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Training was underway by 9.10 when I arrived and my first port of call was rehab. Walking around to the rehab group I look for Vanders but sadly no sign. I don't think we can deduce anything from him not being there. He was fine on Monday so hopefully, and most likely, it's just managing his loads. There were three in rehab. Joney, Petty and KK. They were doing the usual running of around 100m repetitions and as always didn't seem to be in any trouble. But that was all they did for the day and they didn't do a lot. Later, Bennell and Oscar Baker made an appearance but didn't do any work that I saw although by that stage I'd moved to the other side of the ground and wasn't concentrating on rehab. There was still no sign of Spargo. So onto the drills. Across the ground from flank to flank teams of initially 8 per team would move the ball by foot from one end to the other. Lots of hard running in these drills and the kicking was okay. Later this exercise reduced to 6 and was handball only. Much more running as quick at that. There were a couple of highlights involving the new boys. The first was Kossi, nobody could catch him and his lateral movement and ability to avoid tackles was very good. His skills are also very good, natural and duel sided. The second was Rivers in the 6 player handball drill. In this drill a player was often out the back and able to run into the open "goal" and as Viney ran in Rivers took him down, hard. It was the only tackle of the sot that I saw and I reckon Viney loved it. Rivers looks very like Fritsch in his movement and physique and has similar kicking skills. Jackson was also very good in these drills. He's exceptionally athletic and is also duel sided by hand. I haven't noticed whether he has the same skill by foot. He's very quick off the mark and for a young bean pole he's really well coordinated. His ball handling is also clean and he knows how to be involved. None of the young blokes looked out of place in these drills. They moved on to a short session of match sim with some body contact by it was not fierce. Someone else may be able to explain but there are two teams but there are also two who wear white vests. No idea what the point is here but today it was CWagner and Melk. No real standouts in the match sim for me but it was brief. They then broke into four groups. One was goal kicking, one marking with the emphasis on positioning, one was clearance work and the final one was tackling, wrestling and some really gruelling exercises. This last group was exhausting just to watch but the players really seemed to enjoy it, particularly the wrestling. They finished with some running with Langdon, Jordan, Sparrow doing well but in the final 400m run around the group ANB dominated. Bedford also was very good, Neita right up there along with Hunt and Oscar. Training finished at about 11.30. With a fit list this year Casey will be fun to watch if the young blokes are playing. I'd expect Sparrow to make a bit of a run at senior footy and Neita looks likely. The last few spots in the best 22 will be interesting to see.

Got there at 10:10 by which time Jones, KK, Petty, Tomlinson, Baker were finishing up. So no idea how much or how little they did. Joel Smith was in the proper match jumper but he was done by then as well. No Spargo, no Vanders, no Kade Chandler as far as I could tell. Viney in runners and sat out the match sim and the running, but was walking from side to side as the mids did 300m repeats runs to pump them up. Dunkley another to miss the match sim and running. Salem was also on light duties and sat out the match sim and just did some touch work with the 3 draftees. And May and Lever finished up before the running. Hopefully just a matter of taking it easy with a lot of guys now they've banked some decent training. Lots of grappling work in different groups. Fritsch again sat it out - assuming due to a taped shoulder - and did double goal kicking. A couple of extended forward groups including Preuss, Gawn and Oliver did goal kicking. In pairs, one kicks to the lead then mans the mark whilst the other takes the set shot. Pickett has a lovely kick to a lead and is a nice goal kicker despite enjoying shuffle steps and looping the ball around. Jackson has a nice simple set shot routine that seems to work well for him. Defenders did some kicking drills and I was impressed by Hore kicking low and hard on his preferred left boot and Rivers also nicely hitting targets. Nietschke certainly not as pretty but under minimal pressure it gets to where it needs to go. They were rotating through some pretty willing handball drills when I first got there, about 7 on 7, aiming to move the ball about 60m to then score a goal before it went back the other way. Missed handball or anyone touched and it was a turnover. Petracca and Oliver the standouts in various teams. Bedford had some errors but also a few nice moments when he could show his elusiveness. Jetta was heavily involved. Lockhart was busy. This was the type of drill that was just completely missing from last year and whilst there were plenty of moments where the ball was turned over it was nice to see at other times the players really hustling up and back. We might just have some midfield transition this year! Match sim was done in 2 groups - blue v green, with 2 players - Melksham and Corey Wagner in the white bibs going both ways. The blues were the starters and had Lever, May and Jetta down back and Fritsch, T Mc, ANB forward, Gawn, Oliver, Petracca mid and some others. Melksham was standout - unsurprisingly given he was going both ways - but he had a number of nice kicks on both sides. The aim was to get a mark inside 15m and Fritsch was the number 1 target, got on the end of a few but Hore and Hibberd made nice spoils at other times. At the other end Steve May went fairly and not recklessly through poor Bradtke at one stage which got a nice high 5 from Lever. Petracca was busy and went on a number of quality runs. Nice to see him bouncing with his left hand. Nietschke had a number of smart intercepts dropping back from a wing/flank position. I watched a few repeats of the running. With the mids doing repeat 300's (or whatever about 3/4's of Gosch's is maybe 250) Jordon and Sparrow again led the way with Petracca, Gus, Gawn, Oliver not far behind then a bit of a gap to big Preussy who was clearly feeling it. From the backs and forwards who were going end to end there were plenty - Nietschke, ANB, Fritsch, C Wagner, Bedford, T Mc pushing hard. Lockhart was one who wasn't exactly getting dropped but fitness probably isn't his strong suit. Trent Rivers casually loaded up a nice torp for a bit of fun from about 65-70 out off a couple of steps that landed on the goal line. Kozzy had a go that finished about 15m short.

