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That’s all well n good. Now for the important stuff 😁 Ardu and Kozzie are the proud parents of a healthy baby girl, as yet unnamed. Born last Thursday. Kozzie described the feeling as “unreal” 🥹 Ollie Sestán’s nickname at the Club is Sesto. His surname is pronounced Chestahn. He’s Croatian/Italian. His parents are (in his own words) Aussie AF. Melksy’s little boy, Teddy, barracks for the Demons and his favourite player is… Fritta. 😅 According to Chocco, Bowsa is closer to being right to go than we think. He was practicing tackling with one of the trainers and was not holding back. He was going in hard. You wouldn’t know he’d broken his collarbone relatively recently. Chocco was watching on, very pleased. Clarrie was in a serious frame of mind today. Not unhappy or angry, but super immersed in everything be did. His concentration and focus was unwavering and really impressive. Back to nicknames… Knuckles McVee LOVES his nickname so it’s here to stay. I unwittingly changed JB14’s nickname from ‘Jubba’ to ‘Jibba’ 🤭 (long story). And while Shane Mc said he doesn’t mind ‘Smacka’’ his demeanour said ‘You know where you can stick your Smacka’ 😁 He’s pumped to be playing tomorrow. This I know for sure because when I said, “Hey how’re ya going, Shane!” He replied, “I’m playing tomorrow!” Then he said, “Great! How are you?” 😂

2 Defenders as key forwards. What could possibly go wrong. 😜

I am not as concerned about Billings as others. He is starting to get confidence in his body and needs that beautiful break out game to show what he can do. Hoping it is this week or the next, and he can put to bed that he is on the periphery for selection. His skills set, when 'on' is a needed factor in our system. I hope he still has plenty of improvement and building in his game, as he adjust to his new club.

Sunny, though a touch windy, this morning, 23 of them no emergencies. Forwards out first. Petty, JVR, Billings, Chandler, Kossie, Fritsch, and coach Stafford. The backs join them, May, Lever, Woey, McVee, Howes, TMac, Rivers, Turner, and coach Chaplin. A trainer and Choco are on the fence talking. The mids are now making their way over. Oliver,Tracc, Laurie, Langdon, Sparrow, Max, Viney, ANB, Windsor. Choco talking to the crew after the first drill. "They were excellent because of the way we set it up". Kicks between the mannequins, then one over the mannequins. He also said to Wheelan, "Kossie has shown me at least 10 pics of it, he is so happy". Goody is standing in the centre, watching the goings on, as they drill. The noise volume is great. Chaplin has been taking most of the talking and directional instructing. Goody pulls them into a centre circle and chats away. Ends with one structured sim and a week to backline set up after a point. The call, OK Boys, then a whistle, and back to the sheds.

I think Turner is forward. When the backline gathered he wasn't with them. Choco is putting plenty of time into him as he kicks for goal at the end of the session.

Can we have a thread called "handbags at dawn" where all the bickering gets moved to, it just ends up clogging up an otherwise good thread with stuff no one else is interested in seeing.

Meh, was a one game replacement as the only guy with some pace for Pickett. He’ll get plenty more chances. I worry about continuity for guys in years 3-4 on the fringes, like Laurie and even Taj.

Clarry looks fine, going about it with plenty of concentration and professionalism. Some strapping, I didn't notice any hinderances.

Isn't that great, big load of stress of his shoulders. Congratulations to Ardu, Koz, and the family.

Tholstrup was essentially Kozzy's replacement last round and naturally makes way for his return this week. Kolt's time will come I am sure.

Kozzie did look happy and relieved today, as you said… a big load off his shoulders. Incidentally, it’s interesting that generally these days men don’t become dads at such a young age. But in the footy world it’s not out of the ordinary for players to become fathers in their early to mid 20s. I’m guessing being financially stable factors into this 🤷‍♀️

Disappointed if Kolt is dropped. Think you have to give new kids a small run at it, not just one game, especially where the whole side was pathetic and he was far from the worst. New kids need confidence and dropping him in the above circumstances is not helpful imo.

He might be one game short of a gallop but I would love to see Turner come in for BBB tomorrow night and play forward. He's aggressive, quick off the mark, can kick for goal, compete and, best of all, versatile. Just needs a reasonable run with injury.

Looks likely to be Pickett & Laurie in for Salem & Kolt

23 players named there by young Kev so I'd suggest we know the team. The only watch might be if BBB was to be selected ahead of Turner despite not training. My read is BBB left out to be fresh for Cats -> Blues five days a part. It gives us a look at Turner as a forward and gets a game into him should we need him back or forward to cover injury or fatigue coming off the short break post the Cats game. I'd disagree. BBB has done a great job bringing the ball to ground most games this season. The Adelaide game was poor but he was clearly fatigued & probably shouldn't have been selected off the short break. None of our forwards got a look in against Brisbane

I like it. I don't see what the big issue is, people have been screaming for a huge home base and yet when we put a proposal forward its still not good enough. Obviously still a few hoops to jump through but if we can pull this off then what an exciting period for the footy club for the future.

