Leaderboard

I attended training today to get out of my un air-conditioned house. I pretty much just sat in the shade so I'm only going from what I saw from a far. Rehab group: Filipovic,King,TMac,Pedo,Wagner & Hannan Brayshaw came off the ground with troubles to his foot. Got assessed by the docs and they put him through a series of run throughs and exercises. Nev also came off early but wasn't attended to as did Frost who had a bit of work done on his lower back. There was some form of VIP group that got invited down to training, a lot of oldies including the great Ron Barassi. Robbo & Daisy Pearce were also there. Matt Egan addressed this group for a few minutes and as luck would have it I happen to be within earshot of most of this. He gave a brief description of what we were meant to be seeing in each drill (at that moment). There was one drill where there were 2 lots of defenders & attackers and the defenders were to block leads and the attackers were to block the defenders from blocking leads. Looked like a bit of merry-go-round until it was explained by Egan. Another drill was stoppage work from the mids and the other drill was leading & contesting marking up forward with an emphasis on repeat efforts & Hogan's name was dropped. Egan said whilst they are happy with Hogan's contested marking they'd like him to have repeat efforts and impact more contests. Egan was asked about the music at training. For those who haven't been to training, they have music blasting out from the punt rd end. The reason behind this is to overcome noise & in game day situations there are points where you cant hear the person that's yelling at you so you have to use signals. Egan also made mention of Goodwins coaching style at training where he likes short,sharp,intense drills. If you've been you'll notice that drills go for about 5 mins and then they huddle in the middle very quickly & break out again. He likes to change it up and not leave room for rest and see how the group deals with fatigue. One thing that was noticeable in todays session was the emphasis of using your opposite foot in the drills. Frost, Petracca were prob the worst. Suprisingly Weiderman pretty handy on the op. There was a 3/4 ground drill where the emphasis was on quick ball movement, playing on or 'rolling' as the players would call it. Oliver had good hands, Hibberd, Lewis & Watts field kicking were sublime & Spencer held his own against Gawn. I was a little disappointed when a wayward kick got kicked to Viney and as he lead to it he was quickly approaching the fence. I was the only one to yell out 'fence' and by then it was too late and he cannoned into it. Luckily he is built like a wombat and got straight back up but it could have been far worse.|| Max Gawn made note of the lack of talk and gave a spray from the sidelines. As I left they were doing some form of 3/4 ground run throughs around the boundary. Up & back twice. As they finished and naturally put their hands behind their heads, Gawn & Lewis ripped into em and said words to the affect 'don't show signs of fatigue. The comp wont know what's gonna hit em'. Wagner, TMac & Pedo did a lot of lap running. Leadership group locks at this stage look like: Jones,Gawn,Viney,Lewis Contrary to recent reports, Oliver was in the main session today looking like he has knocked off the puppy fat. Petracca looked like he was on limited minutes. Feel free to ask questions, however I normally drink at this time of the night

