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Part 2: Teams (initial): White: Bail, Byrnes, Cross, Fitzpatrick, Frawley, Gawn, Georgiou, Grimes, Harmes, N Jones, JKH, King, Nicholson, Pedersen, Salem, Terlich, Toumpas, Tyson, Vince. Blue: Barry, Blease, Clisby, Dunn, Evans, Hogan, Howe, Jamar, Jetta, M Jones, Kent, McDonald, McKenzie, Michie, Spencer, Strauss, Trengove, Westrupp. Missing: Clark, Dawes, Garland, Hunt, Riley, Tapscott, Trengove, Viney, Watts (Viney + Dawes + Riley on sideline) A fair match. Teams look fairly even but I'd back white. First Quarter: Dawes is off for now. 19 v 18 now. Matt Jones with the clearance for blue. Georgiou holds his own against Hogan one on one. Beautiful kick from Salem to Fitzpatrick. Fitz does not make the distance from your classic James Brayshaw BU-NA-NA. Short 25m kicks the order so far for Blue. It's the same deal for White but with switch play. Georgiou beats Hogan again! He's looking alright so far. Salem has hit two targets inside 50 from two kicks. Toumpas lining up. Goal. White 1.0 (6) Blue 0.0 (0) Back in the middle. Viv doing the work winning the hard ball and gets a couple of touches. Again, a chain of 25m kicks hitting the target. Hogan on the lead, now on Frawley. Two White blokes on their own through the middle. Why? Forward pressure from White excellent. Pedersen mark + shot for goal. Goal. White 2.0 (12) Blue 0.0 (0) White off to a flyer. Salem with three touches and two score involvements so far, good form. Playing on a flank. Kent crunches Tyson in a tackle. Free kick and hits Toumpas. Toump has two goals. White 3.0 (18) Blue 0.0 (0) Toumpas continuing his pre season form up forward. Blue clearance thanks to a McKenzie free. White repelling every Blue attack thus far. Salem gets a fifth touch. He's mauling it and has hit four targets inside 50. Toumpas with a free kick close to goal. Three goals. White 4.0 (24) Blue 0.0 (0) Cross, Salem and Toumpas are killing it so far. Matt Jones with a second clearance. Free to Hogan! Blue set to hit the scoreboard. One behind. White 4.0 (24) Blue 0.1 (1) Very quick kick in transition but Roh Bail kicks a point. White 4.1 (25) Blue 0.1 (1) Blue's kick in is slower and more methodical. White are just working harder. Not giving them room. Jay Kennedy-Harris applying extreme pressure but it doesn't pay off. Hogan with Blue's first goal at quarter time. White 4.1 (25) Blue 1.1 (7) Goals: White - Toumpas 3, Pedersen Blue - Hogan Story so far is that Cross, Salem and Toump have been excellent. Salem and Cross with about 10 touches between them. Toump with three goals as mentioned above. Two fighter jets fly over very randomly. Second Quarter: Blue in a bit of a pickle here. Three goals down to start the second. Not working anywhere near as hard as White are and can't get it through the midfield. Sounds somewhat familiar. White clearance. JKH with his first touch. Max King with a couple of touches and hits N Jones inside 50. One behind. White 4.2 (26) Blue 1.1 (7) Dunn with a torp down the middle! Didn't work though as Grimes intercepts. Salem with another touch and another inside 50. More fighter jets flying over. Blue with a forward 50 entry. Viv not keen on hitting a forward 50 target due to White's pressure man on man. In the end it's a White free for on the full. Bernie Vince getting a few touches. JKH breaks M Jones' ankles, turning him inside out! Wow. One behind to Blue. Blease clobbers behind post but is okay. White 4.2 (26) Blue 1.2 (8) JKH intercepts inside 50 but does not score. Spencer up the other end goes for a run (!) then hits Howe. Howe goals. Game on. White 4.2 (26) Blue 2.2 (14) Clearance to Harmes who is now with Blue. Howe grabs a clearance from throw in but misses the lot. Viv has a shot, on the full. Salem and Toumpas playing more on ball now. Blue certainly fighting back however. Now White with a slower build up. None of the quick movement in the opening stanza. Harmes with another clearance. Looking alright so far. Spencer clunking a mark. He's looking good. I want to see a big season from him - we need to, the ruck looks rather weak at the moment for us. Forward pressure from Blue is far better this quarter. Role reversal from the first quarter. Salem and Toumpas combine again and N Jones gets another shot at goal. Misses. White 4.3 (27) Blue 2.2 (14) Kick in slow from Blue. Viv turns the wick on a bit but doesn't hit Kent down the line. Salem to JKH but JKH misses on the run. End of the quarter. White 4.4 (28) Blue 2.2 (14) Goals: White - Toumpas 3, Pedersen Blue - Hogan, Howe It's good to see Salem playing extremely well. He's had about nine touches. For a draftee I'm super impressed. Wondered why he averaged 145 in SuperCoach last year in the TAC Cup? Kid is a ball magnet. But I don't see him straight into the side yet. Let him ease in to it at Casey, Roosy. Viv had a lot of the ball too that quarter. Recruits standing up! Third Quarter: Although goalless that quarter White still looking the goods. Held out Blue's intense pressure that quarter and conceded only one goal. Back under way. Toumpas playing in the guts now, as is JKH. Salem still forward. Strauss hits Hogan lace out on the lead. Georgiou looks comfortable in the one on ones. Viv has been Blue's best player I reckon. Has had about 10-11 touches. Hogan laying a big tackle now inside 50. JKH taking everyone and the game on again. Liking it a lot. He's got into it as the game has gone on. Pedo out of the pack, snaps, goal. His second. White 5.4 (34) Blue 2.2 (14) Crossy with his bread and butter from the bounce, at the bottom of the pack, gets it to Trengove who gets the clearance. Toump lining up for number four! He gets it! He has been excellent!!! White 6.4 (40) Blue 2.2 (14) N Jones with the clearance. Blue gets it but Kent misses a gettable one. White 6.4 (40) Blue 2.3 (15) White's kick in very quick as I'm typing and Howe gets in on the act kicking a goal for both sides now. Classic coast to coast footy. White 7.4 (46) Blue 2.3 (15) N Jones again with the clearance. Quick transition to Howe, Howe kicks two in two minutes. White 8.4 (52) Blue 2.3 (15) White are just working far harder than Blue. Though it helps to have Jones, Cross and Tyson. Trenners with another clearance but Dunn intercepts. Spencer just far too big for King in the ruck. Again White clear and Salem gets another couple of touches, as does Jones. Some switch play and White are away. Pedo takes a mark inside 50 and lines up. Or so I thought. Goes to Howe in the goalsquare, he kicks another. That's four in total, three this quarter. White 9.4 (58) Blue 2.3 (15) M Jones with the clearance. Kent moving well and has had a few touches. Blue can't penetrate inside 50, White very good defensively. Blue do get an inside 50 entry and Hogan lines up after the whistle to end the quarter. Consolation goal. White 9.4 (58) Blue 3.3 (21) So there it is, White dominating. It's easy to look at the side and say they were too good, reality is White were far better than Blue who had lost a couple beforehand and simply didn't work hard enough apart from Michie, Spencer, Kent, McKenzie and probably M Jones too, while for White it was a good effort. Salem, Cross, Howe (in the last quarter) and Toumpas were impressive. N Jones put in a typical game. What I do want to see is Melbourne (whoever is in the 22) put in as much effort as the White team did today.

