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Gday guys, on one of the training thread there's been a few doubts on young Charlie about his size and whether he can translate his ability to AFL level. Thought I'd bring this thread up and have my 2 cents worth. Just on Spargo, I had a bit to do with him when he was in the under 16s bushies . I didn't bother to write anything up on him when we drafted him (lack of interest in demonland at the time) but I thought I'd post my thought a on him now. Goody is going to fall in love coaching this young fella, he is 18 years old going onto 25 in terms of maturity and level headed. He was driven right from the very young age to succeed in footy and make AFL. He started playing senior footy for Albury in the strong Ovens and Murray league (step below VFL) at 16 and was still running rings around former AFL players with such ease. It was tipped right from then that this kid could potentially be the next big thing despite his size. He was quick, tough as F**k, and most importantly, driven and determined to make it. Despite being a quiet and down to earth sort of fella, he just oozes leadership on field! We played a praccy match against Bendigo once and he was captain for the day. The whole day he was barking orders, setting up midfield stoppages, encouraging teammtes, and giving direct feedback to coaching and senior officials on what was going right and wrong. He'll be in the leadership group in a couple of years. Mark my words. Obviously being in boarding school this year I barely got time to see any of his games (injured also). But we got word back from some recruiters that if it wasn't for injury he would be top 10 without a doubt. 3 clubs had even made mentioned that if he was just a smidge taller and injury free, they had penciled him for top 5. Every club rated him and the giants were absolutely filthy when they lost first rights to him. He is a genuine talent. If I was to compare him to someone in terms of toughness, leadership and skill? it would be Joel Selwood. He has everything that you need in terms of the culture you're trying to build and set. Yes I've pumped up his tyres, but the biggest test for him will be the transition to AFL level. The likes of Caleb Daniel and Eddie Betts have shown that it is possible if you've got the ticker and drive to succeed. I believe young Spargo has this. The likes of Jones, Viney, Oliver and Lewis will crave having this kid in the side running full tilt into packs and come out ball in hand. I don't want to put too much pressure on the kid but in my honest opinion, he is an absolute beauty! Hope that helps.

Dropped into training for a quick 20 minutes, my observations: – Piping hot in the sun but it looked like the players were well looked after with refuge in the shade at fairly regular intervals – Clarry with a full face of Zinc cream – I was really impressed with the clinical skills on show – most kicks hitting their target with players kicking very quickly after receiving the ball and kicking to players leading all over the place, both towards the kicker and away into space and with the opposition player on most occasions given no chance to intercept. The quality of our skills are miles and miles ahead of where we were a few years ago. – Very impressed by Petty. For a tall defender he moves really quickly, has some hustle and bustle about him and reads the ball well. Looked really intent and his skills were looking good. – Thought Tyson looked to be a step quicker than the last two years. Might have just been wishful thinking on my behalf but if he finally is completely niggle free then I think he’s set for a big year. – Jones and Garlett doing sprints and looking fresh – same with Tim Smith albeit at a different pace. – Overall I came away thinking that the list is in a very very good place, particularly with the inclusion of the quicker skinnier types such as Fritsch and Baker (as well as Hannan) who add the balance we need to mix with our core group of stronger burst and endurance players.

I started barracking for this post.......

When I was at training not long after the new recruits arrived, I watched Spargo and Petty doing kick to kick. They are different players for different roles, but what stood out for me was the ability of Spargo to hit Petty time and time again on the chest. But not just that, he was doing it both left and right foot. If he is to play mid-field, then the ability to deliver accurately by foot is essential, and it gives the player options on how he does it when they are fluent on either foot ( ala Sam Mitchell). At pick 29 a genuine footballer who can kick is a very viable option. We now have to see how he develops.

This is a 'negative for negative's sake' sort of post. George didn't say he was going to be a superstar. He simple passed on his opinion from training that he was impressed with Spargo's ability to kick off both feet and that, in the future, this could make him a viable option in the midfield and we need to see how he develops. There's nothing over the top about that, nor did he say he looked like a star. Some people on here can't see anything in a positive light anymore. It's such a shame.

Turned up today. Always go to one or two sessions. Definitely about skills ATM. Intensity will come later in pre season. Disposal in general was the best I have seen from a D's team in preseason. In the past players built endurance and fitness during drills chasing mongrel kicks and handpasses all around the park!! It used to be ordinary at best. Those who play or have played lower level footy will know what I mean. Now its all about getting it right - disposal and decision making - all the time. O Mc and Hannan have built up a bit. In general the players close up are way bigger than they look at games, TV or pics. Oliver would be an exception but he is naturally powerful and does not need to carry gym muscle. The usual in rehab. Did not see Weid. Trac over his issues and trained well. Was very vocal and confident during drills. Players called into line groups at one stage. In these groups players would give feedback to the group. Feedback I heard was all positive. As you can image big Max was not short of a word. Trac also chimed in as did most.