We’d be the only club that could offer equine pools and water treadmills for recovery.

Open Training There may be a short opportunity for autographs and photographs at the end of each session. However, we ask that our fans respect the players' post-training schedule and recovery requirements. Tuesday, April 23 9:45am- Approx. 10:30 Gosch's Paddock Players will have a break period following the club's Round 7 clash with Richmond. Monday, April 29 11:45am - 1:00pm Gosch's Paddock https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times

Tholstrup is very professional at the training sessions. Reminds me of Viney, he has extreme drive and standards for himself. He will turn every stone to make sure he becomes a staple in the 22.

I dont understand how you can say that with such confidence. What are you basing that assessment on? How clubs and or local footy teams have historically managed players, your vibes, applying some sort of assumed 'common sense'? No disrespect, but you (nor me or 99.9% of fans) don't know what bb's individual high performance plan is. It's a science that is planned to the second. Perhaps the deloading bb would have experienced if they rested him after the Port game would have thrown out 1his program because it would have meant a 12 day break into the Lions game followed by the bye break. Maybe they wanted to load him up and then give him a longer break than his teamates because of his degenerative knee issues. Who knows? And that's the point we don't. What I would like is the footy media providing some education and analysis about team's high performance programs. Team's high performance programs are one of the most critical determinative factors in terms of their performance and chances of success. Yet they are shrouded in mystery like some dark arts. Take the pies. Joey montagna said on first crack that there is talk their high performance program plan was to ease into the season (ie nmeaning they would not be in their optimal shape in the first few rounds) because of their late start to their preseason. And there is evidence to support that idea. They look like they have concrete in their boots for 5 rounds and then suddenly look like a million dollars in running over the top of port. Of course that may not be the case. But wouldn't it be great if it was explored?

Is the babies name Kozette?

I had a sneaky look at the Tigers' bigfooty thread on this match. I didn't realise how intellectual their supporters are with references such as "shemons" and "fatracca". Brilliant!!

A big yes from me - he’d be a top four mid at our club from day one and would add enormously to our 25 and under brigade We’ve also lost significant midfield depth with the retirement of Gus and departure of Jordon and Harmes - and with Viney in the back end of his career there would be a clear role for him long term We couldn’t match the best offer of a club like the Saints, but if he’s looking for a consistent role in a successful team in Victoria, there’s not many other clubs that would be more attractive

Absolutely. He is a jet beaten down by being in a poor constantly developing side.. Unless there is an A grade key position forward we can pry out (which I cant see) we need to improve our midfield quality and speed and he has it in spades and fits our age profile.

I disagree. If Laurie or his management weren’t sure of his position or were considering options, they wouldn’t have signed the new deal. They would just wait and have an easier way to leave without being in contract.

Thanks for your great report Kev. We now pretty much know tomorrow’s team!

Those playing with Casey are now on the Paddock, 16 of them. Bowey in the white cap. BBB is with them, so is McAdam, Fullarton and Tholstrup. BBB and McAdam of to the side doing their own kick to kick with a trainer.

No BBB no Kolt no McAdam

We could introduce whips and leather saddles, though that might tip BBO over the edge

I’m not 100% sold on Turner for Brown but I’m happy to back him and the FD in to try it. Perhaps trying for a more defensive forward sort of role, the sort we might be using Melksham in if he were available. Tholstrup out a sad but correct call IMO. Just not quite ready yet. He’ll be back. I’m very, very unsure that Laurie is now or will ever be good enough at AFL level but I understand the importance of rewarding VFL form and with Salem out, we needed another runner (whether starting 22 or as sub) so he earnt it.

Haven't been since the season started but what I saw over summer was a player who was leaner, fitter, faster and more decisive with the ball with some real class at times. His practice game against Carlton was very strong, then he had a stinker against Sydney in round 1. I don't think he's all that far away from being a useful contributor but it's going to take a few small improvements (especially nailing tackles and not getting caught flat footed on transition) as well as the side either getting their ball movement game up to the level that utilises half forwards in space, or giving Laurie high half forward/on ball opportunities so he can offer something at stoppages.

Thanks Kev Martin another great report thorough and detailed, WCW fantastic player insights and all posters sounds like we are all up on our toes today, augurs well for Wednesday night. Really looking forward to watching the boys tomorrow night unfortunately it will be at home on the telly.!!

With Casey.

Not sure what issue anyone can have with this post. He's allowed to have his opinion and it appears its reasonably informed and well laid out, whilst obviously also pointing out he would support Fullarton if selected. Personally I've never actually watched him play a game so have nothing to add. We probably need to see what he has sooner or later either way - we took the time to recruit him, so unless they think Brown & Petty with JVR in the ruck is our Plan A (it might be) then wouldn't mind seeing him play. Tigers have two good tall defenders in Young and Miller, but they are young and can be beaten.

