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Went along today at about 10am and it was a beautiful morning... not too cold, not too hot. Fun session to watch today, pretty much all skills and match sim stuff. So much more interesting than fitness work! Got breezy towards the end, which did affect some kicking. Jake Lovett hey? I was wondering who was in the #50, seriously stocky and solid in the legs / glutes! Took me awhile to work out who was in the 2nd #9 as well (not Dawes), pretty sure it was Vandenberg As TDI mentioned, it's hard to remember everything so I'll just list comments below: A lot of full and half ground drills with real hard running. One was clearing the ball from defence to the other end and then clearing it from that end and so on and so forth, with a few defenders in harry high viz. Then some clearing defence and finishing with kick on goal or trying to pick a forwards who are in 1 on 1's with defenders. HL stood out to me in these drills, as did Garlett, N Jones and Newton. Garlett has some serious speed spears off kicks barely breaking stride. Frost has great closing speed and was congratulated on a few efforts punching the ball out from a leading forward. Lots of voice today from many players. The usual's Dunn, Dawes and also Jamar and McDonald barking out directions when watching drills or technique advice. During a couple of the drills Salem was put in deep defense, usually against one of the rucks, and instructed on continuously making body on body contact to keep the taller defender off balance. Praised for his work. Jamar, Spencer, Gawn, Watts and Hogan did some 1 on 1 key forward wrestling drills where a coach would kick inside 50 they'd alternate between defending/spoiling and being the forward. Hogan through Jamar to the ground early, made me chuckle. Jamar did well though, out-muscled most of the others. Watts got onto a few engaging defender then breaking away at speed. Spencer didn't make many early but made up for it by clunking a few towards the end. Miller instructing the boys here on body contact and pushing off. While this was going on the rest were doing ball movement drills. Vince did laps early then left. Pedo was also doing laps. Grimes also wasn't there that long - he was kicking with O McDonald when I arrived then both must have left. Terlich and Kent took part in drills but also spent some time doing laps. A few times during the ball drills Most players all seemed fairly solid throughout. The session finished with basically all players practicing set shots from various spots around the 50. So many balls flying in it was hard to keep track of who kicked them! If only game day felt like that... Jones and Brayshaw got into bit of a 1 for 1 goal kicking comp, which Jones won and made sure Brayshaw knew all about it. Until Brayshaw called out "what are you laughing at, you're 27 and bald!"... touche! Had the crowd laughing. On Brayshaw, he's definitely looking fitter / more defined. I've said it before but I'll say it again.. Petracca is so solid through the upper legs / hips! Did well in the drills today too. Hunt linked up pretty well in the ball movement drills. Someone mentioned M Jones - a bit like game day, he was racking up the possessions in the drills - a lot of run and carry. He's not slow! Garlett has that laconic sort movement, a bit like Watts, but he looks like such a natural when kicking at goal. They all seem to go through no matter where he's kicking them from! Quite excited by him, but I've always been a fan having a Blue bagger for a bro... Newton seemed to do everything well, really like the look of him. Reckon he'll slot straight in. To me Jamar looks the #1 ruck. Now that I think about it I didn't see much of Garland, he was there early but must have left..? Toumpas zipped around and he's handballs were all accurate bullets. Unsurprisingly Cross and McKenzie were 2 of the last 3 out (can't remember the 3rd). Jones and a few others obliged some young fans by having photos taken and signing autographs. I remember not really be impressed by Harmes in previous sessions, but today he seemed good! Quick and some good kicks on goal too.

A bit sunnier today, but windy Absentees Neal Bullen and Trengove, spoke to Billy Stretch, said ANB is strong character handling latest setback really well Casualty ward, Howe, still checking out his hammy, said another check today, Vince hamstring soreness, Pedersen, a deload day (explained the day is just about straight line running, the bigger guys get these days regularly), Hogan, all smiles, still on his modified program, no issues at the moment, Max King rocked up, looked terrible, assume he is crook, attempted to train then left , few others on light days Spoke to Viv Michie, a man of few words, travelling really well, only missed two sessions of pre season, feeling fit and fresh (looked really good in the drills today) Spoke to the Pig Dog as well, glad to be back in full training, trying to just get up to speed, his skills were a lot better today as well, said ring rust on Monday Billy Stretch has put on 2 kilos, amusing bit today, taking on Petracca in a one on one In one drill you had to kick down the wing, a few players didn't account for the wind, was standing in gap on fence taking pictures, when Sam Frost came hurtling towards me chasing a wayward kick, whole life flashed before me, thankfully he managed to avoid me and the fence and injury, for a big guy he has good brakes Spoke to the Russian, complimented him on how he is looking at training, feeling completely rejuventated, was one of the last off today, practicing his kicking and other things with Justin Plapp (will have to get this name right before start of season) Any questions feel free

