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Do you believe in Footy "Miracles"?? I don't, but I do believe that hard work, a good game plan, personnel, that can carry out the plan and a smidgeon of luck can quickly turn into something potentially satisfying lets say..... Success at MFC!! Welcome to training today from the magnificently manicured CASEY FIELDS. Although the obligatory 6 seasons in one day reminded me of Science Fiction type inbalances between an EL NINO event and a LA NINA Cross, training today was very very good! NO SHOWS Didn't see Rosman, Kysiah still interstate I would imagine and Obviously Aaron Nietschke with his latest tragic ACL, Sam Weiderman also no show ON MODIFIED TRAINING BEN BROWN ( More on him later) Jake Melksham ( Jack Viney almost normal training along with Hibbo) DRILLS , SKILLS AND MANEUVERS After obligatory warm ups I saw 4 drills being executed today. ALL drills had the essential elements of the following game type events A Choosing correct options to create overlap and positive disposal accuracy B Being able to execute skills under pressure C Creating space from turnovers thus turning defence into attack and break line running DRILL A KAMIKAZE TARGET SELECTION ( BY HAND OR FOOT) This consisted of players in 6 groups zig zagging fashion giving handballs or kicks to best option standing in criss cross formations firstly from 15-20 m away increasing to 25-30 m away. This was a very good drill which showcased positive decision making and pretty good skills by hand and or foot to best options DRILL B HUDDLE BREAK OUT PINBALL WIZARD This consisted of what to me was a very intricate set play where player would get the ball have options to pass but was placed under enormous pressure by players with those battering foam mats who acted as harrasers trying to stop the player and or smother the ball in transit. This meant that players needed to not only pick correct option but also execute with precission and value. The pinball element presented as the flippers of a pin ball machine similiar to the foam battering mats used by the players. Players would huddle and then give of corect option quickly. DRILL C OVERLAP AND LINE BREAK DRILL Consisted of players in precision timing a run and creating a target getting the ball giving of calling for it back if in correct position and feeding it of to presenting player. Player then had a shot for goal or gave of to another option in rotational work similar to creating options of the back line DRILL D GOAL KICKING DRILL Simply throwing ball in air turn pivot and kick either for goal or to target depending on judgments POSITIVES BEN BROWN On modified program but worked with physio on exercises , strengthening and being able I would guess to go through movement range pain free. Looked unhampered MAJAK DAW WOW On what I saw today there is not a shred of doubt he will be on the list. His agility was exceptional for a big man he moved well, hit targets and looks to be not that far of fitness for AFL. Looks like he belongs and plenty of hand taps between players for him JACK VINEY Was impressive on todays performance looks fit and was not hampered in any way that I could see with his foot. Did some modified training at end but looks on track for round 1 HIBBO DITTO JV report as above VANDERS I worry that he seems to get injured at the wrong times and then has to refind form and fitness. Today he looked good and completed all drills OF INTEREST Someone was in rehab with Jake Melksham wearing Kossie Pickets no 36 I have no idea who he was!?? Just to reiterate as above header suggests; Do you believe in Footy "Miracles"?? I don't, but I do believe that hard work, a good game plan, personnel, that can carry out the plan and a smidgeon of luck can quickly turn into something potentially satisfying lets say..... Success at MFC!! Have to say all players were interested, involved , you could sense the Camaraderie and purpose skills and pace at execution were good today and so who knows, with a largely injury free list continued hard work, let the year unfold.The blend of mature, maturing and young players just seems to be gelling very nicely! PS In one of the Drills Max gathered the footty and on the run from outside 50 ROOOSTED a GOAL. AND DIDN'T HE LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT IT GREAT STUFF Cheers PF

Great clearance by Oliver, but the real hero in this passage is Harmes. Starts the clip with a block on Cotchin, then blocks the tagger pursuing on Oliver. 2 blocks in 4 seconds - clearance, goal. May be maturity and selflessness, may be the the influence of Yze as midfield coach, but this is the type of teamwork we need to see more of. OrganicBriefFlamingo.mp4

Trained and trained well!

