Leaderboard

Turned up at 10:20 so might've missed a bit but they were in to some decent match practice between two teams. Maybe 12 or so per side. (Keilty the latest in rehab doing a fair bit with Baker, Lever and Viney laps). Ball use across the backline and creating angles to work the ball in to the middle of the ground was slick. From there it was really going quick and aggressively in to the forward line which meant some errors but also some nice pieces of play. Standouts: T Mc - got on the end of a couple and marked well May - a couple of nice intercept marks Fritsch - finding a stack of ball on a wing with some sharp ball use Vanders - not always the best with the ball but high work rate, was constantly in play The draftees all showed a bit as well. Hore was composed across half back. Bedford stuck a tackle on Gawn and bought him down. Jordon linked up nicely received a handball and kicked perfectly to a fat side lead. Chandler was busy and has sure hands overhead. Corey Wagner another who gets involved quite a bit. Part of the forward group and working hard up and back. Lewis did a few nice things, took a strong mark and looked very sharp but then got the ball under pressure and did this thing twice where he holds the ball low over his boot and quickly squirts out a shanked kick that just puts team mates under more pressure. Concerning. They moved in to small 2/3rd ground match practice with 4 different teams rotating. Again, ball use, overlap, quick movement. After that they split talls and smalls, with the smalls working on quick hands and pressure. A bit of 3 on 3 kind of stuff. In two different groups they did some running, not flat out but up and back over about 40m at a good pace for a period of time. Jordon/Neita/Chandler/Bedford did some one on one tackle/evade drills, the two smalls look strong tacklers as you'd expect. Some of the main guys did an exercise that involved fast steps then receiving a ball whilst rolling to ground on either side of the cones, bouncing up for an attempted hanger, then a bump/tackle, out to get a high ball then on to a lead. It looked pretty brutal stuff but also like a really good drill to simulate in game movements and 2nd/3rd/4th efforts. It's the kind of stuff I like seeing because it's smart training rather than just flogging them laps. By that time it was well in to the 30's and I'd seen enough.

Overall thoughts: - Game simulation was high intensity, Macca made big point of saying to the lime coaches that if we can execute in last 15 when other sides are knacked, we’ll Win. This seems to be a real mean theme this year, as too often we let close games slip and could easily of won top 2 spot if we won 90% of those close games. Standouts: Fritsch disposal and acc of touches. Vanders was a bull and did some great work entering attacking situations turning slow transitions into scoring plays. Brayshaw showed great hands & timing. Pruess was solid w/disposal. May solid & gave his all through entire session l, and was certifiably buggered at end of the training session. Tmac was sensational with hands & positioning, looked cut above. Nev was talking all throughout and encouraging every play, whilst also showing absolutely insanely accurate short passes. Sparrow looks to be one they’re working to develop foot skill wise before anything else and his focus was solid all session. Chandler to me is a sleeper too. Has real poise & game sense. Oscar was frustrating coaches quite a bit throughout missing key instructions & being a bit clumsy. Clarrie’s size is at another level again - 2-3cm talker IMHO to 12 months ago & bulk is now more refined clearly more powerful in arms especially. Joel Smith’s hands again looked great but foot skills short are really questionable & can’t see him breaking into back 6 this year will be more a fwd and utility option. Fritter clearly a wingman and sweeper. KK, Salem, May, Lever, Hibs & Nev all look like forming a truly gifted backline with Frosty ahead of Oscar for Mine. Petty worked reallly strongly all session, def has development to come and could be ready to make a mark if called upon. Jeffy looks a little behind fitness wise but is def pushing with Bedford for small spot.

Toby Bedford just brought Big Max down in a ripper tackle. A bit to like there.