Went along with all the other "retirees" BB, Deepositive, Saty, although some would claim they still work! If there is one thing that we can count on for season 2020 is that this side will be fit. I wonder how many players would be cheering the arrival of Burgess today, because the exercises that he sets test them to the limits of physical endurance. There was little match practice, but all the exercises today were about running with footballs and simulation of match scenarios in terms of fitness e.g touch football for 15 minutes across 1/2 the ground. Then do it again. Then do it again and again. 4 quarters of back and forward. By then end the bodies are wilting. But ( and this is a credit to Burgess), it isn't 50 100's back and forth rather something which retains interest and concentration combined with the agility and game level endurance. The side-line observers just oo'ed and aah'ed at Kickett in these exercises. No-one seemed capable of getting a hand on him as he danced left, right and then around player after player. I hope the crowd gets to see him this year, because he is one exciting fellow to watch in action. After all this, there is no stop. It's straight into the next bit, be that the small match simulation, but then even after that, it's into the next Burgess designed gut buster......5 minutes of wrestling, usually with someone of equal weight/strength/height...but poor Kosi got matched up against Gawn!!! Hardly fair, but you had to admire Kosi, because he just kept at it trying everything to get the big man down. Whistle blows and then the group is put into 3's. Players start on all fours. One rolls sideways to one end. That end player then has to spring over the rolling player to the other end...that player then has to spring over and roll to the other etc. Sounds easy? Try doing it for 10 minutes!! By the finish some players could barely get up enough spring to fall over the rolling player. Again pity those in Kosi's group because he kept springing up and over and up and over. As others have reported the session finished with more running for the various groups. Good to see Jordan leading one of the groups, but Tom Sparrow wasn't far behind. Both have now put on that extra muscle and weight which will only put them in good stead at AFL level, but their fitness will also be a factor for the team in the future. BB and DeeSpencer have reported on other aspects, but to me the most important thing is the number of players on the park, especially in light of the situation at this time last year. It is just great to see the likes of Jetta, May, Lever, TMac and Viney going full tilt instead of in rehab.

Well 640, there were skill errors. Not every handball found its mark, not every kick found a target, not every tackle stuck but overall the standard was pretty good. No player looks really out of it. Some aren't natural athletes in the way of ANB or Bedford. Clarry, Trac and Brayshaw wouldn't match Robert Harvey. But they are so far ahead of last year it's amazing. Last year they didn't have players to make up a drill. This year they stand on the sidelines because just about everyone is there. The disappointments for me are KK, who is still just running and Harry Petty who is the same. I worry for KK. I don't know what the problem is but he hasn't played since June and if it's still a concussion issue that's really sad for him. But I don't think anyone is overstating the ability of the draftees. Jackson and Pickett both have some real X factor, but it's not the real thing yet so we can only hope it translates. There is no reason why it shouldn't as they seem to have all the attributes. Jackson particularly has surprised me. He's quick. He's quick over the ground but he's quick to recover, he's competitive in the drills and he's got surprising skills. When I first heard we were thinking of drafting him I was disappointed. I couldn't be more the opposite now. It's the time of excitement. We have the basic 18 or so we know will play if fit. But we've got so many that could surprise. Jordan, Sparrow, Neita, Chandler and Bedford from last year's draft have all shown something. Not all will make it but we don't need that, we just need two or three to really push. And this year's lot look terrific. That's about 8 that we didn't have as realistic players last year.

