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Here is my first ever training report....I only stayed for a hour so I'll just comment on what I saw and my opinion... - It was windy so disposals by all were average at times, BUT yes the usual butchers were at it again. - I love H's intensity. - Gartlett, Frost and H are great pickups, we look more dangerous with them in our team. - I know this may offend, but on what I've seen to date with Hogan he is not our superstar this year. He is just a kid still learning. He will bring a contest and another option up forward but will not star, for this year at least. - Dawes looked good today, took clean marks and looks very fit. - Someone may be able to clarify but it appeared Vince was involved in the sessions early, then went off to do his rehab training. - It looked like Howe was in the golf cart for the whole time, I hope everything is ok. - McCartney was running a few drills when squad split up into 3 and was providing great instructions and feedback. He'll be perfect for the development of the younger guys.

Got there at 10:30 watched most of the next 90 minutes with a trip to the cafe and lap of the Olympic park precinct in between. Non football related notes: - It looks like someone had an abortion in one of the public toilets near AAMI Park, horrendous mess - AAMI park plays this music softly through speakers around the stadium, has an Indigenous theme. A waste of money and noise pollution - Above the ticket sales windows at AAMI is a sign telling patrons to buy tickets online and instructions to use the wifi provided - take note Etihad - 10mil of Collingwood's 25 mil development is from the Government, for benefits such as 'safe facilities for women', a community gym and a new cafe complete with bicycle rack - Melbourne don't get their logo on the AAMI park sign board, I get we don't play at the ground but would it kill them? - You can peer in to the Demons offices if you're tall enough and the same for the Pies along batman avenue. I stared at some of their employees, hoping to annoy them - My coffee at Edwins this morning was terrible Football related: What I saw today was incredibly poor. No way to sugar coat it sorry. In a handball drill going up and down the wing with at least 1 if not 2 extra attackers than defenders the ball hit the deck all the time. 5 times in one up and down. Simon Goodwin wasn't afraid to call them on it thankfully. Then in a similar kicking drill with approx 8 v 7 (could've been 10v9 or 9v8) starting from 30m out for goal and aiming to get a shot on goal with token defensive pressure the turnovers were horrendous. JKH had 3 by himself when sprinting off from half back, burning free players and trying to hit leading forwards in amognst a sagging defence. The quote from Roos 'I'll keep dropping 3 back if you keep kicking it to them' to the group. As well as the bemused look on his face when asking Ben Matthews whether they were aware they had the numerical advantage. Jones and Grimes eventually called all the players in a had a chat. Then they asked for 5 more minutes to get it right and it improved. Simply they had to use the width of the field and spread the ball to the free man around the midfield arc once they had worked the ball up. After they did that enough times a defender would get out of place and a good kick in to the forward line was marked. Anyone who knows anything about soccer with 11 v 10 would recognise the tactic. Unfortunately for whatever reason our players seem incredibly dull. Sam Frost did ruck drills (Fitzy as well but Pedersen didn't). Plenty of goal kicking at the end as well. I really get the feeling he's under consideration for a forward +/- ruck role, even if only as a swingman or after a sub. No Dean Kent. Hogan as others have mentioned, did most of the session. Bernie Vince can't be far off. Back training with the jumper on not the training top. Plenty of kicking as well as running. Practising getting up off the ground and in to a tackle as well. At the end of the session Roos, Goodwin and a strange mix of players had a long chat on the oval in a circle as others wandered off or had shots on goal - Gawn, Watts, Vince, Tyson, Tom McDonald, Newton, Jetta, Viney, van den Berg. Couldn't work it out. Looked pretty serious (or at least not just chat for the sake of it) but at the same time Jones and Brayshaw continued their shoot out and Salem was messing around with shots on goal as well. Interesting.

Hogan is training and looks fine.

I went along to training (it's still going) and can confirm Hogan seems to be doing all the drills and appears fine. Great to see Jack Trengove walking some laps at the start. Slight limp happening there! Vince joined in the drills at the start then pulled out as the intensity and simulation style rose. White also. This was my first training session for the year and for me there was a noticeable skill improvement but the usual suspects (whilst some have improved) were still ratty. Size wise, players didn't look bigger than last year - maybe more toned. Watts looks like a high jumper in physique. Impressive: The usuals (Jones, Tyson etc) Prince Frost vanDemon nice kick on White and King I like the look of Brayshaw. One of his kicks didn't make the distance. Is he not a great long kick? Pleasantly surprised: Jordie Didn't see Howe but he might've been there. I was looking to see if the Toump looked any quicker and decided - maybe a little!