Warm up drills: viney looks free, comfortable, and sharp Tappy doing rehab on his own The skills in some longer drills look very clean, not many kicks missing targets Dunne does a lot of talking, really leads the way in this Before the game they were doing the drill where players have to sprint all the way from fb just at the chance they might get a touch up the ground and it finishes with a goal and all 5 players pushing through ff. reinforcing a message before play I hope Kent is a great finisher on the run, would love to see him string some games together Grimey getting a fair bit of work on his lower back Viv has a huge frame and quality skills, A lot of the clearance drills end up with Vince having the final kick into fwd line No watts Jake spencers tap work has improved a lot, feeding the boys cleanly With jones and grimes on the same team, trenners addresses the other team pre game before leaving and not playing Dawes pulls out after drills Salems first kick hits Fitzy laces out, second kick hits toumpass out of the square laces out Boys clearly looking to go back and across out the other side every time they win the ball across half back Toump will be a high fwd when not on ball Viv looks super clean in congestion, very creative Very short out of back half, then long into the fifty Nicho 2 x turnovers kicking into fwd 50 Salems vision = wow Tom mc trying to run off pedo, pedo gets 2 inside 50 marks because tmac loses him in transition Toump 3 early goals in a row up fwd, dangerous Hogans work off the ball up fwd is massive, then misses easy set shot Heavy focus on working together and blocking while leading for kicks coming out of def 50 King beating jamar in taps multiple times, then outruns the lazy jamar into fwd 50 and goals Blease getting touches all over ground and good work rate JKH worked hard but could not find the ball, working to all the wrong places King great lead and mark at half fwd, then 50m pass hits jones Cross is brilliant, sometimes leads without calling to disguise it Vince getting a lot of it and creating every time Switch to Spencer at half back, takes his man on, has a bounce and hits Howe out of ff on the [censored] Nicho turnover switching across half back Nothing noticeable from Tyson other than a dropped sitter in def 50 Toump amazing kick in traffic opens up JKH running in and misses from 30m in front Ro bail very good, clean and creative in clearances Pedo has been good around half fwd, strong goal out of the ruck from a boundary throw Toump kicks his 4th while resting fwd from a lead mark Jetta hurt his shoulder, nicho did his ankle Finally, JKH gets it on fwd flank, steps in board around one and goals from 50, that's all i needed Bail lovely delivery to lead of Howe who marks and goals Tyson working into game, bout 8 touches in 5 min Spencer rag dolling king in taps but doing it well Impressive, Roos stops a centre bounce to educate blue team (spencer, michie, mckenzie, Salem) who then have a clean clearance as if the opposition werent there Ball has hardly gone up hogans end but when it has he's taken 3 marks in fifty, slotted one after the siren and got a big applause from the crowd here Impressive: king, spencer, bail, Vince, chip, toump, Salem Expected/hoped more: grimes, JKH, Went no good: nicho, Byrnes,

Come on Dees, we got this!