G'day all! Been a while since I've been around the Demonland traps but I've started a new series that I thought would interest a few posters. Apologies for the shameless plug, but for those who don't know, I've been editing and posting Demon highlights to YouTube going on 5 to 6 years. After a fairly dull 2019, I thought I'd rev up production on a new series to fill the red and blue void over what's sure to be a long summer. This series is called 'The Three Votes' and showcases some of the many best on ground performances we've seen by those donning the Demon gurnsey! First cab off the rank was Max Gawn's BOG and breakout performance in our iconic win against the Cats back in 2015! I'm proud to announce that the next instalment will be premiering on YouTube at 7:00pm tonight and will be highlighting the much loved Jimmy Stynes and his round 18 performance against St Kilda that would see him awarded three votes on his way to winning the 1991 Brownlow Medal! You can watch the highlights package at 7:00pm tonight through the link attached below. Rest assured, there'll be much more to come over the summer! Go Demons!

I had a look this morning. Impressed by the numbers and the involvement, im not a serious track watcher so i cant compare. But a couple players really impressed me. Bedford - he moves really well, looks pretty complete and i will be very interested to see if he can push senior selection.. is there a chance we could go from no small fwds to having 3 genuine types in Pickett, Bedford and Spargo and Chandler i suppose as well. Anyway Bedford is tracking really well. Trac - have no doubt he has steeled himself for a good season and that will include being on ball. He looks as fit as i have seen him. Great signs. Like everyone, really appreciate teh update son training. Thanks.

As I said I was there and have real difficulty n remembering what happened n the 3hours. BB and Saty particularly both made the same comment that with all that is going on particularly with a full squad you cannot possibly see all that is going on, it depends where you are on the fence and what group or player you are concentrating on. I was searching for some specific players( had to often refer to the seasoned watches who had an incredible ability to take in several actions players and also respond to me) and so did not see any thing really negative. Unless you see the tension building so that scuffles become almost a blue where players could injure each other, or that gut busting running could create fatigue, that the odd errant handpass searching for an unlikely option is a negative I did not see any. perhaps Levers apparent lack of calf muscles could be a negative but Ian reminded me of Dustin Fletcher and I recall Tuckie who had the same negative physique, so no negatives there. on reflection I agree with all the comments above and as I said can't thank all the commentators for their views. There is a resounding sense of positivity among the watchers and if that is infectious to the players we should be in for a good season. It was just great as all have said to see such a wealth of bodies on the field competing with and for each other. Oh yeah I went more specifically to watch May, had to have him pointed out to me.For such a big body and an imposing figure he is a silky mover, doesn't seem to pound the ground but rather floats around. Even when exhausted and slightly slumped over he seems more relaxed than others. I reckon he will be great to watch. Oscar also seems to have muscled up as have most of the boys and has that same appearance of floating along so it could be an interesting season for him. Pickett as BB said is something else speed, flexibility and agility in a controlled package, can't wait to see him jump out of the box. But I recall it said in the past that these practice games are like dancing with your sister, but I dont think that's a really great metaphor we really won't know until we see these players, techniques, strategies and tactics tested against other AFL sides. I hope that their minds are being as well developed a short their bodies and they can build that confidence against every opposition that was so lacking last year. Go Dees

Hope your injury isnt too serious BB!

Neita's family own a Farm just up the road from where my brother lives in SA and he 's told me that they highly regard him over there and one of the local legends ( long term player) told him that he is the best player to come out of Centrals in his time. Ripper kid too.

Had a few lazy hours in Melbourne for a change. Got to see in the flesh and confirm the reports I always look for. My admiration for all has been improved thanks Bob George Ian and Saty for being so welcoming and generous with your response to my puerile questions. Your comments and particularly your corporate knowledge is as fantastic in real time as it is at a distance. I hope we have a good year to justify your dedication.

He's got neat skills, has good endurance and just seems to know where the ball is going. He's the same build as Langdon and seems to play the same role just running up and down the wing. He's still wearing the red hat which is "no tackle" (I assume) but he's showing no sign of the ACL. It's hard to judge in training but he just looks like he can play. I've seen 4 sessions now and he hasn't missed a beat. He just seems to be involved but that could just be the red hat.

