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Thought it best to start a separate training thread: Training at Casey...what could be more of a simulation of winter football conditions....wet, raining, windy....yep it's the middle of summer, but no sunscreen required. Even @picket fence's slippery mates would have taken the day off and retreated to more habitable locations. Advertised as a match simulation session, it was hard to draw any conclusions or real observations. This was because of the absence of numerous player for whatever reason, or players who were on some sort of restricted programme, or just plain injured. As a consequence, there were numerous Casey listed players filling in, but obviously getting plenty of good experience themselves. On the sidelines, we know about Melksham, and of course no Oliver or Joel Smith. Salem, Billings & Sparrow were just running laps, with Sparrow looking to be the one doing it at full stretch. No sight of Hunter, BBB, McAdam & AMW, while Jefferson walked on and off the field to physio areas. Every year it is a concern when players aren't on the track post Christmas break, and you can utterly guarantee for every week they are not there, you can take a week off the season for them. 11 missing out of a list of 44 isn't good! There was all the usual warm-up's and drills but the match simulation was the most important. But, as said before, what can one take from it with so many sidelined? What could be taken away were things like: TMac playing permanently in the backline. For those that have been around from when he played their last, be prepared for much of the same. Indecisive about where the ball is going, strong marking, but watch out for the kicking. One wonders how he will find a hole to fill with May, Lever, Tomlinson, Turner, Rivers, Bowey, Salem, Adams, Hore & Howe all vying for the back 6 positions. Blake Howes and Disco Turner are going to be putting up their hands fairly soon for a role in the senior defensive structure, and both stood out on multiple times during the sim. But don't discount Adams, who probably is 3rd in line, but having built up considerably in the off-season is showing some real promise with genuine football skills. Interestingly, Judd McVee was playing further up the ground, and found himself taking shots at goal at one point, so maybe the coaches have something more planned for him. Petty was back for the drills, but didn't compete in the sim, likewise Brayshaw, and to a certain extent Gawn, who came back for only a short spell in the sim. Probably to give the backups some time for assessment. In this respect Verrall is streets ahead of Fullarton, and I suspect Fullarton will only find a role as a forward....although we need plenty of those options given the situation at the end of last season. JVR almost took mark of the year reminiscent of the one Michael Roach held on to many, many years ago, but unfortunately he spilled it in the end, but he truly was sitting on top of the pack to attempt to take the ball at waist height. If he connects something similar in the season, he will be taking home the MOTY easily. Pickett spent the whole session in the middle, and like most years, nobody can lay a hand on him. He just dances through traffic when he has no right to do so. And with questions over Oliver, both he and Laurie can expect more opportunity in the engine room. ANB gave a clinic on how to kick to the opposition when under no pressure. So no change there. Rivers was magnificent to watch as he streamed from HB and delivers accurately. Chandler was very involved and seemed to be on the end of numerous chains. But he was also active in contested situations, so maybe a mid-field rotation role might be on the cards in season proper. Woewodin showed glimpses of what may be possible, but with these types of simulations and with tackling and pressure not at the levels of AFL games, it is difficult to judge. Still he looks more and more like his old man, and is obviously benefitting from the training programmes. I know people will ask about the new draftees, but sorry, not much to report. They after all are just starting out and some of the Casey players show more, simply because they are stronger, fitter and accustomed to the speed of the action. Just give them time. And don't expect to see them playing any time soon, unless we hit a huge injury problem. That's all from me but wait for @Six6Six and his photo's to appear, as he was busy with the telphoto lens and should have some great shots of the action

ANB is much maligned and seriously underrated- his turnovers usually occur because of his hard running and don’t occur as much as they used to. His goal smarts are much improved. He will end up with a 200+ game career and is a premiership player. Deserves more respect.

Have been told Howes is ready to impact in the back half.

