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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.

Petty: wouldn’t even know he’s carrying an injury 🥳 Kolt: fast mofo. Runs like the wind. Disco: bulked up quite some. Training hard, giving it everything. I just spoke to KFW. I commented on his height (freaking tall) and I told him arm/upper body days in the gym have paid off. He said “yeah, I’m hoping to hit 100kgs.” HE MENTIONED HIS WEIGHT!!!! Don’t tell the AFL 🤫 Jack Billings is wearing #48, like I’m not already having trouble telling players apart. Chocco doing tackling practice with Petty and the noobs. Yelling at them… a lot. Lachie walking up and down the boundary line. Not limping or anything but looks a little dejected.

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.

He said no injury or niggles. He said it’s purely to get his fitness level up. I told him he has come along in leaps and bounds since his first training session with us in early December. He was pleased to hear that. We had a good chat. He loves our Club and “everything about it.” Then HP35 came over and they told me how Shane will be under Harry. Shane said Harry has his back 100% and he won’t let Harry down. What struck me most is their rapport. They clearly get on so well together. There’s a mutual respect for one another. It was awesome to see.

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.

Kev was here earlier. He’ll write a report. Meanwhile, Shane Mc is running laps by himself. KFW also training separately, running along the boundary line… Soz just got a little distracted 😅 Where was I? Yeah, I asked Shane Mc if they’re treating him well. He said, “yeah, they’re treating me very well, they’re really looking after me. It’s a great club, this.” Stick that where it fits, Cornes.

Imho this boy is ready to go… Laying some really hard tackles. Super agile and endless energy.

I took this little vid while standing next to a delightful family: grandpa and three grandkids. The middle girl was crushing on Rooey and I just noticed that just before it ends you can hear her saying “Hi Roo” and he waved at her. Then you can hear her gasp! 🤣 https://streamable.com/tgoskx The older girl loves Riv. I asked him if she could get a pic with him (she was very shy) and of course he obliged. Afterwards she said to me, “This is the best day of my life!” Bless. 🥹

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

Am I the only brave soul venturing out to Gosch’s this morning? Y’all better hope not coz otherwise don’t expect a detailed report, or any report for that matter. I mean, I don’t know what’s going on half the time (I cant even distinguish between Petty and Adams, including when they’re both here) and I’ll probably be distracted by my Gosch’s Gals, a trio of teenage girls who insist on making me “check out Rooey! OMG he’s so hot!” 😁

She works in a development role at the Club. She was there today to support Ricky (our academy boy) and Noah. And while she did look like a drowned rat, I assure you, she enjoyed being Chocco’s Gofer 😁

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!🤩

The older players are amazing when it comes to interacting with the young blokes. They yell encouragement to them, not just whenever they do something really well, if they don’t do so well they let them know it’s not the end of the world. Soooo cool to hear “yours, Ooze!”

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

Or Bonnie and Clyde

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

Tommy wasn’t there. The other Tommy (of the McDonald variety) was, and I asked him about his hair. I simply said, “Tommy… why?” He laughed and said, “I dunno, I was just bored and it was something to do. On holidays and bored, you know how it is.” I told him he needs to get a hobby or something, maybe take up footy. 😁 That said, it actually looks good in person. And speaking of hair, both Will and Langers look to be growing theirs back 🥳

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

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

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.

He still needs to straighten the [censored] up. Honestly, it’s getting to where when he walks away, from the back it looks like he’s got no head.

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?

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

steady girl

Melks was there. If he wasn’t, then he has a doppelgänger who is just as fit and friendly as him, and who also goes tops off in the tent. 😂

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!😁😜😎

Billings and Hore were running together along the boundary line for quite a while. I just heard Selwyn say to them, “you’ve both done your high-speeds, yeah? Now it’s onto aerobics.” Yet I haven’t seen leg warmers or lycra so I don’t know what that was all about. 😅

I tell ya what… pretty much every one of them is more toned/lean and muscular than last season.

I’ll do my best!

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

You're a natural WCW

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!

#49 is a young academy guy, Ricky. His surname is (I think) Menthen or similar. BBB not here

I’ll ask him next time he runs by 👍🏽

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

… and gumboots and umbrella and plastic sheet to place on wet bench. This ain’t my first rodeo 😉

What part of “check out Rooey” do you not understand?! 😆

Your previous reports although quite original were quite adequate and entertaining

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