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This may surprise you, but it's not overly important - as long as it's AFL standard, which I'm sure it will be. Oliver's strengths lie in his clearance ability, agility (third at the draft combine 8.11), size, burst speed (for an inside mid), reading of the play, and terrific vision and decision making with handballs in congestion. While he's a "straight ahead" player, he also backs his evasive skills. I don't think he's an elite kick by any stretch, but I think his long kicking is good and shorter kicking adequate and will get better. He kicks it well enough to score 30 out of 30 in the draft combine goal-kicking test. Fyfe and Dangerfield shank plenty of kicks. James Hird was never a great kick and did you ever see him kick on his left ? There aren't many elite kicks in the competition and some superb footballers haven't been great kicks. As mentioned, Fyfe is arguably the best player in the competition, but no-one would go to training and rate his kicking ability. I've been to a few training sessions and really like what I see with Oliver.

At least he cares about the club. He trains his guts out week in, week out and doesn't have much luck. Yes, he needs to kick more goals. Yes, he needs to improve his marking. But if we had a team full of blokes that trained as hard as he does and give everything they had for the club as he does then we wouldn't go far wrong. It's hardly his fault his body has betrayed him, nor is it his fault that we splashed the cash to get him. We thought he was worth it at the time. Regardless of his status in the side I think it's sad to see him break down again.

Dazzle the reality is those people supporting Viney and loving his aggression (as we all do) would be spitting chips is Terlich did that to Hogan who dislocated his shoulder and missed a season. I can see the meltdown here if that happened. Frankly it's just dumb and it's why the club has told Viney to wind it back and the the skip has given Viney a clip.

Have loathed Long and Essendon ever since that day. It was probably done under instruction from Kevin Sheedy. Notice also the presence of that thug Dean Wallis. A good reminder about the reason I have taken such delight in Essendrugs current situation.

Since the thread has been bumped I'll provide an update for the many of you who are no doubt waiting with bated breath to hear how the 8yo fan of J.Howe dealt with the news. Firstly...I put off telling her for so long that when her cousins came to visit over the New Year they were the ones that broke the story (they also taught her the word 'traitor'). After a brief sad face she decided that Nathan Jones was now her favourite and she was going to rip Howe's autograph out of her book. I managed to talk her out of that, it's a nice book. I also tried to explain the big business of footy and that traitor is probably a bit strong, but I'm not sure the message got through. Hell hath no fury... Ed: spelling

It is a shame we aren't seeing skills early on like we did with Toumpas, Watts, Morton, Blease, Strauss, Tapscott and Maric.

JT looked really good, bulked up in the shoulders and still has his skills. The only thing he needs to work on is his running and that will come with kilometers. He is the heart of this club, the middle band of players all remember him being drafted and what he has been through. Imagine you standing there in the square, the ball about to be bounced and you look around and see him, knowing what he has been through to get there. you are going to do the hard things to get the ball and the win. No doubt about it

How about you put yourself in his shoes and attempt to understand how frustrated the bloke must be. He clearly wants to perform and help the team ffs. I don't get the vindictiveness against players who break down through injury.

A calf injury for an older player is one of the worst they can get. Since this appears to be a recurring injury, he may be in trouble. I wish him the best, he is a hard worker and a nice guy and deserves a break. However, if his calf stops him from playing regularly this year, I think it may be his last with us.

People are arguing at the edges. Clearly, Viney overstepped the mark with his tackle and subsequent dumping of McDonald. I've been told that his head hit the ground and that if it was a normal AFL game Viney would have missed 2 or 3 weeks. So nobody can argue Viney didn't needed to be pulled up. But I'm sure we all love his cold ruthlessness even at training. We love the standard he's setting for Salem, Oliver and Brayshaw. Let's not forget that this was a "match simulation" session. Viney was replicating how he plays footy. So yes, he went too far, but I'd far rather he occasionally crossed the line than have it any other way.

I wonder if Colllingwood will get a top up player from the AFL....

If that's how he broke his finger and how he reported it to his new club, then I take back what I wrote about him still being a Demon at heart. He's now Collingwood through and through. Probably, had a few teeth removed since we traded him. ?

It's not so much that that's a ridiculous conclusion to reach at this stage; it's more that you're basing your 'call' on one line in a Demonland training report.

You'd think Dawes injured himself intentionally according to some on here. Give the guy a break. Although he can be frustrating he always busts a gut on game day.