I like the Caulfield proposal. Easy for staff and players to get from Toorak ,Brighton,Armidale, Malvern and St.Kilda.(Where they live) Against traffic in the AM. It's a place with some soul and history-unlike Casey. It really is our Zone (In the old days) .Robbie Flower from Murrumbeena. I think this will work. MCG is not an option Picket-we built this city but it's now a public colloseum. The filth can have Olympic park-its a dog track so it's fitting.

Mate he got slaughtered in the ruck in the VFL game against the doggies by a first year player in Lachie Smith who was drafted last year. Brissy fans were jumping for joy when he left. Don't blame them, there is a reason why he hasn't played an AFL game since 2022. As you say, he doesn't play like a big 200cm player should be. He's more of a taller forward flank who gets put bodied fairly easily. Don't give me the Brisbane had too many talls excuse because Darcy bloody Fort was even getting a game for them. But apparently I have to wait until he plays an AFL game for the Demons before I can judge him again 🤣 Yes because that has absolutely worked for the likes of Luke Dunstan, Josh Schache, Majak Daw, Brayden Pruess etc When you bring in NQR's from other clubs that struggle to get a game there, then you going to get exactly what you're paying for. Fullarton is in the same bracket as these players. I will always support any player that pulls on the red and blue on game day even if that's Fullarton on Wednesday. Regardless of what opinions i may have you park that aside on game day because all i want is a win. But I will call it as I see it and his track record at AFL level has been absolutely ordinary, so I will base my opinion on that performances alone until he shows something worth changing my view. He's miraculously not going to be this whole brand new player the moment he pulls on the red and blue jumper. He's been on an AFL list for 6 years now and shown very little. It's the reality. Um because my opinion was based on who my preferred option would be between the two based on what I've seen at VFL level, and how it could benefitour team structure. Varrell has the natural ruck craft and follow up work at ground level. Personally I'd debut Varrell for Ben Brown which would mean JVR gets to focus on being a full time forward. I know very well that this will most likely not be the cad anyway and if they are to bring in a tall player to help chop out in the ruck then yes it will be Fullarton.

Lobb is a massive dud on a fat contract, absolutely no interest

Our footy club has not had a 'true' home since 1964. Accordingly, I cannot understand any negativity directed toward this proposal. Caulfield is a central location, close to public transport and for the first time in a long time, will house both our administrative and football departments in the same facility. How on earth can that be seen as negative?

i think the coaches have been pretty clear that the players returning from injury get just as much from training and going straight into the afl side as they do getting their 'sea legs' in the vfl i presume they clearly rate turner and want him in the side as quickly as possible to get up to 'afl speed' OUT: salem, tholstrup, b brown IN: laurie, pickett, turner B: McVee - May - Lever HB: Rivers - McDonald - Howes C: Langdon - Petracca - Windsor HF: Neal-Bullen - Petty - Billings F: van Rooyen - Fritsch - Pickett Foll: Gawn - Oliver - Viney I/c: Sparrow - Chandler - Woewodin - Turner Sub: Laurie interesting split of experience vs youth... 150+ games: may, mcdonald, gawn, viney, petracca, oliver, lever, langdon, billings, neal-bullen 50-149: fritsch, pickett, rivers, sparrow, petty 25-49: chandler, mcvee, van rooyen under 10: woewodin, howes, laurie, windsor, turner

Laurie has recently signed on until 2026, can't see him going at season's end.

Bowey doing some high marking off the bag. Seems to be trusting his shoulders. He doesn't have any strapping on. Doing some tackling drills as well. Giving the shoulder a good test. Casey session just finished and they are off the paddock, except for Bowser, and Farris-White (who was marking the long high bal).

Wow.. maybe he comes in for Benny Brown??

I believe BBB has scheduled training sessions off to manage his ongoing knee issues so potentially there is nothing unusual there.

You are right.

Kev, I’m guessing they’re not having a break after Wednesday’s match, rather they don’t wanna advertise training because they want certain sessions to be ‘closed’ sessions, as in, no fans attending. 🤷‍♀️ Anyways, Seeya there! 👍🏽

⬆️ This is the post to which I replied, and this post ONLY. It had NOTHING to do with your opinion of Verrall, who you mention in your indignant response… Why then are you bringing up Verrall? Do you think a complimentary comment about Verrall negates a derogatory comment about Fullarton? If so (it doesn’t btw, but if you believe it does), include both opinions in the one post. The point is… how about giving the guy a go? Why start with bagging him? He’s one of us now. It would be nice if you could wish him well and reserve your judgment for such time as he’s played an AFL game WITH US. You do want him to be successful right?

You are the most bizarre poster, PF.

wouldn't want to go anywhere near rory lobb

Boy, you’re just a fountain of positivity aintchya Bud?! You seem to have a problem with Cat. B rookies: first KFW, now Fullarton. At least wait until they’ve played even one AFL game for us before you start sending out your usual failure vibes.