Demonland

Was he carried off or did he leave the field on his own volition? Too soon?

Why a search for a sidekick could make or break the Demons Shane McAdam’s cruel Achilles tendon rupture – the latest setback in a career riddled with injuries – has added further mystery to the make-up of Melbourne’s maligned forward line. The former Crow arrived at the Demons via a trade two years ago in the hope he could add a new element in attack, but played only three games last season and faces another extended absence following likely surgery after hurting himself in match simulation on Friday. Melbourne’s big hope is Jacob van Rooyen, a 21-year-old key forward who ex-Demon Russell Robertson likened to a “young David Schwarz” for their physical likeness but also fearless attack on the Sherrin. “I feel like I’ve put in a really strong block over the pre-season. It hasn’t been interrupted at all, and hopefully, it stays that way,” van Rooyen said. “I’m really looking forward to [this season], and working with the group we have, and building off last year. I’m only 21, so I’ve still got a lot to learn [with] my forward craft.” Van Rooyen kicked 58 goals across the past two seasons and shapes as a future star, but the Demons are yet to find a reliable second tall target to partner him. That is one of the reasons Melbourne were the fifth-lowest scoring team in the AFL last year, mustering a paltry 77.6 points per game as they tumbled to 14th on the ladder and missed finals for the first time since 2020. Coach Simon Goodwin’s experiment with Harry Petty as a forward failed, and he will return to defence this year, while Matt Jefferson – the No.15 pick in the 2022 draft – is yet to play a senior game. For all their draft success in different areas of the ground, particularly in the midfield, Melbourne have struggled to unearth a key forward besides van Rooyen, with Sam Weideman also a bust as a top-10 pick a decade ago. They opted not to select one with any of their four first-round picks in the past two drafts, including passing on the likes of Jonty Faull, Harry Armstrong, Jack Whitlock and Thomas Sims last year. Melbourne instead took a punt on late-bloomer Aidan Johnson, a “very, very aggressive” 193-centimetre forward out of VFL club Werribee and Lavington, with the 68th selection. The club’s national recruiting manager Jason Taylor said at the time that he had tracked 24-year-old Johnson for several seasons. “We think he could potentially have an instant impact for us,” Taylor said. “We’re excited by what he could become.” The Demons’ two key forwards in their drought-breaking 2021 grand final triumph were the since-retired Ben Brown – secured in a trade with North Melbourne – and Tom McDonald, who started his career as a defender and is back there now. However, their attempt to transform Brodie Grundy into a forward-ruck in his one season at the club backfired spectacularly; he was not even selected in their finals campaign that year. Bayley Fritsch, a 188-centimetre lead-up forward, has kicked 38 or more goals in each of the past four seasons and is the most reliable option Melbourne have, while Kysaiah Pickett is one of the game’s best and most prolific small forwards. Kade Chandler, another small forward, is also a regular goalkicker. But the Demons lost Alex Neal-Bullen, their best game runner and pressure player, to Adelaide last year after he requested a trade home on compassionate grounds. They recruited fringe Lion Harry Sharp to fill the void. The latest tall forward being used alongside van Rooyen in attack is Daniel Turner, another ex-defender who was the last pick in the 2021 mid-season draft. Turner kicked 17 goals in 15 games last year, including three hauls of at least three. Melbourne rewarded him with a two-year extension in July. Former Brisbane player Tom Fullarton, a forward-ruck, is also on the Demons’ list, and van Rooyen said having so many options was “a good problem”. “There are still a lot of guys fighting for those spots,” van Rooyen said. “And they are all looking really strong coming into the year.”

