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I was going for an afternoon walk through Ghoshs Paddock and saw Clarry Oliver training on Melbourne's training ground. He was running laps and seemed in good spirits as he replied to me that he was going well. He was there with someone else and they had footballs with them. He looked in good spirits, but I am unsure how far he is behind everyone else in conditioning.

It was a good day at Casey apart from the weather and the wind but fortunately as the players started the match sim both abated a bit and conditions were not too bad. Watching this match sim is so much more informative than the ball movement drills they do at Gosch's as it's genuinely competitive but tackling is very soft and the intensity is limited. Nobody crashes packs for marks much expect JvR who seems not to be able to help himself. There is the occasional tackle but it's more to impede someone than to take them down. In the ball movement stuff on Wednesday's the main players don't seem to dominate and the youngins do well but today was a different kettle of fish. Trac did what he liked and really ruined the game in the first quarter. Gawn, Trac, Viney and ANB were against an assortment of players the most notable being Rivers. But Gawn had no opposition (KFW played forward all day) and the centre group had a field day. Viney is great and looks set for a continuation of last years form, as someone else said ANB was very good and was heavily involved. But again, as noted, Bill was right up there. He's just a very smart footballer who does smart things. One goal in windy conditions from the boundary and another where he dodged the man on the mark and kick truly from 45 were highlights but he was involved inside and dished the ball out with good vision and precision. I'm not sure he'll play because of the logjam for spots but he'd be an automatic selection at most clubs. I know it's easy to get carried away at this time of year so I've got to be careful but keep and eye out for him. Kade Chandler is another to impress. Sure hands, good kick and quick today with at least 2 goals and perhaps more. He ran out of petrol tickets last year but this year he'll be better and better for longer. Problem is he's competing with Kossie, Spargs and a number of others for a spot in the forward line but he certainly put his name forward today. Howes played deep back and started on Fritta. What he did he did well and he looks taller than last year to me. He's got really good skills and seems to have picked up the pace of the game well but of course with the midfield dominating for Fritta's team Howes had his work cut out. He's an interesting choice for third tall because you'd think it means Lever has to play more accountable footy and that's not his go. Another interesting watch. Kynan Brown is also an interesting watch. He certainly gives it his all and can find the ball well. He played the game on Langdon and they were on the side where a lot of the play was (due to the wind). He did some nice things but in a fully contested game he'd be ragdolled I reckon. But his hands are clean, he is quick enough and he's showing a bit. A great Moneyball pick. I was also impressed with Seston. He was involved in quite a lot of play in the wing/back area and found quite a bit of it in one patch. He used it well and was clean, he's clearly made improvements to this game this year although he's not close to best 22 at this stage. But for a smokie he's not disappointing, he's got some really good attributes, his kicking being the main one. Jake Bowey was really really good. His disposal is first class, his ball handling is very good and his decision making was good. He found it a lot today both inside and outside and was a real standout for me. McAdam is a class footballer but he didn't play the whole game. In the third he, Brayshaw, Billings and some others were just running laps and McAdam was the tailender so I think they are still trying to build his tank. But when he was on he finds it and uses it and will be an interesting addition unless his fitness stops him being selected. Rive played midfield for the last part of the game and did well. He just looks to be continuing his confident run from late last year and as I type this I'm wondering if Howes takes his spot if Riv plays more up the ground. Tmac was good today but he wasn't on anyone much. But he found it and much to DL groupthink kicked it well on all but one occasion. By the way, he wasn't the only one to miss a kick. It was a kickout from a point and I don't expect him to take any of them in the seniors. But in my view he was the third best tall back on the field with the caveat that he didn't really have a challenging opponent. Fritta took some really good grabs, Kossie did some Kossie things and Woey looked composed with the ball but struggled against the first picked midfield. The Kolt and Duke had little influence that I saw but Duke played on the grandstand side and I wouldn't have noticed much of his play if he was involved. Best for others to comment. Kolt seemed to have little input and is still picking up the pace of the game. My final point is that the kicking for goal was very good in difficult conditions. As I commented to others, if we'd kicked like that in the finals we'd have won the flag, but enough of channelling Masie. I can't be bothered proof reading this so apologies for typo's and mispellings. @Demonstone will no doubt do that job for me and this report will be covered in red ink.