I arrived just before 10 and saw Watts and Trac rolling the ball around the body, between the legs, behind the back, neck then handball. good drill. Then handball drills and boxing. Trac is a strong lad. He also has some choice comments for those around him. Watts had his quad taped. Viney, god help anyone who gets in his way in a game. He has the skill, aggression and position we need. Tmac was a little surprised by the intensity, Dunn was laughing. The sound of Tmac's head hitting the ground wasn't good. I was a little surprised by Viney going on with it. Its good to have some intensity and the boys are working on it. Tmac was later on Hogan in the match simulation. It was like watching two greats go for it. Hogan's hands are really good, Tmac's stretch and positioning and strength are something to watch this year. Oliver and Salem running laps. I didn't see my son's favourite Bernie Vince out there, maybe I missed him. It was different in match simulation from those who did well in drills. Captain Chunk was great in the sims with Gawn. Viney took the first two taps away, then Captain Chunk. Garlett has a switch that knows when to go. Dom Tyson is moving well, he has confidence and looked really good. First time I really saw White and liked his prospects for Round 1. The low kicking in the forward line looked great. They hit the target without the forward deviating from the line too much. This was really exciting. Kicking to a lead. ANB looks better than last year, more size and conditioning. Richie VB will dominate again, lock him in for round 1. he has learnt positioning and will only get better. Dawes looks more comfortable leading up the ground, CHF and wing and centre. he has clean hands off the deck and the kick handball or kick is a good option for him. He also had the two young forwards with him on the side for about 20 mins showing them lead and mark. The highlight of the session was seeing No.9 J.Trengove running and kicking. He participated in the full field drills and he still knows how to mark, kick and pick up a ball. He has bulked up and is learning to run with speed again. It was great to see! Left around 11.30am, just before set shots. Stretch left early. There

Yes, Jack probably went overboard. But on the on the other hand I love his 'you've got my ball! Give it back!' mentality. I dunno. Maybe the quote by the Duke of Wellington talking about his own troops sums it up: "I don't know what effect these men will have on the enemy, but by God, they terrify me"

This is all to the club that Jeremy "Always wanted to play for" yet he has lied to them before his first game at any level Who the hell has ever broken a finger throwing a frisbee? i mean really....

Nicely handled by the captain: Managed to give Viney a message ("The scuffle...came about after Viney broke a crucial unwritten rule: don't smash your teammates in training) and downplayed the episode at the same time! ("At times, it's a split second decision and accidents happen.") Our captain gets better by the day!

Karma. Dawes > Dodgy Calf Howe > Dodges Fairies

The end of Demons Bruise Free Football is nearing. you play as you train.

There's a lot lacking in class on display here. And you're spot on - it's not Chris Dawes, or his attitude to this club and his potential replacements. Perhaps some here could benefit from his guidance as to team-oriented behaviours, leadership, and the proper approach to be adopted towards the club. I wish him all the best. Must be an absolutely horrible blow for him in the circumstances.

I'm finding it really hard to be mature about this development.

Great to have someone who can forecast injuries. Let's see your list for the coming year so we can plan around it.

Imagine being a gws player round 1 at the opening bounce and the ruck tap lands half way in between you and Viney........ Could be the first player to fake cramp 2 seconds into the season.

So can we say that Howe moving from Melbourne to Collingwood increased the average IQ of both teams? (An oldie but a goodie)

How about those Denver Bronco's...

The thread was created with the intent of monitoring his PROGRESS. Not revisiting the past and lamenting about how the club managed his injury or the trade with Richmond. JT is only concerned about what's in front of him. Let's all do the same!

WYL, it seems that you've forgotten the promise that you made the other day: We get it. Trengove was once on the trade table and almost went to Richmond. He didn't. He's worked hard to get himself into the position that he's in today WITH THE MFC, and if he can get back on the field there is no doubt that he will give the club a lift that few others could. This thread is about supporting Trengove as he clears each hurdle and tries to get back onto the field. He's a young player who has given everything that he can to this club, and it finally seems that he's in a position to get back to business after a very serious injury that it would have taken an incredible amount of resilience to recover from. If he does get back to full fitness, I can assure you that he will leave no stone unturned to ensure that he gets the best out of himself in the remainder of his career; he's just that type of character.

Petracca breaks his toe playing basketball, albeit being stupid. Perhaps wear shoes next time truck and no reverse slam dunks. But he owns up to it despite no-one else being there. Jeremy Howe breaks his finger in front of a crowd and makes up a ridiculous story. Make no mistake Roos has built a culture.

I'm playing cricket against Koonung this weekend.. I'll be sure to ask the boys!

Denmark generated 140% of its needs and exported energy http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/10/denmark-wind-windfarm-power-exceed-electricity-demand

boys will be boys. Good to see training getting real. For far too long its been seen as playtime in the park. Now all and sundry might take a step back, have a think about what it is to play footy, for real, at the top level and get on with it. Hopefully Jack saves some 'angry stuff' for opposition players !!

Neil Balme claims Howe told him the frisbee story: “I can only report what he told me and I do understand that he played cricket, which is OK. But, he didn’t break his finger playing cricket so I don’t know why he wouldn’t tell me he broke his finger playing cricket, If he broke his finger playing cricket,” football manager Neil Balme told SEN radio.' http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl Hope Jeremy told the club the true story whatever it is...Eddie went ballistic last time a player lied to the club. Not an auspicious start by JH. Edit: The article above also says: "Howe bowled four overs in the match — finishing with 0-20 — despite battling stress fractures in his feet earlier in the pre-season and not yet resuming full training". Why on earth would be be bowling while injured! Perhaps playing cricket is not quite as ok as Balme wants us to think. My guess is he is getting quite a talking to.

