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Had to be on Swan street mid-morning so I got down early to have a quick squiz for halfa today. Weideman is actually filling out nicely. He is thicker through the upper body and legs and his arms are now looking bigger. He's got that hulking look already and in another couple of seasons, he'll have some big boy weight to throw around. I'm more patient than a lot of demonlanders regarding Sam given his injury history, but this is the year I expect him to step it up. This will be his second full pre-season. Having said that however, he was on light duties with Viney, Vanders and Tim Smith and he left early. Not sure if there's a niggle or not.

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.

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

I like what you've done here. It's interesting to go a step further and discuss what people think the players need to do to reach their potential. Players who are best 22 and have not reached their potential (15) Low Scope for Improvement (5) Gawn Needs to stay uninjured. Has shown form in all areas of play. Could kick more goals. Viney First of all has to get his foot right. We don't want another Trengove. Still plenty of upside development on decision making and disposal efficiency. Even for his position. Tyson Has to fix disposal. If he does that he's an A grader. If he doesn't he could be out the door in a couple of seasons as others pass him. Frost Complete drop of form is a real worry. Before that I thought he was showing good development in reading the play and playing one on one. Obviously needs to improve decision making and disposals. T Mac Showed he has the complete package to play in the forward line. Great leading patterns, very strong contested pack marking, accurate kicking. Just needs more time there. Medium Scope for Improvement (6) Oliver Obvious one is kick to handball ratio. Otherwise more of the same but natural improvement for such a young player. Lever Probably one on one contests as he builds a stronger body. Plus perhaps decision making and disposals although I'm not as critical as others on this. Hogan Running at the ball instead of trying to out muscle defenders. More time in the forward line and less roaming too far up the ground. Getting a good of games in a row to build up consistency and form. Harmes Skills and consistency. Showed improvement in both but hopefully there is more to have him cement his place in the 22. Hunt Fix the final kick into the 50. Look up and find targets to deliver low accurate passes to instead of running in and blazing away with high kicks that aren't effective. There was definitely improvement with this at different stages. I'm confident he's already shown he can do this. Neal-Bullen Skills. Cut out the turnovers. Keep using his elite endurance to get into space. Large Scope for Improvement (4) Brayshaw No injuries. Also needs to improve his final kick inside the 50 so it is low sharp passes to leads not blazing away. He also showed improvement with this. Petracca I really hope he drops at least 4kg's so he can build his tank and improve the consistency of his involvement and give himself the chance to play more onball. Salem Improve attack on the ball. Build his tank. Play more upfield so we get more of the benefit of his razor sharp kicks as last kick into 50. O Mac Build mass so can compete better one on one. Less brain fades although I think his general game improved quite a lot this season. Needs to have a natural progression of improvement in everything. No reason for that not to happen. Players who are not best 22 and have not reached their potential (12) Low Scope for Improvement (2) Bugg Agree with others that he is probably underrated however we've probably seen his best and in time is likely to be a depth player. vandenBerg I don't think he's had a chance to show his best yet. Hasn't had a full preseason and is still starting in rehab this pre season. Fully fit I think he has a higher scope for improvement as a tough defensive forward. Medium Scope for Improvement (6) Hannan Needs to lift his involvement and consistency. Has the makings of a great package with speed, contested marking and good goal scoring (although I expect this to improve with more experience) I think he could be Large Scope for Improvement. I suspect he's a big reason why Watts is gone. Kent Needs to be injury free and move beyond his previous best level. Main improvement if he gets back to that is consistency for 4 quarters and goal kicking accuracy. His forward pressure at his best has been missed and made him an integral weapon. Stretch Needs to be able to compete more strongly, improve defensive pressure and decision making. Some say he's bulked up from those first photos but if you look at the photo where they are putting their heart rate monitor straps on he doesn't look like he's bulked up that much. He still needs to. JKH Has to improve his level of involvement in games and his decision making. Doesn't seem to know where to run in AFL games but can in VFL games. Personally I think at his height he has to have speed or an ability to read the play so he doesn't need it. I don't see it. King Hasn't even played a game yet so too early to tell his upside. Has apparently bulked up over the summer which was his major issue. He's only 200cm so not going to challenge Gawn as the no. 1 ruckman but hopefully will develop into a Forward/second ruck. Johnston Haven't seen enough of him to know. Worry for me is that like JKH he is short but lacks speed so therefore needs to be an elite reader of the play. Don't know if he is or not. Apparently great forward pressure but don't know about goalkicking. Large Scope for Improvement (4) Weideman Firstly needs to continue to bulk up. Secondly seemed to have less of an idea where to run this season than last season. Not sure if that's a drop in confidence or confusion trying to learn his role in the wider forward structure. Hopefully the later and hopefully he'll fix it. Hopefully gets his confidence back in front of goals. Dropped off this season. Is very important for the future forward line structure. Especially if you know who goes back to Perth. Balic Not sure why you've put him here. I'd say medium at best. Has had 2 seasons and although had injuries and homesickness hasn't shown a great deal to show he'll be elite. Maynard Haven't seen enough to know. I have a feeling given his age there will be a lot of pressure to come in and start performing early. Showed a bit in his baptism of fire v GWS but also looked a bit lost. J Smith Showed glimpses in his first game that he could be a freak combination of height, speed, skill. Looked loss in his second stint. Hopefully he can come back and develop his confidence.