On the Hogan topic, there was a priceless moment at the end of one of the drills where Hoges happened to have the ball on the 50. Watts and the few of the boys started to get into him saying the sirens gone and we're 5 points down.... He nailed it easily!

Don't encourage him Nut, he'll think he is funny, at least mine is in my trousers and not on my shoulders Was sheltering from the wind actually, at my age you have to be careful about rheumatism and arthritis Missing from today Howe and Kent (who I notice is not named, got nothing when I asked) Jack Trengove was out waling laps, big smile for my photo for Twitter, said everything is still tracking fine Got a big thumbs up from Jesse Hogan, did nearly the whole session, did not look troubled at all, laughed when I told him not to miss any sessions as it caused a pandemic of concern The leadership group pulled all the players into a group during one of the ball movement drills, it was shithouse, coaches stood aside, words were said and after that it improved Nathan Jones killed Angus Brayshaw in the goal kicking comp AGAIN, told him it was starting to verge on workplace bullyiing Any questions feel free

He saw Nev Jetta hit a bullet like pass and went behind a tree. You can make your own assumptions from there...

Patience, my pets. Tonight was but a practice game. When Clark breaks down - and yes, he will break down, whether through the snap of a bone, tear of a muscle or rare venereal disease - I will be there with Internet heroics so fierce I may require a hand transplant. In the meantime, it's still March.

Senior assistant coach Simon Goodwin has the strong support of the club and will take over from senior coach Paul Roos in 2017, despite his involvement in Essendon’s supplement program. Thanks Jay Clark. It's the little things that bug me.

An award?? I'd like to see a whole town named after him... that would have to be the best place on the planet. Oh... hang on.

The official word is Gosch's Paddock tomorrow (Thursday) at 9.15am but Demonland will have correspondents there at different times of the day and at Casey Fields and Ballarat just in case.

I hate Clark

Was disappointed to see Brayshaw not named but I now know why thanks to the Herald Sun "No.3 draft pick Angus Brayshaw was left out after signing a contract extension this week." Must be knackered after doing that. Good to see the club aren't going easy on the first year players in terms of training.

Get him to look at Hogan's foot

I don't really care what the reason is..i just wish it was made public because once again we have been shafted so a top side gets a gun and we are still down below sea level Mitch Clark getting a free ride at Geelong and James Hird still coaching Essendon is really testing my fabric towards the game I am amazed the media have accepted the Black Dog scenario...they are all happy for him... We lose a power forward without a word being said... Whole thing stinks. P.S. i hope some journalists are reading these threads because it is time the real stories were given air

I don't really care what the reason is..i just wish it was made public because once again we have been shafted so a top side gets a gun and we are still down below sea level Mitch Clark getting a free ride at Geelong and James Hird still coaching Essendon is really testing my fabric towards the game I am amazed the media have accepted the Black Dog scenario...they are all happy for him... We lose a power forward without a word being said... Whole thing stinks.

That's good news imo, and so is this quote from the article: "Chief executive Peter Jackson is out of contract at season’s end but has also given assurances he will remain at the helm next year."

I never understood the rationale of Misson's comment. A bottom club would turnover between 22-30 players in 3 years. By the third year, half the players on the list wouldn't be at the club. Darren Burgess at Port Adelaide was able to markedly change their fitness levels in 12 months by increasing workloads from day 1.

Finally, some sanity.

Irony.

You can't predict what is going to happen in three years time with any certainty let alone ten. History shows that there will be unexpected successes and failures.

C Salem to sign contract extension for another 3 years. Should be announced before Friday.

Just found out that it was 1 year today that Dean Bailey passed away. He had his faults but i was one of a few that had alot of respect for the man. His son posted a photo on instagram of him in his last days looking very frail and sick and made me sad. Thoughts go out to his family.

He's more potential that what he has actually put out there so far but if you don't rate Kent then I worry about who you do rate. He attacks the ball and the man, has speed and whilst he needs to tidy it up a bit he can kick.

Without meaning to tempt fate, I think that it's a miracle that we have so many participating in full training at this time of the year. At least that's one true indicator of where we are at and it gives cause for hope. I also thought that McCartney's session was illuminating and positive. At one point, he was giving specific instructions to Tommy Mc after a play and, in spite of Tom not wanting to make eye contact, BM laboured the point until he got the acknowledgement he was after. Sometimes a player can think that he doesn't need coaching...he is wrong. Really looking forward to the game this week. Hope everyone is aware that they can get a free AFL live pass to watch it on their phone or tablet....works well.

