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I ventured down a bit before 9.30am and missed the start of training. They were doing the usual drills and some short kicking. As reported Hunter and Jefferson were doing repeat run throughs which seemed to go on for a good hour. KFW was doing his own running but the good news was Petty did most drills other than the match sims. Fritta was in full training. McAdam was held out of match sims and there was no sign of Benny Brown. Smith, Clarrie and Melk were no shows. I'm also not sure if I saw Tommy Sparrow, I thought I did early but didn't notice him during the session so I'm hoping another trackwatcher can clarify. The match sims are of major interest to me and as you know it was just dreadful conditions. It rained heavily for most of the session but did ease off towards the end. I didn't notice any major changes in game plan from last year other than there is no long kicking to the forward line but this is as much to improve entry inside 50 than a permanent gp chance. It was the same last year. There were a few players that I really noticed. Judd McVee handled the ball beautifully in the conditions and found time to hit up teammates regularly. He won contested ball, stood up in tackles are was one of the highlights for me. I think he'll take another step forward this year. Didn't play midfield at all so I think we'll see him off halfback. I was impressed with Verrell in the pre christmas training and he did nothing to change that view today. He's very good below his knees and his contest work was good. He marked well in awful conditions and his kicking is fine. He could end up a good KP player the way his is going and not just limited to ruck where he is perhaps a bit small. I'm not sure where he fits in but there's a fair bit there to look forward to and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a go at some stage during the season. JvR was another standout. He looks to me to have put on some real size and really imposes himself around the ball. He marked well and was his usual competitive self when the ball hit the ground and on my viewing so far he has developed well from last year. He has a real presence about himself now and is imposing in a way he wasn't so much last year. I was also impressed with Fullerton. He played mainly down the other end to where I was but seemed to be involved in a lot of play. He might surprise this year. But best on ground would have to go to Trac who is just so strong and clean. Found the ball with ease, did some freaky things and frankly just looked a class above, which he probably is. Kynan Brown was involved a bit but got caught on a number of occasions trying to do too much. Rick Lever was in everything and Steve May didn't let his opponent get a touch. The small forwards are going to be an interesting watch. Spargs, Kossie and Chin were all involved today, Nibber did his thing, Billings and McAdam are contenders and the Kolt just looks like a footballer. The other to impress today was Howes. He's tall, well over 190cm I'd think and he's got a lot of good attributes and looks the most likely to do a "Juddy" this year although where these kids play and who's spot they take I don't know. All in all it was a good hitout today but it wasn't done at AFL pace except for patches of the match sims. I'm looking forward to next week and seeing them in better conditions.

I’m down from Sydney and dropped into training with the family. It was good to meet Kev Martin and WCW for a bit of a chat. Overall it was a solid session with plenty of intensity in the match sims. In one of the exercises, players were practising their close-in congested work with keeping off before a long handball to an outside receiver who delivered i50 or had a shot on goal. In the group closest to us Chandler, Spargo, Petracca and Rivers shared the outside role with Chandler being the most consistent with delivering the ball to the leading players advantage. From the inside group I thought Brown showed a bit with good evasion and ball use. The others were a bit sloppy given the conditions. In match sims Petracca does some amazing things. In one highlight he sprinted 100m to cleanly gather a loose ball at pace then simultaneously putting out a fend off and pirouetted around a player before snapping a goal from 30m. It received some applause from the on lookers and trainers Others who were prominent in the match sims included Lever, May, Howes, Rivers, Fritsch, Roo and Salem. Chandler was also busy. Fullerton took a few strong grabs and showed a lot of promise. Tom MacDonald played forward and nearly took off Petraccas head when he took a fresh air swing at a loose ball. Of the new draftees Brown was my pick and got a bit of the ball. All 3 showed a lot of defensive work with some strong tacking in the sims. Brown brought down Gawn, Windsor had a great run down tackle on Howes (showed some speed) and Thulstrup tried to tackle everyone. After training the boys were happy to sign some autographs and Petracca gave my son his training hat that he was wearing which made his day. Aside from the weather it was great to watch footy in January.

