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Well, I thought I had a bit of free time so I might pop down, I only live 15 minutes walk from Goschs and the G that is why I can get there so often Ball work day today, so not much running (apart from in the drills), there didn't seem to be anybody missing Rehab group was Spencer, Riley, Stretch, Trengove, Vandenberg, Watts and Kent, joined for this session by Tommy Mc, Salem and Jetta Spoke to both Nev Jetta and Salem, nothing sinister, just a bit of tightness after training on Monday, so light duties, Nev also was hoping to play in scratch match on Friday, reckons he owes Jimmy Toumpas one, found out why he had an issue a couple of weeks ago, after Toump shirtfronted him and tackled him, Sam Frost fell across his arm Spoke to Aidan Riley, has been on a specific program to give him a base fitness level which he lost when he broke his leg, also working on making sure the leg can get through a full season, he says it has taken this long for him to feel confident with it Also spoke to Bernie Vince, back doing most of the drills, no contact though, and has to remember to not snatch at high marks just yet, he can mark but only when he has time to set himself Garlo was the volunteer for the 'guns' photo this week, but being Tasmanian he only went with one arm Toumpas and Dunn were missing on Monday as they had an 'indoor' program, like I keep saying, Misson as total control now and the whole process is so much more professional, watched the rehab group, Alex who was running had the whole program for all of them written out and he just kept calling out what was next and who it involved Roos very vocal today when one of the drills was not to his liking Six was there so we should get some photos, mine will be on Twitter Demonpk Any questions feel free

I think many underestimate Fitz. He still is very young for a tall and has had health/injury issues. With further development and support could be very very handy.

I really do hope Fitz can make it. I've backed him from before he was drafted and he would just be a great story for the club, as well as giving us another scoring option. Even if he goes at two goals a game as he has shown he can so far, that's 40+ for the season, well above what we've been getting from any players the last few years. If we got that from Fitz, Hogan and Garlett our attack would look far better. I've said it before, if you watch live games you will see Watts leading time after time and being ignored by his teammates. He will burn off his opponent and lead into wide open spaces seven or eight times to get one pass which is generally directed behind him to his opponent's advantage. It's no wonder he always looks stuffed. If we can get some better kicking and decision-making at half back and through the midfield you will see Watts' possession count skyrocket as they actually take the option he presents and put the ball to his advantage. Once the ball is in his hands there are no worries.

This is not playing hard ball, it's called a negotiation. You're doing massive logic jump overtime in this thread. Honestly, calm the f down. Being down to a one year difference of term at this early stage is, for me, a very promising sign of early resolution of this contract, considering that this will involve (relatively) large $, and is a crucially important signing for the club. Hopefully the differences will be settled very soon.

Peter Jess, representing Lovett-Murray on possibly suing AFL. Jess claims senior AFL figures breached their duty of care to the “Essendon 34” by failing to intervene in the club’s ill-fated 2012 supplements program. “This saga should never, ever have reached the position where it is today,” Jess said. “The AFL has been negligent, absolutely from start to finish.” I continually find myself choking on my breakfast cereal when I read this stuff. Essendon of course wasn't negligent they're just hard done by, lovable, bumbling record keepers. But wait a minute...they haven't taken anything illegal have they?... so why is he so upset? Just for my own sanity.....Essendon FC organised an ongoing, systematic, drug use program that produced obvious onfield results and perhaps, given muscle growth, ongoing advantage. Negligent YES, Cheating YES. Last time I looked it wasn't up to the AFL to make sure clubs werent using drugs. its the CLUB and the players.

Hogan was involved in some of the main drills - also spent 40 minutes in the pocket with 1 on 1 marking duels along with Dawes, King, Gawn, and Jamar. His back looked absolutely fine. Hogan's match up was the Big Russian. He did well. Russian is so bloody big and aggressive though. McKenzie & Harmes were tasked with kicking it in to them from around 50, Goodwin was working with those two to help their kicking. Interestingly, Bail and Viney came over as well - You might say this was a group that all needed/wanted to work on their kicking specifically. Hogan was getting a little cranky with some of the delivery. Harmes looked down on himself with his kicking with but not sure if that's just how he is. At one point, Hogan took an awesome one-handed slips catch of a mark right on the boundary and looked extremely happy with himself. His skills are great. Beautiful day for training.

uh huh. I only read the training reports for the weirdness these days. I mean who cares about the training? What matters is potting Saty for being OCD and /or unhealthy obsessed. [censored] 'em Saty. My grandmother spent a good 60 of her 90 years doing whatever it took to help 'her boys' of the MFC. If there was something to be done she was there to do it, and she did it with a smile and not expecting a thank you. All that mattered to her was that her beloved boys were supported so they could smash the other eleven pretenders to the throne. At her funeral there was an all star cast of the 50's and 60's teams, and she was carried away with 'Grand Old Flag' playing. The club needs people like you, Saty. Don't let the naysayers get you down.