No pressure, though. (I know, I shouldn't.)

Just recieved a signed card for my kid from HL as well as a mascot toy and fridge magnet. Very well recieved. Good gesture by the club after Monday's training events. I'll buy a child membership and some more merchandise to reinforce the support. We like the excitement of doing this in person rather than online. Thanks Jane at MFC, much appreciated.

...and a few years ago Port were a basket case. West Coast were set up for a great period of success.... In 2000 Essendon were at the start of a dynasty, the Tiges in 1980. What happened???

Some industry experts like Paul roos and Simon Goodwin disagree.

I think we are in a similar space to Port (2013). I wouldn't consider us to be cellar dwellers, we actually have a lot of young talent on our list. In the case of Port Adelaide, they were far from a struggling side destined to hold the ladder up. They had a lot of quality players (Boak, WIngard, Wines, Gray, Hartlett). Decent core to build around, that is a quality core that won't be seen at St Kilda anytime soon, I think they are in trouble. MFC have a core of Jones, Tyson, Viney, Salem and Vince. It is of similar quality to Port before their rise. Free agency will help MFC more than it will hinder it. We have a stack of young talent on our list, free agency will ensure we can keep adding experience - it is a balancing act. I think the sides slipping to the bottom now - Carlton, Saint Kilda, Bulldogs. I think they are in serious trouble. I can't see St Kilda replacing quality players like Montagna, Riewoldt and Fischer, through free agency alone, they will need priority picks, and I don't see how the AFL will justify giving them picks. I think the AFL shot themselves in the foot when they overlooked us last year. St Kilda will need PP's in the future to survive, but opposition clubs will simply point to our (MFC) record when we were overlooked.

The great 2015 gazebo heist. Club survives Norm Smith, Barassi, Mergers, Prendergast, Neeld, Tanking. Finally brought undone by gazebo expenditure.

What a [censored]. Retired my ar$e. I have the upmost respect for people that carry on with depression but this is beyond his illness. He chose to retire and walk out on us. See any dees players tweeting tonight saying congrats? Put money on him for the Coleman

wait. there was a lion king 2?

On MC you usually reap what you sow, Kama can be a [censored] when it catches up with you.

I doubt he'll be too concerned.

Not to mention a few aunts and uncles.

I think every club has the retro VFL merchandise available.

Bar Vince and Howe, it's very close to our best 22 vs a very young dogs side without a handful of their most important players. As I'm sure there'll be those who continuously play down NAB cup, completely disregarding the way top half teams approach these challenge games vs bottom half teams and adopting the 'they're practice games so they mean nothing'. The 'they mean nothing' comments, I agree with, so far as to say we don't win or lose premiership points. But, this game on Saturday will showcase close to our best 22. We have an extremely experienced side playing. The skill level of our side continues to concern me, especially the handful of players who last week hopefully proved to some that players' individual skill-level doesn't magically change over one pre-season and doesn't change a hell over the course of their careers once at AFL level. I expect us to easily account for the doggies. And I will be seriously concerned if we don't due to the reasons I have stated.

Yep - did everything and looked ready to go

Why would you rest him?...........He needs all the game time he can get.......No use wrapping him in cotton wool......He is an AFL footballer FCS and they need games under their belts before the real season starts....Surely. He has played 2 games in three years

Dangerous words!!!

There are large segments of the populace who still do not like buying things like that online. And as binman alludes, why have a tent at games or the family day if it is a waste of time? Merchandise is the same - you are more likely to buy if given the chance then not, right? So if you have 200 people who already have an inclination to buy something 'red and blue' it might be an idea to sell those 15 caps, 10 jumpers, and 5 hoodies. I don't think we are a club that can ignore that chance to sell something and ourselves.

Remember about 11 years ago Geelong nearly gone according to the doom sayers.

I guess that means they should review their current strategy of having membership sales at all games and should most definetly not bother having them for sale at the Family Day on Sunday

In 2015 people buy their memberships online, seriously doubt that many people would see a membership tent, think it was a good plan and buy a membership at the drop of a hat, when they had no intention of doing so, or even more far fetched, don't renew ever again because they couldn't find a membership tent at a training venue.