Very handy skill for the new guys to have if it's pistols at 50 paces at dawn, eh BB?!! LOL (Sorry mate! Couldn't help myself! But, must add that I very much appreciated your in depth report, along with the one from DeeSpencer! Thanks, guys!!)

You never change a winning combination. Just ask Samson.

Have a go ... B N.Jetta Hurley Jonas HB Laird D.Moore Hurn C I.Smith Fyfe J.Kelly HF D.Martin Franklin Bontempelli F C.Cameron B.Brown Billings R Witts P.Cripps Dangerfield

Nice to meet you dpositive. Always good to put a face to a name. As for Nietschke's nickname, it's not mine, it's what he's called at training. They're an imaginative lot. River's nickname is, yes, you guessed it, Riv.

All three new draftees have numbers which are a multiple of six. And we know 6 6 6 is demonic. It is also a rule change we struggled with last year and aim to adapt to this year. Coincidence? i think not.

Yep, hard to put together B Laird J McGovern Saad HB Harbrow Tarrant Sicily C B Hill Cripps Mcrae HF R Gray J Cameron D Martin F C Cameron Franklin De Goey R Gawn Fyfe Dangerfield

No coincidence that a lot has started to go right for the club, since Jetta has been involved. Grateful to have him and hope we keep him on in his career after footy to build stronger indigenous roots.

I find it frustrating to hear that so-and-so is in the rehab group without knowing the cause (what happened when it happened), current progress and likely period in rehab. As we so seldom get official club reports on injuries during the pre-season, I thought it would be helpful ( well for me anyway) if we could have a separate thread listing the current injured players, what their injuries are, and how long the chat is that they will be in rehab (and no jokes about 4-6 weeks). It would then be easy to look back and get an update. I assume that the most informed of us will be the track watches, and if we could impose on those gents, or others with the info, to please update the list with details, it would be most appreciated. The injured or restricted players that have been mentioned in training reports that I can remember include: KK Petty Hannan Tomlinson Spargo Jones AVB J Smith Weid Bennell Baker There may be others but others can add those.

Some cracking reading here being thoroughly enjoyed in downtown Kalgoorlie. Thanks legends.

I love nev. Top bloke and super solid citizen. I hope that once his playing career is over the club will lock him in a player welfare role.

Yes, seen it about three times now, run by that terrible kick, J. Lewis There are still a couple, unnamed, who put me in danger of being hit at the fence, but it's getting better

We are getting excellent reports this year. A big thankyou to everyone who describes what they've seen. I note DeeSpencer referred to Marty Hore's kicking and (paraphrasing) mentioned him using his trusty left boot. A question for our trackwatchers...is there ever any specific training to make the players improve their kicking on their non-preferrred side?

He's fit, he's got a solid build, there seems to be a steely determination to the way he approaches training but more than anything in drills he keeps getting the ball - be it intercepting or presenting for an outlet. Not sure he uses it well enough (and that same doubt extends even more so to Sparrow) but if he plays half back or wing for Casey he'll comfortably get 20+ touches a week.

B Laird Andrews Rampe HB Harbrow McGovern Saad C Whitfield Mitchell Sidebottom HF Bontempelli Fyfe Gresham F Martin Brown Gray R Gawn Dangerfield Cripps Considered players: Talia | Neale, C. Cameron | Docherty | Grundy, De Goey, Crisp, Pendlebury | Tippa, Hurley | Stewart, Blicavs | Witts | J. Cameron, Haynes, Greene | Sicily | Petracca, Oliver | Cunnington, Tarrant | Boak, Byrne-Jones | Edwards, Lynch, Riewoldt, Houli, Rance | Ross, Billings, Hill | Heeney, Lloyd, Parker | Shuey, Yeo, Gaff, Sheppard, Darling, Hurn | Macrae

I give you a compliment for having clear photos and then you do this.... haha

New video going live in five minutes! Tune in below!

Also by those of us who are in Melbourne, but can't make it. Thanks all!

I guess I need to start paying you guys for your time and effort. For the moment I will pay you in gratitude. Thank you.

Another great report. Feel like I was there.

Who is Neita? Not sure about this current nickname.

Good report!

The Athletic is incredible!!! It’s US, Canada and UK focussed if you like Hockey, NBA, NFL and soccer. Its a subscription model, $5pm I think I pay but it is so worth it. Basically what they have done is hired away all the best journos for the dieing papers in the US, Canada, UK and put out amazing content. Used to love Deadspin before it was gutted.

