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I’m unexpectedly here. Down from Sydney and the timing worked out nicely. You can read about training but it’s something else being here. The main group are doing repeat 150metre sprints over and over. As they finish they jog back through a group of trainers who throw balls at them or ground balls which they pick up and pass back. Or at other times they go straight into shots on goal but very rapid and then jog back for the next 150. When you are right next to them you see just how brutal the running is. A lot of the running is in pairs with equally matched runners. I love what I’m seeing. They are clearly training them to execute skills straight off maximum exertion. It’s real game simulation rather than just running around recovering then do some gentle kicking. As you’d expect nowadays it’s super organised. No particular standouts in the running. However I did see ANB kick a goal straight through the middle. Halle bloody lujah. Preuss and Gawn were doing their own run throughs. I hope they get on they’re spending a lot of one on one time together. Preussy is a monster. Now running shoes off and footy boots on. The whole group have gone into a tight huddle in the middle. Someone has started up a chant and the whole group repeats the chant as one. Different phrases over and over. Finished by chanting I have no fear and jumping up and down on the spot. Incredible sense of commeraderie.

Can't make it on Friday so decided to have a last look before 2019. It was slightly windy, but the standard of kicking appears up a notch - it was only four years ago when the only blokes likely to hit another player lace up were Jonesy and Wattsy. Now almost everyone can nail a pass keeping it low. Everyone has their favourites, but my two standouts on the track were Joel Smith - he played as a forward in a short spell of close to genuine match practice - and Bayley Fritta - whose left foot passing from a very undermanned midfield was Salemesque. Most of our young heroic midfielders - Angus, Olly, Trac and Harmesy trained with the remedial group early along with hardworkers VDB and Stretch plus big O-Mac, Jayden, Jetta and Marty Hore. It was possibly our best ever rehab group and Marty looks class - a bit reminiscent of Warren Dean. he wil add to our left-foot clearance contingent. Pleasingly Jayden kept the ball low and hard all morning - maybe someone has been advising him. Olly and Baker primarily did laps. Lever and Jack Viney made very short appearances. Jake just did a few kicks and Jack did a few run throughs, although dad Todd lasted the whole session, catching up with Matt Jones at one stage. No sign of Jordy or Melky. It was hard not to notice how lively both Weid and Frosty were, Hibbo was also very impressive and while he may hunch over like an old man a lot, our new boy Steven May hit more targets than Michael Diamond. Two other things stood out to me. The sense of calm watching training that now exists because we now have a back-up ruckman. I am not sure Preussy's athleticism is going to let him play as a forward, but if Gawny does get injured at some stage next season, we now don't have to alter the game plan. And Casey midfielders are going to love him. The other thing was that T-Mac has taken his lack of fashion to a new level - he has added pink boots to his white sock repertoire. Not quite Warwick Capper, but a job in Richmond as a meter made awaits him when he retires.

Thanks for the compliments everyone. It was great to make a training session and see what the recruits etc look like up close and personal. Not too close and personal though. Age is nasty. I really need those optical sunglasses. Couldn't see what the rehab group were doing on the other side of the ground and like when you know you are old when the Police start looking very young, the new draftees look like babies. They're now younger than my son. Oi! But all jokes aside the draftees other than Tom Sparrow do look very light and look like they are going to need quite a lot of building up. Toby Bedford was a standout in that bunch and Sparrow looks pretty good. I didn't really see it but apparently Jordan's kick is a real weapon. Bradtke is a stick. Agree. The kicking out drill just shows you they are working on new strategies all the time. I still hold great hopes that Frosty will come good by fixing the brain fades. He's a special package of height, strength, agility and speed. Garlett looks much happier. Looked like he was enjoying himself which is the main sign I reckon we want to see from him. He just oozes class. If you marked a virtual cross in front of a player and said drop a ball right there with just the right amount of force, he'd hit the spot every time. Can't help but think that silky delivery is best used entering 50m. He's such a born footballer, knows how to read a game so well and such natural talent. He looks like he's never going to build into a big bodied player but you can see a lot more muscle definition already. There's been many great players over the years who are no bigger than him. Baker has bulked up a lot. Still just running laps while he gets the conditioning after doing those hammies at the end of the season. Petty is another that oozes class. Silky skills. Good pace for his build. Was holding his own in the 150m running drills. Apparently regarded very highly internally. Not quite sure how things will end up for him with May, Lever, O Mac, Frost, J Smith, Keilty, etc etc. Smith will play a different role. Maybe he'll end up being better than O Mac and Frost. Otherwise not sure. same for Keilty. Jeez May is a good package. On top of everything we now about him as an elite full back his skills are elite and he has really good agility and pace for his size. He's one of the most significant pickups we've had. I guess because he's a backman and not a midfielder or key forward his move to us didn't get the same amount of coverage as others but he's a significant pickup.