Great to see so many numbers show up and watch the boys - I imagine we will be inundated with reports from today. Rufus du Sol and Fred Again were blasting through the speakers as the boys warmed up before getting into 4 periods of match sim. No shows: Oliver, Brown, Smith Present but not involved: Melky, Hunter Running on side: Jefferson, Sparrow, AMW, Petty (Petty did get involved for the last period of match play) A few notes from match sim: There was a focus on changing the angle of the play, very aggressive ball movement Bowey was absolutely brilliant rebounding off half back, often linking up multiple times in the one passage - players were looking to get the ball in his hands As much as people won’t like to hear it, ANB was playing through the midfield and was one of our best On a similar note, TMac was also good down back - competed very strongly in the air, however you still have to worry about his decision making and kicking coming out of defence. Will be competing for that third tall spot Max could do what he wanted today. Manhandled Fullerton in ruck contests and was putting the ball on a platter to the mids. Fullerton not offering a contest at all. Update: Fullerton limped off with a lower leg injury right at the end - the only injury concern to come out of today. I thought Verrall was the most impressive of the backup rucks, at least provided contest at stoppages compared to the others - it is a bit worrying if Max does go down though (touch wood!) Chandler heavily involved in the opening period, both in the link up and on the scoreboard Rivers was great in the B teams midfield, Laurie also competed well in there and was heavily involved Hore solid, and will be fine if needed to come in Howes interestingly started in the A teams defence, however did not notice too much involvement The usuals: Trac makes things look easy, Viney is a gun, Fritsch our best up forward today, Kozzie and Roo got on the end of a few towards the end The wingers (besides Langdon) didn’t get near it today. Billings and Windsor hardly touched it. Windsor appeared to lack confidence out there. He was constantly on the receiving end of barking instructions from players and coaches - an overload of information. Obviously has plenty of time, but the other top few from the draft this year seem to be dominating their respective clubs’ trainings. McQualter seems like a terrific pick up to replace Yze in the coaching ranks, was very vocal out there today My best players today (in no particular order): Trac, Viney, Gawn, Laurie, Bowey, Rivers, TMac, ANB, Fritsch

A lot has been mentioned already but a few additional points from me (noting I left at half time of match sim) … • Kingy and Montagna spotted so look out for their updates on whatever platform you follow! • Shane McAdam and Marty Hore had a great battle and both genuine Rd.1 chances. McAdam quite impressive • Jeffo, JvR, KFW + Will Verall have all put on some size • Tommo looks a little leaner which I believe will be good for him • ANB was involved in a couple of really great set plays that he was integral too via a kick, handball or tackle • Trac seen doing Trac things • Not sure if it was a set play but Steven May handballed to Jake Bowey from a kick in who then kicked to the opposite flank Gawny was present at … good to see us at least try something different from a kick in • Trent Rivers really looks to have started 24’ where he left off in 23’ • Charlie Spargo and Kozzy ultra physical in a tackling drill at the start of the days session; was great to see the boys mean business even at training • I didn’t spot Lachie Hunter • Great to see the good attendance. Shame the club didn’t promote it somewhat given it fell on a PH. Good morning out …. Go Dees!

I'm surprised theres such a strong reaction. He signed a 4 year deal with a degenerative knee condition. A lot of us on here knew at the time that anything we got in the fourth year would be a bonus. It was a shame that we couldn't get what we needed out of him last year when we needed it. He was a 200cm proven key forward who was available. He got a 4 year deal that we knew he probably wouldn't see out to the end. We got a kpf for a good price when we needed it. He was very important in 2021. Its worked out to be a pretty good deal for both parties. He has had a fantastic career, he is a fantastic person.