Stretch didn't train with the main group and did a number of drills by himself. First he moved the guys' backpacks into a big pile. Strength training, probably. Then he unwound extension cables for the boom box and laptops. Then plugged them together to make one really long cable. Great agility. Then he tightened the guy ropes on the tent. Then watched the other guys training for a while. I think it was a recovery period mandated by the physios. Most of the rest of the time he was running slow laps, between Gosch's and AAMI getting cold water bottles for the guys. Didn't slow down at all, even in the heat. Each time the coaches gathered the players in a group for instructions, he ran out and held up some whiteboards with magnets on them. I couldn't see what was on them. At one stage I saw Goodwin approach him and ask for a loan of 50 bucks. Stretch got out his wallet but his reaction time was a bit slow and Goody really gave it to him. High standards even at this time of year. You play like you train! While the main group was doing match simulations, Stretch cut up a whole bag of oranges with his non-preferred hand. Towards the end of the session, he picked up a big sack and collected the stray footies in it. One was right on the boundary line, he tried a freak goal with it and it missed and the ball went out on to Punt Road. Macca paid out on him and said he's supposed to be collecting the footies, not playing with them. Part of his rehab I suppose. A really strong session and if he keeps it up, there's every chance we'll see him collecting footies on the G in September.

I think a lot of the issues last year were on repeat entries where you really struggle to score. We pushed up high to keep the ball forward as well when dropping deeper and then switching the point of attack would've been better. Either way, teams are just too good defensively once they've packed the backline. Getting it in quickly is still the best way to score. I had a Hawthorn mate tell me how much the Hawks hated their bombing in to the forward line last year. Even the best side in the comp in Richmond could carve teams up on the counter usually in second halves but struggle on straight forward entries. Personally I think they'll hope May, Hibberd, Salem and maybe Hore or some Hunt run will provide the defensive rebounds. KK and Fritsch should be the class kickers who start on the wings and whether they are folding back and hitting up the corridor (as both did today) or pushing forward and kicking inside 50 (as Fritsch did today) will depend on where they get the ball. There was a bit more space than a full game today but all of the defenders I mentioned had some nice kicks from half back. As did Oscar.

Billy’s looking sprightly and pretty sharp so far.

Good question, the left from memory. The strapped one. I'm no doctor, but from watching training I don't reckon he's got an overall weight problem. More a case of Buttoxia Grandiosa (or Hugh Jarse Syndrome).

...on another note, perhaps the reintroduction of the 666 back into the game is a sign from the underworld that the era of Demonic dominance is upon the World of Australian Rules footy once more!!

Which knee? Maybe he needs to lose some weight on that side of his body.

I like Fritter as a sweeper across half back and up the wing. He's a great mark for his size, but more importantly he gets into good position and has excellent vision and kicking skills. It's guys like he and Salem (hopefully Kolo as well) who execute with precision and create opportunities for our forwards. I'd appreciate an update on Kolo if hes there. TIA.

I'm a little surprised that with all the forward talk there is never a mention of Spargo ? He pretty much cemented a spot last year as our small crumber in the forward 50 and from what I saw did a pretty good job Seems like everyone thinks there are others ahead of him now - I feel the coaches like him because he seems to play very much to his instructions / team focus I would expect he will still be very much in the mix this year unless he has gone backwards

Players who rely on their spring to take contested marks, like Fritsch and Jeremy Howe, often don't make it as forwards despite seeming to have great potential in attack. For defensive units in modern AFL teams, it's too easy for someone to block their run or get some body on them. Howe takes a lot more marks in defence than he ever did in attack because he doesn't have one or two players devoted to stopping him. Same with Fritsch. In defence, he will often be able to float across packs whereas up forward he would be blocked or knocked off his line. So half back might actually be a better use of Fritsch's marking ability than up forward. I agree with what others have said about it being a better use of his kicking skills aswell. Having said all that, I hope he can sneak forward a few times during games from half back/wing - would be a headache for opposition coaches.

I've only seen him train with the midfield and get the ball across half back in open space as wingers often do. I don't think he's part of the back 6 plans.

