will also see little of Viney. @Demonland mentioned his training is limited to half a dozen bunny hops. No running, not even walking the boundary. When he is finally able to get some running in, with the lack of the ability to do it now for months, means he will take a long, long time to get to necessary fitness levels. The same will inevitably apply to Bowey.

The one thing noted by @thirty-one was correct.....at the end of the session, the players were gassed. All over the field they were on haunches sucking in the big ones. They are obviously being pushed harder than before. After two hours of "sims" and drills they finish with a series of 200m sprints. If it were me, the ambulance would be called.

Could they get both of us in George?

1 hour ago, hardtack said:

It’s interesting that the media report posted by @Demonland focussed heavily on Lever’s solid hit out, yet the track watchers here barely mentioned him… was he performing as well as Will Faulkner would have us believe

Lever is undervalued by some Demons fans. Perhaps due to his lack of durability in recent years and not being able to build form.

He is still in his prime and a key leader for us so if he can have 2-3 years without injuries it would be huge.

1 hour ago, DubDee said:

Tipping Lever for the BnF this year

IF he can stay fit

Jack Steele my top for the BnF. Solid ball winning midfielder with good skills and defensive pressure. Perfectly rounded player. Amazing we got him as cheap as we did - Saints salary cap is stuffed!

A fit Lever makes us a much better team. He’s battled injury the past year or two, but he’s still only 29 and our best on field leader. Big year ahead for him hopefully.

6 hours ago, Demonland said:

Petty & Kentfield in the fluro hats.

Assume that Petty may have had concussion which is why hasn’t been at training.

Head made out glass. Poor lad had heaps of concussions lately.

I really hope we have a year better than what everyone’s expecting from the media.

Today on SEN Dwayne Russell essentially said we will be a steaming pile of poo, for at least a couple years. Sad to hear.

I hope they’re all dead wrong and Kingy blows them away. Fingers crossed 🤞

Don't agree on Lever.

Might look good in certain constrained match Sim situations, but his lack of athleticism, lateral movement and offensive ability is no longer at the level the game demands from an intercepting 2nd/3rd tall.

Also if we do intend to move the ball faster, the backline will look very open. He's doesn't have the speed to close large gaps of space. Yes he can read the game, but with the speed teams move the ball he'll often be helpless. Add to that his limited 1v1 defensive ability and it's all trending in the wrong direction for him.

In my opinion of course.

4 minutes ago, fr_ap said:

Don't agree on Lever.

Might look good in certain constrained match Sim situations, but his lack of athleticism, lateral movement and offensive ability is no longer at the level the game demands from an intercepting 2nd/3rd tall.

Also if we do intend to move the ball faster, the backline will look very open. He's doesn't have the speed to close large gaps of space. Yes he can read the game, but with the speed teams move the ball he'll often be helpless. Add to that his limited 1v1 defensive ability and it's all trending in the wrong direction for him.

In my opinion of course.

You’d be fun at parties 😜

6 hours ago, george_on_the_outer said:

As @Greg Schneider noted as a novice track watcher....nothing to see here!

Match Sims are not what we have come to expect or have seen in the past, they seem to be an exercise to work on a particular aspect of ball movement. Starting in the middle, there is a no contest between rucks and the ball just moves freely out. Maybe it is getting forwards to present, but there is no real tackling and because of the lack of numbers on the field you finish with really open forward lines, which would never happen in a real game.....make of it what you will.

But I suspect the main match sims are being conducted behind closed doors at Casey, given the short time to season opener and a new coach trying to implement changes.

I'll go out on a limb now....we will not see McAdam play a game this year. Barely, and I mean barely running, unable to extend one leg fully, and it is the end of January. Today looked even worse as he had a knee bandage on, then off and did the running with much less speed than even last week.

Sadly, we will also see little of Viney. @Demonland mentioned his training is limited to half a dozen bunny hops. No running, not even walking the boundary. When he is finally able to get some running in, with the lack of the ability to do it now for months, means he will take a long, long time to get to necessary fitness levels. The same will inevitably apply to Bowey.

