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Just a smart move. Most players don't negotiate a new contract 2 years out. Some do, but if I was Hogan's manager and there was going to be a new CBA I'd say wait too. I doubt it's Hogan's idea, just good management, which is what he's paying for. Unlike Pirlo above, I'm very relaxed that he'll stay. He loves his teammates and they love him.

Went over... here's my report One more training session before the lads’ head off to Adelaide to play at the wonderfully named Playford Alive Oval, which joins the pantheon of great grounds such as 1300 Smiles Stadium, GMHBA Stadium (believe me, say it quickly) and the good old Woolloongabba ground. Up and coming names for grounds include “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood” Oval and also the “She sells sea shells by the sea shore” Park. For the slightly less eloquent, training today returns to the familiarity of Gosch’s Paddock. Gosh. Additionally, today is the very antithesis of everything Melbourne has stood for over the past two weeks or so as the less-familiar February feel of the cooler autumnal air is replaced by the more-familiar but steadily disappearing scorching variation of Jesse Hogan’s 2015 season. It’s going to be a bloody hot one, not that anyone in the area, by now, need this piece of ‘breaking’ news. Anyway, less jabbering on about how hot the weather is and speculation over how I can improve the names of our simplistically named grounds, and more about how the Dees’ train this morning. If they want to come out and train, that is. At 10:15, not one of the boys fit for full training appear – it’s all, in fact, the rehab group. White, Newton, Dawes (solely walking laps of the ground), Petracca, Vince et al are all out on the ground, not doing an awful lot. Kennedy-Harris was out there, but has since disappeared. Finally, out of the AAMI Park mire, a wild Dean Kent appears, hopefully keeping in mind that we need someone with Mean Look just to keep him there in a move not seen since the good old days of trying to catch Raikou, Entei and Suicune all the way back in Pokemon Gold and Silver. #throwbacktuesday A couple of things I notice as the boys file through – firstly THE CLUB HAS TAKEN MY ADVICE and invested in the new cloth I called for last week which is excellent. Secondly the sight of Christian Petracca in full flight getting the dukes up and reminding us all that Daniel Cross (who is acting as his direct opponent) is a retired footballer is a sight for sore eyes. As the boys gather in to do their traditional Billy Stretch-es, the boys are all up and about cheering a couple of times – the first, and loudest, I presume is for Jack Trengove’s return to full training; the second (not as loud) cheer is for Max King training with the main squad again and the third (small) cheer… you can make up a story to your own liking, I couldn’t tell you that one. A look around as the boys pass by the faithful for the first time, Hogan and Brayshaw are embracing in the manliest cuddle you can see; Tom McDonald has borrowed the #5 jumper just to confuse us all and James Harmes seems to have recovered from the unusual sort of claret formation that he had on Friday; obviously I presume most of you would have seen the photo of him looking more like the Flash than a professional footballer. The stretches are such that I decide to replenish my water/sugar supplies across the road, and are perfectly controlled when I sit back down on return as they start their drills for the day. In between I see a bloke who I thought was Stevo and was ready to give him the ‘how do you do’ until I realised that it evidently wasn’t old mate, and then I see Hogan drill a goal from a difficult angle with frighteningly consummate ease. He goes okay. That first drill that I mentioned for the day, split into two groups, goes briefly. One on the far side of the wing doing some sort of stoppage drill, and another group doing a triangle-like drill focusing on ball use and delivery inside 50. It looks like it was set to start well but believe me, Maxy Gawn coming close to barrelling into the fence just near where I’m at isn’t fun. The next drill is this kind of zigzag formation which goes all around the ground and then ends with a burst down the middle and delivery to the goalsquare. Seeing Viv Michie absolutely streaking down the middle is a good sign, seeing Billy Stretch dart through the centre equally so. Meantime in the rehab group