Alright, I've seperated my report into two. Part two is quite the long one, live scoring and everything. Part 1: TGIF! Once again I'm spending this glorious time of the week at Gosch's to cover training again. Some general randomness as I always seem to include: Spent the time on the way playing Flappy Bird. Frustration levels on my Facebook feed has ranged from 186 to Mark Neeld's gameplan. It is far off the mark, I find it an enjoyable game. Okay so I get there and there's this huge cage that Fox FM are involved in. I don't know what it is, nor do I care. So I park myself on the outer wing nearest to Punt Road, for reasons of a) I want shade on this warm day, and b) prime viewing for match simulation. Byrnes, Nicholson and McDonald are first on the track, walking around. Others are gradually joining in. A bit of a crowd are gathering here at Gosch's. It looks like Clark, Riley, Garland (who's on the track, great to see) and Tapscott are the only ones not training/playing today. Jack Watts is NOT here, reasoning, crook. The crowd here is VERY decent. Boys have started off doing stretches, runthroughs and the like. Overheard from Gawn: 'Col (Garland) can you tell Dunny how good I am at intraclubs?' Expecting best on from Gawny now. Kent + JKH + Salem not doing stretches, runthroughs. Not entirely sure why. Judging by the fact that they are wearing training jumpers they should play in the intraclub. Let's hope so - three quality young players. It was a nice touch to see Salem talking to some of his family who are very supportive of him. Rehab: Tappy running laps, Clark jogging, Garland on the other track. Riley joins in with runthroughs. Great to see him progressing very well. Short kicks around the ground now. Drills to start with. Small group doing leads/contests inside 50, majority dojng contact work. Handball work on the wing. Moving on to kicks now. The boys aren't too vocal yet but wait till they play. This crowd at Gosch's is probably the biggest I have seen, probably even beating the time all the Demon Army came out to support the boys after Essendon whacked us last year. Next drill: short kick/handball/kick through the middle/goal. Clisby starts the drill then heads off to the group with JKH/Salem/Kent. Group moving through with ease through the middle. Couple of kicks missing the target however. One from Pedersen is an absolute shank which goed no higher than two metres in the air, then nutmegs Frawley with an awkward bounce. Better now than March, I guess. Dom Tyson is using the ball very well. He's been in some good form on the track and I'd love to see it in the intraclub today. Boys urged to lift their voice which is pretty disappointing at this level. Variation of this drill now. Good to see Dawes continuing to move with a lot of freedom. And he looks confident too. Taking marks overhead which has been a bit of a knock on him in years past. Gotta feel sorry for Max King doing ruck drills in front of me. In a Spencer/Jamar sandwich. Bloke is being treated like a battering ram. Voice is still more meek than previous sessions. It should be much louder. Boys called in. New drill I've seen, can't explain it too well... looks like stoppage then a kick inside 50. Imposing sight seeing Dawes and Hogan together in the goalsquare... even at training. At the other end there's a bit of stoppage work going on. Guy drives past shouting out 'YOU'RE [censored] MELBOURNE!' What a hero you are mate. Hogan moving with more freedom too. Looking alright to play next week I reckon. Boys called in again. Intraclub time...

And don't wear Lycra.

Couple of notes: Dawes and Viney didn't play in the match, but trained. Riley ran laps. Not a fantastic match by any stretch - not encouraging at all the week before NAB Challenge. There was little to no corridor play, though of course it wasn't a full sized ground they were on. I liked Vince's dash, he seems pretty impressive. Georgiou did a good job on Hogan when he was on him, Chip dominated his forward. Pedersen worked hard in defence... Clisby played forward for the first half, perhaps because of the lack of targets. Strauss was really poor, kicked it on the full to noone from 50 which had everyone groaning. Michie didn't get enough of the ball for me, maybe got it 2 or 3 times and wasn't particularly impressive. Same deal with Evans. Kennedy-Harris was amazingly smooth, but seemed reluctant to have a crack at the poles the whole game and session as a whole. Tyson looks a bit...bored. Barely sighted in the match. Funny moment - Georgiou wrestled Hogan to the ground in the 50. Clear free kick, but Nicho and Gawn were really having a crack at the 'golden boy'. Liked Fitzy's movement, sticky hands. Nicho and McDonald still can't kick. TMac was very good in defence though. Loving the look of Christian Salem and Jimmy Toumpas. Real smooth movers, expect big things from both when they get some more strength through the core. Jones worked very hard, came through the forward line a bit from midfield. Max King held his own in the ruck drill, Spencer and Gawn did alright. Jamar looks shorter every year. Most disappointing thing for me was this, and it doesn't bode at all well for us. The decision making under pressure was shocking. Really bad. When there was pressure, anyway. At one point, Jetta had a kick in the defensive half and took about 30 seconds to get rid of it. Not one player pressured him, and every player that called for the ball was ignored before he kicked it to a contest. There's a reason Roosy "tempered expectations", boys. The lads are very fit, and some of the skills are better, but they look like the same old side in contested situations.

