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Well done to Max and Richo for recent media messaging strategy. Max is representing the players admirably and interestingly was lead skipper on the interview front at yesterday's launch. With Bont running second. Age's lead article was Max today. Face it he's way more interesting to the media anyway. But...the clever component was Richo's sneaky aside to tim Watson last week that the Dee's are near the bottom of the hair testing ladder. Firstly we didn't know there was one. Secondly upwards of maybe 16 clubs have more issues and by the media"s definition poorer culture than us. But no one is following this thread lest we find heaven forbid the Pies are top of the ladder.

Beautiful morning for a run, minimal wind, and the day has a little crispness to it (started warming up as the session progressed). They weren't showing much joy as they went about it (to be expected, Gus and other issues). I was told that earlier on, Petty was having a run and a kick. McAdam's was running harder with his program, and Melky was working well in his rehab (no strapping). Good to see that Fullaton is ready to go, as was TMac who were in the VFL squad (no Casey players). Starting 23 out there for a simulated captain's run. Looks like K.Brown is a forward. Originally was trialled as a mid and Tholstrup as a forward. I reckon K.Brown is seen as progressing stronger than Tholstrup and so gets the chance. Hope they rest, K.Brown in the 4th quarter tomorrow and give Tholstrup a late run. Given that the others didn't join the 23, however I assume the game will be only the 23 that ran out today. Goody ran most of the session. Great to him him using his whistle, and getting heavily involved by structuring/voicing what he wants. Usually he delegates more often to the others. Nothing like an up and about Head Coach. They were switched on in the drills, plenty of noise, and excellent skills. Really enjoyed seeing the small fwds working on and executing lovely passes into the tall fwds by Billings, Laurie and Kossie. Thought Fritsch fumbled the ball and missed some easy goals today. JVR is ready to hit the big time. Schache was one paced, though no errors. Had a discussion with a fellow supporter who reckons (I agreed), Tomlinson could play well up fwd, though unlikely. May clumsy and losing his feet (could have been the sun in his eyes), hoping he can get his 'mojo' on, which he had in previous sessions. Salem looking strong, training with the mids, plenty of composure, energy, and run. Windsor moves so well over the ground. Viney, on target to be the best I have seen of him. Tracc still with some anxieties when kicking set shots for goal (appeared to have). Two out of three hit the right spot. No contact at all. Last time I saw any tackling drills was ages ago, and the tackling during sims has been diminished/less impact. They hit each other hard prior to the Christmas break, now more about the defensive structure, run and transition. I am a bit worried as we have not done this type of drill in order to prepare to be 'hard'. Hoping, they have been working on it in the closed areas. We cannot drop our early games otherwise the media will get on the 'going backwards bus'. Tomorrow is not as important as the away trip to Sydney, but gee I hope we bring some tackling pressure. Go Dees

Sorry Dino, that's just wrong. And in my opinion is a narrative dees fans should actively push against, because it is one the AFL and the Pies are pushing - for obvious reasons. Compare the circumstances of Gus's retirement with Paddy McCartin. Gus hadn't had a concussion for 5 years and regularly had MRI and advanced imaging and neurological assessments to check on his brain health and there were no issues. He was out cold for at least 2 minutes after the Maynard hit. The damage from that hit was so severe there is chance any player receiving it would be advised to retire, regardless of any history of concussion (by the by i'm guessing almost every AFL player would have received multiple head knocks, if not concussion, in their junior footy career from say under 10s to TAC cup. That's to say every AFL player is likely vulnerable to the impact of concussion). Paddy McCartin had to take an extended break from the game and once back had at least 2 head hits. The really worrying thing, and the key reason he had to retire i suspect, is the last one was barely a glancing blow (he didn't play another game after that).

Forwards. Have been very impressed with Brown all summer. Trains hard and plays hard as we saw the other week. Won’t die for lack of trying.

I'd hardly got my camera out and they packed up and left. Not much to see but enjoy anyway. ==> MFC Training 27-2-2024 (smugmug.com)

Salem looking fit and sharp.