Today they integrated, apart from Stretch, Petracca rolls around the ground like a tank, he is quite fast when he gets rolling, Neal-Bullen looks the junior athlete he was/is, White has a booming left leg as reported, Brayshaw just looks like a footy player and Oscar Mc has a good kick on him Other things you notice Fitzy justs stands on his left leg and Jack Viney on his right. I got a quick lesson in the Maths of goalkicking from Fitzy, if you are to the left of the goal you can bend it with your right, if you are on the run on the left going away from goal, then checkside it, on the right hand side, you can checkside if close enough in and on the correct angle Other noticeable thing, Chunk Jones, Cross and Lumumba seem to be building up a good understanding around the stoppages

I'd go as far to say he is no loss whatsoever.If we were at a stage where we were vying for a top 4 spot and a legitimate flag chance next year then I agree he'd be a loss of some sort. But we're not. We're a bottom dwelling team on the up who has landed Christian Petracca for Frawley and weve been able to trade in a replacement for Frawley in the same draft/trade period in Frost. Give it two to three years and you'll be laughing at our fortunes.

Simple - there's a lot of cliched carp stated on these threads. Jones will remain a Demon. For life. Why? Because he wants to. And the club wants him to. He's loyal and committed to the club and he knows that, as a leader, he can influence the club's transformation and its future success. And he wants to be a part of that. There's more to footy for some players than simply the $$$. Some of you seem not to get that.

Enjoy Flash ==>http://www.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=46422912&AlbumKey=C6rRCS Ipad (html5)==>http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-v5DCN/i-J9Cwnmj/A

This post made my day. Possibly not for the reasons it was meant to.

Offer him 4.5 years

Your name should be "sweet and sour dee"

Buckley coaches Collingwood. Nothing to do with us. Please stay on topic.

Essendon's (and it's cheerleaders) arrogant behaviour reminds me of the definition of 'chutzpah' in the old Jewish joke. The one about the man charged with murdering his parents who throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.

I think this is it. If ASADA's evidence points to a chain of custody for TB4 btw Carter, Alavi, Dank and that the Consent forms reference Thymodin withput being clear on whether the good or bad stuff, the onus would be on EFC to provide evidence that they purchased and used the good stuff. That the EFC haven't attempted to subpoena Dank as a former employee adds weight that they don't want him to provide evidence. Adding to this the ridiculous notion that they did not keep records for a 'legal' injection program. I also think the EFC will be hard placed getting off on a technicality given that the burden of proof is confortable satisfaction only. Hopefully this saga will be over in January so that we can enjoy the build up to the season proper without the lies and mischief that we see too much at work and in politics, without seeing it in our National sport.

and confirmed as the first golden ticket holder, allowing him to have a poor season and be completely excused by demonlanders citing the 'interrupted preseason' clause who's next

I typed North Melbourne because it seemed the most ludicrous club to suggest. I think he will remain a Demon.

Well for someone to get 27.73 disposals (average), 137 clearances & 255 contested possessions in a bottom side where he has been doing most of the work unaided, to dismiss him like that is unbelievable. Compares rather favourably to Dangerfield's 24.91 disposals (average), 136 clearances & 341 contested possessions don't you think? I never cease to be amazed at the lengths people will go to dismiss a player once the MFCSS kicks in and thoughts turn to free agency. Seriously! The MFC should be doing everything in their power to secure his signature... he is the heart and soul of the club and that is something it just isn't possible to put a price on.

I'm not much good at maths to be honest ( though I was in the top 90% of the class in maths in year 9 ) I would say there was a 100% increase in the number of wins this year over 2013.