Red hair or white pants and black loafers without socks? Either way the future looks bleak.

Billy is my pick for this years breakout dam i used to love watching his old man sprinting like a Gazelle, bouncing the ball along the Members Wing and then shooting a 50 metre pass to CHF Stephen could play in a very tough era...

This is the future right here.

Interesting to note that Pendles, Treloar and Adams were back at training with the first to fourth year players over the road today. I think that's an impressive sign from the leaders and for anyone who needs to make a point if they're not best 22. Seeing Viney was a positive, but aside from him there was nobody there that wasn't required back. Someone mentioned Pedo was at the Monday session which was good to see. I believe he's needed to do that over the past couple of years, good to see it's hit home for him. The other one I'd like to see back a bit earlier would be Dean Kent. Have always thought he needs to trim down and work harder on his running. Hopefully we see him back a bit earlier. Both ANB and Salem lead their running groups today which were 4 x 3 minute efforts. Salem was very impressive in the second group leading Harmes and Brayshaw and ANB just looks so comfortable leading the running in group A.

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.

And here's another longer package. Quite a few new highlights reels released today.

I think the only thing you’ve botched is saying Pedersen isn’t starting 22. He is ?% starting 22. Hands are as good as Hogan’s reliable Kick has a massive tank and can play ruck. Hope he starts rd1 and makes Weiderman warm his spot. If the Weid starts rd1 on potential again I’ll be annoyed.

I drove along Swan street and saw Weideman walking with Vanders and Viney near AAMI park and I also thought he looked bigger and stronger. Might not be his year in 2018 yet but reckon he's tracking along nicely.

From mfc website: "...ruckman Mitch King caught Petracca’s eye....Mitch King has put on a bit of size ... about five or six kilos, so he’s looking a bit fitter and a bit stronger,”. It seems King has done a lot right during the break. Hopefully he really comes on this year. It will be good (and important) to 'keep Max honest' with competition building for the ruck spot and as a back up if Max breaks down again. King had bad luck going down early last year with a ruptured acl but he could be a surprise packet this year! Wish him well. On a different note, Weideman still looks pretty skinny...

You missed the headlines in the press last week about the VRC agreeing to allow men to attend the Cup with no socks. Was discussed in the papers and on tv. Personally I can't stand wearing shoes with no socks. Too uncomfortable. It's a magnificent looking trio of potential. If they all reach that potential next year watch out. Personally I'm not going to feel the bloke in the middle is truly a Dees player till he makes more of a long term commitment. Have had that feeling in my guts since the day he was drafted. I understand all the players including him and T Mac had reason not to commit long term in the past years but that era should be gone now.

Good players play between their ears. Great ones play between their opponents' ears.

I reckon Billy is tracking along nicely, he provides the run that we are lacking, he's just not quite damaging enough yet, but i think it'll come.

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.

someone needs to tell harley that today is monday

ANB without having an elite aspect, does most things well, and better than most supporters realise.

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.

I'm still coming to terms with Richmond winning the flag, and on a lesser scale the Bulldogs. Both teams far from the most skilled in their respective years but manic pressure in their attack on the ball/ball carrier and get the ball forward at any cost got them across the line. Our players still struggle with the concept of coming to play every week.

We do need more speed, but don't need another ball butcher and turnover merchant.