Frosty can be a weapon. The classic 80-100m players who can run away from any opposition and drive the ball long into the forward line. It doesn't have to be "lace out" just so long as the opposition are put under pressure and forced to defend in our forward line. Can't kick goals from anywhere else. If used tactically and strategically at the right times will make a huge difference to the game plan.

Bloody Hell. It’s near the end of a 2hr session. Frosty has gone down to a goal square on his own with a bag of balls. Wondered what he’s doing. He’s kicking torps that are almost hitting the bloody cross in the centre circle. One went off the side of his boot. We’ll call that the 2018 Prelim Finals kick. I’ll call the centre circle ones the 2019 GF kick.

Heard Brendan McCartney tell someone the players are training really well. Gone up another level. Still some fine tuning to go but gone up a level.

Dropped in to the Demons Shop for a birthday present for our "3" legged friend. That photo is not a thank you smile. I have a feeling its a WTF have you done to me now. Anyway I love it. So does my son. My wife and daughter who are the dogs alpha and beta weren't impressed. Especially when they found out how much it cost.

Joel Smith looks like an absolute weapon with the build he has now. Combined with his athleticism and improved footy IQ, I’m wondering if he could really blossom next year? Just in the small amount of vision I’ve seen, he looks to have the technical aspects of ball control at a whole new level. Would put my mind more at ease with Lever’s recovery and the end of Lewis’s career.

@It's Time, it's time you moved to Melbourne and attended more training sessions. Much appreciated mate.

Not long ago I had a six pack. They are all gone now. I may have to open another!

Gus doing laps on his own at a fair pace. Track and Vanders did a few laps on their own. Then Vanders and Harmsie. They were over the other side I assume in the rehab group.

Had a good chat to Charlie Spargo at the end. He said he didn't expect to play so many games and to walk straight in and play finals after the teams been out of them for so long. I told him I read about him throwing up in the last session. He said some do some don't and he seems to be one that does. I gave him my secret tip on how to stop throwing up in intense exertion as I used to do it all the time bike riding at the top of hills. He liked it and said he's going to try it. So when he starts blitzing next year, you'll all secretly know why.

I've said it before and I'll repeat it here.......... I love seeing Fritta in the lead group with ANB and TMac. Taking an outstanding debut season to a new level ............ ?

Bloody love this.

Watching the weekly video's - thanks @Demonland - made me think about a top 10 countdown for the play of the year. I thought perhaps, forum posters may want to post some of their own ideas- we could then 'second, third' etc the play and then get a montage happening. Now, I've got a poor memory but here are some of the one's that stand out for me off the top of my head in no particular order. Viney's gather and spin in the EF and kick to the top of the goal square to Brayshaw Fritsch's first mark and goal in the first round 5 minutes of tap out domination from Gawn and the onball brigade perhaps against Brisbane Can I still talk about Clarry's goal against Adelaide last year?? ? **edit - I'll compile the options by close of business Friday 14th. Votes can be submitted on that thread from that list until close of business Wednesday 19th... and ill do my best to source all videos. If you happen to have the video of said highlight - please submit it - or give a time stamp on the video...it'll make my job easier TIA. ***don't just post a video - you'll have to write down your choice(s) otherwise I'll lose track

He’s too good an athlete not to be given a lot of chances, you don’t want to waste that upside. That said, he trained with the forwards the other day, is that still the go? His agility and repeat speed could be a huge forward pressure weapon. Also wouldn’t mind seeing him in the ruck for teams that don’t have a proper back up. As for down back I think Hore is the immediate 3rd tall cover. Hopefully he’s in full training soon. KK if the wing role doesn’t work. Get Hunt back to his best. Or play Frost and Oscar, use May as a back pocket, slide Hibberd up the ground.

