Demonland

Given that these guys are all older (with the exception on Viney) I assume their kids would all be past draft age.

Report on AFL Website says (and shows) Lever hobbling off the field with an ankle injury and Salem not training due to hamstring awareness. https://www.afl.com.au/video/1073569

PICKET FENCE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS NO SHOWS Clarry (More later), T.Mac, Joel Smith, also didn’t notice Koltyn Tholstrup, also not sure I noticed Trent Rivers, Tom Sparrow was doing laps as well. REHAB Christian Salem (Running laps), Jeffo (On Bike and weights), Melky Bike, weights and some sideways manoeuvers. Jake Lever ( Did what looked to be a minor leg injury and spent rest of session on the bike! Lachy Hunter did a mammoth running session and ball work at full speed and looked unhampered by his calf injury.Andy Moniz-Wakefield laps SKILLS , DRILLS and MANOEUVERS, I’ll leave the small drills out and you get the idea of multitasking, just concentrating on small group drills, ball, skills and interweaving patters focusing on correct options and correct disposal. These open and Clozed drills are more of less similar to others that I have reported for all of my traing reports. Discrete nuances of slight differences seem to keep things charged up and would also alleviate the potentiality of same old same old. Main Match Sims There were several components of each of the following 4 training drills 1 Running in waves selecting correct handball , kick and creating excellent options using ground space and alternative entries into the forward half from transitioning out of defence 2 Precision kicking to multiple targets on the lead. 3 Stoppage work near goals and either resulting in players kicking goals or creating avenues to rebound out of defence. 4 Whole ground transitioning using a lopsided manpower whereby the white shirts were outnumbered 10 to 18 With Red shirts running in waves. What this meant was the defence were outnumbered many times so had to choose to run to the player most likely to receive from the ball carrier. This was interesting in itself and players rotated through Red shirts and White so everyone had an even go of defender or attack. PLAYER WATCH Jack Billings Put on a clinic today, was in everything and his astute positioning , skills and polish were phenomenally good. Kyah Farris-White A quick learner, looks to be developing some skills, Pace and decision making. I thought some of his grunt and efforts were good today! Kynan Brown Will of the wisp, but quick hands, elusive and explosive pace, Might surprise a few early here. Taj Woey Looking like he belongs, has taken some incremental confidence into this year and links up well on the move! Disco Turner I know I haven’t been a fan but he looked composed in defence and took a couple of good grabs and ran well out of the rebound. Blake Howes, Likewise to Disco Turner looks like settling and created some good ball use movements Josh Schache Took some great CONTESTED Grabs and also played well as ruck around when required could be a surprise packet this year Adam Tomlinson, well I thought he trained outstandingly well today looked a complete and competent defender. Marty Hore, Played bigger than what he looks and I thought was excellent on the Half back Flank. Shane McAdam IS A FREAK,!! Just knows where to run, is stealthy, crafty and will make a HUGE impact this year. Caleb Windsor Well I can see why we drafted him, full of class, and excellent by hand and foot. Will play games this year! The usual Cast of Spargy, Kozzy, Nibbler, May, Tracc, Gus and BBB also were significant. Final word goes to Noah Yze. ON WHAT I SAW TODAY, he is a monty to be drafted by us, has skills, speed and is a very very good player already! TRAINING HIGHLIGHT FRITTA near centre of the ground, gathers the ball, CRASHES NOT 1 BUT 2 TACKLES and layed the ball off. VERY CLARRY LIKE. Now just to get the great man back!!! FINAL THOUGHTS It remains to be seen if we have fixed our forward entries and conversion rates, some relatively easy shots just miss, but it is the just miss that bothers me. In close game like last years finals and just goal or just miss can make all the difference. Great to see 100 or so people enjoying training INSIDE the ground for a change, nice one MFC cheers to all P.F Forgot to mention HARRISON PETTY, BACK IN FULL TRAINING AND LOOKING VERY DANGEROUS UP FORWARD!