A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers made their way out to Casey Field's for the Melbourne Football Club's Family Series day to bring you their observations on the Match Simulation. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars), McVee, Windor, Kentfield, Mentha Present but not playing: Petracca, Viney, Spargo, Tholstrup, Melksham Starting Blue 18 (+ just 2 interchange): B: Petty, TMac, Lever, Howes, Bowey Salem M: Gawn, Oliver, Langdon, Rivers Wings: Lindsay, Billings F: Sparrow, Fritsch, JVR, Chandler, Turner, Langford Inter: Sharp and McAdam (just these two rotating into the Blue team for the first half. Seems a signal that these twenty are in the mix re Round 1 considering the number absent and injured. McAdam's injury looks serious (2nd stanza) - either knee or ankle, no weight at all as he went straight into the rooms. Both Laurie and AMW were treated for minor knocks but re-entered the game. For three of the stanzas all of the following stayed in white/gray, so I would expect to start with Casey this year: Adams, Hore, Laurie, Verrall, Brown, Johnson, AMW, Sestan, Fullarton, Campbell, Jefferson Woewodin rotated with Lindsay between teams. Wholesale changes between teams only took place in the fourth quarter. Up until then the interchanging was minimal - in my view because the coaches were trying to build cohesion amongst the "probables". Jeffo was white/gray for the first three quarters. GATOR'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS In the second half they changed some of the players from Blue to White and vice versa. I think it’s more interesting as to who started in Blue and who started in White. Blue (probables): Gawn, Oliver, Rivers, Langdon, Lindsay, Langford, Sharp, Howes, Bowey, Salem, Billings, Petty, Lever, Sparrow, Fritsch, Chandler, Turner, van Rooyen, McAdam, McDonald White: (possibles): Campbell, Laurie, Culley, Brown, Adams, Jefferson, Sestan, Hore, Fullarton, Johnson, Woewodin, Moniz-Wakefield, Verrall, Adams, plus Casey top ups. No Mentha and George, or those who you already know about. It seems Petracca, Viney and Windsor will be back next week. So, while we do have injuries, I suspect we won’t be far off our best team soon. Jefferson: He started as a forward for White and was quiet. To get him involved they moved him into defence in the second quarter. He looked very comfortable behind the footy and got quite a lot of it. In the second half he swapped teams and played forward again, but was again quiet, although he took a nice contested mark in the last. Gawn: Campbell is a handful in the ruck contests. He competes hard against Max and manages to neutralize many of the hitouts, but Max worked his way nicely into the game. He took 6 or 7 marks and dropped a couple he’ll take in a few weeks. He got plenty of it. He won’t be falling away this year. Oliver: He’s moving really well and looks back to his best for mine, despite Goody saying supporters will need patience. He used it well, was clever, and wasn’t rushed like he seemed last year. In the votes. Langdon: He was in most centre bounces. He just gets a lot of it when he’s on ball and uses his quick feet to get out of trouble. Kicked a goal and missed a few other chances. Like all of the mids he made a couple of blues but he was in my best. Salem: Played in defence. He’s back to his best and moving like it’s 2021. Bowey: He too played in defence and racked it up. The odd mistake and sometimes I’d like him to move it on a bit quicker, but he looks a lock for the best 22 to me. Langford: He just looks comfortable at the level already and around the contest. His height will be a real asset around the ground and he makes good decisions. His one Achilles heel is he sometimes overruns ground-balls, but he looks a star in the making. Kicked a nice long goal. Lindsay: I thought he was good. He got it about as much as you’d expect playing a true wing role. Nice poise and competes/tackles well for a first year player. Some people think he’s skinny, but I look at the legs and his core looks great for an 18 year old. His upper body will obviously develop. Sharp: Not as noticeable today, but still did some nice things, including a smart front and square crumbing goal. Rivers: Played midfield all game and was good. In my best along with Oliver, Langdon, Fritsch, Salem, Bowey and Gawn. Fritsch: Involved, looked quicker than usual and seems set for a better year. Lever, etc: It was a pretty easy day for the defenders and they did what they had to. Not much to say. Chandler: Did some nice things and seems over his shoulder injury. Turner: Pretty quiet, but he did take a couple of good marks. Van Rooyen: Was the best key forward on the ground and we know he competes well. He still seems to drop an easy mark or chest mark every time I watch him, but he also clunked a couple and I reckon he’s ready to stamp himself on the competition. McAdam: He was playing deep forward and was having a good game before getting injured. A few for White. Moniz-Wakefield: I thought he was really good. Competed really hard, much to Salem’s annoyance at one stage. He played in defence and wouldn’t be out of place in the best 22. Brown: The boy was good. He played mainly on a wing and was one of the better players for White. His Dad was watching on. Sestan: I really like him down back. He was very involved and we know he usually kicks it well. There isn’t a spot for him, but I think he’d equip himself well. Johnson: Good early with a goal and a nice mark, but largely unsighted from then on. Fullarton: He’s such a great build. He did a couple of nice things, but on a whole was reasonably quiet. But I may have missed some stuff. Verrall: He did pretty well against the odds. He took a very good mark in the last and got involved. His kicking is problematic. Woewodin: Played wing and was one of White’s best. Used his pace through the centre in the last when he was switched to Blue. He and Lindsay were matched on a wing for a while. I’d say they’re going head to head for a spot in the 22. Hore: He was good. He looks a class above VFL level, but will have to bide his time. Culley: OK, he did a couple of sloppy kicks interspersed with quality left foot kicks, including a great goal on the run from 45. He was often head to head with Oliver, including the mandatory niggle. I have to say I really like this bloke. I haven’t seen enough to know what his pace is like, but in so many other facets he looks a fantastic prospect in the midfield. We probably have a greater need for a small forward, like George, who I also like, but gee, Culley is too good not to be on an AFL list.