My personal number one ?

Ok WB we get it. Knock it off. Goes for a few others too. You know I hate having to say it.

Training just finished. Dashing to the airport now. Can answer questions later. Will try to post some picks but will be of players running and kicking. Nothing special there.

I like Maxy (and Preuss) resting in the forward line and stretching opposition backlines. I also like the prospect of Maxy drifting back deep in the backline and taking those goaline marks. He saved us a few times deep in defence.

Got there with Mrs Worship and a semi regular training watcher whose opinion I respect and who doesn't post here. The huddle was a big thing for me in that it is so obviously player driven. The coaches and support staff just stand back with grins on their faces. For those of you who cannot attend/ or have attended sparsely over the years, I can say that I've had my rose coloured glasses on over the last 7yrs I've been able to get to training (usually 2 or 3 times a year). The difference now is amazing and the level at which they are training prior to Xmas is so, so different to the past. Mrs Worship thought she would be bored after 45mins but couldn't believe how good it was to watch for 2 hrs. That was largely because there was always something different happening and the skill level was very sharp even when they had been deliberately fatigued. What a wonderful change from bygone years. Some particular highlights for me; * at some stage, under the new rules, Preuss will grab the ball out of the centre ruck ball up and kick an 80m torp for a goal (did this 2 or 3 times while we were there). * Our friend who has been to a number of earlier sessions said it has been amazing seeing May, KK and Preuss come on as they had really struggled with the fitness and to some extent skill level in the early sessions. This bodes well for their commitment and our staffs ability to get them up to speed quickly. This also left me with the feeling we can get more out of them than their previous clubs. * Max and Preuss really look like they get on well together however Max is enjoying showing who is top dog. Preuss may have some comeback in the long accurate kicking department however. * Near the end of the session it was big boy marking/spoiling one on ones between Max, Weid, Preuss and May with Jade Rawlings sending maybe 20 sky balls in their direction. Frustration was evident as anyone teamed up against May lost the contest. (cannot wait to see Tomahawk have the smirk consigned to history when playing against us in the future). Oh and Ben Brown might be in for a shock also. Not so highlights and in some cases awaiting further and better particulars; * Maynard was getting a bit of work on his groin near the end of the session (hopefully just tightness) * TMac was very quick to get his kicking boots off and walk back barefoot at the end. * Hannan still wasn't sighted. Other random obs, anyone in rehab doesn't wear a number, the only exception to this appears to be Preuss but we think they haven't been able to supply training tops big enough yet. Chandler really looks like he could be something. Likewise thought Bedford will really benefit from the program and may contribute earlier than some might expect. The other new faces really didn't look out of place without being outstanding. Having said that KK really does look classy. Pretty much agree with the other comments from those who attended.

Yes, Joel's been the standout performer in the sessions I've been to. The issue now is where he will play and today he played as a forward - albeit in a limited match simulation drill and with Melky, Trac, VDB and Brayshaw unavailable to take part today and play that role. And he nailed it in the short drill - only lasted about 15 minutes - mega quick leads, one lovely mark and turn and another hang time spoil of a tall defender about to mark - ball spilled to ANB who goaled. But he needs game time - he has barely played - not just with us but even before he came with his NBL aspirations. I had him slated to play a Rampe-type defensive role, but I reckon he will start the season as our third tall up forward behind Weid and T-Mac. I've altered my Rd 1 line-up - assumes everyone's available except Lever. B: Jetta May Hibberd HB: Fritsch O-Mac Salem C Jones Oliver Brayshaw HF: Melky Weid J.Smith F: ANB T.Mac Trac Ru: Gawn Harmes Viney Int: Frost (def), VDB (mid), KK (mid), Spargo (fwd)

Looks like we're not just training the house down...but burning it to the ground . Out of those ashes ???? The dream we dare ? I'll not get to a session before '19. Much appreciate the words and images of those that have gone along. How weird does THIS. feel. We're the biz....the real thing. Funny only listening to that Sat night...

He will be a special player. Remember how dangerous he looked up forward before he ,moved to the wing / floating across half back? I think he kicked 4 goals in one game earlier in the year. He can play all over the ground.