Good topic. Whenever I listen to the odd podcast, I think to myself how I get so much more out of it, compared to listening to same old footy media identities wheel out their groupthink rubbish. I am keen to hear some good recommendations.

I don’t have anything to add to this, but just feel bad that three hours has passed and nobody has posted...

Not too late for Oscar to show his mongrel side. Has put on muscle which is a good start. How about we give all players on the list our unqualified support (no matter the past) and see where this year of fitness and change takes us. I have a feeling the List is as motivated and challenging and fit as we have ever seen them. It's like making a whole new start and there are no limitations on any one so don't be surprised if we team together like 2018 but even better. The Coaches snd fitness staff appear right onto every thing and I can't think of too many decisions since the end of 2019 season that haven been for the benefit of the Club. Its early days yet but genuine belief and excitement is growing with a lot of D/L pundits and only the negative nellies can't see better times ahead in 2020.

It definitely looks bad, but it's a bit misleading because they haven't included AFLX games. Add those in and we go above the Giants into 15th spot.

Just not a fan of hyperbole From what I have seen at training, can see why we went with pick 3 But let's wait and see Sick of this site building up players only to knock them down again Same with Pickett, Bedford has been developing nicely but without the fanfare

Come over to my place; still saved on my Foxtel IQ. Sad but true ?

Would that be Jack & the Beanstalk??

Novel idea... and hear me out on this - LEAVE THE [censored] GAME ALONE! Its worked for 150 plus years with out you Gilfish. It will work long after your bones are dust.

I think that's one of the main reason's why I'm watching them (watching the cats final right now), that talent and ferocity at the footy doesn't disappear. We had a mare of a 2019, but fitness and confidence can turn things around (or maybe that's just wishful thinking!).

i thought this thread was going to be about the new afl umpire decision review appeal rules

Have a great time in Melbourne... I head down with my youngest son in early to mid January to catch training in the new year. Those YouTube clips probably all have different personnel in the band. Last Saturday we had a couple of members of The Hitmen sit in for a number, while one of our regular full time guitarists (who's currently holidaying in NZ) is a guy named Ged Corben who was a founding member of The Cruel Sea and was a member of the Lime Spiders. Would love to do any pre-game events you have going.

Agree. Its interesting how little love backmen get when they are drafted. Everyone seems to get super excited about Mids and Forwards, but very few laypeople (i slipped in a PC ) get frothy about players who are drafted as defenders. This kid has me as least as interested as our first 2 picks.... possibly even more. Looks a genuine prospect but ofc only time will tell. Personally quite happy with this pick.( Iknow it makes absolutely no difference if i am happy of not)

Found this on bigfooty. Pick 22. West Coast Eagles. Trent Rivers . 188cm 83 kg. Utility. East Fremantle. Get ready folks this kids an ascending player he is rising up draft boards at a rapid rate. Thrilled to get the contested ball beast with this pick. Came into the Championships with a bit of a flurry and I was given the "heads up" that he was rated very highly down at Moss Street. East Fremantle Football Club has been a production line for quality midfielders over the years. Patrick Cripps, Paul Haselby, Ben Cousins, Daniel Kerr, Simon Black to name but a few. So when I was told to "watch out" for him by East Fremantle connections...... it was duly noted. Rivers has shown versatility and been played in a variety of positions and whilst at the Championships he played off a half back flank and through the middle I see him projecting as an AFL midfielder. An old fashioned, footballers footballer, who thrives at the coal face, the kids a hard nut. His solid Championships gained him AA selection and as quite a few draft watchers have already noted, keep an eye on him as he goes back to the WAFL and completes the season. First week back in the Colts after the Championship he hasn't disappointed, this morning , with a 26 disposal game, 5 tackles and 3 goals. If he continues in this form in the Colts, I can see his being given a debut in the Seniors very quickly. Bill Monaghan, the League Coach, has never been shy giving young kids a run at the highest WAFL level and I will be watching for this to happen with Rivers. He may well be playing himself into first round draft calculations. When considering who to select here, I was impressed with just who was still available as : Mead ( who will be Port bound as a F/S pick so I left him ), Trent Bianco one of this cohorts best users of the ball by hand and foot, the AA CHB Fisher McAsey, and Dylan Williams were available and considered. In the end I just couldn't pass on Trent Rivers, a home grown talent, who fills a need for West Coast as quality midfield depth is short at the Club.

I'd rather Gawn take the title outright from Viney. But that's just me personally..

The long and the short of it is it'll be Max & Jack.