there seems to be this sort of goalkicking competition going on between Petracca, Jones and Cross which gets super competitive – Petracca absolutely nails it with a savagely beautiful goal on the run, and then you see the unusual sight of Jones shanking not one, but two kicks on the run that you would expect him to kick 11 times out of 10, the first going completely across the face and on the full. Such is the competitiveness between captain and arguably one of our two most prized talents I take my eye off the wider drill to focus on all the banter going on. It’s fun to watch. The next drill in the meantime is more of a quick decision-making drill involving the use of handball in a small confined space. Easily the highlight of this drill is that man again – Hoges. Fairly corralled to such an extent by Jetta, the big boy not only finds his way through ole mate Neville but also two other players with ease to break open, almost midfielder-like. I wouldn’t exactly be against seeing Hoges put into the midfield for small bursts. Even if he is our best forward. He’s capable. Another bloke who’s doing well for himself in this session is Wagner. I haven’t talked a hell of a lot about him since he’s come to the club, anyway, bottom line is he’s a competitor, a fierce one at that, and he doesn’t mind a tackle. He might be a decent chance of getting on to the senior list in place of Melksham. The next drill is one which goes both ends, two groups in the middle trying to win a stoppage and two groups in either forward line jostling for the footy. A team in green bibs tries to defend against a team of jumpers. Near side, Weideman has the hard task (again) of manning Tom McDonald, while a couple of balls go in his direction, McDonald is just too strong for him at the moment. Meantime on the far side there is the extremely pleasing sight of Trenners’ going for a stroll, and also winning a hard ball in another contest. This drill lasts another 10-15 minutes or so. The next drill after that is a spreading drill much like the one I detailed last week. Again, like last week, it’s pretty much the jumpers who are all over the bibs. Having the two best readily available players at the moment on form (Hogan and Viney) does that. Additionally pleasing was Bugg muscling his way towards getting Jetta in a crunching tackle which is a dead set ripper. Also pleasing was seeing Kennedy get the ball three times in the middle of the ground before delivering an absolute rip-snorter of a ball to Watts inside forward 50. One more thing about Hogan, he’s on both teams at various stages of this drill and also, this drill is showing how much he’s outright dominating today. At one end, he delivers a low chizzler to a team-mate (might have been Bugg) in a crowded forward 50, and then at the other end he delivers the most perfect ball you could imagine, scything through a pack to find Stretch all on his own. You had to be there to appreciate it really, Hoges’ field kicking is so underrated. In the meantime, Jeffy misses a sitter from 20 out. His set shots are something he has to continue to work on. He missed a whole heap of simple opportunities last year and if he sorts it out, we will be a much better team for it offensively-wise. Mind you there was nothing much wrong with the lead up, he took a ripping overhead mark from a very solid Viney ball, and he is still positioning himself really well. I think it’s five of the last six years he’s kicked over 40 goals, the challenge for him with me is to increase that to 50. If he’s kicking 50 goals a year he’s not far off his old mate Eddie Betts who some reckon is worth a million a year (except for Carlton, obviously, who reckon he’s not even worth $650k a year!). The boys put the footy’s away now at least and then get into some running. Just as a measure of Trenners’ running capacity at the moment he gives Bernie a slight start then overhauls him at top speed. That’s always a good sign. Does that mean he could be finally over all those foot problems for good? As a finishing up kind of drill (or at least the way I see things because the surrounds are getting cleaned up) there are various different groups. One doing a kind of fending off drill, one doing a stoppage drill and one doing a goalkicking drill. Nothing of the sort really standing out, but with the clean up in mind and the lure of airconditioning at Edwin’s too great knowing there isn’t much of the session left, I get over to the joint for a spot of lunch.