Great reporting @It's Time

Keep up the great reporting Its Time!

Me too. I was stoked just seeing an image of Gus at a tram stop spruiking the new Kayo Live Sports App. It's been ages since a Dees player was used for any type of promotion. Same goes for Maxy's Google Home ads. Being relevant beats getting laughed at (which still happens on social media). Time to shut them all up and win some silverware.

The one thing i got out of that articke in Brayden Pruess is already challanging Max Gawn. Since his recruitment, I'm a big believer that we definitely can play 2 ruckman in our side. I would like to see Gawn spend more time up forward to really stretch opposition backs like WC did to us in the prelim and Grand Final against Collingwood. Gawn, McDonald and Weideman has the potential to really throw sides out of wack.

With Viney at 134, Brayshaw 166 and my boy KK all coming back from injury, we will have at least 9 by end of 2019

I spent a night researching what makes you throw up in extreme exertion. It's a critical overload of acidic carbon dioxide in your stomach which you don't expel under exertion because you breath too fast and shallow to expel it all. The acid builds up in your stomach until it reaches a critical point and you have to throw up to get rid of it. I started breathing very deeply on major hill climbs. In order to do it I had to gulp air like a goldfish. Didn't look pretty but I've never thrown up again. I eventually adjusted to breath deeply without looking and feeling like a goldfish.

EF start of the third or last qtr I think when Viney hip and shoulders Selwood to his [censored] and gives away a free. Selwood then tries to play on and gets caught by Jack with his 57th tackle for the game and wins the ball back.

From all reports and my own one session observation both Smith (seniors) and Keilty (Casey for now) will be trialed as forwards (at least initially). With the additions of May (from Round 1) and Lever (whenever he returns) in the backline and the loss of Hogan up forward it makes sense to trial these two.

Melkshams 55m bullet pass to Gus in the game v doggies, Gus to Hogan - goal. Magical. But Melkshams pass was just breathtaking.

Where can one view the weekly videos? A few plays that stick out: • Jetta’s tackle/bump in the EF putting Selwood on his backside and making spit come out of his mouth • Oliver’s mid-air clean gather and give in the EF and putting Selwood on his backside again in the process • Kent’s sealer over in the West, still a special moment

@Satyriconhome As someone who has grown up playing and watching this game from a young age, it is a plain ol' fact that if you miss any component of a pre-season training, it is deemed an interrupted one. The word 'fitness' is a broad one and you're referring strictly to a single component known as cardiovascular endurance. Off-seasons (aka pre-pre-seasons) and pre-seasons are the only times of the year in which a player can improve and make gains in every component of fitness required to play the game. These components consist not only of aerobic and anaerobic fitness but also components such as muscular strength and power, coordination, flexibility, agility and more. We have players who have had surgery on shoulders, knees, feet and more. All of which means they'll be restricted in what they can do. Harmes and Oliver as an example will be well behind in upper body strength and power and will not be able to make the same gains and improvements had they not had surgery. Thus, an interruption in their programs. Viney and Petracca with foot and and knee surgery have similarly not had the same head start in their running as those who have not had surgery. Thus, an interruption. It remains to be seen whether or not the number of players we have in rehab/missing parts of the program will have an impact come the start of the season. Whilst I agree that the majority are at least able to do most of the running part of pre-season, you've cast a blind eye over pretty much every other component of fitness which at this level, are all extremely important given how competitive the game is.

With the new kick in rules, I suspect Frosty will be kicking / running it in a lot for us from the goal square

My god tipping is impossible.

Seeing as we have been rated by Champion Data as having the best midfield, 2nd best defence and 5th best forward line some of these teams above us must have amazing interchange players....

True but with Preussy in the team Max won't tire himself rucking and having to slip back into defence. If we nail the way we use these two blokes we'll have another great weapon in our arsenal.

My understanding is omac is rehabbing from back pain. From carrying the backline for the last two years.

Are you kidding me Dolphins???? Unbelievable finish, one of the best plays I’ve seen in a while.

Amazing. You've just defined the term 'interrupted pre-season'.

Player ratings take into account the last 40 games of a player. So Brayshaw’s concussion year of 2017 is still factored in. It’s why he is bound to be pushing top 50 next year

Don't peak too early @binman. It's only December!

Hopefully Australia.