Fierce tackling

Kozzy might be the first player to get suspended while he’s suspended.

‘Have to do my time’: Pickett breaks silence on trade reports Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett has broken his silence about reports he’s pursuing a trade to Fremantle, conceding that he is suffering from homesickness. Pickett has been at the forefront of headlines over a potential move to the Dockers, fanning the flames after liking a social media post about a possible move. The Herald Sun revealed that Pickett has been texting his mates who play for Fremantle telling them he will be in Dockers colours next year. The 23-year-old is contracted to the Demons until the end of 2027 and has previously explored his trade options. Asked about the conversations he’d been having with Dockers players, Pickett said that it was normal for him to text friends around the league. “I’ve got friends,” he said. “I’m allowed to talk to them I guess. “I’m contracted at Melbourne. I’m having fun there and I love it at the club.” Pressed on whether he’d like to move to Perth to play for Fremantle, Pickett added: “I’m still contracted at Melbourne.” Asked whether his text messages specifically outlined a desire to play for Fremantle, Pickett said: “I just text like general friends. I’m pretty close with some of them.” Pickett did concede that he was suffering from homesickness and he expressed this to Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin at the end of last season. “Being away in Melbourne, there’s always a bit of homesickness but I’m still contracted and I still have to do my time there,” he said. “We always have open and honest conversations. To be able to express myself and express my homesickness as a part of that relationship means we’re pretty close.” Melbourne says it has no plans to entertain trade talks about superstar Pickett amid the most impressive pre-season of his career. “He is going as well as anyone at the footy club and it has just shown everyone how engaged he is,” Goodwin told the Herald Sun. “He is as engaged as I have ever seen. “So, we love having him at the footy club. He loves the people here and that is really clear, and we want him to play for Melbourne for life.” Speaking at the Clontarf Foundation ahead of the Indigenous All Stars clash against Fremantle on Saturday, Pickett said it was an honour to represent his people. “It’s one of the bigger games I look up to, coming and playing in front of my family,” he said. “Being able to showcase myself … I represent all of my family. “I think that’s the best thing about these camps, giving back to the community and trying to inspire the next generation.” Pickett’s cousin Isaiah Dudley is also currently a train-on at Fremantle. Also an electric small forward, Pickett said that Dudley was enjoying his time at the club as he attempts to make his AFL dream a reality. “I have been speaking to him a bit,” he said. “He’s having fun. “He missed his opportunity a few years ago and credit to him he’s been working his butt off. If he gets a shot to try and prove himself, he deserves a spot at the top level. He’s made for it.” FULL TRANSCRIPT: Kozzie Pickett breaks his silence Reporter: You’ve been linked to a move back to WA. There are reports around that you want to come to Freo and you’ve already been texting some boys. What do you make of those reports and do you want to head back to Perth? KP: “I’ve got friends. I’m allowed to talk to them I guess. I’m contracted at Melbourne. I’m having fun there and I love it at the club." Reporter: So there’s no truth to the fact that you want to come to Perth? KP: “I’m still contracted at Melbourne." Reporter: There was a rumour around that you were maybe trying to come back at the end of last year’s trade period and that you were a bit homesick. Was that true as well? KP: “Being away in Melbourne, there’s always a bit of homesickness but I’m still contracted and I have to do my time there." Reporter: Can you take us inside that conversation you had with Simon Goodwin and speaking a bit about that homesickness? KP: “We always have open and honest conversations. To be able to express myself and express my homesickness as a part of that relationships means we’re pretty close." Reporter: So those text messages to your friends, have you expressed a desire to specifically come and play for Fremantle? KP: “I just text like general friends. I’m pretty close with some of them." Reporter: There’s been a few social media posts about a potential move to Fremantle that accounts linked to your name have liked and been associated with. Do they belong to you? AFL spokesperson: “I think he’s already answered that one.”