Makes perfect sense.

For those that have Foxtel and still want to keep the service...lets face it they do cover a lot of our games this year. Personally I've sacked "360", won't waste my time with it this year with Heppell on board and have lodged a complaint. https://www.foxtel.com.au/got/support/complaints.html Don't just whinge about it on here, make your feelings known. They will talk through their pockets...

I think Spencers ruckwork at VFL level is above what you would suggest, I recall reading somewhee that he had the 12th best hitout to advantage in the VFL for the top 50 hitout players, whilst it is not exceptional it indicates that it is clearly much improved. Adel: Sam Jacobs, Luke Lowden Bris: Stefan Martin, Trent West Carl: Kreuzer, Wood, Gorringe, Phillips Coll: Grundy, Witts Essendon: Leuenberger, Mckernan, Jamar Freo: Sandilands, Griffiths, Clarke, Geel: Smith, Blicavs, Stanley GC: Nicholls, Currie, Brooksby GWS: Mumford, Simpson, Lobb, Downie Haw: Ceglar, McEvoy, Melb: Gawn, Spencer NM: Goldstein, Daw Port: Lobbe, Howard Rich: Maric, Hampson STK: Longer, Hickey, Pierce Syd: Derickx, Nankervis, Sinclair, WC: Naitanui, Lycett, Giles Dogs: Minson, Roguhhead, Campbell When you actually look at the ruck division of all teams, I would almost argue that as purely a ruck (which i eliminated most fwd/rucks) that Spencer would nearly be the pick of the bunch. Highlighted are most of the second rucks and they are all players I would not have on the list ahead of Spencer. Of course this is a personal opinion, but it stands to reason that whilst he is not a world beater as a number one ruckman, for depth purely he will suffice until Mitch King has had 4-5 years in the system and is looking to compete for the number 1 spot.

Just cancelled my Fox Footy subscription. Told them on the phone and via email that they dont take sport seriously as they are hiring drug cheats fresh off a WADA ban. Back to free streaming sites for me.

I was there today, for the White lovers, has had a slight ankle issue, same with Terlich who did part of the session, JKL is hammy HL and King were back in main group for 3/4 , then did an interesting drill with Crossy on the other soccer oval, with one in goal and the other firing shots at them? Trengove did most of everything, looked unencumbered (nice word) Nathan Jones was rehabbing, asked him why, said it was age Hogan is fun to watch in the match sim Only one who didn't seem to be there today was Spencer Hulett hurt himself today, but seemed minor If you have any question feel free, tasmanlvr has the drills covered On the Petracca/Jones front, Trac made his usual smart comment to me when I passed him and Jonesy as they sat and watched the last of the match sim, I actually managed to get him embaressed much to Jonesys' amusement.

Id be worried if he was out of contract at the end of the season. This is a nothing story.

Couldn't help myself

Both of Frost and Pedersen are not ruckmen and would be giving away height, weight and experience. While playing them as your ruckmen, as fill ins, for a few minutes a quarter, is sustainable, for the whole game it is not.

Managed to rearrange a few work place meetings to sneak down to Goschs paddock at 9.45 am for training. Not impressed that the main group didn't appear until 10.20 as I had to be out of there by 11.00. However that gave me plenty of time to watch Pettracca, Jones and Cross doing extended drills in rehab on the full ground that I assumed were recreating a half forward role where the Trac had to wrestle with Cross before making a lead and requiring Jones to pass to him. In this drill he showed remarkably clean hands, marking the ball out in front every time. In other drills the Trac had to chase and mark a high kick, then pass off to Cross, who would then throw the ball at Trac at full pace and he showed he had very clean hands below his knees every time. Some of his kicking was wayward but gee in nearly 30 minutes of drills I don't think he fumbled a mark or a tumbling ball on the ground. Jones was good but made a number of mis kicks and fumbled a few and let the f word out a number of times in frustration. I can't wait to see a fit Trac playing off the half forward line, he moves well, takes the ball cleanly out in front every time. His set shots at goal were a bit hit and miss but it was very windy. And I wonder if Jones may spend some time at half forward this season. He did that some years ago under Daniher if I remember it accurately.

Mfcss running at 12/10

I'm one who cares about practice matches / NAB Cup. For years I've read on here the old chestnut "it's only a practice match" as if an ordinary display by the team is some sort of anomaly, and we're going to flick the switch for the season proper. It just never happens. I'm interested in seeing some signs of a more attacking gameplan under Goodwin, and whether we can actually move the ball with some purpose out of the backline. If we are to get beaten, I'd rather it be a scoreline of 20 goals to 15 than 10 to 5.