I like many on here and in the press are expecting the Dees to substantially improve and at least make finals next year. The improvement other than Lever's inclusion is expected to come from assumptions that many of our players who haven't reached their potential yet will do so next year. For instance Jon Ralph wrote this week the Dees will win the flag if Petracca kicks 40 goals. So I thought I'd go through the list and break it down into players who have reached their potential and those who haven't reached their potential yet but we hope are going to next season. I've also loosely broken them down into positions but that is very fluid. It's also a useful exercise in working out list weaknesses for drafting. Will be interested to read people's opinions. I have included Oliver in players who have reached their potential because he's already playing at an outstanding level even though he clearly has a lot more improvement to go. So arguably he could go in either. Whereas I have put Tyson in the not reached potential yet because I think there's such a knock on his disposal that if he doesn't improve it he could well be moved on in the next couple of seasons. So arguably hasn't reached his full potential. We are all hoping and expecting future stars like Hogan, Petracca, Brayshaw, Hunt & Salem go to the next level next year and be consistent high level performers to push us deep into finals. But the fact is "hoping" is the big question. None of them are there yet and whether some or all of them do or don't will decide the future success of the team. Players who are top 22 and have reached their potential

Pre-season Training starts on Monday and from the AFL site ~ Complete guide to your club's off-season. Training return: The first-to-fourth year players resume on Monday, November 6, with the rest – except draftees – returning on Monday, November 20. The Demons will again hold their pre-season training camp in Maroochydore in January. Injury list: Co-captain Jack Viney (foot), Dean Kent (shoulder), Tim Smith (navicular bone) and Aaron vandenBerg (heel) will be in the rehab group up to Christmas. Swingman Tom McDonald (ankles) is on a running program and will be integrated into the main group in late December, while Pat McKenna (hamstring) will start on a modified program and Lochie Filipovic will rehab interstate before returning in December. Jesse Hogan (hamstring) will be in the main group from November 20. Draft picks: 29, 31, 36, 47 84, 102 Arrived: Harley Balic (traded from Fremantle), Jake Lever (traded from Adelaide) Departed: Colin Garland (retired) Liam Hulett (delisted), Ben Kennedy (delisted), Heritier Lumumba (retired), Jake Spencer (delisted), Jack Trengove (delisted free agent to Port Adelaide), Jack Watts (traded to Port Adelaide), Mitch White (delisted) Major off-field moves: Jade Rawlings is the Casey Demons' new senior coach, taking over from Justin Plapp, who becomes an assistant with Melbourne's AFL side. Recently retired defender Colin Garland is also moving into various coaching roles at the club, including with the AFL team, Next Generation Academy and AFL Women's, as well as being the VFLW Casey Demons' inaugural senior coach. Melbourne also appointed Peter Maynard as Casey's general manager of football, a role where he will oversee the VFL, VFLW and NGA programs. Round one: Geelong, MCG, Sunday, March 25, 3.20pm AEDT Premiership odds: $16 (CrownBet) We say: The time is now for the Demons, who last played finals in 2006 and missed the 2017 post-season by just 0.5 per cent after a disappointing round 23 loss to Collingwood. Jake Lever's addition will strengthen an already solid defence, and their talented young crop – including Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw, Sam Weideman, Jesse Hogan and Jayden Hunt – should be ready to go to another level. The lack of Thursday and Friday night exposure (only one match) is a disappointment, but six of Melbourne's first seven matches are in Victoria and it doesn't have back-to-back six-day breaks or interstate travel. – Marc McGowan

Not sure I agree with your first paragraph, but definitely agree with the last. I've never understood why players change numbers during their careers or why we (the club) perpetuate the idea that a lower number is considered to have a premium. What message does it send to a player who's given a number in the 30s or 40s? We don't think you'll make it?

With all due respect, Daisy (and I'm just shooting from the hip here, can't be bothered looking up the details) but I think Dieter's correct. At the time Copernicus proposed his theory, the vast majority of the "scientific" community would have agreed with the Church. I know Greek philosophers had proposed that the earth was round, but those ideas had largely disappeared in the intervening 2000 years. Copernicus's views were so revolutionary that, like Darwin, he was reluctant to publish them for many years.

I managed to snag the trifecta, but not for too much unfortunately. I always follow Lloyd, but I went too hard on Almandin who got slaughtered by Dettori and I think the 5.5kgs extra from last year didn't help.....Thank god for Max, silly odds....was always gonna be up there and in fact carried 1 kg less than 2015, I only noticed 1min b4 the race..... Hope everyone had a good day...

Given the state of our list that's a pretty big red flag.

The quality of the player and his legacy makes the number significant such as a Barassi or a Flower. Given its history over the past 50 years, number 31, no longer holds the importance it once did whereas number 2 arguably still holds significance. It's all about the era and the age and the memories of the collective mass of supporters. For me, probably due to our poor record over the years, very few numbers have significance. Perhaps Flower and number 2 has some sentimentality but few others. Its the guy inside the jumper that matters. I would be happy to see Lever with number 50 as long as he produces some exciting footy.