I’m at Gosch’s Paddock this morning for what I assume will be a Captain’s Run in the lead up to tomorrow night’s practice match against the Blues. Based on previous Captain’s Run training reports the squad that takes the field should be indicative of the lineup for the match at Ikon Park.

As @ANG13 mentioned it saves on sunscreen so theoretically the HS could run a story that we are in financial strife by skimping on sunblock.

Is there anything of significance in that observation that the Herald Sun can use to base another story about the club and its culture?

In case anyone was planning on attending tomorrow’s VFL practice match (Casey vs Carlton), please note that it’s now a CLOSED EVENT. Spectators not permitted. This is a decision made by Ikon, not the individual clubs. edit: confirmed the VFL praccy match WON’T be on Kayo/Foxtel. Sorry for causing confusion. ☹️

Main Group (Also in Red): Gawn, Viney, May, JVR, Lever, Petracca, McVee, Windsor, Billings, Langdon, Bowey, Schache, Rivers, ANB, Fritsch, Sparrow, Chandler, Kozzy, Laurie, K Brown, Tomlinson, Howes, Salem!!!

Jefferson kicking 7!

Just a reminder that posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

Appreciate your reports, Andy. Like most of us, I'm ready for footy again. At this stage it looks like a close race between Verrall and Fullarton for the ignominy of having their surnames continually misspelled. (The crown is vacant with the retirement of Bradshaw.)

2nd Group (Also in Red): TMac, KFW, Sestan, Tholstrup, Hore, AMW, Adams, Fullarton, Verrell, Jefferson, Weowodin, Clarry!!!!

Fullerton playing VFL. Very impressive recovery by the big man considering he was facing 2 months on the sidelines.

As was expected, at last year’s KB game those filthy Collingwood fans booed Brodie Grundy. At the same time our fans cheered him as loudly as possible. At the time I thought we might have matched them and was quite proud. But upon watching the replay I was rapt to see/hear that we actually drowned them out! And before anyone pipes up with ‘Nah, that’s just placement of mics etc.’ So what? The point is they all heard themselves being drowned out, too. And they’re not nearly clever enough to know about the placement of mics. 😁 PS we absolutely need to turn up to this match!!!!

Oliver forced to wear long sleeves as Demons face financial ruins. More to come.

Split into lines: Centre Bounce: Max, Viney, Trac, Langdon, Sparrow, Salem, Windsor Backs: May Lever, McVee, Bowey, Howes, Rivers, Tomlinson Forwards: JVR, Schache, Kozzy, ANB, Chandler, Laurie, Fritsch, Billings, K Brown

Shane is super quiet and shy. He’s really reserved, but after a while he’s very easy to talk with. He doesn’t smile much but that’s not because he’s unhappy, it’s just his resting face. Rest assured, he’s really, really happy to be a Demon. 👍🏽

Good to see The Colt and Jeffo on the bench Good taste of senior footy for them 👍

Thank you to the Carlton FC website for the readily available information. Date: Wednesday 28th February 2024 Location: Ikon Park Gates Open: 5:30pm Match commences: 6:40pm Watch: Foxtel & Kayo VFL practice match: Please note, the VFL practice match (10:30am) is no longer open to public. Entry: Your entry gate will be detailed on your ticket (4, 5 or 6) Parking: IKON Park is limited to street parking. We recommend coming early to secure a park close to Gate 6 and utilising public transport where possible. Please contact the Club's membership team if you require assistance on the day. Tram No. 19 Tram (City-North Coburg) runs from the city to Royal Parade Walker St / Stop 16, then 3 minutes walk to IKON Park. Train Take the Upfield Line to Royal Park Station, then a 13-minute walk to IKON Park. Bus Route 123 Bus to Walker St / Stop 16, then a 3-minute walk from IKON Park. Seating: Accessible seating is available around the ground, please speak to the gate staff on arrival. Food and beverages: Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the 1864 Café and Eatery located at Gate 2 as well as various food vendors throughout IKON park. Purchase Tickets: Members and non-members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets on Tuesday 6 February. 10am for members and 2pm for non-members (AEDT). Get your tickets here.

I would and we will.

Stop undermining what Angus himself said and giving support to the AFL when he sues the pants off them.

