Leaderboard

Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they wanted to be there. 21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They have slimmed down, especially the top half. Perhaps less upper-body work in the gym. Viney's thigh are huge. Nathan Jones brought the exuberance to many in his interactions. Chaplin was stamping his method into the forward work. Three across the line, the flankers staying wide, though with some synchronising as they turn and run. The delivery, then getting a flanker to be front and centre, as the other stays wide. Appears he wants them to turn quickly and make angles or direct/sharp runs at the ball carrier. Bassett going about it quietly, working on getting the outside run happening at the stoppages. Gus (the training assistant), led the Remembrance (lest we forget) ceremony for the minutes silence. Teared up as the RAAF jets overflew us on there way to the shrine, good timing. The squad was doing the basics well. In a few of the drills barely a ball hit the ground. I was impressed with the camaraderie, vocal noise and connection, we have a good lot of youngsters. Jed Adams looks like a leader, learnt some lessons from the Lever in the shape of being vocal. TMac was in boots, that's the first time in ages I have not seen him start the pre-season in runners. Foot problems are well behind him. The only one who looked little rusty was, Windsor. Jefferson is my tip as a big improver. Often led the running group he was in. Some of his handballing was great, with the ball being delivered 10 meters out, with precision to running players Sestan has slimmed down and looking good. Turner and Howes are getting bigger, and as was pointed out by another tracky, so is Verrall. None of the new players, Campbell or Sharp were there. There were 6 technicians lining around the computer screens. Seemed like many of the Administrators and powers that be, turned up (No Green). When they did some contact drills, both Tholstrup and Bowey disengaged from the group. The main effort in tackling drills, was as Choco called out, 'drive them low and keep going at the arms'. Salem and Fritsch were running laps. Fritta was looking fantastic as he out did Salo, who was straining at times. Goody was watching them very carefully, I had the impression he liked what he saw, as did I.

Report from Ghostwriter went to Gosch’s this morning and sent me this report… 1st - 4th year players today. Some seniors chose to attend: Viney, Salo, Fritta, Tmac, HP35. The vibe was amazing. The sunshine and lack of wind made it even better. They all look great; trim and toned and not one of them is out of shape. You thought Vines couldn’t possibly get any musclier? Think again. Good luck trying to tackle him, oppo chumps, see you in the broken bones ward at the Royal Melbourne! Nathan Basset already commanding much respect from the boys as well as Goody and Chocco. Very professional. Troy Chaplin confident and decisive when addressing his charges. Idk if Tom Campbell is any good at footying but believe me, he’s a lovely person. It’s no wonder he and BBB are besties, carbon copy right there. Chin Chandler rocking a dramatic buzzcut. First reaction: WTF?! Immediately followed by It actually looks good. No easing into training this preseason. No siree Bob. Straight into serious, physical drills. A lot of practice at baulking a couple of players while running into open goal. Leb puts the “Win” in “Windsor.” He absolutely nailed it. Woey junior super impressive when tackling, the boy simply does not let up. Brings one to ground, springs back up and takes down another one. So good to see. Jed Adams was wearing #19 (shack attack’s body isn’t even cold yet) but it’s probably only because he didn’t have a clean #26. Ollie Sestan looks great. Clearly hasn’t missed a single day in the gym. Seems super confident when talking about a potential debut in the offing. Jeffo also appears way more confident compared to last season. Not afraid to go in hard. Seems more agile as well. Still needs to straighten tf up but the Quasimodo is no longer as prominent. A slightly deranged regular was there. She gave Goody a big ‘ol bear hug and told him she’s so happy now that all that shhiitt is behind him after years of having to listen to the nasty allegations and that she’s even happier that he’s still our coach. He genuinely appreciated her sentiment then went on to praise the Demon Army. Love that guy. Chocco the complete opposite. He showed the slightly deranged one a video he took at Ikon during the last W H&A match. He took it from above and behind the cheer squad and said the CS is too noisy and raucous and extremely annoying, in particular the slightly deranged one and that next time he’s gonna bring a bottle of water to tip on her head. She told him to GAGF. 🤣 ‘Til next time, Kat. Lotsa love, your friend xxx

Surreal.