MELBOURNE Indigenous All-Stars squad members: Kysaiah Pickett, Steven May Match simulation details: Play North Melbourne on Saturday February 22 at 11am (AEDT), Arden Street Oval (4x25-minute quarters with time on for goals only, plus 2x3-minute scenario play at the end of the second and fourth quarters). In doubt/won't play: Christian Petracca (ribs), Judd McVee (hamstring), Jack Viney (ribs), Jake Melksham (hamstring), Koltyn Tholstrup (bone stress), Luker Kentfield (illness), Charlie Spargo (Achilles), Tom Fullarton (hamstring) What to look out for: The draftees. Where Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay line up will be of intrigue to Melbourne supporters. Langford, especially, looks ready-made, with senior teammates speaking glowingly of his size and intensity at training. Lindsay has also impressed, albeit a knee injury has slightly interrupted his first AFL pre-season. Keep an eye, too, on mature-age recruit Aidan Johnson, who has turned heads this summer., The new-look forward line is worth monitoring, too. Jacob van Rooyen and Daniel Turner prepare to join forces as key targets in attack, while maligned swingman Harry Petty is set to shift back into defence. Expect to see the likes of Shane McAdam and off-season recruit Harry Sharp throw their hats in the ring to assume Kysaiah Pickett’s place in Simon Goodwin’s side while the electric hybrid serves a three-game suspension. NORTH MELBOURNE Indigenous All-Stars squad members: Jy Simpkin Match simulation details: Play Melbourne on Saturday February 22 at 11am (AEDT), Arden Street Oval (4x25-minute quarters with time on for goals only, plus 2x3-minute scenario play at the end of the second and fourth quarters). In doubt/won't play: George Wardlaw (hamstring), Brayden George (knee), Callum Coleman-Jones (Achilles) What to look out for: Who gets midfield minutes. Despite young gun George Wardlaw’s latest hamstring setback, North Melbourne is stacked for young midfield talent this season. The on-ball brigade will be spearheaded by star Luke Davies-Uniacke — who’ll be one of the big rolling trade and free agency storylines of the year — alongside Harry Sheezel, Jy Simpkin and Tom Powell. Then there’s the likes of Colby McKercher, Finn O’Sullivan and Will Phillips, who’ll all be fighting for more midfield time, while veteran recruit Luke Parker could be another option. North’s centre bounce attendees against Melbourne, as well as the number of players they rotate through the middle, will be an interesting follow.