Watts tends to play as a wing/forward when they have match sim, Watts is Watts, I want the ball in hand creating, not at the bottom of a pack Salem is doing a lot of work with Simon Goodwin, as are the other young guys, comment from my lady on Monday, gee Christian has grown up, he is a man now, he is really solid now, best part of training today was Goodwin taking Billy Stretch, Salem, Viney and Petracca for a bit of one on one stoppage work, not a backward step to be seen Oh and I forgot a really interesting bit, rather stocky young lad training in jumper 50 today, name of Jack Lovett

I mentioned this before - Brett Lovett was too short, carried too much weight, had thighs like tree trunks, couldn't really jump, slow as all slow and was one of the best players I have seen at Melbourne, If we recruit this kid and he is half as good as his dad i will be happy.

The EFC have only themselves to blame, they are the ones who have strung out the process for months with their pointless legal actions. This should have been over this time last year. You reap what you sow.

It was my one and only pre season session for the summer and I don't think I'll get the time to see another one so I'm limited in terms of comparison with other such sessions but I wouldn't say I was underwhelmed by the skills on display. It was also not a high key day given that the players were returning from an eleven day intensive workout at Maroochydore and they trained mainly in the wet. I'm not making excuses but I think you might find the odd spilt mark and one or two miskicks at most club training sessions like these in late January and if people are suggesting that the majority of training runs have been sloppy or poor then there would be room for concern. I didn't see it that way although I agree that there wasn't the intensity there of a team training with the finals in sight. That's probably because the finals happen to be a long way off and the start of the season proper is more than two months off. I was more concerned with seeing the new faces and I was impressed by them. Lumumba, Garlett and Newton all looked likely to fit in from game one as did Hogan who looked like he was still a little way off being 100% fit and I've already mentioned the youngsters elsewhere. I noticed Sam Frost's size but didn't pick him up much in general training - it would have been much easier if the players trained with their numbers on their backs. So I was happy with the new blood and given that we haven't lost much from last year, we should be way in front in terms of the list. Added to that, most of the drills looked fairly positive and attacking in style which leads me to believe there will be less emphasis on the negative and more accentuating the positive (which I thought we were crying out for in the last half of last year and is important as we approach a new season). On that basis I can't agree that we trained like a 17th placed team, I don't believe the coach or players think that way and that's what matters more to me at this stage of proceedings. I remember watching Collingwood train on the same piece of ground about three years ago in our early days of Melbourne pre season training in this precinct (we had finished training on the next door oval). It was a windy day and the Pies were making a lot of mistakes fluffing around with the footy and I really was underwhelmed. They still made the finals and in fact, finished top four.

Well, I guess we should be thankful for small mercies. We made it all the way through to page 2 before it started all over again.

I am still waiting for Plan A.

Great report Ruffles, I can't be arsed describing all the drills, I pick a highlight or two Can confirm Clint that Jake/Jack? Lovett was the one in the cap on Monday. I understand the angst that Watts' has brought to some supporters, but clean slate, I had the joy of standing next to one of the supporters who watches training and criticises everything, I lasted a millisecond or two, if a player does not perform under Roos to Roos' satisfaction, they are going to get used to the trip to Casey this year. (Last year when Watts was available he picked him, there is serious competition this year) I love Garlett when he turns up for the session, he trudges up like he is going to the dentist, then just tears it up and then trudges off again. laconic doesn't even cover it They finally had the training tops with the numbers on arrive, but cocked it up rather, Vandenberg wore 9 and Frost was in 21, so I assume they somehow lost these 2? Ruffles glad you noticed the Salem bit, you will have seen he has got quite the body on him now, but doesn't use it to everybody's satisfaction, think he was too used to using the footy smarts as a junior, they have him bodying up quite a bit during training Harmes had glandular fever before Xmas, knocked him around, finally back at full fitness, knows even as a rookie, Roos will look at him, he is getting better and better each session, Josh Mahoney comment....'a good young kid...very coachable' Oscar McDonald I think was just getting the 'kid' session that the others have had, left early after not doing much

Stretch, Viney & Lovett all mentioned in one message. We oldies will remember past victories & dream of even greater glories in the future.

