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It was a beautiful day at Gosch's until the players arrived and it seemed most of our tall forwards sat out training and did little or nothing in the rehab group. Someone's got the voodoo doll out for our talls as Turner, Tmac and Verrell were all additions to this group since I last saw them and Petty did about 10 minutes and then absolutely nothing. Salem started with light drills and then just did running (mainly with Clarrie) and AMW, who had just worked his way out of rehab was back there. McAdam was also a new addition. At least Steven May did the whole session unhindered. But the number in rehab is not good at this time of year. The session itself was as low key as I've seen this year. There were few high intensity drills before ball movement drills (match sim is a very glorified description) and these drills were at about 75% intensity I reckon. Of course it's all part of the plan I guess and with matches against Richmond and Carlton not too far away perhaps it's to freshen up, who knows. Some players to catch the eye: Adams: there was some high marking practice and Adams was the stand out with several strong marks against the likes of Verrell, Schache and Tomlinson. He's got very good hands and he's come on in leaps and bounds from last year. You'd think the third tall at the moment would be between Tommo and Hore but Adams is putting his name forward. KBrown: I couldn't be more impressed with what I've seen from this kid over the preseason. He's involved, he's clean and his skills are sound but the most impressive thing is he looks comfortable at the pace and finds the ball really easily. He's a string bean above the waist but his lateral movement is really good and he's learning what he can do and what he can't. Viney: tried to do too much on occasions and got caught a couple of times but looks set for a really good season. Chandler: involved a lot and kicked really well for goal slotting a few from very tight angles. I think he's stepped up from last year and hope he can maintain his form for longer this year. Sparrow: did the whole session in a rare bit of good news. Kossie: did some really magical Kossie things when the ball was on the ground, what a shame about the suspension. Seston: is improving. He's getting more involved and looks like his running has improved and he's got great kicking skills. He was last on the track with JvR practicing his goal kicking and was doing it very well from a variety of angles and distances. He's also getting more involved in general play but today even I could have got a kick (perhaps!) KfW: in match sims he's against Max and just gets a lesson and he seems to have trouble judging the ball in the air to compete but perhaps Max is just too good. But he's improved a lot since last year and he won't die wondering if he could have done more to make it. All players had their moments. The regular senior boys just went about their business and blokes like Howes, Laurie, Woey, Windsor and The Kolt all showed their skills but really this session just seemed to be a loosener and I'm not reading too much into it. A prime indicator is it's the first session where Trac didn't seem head and shoulders above the rest. I'll be interested to read others opinion as perhaps I'm being too harsh, but that's the way I saw it.

Popped in for the session also. Others have covered a fair bit. Thought Jefferson was really intense with his tackling in the short match-sim, brought a few down. Kozzie is electrifying no matter the setting. Billings was getting quite a few touches and delivered well into the 50. K Brown will be a ripper I feel. Ran into one of the volunteers after the session on the tram and asked about Petty. He said it was a slight niggle and should be ok. Petty just gets down on himself when he feels something. Hoping for a return soon. Clarrie was great with the few kids waiting for photos and signatures afterwards.

Very nice morning for a run around, not too much wind and temperature is perfect. Looks to be about 32 to 34 in full training. The drills were done with skill and precision. Mainly controlled by Taylor Whitford (VFL coach) The occasional reference to the super-bowl appeared. Our new young players lead the way with their skill sets. Windsor, K. Brown, rarely miss, Tholstrup if he slips up, the next action is perfect and the effort he makes is great. Setting great standards. Jefferson has worked well on his tackling, he brought a few down in the sims, taking some marks and getting separation. Sestan doesn't have a defensive game, will need to improve himself through Casey, I reckon. They continue to rotate quite a few through the mids during sims. They split into the lines at one stage, mids (McQualter) had Gus, Viney, Tracc, Windsor, Spargo, K.Brown, Langdon, Laurie, Max, KFW, Sparrow, Taj, Verral. Backs (Chaplin), May, Lever, Adams, McVee, Rivers, Hore, Howes, Bowey, Tomlinson. Forwards (Stafford), JVR, Fritta, Kossie, Billings, Jefferson, ANB, Chandler, Sestan, Tholstrup, Schache. Loved K.Brown's (untouchable), Sparrow's, (field kicking) Viney's (making links), Adam's (holding JVR), May's, (intercepts) and Max's (marking), during the sims today. Sims were run by Goody.