A good man Dean Bailey. I was sad and angry at how he was treated by certain people a few years ago He deserved better. I am glad he is remembered with respect Good man.

Yeah.. nah

R I agree the WADA/ASADA issues are different from Worksafe, and subsequent litigation, but they do influence one another. After all, Essendon and Hird took ASADA to court on the basis that the joint AFL/ ASADA investigation was illegal. It has been thrown out of court twice. ASADA and WADA both take note of this and it subsequently affects their decisions. ASADA was initially prepared to negotiate with Essendon about backdating penalties but as soon as they took them to court, all talk of this ceased unless you are a delusional Essendon fan or one of Hird's media lackies. Any subsequent legal action by players will almost certainly be caused by loss of employment as a consequence of ASADA bans. There are plenty of precedences of employees suing employers for unsafe workplaces. In fact I would say it is the usual rather than the unusual. Why would Essendon be any different particularly in such a clear cut case. WorkSafe is charged under state legislation in keeping Victorian workplaces safe. I can't think of a stronger instance of a greater abuse of workers safety than giving them illegal and potentially life changing drugs IN THE WORKPLACE. Although they will conduct their own investigation into this, they will take notice of the ASADA investigation and where appropriate use it in evidence. So in that sense they are related. The caveat i would put on this is, with the way Essendon are lining up political heavyweights across party lines like the Premier, former Liberal minister Louise Asher and the other Spring Street Bombers, the new governor and former AFL commissioner, and now Lindsay Tanner's appointment to the EFC Board, and the sacking last week of the current CEO of WorkSafe, it looks to me as though we are lining up for some serious political interference at board level of WorkSafe Victoria. I have no doubt there is a serious case for unsafe work practices against Essendon, but it may well be nobbled by significant powerplays behind the scenes. My scenario following these instances I admit are based on my conclusions about what is likely to happen. Unlike my conclusions to do with WADA, they are not based on any inside information, nor any tips from insider lawyers. All I have done is look at parallel cases in business and sport and draw certain conclusions. I may be way off the mark but somehow I doubt it. One thing I do know is that those who think Essendon will get away with a slap over the knuckles are deluding themselves. This has a long way to go, and many high powered people will be working very hard to reach a conclusion. Thank goodness we have an outside umpire to keep everyone honest.

Cannot remember PSD.

I'll must admit the club continues to disappoint readying this thread probably just confirms that I'm not the only one that sees the problems. I couldn't sleep last night and wrote my first email to club just showing my complete amazement at lack of sales or respect for members. I outlined a few concerns including that I really wonder if the club had the people with correct skills in sales as I've have a sales background and see massive gaps that the club continues time and time to miss. The club misses the basic so many times that in reality it's a cultural thing with no drive (or if they are pushed it is all hot air without substances) These are the points I outline including personal experiences that amaze me . - the labour day match sim, these failures show a complete disrespect by the clubs for its fans. If the club markets this event surely there is someone overseeing this to ensure it goes off. Although the football department had priority changing the training session around to ensure the thing went off at the right time for one session isn't going to destroy a pre season. - sales; I relayed the story that I was a player sponsor a few years ago and giving about 4k to the club. I relayed that although I indicated at the last event that I might not be able to take the sponsorship next year due to a divorce I never received a phone call to renewal or even an attempt to sell me something at lower level/premium membership. It been four years and I still haven't received a call. I don't need a call to stroke my ego as I am an easy kill with a property dees group would give the club some money. If they are missing such easy sales from me how many more are they missing! (I have sponsored a local club as the mfc attitude is pretty poor and they at least approved are the funds. Although it's an afl wide issue the fact that we turn over 10k members each year is a disgrace they need to be profile members recording their comments and calling them to put a bit or pressure (I'm talking sales here). They are wasting cash to flyers and posting the To you le address when if they checked what was the best source of renewal it would be calling Since I haven't had a call and members of my family haven't I seriously wonder how much the club is missing in easy sales. This is not a resources problem it's the laziness of the sales staff if all 2014 members aren't called in the off season and they should do the past two years Anyway I sent this long email to info@Melbourne and maybe thought I would hear back as i was pretty blunt. I then saw the telethon tonight which just proves to be that they don't understand customer service which is our front office primary role. surely someone complaining about no calls in four years would get someone off there bum and go we better call this loony tonight to stop his complaining . I love the club but the lack of skills in such a vital area(and not highly complex stuff) demonstrates this club will never get back to the powerhouse it was