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... include the bottom half of the list and top up players from Casey. It's a different story when something close to the best 22 are out there. Highlights for me: JKH, who I'd all but written off last year looks like he can become a good AFL footballer. Sad for ANB. Always thought he was limited and nothing seems to have changed. Weid looked a lot more competitive than last year. Salem will be a force if he can stay fit. Oliver confirmed he will be elite I started by saying at the beginning of the session yesterday that Hunt would be AA. I amended that by the end of the session by saying he'd captain the AA team. He's great I thought AVB looked good. Unlike others I thought Pencil was good and whilst Gawn is our ruckman Pencil is a very good back up. Was it just me or was Trengove prolific in the first ground drill but struggled in the match sim? I thought the physicality was reserved. Competitive for the ball but gentle on tackling. Good thing that. There is a thread about whether Brayshaw and Oliver can play in the same team. That thread wouldn't be started now. Brayshaw looked great. Frost will play and will show himself to be an inspired trade by Todd and his team. I think those predicting the demise of Bernie Vince are seduced by youth. Bernie has much to offer and looked good. Those thinking DJ is close to selection are off the mark. JG and JKH well ahead of him. Stretch will play seniors when fit. Poised, efficient and works very hard. 250 game player because he's so professional. We have lots of players now capable of playing good quality AFL footy. Nice hit out. Dancing with your sister stuff. Hope Tyson gets fit soon. He's very important to us.

Some very good reports from despicable, Dee Spencer and Brfe, apologies to others who also add value that I've missed. The only point I'll add is my biggest take away was Jordan Lewis. He plays at another level that our players need to aspire to. He always sees the next play before he gets the ball and is able to perfectly execute the first option because he already knows what is is. He knows where all his team mates are and is able to move the ball so quickly with precision. Our other good players are intent on winning the ball and then seeking the option. For Lewis it's all one seamless action. This happened repeatedly and stood out to me. I think he'll help transform our ball movement playing a more outside role than he did a Hawthorn.

One aspect of having a women's competition is that for some reason it makes it so much easier to conduct a mature conversation about the sexuality of players ~ First openly gay AFL player couple: "We're proud, and proud of each other"

Some observations from Olympic Park. This must be the fittest melbourne side for years. Hogan and Vandenburg look like they have lost kilos. Vandenburg no sign of any ankle problems whatsoever. At the end of the match players went one on one...leading to mark. They had to start this drill wrestling with each other and the make a break to receive the pass. Vandenburg and Watts were going at (wrestling) like madmen...followed by Hunt and someone I couldn't identify....but they could hardly walk after it. The wrestling went on for ages with the coaches yelling...'go on pull him down 'and 'don't let him make a break for it' This wrestling drill to break away was repeated a number of times ..........all after the match game was over...more than two hours into the training session...!...and it was as hot as hell. Wow! No surprise to see Harmes and others battling cramp. Salems kicking was as usual sensational....another who I noticed was deadly accurate...J Lewis.....yes we have two now. Frost looks like a huge unit with pace pace pace....he was a standout. Brayshaw looks deadly...Petracca looks even more like a tank.....Viney looks like he has added another size or two to his chest. Like I mean he is noticeably wider. Gawn outstanding but now it is not unusual, rather expected. Jones is still the captain on field telling them all when their effort was lacking. Melksham was busy but for me is in that small payer category and we have a number of them. The overall impression I got was a severe workout on a hot day that went for more than two hours.....full on .....and they look ready to burst out of he blocks!

O'Dea is a very good player. She has cleared everything in this quarter.

I disagree entirely. If your assertion is that people look to blame others for their failures and that everything is in their own hands what the point of having a decent development and coaching staff? Gysberts had the misfortune to be drafted by the most dysfunctional AFL football club this century and didn't cope. How on earth can you lay all the blame on him? Gysberts was a very talented footballer and you only have to look at his early games to see this. He had clear weaknesses that Neeld and his development team failed to eradicate. I'd go further and say they were a terrible impact on him. Gysberts was an introvert and was crushed by the hostile atmosphere generated by Neeld and his philosophy. This has been confirmed to me by both players and staff who were there at the time. A good leader inspires and makes his players want to follow. Neeld did exactly the opposite. I don't know if Gysberts had fixable faults but he certainly had talent. Are you writing off Petracca and Oliver now because they struggle in the running drills? Neeld snuffed out any chance the kid had and by the time he got to NM he was shot. He didn't want to play AFL footy. Again, confirmed by those that know him. Neeld was a disaster. He alienated the senior players, he failed to develop the younger players and he left us in a significantly worse place when he left than when he arrived. Gysberts wasn't the only one significantly effected.