Guys (and sue) I was thinking at late notice those attending tomorrows training could pick 3 or 4 players to focus there eyes on in the intraclub and post observations. That way we get a view of a lot of the list. I'll nominate myself to Strauss, Michie and Hunt. If others can do the same for other players then that would be great.

Went down today to have a look, training drills were good and skills were at a good level but as soon as we got into match simulation and there was some pressure applied they turned to pretty poor unfortunately. Did notice a lot of switching the play out of defence but if our skills were at today's level we will find ourselves under extreme pressure. I'm not going to reiterate everything said by fellow posters: A few notes I took from the game were: * TMac, Nicho and Grimes very poor disposal out of defence * Michie and cross were good in close * Frawley looked very very good in defence * Tyson was good, problem was he wore Trengove's number 9 after 1/4 time as Trenners only played a quarter * Hogan presented well even though it was not entirely going his way * Toumpas and Salem best on in first half * JKH impressed me most out of anyone today, exactly what where crying out for All in all today was not all that impressive however, we all know it's going to take time under Roosy. There were some very good signs from individuals but as a collective we have a lot of improvement to go!!!

Just one quick one while it's still going, but I hate knowing people are there and wait till they get home. Skills training was good when I got there around 9.45. Full ground drill had very few errors, Nicholson and Toumpas really only ones to kick it short. More on that later. In the intraclub, white team has blues number considerably. Toumpas kicked 3,albeit on Westrupp. Vince, Salem, Cross and Jimmy been really good for them. For Blue, ball has looked alot like Dees last year. Stuck on HBF line. Strauss using it brilliantly only time it's getting out. Michie lots of it, but few turnovers. Hogan looked good, just not much of it. Skills dropped considerably in match play, which has been disappointing. However, trying to play to new style probably contributes. Lastly, the style may not be pretty but Cross' ball skills are perfect. Doesn't go far but he's accurate by foot.

First time I have been to training this pre-season, here are some thoughts on the less well known players: Hogan will play Rd 1 and be that pysical presence we have needed since Neitz. This is unquestionably a classic example of the combined unit of Hogan, Dawes and Clarke being greater than the sum of the parts. Salem physically not as small as I thought. I expected something like the 2013 version of Toumpas but has a bit more weight and fitness than Jimmy had at the same time last year. Obviously needed more pre-seasons but you can see that he has class. Will debut second half of season. Toumpas kick something like 4 goals but with due respect was on Westrup. But he is ready this season to play AFL. Has undoubted class and will be a handy fwd/mid. Viney only ran laps but will be there Rd 1. He doesnt need match practice anyway, its all instinct. Tyson may only be 20yrs old but looks and acts like seasoned pro. Didnt do a lot but pros dont in scratch matches. Definite starter Rd. 1. Again has class. Clisby Same as last season, good value. Kent I was thinking he was going to be very under done but has speed, hardness and a footy brain, he is at least one of the small fwds this year. Blease did what Blease does. Cross Gee Im glad hes playing for us, we need mature heads in such a young side, very fit, very seasoned mid. Michie Strong, but not fast, I want to believe he has that great footy brain, but didnt see it today. Sure he has a mature frame, but if him and Tapscott were horses in the mounting yard, Tappy looks like a throughbred, Michie looks by comparison like he might win at Cranbourne. Vince Yes, quality on-baller, sure wont give the thrills that Sylvia could deliver sporadically, but much better value. Will clock up possession, knows how to play and is obviously a good character to have around the place. JKH Got real skill, pretty quick but only lightly built and that means you have to be exceptional to play AFL. I wish him the best has more upside than say, Magner, Couch or at this stage Barry. Hunt was not there. Riley ran laps with Viney, again mature body but needs a lot more miles in the legs. But kicked and ran freely, could debut later in the year. Evans body right, not without a footy brain could fill a mid role. Barry not there yet, it is easy to get seduced by his free running style, but doesnt get the ball, doesnt create. Gawn third in line behind Jamar and Pencil. Spencer Big, real big and very fit. Awkward style masks an acceptable level of skill. Matt Jones I thought he might struggle to get a game this year, but he is fit, can get the ball and knows how to use it. Fitzpatrick we know how quick he is and I really think in a forward line where he may be the third tall he coul be good value. Georgiou Clearly see why we got him, he would do a competent job as a third tall in defence. But is obviously behind Chip, MacDonald, Garland and Dunne. Harmes Just ok, looks competent. King very good. He clearly needs to mature physically, but he is just not tall, he has skill and can play the game. Game style: It seems to me its essentially the Hawthorn model. Keep possession until the centre then attack. Great in theory, but you need good kicking skills, a team well drilled enough to create those little pockets of space coming out of the back line and patience and nerve to hold on to the footy. It should work, but inevitably the really good sides will pressure so much that it may well fall apart on occasions.

another thing cam Pederson needs a different nickname/callsign. At the moment everyone yells out Pedo Pedo, not real comfortable with that, some might argue that because of some past indiscretions I am a little sensitive however I believe Cam Cam would be much better, I am being serious, also did anyone notice the lack of handball, we seem to be more intent to switch and setup, the yarra looked wonderful today