It's a wet morning, ball is like soap to a few. Rehab had Jefferson and Hunter working with a trainer, ball work and fitness drills. Farris-White mainly running laps. Melksham and BBB in the sheds with the pedal and rower. Billings, AMW, McAdams, Petty did all the drill work with the team but didn't participate in the sims. Brayshaw worked with the backline and was wearing the lime cap (no contact) during sims. That line also included, McVee, May, Lever, Tomlinson, Bowey, Adams, Hore. Interestingly, not Rivers, Salem, or Howe. They worked very well as a group, good ball handling and disposal for a wet day. A run on indigenous player wearing number 49 was with us, as was N.Yze. I thought Salem was training well, fit and skills remain silky. After their warm-ups and drills, they had a competitive game of handball. They showed great intensity, tackled and hit each other with some gusto. Impressed with Frittas tackling, a couple of times he did two consecutive and other times wrapped up the ball carrier. The area was small, so shimmy and acceleration was needed to do well. Some have that ability to break into space where it is not obvious (McVee, Kossie), or the vision to see the outside player (Tracc, Bowey). I also noticed Goody getting angry, (first time I had noticed this behavior at a session), after the end of the handball game. Another watcher mentioned that Williams did the same. Perhaps the coaches aren't going to be so chummy this season. The playing group appeared slightly stunned by the outburst and went quiet. ('this way covered, that way covered, should XXX take the first open option.'). The sims were unspectacular given the weather, plenty of safe kicking and jostling for that front position. A few soft injuries to Bowey and May in collisions. Turner is looking good, as is Howe and Verral. Tracc is leading by example, getting better and better. No Oliver. They were kicking goals well in the wet during drills. Plenty of fumbles all through the session. I think today's session was very much about being 'hard'. Had to leave early, so I haven’t got a comprehensive report for sims. We are looking good, healthy, fit and dare I say, ready, so early in the season. Go Dees.

I dropped in just in time to witness the 'seriously' injured Lachy Hunter (post amputation) zigging, zagging, passing, running, and smiling his way through some rehab with Matt Jefferson and a trainer before tackling some 150 metre boundary runs... no major problem there, HS! Everything WCW said about the weather was understated! I was inappropriately attired (I need a Mum!) and only lasted 45 minutes before trudging back to the car and speeding home to a change of clothes and the Test Cricket. While I was there I was impressed with the application and energy of the whole squad (minus 13) in appalling conditions. The ball handling was excellent, considering, and the ball movement was speedy. I was once again impressed with the development of Will Verrall in the use of body in the 1 on 1 aerial contests. Having said this, May and Lever were a class above. Fullarton displayed excellent ball handling in the wet and good pace when bursting free. Petty looked good in these physical contests, I would say he is on... WICKET!!! ... excuse me, where was I? ...Petty is on track for the season opening in my opinion. Fritsch also looked to be back to full involvement in the ball movement activity. Interesting to see Angus train without headgear. He also looks cherry ripe! Salem looks sharp and fit. I didn't recognise number 49, and I can't recall seeing BBB.

at risk of being piled on for being "woke' - sometimes we old blokes forget that some things have changed for the better. I think this is one thing that the buys have learnt from AFLW (how much everyone benefits from a supportive environment). My daughter was a bit of a lost soul in her early teens, particularly being mad on sport, but has absolutely found her tribe and has never been so happy now she is in the AFLW system.

Just to confirm that the #49 indigenous boy that's been training with the dees is highly talented NGA prospect Ricky Mentha. Mentha is originally from Palmerston Football Club up in the NT and will be splitting his time between the Gippsland Power in the Coates League this year and NT Thunder (played a few games last year). So he'll be worth the watch. Ricky is a livewire small forward with elite speed and agility who's a decent prospect that's also part of the NAB AFL Academy team, so the kid has obvious talent. 2024 AFL National Academy squads announced

Turner is looking good. A bit of a backline shuffle and he may have a chance, though Hore is also doing everything well. Koltyn, because our list is stacked, may have to earn his way in, though has the passion and ability. Caleb Wilson still needs a bit more development. I don't think he is up to the speed of an AFL game yet. Has the ball skills required. I reckon he needs more strategically understanding of the game. Laurie continues to develop, looks like a big improver, though may have to get a break so as to claim a spot. Got a feeling if given a chance he will perform. Taj I am uncertain about, looks a little slow out there. Has great composure when he has the ball and is looking alot bigger.

Pity I'm not out there with you WCW we would be a killer partnership like Maxwell Smart and Agent 99!🤩

Now as many of you might be aware, Im not Spargy's biggest admirer, but Laurie is a long way behind Spargy IMV!

How is it risky, across the ground you’re open to being involved in a collision by way of a deliberate bump, friendly fire or accidental contact. If you’re passed fit you go where best suited. We’re not talking a short time after incident

