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best sense of humour in the afl:

Stayed for around an hour and a half, they came out later than 11 and it was fairly warm so I left not long after they began a full-ground drill. I'll leave the moment-by-moment commentary to those who are good at it, I'd rather describe the things that stood out to me during the time I was there as well as answer any questions to those who have them. Rehab group from what I saw: Trengove, AVB, Stretch, King, Viney, T-Mac, JKH, Oliver, Kent and Hibberd. (May have missed a couple). T-Mac, JKH and Kent all did the running component with those who were due back today. (The ones who started a few weeks back were exempt from the running component from what I understand). Everyone else was there except Lumumba as has been previously discussed. Early observations: Attending training sessions is a rarity for me, but the one thing that continually surprises me when I do attend them is the sheer size of AFL players in general. As an MCC member who sits second level most weeks, it's hard to get a gauge on the size of AFL bodies compared to 'average-sized' humans like myself. Stretch for example walked past me on the boundary-line and I couldn't really believe the size of him. I'm 180 cm which is his height but he was much thicker than I thought. No doubt this isn't news to regular attendees. The rehab guys did their own running component, Stretch and Trengove did a few timed laps and another thing that stood out was again the difference in body shape/mechanics of those two. Stretch's lower half, especially his glutes/quads and hammies are much more developed than Trengoves and he also clearly carries less weight on his torso. Trengove on the other hand has a bulky upper body with a slightly hunched back but his lower half is much less developed, especially his glutes and calves which seem disproportionate to his upper half. Again, probably obvious to some but one can clearly see that with a body like his, it makes sense that he is so one-paced. Out of the rehab group, I'd be interested to know why Trengove, Oliver and Stretch were part of it. (If anyone knows the answer.) Running observations: The running component for the guys who were due back today lasted about 5-6 minutes at what seemed like a 'as hard as you can go' intensity for the entirety of it. No surprises Tom McDonald blitzed the field and if AFL wasn't his caper, he'd be an Olympic middle-distance runner. Others to impress were Jones, and Bugg who were neck and neck most of the way, JKH (surprised me) and Spencer (also surprised me). Funnily enough, Jordan Lewis was last. But he was also the most vocal when the running finished, yelling at guys to get up off the ground and walk it out. Having Lewis, Jones and Vince is the elder statesmen out on the track is a pretty nice thing. And along with the rest of the list, there's a definite confidence within the entire group. No longer do I shudder at certain players who in my mind shouldn't have been playing at AFL level. And the talent is insanely exciting. There's young talent everywhere, which no doubt adds to the positivity that was on display. Standouts/player comments: Sam Weideman, (similarly to Hogan a couple of years ago) is an imposing figure and presence. I think it's his body shape at this stage and the way he moves that excites. He just looks like a guy who is going to easily fill out his frame and with that will come further confidence. Beautiful hands and he just kept catching my eye today. Already looks close to Hogan's size. Salem: He just looks bullet proof at the moment and is one I think could be a game-changer for us if he plays a full year in 2017. Looks like he is in really good condition and his foot-skills are just disgustingly good. Gawn: Trains like he is a demigod. Knows he is the best ruckman in the league and looks driven to hold onto that mantle. Work-rate and intensity over the duration of the session was really impressive as well as skills and ball-handling below his knees. If he remains injury free, he'll be AA again without a doubt. Harmes: Just a smart player in my eyes. A footballers footballer. I know people knock his disposal at times, but generally I think it's an execution problem rather than a decision making one. He moves so well and just looks so natural kicking on both feet. Will be a really handy rotating mid in a few years I reckon. Brayshaw and Petracca: Can't wait until they reach that 100 game mark. Brayshaw looks fit, I like his left over his right foot but it's pretty handy that he is dual-sided. (Still not on Mitchell's level which is something I keep hearing). ANB: Looks like a man on a mission, was vocal, was hard on himself and was angry at others for not "[censored] spread"(ing)! Garland: (For Wiseblood) - Deliberately tried to ignore him because of my propensity to criticize him. But I will say this: No left foot, constantly looks exhausted, can't see him as a best 22 player... Overall, the man-love and mateship between all players but particularly the young talent is pretty contagious for the group. At one stage I thought Petracca was going to kiss Hogan but it didn't happen. The positivity, intensity and overall vibe has clearly changed from sessions I've been to before and you can tell that they're super confident in each other and individually. It's an exciting time, of that I'm certain. Any questions, feel free. STMJ

Got along to training today, obviously warm blustery conditions. As already noted, no Lumumba. No Garlett either. Everyone else appeared to be there and were either in the rehab group or the main group (with some rotating between, depending on the nature of their injuries). Some random observations: - Petracca already looks leaner, particularly his upper body - Hogan and Brayshaw continue to impress (as was noted in previous sessions) - there is a significant focus on non-preferred foot skills - the ground was segmented into three sections longitudinally with lines running end to end from about a metre either side of each point post. Not clear what role this played in the drills I observed - Lewis is already vocal (eg imploring those in a group that ran 4/5 fast laps to stand up at the completion and not hunch over) - Melksham trained with the main group, Hibberd with the rehab - other rehab group participants (not exhaustive) were Stretch, VDB, Viney, TMAC, Pedersen, Oliver, JKH, Trengove (running laps), King - the skill sessions were mixed - a bit difficult to be fair as conditions were atrocious. Harms and Neal-Bullen (in particular) have some residual challenges around their disposal Will revert with more if anything else comes to mind.