I think he's still well ahead of Billy McMahon but the gap's closing.

steve - skills wise I agree, but running ability alone isn't what will keep Bail in the side. Ranked 3rd last season for tackles per game, behind those two layabouts Jones and Cross. Most don't have him in their best 22 (myself included), but whilst he is setting that type of standard, he will take some moving.

I think "spud" should be removed from all discussion about the players due to its absence in their new diet.

I don't agree the rucks are not the reason we have spent 3 years in a black hole. While they could be better there have been way bigger problems in the mid field and forward line. We have average AFL standard Rucks the others mentioned have been barely VFL standard.

Generous

I agree with Whispering Jack. Our list is fitter and healthier than iIt has ever been in my memory - and spud free. We are reaping the benefits of 2 great years of recruiting and our coaching panel is arguably the best in the comp. Don't forget Brendan McCartney is about to start and his influence is potentially enormous. I can't see any reason not to be excited about the future

Patrick Smith gets it - AFL should enforce suspensions

Just because those players you mention didn't turn out as we hoped doesn't mean that lifelong friends unexpectedly ending up at the same club shouldn't be noted, and indeed celebrated, for their sake. Will it help them play better football having that familiarity? Not necessarily, but it's still a feel good story. Are basic feel good stories really worth this level of chastisement?

... and after watching Lance Armstrong's performance on tv tonight, I wonder if he and James Hird were separated at birth?

I'll have a go at my preNAB team for round one. B: GARLAND DUNN JETTA HB: GRIMES MCDONALD HOWE C: WATTS JONES LAMUMBA HF: VINCE PEDERSEN KENT F: GARLETT HOGAN GAWN Foll: JAMAR TYSON VINEY Int: TOUMPAS NEWTON CROSS Sub: SALEM (it is very frustrating that Dawes had that brain-fart at the end of last year. He plays an important role in the team and he's going to be missed in round one, where we'll be looking to make a strong start to the year)

It's easy to compile a long list of stuff-ups for any Government, good or bad. I guess the reverse question is, what is or will be the legacy of the Labor 2007-13 era? I can't think of one. Hawke and Keating deregulated the economy, floated the dollar, started cutting tariffs. Howard reformed the tax system, and, to a lesser extent, workplace relations (first wave was largely embraced, workchoices went too far and was repealed). Gun reform too after Port Arthur. I just think we've stalled in the last 10 years. It began in Howard's last term and has continued through all Governments since. It's worth noting that the 2 most senior public servants of recent years, Ken Henry and Terry Moran, have both said there is a public policy crisis in Australia, with no appetite for serious reform among the political leadership, and, consequently, the public. ED: spelling

Thanks for your thorough and informative report Ruffles. Hope you get to more! Was interested to read you mention the vocal senior players, could we be developing some good leaders at the club? Looks promising.

Great reports guys. Just a quick question in regards to Saty who I love the training reports and photos. And this isn't a Saty bashing post but how does Salem feel when post like these from you are put up on twitter?? Peter K‏@Demonpk @melbournefc @billyjstretch taking on @salem1507 ,glad to say @Arsenal supporter got pantsed .and complained to ref. Peter K‏@Demonpk @melbournefc ..the @Arsenal supporter @salem1507 ...and @jackviney7 one on one, Jack won I am glad to say haha Personally I would feel a little disappointed if that was me being put down like that. Im sure other might feel different but just thought on social media out on the public its bit unfair on the young kid. This is not a bashing or put down just want to get your thoughts on it Saty.

When OD was in the Crimean war,he said it was sung after every light brigade charge.

Wow there is a memory from my misspent army years, got a life ban from there, slight disagreement with Australian Crawl and their roadies.....I suppose 10 or 12 of us shouting for James Reyne to sing in English would do that....we won by the way

This one makes my head spin 'daisy', there has to be a better way. ...and as for father/son, I think it should be left alone.