Clarry and Max doing ruck tap/roving drills. A good sight to see.

A great day to be in Melbourne, the sun is warm, the breeze is cool, the grass is green and the footballers are out and about. TBH those who have already reported have covered it well but... Number of observers down from last week, probably because the schools are totally back, and no obvious media. The difference between Clarrie this week and last week was that he was moving quicker, start off with a fast jog then sprint. Did some kicking with Fullarton and another. Ended up with Salo running the boundary. BBB - running the boundary, look great, then not so as he tired. Moving well clearly building a fitness base. Fullarton - moving well for someone who had a serious hammy; running freely around the boundary and had a kick with Clarry Mcadam - doing my type of training, walking the boundary then finished up running the boundary with Reece Conca TMc and Disco - had an interesting drill whereby you threw the ball at the other as hard as possible from a couple of metres. They seemed to enjoy it especially when they scored a hit. Melky - on the bike, which I assumed was loaded, as he did like 10 sec bursts. And one for the ladies - shirt off. Petty - not so happy. With a foot injury, everyone comes up and stares at your foot, even if you are wearing a boot. What do they expect to see? But then even I was doing it. AMW - relentless running on the boundary. Match sim - 30 + in it . Schache up forward. Windsor to play round 1 with that talent. Kynan plays with intensity. Sparrow looked slim next to Trac. One of the coaches awarded Lever a free kick - thats blown his quota for the year. Go Dees

Have to agree with all said by @Slartibartfast. The session was just "meh", which perhaps is not unexpected given we don't want to be injuring any more players beyond the 9 sitting in rehab or doing their own thing. And also we are getting to the serious stage, so all the hard work has been done, so to use @binman's analogy, we are probably tapering. If we think we had forward line problems at the end of last year, when we have Petty, Fullarton and now McAdam rehabbing with Kossy not available for the first game, there should be a good argument for TMac to fill a forward line gap...but wait! He stood out the session today as well.... The backs in sharp contrast....and it is a sharp contrast....have their cup running over! Marty Hore, Tomlinson, Howes and Adams are all looking like they could fill any holes and probably more. But the rest of the regulars in the backline look as good as they have ever been, so where will the gaps happen? And I also have to agree with @Slartibartfastabout Kynan Brown. Sharp, slippery and skilled, he will be a great option at some point...but not this year. Like all the first year kids, he just doesn't have the strength to exist at the top level. When you see him and Windsor stand next to Woewodin for example, you truly see what the effect of one year in the system produces from a physical perspective.

I did'nt realise he was ill.

Steven May is training with the main group so hopefully he is over the soreness from last week.

Petty is present with footy boots on.

Hope Kolt taking notes on goal kicking from JVR not Trac

Goody very happy with Kolt who was hard up on the boundary in the forward pocket with not a lot of space hitting up Spargo on the chest with a beautiful pass.

Petty chronic foot issue, McAdam can’t get on the park consistently and Melk not available EQUALS our forward line being as woeful as it was last year… in brighter news my MFCSS is training the house down

Sparrow back training with the main group.

Clarry is in the building (Gosch’s Paddock)

Thanks Demonland, Startibart, Georgeoto, Kev M, DeeZephyr, Jontee for the excellent reports and all posters another great reporting day down at Gosh,s. Greatly appreciated.!!

He has wonderful evasion skills but does occasionally get caught trying to do too much but we he does weave in and out of play he looks silky and has excellent foot skills. With Hunter likely not to be available at the start of the season he has certainly put his hand up but until I see him under match conditions with an opposition it is hard to see exactly where he is at.

Jefferson lays a ferocious tackle on Billings who tried to sell him some candy. Most of his team went over to pat him on the back.