What continues to astound me is that no high ranking sports authority has taken the AFL to task. I long ago gave up any hope of Athletics Australia doing so as David Grace QC is its Chairman (and has also led the players vs AFL/ASADA/WADA/CAS campaigns. Ditto for the Australian Sports Commission as John Wylie its Chairman is a close mate of Mike Fitzpatrick and was asked by Fitzpatrick to be the go between with Essendon in August 2013. In short, these terribly incestuos connections have compromised clean sport in this country. Perhaps, the most troubling of all is the position of John Wylie as the ASC has a big say on funding and sponsorship for sports. All sports appear to have gone quiet, perhaps 'muzzled' by the fear of losing funding. So no point expecting politicians or sports administrators to stand up for clean sport. It is incredibly disappointing that not even IOC reps have spoken out. eg John Coates, an internationally respected sports administrator, Susie O'Neil also highly regarded etc. I would imagine a fair bit of sledging will happen at the RIO games in a few months! I guess our athletes can't complain about 'being tarnished with the same brush' if their sporting bodies are not prepared to stand up and be counted when necessary!

It's all about the ball movement for mine and the concomitant impact on game plan. There's a high degree of anticipation as to how much impact Goodwin has had on the game plan and to what extent the young Dees can execute it. Two media articles in the last couple of days are very instructive - firstly Mahoney putting the pressure on the players by saying we're approaching the NAB Challenge seriously and then Roosy in essence saying there's no reason we can't do what the Dogs did. In my mind these are very deliberate efforts to ensure we hit the ground running as there's an awareness that we need to build some momentum and belief early so that we keep our season alive for as long as possible and give the debutantes every opportunity to hit their straps. With some early success, the possibility envelope opens right up......

Here are a few of reasons. They have played a NAB game already. They will be fielding a very strong side and we won't, with a number of our good players out. It is over there. That said who cares, I want no injuries and a good performance.

I have said it before but my membership does not get renewed until Dill comes out and categorically says the AFL support the WADA code and any talk of the AFL leaving the WADA code is ridiculous and not worth the paper it is written on. I realise this hurts the club and not really the AFL but I can't bring myself to financially support a league that is effectively allowing people to condone PED use. I think the chance of the AFl walking from the WADA code is very slim but that is not due to the integrity of the WADA code, it is due to the dollars attached from the government. If there weren't any dollars attached Dill would have walked from the WADA code a few years back. I certainly don't have any real excitement about the season that is about to start which is one we should all be hugely excited about. The thought of all and sundry going on and on about the replacement EFC players and how the club has been through such a hard time etc etc makes me sick. Certainly will not be watching or having anything to do with any EFC game for the year, even when we are playing them.

Still makes me laugh:

In a few years he should spend a year in the midfield, just to beat the distant 2nd, Cripps, in the Brownlow.

I hope to see the development of our list as a whole particularly our young but still only potential guns. It is all about the team not the individual despite the focus on Hogan. Like all supporters I want Hogan to stay but not at all cost. The club has to develop a team and manage its list and contracts/remuneration in a sensible and professional manner. It's not much point having a gun like Jesse if we lose our midfield because of salary issues resulting from overcompensating one player. It's why team success is so important over the next 2 years. If we have success if will all work out.

Our anticipated rise has come at an awful time for AFL, and Australian sport in general. Gil, and DubmItrou before him, have stuffed or beloved game, sold out to big media and to the gambling industry. If their sponsors say jump, they say how high. No regards for a fairly run competition at all - as long as the $$$$$$ come in from TV and from gambling, what do they care? The 'ordinary footy fan' is basically treated as [censored].

