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It's on, day one under a beautiful Melbourne morning. They trained from 9 to 12 o'clock. 10 to fifteen support staff wait for the 8 to 10 coaches who are led to the field by Goody. No Bernie Vince or Jordan Lewis yet. The committee members including Barrett are also there and are making themselves available to discussions. The squad come out as one, 5 minutes later. They are brought together by Burgess who gives them the run down to today's work. He is a good communicator and all get his message and an opportunity to respond. In the rehab is Sam Wiedeman, Josh Wagner, Austin Bradke, Mitch Hannan, Aaron Vandenberg, Harrison Petty, Kade Kolodjasni and Neville Jetta. Some participated in the Tan run and the non-contact drills. Missing from today were Joel Smith, Oskar Baker and I think Kade Chandler. Adam Tomlinson was in kit but didn't train. Charlie Spargo in a moon boot and on crutches. Ed Langdon wearing number 15, he looked a bit nervous, struggling with skills though understandable as he gets comfortable with his new club. They start with running drills that stretch the legs. Then there off to a 3/4 lap of the Tan. They set of a startling pace. I was on bike and could just keep up. Probably gliding off at above 20 km/hr. The times are about 10.30 minutes. I followed at the back of the first pack with Jay Lockart and Tom Sparrow. Jake Lever led the second pack over the line. Back on the paddock, and they are into drills and simulations. Bayley Fritsch and Christian Salem setting up with great stab passes. A lot of the drills performed without much defensive pressure. The squad was divided into two groups for simulations. One in a confined area developing the short, congested game and the other working on defensive spread and zoning with offensive midfield turnovers to kick to the leading forwards. the two groups moved between both stations. It appears the positions for players arn't set yet as they all seemed to rotate with different plays. I would suggest that Tom Sparrow given his youth and being down on endurance at the moment is looking to be an attacking back flanker who can break the lines and deliver a good release. I believe Nathan Jones will play back flanker as well, he is also being very vocal out there. Could Marty Hore be used up forward? Thought he is also developing as a leader. Jake Melksham received a welcome back to training by Steven May. A hard fair collision. They finished the session with several 80 meter sprints in 17 – 18 seconds. A few stayed on the track. Braydon Preuss working Corey Wagner, Jack Viney kicking goals and Christian Salem working with James Jordan and I think Kyle Dunkley.

I wondered down to training today and can only commend Kev's comments as they are accurate and cover all that I saw. On Bedford, I can't believe that you can take anything out of his performance other than how good he did, not how bad others are. He beat blokes like TMac and finished second behind ANB who really looked like he'd been out for a Sunday stroll. He is a beast of an athlete and Bedford's performance was terrific. Well done Toby. One who I was impressed with was Jayden Hunt. He was well up in the 3 km trial and was very involved in all the drills. We all know the areas he needs to improve but I've not noticed him being so good at the distance running. A combination of his speed plus endurance is a great combination. Others to impress me today were Trac who was really sharp and I liked a couple of things James Jordon did. May also impressed. Big, strong and fit. But what I did notice from last year: Oliver, Harmes, Petracca, Viney, TMac, OMac, Lever, Brayshaw, Melksham and AVB were all in training rather than rehab. How good is that.

Yes, both did everything but the contact work. They are looking in good condition. Great to see them out there.

I dun care none about he's grammer or he's hare so long as he football's good.

Langdon: It’s really excited + refreshing to be here. There are lots of fresh faces around + the boys are excited to be back. Langdon: There were a combination of reasons why I chose Melbourne. Mum + Dad live across the road, my brother is next door. Then the way the Demons played two years ago was unbelievable + just to hopefully be part of that is an exciting prospect. Langdon: Obviously it was disappointing for the group last year. It’s a fresh start now. You don’t want to spend half a pre-season dwelling on what could’ve been last year. We’ve swiftly moved onto 2020. Langdon: I just want to maximise my effectiveness + contribute to the team. I’ll give it a red hot crack. I’ve always prided myself on working hard, so if I can bring that, I’ll be happy. Langdon on Harley Bennell: I’ve spoken to Harley + it’s an exciting opportunity for him. I think he’ll be here in a couple of weeks, so I look forward to training with him. Hopefully he can get his body right, as we know how good of a player he can be.