Got there at 12, stayed for 45 minutes. It was very warm! Robbo was hosting a touring group, presumably the draftees families. Rehab: Tom Mc, Pedda, Wagner, King, Hannan, Flippers Not sighted: JKH, the prince. Garland had some tape on a knee but was moving fine. Ben Ken had his forearm padded. Viney, Trengove and Vanders were back in the main group. They seem to be training more in position groups now. When I got there mids were doing stoppage drills competing in 2 teams focusing on spread from the stoppage. Clarry won one of his trade mark beast mode and fast hands clearances and then burst forwards to receive the ball away from the stoppage and got on the end of it out in front of Stretch. That had Jones and a lot of the others cheering. For all the negative chat of late it was a reminder that he's a super talent. Bugg impressed me in this drill as well just with his smarts and pace to spread, he was racking up touches. Backs and forwards were working on kicking to or stopping leads. They main group then split in to 2 groups working in half a ground each between the arcs just keepings off 7 on 5. They what pretty fast and decent movement up and down the area. Unfortunately someone sailed a kick high and Jetta punched it away from Stretch's reach and seemed to injure his left ankle. He was up walking off shortly thereafter but I don't think he returned to training. Hopefully it's minor. Over the other side someone kicked towards Viney near the boundary who backed back and went to mark and ran in to the fence with a crunch. It looked really dangerous and momentarily I was worried about Viney but he grabbed the fence and flipped his weight to avoid injury and I really should've been more worried about the fence. After that they went in to 2/3rds of the ground shirts v bibs with the shirts having 2 extra in the midfield group but bibs having an extra down back and zoning. Highlights included a nice long switch from Melksham to open the ground up to then bring it in to the corridor. A kick wide from Vanders to Garlett, in to the corridor to spot up Oliver then a quick handball to get Salem running in on goal. And a nice piece of play with Brayshaw to McKenna to Gawn along the boundary line before handballing inside to a runner and in to open space. Brayshaw came off limping and had trouble with an ankle or even a foot. It had me worried about his foot, but they seemed to tape him up and then have him run up and down the boundary. Another one to watch. Tyson impressed me today with his movement and kicking. He's not fast by any means but he just looks a bit sharper to me and to have found a nice rhythm to his kicking. I don't think he's done a full preseason yet in his career. Salem had an impressive moment when he ran forward inside 50, the kick went to him but defenders closed in, so he spoiled or dropped the mark in front of him, kept his feet running on to the ball and very nonchalantly gathered and snapped a goal. The Weid got on the end of a couple of kicks but he did run up and down on the spot when he was chasing, was very warm though and we do have some defenders who can run now.

I popped in for about an hour and it's always interesting to watch players close up. Because of all the talk on here, I just wanted to double check that Oliver had started to look more like a strong young man and there's no doubt he looked fit and fired up. He's not so round (pear shaped) across the shoulders and clearly has been doing weights to become more broad shouldered - he's now a bit like Adam Cooney in shape. When the mids did a boundary throw drill, he and Jonesy were the standout pair - the two hardest to stop, although Viney with grunt and Tyson with deft touches were also hard to beat in the contest. The thing with Oliver, and the reason why we all of us seem to focus on him (a bit like the old Wattsy days) is that he the key man at clearances for us. Sure Jonesy is more evasive and other may have more finesse but he may yet be our Cripps at the clearances. Some doubt his fitness and sure he may not win our 1km reps, but he is still very quick and when he realises that he is among the fastest at the club, he will grow in confidence and run with the ball a bit, rather than just give it off. His other drawback is that when he kicks it, he often drops the ball from too high and as a result can spray the odd one more than Jonesy or Watts, but the coaches are on to him when he does this, and you can tell by his anger when he mis-kicks, that he gets it. He clearly has vision, he clearly has pace and he has the toughness - of all our young players he is the one that I am tipping will become a star of the game. But it may not happen this year as he has to win his way into a line-up that is mega-deep and he will have to cope with being tagged before too long. Of the others today I was ultra impressed with Chunk - I had him tipped to play off half-back this year and he still might - but I'm not so sure now we want to lose his evasiveness at clearances, particularly when you have Oliver and Viney going for the first touch off the rucks. Petracca, significantly, wasn't part of the clearance drills, and is being programmed again for a high half-forward role. But Brayshaw was a part of the midfield group, as was Jordy, Trenners, Stretch, Vince and ANB - no surprises there I guess. I watched the Weid for a while today as well and he is starting to make progress IMO. He still has to improve his agility, but his kicking at speed after a mark is improving and he generally looks less like a kid nowadays. Whether he has enough pace to be the man on the lead-up is yet to be determined, but he'll play at some stage this year barring major injury. I've got to say I really liked the way Spencil moved today. Maybe Gawny was having an off day - but Jake was doing everything you want from a back-up ruck - working hard to impact a contest, even if Gawny got the tap. I also had a good look at Dion Johnstone - the kid from NT via Scotch College. He is pretty skilfull, and seems to be fairly quick, but I'm not sure if he's explosively quick, so it may make it hard for him to win a spot as a forward flanker. But that is not surprising given the depth we have these days.