A couple of points here:- • Daniel Turner would be entitled to be upset at being left out. • Will Verrall was not a mid-season draftee. He was taken with pick No.14 in the 2022 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Enjoy. Mbl ==> https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-gL7BLf/i-SNLGXjH/A 4K ==> https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-gL7BLf/i-bZWB8bG/A

Salem did so much conditioning in his off-season that he can now stagger his pre-season which the club are now particularly keen to do given his history of thyroid related illness.

OLIVER BUILD CONTINUES AS RECRUIT MIXES WITH STAR MIDS Clayton Oliver continued to train away from Melbourne’s main group on Wednesday as the Demons superstar ramps back up to full fitness. Oliver initially took part in centre bounces drills with Max Gawn prior to main training kicking off before the triple All-Australian did some light individual ball drills with assistant coach Andrew McQualter. With chief executive Gary Pert, footy boss Alan Richardson and list manager Tim Lamb all watching on at Gosch’s Paddock, Oliver then joined some other Demons in the rehab group including recruit Tom Fullarton and Christian Salem for other light ball work and run-throughs. Fellow recruit Shane McAdam, Lachie Hunter and Ben Brown were also restricted to light duties away from the main group, while Tom McDonald didn’t appear to be training at all. Oliver and Salem later ran around the boundary together in runners before Oliver did laps by himself, with the 26-year old active for the entire session. There was a clear focus on running, building his fitness and general ball touch as Oliver, who appeared to be in good physical condition and generally moved well, gets back up to speed. But some four weeks out from the AFL’s Opening Round, there’s still no update on when Oliver will be reintegrated with the rest of his teammates in full training. Elsewhere, new Demon Jack Billings took part in centre bounce drills with the rest of Melbourne’s midfield, led by Christian Petracca and Jack Viney. Alex Neal-Bullen and Tom Sparrow were also training with the on-ballers. Josh Schache and rookie-listed Kyah Farris-White were the only other Melbourne players doing ruck drills alongside Max Gawn with the midfield.

Schache getting a lot of the ball as a key forward. Nibbler, Billings, Woey have hit him up on a lead with some beautiful passing.

For a “ruckman” he has very clean skills. Doesn’t look awkward at all. Good mark. Haven’t seen too much in game stuff from him so can only go by limited viewing at training.

Where we finish depends on injuries/players available through the season. As it does for all clubs. It’s the single greatest determinant of success, even if the least sexy.

REHAB: Brown, Hunter, AMW, Fullarton, Turner, Clarry, TMac, Melksham, McAdam

I think it’s entirely sensible. 11 teams finished with a percentage of 107-127% last year. The AFL rules work for parity and parity was the outcome. Geelong, the 2022 premiers finished 12th. Anyone tip them to fall that far post flag? They should’ve been 11th if they hadn’t tanked the last game but 12 it was. All of the best 11 teams on percentage last year should be solid again. Something might go drastically wrong for a few of them as it did Freo last year. But that might be a straight swap with any of Freo, GC, Ess or Hawthorn who have the talent to push towards finals. If our percentage range is 105-130% then our ladder position is probably 1st to 12th. Minimal injuries, new players, youngsters taking steps up, quickly adapting to the new game plan and we finish top 4. Too many new injuries, the new guys don’t settle, the players take a while to adapt to the game plan and we look a bit physically and mentally spent we could slip outside the 8. The last 3 years dominant full ground defending and dominant contested ball in a game plan designed around Max, Oliver, Viney, Tracc, May, Lever has made us close to a sure thing for top 6 (once that style was established in 2021). I’m happy to be accused of pessimism but I think it’s time we pull the plug on that assumption before it’s pulled on us by the competition. I’d be opening the game up with more pace, skill and risk and if we’re still great defensively then fantastic, we’ll probably be top 4, but it could just as easily be a step back to go forward year.

And that’s stumps folks. I mostly just talked about the rehabbers with a few other observations of matchups and who is training in which lines. Happy to talk individuals so ask away.

Woey’s passing is just sublime.

Woey and K Brown laying some ferocious tackles on a don’t arguing Viney.