One thing I forgot to mention was the drill/sim after the match sim. It started again and again on the HBF with the exercise to find a way into attack. It is probably much needed with the emphasis on rebound goals, which happen more often than pack marks in the forward line that the fans love so much. Since half the side was trying to attack, the other half was having to defend, and then they changed the roles around. It was interesting how little of the conventional "switching" happened, but that was typical for the top 4 sides last year. The good sides just have it covered so well, and if sides try to do it, they just get locked in with nowhere to go. Anyhow it was a great spectacle, as each exercise produced different results, sometimes back and forward, sometimes through the middle, sometimes lightning fast down the wings, but the common factor was the running required, both to attack and defend. No room for slouches these days.

I guess I have a different opinion. Injury list is good, mainly getting some transfered players into shape. BBB has always had is own program, Hunter is a worry, old man niggles, Fritta is back, as is Petty, and Melky not too far to go I reckon. I think the culture stuff has been blown out of proportion. Oliver only knows footy and being sidelined for 'weeks' last year, hasn't done him any favours. I believe he will play well when he is ready. The opinion of doom just doesn't fit well with me. In my opinion I see us as a dangerous side. Opposition teams will fear us. I was expecting a training dialogue not an opinion piece, though thanks for the reply and am happy to engage.

ANB critics still on his back? Bloody hell, we would’ve been in a much worse space without him last year. Was one of the only ones who hit targets inside 50 consistently. Most underrated player in our side. There’s a reason he’s got a cemented spot in the side every week.

Umpires are here, full match sim about to kick off.

Match sims just happened and our socials team are compiling this [censored]. Says it all.

Bit of a worry for the rest of the team then given he was number one last season for average kick to score ratio with kicks inside 50; ie hitting targets. By the by, the bottom three? Maxy, Tracc and Clarry. #nibblamthys #sonochangethere #confrimationbiashardtoshake

Yes but only half the ground. What was poignant was the number of young kids there. The club needs to make these Casey sessions open to build this future fan base in Casey.

Go back and watch the last quarter in GF of 2021. Even when we were streeting them, after goals, Nibbles would talk to the players to keep their minds on the game and encourage. Even to Maxie. Do not underrate his leadership and encouragement on the field. The other players listen to him and I would not bbe surprised if Goody uses him in this role.. And his game is, at times, sublime. At the beginning of the last quarter in 2021 Nibble dribbled (deliberately) the ball to Sparrow on the outside who then kicked to BBB near the square. First goal in the last quarter and the doggies were gone.

His training has been good. Getting better as he matures. A practice match doesn't really play to his strengths of, gut running, getting to the contest when others tire, his heart must be like Pharlap, I can even see him as a future captain, he always has something to say to the group. I am sure he is not undervalued at the club. There was a period a few years ago where he was on the periphery, and in and out of the team. More recently he has it cemented and I cannot see that changing.

He's right at home in the wet.

Howes will be replacing Riv in the backline. That big bull Riv is heading straight for the midfield

So we can't avoid pessimism during the season, we can't avoid it in the trade period, now we can't even avoid it in January? Is nowhere safe anymore? [I'm taking the proverbial here a bit] Anyway, to the substance of what you're saying - in the opening paragraph you raise the issues of Oliver missing (he missed 10 games last year when we made top 4), TMac and Brown over the hill (neither was important in 2023 nor, barely, in 2022, both years in which we made the top 4), and May and Gawn are a year older (every single player in every single club just got a year older, including critically important players at other top sides - it's not like reports from training are suggesting these two are struggling). Then you say "no real depth or youth to excite" which is subjective and is really just a reflection of your own pessimism (the OP in this post talks about the excitement of Turner, Howes and Adams, there's been plenty of excitement around Laurie and Woewodin too). As for supposedly "meh" depth, Collingwood won a flag this year with side featuring Frampton, Cox and Cameron. A-graders aren't required on every line. Melksham's injury is a problem for us IMO but it's borderline hypocritical to say "well Laurie and Woey aren't much chop" and then say "we're going to struggle because we don't have Smith". If it weren't for the Oliver/Smith issues I wouldn't look at us and think we're any more likely to slip any more than Collingwood or Brisbane. I think each of us responds to those issues differently or to different extents and largely I think those who are getting really down about our 2024 prospects are those who can't help but interpolate that the Oliver/Smith stuff means broader issues that, quite possibly, just aren't there (and yes, the opposite is also true). The last bit of "don't come for my throat" - why not? You want to lead with your pessimistic chin, be prepared to cop it. Similarly, if you see someone out there going "we're a lock for top 4/the flag", I'm sure you'll be ready to clip them back.

