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Good on Pedo for coming back early. I assume he isn’t obligated to. And lovely to see Viney running! Hope that foot holds up.

Good to see Frost covering his ears with sunscreen however expensive that turns out to be.

someone needs to tell harley that today is monday

Taken from a post on Facebook: Jack Viney, the consummate professional that he is, is here. I wouldn’t blame the bloke if he wanted to go overseas for a bit and enjoy some time off. However, he looks like he’s a man on a mission as he walks into the café. Gave away the game by deciding he’s wearing shorts and wants to get rehab off to a strong start. Likewise, Cam Pedersen and Dean Kent show up. Full kit training gear, maybe doing their own thing but also maybe training. Can’t confirm as yet. After an hour – boys finally make their way over. Little media here so if something happens I’ll be breaking it. Good areas, personally. Park myself at centre wing for this one, might go over elsewhere and keep looking for more spots. Here today: Hunt, Hannan, ANB, Harmes, Oscar, Stretch, Clarry (third season, remember???), JKH, Johnstone, Balic, Maynard, Keilty, Brayshaw, J Smith, McKenna, T Smith, Vandenberg, Weideman, Petracca, King, Salem, Filopovic, Wagner, Frost The absolute photography king, Wayne Ludbey, is here taking photos. He’s the main source of media right now. Few run-throughs to kick things off. Petracca and Brayshaw leading one group through, Balic and Nibbler leading another. There’s three separate groups here. One is doing handball drills on the Swan Street end, a small group of six (including Hunt, Hannan (I think) and J Smith) are seemingly doing light running drills, whereas there is also a main group consisting of roughly 15 or 16 players. Run-throughs decidedly light as I kinda expected. Can only imagine the slog this pre-season will be like this year to be honest with the way we finished off 2017. Main group doing running straight away. It’s not a pace that takes down the surrounds of the Coles Express across the road just yet and the reason for that is the boys are running more than just one lap. Early going has Nibbler leading the way from Stretch and Oliver, however the latter starts to fall behind a little bit after one lap. JKH assumes third, while Frost brings up the rear of the field, falling away a little bit behind the rest of the group. Nibbler is motoring. Third lap of the oval and he has a solid 20m gap on Stretch. The gap that covers the players by the end of the second lap is roughly 80 metres. Harley Balic is second last in this field, locked behind Keilty and King, who’s about 15 metres further up the ground. Four laps of the ground done. Nibbler looks super impressive with his running pattern – something to monitor throughout pre-season, absolutely smacking the field. Footballs are out. Let’s see who has the most capability here to genuinely bring down the entire state of the houses around the Richmond area. First drill is a casual kick around drill which lasts around two minutes, and then the boys go into a zig-zag formation in two groups. One group is doing slightly different work – the one nearest to me actually screws up the drill on the first kick which is… yeah. Lot of kicks from here which are short, which is what you kinda expect at this time of season considering that they haven’t picked up a footy for a little while. Just getting the rust out by the looks of things. Crossy working the rehab group pretty hard. Likes of Hunt and Hannan getting their monies’ worth with the footy. In the main group, there’s a lot of faster, frentic ball movement going on. Most players are spending not much more than half a second with ball in hand. The patter is literally mark/pick the ball up and use it, either by hands or by foot. Few contest-based drills in front. One thing that’s noticeable (perhaps because of the matchup) is Gussy’s upper-body strength matched up on Harmes. If he doesn’t win the footy, he’s making it hard for Harmes to win it. Another group is doing some loose-ball get work, while the group on the far side of the ground are doing contests while the ball is on the ground… if what I said just makes sense. Think the most pleasing thing – even if it is only the first session – is seeing Gussy just be so clean every time the ball is around. Looks composed and looks ready to make a point about making 2018 his year after such a tough run. I think every Melbourne supporter wants to see him not only be on the park consistently, but put in a huge season as well. I expect him to play off half-back at the moment, be a bit of a ball carrier and creator, while also pushing Hunt a bit further up the ground. That’s my expectation, anyway. Next up, boys swap their footy boots for running shoes again. In one group – Nibs, Stretch, JKH, Clarry, Maynard and Gus; in another – Pedersen, Keilty, Kent, Oscar, Frost, King; in the third group, Harmes, Salem, Trac, Johnstone, Balic, Wagner. Meantime, rehab group currently consists of Hunt, McKenna and Smith doing some reasonably-paced running, while Filipovic is doing some work up forward along with Hannan. Mitchy seems to have had a bit of a change of hair colour since our last correspondence in Round 22 (let’s be honest here). Yet again Nibs looking very good in the running drills, constantly leading the way. Something to keep in mind a bit later on, especially if he has a good pre-season.