I would like to pause here for a moment. Reflect back to our players and our club that lost many players. Perhaps we may have been able to add to the tally the coming years. But like many we suffered, not just in football terms. But we had a mini rebuild and it took a few years to recover.Anzac day this year, will be even more special. This is an extract I got from somewhere, Demonwiki has more info for anyone interested in reading more. The loss of the likes of Ball, Barassi and 'Bluey' hit the Club hard. As one generation of young men stood in silence on 21 April 2009, so another assembled for two minutes silence in the club rooms on 31 March 1943. 'Bluey' was gone. Club President Joe Blair spoke for many when he said, There was no finer example of a grand young Australian. Even after he enlisted in April 1940, Truscott had continued playing, and took his place in the triumphant Grand Final side at the end of that season. He had returned for one more game when on leave, played in the mud of Punt Road against Richmond in May 1942. Despite a 79 point loss for Melbourne, it was what the Football Record called 'a gala day for 'Bluey'', revelling in the chance to lead the way for one last day, one remaining game. And so he left to become the Commanding Officer of No. 76 Squadron, and so he was lost but not forgotten less than a year later, and is commemorated to this day. The Club also took in Clyde Helmer, one of the best half-forwards in the last decade. As a youngster from Rushworth, he had starred first in the Goulburn Valley League, then at Geelong, encouraged by his cousin, Fred Hawking, who played 102 games there. On leave during the war, Helmer had scouts clambering for his services, and Melbourne won, securing him for two games in 1942. Sadly, he was killed in April 1945, another of a long parade of VFL identities who would never play the game again. As Melbourne recovered post-war to come back to the MCG in 1946 and play the game - having been in exile at Punt Road while the larger ground was used as a personnel depot and transit camp for American Marines and RAAF personnel - so the Club had regrouped after World War One. Then, after a recess of three seasons, there were 28 new players in the team of 43. These included Gallipoli veteran Ivor Warne-Smith, who went on to win two Brownlow Medals, then served in World War Two at the age of 43, as well as Albert Chadwick, who learned to play the game wearing his army boots, and George Haines, an AIF veteran who changed his name from 'Heinz' to overcome anti-German sentiment. They, as in a future generation, were walking in the footsteps of those who had been lost in conflict. World War One was called 'the war to end all wars', but was merely the beginning. In this beginning, they joined up eagerly, including the recently retired Melbourne defender, Arthur Mueller 'Joe' Pearce, who enlisted on 17 August 1914, aged 29, and whose words at a farewell dinner resonate even today. I think I ought to go, and if I don't come back, well, it won't much matter?. Corporal Pearce was killed at the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, one of the first of the Anzacs. His hometown newspaper 'the Bendigo Advertiser ' lauded him in his contribution to sport and life. The call of his country was readily responded to by Corporal Pearce.He was one of the most popular players in the metropolis. Pearce's cousin - Jack Mueller - would himself forge a legendary status wearing Melbourne colours in coming decades. At the other end of the war, in the shadow of the Armistice and with the world holding its breath for peace, Clifford Burge fell at Villers-Bretonneux in France on 14 August 1918. He hadn't needed to be there, as he was recovering from being gassed, but in typical fashion had volunteered his way to the thick of the conflict. Burge had enlisted in February 1915, after just five games with the Demons, all played in 1914. He had been recognised for the promising start to his career, with the Sport newspaper of 1 May 1914 stating 'Burge, a big fellow from Elsternwick, did well in Melbourne's ruck last Saturday. His first appearance was very satisfactory.' But no more. Nearly 100 years later the players of the Melbourne Football Club stand in the sunshine outside the Shrine, surrounded by tourists and traffic. They have forged a link with those whose service created this place. It is real. We will remember them. Melbourne Football Club past and present players lost in war (from research as at April 2009) World War One Clifford Burge, Jack Doubleday, Frank Lugton, James Mackie, Fen McDonald, Arthur 'Joe' Pearce, Percy Rodriguez, Alf Williamson, Tom 'Alick' Ogilvie World War Two Sid Anderson, Jack Atkins, Harold Ball, Ron Barassi Senior, Noel Ellis, Clyde Helmer, Keith 'Bluey' Truscott, Derek Mollison, Ted Regan, Archie Roberts, Beres Reilly, Percy Wood.

Yeah, I love this stuff. Imagine the cries of the faithful when we adopted a Yankee song as our song. "This is just another hair-brained scheme to deflect attention from the fact that we let University score twice last week!" "I don't understand - what does a Grand Old Flag have to do with the Fuschias of Melbourne?" "This is just another case of American culture bleeding into our culture."