Is that like Kossi almost taking marks? It frustrates the demon hell out of me?

Bowser at training is a very good goal kicker, especially his snaps. Composed and always a smile. He loves kicking them.

I took my last bag of yabbies from there in about 1964. Took them home put them in a large plastic bucket and was going to cook them the following afternoon. they must have known cos they were all gone in the morning Smart thing’s yabbies

Not worried about size for Salem assuming he’s healthy and can knee weight on, he’s always been a willing tackler and a smart contested player who uses his body well. Plus he’ll be the 3rd or 4th contested option rather than a main guy. He’s there to receive than handballs from the first possession players. Agree he needs his burst back but I think that’s easier to hide on ball than half back. Especially if we want to really run from the backline this year.

Ahhh ... Harmesy. The lifelong Demons supporter who managed to pull on a Melbourne jumper and win us a drought breaking flag. He'll be forever smiling at me with his premiership medal from my shed wall. Good luck in all future endeavours to a forking legend.

George went fishing i suspect. I was happy to oblige. Bit of fun. But leaving that aside, I don't mind posters or fans knocking the skills of players, assuming it aint needlessly rude or insulting (eg the puerile use of spud). Hell, kicking skills is my thing and I'm happy to pot poor kicks. What really frustrates me is when the criticism is unfounded, or when it might have been fair at some point but is no longer accurate. Even more frustrating when some players get held to some ridiculous standard (ALL players turn the ball over and make poor decisions) and others consistently get a free pass (tracc says hi). Some posters seemingly refuse to change their view, even when the evidence flatly contradicts it. Nibbla's supposedly poor kicking and decision making is the perfect example. I've posted at length on the data at seasons end that completely contradicts that view (one being he was our best kick inside 50 last season). So won't bother doing so again. It won't matter for some anyway because they will poo poo the data and pick out specific examples to generalise from - the exception to prove the rule school of analysis. Perhaps the go is to use that same approach, but in reverse. I'll learn how to video edit and put together a package from last season of all nibblas brilliant kicks that set up goals and examples of elite decision making. And then claim it as evidence he is the best kick and decision maker in the AFL.

k

TAKING them would excite me more ;)

Nice speculation but before you write a 3 volume scenario of possible permutations & flow on effects maybe wait until Howes actually plays 1 senior game then maybe see if he will hold down a senior spot before we all get carried away. Howes has had big wraps on him for 2 seasons but so far has delivered SFA although he has been quiet unlucky with injuries. Even at Casey he has been solid rather than eye catching.

Why do we have to shift him at all when he's performing well in the role he's in?

Howes won’t be taking Judd’s spot, he’s our number 1 lockdown man and we don’t have a lot of other options. Blake will be pushing to replace whichever of Salem or Riv go on ball (assuming there’s an opening which their might not be if Gus is folding back). I expect Howes will leave a little to be desired defensively especially comparing with our strong standards, but if he’s ready I hope we give him a block of games because his run could be great. It wasn’t always great footy but the way ease with which he racked up disposals and covers the ground stood out at Casey. And he had an ability to get the ball back through the corridor. We need those fresh legs.

I heard last year that they thought it was going to take McVee a couple more years before he'd move into the midfield. Something to do with still learning the game and having to keep things simple. Bowser has said in the past that he played as a forward as a junior.