Someone I know watched a lot of his school footy last year. I believe he was the Captain of Melbourne Grammar. Said 4 things :- 1. Hard as nails. Runs through brick walls. 2. Highly skilled. Very good kick and exceptional goal sense. 3. Very strong contested overhead mark with an unusually high vertical leap for his height. 4. Great kid.

Oh no! They'll be sledged! Whatever will they do? Give me a break.

Go read my post on the Charlie Spargo thread.. He is light years ahead of the Bleases, Maric's and Strauss types.

They gave Toumpas 5

Now here's a sport I'd like to hear them call on SEN. Pure chaos. And people say our Aussie Rules is tough! Apparently the only rule of etiquette is that you cannot kick your opponent when they are unconscious

A little about training and current injuries: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-01-19/tracks-back-key-dee-is-sore-no-more

Earlier in this thread we had a few headline gems. Today we have a new contender. Irrespective of your politics, this surely has to be accepted as a masterful piece of work:

It's just an abbreviation for idgaf. (Actually, IG is a stockbroker.)

Since we're already a mile off topic, my nickname at my most recent cricket club was The Phantom or Phanto and it was nothing to do with a Bill Lawry batting style either. After only a few games and no nickname yet I was patrolling the covers on an absolute cow paddock of a ground when I had to make a spectacularly awkward looking save to a ball that changed direction about 6 times in 3 metres. Some joker yells out from the safety of the slip cordon "when the Phantom moves lightning stands still" and a legend was born... Back on topic...who's at training this morning? Early start right?

I attended yesterday's craft session, as they call it. The music was blaring in what was perfect conditions. Some things that stood out to me: -Dom Tyson looks fit and was second to ANB in the interval running at the end of the session -Bernie looks 10 years younger and is covering the ground as well as he ever has -Salem was getting his hands on the footy a lot at the stoppage drills. He, Dom and Clarry were the standouts here -The coaches support Trac verbally during the running drill at the end. Twig Rawlings really revved CP5 up to give it everything -Charlie Spargo has clean hands, moves very well and looks a good user. Harry Petty has an unusual gait and looks ungainly. Oskar moves well and is a penetrating kick, but obviously his conditioning is a fair way off the others at the moment -Pedo looks lean and is covering the ground well -Wags and Hunty got to do a fun drill. The had to sit under high balls inside our defensive 50 and take a ride on Jade Rawlings' back and take the grab. Poor old Jade played the step ladder here -Gawny is very verbal and gave a lot of instruction to the on-ballers. Benny Matthews really drives Nut Harmes a lot of instruction at these drills -I enjoyed watching Max Rooke working with the small forwards v the small defenders. There was great intent here, and Dean Kent looked to be relishing being back with the main group. -Post session, I watched Billy, Salem and Clarry stay out and do some touch work, Corey Maynard do some stuff with the specialist coaches and Charlie Spargo do some grappling with a phys eder.

This post made me quit glue sniffing...................................

I should add that I was completely and utterly excited/shocked when he fell into our lap at our first pick. To have clubs rate him a top 10 and potential top 5 pick if it wasn't for injury is a HUGE bargain. Don't be put off by his size.. the kid has what it takes to make it at the top level. Go get em Spargs!

Great post @dazzledavey36! The thing that excites me the most about the club moving forward is the quality of people we are getting in. Of course football talent and ability comes first, but we seem to have not only drafted players who have that in spades, but also guys who bring so much leadership and maturity to the table as well. They are level headed blokes who will train professionally and uphold the high standards that we expect of our playing group. It's exciting to see!

Former callsigns 3XY (1935–1991) Former frequencies 693 kHz AM (1992–2006) 1420 kHz AM (1935–1978) 1422 kHz AM (1978–1991)

it's not a black and white issue, ldvc. it's just a trend personally i hope footy smarts trumps athleticism in the longer term, but many recruiters place big emphasis on athletic type stats and then developing them to become role type players, rather than looking for talented footballers with creativity and great instincts, then developing their athleticism. lot of coaches don't like creativity and instinctual play, it's all about strict structures and game plan. of course though, you can't beat someone with footy smarts + great athleticism in the same package

cheers

Oh for a return to the days of phantom comics and premierships.