Don't think Bayley will ever fill out much, he just has that slight frame, of Cam Bruce/Kade simpson. he reminds me a bit of Kade Simpson off half back actually. what a beauty he is. love having guys in the team that when they get it, you just relax as you know they won't cough it up he will play multiple roles in 2019 you would think. great option to have

Ha! Thanks for the vote of confidence Ethan. But I'm back in Sydneytown. That was an unexpected trip due to an illness in the family. But I can say with a great deal of confidence about today's training the following :- They are training the house down. It's more organised than I've ever seen it. Everyone has gone to another level. etc etc Hope that helps.

I can see the logic of playing Frisch in defence. Most scores come from turnovers. So the best pressure players are going forward and the best kicks are going back. It’s all about getting the ball forward and if you don’t kick a goal creating turnovers in forward 50 and lack of turnovers coming out of defensive 50. Defenders often kick inside 50 with repeat inside 50s as well. I suspect the best laid plans don’t always work and he’ll be thrown forward at some stage though.

Clarrie running laps, Gus looks sharp in main session. Vanders looks like he’s gonna be much better for a pre season holy heck running like a man possessed. Track looks slim but seems sore and was doing some work on his knee w/exercises lead by physio. T.S. Doing work without bern on his kicking, def improvement needed but solid base just too high most His passes atm. Bernie gave great feedback and is a natural in this role!

Just noticed. Fritter, Salem and KK are being mentioned as half back sweepers with real potential. Their value might also be that they are all left footers. Left footers, as a minority group, have a natural, but marginal, advantage because they turn clock wise to get onto their kicking foot. Right footers naturally turn anti clockwise and, when chasing, can lose a bit of contact with left footers. The dorks exploited this with Lewis, Gibson, Rioli, Franklin and others. Add Viney, Lewis, May and we have a core group of lefties that could deliver an advantage.

Fritsch is too valuable as a forward to play in defence ... he ain't got jostle power, for defence ... but he is a great mark, has some speed, kicks quite well for goal (s) and can lead into space quite OK. Great at passing across minus 40metres, too. Sound handballer. Definite forward.

And now we have some teammates who’s brains he really can pick. Teammates who really have been there done that, teammates who really believe in themselves and teammates who realise that with hard work and dedication, the prize may not be too far away. A culture that is still building but one that Sparrow and the other “kids” will embrace as natural. A big, big turnaround from 8 - 10 years ago. I know we all thank Paul Roos but I want to thank Daniel Cross for importing a professionalism of dedication and training that shocked many at the club into changing their ways (or getting out)! How much talent was waisted a decade ago by ineptitude, amateurism, and pure stupidity, a bloody lot IMHO.

Tweets will embed in to posts if you copy and paste the link, far cleaner than a screenshot

I prefer Fritter up forward i think. In large part because he has such beautiful hands, is a terrific mark (especially for his size) and his excellent kicking skills means he hits targets inside 50 and makes the most of his shots at goals. But i can see the logic for him continuing to play off the HB line and think that is where they play him (based on training reports om which group he is training with). One, they seem to have Smith ear marked for a forward role, which i think makes sense with his leap (as they want to create aerial contests an ensure long balls coming in, if not marked are brought to ground - also his athleticism helps negate zone defenses and floating spare defenders). And if Smith plays forward there is no spot for Fitter. Two, the skills noted above are also critical down back - kicking even more so. It is just so important to have players who don't turn it over from the HB line and with Salem there would be two players who not only are efficient are also able to hit aggressive, difficult kicks that create scoring chains. Third, if Lever does not come back until say round 9 Fritter can play the intercept marking role until then.

Hopefully he's racking up 30+ possessions at Casey and pushing for selection. This is what ANB did consistently to make his case.

