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Yes the full list was out there but it was more like 10.15 by the time they assembled en mass and then they were off by 11.00 sharp so it was a short and not so sharp run and kick around the park. I told work I would be working from home this morning and so rode my bike down to Gosch's around 9.40 to see Cross working with some rehab guys, Kent, King and Kennedy. I saw J Smith wander over later for a run while I was on the phone to work! Gee he has developed since I last saw him, very athletic build. The KKK were doing agility work, having to run to and back to designated coloured cones called out by and assistant then told to lead to a pass from Cross, mark and pass off back to Cross and then run helter skelter back toward the goals while Cross lobbed the ball high for the player to mark and then snap for goal. Kent and Kennedy were good at this but Mitch surprised me with his agility and I was worrying about his knee when he was running and turning between the cones, he appears to be very coordinated, with very clean hands and a nice kicking action, not a great handballer on his left though. Around 10.15 the main group arrived while I was on the phone to work again and having a look at The Storm training. The main group loosened up with some handballs and then stretches , then in a huddle, then some short stuff where the coaches were kicking hard balls to a player about 5 meters away, they had to mark and handball back and it was not until about 10.30 that they broke into kicking pairs for some 25 meter kick to kick. They then broke into groups of 8, with 3 defenders and 5 ball players moving the ball from end to end by handball in a confined space of about 20x20m. The group I watched was Hogan, Salem, Tyson, Garland, Jones, Trengove, Frost and Stretch with Goodwin throwing balls low to a ball player who had to pick up cleanly and dish off immediately to a running player on the outside. Salem and Tyson really stood out and Trenners was very clean as well. Goodwin keep yelling to pass the ball on the up? I think he was encouraging them to keep some elevation on their handballs, he didn't want it bouncing in front of a target. This routine went on for 15 minutes then they broke into kicking pairs again and I wandered up to the goals to see a number of players practicing the old Daicos dribble goal from the pocket boundary. This was all pretty light hearted stuff. Weideman, Clarrie and Hannan came over next to me to have some set shots from the 50m boundary on their non preferred foot, with a $30 bet going. The Weid slotted his second shot and waltzed off with his arms in the air. Clarrie and Hannan never looked like it. At this stage they called it quits and sauntered off at 11.00 sharp so it about a 40 minute session at low intensity, to be expected after Queensland I suppose. Just about everyone was there I think. I didn't see Watts, Hibberd, or Spencer and I didn't recognize some of the newbies although I have now worked out that Hannan and Flipper were there and the new guy who caught my eye in the drills was Corey Maynard, looks a good size and fitted in well with the other midfielders. As I rode off Storm were still going hard at it and then work rang again!!!

Congratulations to Lily Mithen for being the recipient of Melbourne's first ever AFLW Rising Star nomination! http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-02-14/demon-scoops-aflw-rising-star-and-uni-placement-inside-30-minutes

Hope it's better than the old plan of holding the ball up across half back waiting for the opposition to cover all options, before a 25m backwards kick to a man under pressure in front of goal, or a kick out of bounds on the full.

Last time we played the Saints we had players such as White, Wagner, Grimes, Matt Jones, and Ben Kennedy in the team. Three weeks later in round 20 when we beat the Hawks none of those 5 played. The first time we played them we had a first gamer in Petracca, Dunn, Lumumba, Wagner (4th game), Bugg, Kennedy, and Frost playing as a forward, where he's hopeless. vandenBerg also played and he was limited all year with his ankle and is moving better this preseason. The team we put out in round one ought be far stronger than either of those lineups. Petracca will be better, Oliver didn't play in either game, Salem wasn't there in round 17, Brayshaw will be a different player, add Lewis, Hibberd, and Melksham and the maturation of others like Stretch, Hogan, Viney, Oscar, etc. The Saints will have better matchups for Hogan with Carlisle and structure with Brown. Who knows how we'll go, but I'm very confident the team we'll put out will be far superior to the others the Saints accounted for.