Mr Oliver trained with the main group and completed the 2 and 1/2 hour session, miraculous return to full fitness Lots of the same drills, including a lot of non preferred kicking and lots of one on one battles and it was hot still running on top of the ground at the end Harmes, Jones, Melksham, Bugg, Watts, Hogan and Lewis

Colin was always generous with his time and great with his fans when he was with the Demons. We should all wish him a speedy recovery. Good luck Colin.

What an epic trilogy of training reports from @Deespicable, @DeeSpencer & @Stevienic23. Thanks to all 3 of you for the brilliant write-ups.

Nice article about Dec in the local paper https://imgur.com/gallery/4V19X

Without being funny, he is exactly how you would expect him to be, everything he does is just professional, today when they were doing match simulation when they swapped over and some players stood watching, he was pointing, coaching, commenting.......when playing he was just Jordan Lewis

I have put the pics on Instagram, Demonpk, when they were doing the match simulation, when Lewis was on the sideline was always talking, good to hear, Hibberd's left foot is a lethal weapon, couple of missiles through the centre of the ground, into forwards hands eye height

Thanks Saty, for being there for us!

Not suprised. Dawesy is a proud guy always welcome at the MFC i hope

Are we practicing the throwball the bullies perfected last year?

I managed to fall off the planet a few times in my twenties.

These stats do: Round 4 Sunday, April 17 COLLvMELB Collingwood9.13 (67)Melbourne16.6 (102) MCG3:20PM Round 5 Sunday, April 24 MELBvRICH Melbourne20.9 (129)Richmond14.12 (96) MCG7:10PM Round 12 Monday, June 13 MELBvCOLL Melbourne16.8 (104)Collingwood8.10 (58) MCG3:20PM

Great reports Deespicable and DeeSpencer. Much appreciated.

28550 The DEE-Train cannot be stopped

When David King is called the champions data expert, you work out pretty quickly how high they're rated......

I'm surprised that Viney is rated so low, presumably it is a matter of sustaining form over a period. Plus, there's no great evidence to suggest he creates especially damaging clearances or launches many scoring chances. His disposal efficiency is still low and there isn't a trade-off in his favour from having a big positive impact. Jones I would've thought would be higher, too. But again he is just not that damaging most of the time. Champion Data will likely fall madly in love with Angus Brayshaw once he gets some more fitness and racks up some more disposals. The rate at which his possessions become score-assists, effective inside 50s, score launches and the like is terrific. You'd argue that Petracca has the same kind of danger to his game. At the moment our midfield has a few established top accumulators (Jones 28disp/5clr, Viney 26/6, Tyson 25,4) and a few young 'weapons' in Brayshaw and Petracca, with much fewer disposals to spin to gold. Plus the mystery beast Oliver. As for Collingwood and Richmond's high ratings, and the Freo-Bulldogs comparison made prior to the season - The power of Collingwood's midfield is demonstrated by the fact they were mostly competitive in 2016 despite have absolute gobshite forward and defense groups. Richmond is practically defined by their tradition of having a great top end and then depth resembling the detritus of Big Day Out concerts. Right now they've got Cotchin, Prestia and Martin included in their main midfield group. All 3 are more potent than any 1 we've got at the moment, if you can leave the Cotchin-bashing aside for a second. Going back to Fremantle and their anticipated rating for 2016. Neale, Hill, Mundy, Pearce and Barlow were pretty good in 2015, I hear. The they recruited Harley Bennell, and champion data could only go on his stats from play. And that Fyfe kid goes alright. I don't think there'd be many claiming their forward-line depth and sparkling defenders were the factors that took them close to glory, either. Bulldogs are a slightly different deal. I'd argue two factors had them middle of the range of midfields at the end of 2015. First, many players were exciting, obviously terrific talents, but still not quite putting it all together, with each having different gaps in the combination of "control it, get it, use it, do it again". Exactly how we might look at Petracca, Oliver and Brayshaw in 2017. The other factor is that a lot of the Bulldog's 2016 potency was built on flankers contributing really effectively in their roles as well as when they ran through or rotated through the midfield, which means their performance might not be considered part of the compared 'midfield' squad in 2016, let alone in 2015. The Bulldogs transformation from exciting to supreme was all about 'completing' the full package for already excellent players and having great depth which gave great tactical initiative. Think of it like Jesse Hogan. If he comes out in 2017 and has an ideal set shot routine and never shows poor body language, all we'll remember from 2016 if that he was already great and kicked 40+ goals. The halo around him will outshine any memories of his youthful imperfections. So... Champion Data are probably right, within their terms of reference. Collingwood and Richmond do have great top-end midfields, (but the floorboards have rotted through everywhere else). Fremantle did have an amazing midfield... during the 2016 pre-season. The Bulldog's midfield could only be called 'exciting but incomplete' based on their 2014-15 performance. And, based on exposed form over the last couple of years, Melbourne's midfielders are nothing much to shout about. Other things being equal, they weren't generally going to win you a game. But that time should come.