I managed to stop in for a little look, but i am not great at training reports so i will do my best. Everyone looked in really good shape from a fitness perspective, the players look lean, are running really well and i think it's really encouraging for the young guys to look this fit and ready to go before pre-season even starts. Jacob Van Rooyen looked noticeably stronger to me, i'd be shocked if he doesn't take a really big step this year, I agree with other posters thoughts on Jefferson and Windsor, both stood out, Jefferson looks like he's done an enormous amount of work. One thing that really stood out for me was the impact of Nathan Jones, the entire group looked like they got a real lift from him being there, and you could see right away he is going to settle in really well to coaching life. It looks as though a lot of players have been given homework around their running, which probably reflects the change in game plan Goody looks like the absolute weight of the world has been lifted off his shoulders, it seems the break and release of some pressure has done him an enormous amount of good. I know it's very early but the entire vibe of the club felt much more lighthearted, fun and energetic than i can remember it being since maybe 2021

Sorry about the autocorrect, not a good start by Slarti. The session went for around 90 minutes and as far as I could see all 1 to 4 year players were there with Woey in 12 and Jed Adams in 19. It was pretty much a non contact session with the normal handball drills, lots of running and a little bit of field ball movement stuff. Good to see none of these boys in any sort of rehab group. Of the oldies Tmac, Viney, Chin, Marty Hore, Petts and Bowser did the full session with the young blokes and Salo and Fritta did a lot of lap running and a bit of kicking away from the group. It's really not possible to take much out of the session but Duke, Kolt and Disco sort of stood out but others would have picked others. Kentfield was there and he is one big unit. I was a bit disappointed Trac and Clarrie weren't there as it would have made a bit of a statement but it probably means nothing.

I am here at Caulfield but cannot find the training ground. Lots of horse manure but not much else. Am I at the right spot?

Managed to make it down to training as well, beautiful day for it. Not a huge amount to report but here are a few of my observations: – No players appeared to be in rehab, although Bowey did appear to spend a bit of time away from the main group during the bigger drills (if I recall correctly). – Jefferson certainly looks a bit stronger, nothing too dramatic but just looks to have filled out a bit across the shoulders and arms. Reckon he'd measure about 2 inches taller if he wasn't so hunched. – The running drills were in groups with the first and fastest featuring only Chandler, McVee and Windsor. – The tall players were all in the last 2 groups and while they were only doing 200m sprints no one really looked too off the pace which was pleasing. Kentfield, Verrall, Adams, Jefferson etc all keeping up. – Was great to see Jonesy back out there, this time in the sky blue coaches t-shirt. He was high-fiving and getting around all the players like he was still one of them. – Great to see the older heads of TMac and Viney out there leading the way. – Fox News was down with their cameras so might have been wanting to catch a glimpse of Trac or Clarry if they had turned up. – Personally I hoped to see McAdam as I'm keen to see a fit version of him pre-Xmas but hopefully he'll appear in the next few sessions. – McVee, Windsor and Turner probably the players that caught my eye the most.

Welcome back Kev. Love your work as always. Thanks to Slarti as well.

TMac, Petts, Vines, Chin, Bowser all training with the 1 to 4’s.

Looking in good nick.

Don't like playing the bombers early in the season, they usually don't start choking til June

Ghost writer has said report will come when she gets home. So it may be posted here after I teach my Period 5 class. Nonetheless it's coming. She did drip feed this gem - "I gave Goody a big ol' hug and told him I'm glad that all that s*&^ is behind us now. He said thank you, it's great to have your support. Then he saw my Demon Army cap and said, 'And the Demon Army! You guys are incredible, always for us, we really appreciate you guys!' It was a special moment, he looked so touched. The poor bugger has put up with the bs for years."

Anyone else seen The Middle 👀

fwiw I spoke to one of the candidates for the Glen Eira council, who expressed support for the MFC facilities. They got elected.

Send my regards to Ghostwriter please

Langford looks a beast. You’d be hard to complain if ends up a Demon.

Finally a role reversal after he carried us for years!

I hate to think what you’ll do with a picture of Jefferson looking big!

We really gotta stop recruiting from WA 😂

I once phoned up said spiritual leader of Tibet and he sent me a large goat with a long neck. Turns out I'd called "Dial-A-Llama" by mistake.