I like this, as as i noted yesterday if Howes playing in defence he could take Mcvee's spot at HB allowing judd to move onto the ball, or perhaps onto the wing. But i could also see both playing in defence, with Howes playing the lock down role Judd played last year (he's tall enough to cover the tricky medium forwards like McCarthy). This would free up McVee to play a more aggressive, offensive role higher up the ground in the mould of kitty Coleman or Nick Daicos. Wherer that would leave Bowser and Salo i'm not too sure - one would have to come out of the back half in that scenario you'd think. I know there has been some talk of Salo moving on ball, but personally i cant see it. He is hard at it and strong enough to play an inside mid role, particularly with his fast hands and ability to hit short targets by foot under pressure. But i agree with Fat Tony that his lack of pace would be an issue as a mid. It wouldn't have been an issue a few years ago but teams with slow midfields can get caught out now, particularly defensively - the Lions being an example I wonder if Bowser could be an on ball option? He also could be an inside mid option as like salo he is hard at it and an excllent kick. But unlike salo he quick of the mark. Bowser wasn't a defender as a junior, but i can't recall what his main role/position was. Was he a mid?

He is one of my favourite players. Wears his heart on his sleeve and hates losing.

I’m not especially worried about midfield depth. I know Rivers hasn’t done it much but he’s fit, strong, aggressive, can win the ball in traffic, there’s a lot of reasons for confidence. Same with a fit Salem. There’s a lot to like about Pickett in bursts and I’m a believer in ANB offering something on ball too. And what I really like is the options all complement our midfield bulls which is a desperately needed breath of fresh air. I’m more concerned about covering the guys we move. Tracc forward is an easy one if we can spare him. Gus back in the right role. Are Howes, Laurie, Woey ready and will McAdam, Billings, Fullarton, Hore or any of the young kids prove upgrades and allow more experimentation? Apart from a little Laurie buzz we aren’t hearing too much yet.

Steven May just seems to get better and better, premium defender that hates to lose let’s hope that Maysie can maintain the rage for another 2-3 years and celebrate another couple of premierships.!!

Could a premiership player who finishes 6th in a a club's best and fairest, after being top ten the previous year, and who has barely mised a game in five seasons, reasonably be considered a whipping boy?

Were they noticeably lowering eyes and looking for shorter options moving it from HB or looking for longer options/contests?

Agree with some comments re Nibbler but as Binman and others have pointed out numerous times he gut runs up and down the ground all game, pressuring, supporting, kicking, marking, hand balling and tackling opponents and sometimes when he gets to the end of his run he is running on empty when he takes that last kick, is it any wonder that some go askew. I now appreciate nibblers role in the team and cut him some slack. I still grimace but understand his dilemma.

We will be doing very well to stay top 4 at this rate. Likely to be missing our best player in Oliver for who knows how long, Tmac and BBB seemingly over the hill, May and Gawn a year older and at the moment, no real depth or youth to excite this year other than perhaps Rivers/McVee continuing to progress. I like Laurie and Woey, but if our midfield depth has become those two, Chandler and ANB in spurts, that spells trouble. Add to this the long absence of useful swingman/forwards Smith/Melk, McAdam so far appearing as injury prone as he is famous for, a big question mark on how Gus looks on return as well as some pretty significant mental scarring at this point (across the team, not just Gus), and it honestly feels like we are a Petracca injury away from missing the finals or even bottom 6. Sydney's list is stronger, Carlton are improving quickly and Collingwood's fan base won't let them complacently carry on. Adelaide are also improving rapidly and should compete if Walker can keep defying his age. The middle of our list is thinner than it's been for years. Just feels like we are slipping off the best teams at the moment. Don't come for my throat - just can't shake the feeling we are due to tumble. It's not MFCSS either - i haven't felt this way about the list in at least 5 years I think.

Out of that list bar Oliver only Salem, Sparrow and McAdam are needed at full fitness for round zero. I'm pretty sure none are carrying injuries and it's likely load management so I think you can calm the farm a little. Thanks for the report though and it appears Howes and Turner are pushing hard for round zero which is great news.