I'm one of Dawes's biggest critics, but I would never wish for someone to have their career impacted by injuries the way his has been. I hope that he's able to recover quickly and prove his value to the team before his contract is up. By all accounts he's a great clubman and leader, and I hope that if his playing days have reached the end of the road then he'll be offered a role in coaching or mentoring the new young forward brigade.

The reason to practice with a numbers advantage for the offence is so that the team gets a feel for how the play flows when it works. It helps them work out where to run to create the correct 'next option'. As they get better at it, you add defenders. If you start with even numbers or a defensive advantage, they don't get the opportunity to learn the running patterns that open up the play.

When your getting to the wrong age of 27 and your having recurring calf problems then you can almost kiss your career goodbye.

Another snippet.. McCartney was asked by a track watcher on the boundary line how he thinks they'll go this year, his reply - "they'll be better than last year, they'll be better next year, and if you're not hard at it you won't be getting a game."

Dee's training.. I arrived there and H, Watts, King, Petracca boxing ... TRENGOVE! in the main group. I got there about 10 ... they were doing lane work but with a guy in between so they would hit up spin and then stab ... Yes stab the ball hard!! And most were hitting targets ... mainly watched Trengove. He looks sharp! Hope he pulls up well. Hunt looks fast. The boys real revving into i about something.. Was funny.. Whilst there was lane work, there was a complicated 3 man weevish handball going.. Good intensity.. Macca yelling get the young kids a touch early, get them one in the first 30 seconds.. Then they went into circle work but would finish off with a goal at either end.. Kent moving well.. (Dawes took a mark) Hullet is a monster and could start Rd 1 based on size.. Don't know about his kicking though.. All skills good.. Only misses I saw were from Spencer, Vanders, Wagner and TMac.. Boys still boxing.. They then moved to a halfback/wing/fwd drill.. Quick hands, play on at all costs.. Where my favourite part of the session happened. Viney just ripped TMac to the ground, smashed his head face first ala Ablett tackles.. Tmac grab his neck and told him that's stupid.. Viney "you're a sook go play netball" God I love Viney!! Atm Dawes currently working with King (#34) and Weiderman.. Teaching them how to use their body in marking contests.. Oliver running laps.. Notes: Grimes is looking the fittest I've seen him and didn't miss a target or drop a mark.. Jones looks 100%.. Bugg is small.. But fast.. Kent looks to have that arrogance of a Dane Swan.. Didn't see Vince.. And Goodwin pretty much ran training.. (There are still going)

Hang on, are you getting younger? My guess is that you will forever be on the wrong side of 27.

I love how people always bring up his contract amount. Wheb he came to us we had no one on our list, we paid the minimum salary cap even with Dawes Contract. FFS, I'm still surprised some one half decent even came to the club at that time.

TMac should pick on his own size.

Is that Jack Watts' crackin gags at training? Fair dinkum ...

According to the Herald Sun Howe was playing cricket, dropped a catch, went off favouring his hand, didn't bat (despite playing in the top order in earlier games) and then claims he broke his finger playing frisbee later that day. I know footballers aren't meant to be the sharpest tools in the shed but come on...

Does he have a degree in game analysis and education co-ordination?

I also wouldn't rule out if the club actually signed Dawes on a 1 year contract to continue the development of Weideman and Hulett and stay on as depth bit like what they did with pedo this year.

This episode reminded me of a story told by Tommy Hafey not long before his passing. He was talking to us about resilience and of players who had been dumped by their clubs but resurrected their careers elsewhere. He spoke glowingly of Kevin Sheedy who came the Tigers after being told by the MFC that he wasn't up to it, this was when Norm was in charge by the way, too small and slow apparently. Anyway Sheedy showed up at Punt Road just as Tommy was trying to instill his high standards of fitness and toughness into his players. Sheedy was his best trainer and toughest man and he said he often turned the other way when Sheedy would get stuck into any player, physically who may have squibbed a tackle at training or in a match the previous week. Sounded very much like workplace bullying to me and Tommy would always claim to have not seen Sheedy roughing a team mate up, if they complained. The new toughness worked for the Tiges back then, let's hope Viney and others can make it work for us. Personally I like to see this physicality at training, we have been soft for too long. My worry is Gen Z are different beasts to the players of the 60's and 70's. The bullying may have to be done with a touch of empathy and with ample constructive feedback.

Even numbers makes it difficult to move the ball, only have to watch a Melbourne game to know that. Think of how many stoppages and turnovers there are in a standard game, or how many contests. Giving an extra number to the defensive team would be near on impossible to move the ball. You'd go man on man and have a spare floating a kick ahead. 9-7 gives a good chance to practice running to space and clean ball movement whilst making the 7 work hard and smart when defending. You have to zone when out numbered. If we are planning more zone on the back end of our defending this is good practice for it, and then come match day you'll have 2 extras at the contest. The point of the drill was to get fast ball movement up and transitioning back much more than it was to test it against even numbers, they do smaller drills, particularly by hand with even numbers, then train to run and spread and hopefully outnumber opponents in space.

Went today and took some happy snaps, http://imgur.com/a/7VAEs My favourite is this one.