This is really hard to do... There are many players who I can't seem to fit in and they're players that would have been staple 22 two years ago. A great sign. For round 1 against The suns I think we need to be playing guys like Toumpas, (as long as he performs during the NAB cup) as we'll need guys who can use the ball well against this mob. We'll need a good mix of inside grunt and outside skills. I remember how easily they moved the ball against us at the 'G' last year once they got their hands on it but I thought we competed really well in the scrap/contested ball. The exciting realisation for me is that we now have many more options for that midfield/half-forward role. Guys like Michie, Newton, Petracca, Kent, Salem, Toumpas, Jones, Bail, JKH etc will all be fighting for that spot. Then we've got the same problem if we're wanting a half-back/midfielder with some of the same guys plus Grimes, Lamumba, Howe and Hunt competing. The competition for spots has gone through the roof over the last couple of years and I'd argue that we've got more talent and individual drive than in previous years when we had players like Blease, Strauss, Gysberts, Tapscott etc. Roos has clearly loaded up on midfielder types with the ability to play HF or HB as well. It's very exciting knowing Matt Jones, Bail or McKenzie are not lock ins. In fact, skill and talent wise, they're on the lower end of the pecking order. It's only running ability that keep Jones and Bail in front and as soon as we see some of our more talented and skilful players build their tanks, we'll see a squeezing out of some of those less talented players. Can't wait to see how some of these guys perform during the NAB cup.

What a first rate crap post. Who are you to judge a player for the life decisions he makes after his football career has gone down the dunny? Sooner or later all footballers have to recognise that the dream is over. Some recognise that their body is not up to it, or just plain don't want to spend the next few years flogging themselves physically and mentally for the 0.001% chance they might make it. It's their life and calling it the "easy option" and just makes you sound jealous and bitter.

I didn't think it was possible to have a lower opinion of Armstrong... apparently I was wrong..

It's a pity Luke didn't make it but injury was a real problem for him and maybe it's also the reason he's stepped down to a lower level. It's a fair chance his body just can't stand up to the requirements at the top level and he knows this. Nothing to do with the easy way out or wherewithal. I hope he gets back to playing and enjoying his footy. Not everyone makes it at the top level but he's played more games than most.

You can see him now, standing over the top of him asking "Was that the patella again? How long will you be out for? Show me your guns so i can get a pic!"

While I do not agree with everything he says I believe Patrick Smith is one of a very few Sporting journalists who have any integrity. The rest are sadly conflicted by there personal loyalties and adherence to the Company line.

Like the look of it. ^^^ B: GARLAND DUNN JETTA HB: GRIMES MCDONALD Lamumba C: WATTS JONES Vince HF: Howe PEDERSEN KENT F: GARLETT HOGAN GAWN/Bail Foll: JAMAR TYSON VINEY Int: M Jones Petracca/Brayshaw CROSS Sub: Bail/Gawn I too am frustrated by Dawes being suspended, I cant see Toumpus in there round 1 unless he dominates the NAB cup. I Think if one of our top 3 picks shows for early they'll get a crack. I see Howe playing up foward and Lamumba down back, Keep in mind Malceski is now at the suns, I wouldnt be surprised to see Jetta or Cross go straight to him. Also think Matt Jones starts rd 1 along side Bail. Hope Gaz isnt playing but if he is.. Wouldnt it be nice to see one of the big boys test out that shoulder early!

Makes you wonder about his playing career.

I was sure a Provisional Suspension meant you couldnt train with your team.

It simply amazes me how impaired people's judgement and perspective can become when the subject is football. You have to really wonder in which universe can a suspension be overturned in the manner suggested in this article? When is a suspension not a suspension? Essendon’s 2015 preparation won’t be disrupted by AFL anti-doping hearing, says James Hird