I have a number of Demons’ stickers on my vehicle so there’s no dilemma as to which team I support. A few years ago I was stopped at a traffic light and the female driver of the car next to me gesticulated to wind my passenger side window down. As I was doing so, the rear window of the woman’s car was also wound down and none other than the great RDB appeared and clenched his fist as he bellowed out to me ‘GO DEES’ . It was a cherished moment, until I had the honour, along with my kids, to pose for a number of photos with the great man that would appear in the HeraldSun on the weekend just prior to our 2018 finals campaign. Eternal memories

Agree. His commentary on horse racing and athletics particularly the latter is unsurpassed. He accurately informed rather than entertained. With footy he tried to entertain rather than inform. Hence, the over the top hyperbole and saccharine laced comments. A good decision to give it away as his commentary had long become predictable and irritating. However, the thought of JB and BT is almost worse. JB should not be allowed near a microphone. Get ready for the boys show with the loud macho boorish antics and commentary as Jim and Brian attempt to entertain us. The mute button will get a workout from this viewer.

Is small, doesn't possess a single standout attribute which immediately puts him behind the eight-ball given his lack of height. No standout intensity, strong defensive pressure or willingness to chase hard. Without wanting to offend some demonlanders, it is almost clear as day that he is only on the permission to train list due to his surname. There are hundreds of players out there who would possess the same traits as he does.

Move them to Sunday arvo and put Giants/Saints on Saturday night then. Channel 7 may not be happy but oh well If our game is moved I will be extremely angry - I've specifically organised my son's bday party for Sunday arvo so I can go to the footy for the first time in 18 months if they move us to Sunday I'll spew!!!

Recognition at last. Thank you.

Just when you thought you couldn’t hate that [censored] stain of a club anymore.

The ABC Commentary during the 1970’s and 1980’s was fully based on the English Football style. (The Winners) i loved it, it flowed with the game. Ch7 Commentary for years hasn’t flowed with the game. It is invasive.

No he didn’t

Trained today. Maybe he was visiting Aaron Neitschke in hospital?

Hey 58er, again don't disagree, IF older players are cooked, then lets move on and not gift games on reputation. But theres a tendency to characterise form fluctuations of senior players as terminal and never to be regained, rather than simply a phase they're capable of working through. I find the talk of Rossman, Bowrey etc... being in for Round 1 is fanciful and laced with the allure of the new and shiny that denys the reality that the AFL is a football competition for men, not boys, and our fortunes this season will rely on the men standing up while we continue to develop our boys into men. In that context I' more excited about Chandler and Sparrow as likely starts than Bowery and co. Also, as a VDB fan and with a soft spot for a good come back story, i object to the writing him, Jones, Melksham, Hibberd off... and if those players find form and get a game it will be because they've earnt it now, like every player should.

I’m with @hardtack in recalling that Jones was not immediately feeling the love from the fans. I have a feeling that his year that he came good was basically a cross-roads year, he either became a consistent footballer or he was destined to be a fringe player. Pickett got himself into enough good positions and provided a spark an energy for pressure in the forward line we hadn’t had for a while last year. He needs to be better at finishing his good work though and I’m confident that over time he’ll get there.

I’m sure he’s a nice bloke and all, but gee this is great news.

If I can add more weight to this arguement. I was super impressed with him today for all reasons provided above. One other factor is that given his rehab from serious injury he doesnt have any associated gait issues, which often will put pressure on other parts of the body. He looked confident, has really good skills set, and was excellent below his knees. For a Big man that's a plus! He would be the "Ultimate" big man back up and maybe, just maybe might play more than we all think! I would be astounded if we didn't pick him up based on what I saw today!!

Extremely happy to be wrong.

I didn't notice anyone definitely believe it, really just hanging out for confirmation or hopefully dismissal. OD's not given to wild rumours and his posts were reasonable. Maybe though his source should be asked to provide coronory care for some of us older members.

