Leaderboard

I also went down to training this morning. Didn't see Kentfield or AMW. McVee and Fullarton ran a lot of laps and didn't look overly hindered. Spargo was in a singlet (not the training jumper the players wear) doing his own thing - would seem to be a while away. When I got there they were doing two groups of a short kicking game. Looked like the aim was to practice hitting up precise kicks through a zone (picking the right option and executing) while for the defending team it was to get in the right position and then try chop off the kicks. There was no tackling and ball movement was pretty much by foot only. Trac, Sparrow and Chin participated in this wearing the yellow hats. Jake Melksham landed a few lovely weighted passes that somehow bypassed the zoning players. They then moved into a handball game, working on moving the ball by hand in tight, defending the ball movement by hand and constantly running up and back. This was with tackling and the yellow-hatters stepped out of this drill. Max and Lever participated and looked to be back in full training. They then moved into match sim. It wasn't an intra-club or anything like that, it seemed more about full ground ball movement. There was tackling and contact but it didn't appear to me to be at practice match / intra-club type ferocity. Also, there weren't any stoppages around the ground. I thought the ball movement was pretty slick and fast for the most part, but hey, it's far from the pressures of a game against genuine opposition. Positionally, Petty was in defence. Fritsch played further up the ground (half forward). One would question why you wouldn't want a player with Fritsch's nous and goal kicking ability as close to goal as possible, but seeing him roll onto the left and lace out some lovely passes into leading forwards probably answers that question. I thought Adams made a few good desperate spoils. JVR leapt well at the ball and took a nice hanger on TMac from a long Rivers kick that sat up perfectly for him. Speaking of Rivers, he did seem to use that long leg on most occasions, driving the ball deep inside 50. They then went back into the handball game before then going back to more of the ball movement match sim. The yellow-hatters didn't do the match sim, Trac ran some laps and just looks in ripping shape. At one stage Oliver really put on the after-burners to chase down a player and I thought to myself, why go so hard, you could nick a hammy (MFCSS). After the chase he went to ground and started stretching his leg and then walked off the ground and I thought, that's why! But he came back on a few minutes later and resumed playing in the match sim and seemed to play it out. That would suggest it was likely cramp although I do remember him playing out the game after his hammy against Port (more MFCSS). Just finally, it's hard to stand out in the way you run/move when out there with 35 other professional athletes, but gee two players for me just looked on a different level with how they cover the ground. The first was Kozzie with his lateral movement. It's nothing we don't know, but his ability to twist and turn and sidestep is quite remarkable - they just couldn't tackle him. The second was Windsor. He is one of those runners that looks like they are skiing down a mountain. He just eats up the ground and is so effortless in his running style.

Rehab on the paddock as I approach. Sparrow and Chandler in the yellow no contact cap, Tracc, and Verral, plenty of ball handling and running. Viney doing his own program. McVee and Fullarton running laps. Tholstrup in his own program. Spargo still on his own program, looking leaner than early on in preseason. No Kentfield again. They main group of about 40 players, gathered, looked at the board and half of them turned their jersey's inside out, creating light and coloured groups. In the warm up kicks, Williams took Langford aside and put pressure on him to get his left foot working with precision. Good to see Lever, Lindsay and Woey in full training. A bit of wind around, they handled it well. The warm-up drills were done with plenty of skill and voices. The score board was up and running. They started a competitive kicking, then handball game in small areas. The rehabbers, Sparrow, Chandler, and Tracc, stepped into the kicking (no contact) game and separated from the handball one as it was contact. The sims began 4 Quarters of about 7, 8 minutes each. Lights well ahead, then got over run by colours, who evened it up with the wind advantage and continued to against the wind. The backline of Tmac, and Windsor piercing the centre corridor got them dominating. McAdam has found his mojo, running offensively and defensively (I think he is trusting his body), He is very quick, involved, and skilful. Lindsay playing wing against Woewodin, was heavily involved. He has a good tank, in the with the backs, then to the forward area. Closer down quickly, wants to get the ball, wants to stop the opposition. Works well as an outside runner. Langdon played in the centre, alongside Clarry and Langford (could be an ANB substitute), got plenty of forward possessions. Laurie in the centre mids, moving well, getting plenty and using good skills. JVR, getting some good looks at it in Central positions Fritta playing wide and high. Finding it difficult to get them kicking it to him. Melksham looking good with leadership qualities. Petty got some mongrel going, even with own players.