May 2013, Peter Jackson is appointed as CEO and the long climb back begins. By the end of that year Neeld was gone. Daniel Cross and Aidan Riley had arrived, and Colin Sylvia had departed all under free agency. Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince and Viv Mitchie arrived during the trade period. I can’t believe we gave up pick 2, 20 and 72 for Tyson and picks 9 and 53. Aaron Davey, David Rodan and Joel Macdonald retired, and James Sellar, Josh Tynan, Troy Davis, Tom Gillies, Tom Couch, James Magner, Nathan Stark Rory Taggert and Neville Jetta were all delisted. The National draft saw Christian Salem (9), Jay Kennedy-Harris (40), Jaden Hunt (57) and Mitch Clisby (82) added to the list. Ther Rookie draft saw James Harmes (2), Max King (19), Alexis Georgiou (35) and Neville Jetta (50) added as rookies. Paul Roos is lured to the club by Jackson as senior couch to start the rebuild. During that preseason a young fresh-faced Angus Brayshaw and Billy Stretch are invited to train with the club. Christian Salem is now added to the list of only men still standing along with, Jack, T.Mac and the skipper. It was a tough season which saw Melbourne finish 17th on the ladder with 4 wins and only ahead of St Kilda on percentage. The slow climb back had begun. Enjoy. 2014 – New Hope ==> https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-MhQnCP/i-TL4vbQq/A 2013 – Annus Horribilis ==> https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-MhQnCP/i-bWkHdxp/A

In fairness, the times that day were wind assisted. That said, he still came second out of plenty and wind assisted, or not, it's very fast. I like his prospects. Good size, skills and speed, and seems really coachable. I don't see a star, but I think he can become a good player.

Now there was a dasher off half-back. Gary at 187cm and 90kg was very similar in physique to Trent at 188cm and 88kg but played mostly at CHB. He could also drive a ball a distance, he was a magnificent raking drop punt in his pomp.

I reckon they will put Kossie into the midfield.

One thing Woewodin isn't is slow. He was second in the 20 metre sprint at the Draft Combine with a time under 2.9 seconds. 20m Sprint Result (seconds) Rank Result (seconds) Name 1 2.845 Harvey Harrison 2 2.898 Taj Woewodin

I reckon Rivers will be a mid. Plenty coming through into the backline. Salem could just be training without much pressure on him. Getting back into the game, with some freedom. Therefore, not in fully with the backs. As for Howe, could be looking at the wing. He has a light kinda of stringy frame/body and is probably not ready as an in and under player.

How would Hardeman go as an intercept mark specialist these says? Without having to worry too much about his opponent! He would absolutely dominate

I like Gus back. I'm not sure about Rivers going into he middle, in large part because as you note he doesn't have much experience there. But if they are thinking about Rivers playing some time in the middle (or perhaps even Mcvee), Gus as a sweeper down back gives them some flexibility to pull that rein.

I'd imagine its just a matter of him getting up the strength and size to play AFL midfield. Watched him get pushed off the ball easily and often last season. He's the same height as Viney but a lot lighter obviously (maybe 8kg's). I can see him and Woey coming in for depth and chop out but doubt they will spend a lot of time in the middle. Keen to see who will be battling it out with the mids at training the next few weeks. I understand Rivers has the size and ability but very little experience in the role at AFL level. Interesting Gus was training with the backs but might be a factor of reducing the physically contested stuff as much as possible still easing him back in.

PJ was the recruit of the year. He put everything back on the rails, the football department and the admin and the Board. Turned us back into a football club, properly run. Watch out for North Melbourne in the coming years ( it took us 8 to get back). PJ has done a review of their operations, Clarkson has been brought in as coach and Todd Viney is running their football department. Sound familiar?

This "dedicated" home theatre room has been, the kids toy room, junk room, VCE study hub, and now rightfully reclaimed as "The Picket Fence", home cinema "Man Cave." Measuring 6.5 x 4 it is perfect for watching, movies,rock concerts and the mighty Dees winning the footy!😁😜😎

"Dees' pre-season from hell!" (Player has overcome minor calf complaint) We're the H-Sun. The "H" stands for hyperbole!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A clumsy slip from big man Jed Adams sent a small wobble through the Melbourne camp. Uncapped defender Adams slipped in the soaking rain and faceplanted while in the midst of a kicking drill, with trainers called upon to check his eyesight. The 196cm West Australian called out in pain and was off the track for 15 minutes before returning to run laps with the hint of a shiner on his right eye. The Demons confirmed there was no fear of concussion after the slip.

That wasn’t Petty bro, it was Jed Adams.

That's true about his inexperience. I really liked the way he developed last year. He's got a lot of toughness and attacking flair about him now. It would be good to see him have a run through the guts.

Midfield depth is a real issue. We lost Harmes Dunstan and Jordon and didn’t replace them with anyone. Billings is the closest thing but he’s a half forward who can occasionally pinch in the midfield at best. At this stage our best midfielder isn’t even at the club and there’s no way Brayshaw will be thrown in there too early this season (at all?). We won’t have the luxury of Trac going forward at this stage. We don’t know if Rivers is a midfielder or not, sample size way too small. There really isn’t a lot to call on this year, coupled with no legitimate backup ruckman either. If one or two go down I think we are in trouble. Surprised this wasn’t addressed during the trade period.