Thanks heaps Picket. From the Praccy match thread some concern re Tom Mac. To put the rumour at rest ( I hope) did he train mate?

I reckon the player with Melksham might have been Deakin Smith as they said he had a minor hamstring issue

Agree. I mean really, the thing people are complaining about is just the name. The actual production itself was fantastic. Likely the same people that complained about it are the same ones we see hear complaining that the club's media department don't do enough and our website sucks and there's never enough marketing/communication...

I can’t think of any player I’ve seen in Dees colours have a better first 100 games. He has lots of improvement to come but he absolutely hit the ground running from day one.

Wow. I know people lived to hate him in recent years, but he was a true gentleman of the game and a colossus in his commentating role. I’m may well be alone in this but I’ll miss him.

Can I open the bowling and just say, has there ever been such a meteoric rise and richly deserved 100 games ever in MFC History?? What a Brilliant inside modern day Midfielder we have. Dual B&F, All Australian and we hope a Demon for ever more. Congratulations Young man Cheers and best of luck P.F

So this could be the second season in a row that Essendon totally cooks our fixture. It's a great big "how does get [censored] sound?" from me.

As a boy we struggled a bit financially-for many years I kicked a plastic footy when my mates with their real "footies:"were not around. I didn't have a footy jumper so I wrote to the great man asking him for one of his. I posted it addressed to Ron via the club -in a scenario akin to sending a Christmas wish to Santa at the North Pole! I received a lovely photo with his signature saying:- "Sorry no jumper Tim - I hope this will help." This has become more poignant now as I received this a week before his big move to Carlton was announced. He must have had a million things on his mind at the time. But thats Barass-he knew how important things like this were to young kids. A great man Ron-always an inspiration to me. :)

great post. Harmes was bagged but had by far the greatest challenge on the ground, often under extreme pressure. he did cough it up early but teammates weren't in the right position for him. He is an ace in the sleeve for Goodwin and if he doesn't play him as a run with tagger we will be worse off for it.

Cheers and thank goodness. OD needs to give the source a thorough flogging.

Thanks Picket, love your training reports.

Neville Jetta took a few years to become an overnight success.

I don't disagree mate, but I don't recall seeing any predictions in "To Hell And Back"? I think a lot of people got a bit caught up in the title, whereas the actual content was more factual and documentary style, rather than a promotional piece full of promises.

Daw's one good (very good) year at North was as a key/intercept backman. He had little impact as a forward and ruck in the other 10? yrs he was there. If MFC think he can fill a ruck and/or forward roll, they are not considering his history at North, just his size. Having said that, I was surprised they delisted him as he didn't play in defence after returning from injury last year, and there's no harm (and minimal cost) having him on our list. But his value is as a backman.

Even if agreed to a concession or financial compensation beforehand there would be no guarantee the deal would be honoured by the AFL. But to be honest the real issue is that if the AFL decided to move the venue of our round one game they wouldn't even bother negotiating with us, or do anything other than pay lip service to giving us some sort of compensation. The problem is two fold. One, we are a struggling club with little power or influence. The tigers, pies and even bombers might be able to extract some deal. But not us. Two, the first problem points to a huge issue for the competition. It is just one more example of the unequal playing field the AFL has created by making profit their absolute priority. Sure income is important, but the number one priority should be creating a fair competition. And continually favoring the 'big' clubs and treating the other clubs like poor cousins is an anathema to equality. It is a short sighted, short term approach and entrenches systems such as equalization payments.

Jordon Lewis is very excited about Pickett. He does things very few people can do. Needs to continue to work hard to ensure he succeeds but the raw ingredients to work with are top shelf.

You really trust the AFL with any quid pro quo? After decades upon decades of being screwed over by VFL/AFL policies with promises that thing's will be made right "eventually" I think we'd be incredibly stupid to offer up anything of the sort. "Fool me once...."