The 2006 MELBOURNEfc Family Day, to be held on Saturday, 11 February 2006, promises to be a great day for the whole family to enjoy. Due to the Commonwealth Games, the MCG will be unavailable, which means that Family Day will be held at Caulfield Racecourse. This also means that you can enjoy all the elements of Family Day and a great day of racing! The Caulfield Group 1 CF Orr Stakes is the meeting on the day, and marks the start of the Melbourne Summer Classics Racing Carnival. The day’s activities include: • Roving Entertainers • Autograph and photo opportunities with the 2006 MELBOURNEfc team • Children’s games and activities • Merchandise merchandise sales • Membership enquiries and purchase opportunities • 2006 Member Scarf redemption • Giveaways • and more… Members Admission on the day $10.00 Non Member Admission on the day $15.00 Concession $7.00 Those aged 17 and under will enjoy the day for free (identification required) Early Bird Admission Early bird admission for MELBOURNEfc Members - $5.00 Please contact Membership Services (03) 9652 1150 to arrange purchase. *Early Bird offer ends COB Wednesday, 8 February 2006 Caulfield has already ticked one of those boxes. Hopefully it can do it again………and soon. Would cost dollars but with the technology and engineering now of movable stands at Marvel and moveable playing surfaces eg Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas I don’t see why you can’t have a moveable stand on the inside of the racetrack for premium race meetings that moves to the football field to enable the ability to host AFLW games at Caulfield. Might be a stretch hosting AFL practice games would depend on the height of stands allowed to boost capacity.Agree that we should keep Casey for the club to use. Despite its geographical location it is a good facility and we need to have a presence out there as it is the base of our Next Generation Academy and zone (FWIW). Don’t agree that we should be playing home AFLW games at IKon purely and simply because it’s not our ground. I would argue that if we played both our finals at Casey this year we would have one at least one of them.

Also i thought noah yze looked very good. Small forward but was agile and elusive.

Every 'mark in the pack' game I ever played...

Thanks George.. Informative and quite sobering. Brave man venturing down the road....was certainly a s@#! morning. Still, got me out of cutting the grass.... I can't help but feel we'll need more than our share of luck starting off this season. Not likely to have the best 22 to hand.. so patching cracks from the get go. One has to hope these opportunities lead to one or two stepping up....and not necessarily anyone we'll expect. Footy can be funny that way. Chocco needs to "whisper" kicking improvements ANBs way... I think TMac will play magoos mainly and provide insurance. @george_on_the_outer arguably hard to discern much as you allay but did it look like we were trying to do anything different going into the front arc ?? thanks again

Very highly anticipated debut, reminded me of the build up to Hogan's debut years ago. Great to see his huge pack marks, aggression at the contest, very good debut season. Would rather see JvR do rucking only in forward, and as he becomes stronger could do what Hawkins does well and goal from forward ruck contests. Only thing I would like to see in JvR is to channel his frustrations when he's out-marked. Not sure if anyone noticed, several times throughout the season when out-marked, out of frustration tried to hit the ball out of the opponent's hand, from what I recall, missed every time but obviously would be a 50 metre penalty. Not a bad thing, obviously has a strong hunger to get better and beat his opponent at every contest, which is a good attribute as a key forward ❤️💙

He had a personal issue which meant he didn't train for a period at the start of the season. He didn't lose his spot to anyone in particular. He then had a minor injury in Rounds 19-23 and couldn't get back into the team for finals.

I don't know that his contested ball is that good but I guess we will find out soon enough.

I thought he played wing/forward? I'd like to see him on a wing. On-ball might suit him but I think his tackling needs to improve. IMHO, they weren't sticking last season.

Way to elevate the decorum Bbo.

Bit harsh... why exactly is Reiwoldt a DH? Speaks his mind and has articulate in the media, is doing really positive work for the new Tassie team going around grassroots clubs, listening to them, getting their ideas and collating for the taskforce. Was a very good player to boot. If he played for the dees, you would call him a club legend. *PS* your analogy of JVR is not far off though, although JVR looks a lot stronger and broader across the shoulders.

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.