Clarry back doing drills with McQaulter separate from the main group. Mixture of short passes, handballs or ruck taps from Mini ending with snaps at goal from Clarry.

Verrell doing warmup drills with the talls. Will keep an eye to see if he’s in the main group for the rest of training.

McQualter is much louder. Alot of what he says is about geeing them up. There is some strategic emphasis and he gets them having an intention/purpose, which he constantly calls them to act on, during drills. Yze was 'quietly' going about his business.

I don't think we will have much of a choice to be honest. JVR needs support. We can't have teams double teaming him with only Fritsch and a bevy of small forwards. Schache is good on a lead and if he gets out the back of an opponent but if he is one on one with a strong defender he gets ragdolled.

Chin with a beautiful kick for goal from a set shot hard up on the boundary.

Kozzy not doing any midfield work today. Neither is Riv, Bowey or McVee.

Salem doing warmups with the main group. Will also keep an eye on him to see if he participates with the group for the whole session.

Clarry doing drills with McQualter. He was leading toward Mini zig zagging before running straight at him to mark the ball on the lead.

The rest of the list:- 52 Koltyn Tholstrup An intriguing prospect for Simon Goodwin, the brash Tholstrup was taken at pick 13 as an energetic and bold forward prospect with elite finishing skills. The 186cm forward from Western Australia was a needs-based selection, so don’t be surprised if he gets early chances in the senior side after playing plenty of senior WAFL football last year. 51 Tom McDonald The veteran never quite got going in 2023 given form and injury issues, kicking four goals against easybeats West Coast but only five majors from his other seven games. At his best he is an athletic beast who draws the footy. But the Demons could start round 1 with Harrison Petty, Jacob Van Rooyen, Shane McAdam and Bayley Fritsch forward. Therefore, McDonald needs to prove himself again — at 31 years of age. 49 Jack Billings An unknown quantity at the Demons, but he was a canny acquisition for a club looking for more class on the outside. The question is whether he can eke out a meaningful role at a club that will hope to have a vastly improved run with injuries and has also drafted Koltyn Tholstrup and Caleb Windsor as half-forwards and wingmen. 48 Adam Tomlinson Has played wing and key defence at the Demons since moving from GWS as a free agent, but never quite locked down a spot. If Petty is to play forward, he could play as the third tall behind Lever and May. But he needs to seize the moment as an uncontracted tall. 44 Tom Fullarton Ex-Brisbane key forward Fullarton was identified as the Brodie Grundy replacement, even though he played little ruck in the VFL for the Lions in 2023. The athletic tall had only 50 total hit-outs across 19 senior games, so he’s an unlikely choice given he will need to provide Max Gawn with regular chop-outs to keep the skipper fresh for finals. 40 Ben Brown A premiership hero in 2021, but his badly damaged knees might have put paid to his career. He will play out the final season of his contract, hopeful he can add a late burst to his games tally with the Demons in the flag window. However, he only managed seven AFL games for four goals and eight VFL games for 11 goals in 2023. Let’s hope his body allows him to make a final charge. 39 Marty Hore Resuscitated his Demons career after a brilliant stint in the VFL, averaging 122 ranking points, 22 disposals and an amazing 5.5 intercept marks for Williamstown in 2023. At only 190cm he might not quite play as the third tall, but an injury or two will pave the way for him to add to his 14 games for the Demons in 2019. 38 Jake Melksham Comes into the season off an ACL tear, but with his form almost career-best before his knee buckled last August. With the Demons having drafted a pair of forwards and secured Shane McAdam, he will need to work his way back through the VFL. But he will believe he can be a finals difference-maker. 36 Taj Woewodin The midfielder-forward is highly regarded at the Demons and after impressive VFL form he won four straight AFL games from rounds 17-20, averaging nine possessions. It was a solid grounding which the 20-year-old son of Shane will be desperate to build on. 35 Bailey Laurie Played five senior games in 2023 — including the qualifying final against the Magpies — as a 179cm forward, but for little impact. The 21-year-old was the No. 22 pick in the 2020 draft so will be given chances as an elusive and clever small forward in 2024. 