Thanks for the great reports Kev. Just to clarify, AVB didn’t do the Tan run but was doing repetition 1km runs (to my eye) at Gosch’s (less stress on the feet?). After that he went out to do some ball work, and I can say I was mightily happy to see him looking “thereabouts” in terms of fitness. A really valuable new recruit if he can continue his development and translate it into substantial game time.

Stayed up untill the time trial. Weideman, Petty, Bradtke and Josh Wagner only ones in rehab group. AVB and KK in full participation. Tomlinson was there only as a spectator. Presume it;s due to the fact he played in the GF, longer break etc. Unfortunately Charlie Spargo on crutches and in a moon boot. Not sure that Jetta and Viney participated in the time trial. Could not sight either Baker or Hannan. Easily the biggest group I've seen for some time in the main group. Encouraging.

What a strong athlete Jones is, physically and mentally. that is a great effort and sign that he is up and about, great work by young Bedford as well.

@kev martin Spargo had us both fooled, sprained ankle, not too bad, just [censored] off AVB 'is ticking boxes' his words Impressed with Langdon's hair, when he took it out of the man bun Gus is fine, I have watched him each pre season, grouchy all the time, but does all the work and more

They train for a couple of hours a day, and not every day. Goodwin is a full time employee, and I doubt he clocks off once 37.5 hours is reached for the week. Reckon there’s plenty of time in his day to watch training and do the others stuff as well.

Bedford was second, always been a good runner, didn't participate last year Interestingly Preuss beat Gawn home Jones' pride wouldn't let him finish anything less than top five Nibbler looked like he had been for a job at the end of 3k

I agree. From the limited amounts I’ve seen, Young looks safe and would play a nice role as a behind the ball kicker, but there’s nothing screaming ‘star’, whilst Jackson has several things that do. His footwork is excellent, he covers ground well and easily, he has outstanding instincts around the ball, wins a lot of contests and has the size and athleticism to be anything in a range of positions. At worst he looks like he’ll just be an excellent ruckman .... at best it’s impossible to predict. I hope that Taylor thinks he’s the best player at 3, because he’s going to be the most fun to watch.

Have some pics of Langdon and AVB in action, later tonight or tomorrow Work calls

Demonland should come first.

I watched the NAB league highlights of his games in rounds 14/16/17 and honestly I was a bit underwhelmed. The first 2 he played a mix of half back and on ball, the 3rd one it was some forward and on ball. The kicking is legit. Even under pressure he has excellent vision and can nail a kick. And he has easy distance. The right foot is steady as well. But he's a long way from a midfielder as is and possibly ever - which overall is fine but points to some flaws in his game. Under any kind of pressure his handballs get smothered or intercepted (likes to attempt around the corner handballs) and he doesn't seem to create space by accelerating through a stoppage or drawing a tackle. It's either there is a quick handball option - which he'll take - or he's in a bit of trouble. He'll put his head over it and win the ball and he's a willing tackler but he doesn't look like a natural at either of those skills. Took a number of nice marks throughout the game but they were largely floating in or across uncontested, there was little that looked like a strong aerial game that would hold up at AFL level. At 188cm if he's going to be a true intercept mark or defender capable of playing on taller opponents then he has to get off the ground in contests and he rarely jumped more than what seemed like a foot off the ground. There wasn't one pack crashing spoil yet alone a pack crashing mark. Some nice intercepts floating in but against what quality coming the other way? The lack of top end pace and lack of strength both concern me. Without either of those how are you winning a stack of contests at AFL level? A freakish kick who can drill it anywhere up to 60m and under pressure, but not the all round package. A more technically correct and more well rounded Matt Suckling but not anything close to Luke Hodge.