Was able to get along to my first training session today, and thought it's only fair to report my thoughts after all the good work by others keeps me updated each week! How the detailed reports are done I don't know, with all the players covering the full length of the ground it certainly is a challenge. The main overarching theme to training is Transition. The majority of the session revolved around drills that had each group working on moving the ball from the backline at pace, taking the best/first option as quickly as possible. Coupled with some contested clearance type work (at least on my side of the ground) it was good to see as it meant in my opinion we were focusing on two of the biggest weaknesses we had last year. After some warm up drills, they broke into a full ground drill, a person would start in the pocket, dodge some stationery metal characters and hit a leading target on the back 50. The lead would have quick hands to another person running the opposite direction out of the 50 and launch a long ball over the square to a player entering the forward 50 whom will run in and finish. Good kicks that enabled the finisher to not break stride were Neal-Bullen (same to hear about his dislocated knee), Salem, Watts, Toumpas and Newton. Next main drill was also full length drill with the same focus, It was more match simulation in feel and the group split into 3 groups. 2 groups would be on the ground at once. One team would need to move the ball again from the pocket taking the short options quickly as possible. Once the ball made it into the forward line the group on the side went onto the ground and some in the forward line would come off and jog around to the wing to wait. Each time a group went onto the ground, Rawlings would say 6 v 8 etc and they would change tops to work it out. Grimes, Jamar and Jones as you would expect were quite vocal, yelling at the team on the field. Petracca has some swagger and was also vocal, while Brayshaw was very reserved so the early comments ring true with those two. Next drill, was split into what appears to be forwards, mids and backs to some degree. In front of me (on opposite side to main crowd), we had a small group of the young mids, Toumpas, Salem, Riley, Brayshaw. Petracca and a ruckman who rotated through with the other group of older mids who were doing a larger scaled version. The ball would be lobbed in and one team had to get the tap, and clear it out of the surrounding area. Lastly, it was a match simulation, split into 2 teams. The ball would be kicked up into a teams back pocket and they would move it from end to end. If a decent mistake was made then Roosy would stop play, instruct and then it would reset and start with the same player down back to start again. There was clearly more a direction to switch the play quickly where possible. Newton was good here, he made space a couple of times and hit good options. Petracca was hesitant, but on one occasion when struggling screw a kick around and hit his target 30-40 metres away on the lead which was impressive. Grimes was good, other than that errant left footer. Left once the group was brought in. Call outs: Newton - was the stand out for me, he is ready to go – no doubt, knows how to find the footy consistently and users it well and didn't see him waste possession. Toumpas – thought he trained well, not sure what everyone expect every single player to stand out each week. He was energetic and encouraging whichever drill he was in and used the ball well from what I saw. But agree with not seeing where he will play but haven't lost belief he can develop into a good player. Hogan – most of his work was away from where I was but I did see him clunk a few after pushing his opponent out convincingly. Riley – most disappointing, wasn't clean at all, would fumble and mis-kick but followed up so hoping it was an off day. Michie – was tidy I thought, didn't see a lot but like his games just goes about his business quietly and before you know it has 20 possessions. Harmes – like his spirit, after reading the weekly updates I had the picture that he was progressing well and I can see it. Fights for everything and has good hands to clear. He and Hunt look so similar so hope it was him! Haha! Jamar – will be no.1 based on today, dominated Gawn and Spencer and looks in great nick as all previous reports have stated. Happy to comment on anyone else if anyone is interested. End novel.

Good afternoon, fellow attendees, optimists, hair shirt wearers, lemon suckers and innocent bystanders The other posters have covered most of the drills, some was good, some was sloppy, depends on who and what you were watching, watched one run where the ball hit the deck or missed the target throughout, but it still got upfield Roos very vocal today Sad bit, near end of session Alex Neal Bullen was doing some innocuous bag work with Brad Miller and dislocated his knee again, went straight back on, but was carried off on golf cart, not a happy chap. Got 'tightness' out of Howie for his hamstring and a 'wait and see' from Dave Misson, assume they are still testing/scanning. Only others missing were King and Trengove. Spoke to a few players, all said they had been hammered at the camp in Maroochydore, today was light easy session. Hogan is still on a modified program, hates having to stop, doing the same session as Hunt today, who is also returning from back issues. Had a good chat to JKH, sadly lacking in confidence NOT, agreed Nev Jetta is constantly in his ear about improving, another one who has not missed a beat pre season. Bernie Vince seemed to be the only one in rehab, was running laps, got a big thumbs up, so don't think there is a problem there. Somebody a few topics ago asked about Jordie McKenzie and his fitness, full pre seasons etc, this is not his first full pre season, he thinks, but has never been fitter. And for a few that have been asking, asked Nev about Jeff Garlett, he is now regarded as one of the best two way runners at the club, sets the standard, absolutely carved them up in match sim at Maroochydore. Some pics will be on my Twitter Demonpk tomorrow, got other things to do today.