A few more thoughts on today's training... Teams very competitive in competitive skills training. Lots of encouragement from players on the boundary line waiting to rotate. Many physical exchanges throughout. Tackling was fierce. disposal skills were mostly very good. I didn't see AMW or Kentfield Hore has developed a defender's 'mean-streak'. He put Melksham and one other very close to the fence with aggro nudges across the boundary line. Ricky Mentha is finding a lot of ball and delivering at pace in match sims. May has lost none of his physical aggression but still is a little wayward with some passes. If Billings is competing with Sharp for a spot on the wing, I have Billings ahead on training form. I asked Kilani if he was coming, he responded with, "How you going"... maybe he didn't hear me clearly, it was very windy! Fritsch continues to play further up the field and he seems up for the challenge. Cool in traffic, constantly on the move. Spargo was running the boundary at a hot pace and seemingly unhindered. Max took part in match sims and competitive drills. Showed his strengths! Langdon is in superb touch. Langford is looking like a round 1 starter these days. Maintaining the pre-season excellence -> Rivers, Oliver, Salem, Windsor & McDonald Woewodin is developing. He puts body into every contest (courageously), tackles well and has stamina. Only a shade behind Sparrow in a similar position... might be the 'Nibbler' type. If I was picking a round one team based on today's session (and on who looks 100% available) it would be this, B: McVie, May, McDonald HB: Salem, Lever, Windsor C: Billings, Viney, Langdon HF: Fritsch, Turner, Petracca F: McAdam, Van Rooyen, Chandler R: Gawn, Oliver, Rivers Int: Petty, Laurie, Melksham, Langford, Howes

Recovering from haircut

We’ll see a different McAdam in 2025. Elusive, quick, committed starter for round 1

Langford already showing signs he will be a midfield superstar for us long term. His footy IQ and power are tantalising to watch. The fact he's strong in the air too means he can play forward and be a tricky matchup due to his size. You'd love to see him and Petracca form a rotation of roles mid/forward and forward/mid, with Trac more mid and Langford more forward, then gradually swap them over time as Trac winds down and Langford develops. Can't wait for round 1!

All in attendance today except Luker Kentfield - hasn't been seen for a while? Roy George, Mitch Hardie and (I think) Jai Culley "train-on" players. McVee, Trac, Spargo, Tholstrup, Sparrow, Fullarton, Chandler in rehab. Verrall seemed to be in and out of it. Viney threw his strapping away and joined the main group early. Petty continued to train down back, Disco up forward - interestingly they seem to be trying Sestan down back (and he looked OK). As per other comments, Clayton, Rivers and Windsor looking great through the mid-field in match sim. McAdam (very lively again), Johnson and JVR normally deepest with Fritter playing a lot more upfield - maybe just to get more work into him. Max back to full training and Campbell was making him work. Campbell looking like he will be a capable (if not like-for-like) replacement should he be needed. Still no sign of JVR or Johnson doing any secondary ruck-work (who will it be?). Lever back into the main group and he and May doing their usual thing - TMac also down back - does he fit in with Petty also back? Other random observations - Howes continues to look good, Adams seems to have discovered a bit of spark. Salem used a lot in the yellow vest (overlap) player in the match sim.

Okay, idle speculation but I think Kentfield is off the list and one of the three train on will be selected in the draft. My pick would be Roy George. Other observations. Sestan worked very well off half back, he's a very good kick. McAdam was a star in a lot of the drills. If he stays fit we have something. At one stage Windsor had the ball running to goal. Lingers decided to run him down. Did manage it despite Duke going at 85%. Windsor and Kossie, as Scoop said, stand out with their physical attributes. Roy George continues to impress. Does some special things. I was on his bandwagon at the end of last season but I am now. He's got some special attributes. I disagree with WW. The match sims are not all that physical. It's tackle with care and little contact in the air but Tmac might have a word with JvR. Addition: had a long chat with Kingy, was really approachable and happy to talk. He's a big fan of Windsor going back "because you don't get enough of the ball on the wing". He thought as a team we had the greatest highest and lowest variance. He had a long chat to Trac, I love to know what he thinks now.