I was down there for an hour. Talked to Salem about what moisturising cream he uses, told me it's Palmolive and he let me rub some on his arm. Going to be a big year for him. Also took the time to speak to Dom Tyson, asked him what underwear he is wearing, he laughed about it and was a good sport by posing for pictures in just his underwear. I think he wears Bonds but I got a little dizzy. Big Maxy Gawn was looking the goods too now he has lost the beard, I was interested in what he used to shave it off but he didn't tell me. I asked 5 other trainers about it but they all gave me different answers, so just leave it alone please. I also spoke to Nathan Jones and asked him where he lived so I could visit his new baby. When he got angry I pretended to be joking but don't worry fellas, I'll get it in time. Got the little one a present for Xmas so I'll speak to him on Wednesday. Everyone else ran the 2km trial round the tan in 20 seconds, everyone looking absolutely sensational! Photos on my twitter @justtakingthepissdon'tgetallhuffysaty

Dees for 2015 premiership!

they're all flying oli, get on the bandwaggon man

If you have submitted a "selfie" as your avatar (as I have) then there is a similarity. Perhaps you could lay off the loaves and fishes for a bit!

Um, not really sure what this means? Total control over fitness?? has he not had this in the past?

The fat guy from "The Hangover" suggested it. When old dee agrees that you're being a little pessimistic, I think it's time to have a little look at yourself

I wonder why?Might have something to do with the results over an eight year period.

I think I put it above, Brayshaw just looks a footy player, does everything asked with the minimum of fuss, reckon he will just grow into it, he is like Tyson at training

You will be pleased to know throughout the whole session he only put one ball down, amazing what can happen when the shoulder issues you have had since you were drafted are now fixed, he was kicking well today as well, he just loves the checkside, this will be his first full pre season if he gets through unscathed, let's wait and see

Shocked to learn that the same bozos who usually sit on the tribunal would be let anywhere near such a serious case as this. Shocked, but alas, not surprised.

Billy, actually Lynden Dunn calls me the old [censored], but as most of the others don't read Demonland, most call be Peter, if they actually know it, to Howie for instance everybody is "mate" Actually this is rather sad, I actually asked one of the senior players why they don't read Demonland, I won't name him, they were advised not to as it was just full of negativity

I don't see why 5 years is such a big deal for a resilient and relatively young player and captain. It's no less risky than giving a fringe player like Terlich 2 years. Who is more likely to produce the goods?

A lot of assumptions there. If your support is dependant upon one player staying, then out you go. Bye.

Bye

So they will be suing the AFL and not Ess for breaching duty of care? Wtf?!

I was told today that the term is the sticking point, Jones wants 5 the club wants 4

As you once said Jazza, those of us who live in the West are the Chosen Ones. LOL

But Wells11....you misunderstand....Essendon are the VICTIMS !!! Just ask them

I will be easily recognisable, I will be in a rather nice lavender lycra bodysuit, complaining about the lack of toilet facilities, bad temperedly kicking the non-existent advertising signage around the fence, and whingeing non stop about Jack Watts and how he just doesn't seem to be trying at traiining

Like they did for Brad Sewell?

Yes he was, had a chat, nothing to see here. Hogan's heroes so to speak, Johno Brown and Nick Riewoldt, he tries to model himself on them, so you may get your wish. Actually chatted to him about his daughter, promised to stick a picture up this afternoon. This was very amusing by the way, one day I intend reading it Other news, Max Gawn got through the whole session again unscathed, Yes Howie has a tattoo that looks remarkably like my former self, which he pointed out Again Watts has had an issue with his groin, so they are being ultra cautious, did about 40k on the Wattbike today, said it is progressing as it should, so there is no issue, think he is trying to shed the cleanskin issue a bit, some of the language today was colourful to say the leas The runs they were doing first up were 1km time trials, Hogan did them is just over 3 minutes, he was seriously pumped today, so was Dawes, they did a jumping high five after a kicking drill which would probably break a normal persons arm Spoke to Aaron Vandenberg, he is enjoying every second,, asked him which was better working at the Mint or working here, he is on a weekly program, has been told there is no pressure, not even sure when he will bee back in full training, has been told just to follow the program Myself and Christian Salem think if Arsenal beat Liverpool (actually Christian is sure they will) then Brendan Rodgers will be sacked, for all the soccer followers out there, was walking back to AAMI with him and Jack Viney (who said he had no idea about soccer), Christian reckons Jack would be the perfect Millwall supporter from the 80's Anything else I think of will follow, pics will be on Twitter Demonpk