I'll admit to being a glass half full guy up front. Headed down to training for the first time in ages today, the persistent rain didn't help for viewing, or training for that matter. I'm not seeing all the poor skills Clint is talking about, felt like I saw 25-30 kicks in a row hit a leading forward nicely. In match simulation grimes did miss the target on his left.....but he only had it as Salem got caught and he had followed up from deep defence, the grimes story! Really liked what I saw, a lot, I mean a lot of fit healthy, sharp looking players. Toumpas was much faster than I thought. Pedo looked good forward and higher up the ground, kick it well and clunked it. Lead and clean grab out in front of the day for me was big Maxy Gawn, he might just be very intimidating deep forward. We have plenty who can play tall forward with Gawn, Hogan, Pedo, Fitzy, Jamar and Watts all doing it today. Rawlings was teaching a group how to body off when deep forward with your shoulder, and then likewise how to prevent a forward doing this to you......cross very good at this as was Garland. I really liked the look of Newton throughout, from today he would be my pick as an unassuming player who slots 18+ games of good intensity and skill. The defenders (from memory Grimes, tmac, frost, garlo, Harmes, hunt, Terlich, Jetta, Dunn) did some impressive clearing the ball from defence, and after hitting a player about 50-70m out wide on the flank centered in board to Rawlings and then had runners storming past. Grimes excelled at this, Harmes looked good and wow, gee wow isn't hunt super super quick. If he can get on the end of handball running through the middle look out opposition, even if that is Port Melbourne not Richmond. Didn't see a lot of the new young ones, though Petracca did some nice things, Dunny was really pushing him in the ground simulation a few times....."get forward Track, get forward, go.....". Funny moment was when tmac sold viney a huge dummy in the goal square and kicked a goal, boys had a real chuckle. There is some real depth now. A bright year awaits. No Howe, and Vince ran 50 laps.

Well you may also wonder about our little group as well the ' Marxists for Melbourne ' faction. But as Vladimir Ilyich said ' get in everywhere '.

Yeah I would've backed Costello to win in 2010 if he had stuck around, and I think he may have fared okay. Certainly he would've been miles better than the current peanut. At least Costello had a well thought out position when it came to less government, lower taxes etc. But he only has himself to blame, just like he only has himself to blame for not having the grapes to challenge little Johnny. He claims he didn't have the numbers, but he'll never know for sure.

First mistake I've had all day is reading one of your comments. I Only got half way before I wanted to shoot myself.

Don't get stuck into my mate Jazzy O. Just because he lives south of the Mason-Dixon Line and his nearest neighbour has 6 toes on each foot doesn't mean he can't have a worldly view on the lifestyle of a hipster!

Speaking as somebody who has attended every session, yes Monday skill wise was a bit ordinary, it was meant to be a light session, most of the players with really good skills displayed them, some coming in from Rehab didn't, I am optimistic about this coming season, don't think we will be world beaters but Roos/Misson are getting the team to somewhere near where they would like them to be, listen to Roos every time he speaks, he is pleased where the team is at, but even he is not sure whether the mental scars are finally healed The input of new guys will obviously help, Frost is a monster who could be anything, raw but wonderfully athletic, Newton, solid soldier, Lumumba and Garlett X factor in abundance, Garlett is determined to repay the faith Roos showed in him, he told me, Vandenberg is already looking a good rookie pickup, his shoulder is fixed and then we have the new kids and JKH, Hunt, Hogan, Salem, Toumpas, King, Harmes all with a full pre season under their belts...so why not be at least a little bit optimistic We have only Trengove and unfortunately it looks like Neal Bullen under an injury cloud which is great, ANB happened right in front of myself and lady, he bounced off the bag that Miller was holding went to turn, screamed in pain and went down in a heap, the medicos popped it back in. Spoke to him during and after original injury, everything said it had healed properly and he was allowed to return to full training, obviously they will have to have a rethink...I think the original was patella, but not sure, only ever told 'knee'

Once a duke always a duke but I have found that once a knight just about does me in.

Have been slightly responsible for 10 memberships joining this year that haven't in past years. We better improve or massive egg on face!

Not sure whether my wardrobe extends to an outfit equally appropriate for both the Royal and the Long Room on Match Day?

Short term objectives. Smash Mitch Clark into oblivion ,leading to severe bout of depression,make him quit. Smash Joel Selwoods head to a pulp. Set fire to the Cattery after the win. Long Term More games at the MCG on a Saturday Arvo. 210pm Burn Etihad to the ground Introduce LSD into Eddie McGuires food supply gradually until he needs to remain in a Mental health facility for the rest of his life.