6-8 weeks

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Indigenous All Stars v Fremantle at Optus Stadium, 4.30pm AWST INDIGENOUS ALL STARS Callum Ah Chee (Noongar, Palyku and Nyikina, Yawuru), Karl Amon (Noonuccal), Shai Bolton (Minang and Wilman), Jase Burgoyne (Kokatha, Larrakia, Warai), Charlie Cameron (Waanyi and Lardil), Jeremy Finlayson (Yorta Yorta), Jade Gresham (Yorta Yorta), Joel Hamling (Yorta Yorta), Bobby Hill (Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar), Brad Hill (Wilmen, Noongar), Jason Horne-Francis (Wardaman), Lawson Humphries (Nyul Nyul, Oomiday, Worrora), Jarman Impey (Yorta Yorta), Joel Jeffrey (Kukatj, Wulwulam), Ash Johnson (Jaru, Kija), Tim Kelly (Noongar, Wongi, Yamatji), Coen Livingstone (Balardong, Noongar), Ben Long (Anmatjerre), Steven May (Larrakia), Jesse Motlop (Larrakia), Kysaiah Pickett (Yamatji, Noongar), Izak Rankine (Kokatha and Ngarrindjeri), Willie Rioli (Tiwi), Maurice Rioli (Tiwi), Liam Ryan (Yamatji), Jy Simpkin (Yorta Yorta), Tyson Stengle (Wirangu), Michael Walters (Whadjuk, Wilmen and Ngarrindjeri), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (Kokatha, Narangga), Zac Williams (Wiradjuri) FREMANTLE 1. Sam Sturt, 2. Jaeger O'Meara, 3. Caleb Serong, 5. Heath Chapman, 6. Jordan Clark, 8. Andrew Brayshaw, 9. Luke Jackson, 11. James Aish, 12. Hugh Davies, 13. Luke Ryan, 14. Jeremy Sharp, 16. Murphy Reid, 17. Will Brodie, 18. Liam Reidy, 20. Patrick Voss, 23. Karl Worner, 24. Jye Amiss, 28. Neil Erasmus, 29. Cooper Simpson, 30. Nathan O'Driscoll, 31. Brandon Walker, 32. Michael Frederick, 34. Corey Wagner, 35. Josh Treacy, 36. Brennan Cox, 37. Joshua Draper, 39. Sam Switkowski, 41. Bailey Banfield, 42. Aiden Riddle, 44. Matthew Johnson Notable absentees: Sean Darcy, Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters*, Shai Bolton*, Quinton Narkle, Oscar McDonald, Alex Pearce, Hayden Young, Jaren Carr *playing in Indigenous All Stars side

Everyone should be wearing sunscreen every day.

Not sure if this has been brought up on here before but what is the reason for TMac wearing the white lycra (?) top? From the image above it seems to be a "crop top" for want of a better word and only covers the arms and chest. Sun protection or something else?