Perfectly put Bossdog, the main things on show were the physicality and the fact they were still working hard 2 and 1/2 hours in, in hot conditions, and some players stood out and showed they are in form, have developed or are Jordan Lewis I thought Hogan spent the match sim going anywhere except near the ball, same with Watts, give the other forwards a chance to shine? Pleased to see JKH running around looking fit, deserved the bake he got from everybody for blazing away and Dion Johnstone showed something, Jeffy still has them covered at the moment Bernie Vince was good at the back, Salem looked really sharp and classy, Oliver is developing at an alarming rate, Brayshaw nice little cameo, Frost, same as Oliver, full pre season can do wonders, thought the Weed looked more confident in his work Congratulated Jack Viney, also spoke to Todd, only slightly proud

Just on the rough disposal that everyone is mentioning, I kind of think it's a good sign. Remember, these guys have been training together for months and some for years. They understand each others' patterns and plays. If the disposal is rough it generally means the pressure is immense, partly because they all know what they're going to do before they even do it. For example, Hunt at the intraclub last year. You could see what he was trying to do all day but it wasn't coming off because the other guys knew where he was going to run and move to. Eight weeks later he's setting the league on fire because the opposition isn't ready for those tricks.

A couple more things from this evening. Best play of the night was when Salem strolled through the middle and sent a 65m kick over the Macs and down Weids throat for a goal. Weids had to make body contact with Buggy to take the mark and it hurt Buggy and he's a tough boy. The post-game training drill - I think a Max Rooke initiative - was sensational. It was basically a one-one wrestling drill and then a lead-up. It was so mean. Watching Watts have to battle VDB was gripping and Salem and Vince was intriguing. But the main act was Petracca and Maynard. It was huge. They will all be sore boys tomorrow.

Plenty to like and clearly the improved attacking game style last year was a Goody initiative based on what we saw today and you can expect more of the same this season. Positional moves - Hoges playing futher up the ground with Weid leading from goalsquare, Salem in the middle, Bernie down back again. If you take the view that our best forward six was matched against our best defensive six as it seemed to be, then Harmesy at this stage is missing out. But then the midfield was a complete swap of stars, so don't read too much into that. There were two memorable collisions - the first involved Viney barrelling into Oliver and the second involved Harmes and Vanders. All parties gave as much as they took and it was yet another sign that we have some tough hombres now. My best six, and clearly it depended on what side of the ground you were on a bit, were as follows: Viney - he was part of what I'd say was a weaker 18 and was in everything and absolutely scary. The number of backward steps by some of the Casey boys when he went at them was quite evident. He is a monster - I call him Naim Suleymanoglu. Dion Johnstone - He was everywhere for the weaker team and with Kent out there is a chance he'll get a go in a pre-season game as a high half-forward. He tackles well - but don't they all do that now. But he's really fit for a young bloke - although kicking precision somewhat questionable at times. Billy Stretch - the longer the game went, the better he got. He just makes space and makes himself available all the time and he man's up so quickly. Oliver - the big difference is that he now kicks the ball as well as handballs it. Everybody I take to says the same thing - he's the one that will be special. JKH - As with Billy, he came into it more and more as the match went on. As with Dion, there's Kent's spot available at the moment, so don't write him off just yet. He looks stronger than two years ago - perhaps he just needed to fill out like Hunt. Wagner - Okay yes I know Hunt was more explosive and we all like to put Hunt in our best six because he just attacks like a madman, but Wags accumulated the ball down back and switched with confidence. He played with the weaker back six, but he's another who might just shock a few by being named in the squad for Rd 1.

Won't be the last time we crush the Pies in 2017.

That's it, umpire number 5 is the worst I have seen at any level.

Umpire number 5 should be investigated

Imo, Viney needs to concentrate on becoming a better player and continue to work on the deficiencies in his game without the added burden and associated distractions that captaincy brings. I see little obvious gains from the decision and potential unwanted ramifications for a young player. Jones would also question why this "model" is superior to what he's been providing. However, Jones' feelings are less of a concern to me. More the burden on Viney.

It took years but I've developed a liking recently for Murray Weideman.