That was my main take from the day as well. Goal kicking single handedly ruined our finals campaign last year (and robbed us of top 2 with some deplorable home and away scores) so it was nice to see some crisp goal kicking today, albeit under minimal stress. Fritta was automatic from 40-50. Laurie nailed a set shot from the boundary (as did Langdon) and kicked another from 45 after taking on an opponent who was asleep. Chandler kicked 3 or 4 and looked assured in front of the sticks JVR nailed the set shot of the day, 45 out near the boundary. I hope we respect our opportunities on goal more this year.

Definitely agree with what you have to say Titan. In no way am I trying to write him off as a player. I have full confidence in his ability and believe he will be a star for us in the future. I was just trying to report on the one individual training session from today compared to the rest of his preseason (without sugarcoating anything). Our recruiting team has done a marvellous job over the last 10 years, so we have no reason to doubt them at all (especially this early in a player’s development). He did have a few nice passages out there today, I was just wanting to temper expectations that he is going to be a star in the 23 from round 1, and instead we should let him develop down at Casey and trust the process. Although I’d love to be wrong and would thoroughly enjoy seeing him out there on a wing against the Swans in opening round. Go Dees!

Thanks for the report and sorry to cherry pick one bit of it but I‘m not a fan of this sort of viewpoint in relation to first year players. You may be 100% right that he was low on confidence, needed heaps of instruction, and appears less confident than other clubs’ draftees. Indeed I’d trust you given you were there. But we should be well beyond the point where we fall into the trap of rating one of our players’ development against other draftees. 18 year old kids, particularly those taken in the top 10 of a draft, are long term investments. We shouldn’t care if he is (objectively or subjectively) “behind” other draftees because it doesn’t matter at this age in pre-season 1. Interestingly enough I’ve only heard positive things about Windsor from non-Demonland fans who’ve been to training this pre-season. Each to their own of course and today he may have struggled. Thanks again for the report (personally I love hearing that ANB is starring as a mid!), love your effort and that of everyone who attends.

❤️

Great day out to watch. Ground is in fantastic condition. Lots of lines on oval at both ends at various angles to goals. It's part of Williams set shot kicking where they stay on the line in approach over dummy on mark. Rained half way through but didn't appear to affect ball handling. Great to see so many spectators, especially so many young kids. About 6 Casey players there to make up the numbers especially in match Sim which had proper umpires in control. The Casey boys were not as clean but still did some nice things and the rest of the group made sure they were involved. A lot of the run through drills prior to the match sim were at a high intensity with reflex give offs. I suggest anyone going to watch to take some binocculars so you can pick up players on opposite side of ground. Before match sim they went inside the rooms and could see through the windows doing close in drills in the indoor kicking area for about 15 minutes, but it was all possession and handball, close contact stuff and no kicking. Petracca is so far in front of anyone else, it's not funny. Kozzie was great and his run down tackle had the whole crowd applauding. Verell will be the back up ruckman - along way ahead of KFW, Fullarton and Schache Feel sorry for Laurie as he really impressed, but basically has to take ANB's spot and he was good as well. Hard to see taking Viney and both smalls into the midfield. Howes, Hore and Turner all did good intercepts TMac and Thomlinson also did but the other 3 are more nimble and could play on smaller opponents. McVee was very good. Brayshaw marked Tholstrup for a while and they are both similar body shapes. McAdam for me is the pick of the recruits. Just so quick with every thing he does. I don't know who the fitness guy is, but he spent a lot of time with the guys doing boundary runs. All the coaches being very involved. May was the most vocal and giving directions to everyone. I think Lever did the whole match sim and looked ok. Fritsch and JVR were the best forwards. The main forward line looked good and you still have Jefferson, Brown, Melksham and Petty to come into consideration who didn't participate. Didn't notice Schache at all. Noah Yze has a big build already for a young kid. Looks like Rivers will play midfield. I hope Bowey gets a licence to go through the middle of the ground wherever he plays as he is so dangerous. Quick and brilliant disposal. Midfield looked good and still didn't have Oliver, Sparrow and Hunter involved. Billings spent a lot of match sim doing boundary runs with fitness guy. Tholstrup and Windsor showed enough although only a few touches. Just hope they hold them both back for a while. Spargo covered a lot of ground and hit up some good passes. Woewodin did a couple of nice things but not much else. Langdon covered a lot of ground and got a bit of it. Chandler was lively and kicked a couple of goals but missed an easy right foot snap from end of goal square. AMW ran laps after some short kicking at the start. Sestan hardly noticed, but you can't see everything. Seems to second guess himself instead of doing.