Port have just traded: picks 29, 71 and a future-first round selection to the Lions and received picks 16, 52, 55 and 72. We traded: 26, 50 and a future-first round to North for pick 8. Not sure how the points calcualte (or what use they are in evaluating a trade) but us landing pick 8 in our trade looks imminently better than Port's pick 16. Big question is what are Port aiming for with their 2019 bounty of picks: 12, 16, 18, 52, 55, 72? Hold and go to the draft or trade into the top 10? They can trump Geelong's 14 and 17 and GCS's 15 and 20. Those picks in the 50's will come in handy for one of the clubs with Academy players! The permutations for Port to get a top 10 pick from any club with #3 to #10 are endless so I won't even try.

Good luck to anyone trying to tackle Tracca next year. The man is a beast!! massive 2020 coming up!!

But you have no idea if they were running in the same group, so you instantly had an unnecessary crack at a few guys. The overreacting from you and others on here is ludicrous at times.

Fixed for you

Ease up with the pressure Ralphy. Go pick on Danger for not getting em into the GF.....

I'll let the cobblers cobble, but Jackson looks to me as though he has the attributes to be a star. His movement, footy IQ, and aggression are high resolution. He has a real bounce in his step that's reminiscent of someone always on their toes. You either have it or you don't. He looks like a player that makes things happen when he's around the footy. In his last 5 colts games he averaged a tick over 20 disposals and well over the 30 hitouts per game. Like Grundy, he'll be an extra mid. Grundy is an awkward kick, but it doesn't affect his total package. And if Taylor thinks he can play forward that's significant. As for splitting pick 8... I'm convinced Taylor won't slide 4-6 places in the first round unless he can select the same player he would have selected at pick 8. Personally, Ash looks like he''d be a great pick up late in the top 10.

They weren’t all in the same running groups so unless you have exact times everyone ran you can take nothing from it

Reckon Werridee would be only too happy to help.

He'll have to work hard and earn his place with the acquisition of Tomlinson and Langdon on the wings.

A big thank you to all who are able to get to traning and give us, infomation about the how the boys are going.?

He is always there. Placed himself about 700 meters from the finish. Encouraging his players and I assume evaluating for strained, effortless or relaxed running.

I was at the back of the first pack. Sparrow and Lockart both struggled from the start but kept in contact, Jake Lever out ran the second group by 40 meters.

That really hurt didn't it nasher

Marc McGowan reported they ran the time trials in smaller groups, maybe just be happy that Bedford looks to have really worked hard over the pre-season, rather than in-correctly potting others.

There was some video put up on twitter of AVB doing some leading and marking types drills. Seemed to be moving freely.

Absolutely rapt we look to have Joel Smith AVB and Tom Mac ready for a preseason. With Harley coming, I cant stop thinking of best 22 combinations. I need help.

I couldn’t see there being any issues, and if there is I’d just throw in the “I filled in the electronic form and hit send, bloody computers hey?”

Whatever his motivation I hope he helps drag us into the finals. I am sure his more motivated by success and improvement. You can see his anxiety rise when he doesn't live up to his and others expectations. I believe that part of his psyche is more important to him than dollars.

I didn't see the head of the group so can't comment on their running efforts, nor the stick carrying part. Normally Gus would out-run Trac. Trac has begun his training earlier than Gus and appears to have lost weight. He has definitely put more pace and endurance on. Where as, Gus being very professional, I expect him to build into his pre-season and be primed ready for gameday. Trac is doing everything right so as to set himself for his biggest year.

There is no Lochie Whitfield in the top 3- 5. That would be great. We can do with another excellent outside Mid. Tom Green is looking superb. But we have plenty of inside Mids. Hadyn Young? Even if he was another Basher Houli its a lot to spend on HBF. Luke Jackson? How many very good talls have we got from Centre to FWD? 2 - TMac and Gawny. It just makes sense to take Jackson even if Weid, Pruess and Bradtke come suddenly very good. Luke says he is ready to play Round one. His highlights are very good. Left and right foot, great groundskills and solid pack marks. 12 year player probably. I dont see whats not to like.