This is actually a pic of roos from his first session at the dees when he saw us try and defend as a unit

Midfield of the whites, we're excellent, but even more impressive defending. The blues were simply unable to break through their press. Cross was perfect in his application of filling the hole, whilst Vince and Jones are so footy smart. Somewhat exciting when you think you're adding a fit Trengove (who during skills for me did look quicker today, not so much sprinting, but first 5 steps quicker), a developing Toumpas, a bull in Viney and whoever else raises their hand. Saw a few people comment on Matt Jones today saying what a good game he had for the Blues. I saw him very actively involved, and for him and Michie I felt like they would have looked alot better on the other team, with players moving for them, but I didn't see in MJ what others did. He is a fantastic accumulator, he gets to the right spots but his disposal by foot is so clumsy. They're not disastrous clangers, but its always a kick 1 meter behind or in front and a handball that bounces before it gets to them. Love his endeavour, but I'm not sure he's best 22. Blease was another who I have no opinion on up until today. He's always frustrated with his selfish one way football and poor tank, but today he was decent. He seemed to run hard, he gave many options and at times he was working hard to defend. It was encouraging. However, in the first period he made a classic Blease error where he ran hard to get a mark, had no options, rushed and kicked the ball straight out on the full from a completely uncontested situation. It was there when I realised he will surprise me if he is a mainstay in our team. Not sure if many paid attention given the game that was going on, but Viney was flat out embarrassing Riley in the running around the oval. He literally has only one attitude to football, and it's just to destroy whoever he's competing with. He was enjoying Riley's struggles. On that note, don't be expecting Riley for a while. His leg must be quite sore because his running fitness was not up to standard for a midfielder in today's limited rotations football. He's got 8 weeks to work on it never the less. Hogan worked hard today and was looking incredibly frustrated by the delivery or lack there of. When Strauss hit him with one of the lead outside 50, he almost let out an enormous ****! in relief. Salem I had no expectations for before, and he blew me away. His composure was fantastic given so little training, and his left foot is gorgeous. For the person above who asked about Dom Barry, he was disappointing in the game, but his skills in the training before hand were great. I was quite impressed. Evans also trained very well, and they seem to have him in the midfield group not half forward last year, but was also a little bit off in the match simulation. I personally prefer Strauss to Clisby and Terlich, someone earlier wrote that he butchered one which he did, but his footwork around the ground is unrivalled at our club. I say with absolute certainty he is the best kick at our club, both in execution and in technique. Flawless. In other battles today JKH is clearly our best FP. Shannon Byrnes offered absolutely nothing today and I was very disappointed. 43.. Who I believe is Harmes but could be Hunt was decent in defence. King looks raw but is sadly probably our most 'skilled' big man. Great kick on him. I'd say Jamar is our first ruck, with Spencer his back up at this point. Gawn blew up 2nd quarter. Anyone has any particular players they'd like to know about, happy to answer!

Had the morning off so went today. Been a while since I've gone to training. Was hot and windy, but not too bad in the shade. Gosch's Paddock turf is in immaculate condition. Very good supporter turn out, maybe a couple of hundred around the ground. Good to see Don McLardy there shaking lots of hands and smiling. I stood near the MFC tent and van where the assistants and players stood at the boundary. Rehab/lighter duties group: Tappy, Riley, Viney, Dawes, Clark. Garland there but not doing anything. Riley is big across the arms and shoulders, and is focussing on building his tank. He struggled in the heat, Tappy and Viney showed little discomfort in comparison. Tappy simply is a tank. Dawes ran lots of laps, did the warm up drills before the prac match. Didn't see Clark do much, but I only got there just before the match. Clark is big in the upper body, but has chicken legs, of sorts. Absent: Watts and Hunt both have gastro apparently and were told to stay at home. Possible injuries today: Nico rolled left ankle at the bottom of a tackle. Got iced up on outside of ankle. Jetta was dumped in a tackle and appeared to come off with a sore right shoulder, wasn't iced. I did notice JKH get dumped in a tackle (by Spencer IIRC) and come up gingerly holding his right shoulder. Kept playing on though. Heard a trainer say he had a 'stinger', whatever that is. Sounds like a rum cocktail he might have had in his drink bottle. I'm going to pick 3 players to comment on, as suggested earlier in the thread. I like that idea. Hogan... A beast, pure and simple. Still got a bit of work to do on body definition to further increase strength (especially in comparison to Dawes, for example, who is a big, well defined unit), but for a teenager, he's unbelievable. Leaps and marks well, sometimes two grabs when should have maybe been one. Runs and presents VERY well. Wants the footy, all over it when in his area. Ferocious attack on the contest. Not convinced about his set shot kicking action. Has the stutter run up and drops the ball down with the ball on an angle pointing to his right, then swings his leg around in the kicking action. Doesn't look simple or fluid. Missed several set shots that weren't difficult. Having said that, at the very end of the match he took a mark on the lead near the boundary about 40m out. Roos (umpire) blew the whistle for 'full time' and as Hoges was walking back to take his shot, Roos yelled out several times "you're one point down, need a goal to win!" The players gathered around, so he was under a bit of pressure... slotted it right through the middle, to the crowd's delight. End justifies the means, I guess. Nico... Honest trier, foot soldier, hard runner. Can get a bit of the ball, and generally knows where to go to, but his disposal is horrid most of the time. By hand or foot. I saw at least two turn over handballs and two significant turnover kicks. Opposition teams are going to love him having the ball in the back 50 because they know a turn over is likely. I hope his turned ankle is not serious. JKH..... He's a little gem. Busy around the packs, loves to take the ball and run, has a great side step/side movement which wrong foots the opponent nearly every time. Hard running, regularly saw opponents try and block him or bump as he was running fwd to make the play. He's going to have to get used to more of that. Good disposal by hand and foot. Needs to get his short kicks going flat and hard (like Jones, Toumpas and Tyson), rather than chipping the kick upward. Loves to be in the action, but can go missing at times, but he is only young. Very good acquisition so far, will be interested to see how he develops. Other notables: Spencer is a huge monster. Hungry and demanding more of the ball around the ground. Leading hard and even took on a 50 m run into the fwd 50, bounced the ball on the run (didn't look pretty) and kicked on the run to the marking forward in front of goals. Toumpas continuing to improve, kicked a number of creative goals in 1st half. Dom Tyson oozes poise and class. Great pick up. Viv Michie is a big boy. Gets the ball, uses it well. Strauss did very well today. Should kick it more and handball less. King has a very long way to go, as does Westrupp. That's ok, they require time to develop. Cross will prove to be a handy mid this year. His experience was telling today. Chip was his usual effective Chip. Hope he stays. Happy to answer qstns. Was chatting to other spectators a bit so may not have noticed other things.