Hard to ignore the urge to go to training when it's 26 degrees with nice cool breeze in the air. Really good crowd here at Goschs with a good 30-40 (maybe been around 50 before I left) people seeing a exhausting and top notch training session Watts, Reily, Vandenburg (?), Spencer were rehabbing. Anyone know what's wrong with Watts? (pardon the pun) Sure enough, Trengove was still on his scooter whatchamacallit. Terlich rode the exercise bike with Watts joining him later in the session. Started with some laps around Gosch's - Hogan and TMac leading their respective groups (quite comfortably I might add) - next two groups start running. Hunt(?) and Dawes leading these groups - noticed young Harmes shouting some encouragement. Love seeing that in a young player. Grimes also among the usual suspects providing encouragment. Seemed to very vocal today. Appeared to be mainly a running session with the boys doing another couple Laps begin again - Hogan destroyed the running again in his group with McKenzie and Neal Bullen coming a good 3-4 seconds behind him - Hunt again leading his group. In fact annihilating it. - Brayshaw edged out Dawes to claim first in his group. Obvious that Petracca still needs to build a tank (although I noticed he had a bandage on his leg). Was trailing behind Brayshaw before slipping to second last next time they came around me. Exhaustion ensued Some harmless kick to kick action followed. The boys had a few shots on goal. Spencer attempted to have a few shots from the boundary line. Good luck with that buddy Next on the agenda was some match simulation. - Brayshaw picked up a goal from a nice piece of ball movement. - Still the odd shank of the ball. Hey, I guess it's pre season. - King picked up a little spray from coach Miller - Jamar played forward for most of the time. Wouldn't mind him doing that more often this season with guys like Gawn and Spencer pushing for the key ruck position. - Viney was roving the ball beautifully - Newton looked pretty impressive, kicked a couple goals and overall used the ball well. Hogan was practicing his set shots. Looks a lot better than I remember seeing 2-3 weeks ago. Seemed to be kicking them from everywhere. I left pretty soon after. No Toump or Dunny at training either. A reminder to that the boys will be moving training to Casey Fields in January next year due to the Asian Cup. So catch them at Goschs while you can.

If you haven't already seen this in your inboxes here's a reminder that we're going to see out 2014 with a special supporter session at Gosch's Paddock this Friday 19th December. A Volunteer group working in conjunction with The Demon Army are putting on a BBQ at training. We ask for a gold coin donation for sausages with all proceeds going to The Demon Army for future purchases in 2015 - possibly new & bigger Big Heads. (Who's your favourite?) There'll also be a coffee cart on hand where you can purchase your coffees to wash down your sausages. If you've never been to Gosch's we recommend public transport as the easiest method of getting there. BYO chairs, if necessary ( there's no public seating ) BYO drinking water & sunscreen. And bring your good cheer We'd love to see a big turn up for our last training session of 2014. You can be sure we'll be there. Will you?

THE JUDGES David Jones QC (chair, retired judge) John Nixon (retired judge) Wayne Henwood (former Sydney player, barrister)

h_h if you are trying to establish a case for atheism why are you wasting your time on land go and find a religion fanboi forum site and sock it to 'em

Sue - I haven't been able to keep as close an eye on things as I would like but there doesn't seem to have been too many leaks from day 1, perhaps because the prosecution (i.e. ASADA) has been putting forward its case which, given the fact that it's going to take a whole three days, suggests that it's comprehensive and detailed. I heard some of the anti ASADA proponents on radio over the weekend were suggesting the case was on the brink of collapse because of the refusal of a few of the main characters to give evidence. But let's face it we all know why Dank, Robinson, Charter and Alavi aren't exactly lining up to tell their stories and yet the only thing that we've heard from the Essendon side is that these characters won't be giving evidence. The way things are going the entire defence is going to rely on the "vibe". As Chip Le Grande Bouffe put it, this case will depend on whether the Tribunal believes the players swallowed:- A. The bad thymosin; B. The good thymosin or C. Thymomodulin And Chip tweeted today - "Let me make this clear: The players would not know one thymosin from another. They only signed up after they were told it was cleared." You only need to check what B. & C. are proscribed for and you'll get the picture. The players obviously didn't despite all of the education they're supposed to be getting from the AFL. The rest of us have swallowed BS from the Essendon camp for far too long. The saga continues ...

http://www.nfl.com/videos/cleveland-browns/0ap3000000443523/Week-15-Johnny-Manziel-highlights All that hype. It reminds me not to ever get over excited about any Melbourne recruit until they start playing.

We are building a nuclear sub with Clive Palmer. Then the boys are off to Nimbin for the break.

What annoys me is that everyone seems so happy charters and old mate won't be in the hearing, it's good to see essemdon trying to prove their innocence Once again looking for an asada mistake rather than trying to prove they are innocent, regardless of the result they will always be cheats in my eyes. Having said that I think they will get done and go down hard one way or another