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I went. C&B has advised players not doing drills. No sign of King, Trengove and AN-B. And I didn't see Brayshaw but he may have been there and White was in rehab. Long session. Started at about 9.45 and was still going when I left at 12.00. Hot but little if any wind so conditions were great. It was very much ball movement, match simulation at 75% pace, full ground drills. Some of the skills were very good and there were various players who made mistakes from time to time. It will be interesting to see if the intensity lifts in the coming weeks. Players to impress were Kent who I noticed more than anyone. I had him fringe 22 but on today's performance he'd seem to be well in for me. Clean overhead on the fast lead, very good kick and got it a lot. Hogan seemed to be everywhere. Lots of the ball and some good marks and good kicking. But remember the intensity is not AFL standard. JKH also came to notice, Petracca did some nice things and looks comfortable, I liked what I saw of Billy Stretch and Dom Tyson just had the ball on a string. Col Garland did the whole session and did well, Grimes was good and I noticed Pedersen a bit. Salem was clean and Vandenberg had a bit of a purple patch and looks a big strong boy. I was chatting to mates most of the day and not fully concentrating on training so these are general observations only. These match sims are really like dancing with your sister. There certainly didn't seem to be a "get the ball and go" mentality, still "mark, go back, pick an option". Unless a player was clearly in space it looked a bit stop/go to me. Just to clarify. When I mean 75% that relates to spoiling/tackling/body contact stuff. The pace of play was 100% flat out. I suppose if I had to describe training it was skills work will little if any body contact stuff.

Roos said he wanted Col to stay, like Clark was our best footballer, Chip is doing everything required etc. etc. You never take what Roos says about these things as being gospel, you watch what happens. Silvia...gone, Clark...gone, Frawley...gone and all without a major effort from us to keep them. I think Roos got what he wanted.

Ok, King , ANB, Trengove or Brayshaw all inside. Injuries today, Fitzy 'pinged' his back and Dunny got what looked like a corky in his calf, Garlo got a bit of back tightness as well, all off the track as soon as they reported. This is from the players: Watts - did the full session last Friday, bit sore, week of running to build up again to a full session, no rush. Vince - full training again next week, hammy took a bit longer to settle than expected. Howe- is ticking all the boxes, was allowed to increase pace of running today. White - back to running today, week or two before full sessions. Hunt - still being very conservative with him, want him ready for practice games/NAB cup etc. Standouts for me today, similar to BB, Kent was excellent, spoke to him after the session, he is back at full power, no restrictions, Matt Jones, Hogan, Cross, Tyson. Petracca wimped out of the guns photo, quote "I've copped enough fines already", so Salem and Tyson did an interesting variation, with Chris Dawes photobombing Vandenberg is certainly settling in well, found out a bit more, the recruiting staff thought even at NEAFL level he was doing AFL standard things and was worth the rookie spot, spoke to Aaron as well and they are working with him on the 'little things', running patterns etc, only enjoying every second As for BB's comment about the tackling contact etc, there were a few full blooded tackles, but it was the usual suspects, Dunn, Nathan Jones, Jordie McKenzie, Cross and Nev Jetta, think they can't help themselves Any questions feel free.

I went, I thought they looked a lot better than when I saw them on Australia day. We look to be pretty fit, Watts did a lot of running and minimal participation, as did Bernie - but he did do a bit of a kick-to-kick at the end. He looks 100% fit to me I don't know why he is not drilling. Howe looked OK too, just running laps. Can't wait to see Petracca out there he looks totally ready for it IMO

I think people are underestimating both his talent and determination. Maybe it's pie in the sky but I think we have not seen the last of Jack and I hope the club sticks by him.

I just want the season to start.

This thread is distasteful. JT is a guy that has worked tireslessly for our club. He get Sweet FA respect from some here and he deserves more. Has clearly received devastating injuries and is working his backside off to try to come back and play again. No-one knows whether he will return but he is giving it his best shot which is more than can be said for some our players over the past decade. He has my support and I wish him the very best. His best football is fantastic. Lets all hope he can get back on the park to show us.

Enjoy the Slide Show ==> http://six6six.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=47350568&AlbumKey=Gd8zT6 Lightbox ==> http://six6six.smugmug.com/Training-622015/n-tsPh2/i-wR5CskZ/A