Part of the problem is that they are ALL huge when you look at them individually. It's only when compared to some of his teammates that Billy looks skinny. I'm always shocked during the pre-season when I run into players in the crowd and have to process again just how BIG these guys are.

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.

Gives a bit more of a glimpse into his athleticism and willingness to use his speed. Definitely a project but one I wouldn't discount just yet.

Great story about Zac Bailey on AFL website. Good Demons connection. I had him at pick 30. Would be happy to see him land at a MFC selection.

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

Reminds me of Aaron Francis. Glad we don't have our pick 10 to potentially waste on him.

My god...that looks suspiciously like a.... MELBOURNE jumper...wtf !!

What about players whose form will slide? The above assumes everyone will stay the same or get better. That just doesn't happen....

In recent times: Jimmy's 11. He won his bronwlow in it. Subsequently cherished and worn proudly by Maxy.

I signed up for the upgrade to finals tickets. $600 for a membership is super pricey especially as I’m moving house in the next week. But to me having the peace of mind that if we make it, I’ll be there, is worth it. I missed out in 2000 and although it was an awful game I still wish I was there. It certainly is an extreme expense and one that my partner just can’t get his head around, but if like me, you go to all games in Victoria and will be going to all/every final, it ends up being decent value for money. Regardless tho, as long as people buy the membership that best suits their financial position, that’s all that matters. Any membership helps the club!

For mine, Weideman is the wild card in this deck. If he develops into the KPF many hope, then we are in front of the game.

Condolences, DD! What a gorgeous boy he was. Always think of this video in times like these. RIP Neville.

Funny I got the same email and thought so what has changed. When was the last time you got an email from the club saying We are going to drop down the ladder next year glad you will be alone for the ride? Oh well I guess they have to be positive.

Email I received yesterday: Thank you for signing up again as a member in 2018, it's certainly going to be an exciting year at the club. Exciting by the fact I'm going to gain mild depression leading into x-mas again. Cant wait Demons, cant wait.

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.

Great list and talking point, I will say that while I agree a lot of our improvement will come from those yet to reach there potential, part of the optimism has to lie with so of those who have "reached their potential" actually doing so again. I'd argue that in 2017 Jones, Viney and Gawn had interrupted seasons which meant they only rarely reached their potential, so we'll also gain plenty from them. I'd also move TMac to the 'haven't yet reached potential' area, if including him as a forward (or even swing-man), we know what he brings as a defender but I think they've only just started to explore his forward capabilities and with Hogan being fit his forward role would develop even further.

its a good sign to see the 2nd and 3rd categories so well stacked. I generally agree and maybe Lewis and Vince will drop off a bit in their autumn years now. I think the extra we will gain from Salem and Brayshaw will be more about getting them consistently on the park and performing. They already have both shown plenty. same goes for Hogan. I also think Oliver can improve quite a bit in metres gained. so often he doesn't go forward almost by auto pilot. he could break games open more and become even better.

Christian petracca

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.

Hey mate, First of all well done for speaking up, it takes a lot of courage to tell those around you (friends and anonymous people). My partner is a psychologist. So here are some tips for you (if you haven't already) or others on here that might be considering help. All the best A BIG PROBLEM for many suffering with mental illness is the price it costs to receive continual help. Here are a few pointers for people wanting or needing it. One can go to their local GP and ask for a referral to a psychologist. This will entitle them to 10 free sessions covered by medicare. At the same time contact a local university clinic (Swinburne, RMIT, LaTrobe to my knowledge) and get on their waiting list as 10 sessions are typically not enough. At these clinics one will receive help from a provisional psychologist (in-training). It is very cheap ranging from FREE - $60 (average is $15 - 20) an hour/session depending on one's income. After discussing this with my partner, I feel the quality at these clinics are just as good as private practice. Where the students lack experience, they see fewer clients and thus put more thought and energy into helping them outside the hours of their one-one sessions. Of course, they have well-experienced supervisors they can turn to for advice regarding treatments and interventions. They're often quite enthusiastic as well. Also of note, if anyone has or intends to go to a psychologist keep in mind that a particular psych may not be the right fit for them. Like in life, some people we click with while others we don't. If one ever has a bad experience or feels it's not helping don't give up on the idea completely, just try someone new. As long as you yourself wants to improve and progress, take what they say on board, and they will guide you along the way. LINKS: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/psychology-clinic/contact http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/psychology/pc/ http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-locations-and-facilities/services/health-clinics/health-sciences-clinic/psychology