Laurie is training predominantly as a forward. That's interesting. Makes sense i guess. But with Spargs looking to cement his spot and the Kolt and Sestan (and to a lesser extent McAdam, who i see vying for melk's role) both hoping to come into the forward line as smalls/mediums there's a bit of competition for a spot. I would see him as a mid, as he works very well in congested areas. Agree. I reckon inside mid is his go. As you note, good in congestion, has a low centre of gravity, good hands in tight and good kicking skills.

Luke Tapscott was a big unit. Shame he didn't make it

A few slagging off JVO for undisciplined acts which is very unfair on the lad. His incident with McStay needs to be seen in the context of a hot physical final where one of your leaders has been taken out by a sniping moron. He went to a contest and clearly was worried about getting crunched. He made a split second decision to bump which he got wrong. Not a hanging offence. As for his spoil on Ballard earlier in the season he was very stiff and the footy world was aghast he was suspended. I'm not aware of any other undisciplined acts so if people are castigating him for the two incidents above they need to chill out You don't want to take out his physical attack. Its a weapon

Picket you mlght have to loosen up a little more. Penetrene may help.

steady girl

those are some big tvs i went from 40" to 55" and thought it was HUGE mind you, half the time when i'm watching footy on the box i'm on my 27" computer screen as apparently i'm 'too loud' to be amongst company

85 inch TV! Forget having the modem in another room. If I had an 85 inch TV, half the TV would be in another room!

Prey tell me who he was going to handball to? Not Petracca who was at least 40m away near half forward. Who???

I'm with Foxtel, Ive got my 85 inch t.v hooked up via ethernet straight into the wall which if your modem is in another room, such as study produces a much better resolution and seamless viewing than Wi Fi. Ive paired the lot up with a Yamaha 5.2.2 system Blockbuster 7750 which literally brings the house down, plus the adjacent neighbours places as well🤣😇🤯😎

Liam ryan is having surgery Some poor kid from the bombers has done his knee But lachy hunter has a mild calf strain and its the preseason from hell

My highlight from training was having a quick chat to Col Garland, who was set up in a corner of Gosch's Paddock and chatting to Matty Whelan for a lot of the morning. I also couldn't help but notice Tyla Hanks out on the ground and in her full MFC kit. She looked like a drowned rat, the poor girl. Does anyone know her role with the club?

You're a natural WCW

Max on Clayton from 3:27

Billings, Blake Howes, Taj Woewodin, Bailey Laurie... we could even look to push Salem higher if needed. We have ample coverage.

Did you see the latest interview of Jacob van Rooyen on the MFC website. How impressive and refreshing is this young man, when asked about the new kids coming through he responds with - love seeing the new recruits as we will be playing together for the next 10 years. Those sentiments warm the cockles of the heart.

Half expecting the next HS headline to be Harry Petty asks for a trade home due to a calf issue...on the family farm.

Digital Membership at the moment is $250 and includes KAYO Basic which is the 4K option. Imagine this will increase next year. If you signed up to KAYO for the footy season and then cancel at the end of September you'll be paying $245 (7x$35) if you want the 4K option/2 Stream option. May as take advantage of the digital membership for those extra months - as you also get that 40% off voucher to use at the Demon Shop (valid for one transaction). The drop in concurrent streams is a little cheeky those in streaming conglomerates though

Keep going, we need more

It's this drop from 3 down to 2 concurrent streams that will be most significant for many. And I imagine it will go unnoticed by allot of people until round 1 when they all tune in at once and it won't work. 4K is just a smoke screen to distract from a sizable 50% price hike from $11.66 to $17.50 per user

What can happen when a team is in contention is that a team can have a gap year. Happens quite a lot So even though I believe we're good to go for the next 5 years, we may have a year or 2 in there where we don't perform to our best. Or we have a rash if injuries or we don't have luck on our side For instance, for years people kept writing off Geelong off but they kept bobbing up And I've been keen observer of how the best teams have gone about it. Their window often just stays open as they keep recruiting well So if Jason Taylor isn't the most important pillar at the Demons, who is? He keeps recruiting good players and if you keep adding 2 or 3 good players to the team, year after year, you'll remain in contention That stands to reason So last year we added JVR, McVee & Hunter to the team along with Grundy who was by no means a poor player Along the way you have to add A grade talent and that's where the savvy recruiting comes into play. Free agency, trading and somehow working our way up in the draft is the way to go about it And that's what we continue to do We're just not going to win the premiership every time we're in contention. The key to it all is to remain in contention

Your previous reports although quite original were quite adequate and entertaining

The argument advanced by our glass is half full followers is that in 2023 we played a slightly more elasticised version of the game plan but the reality is that the final thrust forward was still to the forward pocket. And of course there was our very secret kick out strategy

Modern day punters have it so easy. We used to watch VFA on channel 10 with a black and white pixel haze. I couldn't even tell whether Eddie Melai or Fred Cook had the pill. And that was on a sunny day. And we never complained once.