Collingwood's Sophie Casey has been handed a two week ban (reduced from three for guilty plea) for rough conduct against Meg Downie. How this was adjudicated as rough conduct is beyond me. Should have been intentional high contact, striking, with a high impact and been 4 or 5 weeks. My only guess is umpire number 5 sits on the MRP as well!

Last time i went to The Western Oval was in 1988 when Terry Wallace had his jaw redecorated!

Jack Watts brought to you by Pure Blonde

And was clearly our best player in that grand final- 21 disposals and 3 goals.

He wouldn't let me take a photo of his "guns" for some reason. Weird.

Was that a burning Cross? Just as well we didn't have that ex Brisbane Premiership FF, Lynch, there

And, on the contrary, I am sick and tired of guys putting their bodies on the line the get the ball, only to be ridden into the ground - in the back - or jumped on in a stacks on the mill situation - again, in the back - getting pinged for holding. IMO the first priority must be a legitimate tackle, then sure, HTB if not correctly disposed.

SL, clearly your priorities are all wrong! A more dedicated Demonlander would have immediately parked his scooter, watched the full event, and filed a full and concise report for the rest of us! Your lack of consideration has been duly noted!

introducing a second football would surely clear up this congestion nonsense.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-02-14/keilty-puts-teammates-ahead-of-himself A humble young man. Clearly wanted to be a Demon! “If I had an option between every club, Melbourne would’ve always been number one for me – especially this year with the alignment and being in close quarters with them...It’s probably turned out the best, but I didn’t have much interest [in going to any other clubs] besides Melbourne.” He will repay the faith shown in drafting him. Hope he gets a chance at the seniors at some stage this year.

Out-dated and naive view of the captain's role. The captain is the public face of the playing group for members and sponsors. Media performance is a key factor - we're trying to increase our membership by attracting new and churning members and we trying to promote our existing sponsors and attract a back of jumper sponsor. If you think the captain's media performance is meaningless in this then you are sadly mistaken. If you think membership and sponsorship has no relation to footballing result then you are further mistaken.

Your post suggests that the Viney appointment was a decision made by Goody and Goody alone. I'm not sure why. Bar Melbourne of 2012, I'm not sure there has been a time where the captaincy decision was solely in the coache's hands. That's also probably because no club has been as much of a basket case in all facets. Captains, vice captains and leadership groups are appointed by players and coaches. If Viney had receieved 50% of the entire lists vote for captaincy and Jones the other 50%, how would Jones feel about being made sole captain? You could just as easily argue that he'd feel as if he didn't have the entire lists support and therefore would feel uncomfortable in the role... Either hypothetical is pointless. People have got to chill fark out. As for the way he speaks publicly, I can only assume nobody has heard Hodge speak in public? He'd have to be the worst public speaking Captain of any club. Yet he remains far and away the best Captain of any club.

Seriously? He's put in all the hard work in turning this club around, only to be told by the new coach that he'll be splitting his role with someone far less qualified - no ifs or buts. People like Viney because he's uncompromising, and I'm almost certain he wouldn't take too kindly to this if it was the other way around. Its such a [censored] stupid decision, it makes my head spin. What was the point of it? It just makes us look stupid to the rest of the league. Trial co-captains, twice, and finally get it right - before doing it all over again. Goodwin's made his bed by evidently imposing an executive decision, a captain's call, and will now have to put up or deal with whatever comes his way.

I reckon the importance of who is captain is overstated. It's not cricket. In reality you need as many good leaders as possible amongst the playing group. It doesn't really matter which one or more they make captain.

Oh you did

You can say that again!