It came down to money, it's as simple as that. We weren't prepared to offer him stupid dollars like Richmond were. Richmond were desperately seeking a marketing coup after the Treloar embarrassment. Comparatively, we've been focused on sensible salary cap management for our brigade of youngsters.

that really annoys me....we should have won that game easily....typical melbourne

Midfield: Rucks: Gawn took some strong grabs mainly behind the play and one forward, they didn't use him for the long bail out kick. May as well save that for the real stuff. Spencer's work rate was good and his skills ok. Gawny pushed him around at some stoppages. Flippers was a bit of a disaster but looked willing. Inside: Clarry the stand out, only thing I'd like to see more is him straighten and pump it in from stoppages instead of kicking it to the wingman who gets held up. Viney scratchy around the ground but willing. Jones smooth running with the ball and kicking long to players in space. Trenners with plenty of touches. Salem with moments of class. Brayshaw came on in the 2nd half and made an impact inside and out. Outside: Lewis spent time in a number of spots but his kicking to corridor options was the highlight of the game for me. Bugg's work rate was very good. Stretch the same, he links up smoothly. Harmes spent some time on the wing and also provided an option. Forwards Tall - Weed with some moments, Hogan working really hard. Watts hopefully at about 50% but the class was there. Pedda looked solid inside 50 for the 2nd team. Hulett mobile and involved a lot as well, bobbed up for a few goals. Med/Smalls - Tracc with burst, just needs to balance up. Vanders with some hard stuff but scratchy. JKH prolific for the 2nd forward team, really busting to get in to space. DJ's tackling was excellent and good positioning. Garlett missed a couple of chances but he also played a part in good passages with speed and crumbing Backs Tall - Tom kicked well and mopped up around half back. Oscar was solid in the air, just misses kicks when he has to judge depth and movement particularly inside 50. Frost was sharp for the 2nd side and had a few strong runs and lowered the eyes and kicked well. Garland didn't do much wrong. Med/small - Hunt's defensive work and aerial work strong, started by doing too much with the ball but then settled in to some good options. Vince made some precise short kicks and looked decent. Melksham got a lot of the footy and was mostly decent with it, tried to take Oliver on from the mark deep in the backline and probably regretted that choice. Wagner very composed and kicking short sharp kicks.

I undertook that investigation. It was actually Nathan Buckley in disguise but that #5 was a dead give away. Asked him why ? Said he had no understanding of the rules ( something we don't know ! ) , just wanted to garner some first hand tips for the lads . As he turned and left he tapped his nose in that knowing way Got QB in the bag

I've got to say, if the AFL is going to televise and promote the game, ensure the fundamental rules of the game are enforced .i.e illegal disposal and caught in possession. I'm sure the top women don't appreciate the 'go soft on the rules' approach adopted tonight. Go Dees

nothing like beating the filth

There is always something sweet about winning against Collingwood !!!

Number 5 again! This bloke is off his head.

how many times did the pies drop the ball and not get pinged? lift your workrate worked!

This. It never ceases to amaze me how often people bring up the tired old story about Mark Neeld destroying Gysberts' career. Gysberts' problem from early on being that he lacked a tank and that was when Dean Bailey was coach. Anyone who watched Gysberts lagging behind the field at pre season training would know what he needed to do to get to AFL standard. Unfortunately, we live in an age where people look to blame others for their failures - rarely do they look in the mirror to find the true answers.

i had a chat to Dec at Maroochydore. Feels super lucky to get the chance and was working very hard through the pre season. He said it was amazing all the support he has received. He will play mainly at Casey again but will cover if any of the Mcdonald bros goes down.

The only elite football code player I can think of in this country was the NRL player Ian Roberts who came out over 20 years ago. He earned a lot of respect for his decision to make his sexuality public, so it's a little surprising that more haven't followed in his footsteps. I think BB is right (and definitely NOT sexist) in his comments regarding women being far more open regarding their sexuality... something that I think is indicative of just how deeply ingrained the idea is that sportsmen are only real men if they are heterosexual (even though most people of both genders are now totally accepting of openly gay people).

This may come across as terribly sexist but it's been my observation over many years that the ladies are far more open and accommodating (sts) of alternative lifestyles. Thered be a few lads who'd want to....just not be the first in the spotlight.

Agreed. And how long will it take ? Says a lot about the culture of men's sport. Courage on the field but not off it.

Liked that. Gawny took a few towering marks, much like he does in real games, but looked like he was holding a fair bit back. Showed up Spencer's (who moves like Himey) inability to take marks around the ground and easily outplayed him in the ruck duels, so much so Gawny was made to swap between the 'white' jumper and the 'blue' just about every time he came off for a rest to ensure both midfields had a decent crack.

Agree Harmes, Melksham were not very good. Petracca did not get a lot but as always what he did was eye catching. Viney was in everything (would not be surprised if he led the possessions) but his impact was negligible and his execution was poor. How you can attribute his performance in a match sim to being emotionally spent and an potentially early validation as to being given the captaincy too early is a significant stretch.