Demonland Trackwatchers braved the scorching morning heat to bring you the following observations of Wednesday's preseason training session from Gosch's Paddock. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Absent: Salem, Windsor (word is a foot rash going around), Viney, Bowey and Kentfield Train ons: Roy George, no Culley today. Firstly the bad news - McVee went down late, which does look like a bad hammy - towards the end of match sim, as he kicked the ball. Had to be assisted off, writhing and in pain as it occurred. Woey also seems to have a sore shoulder. Mitch Cleary has also reported it. Rehab: As reported Kolt, Melksham (lots of running), Trac - running and multiple marking drills. Spargo participated in all the drills, up until match sim - sat that out. Did not see McAdam in the match-sim. Fullarton, Lever and Chandler back into the match-sim. Observations: In match-sim the game virtually revolved around Langdon - consistent with the new plan. Billings, Lindsay and Sharp playing in the true wing positions. Kosi and Rivers attended most of the centre bounces. A bit of rotation but Petty played back mainly. Seems that the backs will be May, Petty, Lever and perhaps Howes as a small/medium defender. Having said that Salem, Bowey and Windsor were absent today. Sestan being tried down back. Jeffo seemed to be in different positions - hard to know whether it will be him or Johnson up forward. Turner seemed to play both back and forward today. The Club has now confirmed Salem and Bowey ill today, Viney has rib cartilage damage and Windsor a foot infection (the last two sound minor). WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Spargo and Chandler in main activity. Melks agility test extremely agile! I count 37 in main group at the moment. Haven’t noticed Windsor, Viney, Tholstrup, Turner. McDonald & Fullarton also with main group. McAdam with main group. Mentha appears to be wearing 34. At present, Melksham is the only one on the track who isn’t in main activity. Searching for Petty, haven’t noticed him. (ADMIN EDIT: Training photos have him present). Tracc moving confidently, stretching and marking well, no tackle pressure. Turner accounted for. Tracc & Spargs now working with trainer on contested ball. Melksham also running laps. Salem not here. Full ground now. Adams good contested mark followed by poor kick. Activity slow moving, strategic focus. Ollie asking for direction from Goodwin. Gawn, Kossie, Riv & Sparrow versus Campbell, Laurie, Oliver & Langdon in middle. Campbell making it very difficult for Max in the ruck. McVee showing his class. Max still supreme in boundary throw in contests. Langdon has come in to middle as outside runner. Jefferson defeats both Adams and Hore in big contest, much to delight of teammates. Kossie winning lots of ball and delivering beautifully, running on to provide another option. Max, Riv, Kossie & Langdon v Campbell, Langford, Laurie & Oliver in Centre bounce. Laurie just kneed Chandler in a marking contest after too much hang time from Fullarton kick. Boys are looking exhausted, hot out there! Great contested work by AMW but sore shoulder after it. Max puts the heat on Langford and comes out the winner. Adams redeemed with good intercepts and well placed long kicks. Time for me to go. I’ll add a few things later. I may have mistaken Woewodin for AMW with that comment on a sore shoulder. My team from today's training. Be aware that I have not selected players who did not train, or players who are in rehab for some time yet. I selected players who were looking strong and fit and confident. (I've turned a blind eye to Judd's late mishap!). This team is purely on the basis of if we had a game tomorrow (I have decided, quite irrationally, that Judd got a cramp!) B: McVee, May, Adams HB: Howes, Petty, McDonald C: Langdon, Langford, Billings HF: Fritsch, Jefferson, Pickett F: Petracca, Van Rooyen, Chandler Foll: Gawn, Rivers, Oliver Int: Laurie, Campbell, Lever, Sharp, Sparrow apologies -> Hore, Turner, Brown I see AMW as a straight swap for McVee, not saying he is as good, but he is good in that role. #11 TONY ANDERSON'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Melk wrestling for marks with a trainer in Forward Pocket . Aidan Johnson hits his short passes. Petty and Verrall are in all drills. Lindsay is called ‘X’ Trac & Spargs in separate exercise with trainers. TMac, X,Langford and Mentha doing laps. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training session this morning. Looked like they were practising some drills about near the end of games. Trac looks very good, and not far away from joining main training. Spargo is getting closer to doing more training. Judd McVee was helped off the ground with a leg injury. Hopefully scans find no serious damage. TRAVY 14'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Whilst this was match sim like, it wasn't full match sim. Clearly focusing on some defensive structures and ball movement. As they stopped the drill once the ball was locked in a pocket and second half there was no ball ups. This made the forwards’ performance a little hard to read. Rehabilitation - Melksham & Kolt who went straight back into the rooms after some stretching and photo. Spargo and Trac joined rehabilitation after drills. Was Melksham’s injury a hammy? If so he is pretty much over it, did a power of running, wrestling and sideways drills. Oliver - clearance king, nothing too much from him, but he just got clearance after clearance. Langford - holds his own in the midfield, will get a run, but also don't expect too much from him yet. We have a midfield of Oliver, Trac, Viney and Rivers. Kozzie - electric, everywhere. As previous reports from trainings. Petty - solid, few skill errors, pushing forward from defence when an opportunity arises. Jefferson - good contests and covering the ground well. Good signs. Rivers - looking good through the midfield, will be part of the midfield 4. Langdon - absolutely everywhere as a midfielder. BOG. Billings - barely sighted for me. Sharp - good on the wing, covering ground and getting into defence. Chandler - back on the park, moving well early, very good in match sim. Also showing real leadership with his voice. Spargo - into early drills, looked gassed at times. Think he is a bit off senior footy still. Fritsch - playing high half forward, has a lovely left foot and knows how to get out the back. I like this role for him. I believe this also allows Petty to roll forward and create a mismatch in game play. McVee - Was smooth and classy till he went down with what looked like a hammy, walked off with assistance from trainers, but once he reached the boundary he looked to grab around the ankle area and then walked by himself. Await club report, hopefully just an ankle. BACK POCKET'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS As a trackwatcher, I can definitely confirm Judd got assisted/carried from the field by two trainers. Initially he could not put any weight through the leg (it initially looked like it could be an ankle because of this). He looked in a lot of pain. Once he got the the sidelines he was slowly able to put some wait through the leg, and the pain seemed to ease slowly. It didn't look good live, but let's hope GW's inside word from the trainers is correct. Fingers crossed he is okay!! Taj also got assessed by the trainer for some shoulder/neck discomfort after a big collision. He did not return to the match sim (there was not long left to go), although he was happily taking snaps at goal from the boundary line at the conclusion of training. Hopefully a non-issue. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS A hot day down at Gosch's Paddock. They are working the squad hard, plenty of running and for a longer time of exertion than early preseason runs. A few suffered brain fades in the heat. The overall skin folds are minimal, their bodies are top light, they are ready to run. Great to see Spargo with the squad, he participated in the non-contact drills, the same for Tracc, who ran numerous laps, when they did sims. Fullarton is now in full training as is Lever, and McAdam. No shows, included Viney, Windsor, Bowey, Salem, Tholstrup and Kentfield. Goody and Chaplin were very vocal, mainly about the structural forms. The sims were dedicated to last few minutes, perhaps 10 sets were performed. The team in front, played behind the ball. The lead changed numerous times. They finished with the 30-second board being shown from the boundary, the ones in front protected the ball and the defensive had to match up. The ones in front managed easily. Langdon is flourishing as an on baller. Plenty of touches, a few inside the forward 50. Lindsay and Billings on one wing with Woewodin and Sharp the other side. They were making lots of connections boundary side for the back to the forwards. Chandler and Sparrow in the half-forward area, though not much involvement. Petty running the full ground from back to forward area, with Hore in tow. Jefferson started down back, fluffed a couple of easy marks, they moved him forward and he did much better. Sestan off halfback is doing well and Verrall had a good session up forward. AMW has poise and making good decisions with the ball. Kossie is looking good, ripping through the traffic with turns and bluffs. Campbell is giving Gawn some resistance in ruck and around the field, he is competing well against him. Gawn is doing more leadership now, vocal and supportive to the others. Actually, most of them are getting into the encouragement and congratulations. Poor Juddy, when he did 'it', he started crawling off to the boundary, team first attitude, get out of the way of others, while spasms and pain hit him.