Three more things: I love Clisby as a player and have him ahead of Terlich. I haven't had Matt Jones in my side, but may have to re-think. He looked quick and more assured. I give him a hard time, but I thought McKenzie was very good.

Here's a transcript of texts I sent to same mates who couldn't make it. -Blues vs whites warming up. -Blues - hogan, Dawes, Viney, Strauss, McDonald, Dunn, Westrupp, Blease , Jetta, Barry, trenners, spencer, Mckenzie, Howe, jamar, Evans, Michie, Clisby Matt jones, kent Whites - Toumpas, Gawn, cross, Jonesy, grimes, georgiou, JKH, max king, Salem, Vince, Byrnes, pedersen, nicho, Tyson, chip, bail, terlich, Jack watts nowhere to be seen Tappy and Riley in rehab group Heaps of voice in warm up. Boys are pumped!!! Don mcclardy in the coaches and officials roped off area deep in convo with Todd Viney Fitzy also in the whites team Hot down here already, breezy conditions Clint Stanaway here for a look Spoke to one of the assistants watts not injured, but not here as he is feeling ill Ill hey?? Mmm, the bloke was a bit cagey when he answered. About to start here Spencer full fwd chip on him, Georgiou on hogan, Terlich on Howe Salem lace out to fitzy Salem picks up a half volley helicopter at full pace wheels onto the left and lasers it 40m to Toumpas who catches it at full stretch a foot off the ground. Slots it from 35 straight in front. First goal to the whites Hogan marks out on the lead in front of chip More good play from Salem and Toumpad results in set shot for Pedo Dobs it from 50m, 45 degree angle Toumpas goals from 50m after marking on the lead. Has a Josh Kennedy stutter on his run up but two beautiful kicks so far Salem another fwd entry to fitzy for a mark who Kicks to Toumpas free kick for in the back. Kicks his 3rd Iffy Free kick to hogan. Pedo fuming. Sprays it from 35 for a point Blease loads of running and a number of touched early Goal to hogan from open play from 10m out. Just before the interval Restart. Goal to Howe. Tyson and Michie getting lots of it Viney running laps, but is fully kitted up? Matt jones getting heaps of it too. 3 clearances in a row Hogan off this quarter Blease very impressive here Trenners not playing, not sure why?? Did the warm up Tyson is wearing no 9 after warming up in 12 Toumpas breaks through the middle and hits Nath jones 45 out, he misses his second set shot of the q and berates himself with a high pitched scream Toumpas again through the middle. Great vision hitting it diagonally 40m to JKH Who marks and runs into open goal from 25 out 2 out of 3 20m periods done. Best so far in order. Whites: Toumpas, Tyson, Salem, N jones Blues: Matt jones and Blease equally good for different reasons. Jones / clearances. Blease work rate and winning outside ball Very hot here. Boys are battling a bit Viney stretching out on a guy busting 300m, almost collapses as he finishes Garland appears to be doing some coaching with Pedo at the break 3rd period about to start. Whites back kicking with the wind again. Hogan back on for Blues. Georgiou goes to him again Blease half back lining up on Vince Michie first hands but Toumpas wraps him up with a great tackle Hogan strong mark 55 out Hogan and Jonesy brief wrestle. Stalemate Michie great at clearances Hogan great tackle in Grimesy Lovely work in half back by JKH Nice snap out of a pack for a goal by Pedo Toumpas marks from grimes and kicks his 4th Howe and grimes swap teams Blease handball to kent who misses from 10m Hogan marks and goals from 40 out on the boundary Roos has stopped play twice in last 5 mins, getting frustrated at the boys for not moving it quick enough Game over

Was happy with Michie, thought he was one of the best - got a bit of his own ball, and we could do with that. Thought that Strauss was OK, and in the mix for Rd 1. Not much comment here on Jordie, but he was in everything, and would expect Roos to like the way he goes about things.