34 Jed Adams The 196cm key defender spent his first year in the VFL after being taken at pick 38 in the 2022 national draft. There he won 1.5 intercept marks a game across 20 matches in a solid year, adding experience playing against men. 33 Blake Howes The club’s No. 39 pick in the 2021 national draft emerged as a likely type in 2023 after a 2022 season decimated by a foot injury. Playing 14 VFL games, the former junior forward averaged an impressive 93 ranking points and 23 disposals. Watch this space. 33 Josh Schache Was contentiously preferred to Brodie Grundy as a finals sub given his capacity to ruck and play in attack. But despite an excellent VFL season, he had only 10 possessions in limited game time across three AFL games. Won another single-season deal, but is surely up against it for senior chances. 32 Kynan Brown The father-son was selected in last November’s rookie draft as a tough inside midfielder who thrives on tackling and contested ball. The son of former dogged defender Nathan will take time to build his tank and experience in the VFL. 31 Matthew Jefferson A 195cm key forward who was drafted at pick 15 in the 2022 national draft. One day he will be a serious prospect, but he is likely to need another year in the VFL. He had a solid 2023 season with Casey, averaging 1.3 contested marks and kicking 23 goals across 20 games. 30 Andy Moniz-Wakefield The NGA prospect had a solid season as a clever small forward in the VFL, kicking 20 goals from 19 contests splitting his time between the midfield and attacking half. He also averaged 1.8 clearances and 3.6 tackles. There’s plenty to like. But for 2024? Maybe not. 28 Will Verrall The mid-season draftee is an impressive ruck prospect and played nine VFL games last season, averaging 10 touches and 16 hit-outs as well as laying 10 tackles in a match against Williamstown. He’s a future prospect, but given the Demons’ thin ruck stocks it would only take injury to thrust him forward. 28 Oliver Sestan A medium-sized athletic forward who kicked 12 goals in 16 VFL games and was given another deal after missing the back-end of the year with injury. Still only 19 years of age. 18 Kyah Farris-White The former basketballer signed a new one-year deal as a category B rookie who in his first year mixed time with Dandenong in the Coates League and the Casey in the VFL. He averaged 2.5 disposals and 6.5 hit-outs in his eight VFL games, so he’s some way off. 15 Joel Smith We docked Smith almost 50 ratings points for stupidity. A player who kicked three goals as an unlikely semi-final target was subsequently nabbed by authorities for a cocaine positive detected on match-day from a previous contest. He is facing a two-year drug ban so who would know if he will play at all in 2024. But he will be pushing his case to downgrade it to three months. POSTSCRIPT: As Whispering Jack pointed out below Daniel Turner was inadvertently left out. If the article is updated with his inclusion, I’ll do a re-edit.

JVR such a natural forward. His team got a turnover and he just instinctively positioned himself on Hore to take a mark.

Noted. BB in this instance.

Melksham’s on bike in the weights shed.

Brown doing 150-200m jogging along the boundary. Looks comfortable. McAdam doing same and does not look comfortable.

Both in the main group for now. Will keep an eye on them when they do the “match sim” stuff later on because that will be a good indicator of where they are.

TMac just in a training singlet joining the rehabbers. He was doing warmup drills with the main group. Is wearing runners not boots. Hoping it’s a similar situation to Petty not training last week as part of a scheduled de-loading week. He is leaning against the fence so doesn’t appear to be doing rehab.

At the moment he is with the main group doing the post warmup drills. Will keep an eye on him.

McAdam and Melk have joined the rehabbers. They are just doing kick to kick to each other at the moment. Not sure what McAdams ailment is but now doing the same agility exercises with Melk with a trainer. Brown and Hunter doing kick to kick about 35/40m apart.

Turner has joined Hunter and Brown in rehab.

AMW and Fullarton working on agility drills with a trainer. Hunter doing stretching with Brown on the fence. Now doing basic agility work with another trainer. Worrysome that he is at Browns rehab level of training.

Clarry at 77 peeez of!🤮