He fits at Casey learning his craft and hopefully he is good enough to play 100+ games for the club. Our midfield depth isn't that great outside the regular AFL players, we need the next group of midfielders developing at Casey and hopefully pushing for selection mid to late in the year. Whose spot they take is irrelevant at this stage

If you are still on holiday and you want to have a squiz, there is a session 9.30am Goschs The website has been updated/changed

Fritta is our wing/floating back intercept marker/distributor until Lever comes back into the team. He should then be our wing/floating forward. *waiting for the "why cant we have both" GIF.

Maybe you've stumbled onto a nickname for Hunty. ? 'Forest' Hunt. Run! Forest. Run ! ?

I had to work this afternoon, so pics on here and Insta tonight Fritsch was the standout, with Salem running him a close second and Tommy Mc next, in my humble opinion of course Umpires there again, which is great initiative It was a really good near 3 hour session, for a hot sweaty session the skills were excellent Tommy Mc charged past me on way back to AAMI in just shorts, obviously the barefoot is the rule, was hardly sweating Vanders proves footy is back, has a lovely black eye, as displayed on the party shirt photo on here Even though he has a fight on his hands reckon Jeff Garlett will shut up some of the experts on here, the battle for the small forward spots is going to be hot

I'm just not a fan of playing Preuss and Gawn. I very much doubt it's sustainable. I see it only happening on the odd occasion and it will largely depend on matchups. If I'm wrong I'm wrong. I won't be. I've also gone from being a Joel Smith advocate (look at my posting history) to being dubious. He's a scatter brain with poor foot skills. I don't think his incredible athletic prowess, courage and attack on the contest will overcome is low football IQ and decision making under pressure. I watched his game again recently at the Adelaide Oval in round 19. It would have done Tom Gillies proud it was that bad. Sure, it's just one game, but I'm no longer confident he's best 22 in a top 4 team.

Pruess will play, I think West Coast shows the rest of the league how to play Gawn in our last final. Pruess and Gawn to swap out of FF. I don't personally agree just how I see it playing out. Pruess and MFC must have sat down and agreed on a plan for him to play, even from a financial point of view the more senior footy Pruess plays the more he earns(?) I think 2nd Rick is the most valuable player on a list nearly.

Marty Hore

Good luck Mike!!

Hunt was so good in 2017, I thought we had a star on our hands. Let's hope he can get back to it. So quick, hard at it and a good kick once he slows down enough to pick a target. An in-form Hunt off half back or a wing makes us a better team

I will be taking a keen interest in 2 players. Hunt and Garlett. One of these 2 up and firing of which the most likely would be Hunt. It will put us in good shape.

I hope young Jaden can really put focus on the Wing position... and also from the goal square, where he would be running straight lines at the ball... then turn to come back the other way.

Fritsch was a lock in the best 22 after his first kick in the AFLX last year, however he should be on a wing or up forward.

3,200 up on last year is a good result so far!

If you believe the PR, dropping Fritsch was about height and matchups. WC were playing 3 talls. I really like the idea of Fritsch, KK and Salem rotating the HB sweeper / wing positions.

Tiers, this from Ben Guthrie to support your point

Maybe his obesity is the cause of his knee issues?

Popping down there now for a squizz be there by 1030 assuming I can park somewhere! Will note anything I see as type worthy lol

Update on Billy Stretch would be appreciated. Oh and some one tell the coaches that Fritsch shouldn’t play half back. Thanks ?

He was in the main group drills, trained with the backs. No sign of him being on the outer with the lads or having any injury. He’s not a loud character so he doesn’t stand out. Just seems to be focussed on doing things right in the drills for now.

Get down there @It's Time

Easier to tear up should things go pear-shaped.

He should know a bit about "the guts" - he has plenty of his own... (joking)

He’s an Adelaide Hills boy, there made of the tough stuff. He will be fine.

Google search for the meaning of coqnescent leads back to this site. Congratulations, you have made your first entry to the ever growing language of footy. And you can ascribe any meaning you choose and no one can contradict you. But be quick as language moves on at warp speed.