It is said that Footy like many sports is a game 'played between the ears'. Those of you here that disparage Mindfulness obviously have no idea what it is. So you build up the body in the gym, build up fitness on the track but you dont need to exercise the mind? The ability to focus, reduce negative self talk, improve self belief and most importantly let go of the past are all positive mental habits that can result from mindfulness. Some of you might call this mental toughness. PS Thanks for the post D4L

So after much analysis I have narrowed it down to the following three: 6: Red Cardinal 9: Max Dynamite 21: Thomas Hobson with of course Tiberian as the emotional bet

Cant argue with any of those. Bowman is 0-32 in Melbourne this spring apart from Winx, and has never won a Melbourne Cup. None of that means anything of course, if he wins. I know nothing about Marmelo except his Cup run which was excellent. It wet here this morning but im not sure if Flemington had any rain overnight? Probably the only other one im going to throw into multiples is Wall of Fire. Its a very even field and will be a great race. Almandin still the one to beat. Dettori is a worry, but I trust in Lloyd. Hes by Monsun and Monsuns have won 3 out of the last 4 Melbourne Cups, Pirates of Penzance being the exception. Darren Weir was on late night radio last night (does never sleep!) he said his runners all have the correct amount of miles in the legs and goes by the Bart Cummings racing manual. He has a 1400m training track up here with a rise at both ends so they train running uphill. He said dont worry about Humidor getting the distance, its more his position in the race. He needs to run midfield and relax and not be a leader. Hell be tracking Almandin he said as hes drawn next door. Good luck and good punting.

Strong around the ball, good pace, looks to release team mates with solid handballs while drawing contact from opponents. Only query at this stage is his kicking. It's inconsistent, but I don't think it's a skill issue, I think it's a composure issue where he hasn't learnt to slow down the last step or two to steady for the kick. I think it's due to inexperience and not knowing his limits yet. Could be fixed and would be a good option with any of our picks if he's available.

This article says we have shown interest in Zac Bailey and may use one of our first 3 picks on him. Adelaide and Port have picks after these. Other clubs could be eyeing him off too. Anyone know much about him? http://m.afl.com.au/news/2017-11-06/nt-draft-bolter-bailey-cant-explain-his-improvement

I’ve embarked on some fairly dedicated philosophy and mindfulness training myself this year. For the novice I highly recommend the Headspace app. With a commitment to making the time available (10 - 20 minutes per day) I’ve found it to have a considerable influence on my work and home life.

That's pathetic. You should be banned for such a mundane post. Forever.

Hard to get excited when Lloyd Williams wins yet again but you cannot knock him for his investment in the staying side of the game. Lovely interview with the winning jockey's daughters. Bruce was not too OTT. Now .. onto the Oaks !!

Could not agree more with the AFL/Sydney/Canberra point, hardtack. My son, based in Sydney, feels the very same but is fortunate to drive to Melbourne often across the season(s) to watch his Demons play. You are correct, it does not matter where nor when, we must win, win, win regardless of difficulties, travel and home crowd bias. For example, the 2017 game against the Crows at Adel Oval was an example of the resolve that we must show week in, week out.

Certainly has a devastating sprint doesnt he...

Yes he was hindered by injury since the 2015 cup but reportedly still possesses a devastating sprint. 73kg is excessive, not sure how common that is over there. Being a quality horse maybe that was his penalty in such a weak handicap. He paid a whopping $1.40 that day.

If you look back at last years pre season pics you will see he was pretty well developed then...it's not an 8 week occurrence but a work in progress.

Stretch is a renowned good trainer and prepare himself well. He is in ripping knick!

Gee billy has put on good muscle.

Tom Gillies could easily be on that team he reckons.

Denier, skeptic why should a climate zealot like myself differentiate. And yes in your definition, I put my hand up I am a zealot then because I believe in the science and therefore we need to act now and even though we are a small player in local emissions, but a large world player in our exports of future emissions, we need to take a leadership role. Skeptic, Denier either way you are about doing nothing while the evidence mounts, denier, skeptic, same thing. You realise Margaret Thatcher spoke out on the need to deal with climate change in 1989! She had a chemistry degree and believed in the science but she spoke a year after the IPCC was formed to evaluate the climate problem but before the fossil fuel industry had realised they had a PR problem and started their rear guard action to muddy the waters on climate change. How much longer do you want to evaluate the data? But then you don't believe the data so where to now for the skeptic? Sounds like more non action. US agencies just released a 500 page report stating that climate change is happening and it is very highly likely human induced, all this in defiance of their political masters of the Trump administration who are stated skeptics. Where is the conspiracy for this? As I have said before forget the predictive models if you believe they are corrupted and the data which you believe is manipulated and just observe what's happening. Temperature records are being broken regularly, 12 to 1 in favour of hotter than average vs cooler than average. Great Barrier Reef and all reefs in the Pacific bleached in successive years. 15 of the last 16 years have seen the hottest global average temperature years have occurred this century, yet skeptics say heating has stopped? Wasted billions on climate change you say, wasted on what exactly? Are you referring to subsidised Solar cells? Or wind energy turbines?