Plenty of people comment about individuals and drills and there is not much I would disagree with from today's reports that I saw . Disclaimer; I'm a glass half full person, so look away now if that's not your go. Yes, we're a work in progress, there were the missed kicks, the dropped marks and very occasionally the absolute clanger that I remember so well from training and games a few years ago. So why did I feel so positive at the end? It's the system, the way it's coached, reinforced and adjusted. The missed kicks, the dropped marks and the clanger were generally mopped up with a minimum of fuss and it was the support, running and positioning that I liked. What I saw was muscle memory being developed, there has been much comment on "poor decision making" in the past and the counter point "not enough options" what I saw was training to overcome that, especially when fatigued. Other people have commented on how well training is timed and conducted and nothing I saw today was by chance. I think the analysis, planning and implementation has finally become professional. The match sim stuff is a case in point and I found myself asking the question; why is Dunn matched up on Gawn most of the time when Gawn is in the forward line? Likewise Garland on Petracca? I can surmise an answer, but the coaches know 100%. I've been to training in the past where I would have asked why is player x matched up with player y, what is x going to get out of this? The naysayers will talk about it only being training and the proof will be in match day and that's true enough. But we no longer are training against weak opposition. I've often thought that part of our training woes was that we just weren't good enough and when we trained against each other it just wasn't a good enough contest. Other things to be + about; we finally have some real pace and it's not just one or two players, this should lead to less predictability and from what I saw today certainly much quicker ball movement which in turn will create more options. We actually look like a mature bodied football team, up close or far away it's the most definition I've seen in players bodies, ever. And then there's a bit of extra bulk on some as well. Talk about tailored programs, the Watts I saw today doesn't compare with the one I stood next to last year, definitely thicker in the shoulders and biceps and I could say that about several others, yet Jamar looks lighter but more defined and just as strong. I could make some comments on individuals and there were some that stood out more than others but I just liked the way they played/trained as a team. Why so positive, it's the vibe! Naysayers can F owf

It's a fine line between having all the tools and just being one.

If you don't like Burgo's questioning techniques, perhaps you could get down to training and ask the hard hitting questions you desire, then either report back here, or even start your own blog, which I will happily read initially. Burgo's videos may not be award winning material, but for interstate supporters, I'll take them over nothing. It's about the only way we can feel part of the MFC family.

Wait, what's happening with Essendon?

The OP asked what would happen with JT if fit. For me it's a no brainer, at 100% fit, he would be one of the first players picked after Jones and Tyson. Whether we ever see him at 100% is another question, but if he can make it back he can be an out and out star IMO

Play Bomberblitz?

col is 29 with 2 years to run on his contract taking him to 31 by all accounts he's on good money you got to hand it to him, how many players get to be on good money till 31, have a good time, don't bust a gut and all for little effort i take my hat off to colin

Park at Saty's place. He'll give you a scooter dink into Gosch's.

I think you might be right ET. Anyway here are some more shots from the day. Just on todays session this is the first I have seen this year. Ironically I got cleaned up on my way home from the last session I attended just prior to Christmas. Being rear ended is never fun but when your on a motorbike it goes to a whole new level. As you would expect the standard has improved over that period but I was genuinely impressed by how much. To be honest I'm not much of a judge but to me the entire group appeared noticeably quicker.

The AFL will no doubt have a contingency plan in the event of Essendon forfeiting - the NAB Challenge programme can surely be rejigged to ensure that every team gets at least three of these games in before the start of the season. It's interesting that Essendon was drawn to play their three NAB Challenge games against St. Kilda, Melbourne and GWS who finished 18th, 17th and 16th respectively in 2014. I simply cannot believe that it just happened at random that a club under the pump like Essendon would receive that sort of draw in their circumstances.

Huge cop out by Lyon and unedifying as well.

Matt is not part of the independent press but a PR employee- what do you expect? I think he does a reasonable job.

Story of his career...

I see the whole McLean interview issue as "durian - king of the fruits". Smells like hell but tastes like heaven. I absolute hate what McLean did - unnecessary and should have kept his mouth shut - contrast his statements to James McDonald who had every reason to have sour grapes over the handling of retirement but would not unload on the club. I absolute love the outcome. I know it cost us money and humiliation but I question if we would have Jackson and Roos in place if this did not happen. ( I would have liked to take what was behind curtain three though - no tanking investigation, no fine, no humiliation and getting a good clean out with Roos and Jackson riding in on white horses )

So without seeing anything of Vandenberg, I'm tipping he will be the next Michael Barlow. Thanks for the reports!

WOW.....I can't believe that a "Training thread" can develop into a Saty popularity contest I like his reports, I like that he sticks up for players, I don't care if he talks to the players,(I don't....but that's just me) Every one on here is entitled to his or her opinion whether or not you agree or not, but the snide remarks for a poster who has an opinion is ...well...a bit pathetic really I have noticed that during the season the player bashing on D'land is a product of frustration that supporters feel, and I understand what they feel....If you watch the other clubs play, you will notice that they make the same mistakes and miss goals from 10 yards out ect....The same as us...I get frustrated but I don't want to trade, delist, or get rid of players because they don't come up to my expectations Anyway this is just MY opinion......Carry on if you want to