No one could get close to the West Coast because of the widespread drug cheating in place there at the time, they should have been stripped of the flag many years ago. How many ex players coming out will it take before the AFL has a full enquiry in to the club as it was at that time and since, the latest ex player gone wrong is facing a jail term and there are other examples of players that have complained of the drug culture, or in the case of Mainwaring, died because of drug addiction. We should have beaten them over there if it was a level playing field and in fact probably wouldn't have had to go over there at all if they weren't drug cheats. Everyone knew at the time they were on the gear, it was obvious just looking at them at the start of the season, but they got away with it because no one in the AFL was prepared to say anything that would upset them. McLean gets up on the TV and accuses us of, maybe not trying too hard to win games, and we get busted for $500k, there have been many that have stated that there was a drug culture at West Coast and nothing happens, Chick said that the place was awash with Prednisolone a form of steroid, but does the AFL call him in to discuss it, certainly not. What a joke.

I'd suggest that the two best teams in a single year out of the last 40 years were probably Hawthorn in 1988 and Essendon in 2000. We timed our challenges for the wrong years.

2000 was fun but I thought 1998 and 1994 were better seasons. At least in my life time I have more memories from those two seasons than I do from 2000. Think our 1994 had the biggest potential for greatness out of our best sides from the past 20-odd years.

I wish the club would have consulted with us first.

I'll take Ingerson over any tall back on our present list...

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.

FROST T.MCD JETTA HIBBERD O.MCD SALEM HUNT VINEY STRETCH HARMES HOGAN PETRACCA GARLETT WEIDEMAN WATTS GAWN LEWIS JONES BRAYSHAW VINCE OLIVER MELKSHAM emergency: VDHBERG BUGG PEDERSEN underdone KENT TYSON

Today's training was held in secret in a secret location, today's training was all about the new game plan which has been kept secret, they feel that they are going to hit the competition, with a never seen before game plan which is a game changer.

Can't believe one of my own threads has been hijacked by climate change. That's my job.

I did that when I was about 16. Always kicked left at training and kick to kick at school. It became natural for me to use my left if I was on that side. Sadly it was the only part of my game that was any good. I've noticed a lot the past few years blokes kicking checksides on the run when pushed to their left, really surprised me as I thought kids would have developed it by the time they hit the big league

Viney is everything we want our players to be, hard, never gives up, passionate, loyal, bleeds red and blue he is absolutely ready to captain and the perfect man for the job alongside chunk who will cover any concerns about jacks age

i only drink twice a year..... when it rains.....and when it doesn't (Dean Martin)

The Saints really exposed us for a lack of pace and run at Etihad twice last year. I think Melskham, as a 100 game player, a runner, and a bloke that the Coach gave up a fair bit for 15 months ago, is a lock for the 22 in Round 1. I'm really interested by what we do with the tall defenders. I think it's horses for courses this year with Frost/O McDonald - they don't both need to play every single week. We just look so slow on the hard, fast deck at Etihad, so it wouldn't surprise me if Hibberd was asked to play a bit taller on someone like Membrey, who he only gives away an inch to. It allows you to go with a running side like this: Jetta, Frost, Hibberd Hunt, T McDonald, Salem Stretch, Lewis, Vince Petracca, Hogan, Watts JKH, Pedersen, Garlett Gawn, Jones, Viney Int: Oliver, Brayshaw, Melksham, vandenBerg

Is more the question - do you need to abstain ? It know it is a tired old cliche but "everything in moderation". You are going to be a long time dead so why deny yourself the pleasure if it causes no ill effect mentally or physically ?

I feel that in 1998 and 2006 we were a genuine chance to pinch a premiership. In '94 no one could get close to west Coast and same goes for Essendon in 2000- they were both a cut above the nearest competition.

This is my thinking. He put alot into getting both him and Hibbard into the club. He wouldn't put them straight to Casey. I would say each will get 4-5 weeks to prove their worth unless they play particularly poorly in the JLT. Goody also labeled Melksham as one of the better in the intra club. Wagner is an interesting one. I thought he was pretty good when he played last year but I'm not sure if he will get the oppertunities this year. Maybe he will challenge a few for a spot. We seem to have a ton of good defenders but not many that are very good. Add to that Hunt, I want him to stay behind the ball but they may choose to move him up the ground just because of the excessive number of HB options we have

Powell was underrated IMO.