Can't think of a Top 6 team that doesn't do short chips across defence to switch and then kick long to uncontested player on the run, rather than Neeld's kick long out of defence to a contest on the boundary line and then hope and pray that you are able to knock it over the line for a throw in that you are more likely than not to lose.

No......You are either in or out....no matter the state of things......whether we win or lose....are good or bad......Sorry you just can't pick and choose when you become a member on how you think the side will go from year to year.....

Finally we have a CEO who knows how to be one. PJ was far more important for the club rather than another priority pick.

Is it reasonable? Well that is always going to be from a persons perspective. For me, no. I roll my membership over every year, I want to be able to support my team every year through all this crapola and hopefully through the good years. For me to have my club stay as it started ie no merger, no relocation etc I need to be a part of ensuring this happens. If not, and a merger etc happened and I wasn't a member then it would be partially my fault that this occurred. So I pay my membership every year. But I also know that is me and not what every one else believes.

Not a big article, but everything PJ says is important and he doesn't waste words. "To be honest if you go back over for the last 15 years and probably in reality the last 50 years ... culture and list management is what has won premierships," Jackson said. Also, I've been really impressed with a lot of what Kochie has to say too: Port Adelaide President David Koch later told SEN that AFL equalisation measures should be labelled "compensation" because 'smaller' clubs do not receive the benefits of marquee games and Friday night telecasts. Forget about Chip, let's get a war chest happening to keep Jackson around. It takes more than money

It's funny reading how different people who were all at the same game have vastly contrasting reports of the same players. I remember once going to a dees vs dogs game and thinking Scott west had a very quiet game , then saw in the paper the next day he had 42 possessions! For what it's worth I thought Tyson just oozed class today, what stood out was his ability to get the ball under pressure and then with a few quick steps get himself out of traffic and into a non pressure situation

No surprise Salem dominated, best spent pick in the past decade for MFC. There are no flaws in his game, he is inside by instinct - outside by skill and class. Tough, tenacious yet pure silk. His game is tighter than Kelly's, his inside is far better than Freemans, his outside game has far more polish than Freeman's. Player of the future, no doubt. Good to see Toumpas get a kick to.

That half volley pick up on the lead, turn and pinpoint kick to the leading fwd was great to watch. Salem is a clean, one touch player with beautiful foot skills. Would think he need not be rushed, though. 10 yr player.

I hope the white jumpers from today are our clash strip, looked good

Pederson needs a different nickname/callsign Perhaps...Priest? Father?

For those who couldn't make it, does anyone know what channel the replay's on tonight?

Absolutely agree that our midfield will improve this year, I thought Tyson, cross and Michie were good today.You have got to remember an intra club is what it is and your splitting your team up once we have our best team on the field we will be quite competitive, + we had some handy players on the sidelines and also spoke to Dan McPherson who said a few were still on modified programs. with all that said I don't think we will improve and rapidly move up the ladder like port did last year. Which I'm not expecting Patience is definitely needed but it will start to turn, as I believe there is a core group of players with something to work with here

My quick report There is a gastro bug going through the Club.......Watts and Hunt missing today, Trengove had to leave, didn't play in the game, Jetta suffering so pulled out hallf way through....asked Nev, said quite a few had had it Best for me today....Toumpas, Cross, Vince, Jones x 2, Pedersen, Strauss, Grimes (in 38) Tyson (he played in nr 9 most of the game) Frawley, Michie Good to see Don McLardy at training, got a warm reception from all Other observations, JKH found out what is was like to play against men today, Westrupp has improved out of sight, took an excellend mark in defence, Harmes is very raw but didn't look out of place On my other two reports, Bail was solid without standing out, same with Byrnes Spoke to James Strauss, he is finally injury free, feeling really good, up close he is really solid, he was walking with Howie who pumped up his tyres, said it was nice leading onto 'missiles' Spoke to Bernie Vince, not about cricket, said he had enjoyed blowing the cobwebs away, enjoying the role Roos' wants him to play Spoke to Jordie McKenzie, yes he was told to work on his kicking, needs to be more versatlie, looking forward to the battle for midfield places

I was there for the first half TT5 and I pretty much agree with you. I will say however that the mid field will be better than the last two years. Now I know that is not saying much but I think we have improved in that area. That should mean more forward entrees and hopefully more scoring. I think we have to remember this is I think only the second real Game under Roos. Patience is in order for 2014

Just on Pedo, there is no doubt he has some good tricks which we all saw on the North Melb highlights vid (think its on youtube) and some cameo's last season where he took some solid grabs and had a great run & goal vs GWS. He just seems to be a massive confidence player. The difference between his best and worst is amazing. I have little faith in him ever being anything more than a depth player but hoping Roos may get a lot more out of him.