All, but I chose Petracca. I almost feel guilty for not selecting Jesse, such is my manlove, but I already know what he'll do. Can't wait to see Trenners, but I also know his talent (when fit) and I expect him to make a full recovery. Can't wait to see Oliver and reckon he'll show as much as Brayshaw (if not more). But Petracca is a special talent that we've been denied and at 20 years of age, even though it's his first year of playing, he can really make the competition stand up and take notice.

Trengove, purely for the story. Would be one of the greatest comebacks from injury, nearly on par with Daniel Menzel

There is a Misson video on the website updating injuries etc. Petracca rejoining main group next week but will need a few weeks of full training before playing. Didn't put a specific time on it. HL and Max King will be ready to play by the 3rd NAB game. Jones had a knock on his knee a few weeks ago but is pretty right now. Won't play this weekend. Trenners is going well. He did 2/3rds of last training session but will still need to build up to full sessions and then a month of full sessions before being ready to play. Didnt' put a time line on that but my guess given his rate of improvement is it looks like maybe 5-6 weeks. Dawes 4th calf in a year. Going to take much longer on this to try to make sure he is right for the full season. No time line.

All of them.

I know it's only a practice match with a glorified title, but for me, a NAB Challenge win on the weekend is important. First, it will be a strong indicator that at least some of the key elements that we will all be looking at (game style, ball movement, our recruits and developing players, etc) are coming together as we (and our coaching staff) hope. Second, it will reinforce the genuine confidence and excitement that has been expressed by our playing group leading into the season proper. This is especially so because we will go in as underdogs against Port. And finally, a win should give our membership coffers a nice pre-season boost.

Agree. Would like to some games where we outscore the opposition rather than choke the opposition's score below ours.

One could, reading the last few pages, easily forget that this is a Clayton Oliver thread. Mods - how about setting up a pinned "personal abuse and bickering" thread?

Every team would have practice matches regardless, this is just televised and promoted. So with, or without the NAB challenge there is still risk of injury. The boys need to play the real stuff before heading into the season.

Interested why you would call it a farce? The AFL aren't trying to paint it as anymore than a practice match. There are a couple of changes I would make, but hardly farcical.

100% reasonable and sensible decision by Jesse, his management and the MFC. I would wager that there wouldn't be a single sound-minded Demonlander who wouldn't make the same decision if faced with the same predicament.

One thing is for sure, it's officially time to panic!!

Why, are we planning on trading him to Carlton?

Been a long time coming with a list this long but take your pick and with apologies to ANB, Brayshaw, Stretch, Vanders and Oliver (How good is it not to expect a 1st year player to be our saviour and shining light and allow them to develop) Salem - think we landed a beauty in him Kent - I think the penny has dropped, he has the tools and the speed to really hurt opposition Petracca - loved what I saw in 2014 Nationals and the pre AFL willingness to knuckle down Trengove - obvious reasons and many forget the footy smarts, discipline to adhere to team structure and ability shown before injury Hogan - 2nd season and has everything Viney - jumped up a class last season expect him to become our number 1 mid by seasons end Tmac - can he make the early season form of 2015 to a consistent and regular occurence Gawn - Has the preseason and miles into the body to go with the ability and the ruck craft he has learnt, could be a big year

After seeing Clayton Oliver at last weeks practice match I'm starting to think he is a serious chance to play early in the season and even round 1. IMO he was the second best player from stoppages last week only behind Viney. Players like AVB were better with their whole contribution but Oliver looked like a clearance machine. Really looking forward to seeing what he does in the NAB series.

What really pizzes me off is that finally as a team, as a club we might start getting somewhere and my whole enjoyment of the game is being challenged by the very corruption of it. Would it have actually harmed the'brand' for the AFL to take a hard line ? If anything I think it would have strengthened it. But we all know what the AFL stands for ANOTHER FISTFUL of LOOT The silence of outrage is deafening. Sad.