Ablett Snr - absolute maestro. Its funny how the media and rumours can influence the public perception of how a person is in their personal life. Yes Ablett Snr has had more than his fair share of controversy and wrongdoings in his life, but a (censored) he is not. In the mid 90's I went for a drive with the girlfriend down the west coast and stopped at the southern cliff car park at Jan Juc. I had a nice Holden Calais with all the sports kit at the time. While we were out admiring the view Ablett Snr pulled up with a friend about 5 spots away (in a nice Ford of course) and a few minutes later he actually approached me and started talking about our cars. This led to a great conversation about anything and everything (no footy) for the next 20 minutes. To this day Ablett Snr is one of the nicest, most genuine, down to earth gentlemen I have ever met.

While they're most definitely welcome, I take little from the reports and these shortened games. I remember a few years ago supporters overly excited by Toumpas who kicked 3-4 goals. I walked away thinking he'll never make it. Fwiw, from someone who was there too (not me and take little notice) 3. Jones 2. Gawn 1. Petracca On the latter, thinks he looks ready to bust a game open. Also loved Brayshaw's second half, Frost in the backline, Garland (and he's not a fan), Oliver, JKH, Weideman (build and competitiveness - smart footballer with good handballs), Hunt, Pedersen, Lewis, Salem, Trengove early, Harmes and Melksham. But they walked away knowing that with Petracca, Brayshaw, and Oliver we have incredible young talent not matched by many in the league.

I managed to attend and found most of the play very ordinary with a lot (and i mean a LOT) of turnovers and kicks intercepted. To be fair, i didnt think it was the easiest to see who was who. A blue team player could be wearing a white hat or vv. Lets hope thats all it was. Standouts in no particular order as I noticed them were trengove, salem, lewis, oliver, brayshaw, hunt and jkh. In terms of the new players, dion j seems a good tackler but was a little snap happy, burning teammates to use his apparently elite radar to miss everything a few times. Lewis is a godsend - positions himself very well and receives the ball often at the back of the square where he swivels and switches out wide. Will be a very good addition. As noted Hannan didnt partake in the intraclub but there is something about him, rangey type but good style. Mckenna is neat and might be a player but he still struggles to find it or get involved. T smith - certanly hard at it but hes a bit 'messy' for mine. Not sure that matters, robbo was the same kind of messy, but i will say i can at least understand why he never got picked up. Keilty - I was a fan at casey but he either struggled to get involved today or i didnt notice him. When I did, I generally liked what i saw. Some random other thoughts...viney was absolutely off his game, very quiet and looked like he struggled with the heat. A lot of emotional energy expelled this week for him for sure, but I personally feel it is way too early for co captaincy and very early days that looked true. Sorry. Frost will play many games - pleasingly controlled his kicking and set up quite a bit with his speed. Hunt is somewhat of a revelation but can do too much. Needs to be careful he doesnt get stuck with the hog (sp?) tag as he continually ignores options instead choosing to sidestep and try the getaway. Tommy Bugg was rightfully filthy for a few moments he was ignored. I love Salem. Just does the right thing, 95% of the time. Very similiar to lewis actually. Weid looked alright. We miss kent. Jeffy actually looked in decent nick. Avb is important. Anb is not, fumbly one paced mid who just isnt as refined as the top level requires. Watts very quiet, didnt look like the apparent AA season he is supposed to have according to a few. I like hulett. I dont think anyone has said this but jkh is competing with stretch for the wing spot. Both good link players with neat skills and play to their limitations. not sure we could carry both in same team. Ok that rambled on. Any questions happy to answer

Talks about Jacks induction and also bit of a run down on how we are shaping up. https://audioboom.com/posts/5591752-todd-viney-on-son-jack-being-elevated-to-melbourne-co-captain

Jack does not have great disposal by foot at the best of times so first kind of hit out of the year I am not surprised he looked rusty. I would argue Jacks weekly form over the past two years has been highly consistent, in fact I would argue more consistently high than Nathan's. Jacks only dip really was the weeks after return from his broken hand. His Bluey this year and nearly winning it after a missing a large portion of games in 2015 I would suggest support this.

You could argue that for any player in the league, irrespective of age. Jones still needs to improve for example. Is the captaincy title a burden for him? If you see potential unwanted ramifications for a young player, how can you not equally see potential gains for the entire squad as well as Viney himself? Our 2016 B&F winner. Runner up in 2015. Already one of the toughest players in the competition at 22. His trajectory in both form and growth as a player has steadily increased from the time he came to the club and he is clearly the leader and driver for the 22-23 y/o and under brigade at the club. They all look up to him. As Roos said last year; "He (Viney) typifies where we’re trying to take this team." It's a no-brainer.