That's likely a result of not being in a professional club environment for a while. He played one WAFL match in early June and then came home to Victoria again after being granted personal leave by Freo. Prior to that he hadn't played since Round 4 at any level. He's likely coming off a low fitness base having not been at a club properly since April. No cause for concern, he's over his injuries and preseason is there to build fitness and strength. He's only got a one year contract so he'll have to bust his ass to get another contract with us in 12 months time.

Doesn't want to get ahead of himself...

My favourite thing about #31 is that it for the whole VFL/AFL competition, there's no-one else that comes close to RDB. Other numbers have arguable favourites. For example, #5 could be Ablett Sr, Judd, Buckley or Hird; #18 could be Lloyd or Carey; #23 could be Brereton, Franklin or Don Scott etc. But Barassi - as he should - stands alone.

Dual citizen too........

All ex-Melbourne DFAs, have gone to their new 'home' with my very best wishes, but Jack undoubtedly heads that list. I can't think af any other sub -100 game player who is so universally liked. Thanks Jack, for carrying yourself so professionally and proudly as a Demon, through the toughest of times.

Reading about the Tigers focus on mindfulness on the weekend, will the Demons take this on, as poor starts and switching off during games, seemed to be our greatest issues this year.

This is the future right here.

Be great to see him develop into best 22. Always love the hard workers

Same as the premiership medal photo and look what happened there. People are already recognising me.

Much bigger picture in play here. Carlton need to be secured financially for a shot at the 3rd stadium deal. And ironically contrary to popular belief if the AFL is ever going to merge teams again it will not make the mistake of merging two weak teams ie Lions & Bears. Next merger will be a strong financial team and a weaker financial team or better known as a takeover.

It's a blow the cobwebs out session ANB runs for fun, no surprise he stands out Last thing Balic needs is to go silly and hurt himself first session

While Balic was at the back of the pack, he was also only a few steps behind Petracca. I don’t see anyone having a go at Trac though as he’s a fan favorite. As I said, it’s no cause for concern at this stage. If Balic doesn’t put in the work and improve over the next few months then it’s a different story.

This gives an insight into a more rounded player than the previous 'hanger' highlight reel.

That what our players thought before the final round this year.....and several times in the past. Nothing is a Monty until it is. Surely not being in a professional environment is no excuse for turning up NQR.....many amateur non footballers run themselves into tip top fitness without being told to.

I may have gotten some dust in my eyes after reading that Gus is training and looking good. Injury free season please. ? Nibbler led the pack in most running drills last year too if I recall correctly?

slightly on topic but what would people say to some fringe players from each team.. say six... heading to the Northern Territory and playing in the NT comp over the summer. Could make for an interesting TV filler with say one or two games a week televised. Would be a great boost to NT and wouldn't do the fringe players much harm either from an exposure viewpoint. Each AFL team could align itself with an NT team. Better the AFL X or whatever it's called.

Biffen was a rule-stretcher, yes; however, he was only protecting his team mates. He made a few opposition forwards shake in their socks and he was incredibly reliable at full back.

Good luck Jack , hope you resurrect your footy career.

I’m fairly certain Toumpas got a three year contract when he was traded.

Love the bloke and hope like anything he gets a good run at it. He deserves every success. Don't care who he plays for, I'll cheer him on regardless (maybe not against us). Go you good thing JT

Absolutely stoked for Trenners. I think the club made the right decision to move him on, but I also feel as though he deserved a second chance elsewhere as well. Hopefully it's a positive outcome for all involved.

Jack T was on radio saying that he contacted Jack W (in Canada) who shed a tear or two on hearing they would be together at Port. Shows how much they think of each other. I shed a few tears too. Never thought I would say this but I hope Port has great success next year (except vs us) with our Jacks! Good luck JT. Whatever happens, you'll always be a Demon champ!

BTW Bugg is underated on here. Is a leading 3km time triallist with TMac, he has got talent that is arguably mis-directed at the moment. Gets to the ball and had he kicked 15 g 6b instead of 6g 15b from his 10 games we would be talking about him differently.

We must read different texts. My version says that "I wouldn't..."

We were in the top 6 last year for Home and Away crowds.. The AFL have literally no fkin idea

FFS Saty grow a set! The MFC is not infallible. It is an entity, an organisation. Mistakes will be made - in admin, in drafting, in game plan, in rehab etc etc... Shite happens. It is actually ok to criticise ............... in fact it's healthy. As for the highlighted comment. There are members and supporters who cannot get to training or even games regularly, or maybe never, who value and need this information. They should not be belittled or undervalued. Constant carping and sycophancy is of no value to anyone.

Interesting stat, it seems that my observation must have matched my mood on the day. but thanks for pointing out the facts.

Me too, especially on a Sunday.

Horrible time. I HATE 3.20pm starts.