Why not? They work in an industry that "works" on weekends and public holidays throughout the season.

Choco had a crack at the umps in some tackling drills telling them to pay frees as they see fit. “ we are paying you guys to pay em” he yells.

Very impressed with Laurie today. 2 nice goals and been heavily involved. My tip for most improved this year.

Gus I full contact tackling drills - doesn’t look concerned one iota.

Did he goal or have you joined the horse jokes?

Great passage of play with plenty of hard tackles. Bowey crunched my Kozzy, Chin by Tommo. It may not be finals intensity but players are not holding back.

A fair turn out today. I’d say close to if not over 150 fans.

Happy Australia Day to all Demonlanders big family get together.today but will keep my eye out for any Training Reports that might sneak through.🇦🇺✅😁

For a guy who's only out for six weeks or so, the reaction on here is pretty extreme! It's only January and BBB could be back playing seniors in round four.

Look, I have a huge soft spot for Benny B and love the way he conducts himself off field especially with his work within the community (nominated for Jim Stynes award). From an on field perspective, I wish he retired on his own terms last year and I know that there was certainly talk between the club and his management. I get that he is contracted for another year, but I'm sure the club and Brown would have come up with an agreement on a settlement deal for a payout on his last contract (very common in today's AFL caper). I'm just amazed Brown did not see the writing on the wall with his body constantly breaking down due to his knees. It was a sad sight in his last game against the Crows last year where he hobbled around like a guy with a 60 year body who could barely bend over and pick up the footy. He was getting the bronx cheers all day until he got subbed off. I thought by then that was the last we'd had seen from him. I have now lost count the amount of knee surgeries he has had since he has been at the footy club. Not only that, he hasn't played a full AFL season since 2019 which was 5 years ago.. I just wondered whether had he retired, that would have given us a great opportunity to use that list spot on another developing tall forward or another developing/mature ruck. Right now, I would have been happy having a young key tall developing away at Casey playing games and gaining some quality experience then a guy that's going to be on the injury list for probably half the year. I also understand that there is the off field perspective in helping out, but we honestly have enough senior heads in that position to do that lead by Greg Stafford and then followed by the likes of Melksham, Petty, McDonald, Gawn, Lever who would be providing just as much support as what Brown would. Wishing him all the best in his recovery and at least he goes down as a 2021 premiership hero and life member of the footy club.

His lateral movement is OP, has worked hard on his in-tight handballing which was an issue in terms of hitting moving targets, being indecisive as a result — but looks to have hit that behind him, natural finisher who hits targets and keeps eyes low and more importantly, keeps a 180* View of what’s around him… Howes, Bowey, Laurie, a fit (maybe) Salem, Billings & Windsor are all going to help our general kicking efficiency this year & most of all the i50 kick. Rivers playing through middle also gives us some fwd movement burst & puts speed on the ball, Mcvee might also go through there and Kossie should do another 10-15% mid mix this year.. A def need that is looking a little stronger, but key will be if we’re willing to sacrifice def positioning 5-15% more at times to take the game on more — if we do, I sense it’ll play to our strengths, if we don’t… I know it’ll be very much to our detriment & our OPP joy… MANY Club insiders laud our predictability and whisky it’s also a strength, some get the sense clubs would be nervous if we put carried a little more risk!!!