Can we just assume that if we take Jackson with what could be the first live pick, it is because we think he is special. Young is probably a safe pick, but Jackson is obviously seen as more than a ruckman. If he can play as a key forward as well, we have solved 2 areas in one pick. We get our 3rd key forward, who can also be Max’s eventual replacement. If Bradtke keeps developing he can hopefully also play forward and share the ruck with Jackson when Max is gone. We can get another running defender or mid with 8 and that leaves small forwards as the last target. I can’t believe we take Jackson unless we see a future star and if he is, we will have done well. Personally I am not a recruiter and know very little of these guys, so as with Oliver, I trust Taylor to get it right with both picks under 10, as they are too valuable to get wrong. A couple of guys however who know Jackson well, claim he will be a star. These big guys who can play are like diamonds, as proved by Essendon keeping an injured one, because they had no replacement. BTW I spoke to him last night and he is a nice guy.

Really? How many 3kms are they running in a game? It is a relative measure of fitness: not an absolute. I would be more concerned if no improvement in individuals time come Feb. You need to look at combination of results to get even a moderate view of their overall fitness/endurance/speed. Would prefer a midfielder who was quick in repetitive 20/50m's and a 13:45-14m Tan than a 12-13min Tan runner...

If it isn't the old pirate demonland reporter in the background of the second shot as well.

Or his allegiance lies with the club he works for, you know, like a true professional. Bit like how Lewis' kids apparently follow the Dees.

Thanks to @trac5665who referred to club letter of Sept 12. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2019-09-12/a-letter-to-our-members It would still be worth while the club sending members a reminder or putting it on the website. Many would be like me who were busy at the time and missed reading it or have simply forgotten. The details of this year's Post-Season Member Forum are: Date: Tuesday 19th November 2019 Time: 6:00pm arrival and registration, for a 6:30pm start Location: MCC Members Dining Room, Level 2, Gate 2, MCG. Entry: Your valid 2019 or 2020 Melbourne Football Club membership card is required for entry. My Monday morning gripes aside, it would be good to hear back from folks who attend. Or anyone who has suggestions for questions to put them in this thread for attendees to consider.

Insurance for one. He won't be covered by the AFL's health and indemnity insurance until he's officially allowed to train in December. That means any injury he sustains if he tries to train with the club prior to that is on Medicare. I don't doubt that the club has already discussed his fitness program with him for the interim, but he can't do any official work with us until he's on the books.

Geelong can eye our picks right up to the moment we call our player's come draft night. That's as close as i'd let them get.

I was of the same view for much of the latter part of the season. Petracca was finally showing signs of maturing and even leadership on the field and a great deal of it was possibly going unnoticed because of the team’s circumstances. It’s so much harder to fire on a week by week basis when the team is unsettled and so many of the important components of the team are on the sidelines. He now appears to have passed his next test by coming back in good shape and raring to head into another pre season campaign. If his mid sized teammates all bring that mindset into 2020 it will represent a major contrast to how the team came into 2019 - they were an underdone and tired looking outfit from the start as evidenced by their failure to score in the opening game v Port and they were often blown away at the end of games. Tracc is one of those who is leading the way at the moment.

Geelong's 'audacious' move is old news taken from a 'Road to the Draft' interview with Wells a few weeks ago. Wishful thinking on Geelong's part. Their picks will all move down 3 spots after academy bids. We need to remember that pick 8 isn't just pick 8 it includes our 2020 first round pick, along with some later picks 26, 50 we gave North in exchange. In no way do their 14, 17 come close to what we paid for #8. If we must trade 8 go to GCS for 15 and next years first round or mid first round pp and something else from them. Pick 8 is in high demand. It has more value than just draft points. Why would we give up the chance to get a gem at #8 for several roughies late in round 1. Geelong a dreaming and we will look very silly giving up our 2020 1st round pick to North only to cough it up to Geelong. If we do trade 8 we sure as hell need to nail pick 3.