I'd suggest that if Lumumba is walking like a duck and quacking like a duck then there is every chance he has concussion (and more)

Some very heartless pieces of advice for Lamumba on this thread. He's a contracted player, he has suffered a workplace injury, his risks serious damage if not handled correctly - and people are trying to push him out the door. If someone is sick, injured, unwell - a strong culture supports this person, we don't cut them loose.

Love reading this... "When Lewis hit Jesse Hogan on the chest in a drill, the former Hawthorn vice-captain joked that the star forward should get used to that sort of service, to the laughter of his new teammates." http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-11-21/star-demon-recruit-jordan-lewis-hits-the-track

In regards to H, I played with a fella who got a couple of successive head knocks, had terrible headaches for over a year, wasn't allowed to drive and was never allowed to play again. I could totally understand if H was still feeling the efdects

Usually try to get to one training session a year and today is the day. Report back later.

Great summary STMJ, I'm a big fan of Harmes and I'm glad that there is at least one other who sees a bit of talent there. Salem too, I think the last game he played was a sample of his talent, he will be a beauty, I still can't believe there were some on here suggesting we use him as trade bait. Gus is another who will shine this year, he had a couple of concussions last year and some wanted to write him off, do so at your own peril. Appreciate the time you've taken to share your thoughts.

How dare you derail the H thread! Oh wait.... Thanks Steve great in depth stuff, appreciated, even if I did have to wade through pages of debate about a player that already has its own thread.

What ia bit strange about the situation with H is it would appear he didn't attend at all. If he has an injury, fair enough and i don't doubt he is experiencing issues related to his concussion but then why not go into the rehab group. I mean its the first day of training for the senior player and we brought him in to the club in large part for his leadership. So why the no show? He wouldn't have even had to do anyhting, just say g'day to the new blokes and get around his team mates. Any whoo something is amiss

Glad to see the Lewis effect has already begun. Am positive that his will be a marvelous influence. Some players will think they do all they can. He'll educate many into the understanding of what makes 'elite'

Can't tell with Brayshaw either - superb kick with either foot.

Gee whizz - where on earth did all that come from ? quoting the MFC release ( which i haven't seen) - he has lingering issues from concussion - you have taken the leap to unacceptable disruption and haul before the leadership group and law down law and taking things inot his hands and not accepting the club position ! ( I too am skeptical about H playing another game but until I hear otherwise I will accept the official line that he has ongoing concussion issues)

Finally a good photoshop job.

Melbourne just posted a picture of Lewis on instagram. Looks good in Red & Blue!

If you could let me know how Garland is going, and how he trains the house down on his first day back, that would be super.

whole lot of jumping to conclusions without the slightest shred of evidence - until we know for sure otherwise he deserves some support and respect. (sorry OD - just because MC may have done the wrong thing by the club, I am proud that the club did the right thing by him) I'm with you on this one TPF39.

Maybe he should retire prior to the draft if that is the case! As it is, he is taking the place of either a potential recruit or a loyal servant such as Grimes who we have delisted (but who still played a valuable role at Casey)!

That photo covers everything i wanted to know in todays training.

That line reads in normal speak as " we have to say this so we don't get sued for not taking care of him" . And when was the last time we believed any FD when they are trying to find a way out. When Clark was going through his process all we heard was he will be back when over his injuries. Then a pay out is announced. Am I a cynic? Yes

He clearly is over AFL football dc. Work out a deal for him to go now before the trade period. That is the best option IMO. He leaves we then have another draft spot, anyone at this point is going to be more useful than I guy who clearly does not want to play.

The guy is wasting everyone's time, but he does not care. He is not interested in anyone else, he is not interested in process, and the truth is something to be manipulated to suit his own purpose. He will say whatever he needs to today and then move on to something else tomorrow. He is without guilt, shame or conscience. Very similar to a President elect.

I disagree here Steve. Posters I would think are not concerned about any "differences", but rather having a bloke on the list, who doesn't play. Personally I am not too fussed about today, as he may be doing some other training, but rather the fact that he is apparently still injured, after missing most of the season.

So does this mean the clubs, or the AFL's concussion testing procedure is still lacking? If Lumumba is still looking for answers for symptoms he's still experiencing then I'm really surprised by that - the fact they've passed all tests thus far.

His best role for us now is to liberate a spot on the list.

I used to really enjoy watching / listening to the draft. This year however I am blissfully unaware!

The difference these days, if you want to be better, we have coaches and programs that will help you Forgot this bit from training Me "Macca what do you think of Jack's hair" Macca "I don't care what colour they have their hair, as long as the head it's on is over the ball"

So whether Clark played us or not is not the point, the club played that with discretion and can hold its head up, that should be the benchmark. And i believe it gets noticed favourably. Treating HL with respect does not hurt the club from a big picture POV.