Quote from the phantom wiki...hope this helps 'puntkick'. "There are times when the Phantom leaves his jungle home and travels as an ordinary man." When he does, he wears a fedora, a trench coat, and sunglasses, and is known as "Mr. Walker". References to "Mr. Walker" are traditionally accompanied by a footnote saying "For 'The Ghost Who Walks'"

IMO the more they reduce interchange rotations the more you will see small/medium sized players on team lists. Endurance and footy smarts will be a premium. You will still need 2 KPFs but players who are a liability when the ball hits the deck will be made redundant

BOOOOMER HARVEY. What a tiny terror he was! Bastard ruined many a day at the footy for me?

Went down for a look this morning. List of things I observed in no particular order. . - Maynard and Balic completed their 2km time trials... Maynard finished about 200m in front. Both were well and truly spent at the finish. - One particular drill was just focused on the "Dustin Martin don't argue". Picking the ball up off the ground and pushing off a bag/opponent with the hand. - Jones, Weid, Kent, T.Smith in rehab. Ditto Viney and Joel Smith but they were running lap after lap rather than the balls. - Brayshaw had his thigh taped up and at one point removed himself from the main group to complete some run thru's. He joined back in soon after. - I was most impressed with Dion Johnstone. Put on some muscle and his skills on both side of the feet was a highlight. Crumbing off the forwards and kicking them from all angles. - Lewis certainty entrenched in the back-line group. Vince also down there. - Omac looked noticeably bigger in the legs and arms. - Trac also looking fit without any strapping on the knee.

He got that number from Gysberts!

My mate had an old FJ Holden. When you turned on the radio you had to wait about 15 seconds for the valves to warm up!

I remember back when radios in cars had dials to change the station. Those were the days.

That’s right. You could pull those 5 preset buttons forward. That would be why. (Never worked that out as a kid) but my first car did have an 8 track Cartridge Player in it!!!

The change was made in the late seventies, most if not all tuners were manual at that time, so no issues re-tuning. On the push button car radios you had to pull out the button re-tune then press the button fully in. Now that carbon dates me to over 60, guilty your worship.

Sounds like a more talented Viney from that description.

At least he has Obama Care.

Or maybe the players bought their cars before the AHG deal was over and bought them at a 'special rate' from dealers associated with the then sponsor.

Right up there ldc

1422, actually.

How does 1 find a bike rider in one's house? who comes and goes when they please, you can not be blind to what they are doing, you might not be selling bikes for them, but you certainly are test riding their bikes, there once was a dank who had bike riders take photo shots at his house, the heards the 34 bike riders they all test ride the bikes.

I did in the after season.

I went to an ice hockey game. Fair dinkum, the yanks would watch tiddlywinks if it was in a huge stadium with flashing lights, ear splitting music, popcorn, kiss cam, remote control blimps, G-rated strippers cheerleaders, and various other mind numbing distractions for tiny minds. I'm surprised they were able to concentrate for 11 entire minutes. No wonder they hate cricket.

Dom Tyson Dom’s improvement in leadership, during the first five or six weeks of training, was really noticeable. He’s again working in the midfield group, but he’s really starting to drive his teammates and build some standards around how we go about our training. Dom has 90 AFL games to his name and is set to enter his seventh AFL season – his fifth at Melbourne.

You're on the right track, Ron. If you keep up the good work, you'll be loathing 17 clubs like the rest of us.

Sheer looxury I say!

Get your money on early for the Rising Star Old man a Super Legend In Albury Grandfather a Bulldogs Premiership legend

Extra points if you pronounced it 'looxury' in your head.

that's fine, but i wouldn't be calling jack viney a midget if i was you...and he gives up 13cm to oliver, and about 20cm to patrick cripps for instance... his ability and desire is what allows him to (more than) compete with much, much bigger midfielders similarly, nev jetta is not exactly a giant but his ability and desire allow him to compete - in the air, no less - with players significantly bigger than he is

I would really like to see Bugg have a huge season this year. There'd be some great narrative in this if he does, for him personally and for the club. Salem is probably the safest bet to take the next step though - his 'break out' season is long overdue. He has class in spades and he is sufficiently hard at it. He finally looks fit and strong enough. Salem realising his potential will also go someway to easing the lingering anxiety over the Tyson/Salem trade for pick 2 (Josh Kelly). I know the club has said it wouldn't have used pick 2 on Kelly etc, but until Salem 'breaks out' the media will continue to think we stuffed up royally on this particular trade.

I'm thinking it could be Dom Tyson... Not fashionable with some, in particular 'joeboy' but coming up to the 100 game mark this season. He had a good first year with us but has been a bit inconsistent following on from that. This is a real make or break year for Dom, he either steps up or falls back in the pack. Injury free...