Twice

Rivers featured in the photo gallery on the MFC Website. PHOTO GALLERY: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/albums/1482425/training-gallery-january-22?modal=true&type=gallery&playlistId=1482425&playlistSize=49

Training Gallery Friday 19-1-2024 BY @Six6Six. Enjoy = https://six6six.smugmug.com/Video-Folder/MFC-Training/n-P5DBPr/i-cGsLq8G/A

GEORGE ON THE OUTER’S MATCH SIM OBSERVATIONS Training at Casey...what could be more of a simulation of winter football conditions....wet, raining, windy....yep it's the middle of summer, but no sunscreen required. Even @picket fence 's slippery mates would have taken the day off and retreated to more habitable locations. Advertised as a match simulation session, it was hard to draw any conclusions or real observations. This was because of the absence of numerous player for whatever reason, or players who were on some sort of restricted programme, or just plain injured. As a consequence, there were numerous Casey listed players filling in, but obviously getting plenty of good experience themselves. On the sidelines, we know about Jake Melksham, and of course no Clayton Oliver or Joel Smith. Christian Salem, Jack Billings & Tom Sparrow were just running laps, with Sparrow looking to be the one doing it at full stretch. No sight of Lachie Hunter, BBB, Shane McAdam & AMW, while Matt Jefferson walked on and off the field to physio areas. Every year it is a concern when players aren't on the track post Christmas break, and you can utterly guarantee for every week they are not there, you can take a week off the season for them. With 11 missing out of a list of 44, it’s not good! There was all the usual warm-up's and drills but the match simulation was the most important. But, as said before, what can one take from it with so many sidelined? What could be taken away were things like: TMac playing permanently in the backline. For those that have been around from when he played their last, be prepared for much of the same. Indecisive about where the ball is going, strong marking, but watch out for the kicking. One wonders how he will find a hole to fill with Steven May, Jake Lever, Adam Tomlinson, Daniel Turner, Trent Rivers, Jake Bowey, Christian Salem, Jed Adams, Marty Hore, Blake Howes all vying for the back 6 positions. Blake Howes and Disco Turner are going to be putting up their hands fairly soon for a role in the senior defensive structure, and both stood out on multiple times during the sim. But don't discount Adams, who probably is 3rd in line, but having built up considerably in the off-season is showing some real promise with genuine football skills. Interestingly, Judd McVee was playing further up the ground, and found himself taking shots at goal at one point, so maybe the coaches have something more planned for him. Harry Petty was back for the drills, but didn't compete in the sim, likewise Angus Brayshaw, and to a certain extent Max Gawn, who came back for only a short spell in the sim. Probably to give the backups some time for assessment. In this respect Will Verrall is streets ahead of Tom Fullarton, and I suspect Fullarton will only find a role as a forward....although we need plenty of those options given the situation at the end of last season. JvR almost took mark of the year reminiscent of the one Michael Roach held on to many, many years ago, but unfortunately he spilled it in the end, but he truly was sitting on top of the pack to attempt to take the ball at waist height. If he connects something similar in the season, he will be taking home the MOTY easily. Kozzy Pickett spent the whole session in the middle, and like most years, nobody can lay a hand on him. He just dances through traffic when he has no right to do so. And with questions over Clayton Oliver, both he and Bailey Laurie can expect more opportunity in the engine room. ANB gave a clinic on how to kick to the opposition when under no pressure. So no change there. Rivers was magnificent to watch as he streamed from HB and delivers accurately. Kade Chandler was very involved and seemed to be on the end of numerous chains. But he was also active in contested situations, so maybe a mid-field rotation role might be on the cards in season proper. Taj Woewodin showed glimpses of what may be possible, but with these types of simulations and with tackling and pressure not at the levels of AFL games, it is difficult to judge. Still he looks more and more like his old man, and is obviously benefitting from the training programmes. I know people will ask about the new draftees, but sorry, not much to report. They after all are just starting out and some of the Casey players show more, simply because they are stronger, fitter and accustomed to the speed of the action. Just give them time. And don't expect to see them playing any time soon, unless we hit a huge injury problem. That's all from me but wait for @Six6Six and his photo's to appear, as he was busy with the telphoto lens and should have some great shots of the action.