That is a strong opinion of an AFL listed player. @Port Demons I think Joel Smith has an upside. He can do the spectacular and should be played forward as an impact player. He can get a bit lost out there. As he matures then put more responsibility/expectations on him. Hoping to get some remorse from you, either this or the next season. I will grudgingly apologise if he can't cut it. I believe he will be a game winner and not just one of our best 26.

Clarry will Gain the Accolades if he impacts the game like in Friday. No errors great Disposal with about 2/3 by foot accelerating to deliver very accurate and penetrating Passes along with them usual handball breaking up play to our advantage and best marking game also hitting the scoreboard. Wasnt near his highest disposals games but he made such impact with his hands on the ball we benefitted each time. That will result in greater recognition and respect as he looked comfortable and assured in his new style ( thank you Ooze you rock ). The whole midfield looked smart even slick at times and with Gawny having a BOG it was a great start to Adam Yzes career at the Dees. Remember no Gus no Jack and debutant Jimmy Jordon and 7 gamer Sparrow both who slotted in without any hint of nerves or over use of the ball. Very promising for our depth and maybe some changing of the guard of sorts. Exactly what I suggested Ooze would deliver viz a 25% improvement in our on ball group Mainly in process and use of personnel and style. Cant wait for further Chapters in this storyline. Meanwhile let's celebrate Clarry's first hundred stellar matches and hopefully we can contemplate what might be achieved after his 200th and even 300th!!!

Virtually 2 seasons of no output from both Melk and AVB and I have stated we need to move on from our 2018 heroes If time has passed them by. A block of games with Casey may sting them and let's see if they respond. Youngsters can be managed Over the season and our small forwards and runners stocks are rising. The time IS NOW To change our group to the future and place our faith with our new coaches to improve this team like it was on Friday. Form is still important and injuries relevant in any selections. RB Our list is developing and our game plan looked solid vs Tigers. We have 5/6 now approaching A graders with some good players out injured still and others now approaching B graders if they maintain their form plus role players doing their job.

Does he? If he has 'serious talent then he'd be on a list by now. A 'serious talent' does not get overlooked in a national and rookie draft, then get overlooked by a father son club in Freo as well.

It is too often ignored just how good he is

I wouldn't call Cornes, Maher and Murphy a lot of noise.

Very sad news - whatever Aaron decides to do now I wish him all the best

Amazing how differently we see things and that difference explains why opinions not only vary but are quite.....different.

It was conceded he was a raw prospect by most when recruited, give him time. For what it's worth I think he has a ton of talent, and he's almost certain to make it. If he kicked only a little straighter during 2020 we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.

Awful news, really sad for him. It really sucks that they’re pre-season injuries as well so he’s never had a chance at showing what he’s got out on the field.

“Oooh Viney. VineyVineyViney!” “Big Tom eh?”

I cut my Friday night footy watching by 50 percent when Dennis Cometti finished calling that game each week. I'll now only watch Friday night if the Deez are playing, and only with the volume down. Bruce, at certain times toward the end of his career, became a parody (mostly of himself), but this shouldn't detract from the brilliant broadcaster he was for the vast majority of his career. And he helped revolutionise the analysis of the game for seven years (1995-2002) as host of the original Talking Footy. To this day, the benchmark in footy chat shows IMHO. Good on you Bruce, footy can only be watched now with the volume turned down . . . that's the greatest tribute of all my friend.

How about we delist Joel Smith !

I disagree on Harmes, He was in the rights spots more than his teammates and often was outnumbered trying to get the ball out. He always seemed under pressure because of lack of support and whilst he wasn't great we need to take that into account. Let see how he goes over a few matches.

Deserves 6 games, more than any other current demon and will get them barring injury, as we have several injured players who have opened spots up for the first few games. However, he looked really slow on Friday, like the end of last season and his turnovers were very costly. His reaction has obviously slowed with age and in lightning fast modern footy, it can be a game killer. I look forward to him breaking the banner in his 300th, but think he will struggle if we have a pretty full list to add to that total. He has been a champion of the club in difficult times and his loyalty will see him remembered as a great of the club. Well done NJ. Hopefully there is a bit more left in the tank.