I agree, the tanking issue, so called, is dead and we should move on with heads held high, into a brighter future. But for the record, in the AFL book of 'legislated' rules, there is no 'tanking' rule. Connolly and Dean Bailey were done for bringing the game into disrepute. The CEO walked away with his teflon coat still intact, only to get his just desserts a little later. in DB's case, he was made the fall guy and it was a blight on the entire AFL industry, that he was. RIP Dean. The MFC were fined simply because the people who were suspended were on our payroll. For those who practise Law - and I do - it is patently evident that it is impossible to construct a "tanking' rule, so as to be codified into the AFL rules and therefore such a 'rule' would be prosecutable. But if for a moment it were at all possible to construct a prosecutable instrument, in relation to 'tanking', half the AFL teams would have been also done, as all were beholden to a draft system which rewarded mediocrity and to a large extent still does. Perhaps a 'stupidity' rule would be more apt, but then if such a rule existed, many AFL clubs would have 'dockets' as long as your arm. However, to paraphrase PJ at the AGM, the MFC is a significantly different club to what it was 3 years ago.

on no......he's got a head injury now?..................poor kid can't take a trick

when neeldy arrived at the hangar they told him "get rid of that bus quickly, there 'aint no reality allowed here, capisce" so they are taking the rowboat to hell instead

I'm a walking sporting curse!

Sylvia: "Roosy, Freo is into me for big money, but I'd really love to stay at the Dees." Roos: "She'll be right, thanks, Col. We'll manage."

Very rough, but you get the idea... Green line = paid (ticket) Blue line = free (2 hours) Red line = free (3 hours) I almost always get a spot in the 2 hour section on Alexandra Ave. Failing that, I can always find one on Anderson Street. Enjoy training!

I think a sympathetic supporter who turns up week after week to training probably has a lot of credit with the players of a team that has gone through such a long sequence of bad seasons.

No its not and I take umbrage at the suggestion. We are talking about a player and his ability to play. pretty straightforward...if youre offended...may I suggest you dont read or contribute

Tanking only works if you recruit the correct playersSchwab didn't so it all fell apart.

who honestly cares?

It wouldn't surprise me if Ryder had gone belly up on the EFC. Good on him.

The Hird Team tentacles have no influence over there. Adelaide is too far away

I thought this thread was about Sylvia. Why are you quoting Tony Abbott?

Not good enough to be a top level AFL player....simple. Roosy put one over Rossy here.

Over at Port, Monfries & Ryder are sitting it out. http://mobile.news.com.au/sport/afl/port-adelaide-is-forced-to-delay-unveiling-of-recruit-paddy-ryder-because-of-afl-anti-doping-tribunal/story-fndv8s6g-1227209447716 Edit:- Funny no privacy issues at Port?

Really gotta feel for the kid. With everything he has gone through, I hope he can get back to playing some good footy. I know I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that he'll make it back and run out for us again.

He's a good defender on smalls and talls - just needs to get over injuries and get fitness up

What a drop kick. Sent to the WAFL so he can get his sh!t together. I reckon he'll retire. Bernie Vince. Lol

Not only turns up to training but does a hell of a lot of volunteer work for the club (often side by side with the players - one such time the Tappy conversation was held - as opposed to hanging over the fence). Anyone who thinks the players do not appreciate the work done by volunteers is kidding himself/herself.

So why didn't McLean say the same sort of thing about the club he joined? Carlton. They were the kings of tanking - they tanked for Walker, Gibbs, Murphy, Kennedy, Kreuzer & Judd. And, they got away with it. It was common knowledge about what they were doing - even the bookmakers wouldn't take bets on the Kreuzer cup match. I was at that game and they threw the match. It had less intensity than a soccer friendly. Way less. Ratten was their coach and Kernahan was their vice-president at the time.

FFS the jumper logo and club logo don't need to be the same. MFC Monologue for jumpers Current logo for letterheads and business docs etc

I, like others here, have had the pleasure of watching many a training session with TDI. Have moved out of Australia so no longer get the chance sadly. TDI doesn't hesitate in expressing his opinion and is very much a half glass full type, but the sycophant comments get a bit much, just because he doesn't bash the players publicly doesn't mean he doesn't express his opinion. He actually told Tappy last year that he will be in trouble if he can't remain on the park for a sustained period, something that proved to be true. Rather than expressing doubts about people here, he says it to the players face, not exactly what I would consider being a sycophant.

Nab Challenge 2014 Round One Melb vs. Rich Jack Trengove: 17 kicks, 12 handballs, 13 marks, 2 tackles, 2 frees for and 1 goal

That's drawing a very long bow I reckon. Imagine - PJ says, "enough of this, we are aiming to win the flag in 2015" Question from the floor - "How are we going to do that?" Answer - "Ah, I don't know, we just are" Cue the headlines in the tabloids the next day, and the likes of Robinson and Denham's editorials. Not good reading I would have thought. Cast your mind back to the prognostications of Wallace at Richmond and Carlton's ludicrous motto; "They know we're coming". Stupid and left both clubs open to considerable ridicule, both from the media and the footy public in general. "Defeatist"? Hardly!!!!! Just - and finally - a realistic, rational and achievable plan, both on and off the field.