Wow how good to get back to real footy, huge thanks to Kev, Demonland, Startibart, DemonWheels, Katrina ( Mrs Walker Ghost who walks) and all posters for the great reports and comments. Geez Jefferson and Verrall have really put on size and how happy was Jonesy to be back with his boys.

Forgot to mention Marty Hore. He was looking good and working hard on his fitness, leading in some of the group runs. Would imagine he is going to do all he can to give himself a chance to play or at least be ready if he gets a call up to the main team.

Is it just me, or does Chunk look happy as a pig in mud to be back? That photo with Fritta is priceless!!

Since Brad Green became interim president and since Gary Pert retired, it seems to me that the club has found it's feet and is on a better track. Litigation over, Goody reinstated as a top fella, Clarry and Tracca about to hit the track, no internal issues, team leaders on the track showing the way and the sun is shining today. Who could ask for anything more? GO DEES ,

Jeffo looks big.

I'll message her shortly. ATM I'm wrangling a Year 8 class who's not in the mood of doing any work!

Dali Lama - new recruit?

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times AFL Gosch's Paddock Monday, November 11 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 11:30am

No Dees in Opening Round. “Carlton, Melbourne and Richmond were the other three Victorian teams involved in the inaugural opening round this year but will not take part in 2025.”

Kentfield, Verrall, Jeffo, Howes

We live in hope that one day Gus #10 is active with the club again.

Report is coming, my ghost writer is there. So far the main report is meeting Tom Campbell, and thinking he's the sweetest person alive, much in the same vein as Benny Brown.

That is why I follow Liverpool

Fritta running laps.

Watching these clips again make me want Langford and Hynes. The latter is on the end of a lot of Langford's bullets. If Langford had pace he'd IMO be so far ahead of any of the others as a number pick 1. I think his lack of pace is overstated though. He's got that burst of acceleration when he hits the contest. He's got great hands, a beautiful kick, a great overhead mark and he kicks goals. He's very likely to be an A+ AFL player IMO.

I heard several houses in he vicinity have collapsed due to the ferocity of this session.

Let's get this out of the way, the boys are fitter, stronger, faster and boy some have put on weight and lots of voice today....

#DemonSpiritual?

i flew back from london. landed on saturday night 6pm. played soccer 11am. scored. should have flown to london and back then played soccer more often

It's hard to imagine two people pull off the same look (white top, blue shorts, sandals and pulled up white socks) more differently than Windsor and Tholstrup.

Skipped uni and decided to head down for renewed hope after watching a diabolical Tottenham go down to yet another formerly winless side. Crystal Palace and now Ipswich. Really hoping Tottenham would deliver some positivity after a woeful 2024 from the Dees, but so far, it’s literally like watching Melbourne. Miss “easy” goal attempts, loads of possession/disposal which ends up to nothing, a list/roster capable of more, under achieving… Tough couple years supporting both teams. Anyway, great to see the players back and with off field issues no in the rear view mirror, all eyes onto 2025. If we are to threaten next year, the young guys who started training today should/could be massive catalysts as we can no longer rely on the likes of Lever, May, Gawn, Viney etc because they are not only aging, but also susceptible to injury.

🥰💞😍 Not missed a game since his debut in round 1, 2023. Resilient, tough, classy. Smoothest mover since TJ. 🙏🫰🙏🫰🙏 his contract is extended VERY soon!

@picket fence just saw Jeffo in an insta video... definitely has put on size.

Based on the above herald sun mock they are suggesting if North take Tauru we can end up with Langford or Smith, if North take a mid it could be Tauru or Smith (Adelaide linked with Langford/Draper) If we take Tauru at 5 we won't take Armstrong at 9. I could deal with a Tauru & Travalia/Allen combo.

I was very strongly in the two midfielders camp until I stopped and realised that the lingering idea that we have key position players coming out of our ears is no longer really true. Brown, Schache and Tomlinson all gone. Smith played tall - also gone. McDonald had a wonderful year but this is almost certainly his last and I'd be worried if he was crucial this year in the same way he was last. Hore seems a bit of a stop gap. Press conference comments alone suggest Fullarton might not make it. Kentfield seems like a throw at the stumps. Adams still seems some way off. Jefferson seems promising, but no certainty. And then there's the question of whether Petty is still interested in returning to SA. I have no idea if Armstrong is a good enough footballer to warrant pick 9 in this draft, but I can see the rationale behind a mid and a KPP.