The one thing noted by @thirty-one was correct.....at the end of the session, the players were gassed. All over the field they were on haunches sucking in the big ones. They are obviously being pushed harder than before. After two hours of "sims" and drills they finish with a series of 200m sprints. If it were me, the ambulance would be called.

Viney must have had a relapse! Last week he was running laps at very rapid pace… lots of laps… non stop!

6 hours ago, Sydee said:

Feel sorry for him but I'm astonished he is still on our list

He, McAdam, is on contract I believe, which IMVHO has zero chance of being renewed.

6 hours ago, Sydee said:

I really hope we have a year better than what everyone’s expecting from the media.

Today on SEN Dwayne Russell essentially said we will be a steaming pile of poo, for at least a couple years. Sad to hear.

I hope they’re all dead wrong and Kingy blows them away. Fingers crossed 🤞

Ohhhh. Derwaynne says we are 💩 - that alone gives me confidence for the year ahead.

A big thanks to thirty-one, Demonland, Greg Schneider, Harvey Wallbanger, enter Sandman-2021, Salems Lot, George_on_the_outer, Deespicable, all posters and special comments. Another great read today, seemed like a lot going on and boys working very hard in ideal conditions. Big Question where is Ghostwriter?

6 hours ago, Deespicable said:

Based on what I saw, here's my stab at our team as it stands, minus all the injured players - I included Mihocek in the injured, but he did do most of the match sim today.

This is my fourth pre-season session this year I've attended and my standouts have been - Kossie, Culley, Roo, Windsor and Salem (missing today of course) - but remember these 14 or 15-man style games suit running players who like space.

Defenders (7) - We have lost quite a few of our small brigade and contrary to articles, Moniz-Wakefield would be a long shot to make it in time for Rd 1 as he is still in a graduated rehab phase.

Smalls/Mids - Lindsay (may even do kick-ins if Salem is out for a while), CJ, Taylor and Howes

Talls - Lever, Adams (based on desire to blood him and he does bring closing speed, but T-Mac has looked better and May is clearly better but out of favour), Turner

Midfielders (9 includes ruck) - Based on today Heath gets in, but obviously Gawny is expected to be raring to go well before then.

1st rotation - Pickett (licence), Rivers, Steele; 2nd rotation - Windsor (licence), Sparrow, Langford* (also some wing duties). Wings: Culley, Langdon, Ruck: Heath (Gawn when fit)

Forwards (7) - Roo, Fritsch and Chandler would be first picked and from then it's a bit of a lottery, but I'd expect the excitement of Latrelle will see him named for Rd 1. Personally I'd play May up forward, but that seems unlikely based on the training I've seen. Mihocek would play Rd 1 if fit as well.

Smalls: Chandler, Latrelle. Mids: Fritsch, Tholstrup (just, although Mentha was busy today, but mega fumbly). Talls: JVR (playing lead-up high), Johnson (back up ruck), Jefferson (certainly not my choice, but it seems likely he will be trialled again more from the goalsquare).

Left out based on today, but you'd think will be ready by Rd 1: Gawn, Mihocek, Salem, Petty

Left out but unlikely to be ready by Rd 1: Viney, Melksham, Bowey, AMW.

It's still a very decent side, even with our injuries, and the difference from recent years is that it is a very quick unit. Our issue will be our toughness in the contest, but we will play at breakneck speed.

PS: Bet you I forgot someone!

Um yes you did! Dont you read previous reports???🤯😵‍💫😵

1 hour ago, fr_ap said:

Don't agree on Lever.

Might look good in certain constrained match Sim situations, but his lack of athleticism, lateral movement and offensive ability is no longer at the level the game demands from an intercepting 2nd/3rd tall.

Also if we do intend to move the ball faster, the backline will look very open. He's doesn't have the speed to close large gaps of space. Yes he can read the game, but with the speed teams move the ball he'll often be helpless. Add to that his limited 1v1 defensive ability and it's all trending in the wrong direction for him.

In my opinion of course.

I tend to agree.

Turner is a much better 3rd tall back, in my opinion.