Even though I am a regular reader, I don't often post but I thought the following observations might please some of you.

I was passing by the Junction oval yesterday morning and noticed some of the boys running around. Training consisted of about 18 players and it's safe to say that none of them would be participating in tonight's scratch match.

The following reports are based on what I witnessed:-

Cameron Bruce - trained on his own and was put through a series of sprints, turns and twists. Moved ok.

Mark Jamar, Robbo - took part in some easy drills but sat out most of the session. I would say rest or some general soreness. Nothing to worry about.

Simon Buckley - seemed to be favouring his right hand but still managed to take part in most drills including handballs. No concern.

Nathan Carroll, Lynden Dunn, Benny Holland, Brocky, Neitz, Wheatley, White and Frawley - all went hard at it and moved really well. All took part in most drills with high intensity and most pleasing was to see Brocky talking it up and moving like the man we know.

Chris Johnson - where is this man at? Obvious to me he is carrying something as to what I have no idea. Took part in some drills and looked slighlty restricted in movement.

Matthew Whelan- I would suggest the only major worry at this stage. Personally, I have no clue as to what he is carrying or to what extent but could not muster more than a slow jog even when he took part in kicking drills. kicked the ball ok though. Participated 20% of the session. I love this bloke but if he has a season like last with his injuries he might be the first on the long term injury list which might give Valenti the go ahead.

The following two pleased me the most!

Jared Rivers and Clint Bartram - both looked super impressive in their movements. Both were able to twist and turn very easily, both went at 100% and even when the were involved in a 4 on 4 handball match they were hard at it with the physical aspect. Rivers kicked on both feet and Bartram got a lot of penetration with some of his kicks in a long kick drill. As to when they return I'm unsure but from yesterdays observation I would think its very close. I hope so, all!

Andy Lovell was running the session and good to see him back at the club.

I hope you enjoy the report but I have been starved all summer and was happy to see some of the boys even if it was by chance.

Thanks for that report. Makes me feel a little easier about our list going into the first few rounds of the season.

Thanks D77!

Rivers and Bartram- Both looked super impressive in their movements. Both were able to twist and turn very easily, both went at 100% and even when the were involved in a 4 on 4 handball match they were hard at it with the physical aspect. Rivers kicked on both feet and Bartram got a lot of penetration with some of his kicks in a long kick drill. As to when they return i'm unsure but from yesterdays observation i would think its very close. I hope so, all!

That's what i was hoping to hear b4 the season started.

cheers for that.

Whelan - Valenti. There's some light there.

No ! I won't have it.

It's all very worrying that our best players aren't out there in these important pre-season matches, and I'm very worried that we're in for a terrible year !

That's great D77. The best news I've heard for ages. Many thanks for the post!!

Good news regarding rivers, bartram, and brock

hopefully these guys get a hit out under there belts prior to round 1 and are 100% come round 1

That's more than half our best 22 right there. Whelan has a calf/achilles injury.

No ! I won't have it.

It's all very worrying that our best players aren't out there in these important pre-season matches, and I'm very worried that we're in for a terrible year !

Thanks for the report 77. Very worrying signs for Whelan, but great news about the other guys.

OH YEAH BARTRAM to quote someone else on demonland (yze magic?) "i just creamed"

No ! I won't have it.

It's all very worrying that our best players aren't out there in these important pre-season matches, and I'm very worried that we're in for a terrible year !

It's because of our culture of accepting losses, H. Truly it is a sign that we are pathetic. Someone should burn something down.

I was passing by the Junction oval yesterday morning and noticed some of the boys running around. Training consisted of about 18 players and it's safe to say that none of them would be participating in tonight's scratch match.

Well done. Seeing that all training this week was supposed to be a closed session I wonder if anyone tried to throw you out of the ground?