I'm not against Armstrong or another tall at that pick, just would feel premature to write Jeffo off, especially given neither Jeffo or Armstrong look like they could move to defence

Chris Cavanagh’s mock draft in today’s Herald Sun (note: he also speculates that Carlton might turn this around by picking Sid Draper ahead of Finn O’Sullivan) 1. RICHMOND - SAM LALOR Mid/Fwd, 188cm, GWV Rebels/Bacchus Marsh 2. NORTH MELBOURNE - ALIX TAURU Def/Fwd, 193cm, Gippsland Power/Warragul Industrials 3. BRISBANE – LEVI ASHCROFT (match Blues bid) Mid, 179cm, Sandringham Dragons/Old Brighton 4. CARLTON – FINN O’SULLIVAN Mid, 182cm, Oakleigh Chargers/Koroit 5. ADELAIDE – SID DRAPER Mid, 182cm, Sth Adelaide/Willunga 6. MELBOURNE – HARVEY LANGFORD Mid, 191cm, Dandenong Stingrays/Mount Martha We say: If Tauru is off the board and Langford gets past the Crows, popular opinion in recruiting circles suggests that the Demons will snap up this big-bodied midfielder. Standing 191cm, he models his game on Marcus Bontempelli and is capable of having a big impact both with his work around clearances and his ability to take marks and kick goals when forward. The other player linked to this pick is Jagga Smith, who some scouts believe would suit Melbourne well given his ability to also play as a creative small forward. 7. RICHMOND – JOSH SMILLIE Mid, 195cm, Eastern Ranges/Park Orchards 8. ST KILDA – JAGGA SMITH Mid, 182cm, Oakleigh Chargers/Richmond Juniors 9. GOLD COAST – LEO LOMBARD (after Saints bid) Mid/Fwd, 179cm, Suns Academy/Broadbeach 10. ST KILDA – TOBIE TRAVAGLIA Def/Mid, 187cm, Bendigo Pioneers/Sandhurst 11. ESSENDON – ISAAC KAKO (after Melbourne bid) Fwd, 176cm, Calder Cannons/Northern Saints 12. MELBOURNE – HARRY ARMSTRONG Fwd, 195cm, Sandringham Dragons/Ormond We say: The Demons have been strongly linked to Armstrong, who is the best available key forward. He is a strong-marking player who is also athletic and boasts a thumping and accurate left-foot kick. 13. RICHMOND – BO ALLAN Mid/Def, 191cm, Peel Thunder/Halls Head 14. RICHMOND – JACK WHITLOCK Fwd, 200cm, Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton 15. WEST COAST – XAVIER LINDSAY Mid, 183cm, Gippsland Power/Leongatha 16. PORT ADELAIDE – JOBE SHANAHAN Fwd, 195cm, Bendigo Pioneers/Moama 17. FREMANTLE – JOE BERRY Fwd, 181cm, Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta 18. GWS – TAJ HOTTON Mid/Fwd, 182cm, S’ham Dragons/Hampton Rovers 19. GWS – NOAH MRAZ Def, 198cm, Dandenong Stingrays/Narre Nth Foxes 20. W.BULLDOGS – MURPHY REID Mid, 181cm, Sandringham Dragons/South Melbourne Districts 21. RICHMOND – COOPER HYNES Mid/Fwd, 190cm, Dandenong Stingrays/Bonbeach 22. BRISBANE – SAM MARSHALL (after Swans bid) 185cm, Brisbane Lions Academy/ Sandringham Dragons/ Old Melburnians 23. SYDNEY - JESSE DATTOLI Fwd/Mid, 179cm, Northern Knights/Heidelberg 24. RICHMOND – ALEX DODSON Ruck, 201cm, Sturt/Payneham 25. GWS – JASPER ALGER Fwd, 183cm, Oakleigh Chargers/Warragul 26. SYDNEY – MATT WHITLOCK Def/Fwd, 198cm, Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton 27. RICHMOND – TOM GROSS Mid/Fwd, 182cm, Oakleigh Chargers/Old Trinity