Great transition work from Rivers, McVee and Bowey who get it to McAdam with a bullet pass. Unfortunately McAdam not familiar with the wind patterns at Casey and fangs the kick bad.

Blues 13 to 0. Trac gets a back half turnover and powers through -handball to outside and JVR assist to chin for a goal. This is full intensity.

Jefferson, Sparrow, Salem and AMW in rehab. Left Melbourne in a breeze and arrived at a cold and wind ravaged Casey.

To Tom and Ruby, so very sad to hear the news of baby Goldie Joan McDonald. Our prayers are with the family.

Mate, really? We’re worried about Windsor already? Some reports say he looked right at home pattern & speed wise, Wing often goes unrewarded mate, kids dominating are doing so at clubs where they’re up against not much — I’d be worried if our draftees were dominating our probables team for mine!

And the other 30 or so who did the full session would’ve got the loads needed to get through matches so they don’t all ping them in round 1

We're all grateful for your reports. Thankyou.

Impressed with Chandler today. 3 goals and set another up.

I'll assume this is a typo or auto-correct interference. if it's neither, I have no idea what this means.

Gawn contested mark after Caleb “Leb” lose ball get, hand balls to Viney with a short kick mark to Gawn who finds JvR in the forward pocket. Set shot goal from 30m on a tight angle.

Laurie another for the whites with a mark snap from deep f50 on the boundary after a short pass from the McAdam.

Laurie a lovely set shot goal from the boundary on the back of a good contested mark from McAdam who passed it to him.

Next drill is a kicking drill where numerous lines from half back handball or shot kick through centre square with minimal defensive pressure. Coming into HF with quick play ons and ultimately a kick into f50 to leading forward. Clearly a focus on quicker ball movement and lowering the eyes into the forward line. Maysie caught my eye again with his agility and unimpeded movement

Unlike Tmac who's actually been training pretty strongly this pre season without any hiccups, Brown has spent majority of the time in rehab.. especially after christmas where he hasnt joined in any full training, that's even going off your own training reports as well. Not sure whether thats just your bias getting the better of you and I've certainly haven't been a fan of Tmacs form over the past few years, based on training form and durability, McDonald has been excellent where as Brown has struggled.

JVR, Petty and Fritsch will have to bear the goal scoring load this year. Any contribution we get from BB this year will be a bonus. Whatever's happens, we'll always have 2021. BB was fantastic in the finals series.

Fritta with a beauty contested mark after a blues contest with on the wing. Caleb took a two tackles getting to Trac on the outside who the delivered a bullet to Fritta who slotted it through for the Blues 6th.

With so many woke wankers telling me what I should or should or should not celebrate, I went and purchased an Aussie flag to adorn The Manor’s dog ute. First time I’ve done that. ( The flag was made in China and purchased from a Lebanese operated thrift shop. That’s multiculturalism at its best! )

The goal kicking has been elite today so far. Nibbler with a mark and play on goal from 45 or so. 4.1 to 2.0 May it continue.

Trac with a regulation set shot goal from 45 in front.

McAdam with an opportunistic snap and goal for the white team.

THE macdaddy gets the whites on the board with a snap from congestion.

Chandler two nice goals to commence match sim in the first 4 minutes.

Mach sim time. Blues vs whites. May (whites) finding hard to exit d50

In the match sim right now. So maybe just fitness - actually I don’t think it’s him. One of the other tall lads I’m not familiar with #43

He's in the white room with black curtains.

Are you serious?

Sadly, I know firsthand how they would be feeling right now, and at the same length of gestation (20 weeks). It’s an acute sadness that never goes away. I’m also surprised he is able to attend training, because merely being able to function after only three days is a huge achievement. 😢