McAdam showing fantastic dash. Harvey Langford looks the goods on traffic. Footy IQ seems high. As I type that, Langford nails Riv in a brutal tackle that can be heard around the ground.

Windsor doesn't run, he glides. Love watching him move around the ground. He'll be an asset no matter where we decide to play him this year.

In cleaning out the attic, I'm finding all sorts of gems that I've been lugging around since the late 90s when the parental home was sold. This is a goody! The menu that my mum must've gotten signed. She was passionate about the Dees but I'm not sure she ever saw a live match after they sacked Smithy. I can even read most of the signatures, which would be rare these days.

That’s not correct, Kings has on many occasions complimented us on our training intensity and professionalism in the way we’ve gone about things with a brutality that others need to match. When discussing Carlton training sessions pre season 2024 he mentioned they had gone up a level to a physical intensity he’d previously witnessed at Melbourne sessions. Whilst he’s a [censored] at times, got to acknowledge some positives he says

What's David King got against @george_on_the_outer?

They're calling him Harvey Reid 🤑

Loving this thread!!!

Clarry cleverly intercepts a Kozzy handball and nicely delivers the ball inside 50. He is looking fit

Thanks Ricky and welcome to Demonland

Mate, it's a view. Live with it.

Tbf I'd rather Lever not be calling for short kicks in the backline... he's a bit of a turnover merchant. Would much prefer a Bowey, McVee, Salem, Windsor be the one calling for short passes.

I need more reports….More!!!

I attended some of the training session this morning. I as very impressed with some of Bill Laurie's efforts. Jvr was marking everything including a great mark over Tmac. Trac is looking in good condition, and ready to go. Clayton Oliver looks very fit, and is in everything. Jack Billings looks very fit, and very keen to have a big season.

Beautiful morning at Gosch's Paddock. Very healthy crowd so far. Fullerton, Spargo, Tholstrup, McVee on light duties. Viney running laps. EDIT: JV looks to be back with the main group

When they set up for the sims, Windsor starts off the half-back. They are really pushing high up the ground as forwards or backs. Meaning Caleb is forward of centre as they compact the contested area. The backs had TMac as the last man in one set up I saw, with May on his right side. The forwards had JVR as the last man who was loose on regular occasions, with the backs pushing past the 50 arc. The wings had, Billings, Sharp, Woewodin and Lindsay most of the time. Langdon was in with the centre mids. Brown was set as a half-forward, as they started the sim, then often working like a winger as Windsor did. Though not matched up with a player, so outnumbering the opposition's wingman.

Salem takes a courageous intercept mark going back with the flight. His kick falls short of AJ inside 50 who recovers beautifully before turning around nailing a short pass to Clarry.

Just needs a consistent run of games to see if he can make it as I’ve said in previous posts. One in, one out, back to sub just isn’t going to show it.

The boys are now in a new drill focusing on short kicks around the 50. Kalani White is here and participating. First time I've seen AJ in person. Imposing presence and looks a likely type. Easy to see why he's being mooted for a round 1 spot.

I think Caleb is playing out of the backline. I haven't seen him starting on the wing in the sims yet. I was impressed with Lindsay in the wing position. Sharp definitely has the tank and speed. My worry is, does he get enough of the ball and can he use it well. A few off kicks/turnovers today. Then there is Billings, Woewodin, Sparrow, Brown, even Bowey and Rivers. Our set ups are going to be interesting. Many options, and pressure for positions, especially with Melky, Salem and McAdam doing well in preseason. Mentha is improving, then there is AMW, Laurie and Hore, Johnson and Campbell. Sestan, Jefferson, Adam and Howes also in the mix. I haven't been able to leave many out of the possibilities. We have good depth this year.

Thanks for the updates all. A new bull in Langford to look forward to - very exciting

According to Jack Viney, the foundation for Melbourne’s coming resurgence began at the pre-season camp at Bright, which focused heavily on the players’ connection, perspective and communication. Dees star reveals ‘robust discussions’ after turmoil of 2024 “Melbourne veteran hard nut Jack Viney says the club’s ­decision to prioritise player connection and team bonding has allowed it to overcome last year’s problems. “The Demons’ culture was heavily questioned as midfield superstars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca weighed up their futures at the club last season. “But best-and-fairest winner Viney, who ran a personal best 2km time trial over summer, said the Demons had changed their approach with the help of mindset master Ben Crowe”.