Nut is one of my faves also, giving himself every chance, his kicking is improving every session, particularly the non preferred, looks super fit

A dolphin who was a pet of a park warden and his sons in the 60's tv series or Lachlan Filipovic. Take your pick.

Was always funny when we played away at Dovers, a few of the guys came down with the dreaded Doveton "flu". Terrible affliction, usually took hold between training on Thursday night and Friday afternoon/evening, but apparently you came good Saturday late afternoon and were right to hit up the Beauy Sat night.

I hate to say it coz I liked Max as a bloke and as a player, lots of skill but not the application, Mitch is streets ahead

They both look exactly what they are young developing forwards, lots of work being put into them, they were doing one on one drills and I think the Weed was put against Pencil deliberately, Pencil roughed him up which I think was the plan

A bit like going to Highgate Oval at Crazyburn RTG. I no longer take the Merc. When I was last there Biffen asked me to catch up with an old friend of his. "long hair, obese, plenty of tatts and a decent mo". I had to admit failure in finding Shazza though because every second sheila fitted that description

He was like a leopard pouncing on opponents. Flash certainly changed the landscape for small forwards. The best ones then became defensive as well as offensive weapons. Exciting to watch.

(To the tune of farewell auntie jack) Farewell auntie chris Its time to delist Thou you're very tough You dont mark it enough You're big smart and cute A leader by repute No trades were on offer So its you that must suffer Farewell as our list comes along

I think there is a very good reason for our midfield being ranked so low. They say they are basing it on numbers over two years. That would basically give us Vince and Jones who have played those two years at a high level and Viney at maybe a year and a half. Who else is going to rate a mention over a two year period? Petracca had a few brief stints, but his stats are nothing special. Brayshaw spent almost the entire season injured this year. Tyson had a shocking time in 2015. Oliver is brand new and has only played a handful of games. Melksham was suspended. Over the sample period, our midfield as it is currently listed has done virtually nothing. Half of them haven't even played both years. Of the guys who have, we already know that they aren't the absolute elite of the competition, so why get worked up? What we have are a group of hard-working senior mids who fight for every ball and a crop of youngsters who show every sign of being future stars but haven't produced it yet at AFL level. I don't think the analysis is that unfair when you actually look at the criteria and who we currently have on our list.

Good luck Flash. The 'Duvvy' supporters will be very excited about seeing someone with a full set of teeth. Or any teeth for that matter. I wouldn't necessarily be taking my car to the ground though.

Wish him well, nice bloke and injuries stopped him at Demons.