These nab games hold a real interest for me for a number of reasons. I want Hogan and Garlett to kick some goals and reassure me that they are going to provide our main firepower again. A few from Kent would also be nice! I believe there is an 8 man bench so hopefully we get a good look at the new guys. Port has a handy midfield so there should be a chance to see how Oliver stands up physically among some hard bodies. I also look forward to seeing Hulet (spelling) who has been talked up and Kennedy who I wouldn't know if he ran over me. Pedo gets a lot of bad press here but I like his tenacity so I hope some good nab performances earn him a game. Grimes is another I hope does well and of course Our boy Jack always provides more questions than answers And finally my pick on the break out thread Van Demon.

DVC, it's the hypocrisy that BB is objecting to. The AFL comes down like a ton of bricks on the easy target while tacitly supporting the 34.

Perhaps Heppell's role is to make Robbo appear articulate?

It actually takes quite a bit of effort to maim the space bar and comma key in unison.

I think the other reason for the added push to be up and running early is due to our fixture and the perceived winnable games in the first 2 months of the season. GWS, BOMBERS, NORTH, PIES, TIGES, SAINTS, SUNS, DOGS, LIONS if we start strongly and win 6 or 7 of this first group of 9 it could set us up for a good-great season. If don't hit the ground running and only win 2 or 3 of the first batch. We are in for another long and fruitless season I fear.

Yep, the afl community will win this fight, and its really no competition. The drug cheats will get an early pick in this years draft, and I'm betting they will see a priority pick, and extra afl funding in the next few years. The banned drug cheating players will be feted like a returning MacArthur, and treated like the victims that the sycophants have portrayed them as through the entire drug cheating saga. essedon will be back in the top 8, faster than you can say "i took illegal, performance enhancing drugs, and was caught and exposed as a cheat by WADA", and that sickening dweeb gil, and his fawning lackys, will be smirking all the way to the bank. Make no mistake, this is nothing more than corporate greed and selfishness, winning over fairness, and what is right.

Well stated, BB. One thing that really pi55e5 me off is posters labelling and listed player a 'spud' or a 'dud', and especially one who puts in 100% every time like Spencil (and Jordie McK for that matter. Not all players are ultimately up to AFL standard, but if they get listed and make the effort it is insulting and disrespectful to vilify them. Very few of those posting on this forum have ever been AFL (or old VFL) listed, and I doubt if you would see them vilifying our players.

Cards, Trenners was fine, I watched a few of the early drills he was involved in, stepping off both feet, and quite a decent pace, reckon he is itching to get a crack at one of the NAB challenge games, got a big smile as he noticed I was taking a picture

Not sure about any angst towards the MCC. What's wrong with good dental health, and a decent fashion sense?

http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-melbourne-demons--jake-spencer I don't think the stats back you up. His first few games last year when he was our sole ruckman he did well and when looking at the stats remember that Gawn didn't play until round 10 last year. Spencer was also very good against Geelong. Your description of him as a "standing tree-stump" is insulting and clearly wrong. I don't recall anyone saying Gawn is not clearly our first pick ruck but Spencer is a good backup. Your assertion that he doesn't involve himself past the ruck work is not born out by his tackling stats. He gets involved in stoppages, chases and competes. Just for the record he had more tackles in his 7 games than Gawn did in 13. And if you think being a negating ruck is worthless you only need to see last weeks practice match. It was only when Spencer went off that Gawn took control and gave is mids an easy ride. Gawn is clearly no 1 but Spencer is a worthwhile backup.

Barn, I normally read what you say with interest, but I must disagree with this statement. Going into a contest, even a pre season contest, with a weak, self preservation attitude, will end in tears. If you hit a contest softly, you will get smashed. Port has played a game already, meaning their players have had a chance to get acclimatised against real opposition. If our blokes go in trying to protect themselves, we will likely end up getting a hiding on the scoreboard, and gaining a few injuries also. By all means, don't expose underdone players, but the team taking the field must have an attitude of wanting to win the contest, regardless of its standing.

I'm really excited to watch us play, but not overly fussed about the result. There will be different rotations, players being rested for longer etc. But I am pumped to see us playing footy again, Saturday can't come around quick enough!