Thank @kev martin for alerting me to the change of time. Would not have gone otherwise

Looks like the main group is winding down with forwards having shots for goal. Couple of mids are doing one on ones from a tap down from the ruck. Couple of the defenders lining up to either have the ball drilled into the from Chaplin from close in or kicked high in the air.

Not training with the Main Group Spargo, Hunter, Oliver, Melksham, Jefferson, McAdam, McDonald, Adams, Hore, Verrell, Smith, Fullarton, Petty, Sestan, Tholstrup, Woewodin, Turner, AMW, KFW, B Brown

Someone should tell the selectors that Tomlinson is no good! He's played 177 games of AFL football and apparently "isnt up to AFL standard". In those 177 games he has averaged 15 disposals and 5.5 marks! Perhaps it's your analysis, Werridee, that isn't up to standard!

When exactly has that POS Maynard shown any remorse? All he’s ever done is play the woe is me card. I’ve never heard him come out and apologize to Gus nor have I heard Moore, this so called nice guy speak out against the vile Pies fans who cheered an opposition player while out cold. [censored] the Pies and [censored] Maynard.

Your at the top of your game. A sport you've played since you were a kid. A career forged with friendships and passion. A very lucrative career that can possibly see you financially well off for your future family. Then along comes some fanatic and ....... . I'm sure he'll still be involved in footy and the club will look after him but it would be rough watching from the sidelines especially when someone else is still playing. The fact the AFL let that someone play a grand final is a complete disgrace.

The discussion was on SEN on 22 Feb and its on SEN'd podcast for their Breakfast show. Its a 6 minute clip of the show and Tim talks about the hair testing ladder just after Max's part of the clip around 1 Minute 35secs into the clip

So I guess you don't like footy being played at the G because it's the Melbourne Cricket Ground? It's possible for a sporting facility to walk and chew gum at the same time And i thought only Pies supporters thought in black and white...

Great to see David King writing us off. Positive signs for the season ahead.

We should move to Fisherman’s Bend 🥳

Do you have a link to the Richo reference re hair testing ladder? I can't seem to find any reference.

This is the trouble ..we boycott the game ..what does that achieve. We need to support & cheer for our team ..staying at home helps Collingwood..we don’t need to be a Collingwood type of supporter but surely you can be a loud & proud Dees supporter!!

Baring any hitches the 23 that trained today will be the starting 23 tomorrow night and with the exception of Kozzy (and fingers crossed no injuries) will likely be the 22 for Opening Round. With Kozzy out of OR there is a spot up for grabs so perhaps it could be Clarry. Also someone could impress in the 2s tomorrow and claim a spot.

He's absolutely outstanding near the sticks. His best attribute as a footballer. I wish he could have more opportunities further up the field.

Thanks Andy appreciate your efforts it’s great to be in loop.😁

Great work Andy, many thanks.

Most players have gone back to the rooms. Trac, Viney, Chandler, Windsor, Howes, Fritsch, K Brown, Kozzy & Bowser having shots for goal.

Not so much sunscreen to apply.

Great work Andy. Thanks! Is K. Brown with the forwards? Is he involved and looking sharp?

I think Verrell needs one more year at Casey and another pre season before he will be ready for genuine seniors time. 2025 will be the beginning of the Verrall era.

I thought that was in reference to the VFL game, not the AFL one?

I think Clarrie will play Round 0, accumulate 35 disp with 2 goals. If not he'll do it Round 1 🤣

If you’re pinning your hopes on Tmac playing in our backline. This is going to be a horrible year.

The best way to get back at the Pies and honor Angus Brayshaw is to win the 2024 premiership, i'd be pretty disappointed if the players viewed this any other way. I can guarantee you that Maynard and the Pies will be hoping the players target him because we showed on queens birthday we're more than capable of beating them on the big stage if we're focused and locked in on the task.

Yep the Pies narrowly had top spot in the most hated department for a while, now no club will ever come close to the hatred I have for them. I hope this premiership is cursed and they never see another premiership until they permanently retire his cursed number.

I hate many things, I mean things that really matter, BUT Maynard and Collingwood have gone BEYOND hate! I'm seriously affected by this incident!☠️