Correct. Signed a contract extension alongside Kynan Brown and AMW back in September last year. I'm not going to jump to conclusions and say he's been delisted as of yet like some have already. Clearly something has happened where perhaps the club has given him some sort of personal leave to deal with whatever is going on in his life. I hope he is okay.

Big thanks to all the track watchers, very much appreciated

Jeffo finds himself with the ball on the midfield and takes a bit too long to get rid of it. Absolutely dumped in a tackle by Clarry.

Salem has his kicking boots on today. Nails a pass to Jeffo in the pocket who snaps truly. JVR very vocal inside 50.

We're now in some good old fashioned match sim that is taking place in one half of the ground. Tom Campbell has great touch for a big man. Harvey Langford showing his strength by shaking off a tackle and nailing a pass to the player on the wing. Roo marking absolutely everything. Jeffo not so much.

The main group has now split into two. The group closest to us have also split in half and look to be practicing transition from defence to the forward line. Trac is fully participating in this drill. Lever very vocal in defense and competing well against Jefferson and Turner. Laurie has been a standout so far with his give, receive then forward 50 entries. JVR with a nice bit of forward craft. Lost Petty and led to the beautiful pass of Sharp. He then converted beautifully from 50m

He was very good today. Seems to have developed his motor, and is now always on the move. Sure by foot and focused.

McVee seemed unhindered in rehab - perhaps precautionary. Tholstrup also not limping or showing any other discomfort - just doing very little. Pure speculation, but perhaps concussion protocols, or illness, or management...not too worried about these two. Chandler's shoulder maybe a couple of weeks away and the timeline on Spargo is unknown...maybe we will get an official injury update this week, particularly with 7 or 8 not training today...

I paid out on Kingy for only ever saying negative things about us. Then he started saying really good things about us. I hate it when that happens. 😂

Langford out bodies Kozzy and takes a strong mark in the centre.

Full ground match sim I believe 13v13 with one player in a bib playing for the attacking team. JvR looking good as deepest forward playing on McDonald, tmac copped a big knee in the back with JVR taking a mark on him.

Full oval match sim now. Rivers showing great run and carry in the middle but has flubbed a few easy kicks.

Trac, Sparrow, Chandler and Verrell also training away from the main group. Currently kicking to each other inside the 50 before attempting a running shot for goal. Trac with a couple of absolute bullets that sounded amazing off the boot!

We're now in a high paced handball/keepings off drill. Melksham showcasing all of his years of experience as he twists and turns through traffic. Turner and Petty also surprisingly agile and skillful for big men.

Laurie again lowers his eyes and nails a pass to JVR who takes a strong mark. Rinse and repeat one minute later only for TMac to intercept with a late spoil.

Signing with The Stars will just be his local club. He can still sign and play with Casey

This is what separates the men clubs from the boy clubs. I've got full faith that they are addressing things and I'm sure Ben Crowe is already making a difference.

Fair Work signed off on the traineeships. The union says they're not worthwhile but if you're keen for a career in hospitality it can get you a great gig managing a bar or restaurant. Many fast food joints do the same thing. I got paid less back in the day at Maccas to do the same thing. I'm sure businesses are taking advantage of it but Grill'd did nothing wrong legally.

I think Geelongs interest in Oliver was more about trying to buy cheap. Moneyball. I'm glad we held out with both Trac and Clayton (obviously) as given the situation we would have been lowballed for sure. I don't think either will go now at the end of this year, but if they do we should get reasonable compensation. This also makes me less nervous about any Kozzie trade. We have shown we won't be bent over when a contracted player aks for out. By the time these contracts run out there is no doubt circumstances will be quite different and there is every chance the player will be happier to continue with us. Also I thought the club handled the Neil Bullen trade with a lot of class. Against what many in the media would have us believe I think we've had a great off season, given we have moved on our former President and CEO. To have all the upheaval dealt with before Christmas and move into the New Year with a stable club was no mean feat. I say well done MFC.