Our current team have achieved nothing yet. Haven't made finals, haven't even had a positive win loss ratio. It's utterly disrespectful to even compare them to a team that made a grand final and provided some of the best wins we've had in decades, as well as some brilliant individual performances (e.g. Woe winning a Brownlow, Farmer kicking 76 goals and tearing games apart). That 2000 team was great. Our current team have a ways to go before even being considered anything more than average.

Thanks to everyone who's written a report - a super enjoyable thread to read. Taylor has seemingly earnt his wage just on Hunt. What a superb selection so late in the draft. I'm really disappointed to read that Kent's still on the sidelines though - I was expecting him to go to the next level this year. JKH - really looking forward to seeing him play this season. Hope he makes the most of Kent's absence. Jordan Lewis is that rare stroke of luck that this club needed. If Max Gawn plays 22 games this year, we're playing finals. I actually reckon it's that simple. There are literally so many excitement machines on our list now. I can't remember a MFC team having so many talented players before.

My theory is that Goodwin is implementing a leadership model for the next decade that has a flexible interchangeable component. When they forecast the future they'd see a standout young leader in Brayshaw and potentially others. With a one captain policy it's conceivable someone like Brayshaw would never get a chance. This model allows for someone like him and others to be rewarded and aspire for greatet honours. While I'm not a fan this facet does have merit.

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?

Agreed Don't like co captaincy at all. It dilutes the position and favourites could emerge. I know it is a buzz concept like Team Members in a work place I just find it unnecessary Make Viney the VC and he will learn from the Captain... it's just extra complications otherwise...

can't see the point what will viney do now that he couldn't do as a vice-captain? jonesy will still be the top dog just meaningless tokenism

anyone physically tackling the tackler should definitely be free kicked

What do I win for Nearest The Pin? Probably f'all, so I'll just crawl back in to my hole.

Nope. We overrate all young players, every team does, but when comparing with each other I don't think Salem's been placed wrong. Billy Stretch is a beauty, he could and probably should play most of the next 100-150 games running a wing, I think he could slot in to most teams in the comp and do a job. Kent has talent and potential to do some really good things but is still an inconsistent prospect for the future given he has to fix up his weaknesses (yet alone his body) and consistently use his great attributes. Salem's prospects are above both and I wouldn't have many ahead of him. He's a really clever ball user and reader of the play. Sure it was dud game for the team but he racked up 27 touches after being out for 15 weeks in round 23. His tackling is really good. He's far tougher and more courageous than he looks. And he has enough pace to chase down or evade players. If he gets fit I'm convinced he'll easily adjust to being a solid contributor to the team and in time if the team improves and as he gets experience he'll be a big moment guy. We're building a very combative physical side to play a finals footy brand but class players stand up in big moments.

I find Dom the hardest player on our list to rate right now. I'd believe someone if they told me in 5 years he was a multiple AA and in the games best dozen midfielders with seriously good clearance work, excellent accumulating around the ground and a habit of kicking a goal. I'd also believe someone if they said in 5 years he's had a decent career, battled a few injuries but is more of a role player who does ok at the clearances but butchers the ball by foot and can be exploited for pace. My eyes were telling me that pre christmas he was looking like taking his best form of 2014 and the 2nd half of 2016 and going to a new level. Unfortunately then he was injured. I wouldn't be against taking a bit longer to bring him back by giving him an extra few weeks of preseason just to see him at his best instead of rushing him and having him enter another season underdone.

Have to agree with that, Fyfe without the leg injury is the best player in the comp, Kelly is an onside mid with talent but has a great midfield to support him. I'd be interested to see how he would go if he was the centre of attention and had to burrow in and get his own ball. We haven't seen the best of Salem yet and for that matter we haven't seen the best of Dom either.

Tyson is good, but as Sheedy (allegedly) said, he's "not great". Cripps is probably the best of the three, thankfully we have Oliver who is the closest thing in the AFL to Cripps and those two will most likely be the best two midfielders in the AFL for a decade.