It might be dumb thinking 'Moon' but that won't stop it happening and it will add pressure. I think it was a dumb move by a first year coach trying to stamp his imprint.

So you are saying Todd Viney chose his son as captain? Yeah right. I'd say it was Goody's call and Todd had SFA to do with it.

is about the only thing that makes any sense...Otherwise an absolute naff idea...for mine. I would have thought Viney as VC for a few years would do as much. I dont like it...but there's bigger fish to fry

Enjoyed watching last night, always amazed at the extreme level of fitness AFL players have to reach. Amongst others things, two key takeouts for me: 1. While Weiderman's confidence and physicality has definitely improved, if we're picking a team purely to win and not to develop, Pederson has him covered at the moment. 2. Maybe a bit unfair, but after the intra game when everyone was obviously knackered, watching the Jack Watts & AVB wrestling/leading drill, Jack still doesn't fully extend his arms in 1:1 marking contests and use his height advantage, with AVB easily and repeatedly punching the ball away from Jack.

Picket is referring to the late Winston Choochill; a noted figure during the time of the infamous Waugh.

I did not know that was Iggy Pop's birth name. Apparently he is 70 this year too. I danced to his music when he was young. This news is not good for me.

The fifth one in the second row. No others. The only time I can remember was one of those nights we wore those awful pink jumpers v Footscray at the G, and some genius at AFL HQ decided that the maggots should wear pink too. In a very close finish one of our guys passed to the maggot - cost us the game. OMG the guys at AFL HQ are just so out of touch with reality. . Was OK back in B&W TV days - even North v Collingwood in a mud heap at Vic Park. But then, Vlad and GTD weren't involved at that time But you miss one point - the rules are not enforced even handedly. I have taken to watching a bit of soccer over the summer. As a neophyte I don't recognize the players, and I sometimes have no idea which team is which, unless a rare event such as a goal is scored and the scoreboard changes. I don't want that sort of thing to happen in AFL. I am happy to have some white - the player numbers. Otherwise, red and blue. How does our predominantly dark blue clash with predominantly red? Really? Are those dills at AFL HQ really that stupid? Sad for the future of the game if they really think that.

I have to agree with dieter. The turnovers, especially early in the game were extremely noticeable. Even before the game, in the match simulation, the delivery into the forward 50 was poor. Qualify this comment by saying, session before Christmas we looked sharp and there was great improvement. The other worrying factor was the older players looking slow. They seemed to be beaten to contest by the younger compatriots. One thing is certain, Salem looks in terrific knick. Would love to see him given the freedom to play on the wing damage teams with his impeccable foot skills. Oliver's clearly got the highest ceiling of potential out of any of the kids. His ability to extract the ball from the contest by hand is awesome. The pleasing part, which has been reported, was his great use of foot skills. Which he has good skills. Hunt is a star and a future All Australian HBF. How he didn't getting a rising star nom is beyond me. The one player that was intriguing tonight was Vince. If I'm not mistaken, he played a deep in defender, almost back pocket sweeping role. Interesting to see how he fits in defence because I'd love to see Frost on Reidwoldt round 1. Vince to Billings and play the heavy tag hence releasing Hunts run and Hibberd's foot skills. Anyway, hopefully we can get a market on most possession for next weeks NAB cup game and clean up on Salem. At the very least, his a supercoach lock!

Staggers me when people make such strong judgments about the merits of decisions like this. The reality is we have absolutely no idea about the off-field attributes of the players that make them suitable or not for leadership positions. On-field leadership is of course important, but we don't know the majority of what goes on behind closed doors, and only get a glimpse into what the players are like as people and as leaders. If Goodwin and the other coaches think Viney is ready, how on earth could we possibly argue from our positions far removed from the inner sanctum of the club?

Trenners everywhere for the blues

Jordan Lewis....oh wait!

Boomer Harvey. Stephen Milne. Chris and Brad Scott.

The answer to me is quite simple. Firstly the umps need to umpire the game as per the rules. Pay frees for holding the ball and don't let players just drop it at will, and pay frees for the obvious throws we see in every game. Doing this will mean the players will need to spread faster and wider and the ball will move on and results in less congestion. Strangly the AFL seem to have loosened the 'interpretation' on these rules and now allow players to drop the ball at will and the AFL will say it is better for the game because it keeps the ball moving. It does the bloody opposite you bunch of half wits. Doing this would also tire the players faster as they would need to be running and spreading far more that they are now. Secondly the interchange needs to be capped at a lower point that it is. Somewhere around 40 may well be right, each player can then basically have two breaks at some point during the game.