Date of Birth: 4 January 1996 Height: 187cm Weight: 94kg Games MFC 2023: 25 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2023: 28 Career Total: 170 Brownlow Medal Votes: 26 Melbourne Football Club: Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Memorial Trophy Club Champion 602 Votes A top quality performer in every game and a very worthy winner of the 'Bluey'.

Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 179cm Weight: 93kg Games MFC 2023: 24 Career Total: 196 Goals MFC 2023: 8 Career Total: 56 Brownlow Medal Votes: 24 Melbourne Football Club: Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy Runner-Up Club Champion 527 Votes Everybody’s most feared opponent, the hard nosed midfielder had a fantastic season. He was called upon for more minutes in the middle after Clayton Oliver’s injury and stood up to the challenge putting enormous pressure on opposing midfields.

Date of Birth: 5 March 1996 Height: 194cm Weight: 94kg Games MFC 2023: 24 Career Total: 160 Goals MFC 2023: 0 Career Total: 4 Melbourne Football Club: Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy Third Place Club Champion 456 Votes Together with Steven May formed a formidable key position defensive wall. His uncanny ability to read the play and intercept opposition forward moves was, as always, exceptional.

Date of Birth: 9 January 1996 Height: 188cm Weight: 90kg Games MFC 2023: 24 Career Total: 167 Goals MFC 2023: 2 Career Total: 49 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4 Melbourne Football Club: Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy Fourth Place Club Champion 456 Votes Had one of his best seasons at the club moving between half back and the midfield. Was often targeted by opponents who were fully aware of his importance to the club and Brayden Maynard’s apparently legal hit on him in the qualifying final was possibly a factor in costing the club a grand final berth. Looking forward to seeing Gus back in the line up in 2024.

Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Height: 193cm Weight: 101kg Games MFC 2023: 23 Career Total: 216 Goals MFC 2023: 0 Career Total: 23 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy Memorial Trophy Fifth Place Club Champion 451 votes A menace to every top line key forward in the competition, May’s marking, interception and spoils are the dream of every football coach.

A clumsy slip from big man Jed Adams sent a small wobble through the Melbourne camp. Uncapped defender Adams slipped in the soaking rain and faceplanted while in the midst of a kicking drill, with trainers called upon to check his eyesight. The 196cm West Australian called out in pain and was off the track for 15 minutes before returning to run laps with the hint of a shiner on his right eye. The Demons confirmed there was no fear of concussion after the slip.

KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It's a wet morning, ball is like soap to a few. Rehab had Matt Jefferson and Lachie Hunter working with a trainer, ball work and fitness drills. Kyah Farris-White mainly running laps. Jake Melksham and BBB in the sheds with the pedal and rower. Jack Billings, AMW, Shane McAdam, Harry Petty did all the drill work with the team but didn't participate in the sims. Angus Brayshaw worked with the backline and was wearing the lime cap (no contact) during sims. That line also included, Judd McVee, Steven May, Jake Lever, Adam Tomlinson, Jake Bowey, Jed Adams, Marty Hore. Interestingly, not Trent Rivers, Christian Salem, or Blake Howes. They worked very well as a group, good ball handling and disposal for a wet day. A run on indigenous player wearing number 49 was with us, as was Noah Yze. I thought Christian Salem was training well, fit and skills remain silky. After their warm-ups and drills, they had a competitive game of handball. They showed great intensity, tackled and hit each other with some gusto. Impressed with Fritta’s tackling, a couple of times he did two consecutive and other times wrapped up the ball carrier. The area was small, so shimmy and acceleration was needed to do well. Some have that ability to break into space where it is not obvious (McVee, Kossie), or the vision to see the outside player (Tracc, Bowey). I also noticed Goody getting angry, (first time I had noticed this behavior at a session), after the end of the handball game. Another watcher mentioned that Williams did the same. Perhaps the coaches aren't going to be so chummy this season. The playing group appeared slightly stunned by the outburst and went quiet. ('this way covered, that way covered, should XXX take the first open option.'). The sims were unspectacular given the weather, plenty of safe kicking and jostling for that front position. A few soft injuries to Jake Bowey and Steven May in collisions. Blake Howes and Will Verrall are both looking good while Tracc is leading by example, getting better and better. Daniel Turner is also looking good. A bit of a backline shuffle and he may have a chance, though Marty Hore is also doing everything well. Koltyn Tholstrup, because our list is stacked, may have to earn his way in, though he has the passion and the ability. Caleb Windsor still needs a bit more development. I don't think he is up to the speed of an AFL game yet. Has the ball skills required. I reckon he needs more strategically understanding of the game. Bailey Laurie continues to develop, looks like a big improver, though may have to get a break so as to claim a spot. Got a feeling if given a chance he will perform. Taj Woewodin - I am uncertain about, looks a little slow out there. Has great composure when he has the ball and is looking alot bigger. I reckon Trent Rivers will be a mid. Plenty coming through into the backline. Christian Salem could just be training without much pressure on him. Getting back into the game, with some freedom. Therefore, not in fully with the backs. As for Blake Howes, could be looking at the wing. He has a light kinda of stringy frame/body and is probably not ready as an in and under player. Angus Brayshaw was training with the backline today. No Clayton Oliver. They were kicking goals well in the wet during drills. Plenty of fumbles all through the session. I think today's session was very much about being 'hard'. Had to leave early, so I haven’t got a comprehensive report for sims. We are looking good, healthy, fit and dare I say, ready, so early in the season. Go Dees. SLARTIBARTFAST'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I ventured down a bit before 9.30am and missed the start of training. They were doing the usual drills and some short kicking. As reported Lachie Hunter and Matt Jefferson were doing repeat run throughs which seemed to go on for a good hour. KFW was doing his own running but the good news was Harry Petty did most drills other than the match sims. Fritta was in full training. Shane McAdam was held out of match sims and there was no sign of Benny Brown. Joel Smith, Clarrie and Melk were no shows. I'm also not sure if I saw Tommy Sparrow, I thought I did early but didn't notice him during the session so I'm hoping another trackwatcher can clarify. The match sims are of major interest to me and as you know it was just dreadful conditions. It rained heavily for most of the session but did ease off towards the end. I didn't notice any major changes in game plan from last year other than there is no long kicking to the forward line but this is as much to improve entry inside 50 than a permanent gp chance. It was the same last year. There were a few players that I really noticed. Judd McVee handled the ball beautifully in the conditions and found time to hit up teammates regularly. He won contested ball, stood up in tackles are was one of the highlights for me. I think he'll take another step forward this year. Didn't play midfield at all so I think we'll see him off halfback. I was impressed with Will Verrall in the pre Christmas training and he did nothing to change that view today. He's very good below his knees and his contest work was good. He marked well in awful conditions and his kicking is fine. He could end up a good KP player the way his is going