Hallelujah! But see below... While I'm delighted we seem to be working on improving the non-preferred side, I suspect in the last few years so much work was needed on the preferred side there wasn't time to add this particular icing to the cake. In any other industry it wold be illegal to "cut them loose" if a person is sick, injured or unwell. I'm surprised posters don't appear to recognise that OH&S laws also apply to professional football clubs.

To his credit, you have to admit that he's been the most consistent player in this whole saga.

When you boil it down, it's all relative.

Great summary by STMJ. Like the observations about the players rather than simply going over the drills. Great work mate. Perhaps we can leave H alone now?????

Thanks for the report Steve but this statement is a bit off the mark. I, like I assume most, are commenting on the situation. I've got nothing again the player but in view the situation as one that has to be managed by the club. Obviously we don't know all the facts (like the Oliver case) but we can discuss it surely. I don't give a flying toss that H is different, I just want him to be a productive player for the club. If he isn't I'll consider the options.

Is pedantry OK? If so, segwaying is acceptable if spelled segueing.

With Christmas approaching, its a bad time to be doing duck impressions!!

Great report well done. 2 comments. First, re Salem: nothing about great foot skills should be described as in any way disgusting (joke) Second. I am pretty confident the FD would be regretting the 4 years given to Garland. A once good player, but no longer in our best 30.

But since we don't have a clear view of the aquatic beast, nor hear clearly what it is saying, the chances are we have no real idea if it's a duck, a goose or a swan. Surely the FD should keep their options open as long as they can, and therefore issue the sort of statements which some seem to deplore. I think they are doing the right thing. It's too easy for people here to say 'retire immediately' based on little information.

well concussion or worse, repeated concussion can be a nasty disability. given h is nearing the end of his career and has had 2 recent concussions serious enough to miss a lot of games, then for his future health's sake why would you risk it and play on. it's not worth it and he doesn't want to end up as a novelty doorman at a nightclub. he has his 200 games and a premiership cup, so he really hasn't anything to prove.

Not sure what information he still needs after 6 months of medical checkups and advise. I have a feeling he hasn't received a satisfactory answer regarding his future health. Unfortunately there might not be a concrete answer relating to concussion. If he isn't satisfied about his future health then he needs to step aside and retire. His health is paramount and if he feels that's in jeopardy then that's all that matters.

Really? Josh Mahoney today: "We have been very diligent with our concussion management and we are supportive of Heritier gathering this information." ...the Demons say a delayed start to training is of no concern. Sure I'm concerned that H may retire soon or may not play for the club again or that we could possibly fill that spot with a DFA, yadda yadda.... But I'd be more concerned if we played him and and he did even more damage. Both the player and the club must feel satisfied with the medical outcome. The club is supportive, which is the key word IMO. Thanks to those on the ground for more great training reports. Love the lace out comment by Lewis.

no no - segwaying is acceptable... derailing - is when i call you an old codger and you call me a know nothing who can't add 2+2.

The nuffies won't listen. A wise man once said: "When you live in a cookie-cutter world, being different is a sin". (That was actually Hanson, the band).

The Prince may indeed have an acquired brain injury . It may be too risky to play him again for any team. Seriously.

I wrote to both the afl and the club Why don't you? They notice. For each that writes they assume many more hold the same view. Why do you need an away strip at all playing against the following clubs without red and blue in their strip? Collingwood richmond gws st kilda freo hawthorn port Adelaide The following clubs have blue or red in their scheme but there is no clash or risk of confusion Geelong north Sydney carlton west coast essendon The strips with some risk of clash / confusion are Bulldogs Adelaide brisbane - but not much risk Speak up

If, if, if you had been caught doing those illegal things that you have done you would have been in more trouble. If you had been born in Syria, if you were an astronaut, if you were a shark etc, etc. Hypothetical situations that did not happen. Minor indiscretion, apologise get on with life.

So Nasher, should we all just be feable, apathetic and console ourselves to watching our team play in colors that over 90% of us do not approve of (and seriously can you please revoke the user IDs of the 9% that claim to love this jumper, because they are clearly not Melbourne supporters). But you are right in sense, to effect change, we probably need to do more than exchange or views and ideas on this forum(although I do think there is still value in that exchange). My correspondance campaigns hasn't finished with the emails I have sent to the club, as I will be following up with old fashioned hard copies addressed to key decision makers and people in positions of influence within the club and encourage all others who take this issue seriously on this forum to do likewise. Satty -you know all the players, what about board members etc?

Getting excited about talent is all part of the fun I thought. Stuff tempering expectations - I go all in. I know I might end up bitterly disappointed again, but one of these days I'm bound to be right and it'll be worth it, surely?

There's only one fact that matters, and that is that he chose to drive with alcohol in his system. If you are suggesting that maybe it was residual from an earlier drinking bout, then he must have been extremely pizzed which if anything makes matters worse. I would disagree that I was making an issue out of it...rather, I was pointing to the fact that now he is playing at the top level, he needs to exercise more self control. You are right about those players, but that doesn't make it any less unacceptable.