The short chips are required, it's the skills to execute them that are the concern.

tell them you're offering free dental care

Just left what was as expected a scrappy affair. Those that don't like short chips across defence to transition should not watch this year. Best 5 for me were Toumpas (which included 4 goals), Jones x 2, Vince and Frawley. No obvious injuries to anyone which is the most important element.

Forgot to mention Strauss thought he was excellent.

In today's article a full page spread by Robinson in the hun about the palaver. Like Leach focusing on the length of time this is taking and the lack of answers (including a final swipe at the AFL - specifically the CEO and commission chairman - about the so called secret deal with Wylie). I just don't get how anyone, let alone a journalist would seriously have thought this would not take a really long time, given the complexity of the issue, the resources at ASADA's disposal and the precedent of any number of other investigations into performance enhancing drugs - both here and overseas. Where ASADA have been a bit stupid i reckon is not making this clear. By the by i can't believe the hun made Robbo head footy writer. Perhaps he's a good bloke but he is simpy a woeful writer and to think he is the heir to Sheehan is an insult to Mike

The way Dawes was charging about I reckon he and Fitzy will play pre season

I find it intriguing that people can be so passionate enough about the team to waste time on this site...yet they won't put their money where their mouth is and help support the club financially.

The main thing in the preseason games is NOT TO GET INJURED!

Hit that 6-12 month age when they don't sleep much, especially on hot nights, and you jump at anything that moves??? The missus is on edge, you can't put a foot right and you're wondering why parenthood is so easy for everyone else?........ Oh, hang on, that's just me....... Did I say that out loud?......

Better familiarise yourself with the location of the public toilets beforehand Tasman, just in case you get the nervous runs. And keep hydrated!

Heard the Koch interview and his use of the word compensation is spot on. After the initial response to the guy from a lot in the media and football in general (must admit to wondering what he was doing as President of a club) he's proving to be a big asset for the AFL.

I mentioned this on last Monday's training thread. "Interesting, just turned on replay of last years Qualifying Final between Sydney and Hawks. Pre Game interview with John Longmire with him saying to win they have to do what they try to do every week which is play hard contested two way football." I suspect the short version of Roos playing mantra will be the same thing. I remember hearing him say somewhere that footy is now all about running up and down the ground. So no surprise they have been doing plenty of exercises doing that all pre season. We are all also lucky that he is inheriting a team that is just about to complete it's third pre season under Misson and by Misson's calculations was always going to take until this season to be physically competitive. Flash told me at the B&F after Bailey was sacked that he was trying to get them to execute a game plan they couldn't execute. I assumed that to be outrunning the opposition on the transitions out of defence and into attack. Well, no more excuses. I am really encouraged to hear people saying the skill level has picked up because nothing has frustrated me more the last couple of years than watching the team getting killed by turn overs.

Francis Leach adds his views on the situation as ASADA continues to come under fire Drugs in sport: One year on, its just one big joke but, whilst the length of time taken to complete the investigation is a source of frustration to many, I don't believe ASADA is under an obligation to allow this to be played out publicly any more than does the ACC whose investigation into organised crime and the importation of illegal drugs prompted all this. Every once in a while we read about a major bust netting $millions of illegal drugs - these are often the product of lengthy investigations by crime authorities and nobody bats an eyelid. But because the subject matter involves prominent sporting clubs and their employee players we demand to be informed before the investigations are finalised. There may well be good reasons why this should not be the case.

Who are you people? Do you live in a caravan? Are you annoyed you can't get analogue channels on your shitty old tv anymore?

The supporters who have not re-joined number some 12,000 if my recollection is correct. That's a lot of members and all Demonlanders should try and work at getting a coulpe each!

How to win a game without a star mid...besides that they have one in Mitchell. And a depending work horse in Sewell. And Luke Hodge. And Jordan Lewis who stepped up big time in the grand final. And one of the best running wingman in the game in Smith. The run of Brad Hill. The luxury of Shaun Burgoyne. I get that Hawthorn don't have an all conquering midfield but they must be still a top 4 unit.

Imagine what will happen if we actually start to win????

Adelaide - Hate crows fans within the MCC. Brisbane - Don't show any emotion towards them, currently bad but had a good 3 years in the early 2000's. Carlton - Supporters claim to be top 4 every pre-season, have their hopes crushed by round 10. Collingwood - Like all of Australia - not a fan and hate them. Essendon - My most hated team by a country mile - pack of co**y knobs. Fremantle - Nothing against them. Geelong - Have large amounts of respect (except hated being on the end of their thrashings). Gold Coast - Too early to call, just hope they end up more successful than GWS as long as it's not at our expense. GWS - Hated during the $cully turmoil, have began to not mind them over the trading periods. Hawthorn - Like their culture, hate their president and CEO. North Melbourne - Like them and support them as my second team due to family relations. Port Adelaide - Nothing against them... yet. Richmond - Envious of the Tiger army roar. St Kilda - Once liked, now disliked due to one big sook (a key forward) and their player culture. Sydney - Rather like, although frustrated by their salary cap advantage and academy/ zone selection program (Tippett, Franklin, Peris). West Coast - Nothing really against them. Western Bulldogs - Don't mind them, unless if I'm sitting next to their fans in Eticr*p stadium.