and not just limited to ruck where he is perhaps a bit small. I'm not sure where he fits in but there's a fair bit there to look forward to and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a go at some stage during the season. JvR was another standout. He looks to me to have put on some real size and really imposes himself around the ball. He marked well and was his usual competitive self when the ball hit the ground and on my viewing so far he has developed well from last year. He has a real presence about himself now and is imposing in a way he wasn't so much last year. I was also impressed with Tom Fullerton. He played mainly down the other end to where I was but seemed to be involved in a lot of play. He might surprise this year. But best on ground would have to go to Trac who is just so strong and clean. Found the ball with ease, did some freaky things and frankly just looked a class above, which he probably is. Kynan Brown was involved a bit but got caught on a number of occasions trying to do too much. Rick Lever was in everything and Steve May didn't let his opponent get a touch. The small forwards are going to be an interesting watch. Spargs, Kossie and Chin were all involved today, Nibbler did his thing, Jack Billings and Shane McAdam are contenders and the Kolt just looks like a footballer. The other to impress today was Blake Howes. He's tall, well over 190cm I'd think and he's got a lot of good attributes and looks the most likely to do a "Juddy" this year although where these kids play and who's spot they take I don't know. All in all it was a good hitout today but it wasn't done at AFL pace except for patches of the match sims. I'm looking forward to next week and seeing them in better conditions. WALKING CIVIL WAR'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Harry Petty: wouldn’t even know he’s carrying an injury 🥳 Kolt: fast mofo. Runs like the wind. Disco: bulked up quite some. Training hard, giving it everything. I just spoke to KFW. I commented on his height (freaking tall) and I told him arm/upper body days in the gym have paid off. He said “yeah, I’m hoping to hit 100kgs.” HE MENTIONED HIS WEIGHT!!!! Don’t tell the AFL 🤫 Jack Billings is wearing #48, like I’m not already having trouble telling players apart. Chocco doing tackling practice with Harry Petty and the noobs. Yelling at them… a lot. Lachie Hunter walking up and down the boundary line. Not limping or anything but looks a little dejected. Meanwhile, Shane McAdam is running laps by himself. KFW also training separately, running along the boundary line… I asked Shane McAdam if they’re treating him well. He said, “yeah, they’re treating me very well, they’re really looking after me. It’s a great club, this.” Stick that where it fits, Cornes. The older players are amazing when it comes to interacting with the young blokes. They yell encouragement to them, not just whenever they do something really well, if they don’t do so well they let them know it’s not the end of the world. Soooo cool to hear “yours, Ooze!” Jack Billings and Marty Hore were running together along the boundary line for quite a while. I just heard Selwyn say to them, “you’ve both done your high-speeds, yeah? Now it’s onto aerobics.” Re: Whether Shane McAdam is carrying an injury - He said no injury or niggles. He said it’s purely to get his fitness level up. I told him he has come along in leaps and bounds since his first training session with us in early December. He was pleased to hear that. We had a good chat. He loves our Club and “everything about it.” Then HP35 came over and they told me how Shane McAdam will be under Harry Petty. Shane said Harry has his back 100% and he won’t let Harry down. What struck me most is their rapport. They clearly get on so well together. There’s a mutual respect for one another. It was awesome to see. WAYNE WUSSELL'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I dropped in just in time to witness the 'seriously' injured Lachie Hunter (post amputation) zigging, zagging, passing, running, and smiling his way through some rehab with Matt Jefferson and a trainer before tackling some 150 metre boundary runs... no major problem there, HS! Everything WCW said about the weather was understated! I was inappropriately attired (I need a Mum!) and only lasted 45 minutes before trudging back to the car and speeding home to a change of clothes and the Test Cricket. While I was there I was impressed with the application and energy of the whole squad (minus 13) in appalling conditions. The ball handling was excellent, considering, and the ball movement was speedy. I was once again impressed with the development of Will Verrall in the use of body in the 1 on 1 aerial contests. Having said this, Steven May and Jake Lever were a class above. Tom Fullarton displayed excellent ball handling in the wet and good pace when bursting free. Harry Petty looked good in these physical contests, I would say he is on... WICKET!!! ... excuse me, where was I? ... Harry Petty is on track for the season opening in my opinion. Bayley Fritsch also looked to be back to full involvement in the ball movement activity. Interesting to see Angus Brayshaw train without headgear. He also looks cherry ripe! Christian Salem looks sharp and fit. I didn't recognise number 49, and I can't recall seeing BBB.