Max had a lovely kick for a big guy but his body didn't come on at all and he was often in the rehab group. Mitch looks more solid this year after the year off, but he's in the rehab group so it's hard to judge. Macca was getting in to him after he dropped a mark on the lead to just keep attacking the ball hard and he was doing that. His kick is decent and leaps ahead of Spencer and probably ahead of Gawn for the same age. There's not a lot more to report until he gets back in to full training and games. They are doing a lot of fast paced handballing under pressure including handballing over the shoulder and even underground handballs in some drills. Not sure it's at the Dogs level of throwing it but I guess the coaches are working on the theory of practising handballing legally and hoping the umps clamp down on the Dogs. Athleticism and holding his marks are my concerns with the Weid but I agree he's slowly filling out a very solid frame and he does have a lot of class with the way he can gather and kick. I think he leads to all the right spots as well. Totally agree about the Spencil. Although he still managed to falcon one throw in. He just looks stronger, faster and far more coordinated at the moment than he has before. I really like DJ's kicking on both sides and he doesn't panic with the ball in decision making drills. I doubt he'll play much in year 1 but long term I think he'll be groomed to play forward and midfield rather than as a forward pocket specialist.

He has Indigenous roots so isn't he automatically from the NT? Isn't that where all Indigenous people are from?

that equates to 2 months (8 weeks) approx ahead of last year 30,000 by xmas or new year still a possibility but running out of time

I didn't know Warrnambool was in the NT.

Why does Garry have to apologize? The previous relationship was over

Very humble from the big fella. A gentleman.

I too once fell from a great height, but luckily the ground broke my fall.

Saty, curious to know how Hullett and the Weed are going?

Our midfield has a lot of potential, but it does not possess any elite players other than Max Gawn. And Champion Data have excluded ruckmen from its analysis. (This is a bit silly IMO given the ruckman is a key player in the midfield.) Personally, I feel it is more accurate to be judging midfields using team statistics rather than assessing players individually. On the basis of clearances, hard ball gets and loose ball gets, the Dogs are far and away the best midfield and we are slightly above average.

He's got 5 kids and at least two (but I think 3) are boys. Naturally, all 5 will be playing for Melbourne!

Don't forget the deconstructed latte Biff. For you I'll bring some burnt lamb chops, a six pack of VB tinnies and 2 points of goey. That is, if you actually show up.

CD isn't reliable when it comes to this. For instance, because Caddy is ranked as an 'elite midfielder' he is given the same weight as Nat Fyfe, which obviously isn't right. For a much better look at the statistics have a look here https://thearcfooty.com/2016/12/11/how-much-do-midfields-improve-year-to-year/ To me this is much more representative of the current game, and has the Dee's at around the right spot, although I think we all believe it should increase again over the next few seasons

Bleeding on the brain, Coln should be fine.

i remember there was a spate of people flying off balconies in the 60's and 70's

Unless you take another breath.

Gee it's funny when the guys put on a dress though. Takes me back to those hilarious pie nights of yore. I still maintain a big hairy bloke in a dress is comedy gold. Why tinker with the formula.

First mistake.

Yep. I think it probably is. So can posters leave it there please. Things have been going along nicely in the training threads. Hats off to the moderators for their decision to stop derailment. Lets make there job easier and leave chat about chub a lub choo choo out of training threads

I thought you had been banned from partaking in pizzas Red. Something to do with the number of kgs displayed on your scales.? I also attended that evening and can confirm that McCartney was a very special presenter who is really positive about the direction of the club and particularly about our younger brigade. Declan's in good hands.

Attended a a small function with Macca as guest speaker a few weeks ago and thought it was just about the best one I have been to, in terms of learning something new about the club. Macca was honest and informative and you couldn't help but feel that the club is now in great hands, from the CEO down. You got the feeling we would leave no stone unturned, in our quest for success. Also the Pizza was great. Must find out where it came from.

I am no Dawes fan but he did IMO give his all. His failure was not due to lack of effort.