Exactly everyone move on.

MELBOURNE’S Judd McVee will undergo scans on his right hamstring after leaving the training track early on Wednesday. The 21-year-old was assisted from Gosch’s Paddock midway through the Demons’ session, with GM of AFL Performance Alan Richardson providing an update. “Judd will have a scan on his hamstring this afternoon, which will give us the full picture,” Richardson said. “Fingers crossed it’s not significant, but we will know more shortly.” Meanwhile, Jack Viney will be on a modified training program this week due to injury to his rib. The midfielder, who was absent from the session with a personal commitment, sustained damage to rib cartilage late last week and has subsequently entered the rehab group. The injury is expected to sideline him for Melbourne’s match simulation on Friday at Casey Fields. “Jack copped a knock to his ribs in a tackle last Friday, with scans showing some damage to his rib cartilage,” Richardson said. “We allowed it to settle over the weekend and pleasingly, he is recovering well. “Jack will continue to work through his rehab over the coming sessions, which will give us a greater understanding of his availability for our upcoming practice matches.” Youngster Caleb Windsor has also been forced to the sidelines with a skin infection on his foot. The 19-year-old has been managing symptoms of late, with the Demons confident it is now under control. “It’s been frustrating for Caleb, as it has taken a couple of days to get on top of the infection. We’re confident with where it’s at now though,” Richardson said. “At this stage, we expect Caleb to re-join the main training group by the middle of next week.” Christian Salem and Jake Bowey were also absent from Wednesday’s session due to illness. Melbourne will welcome fans to Casey Fields this Friday, for the first Beyond Bank Family Series event of 2025. The open training session will begin at 3pm, with a player signing opportunity from 6pm.

MELBOURNE’S Judd McVee will undergo scans on his right hamstring after leaving the training track early on Wednesday. The 21-year-old was assisted from Gosch’s Paddock midway through the Demons’ session, with GM of AFL Performance Alan Richardson providing an update. “Judd will have a scan on his hamstring this afternoon, which will give us the full picture,” Richardson said. “Fingers crossed it’s not significant, but we will know more shortly.” Meanwhile, Jack Viney will be on a modified training program this week due to injury to his rib. The midfielder, who was absent from the session with a personal commitment, sustained damage to rib cartilage late last week and has subsequently entered the rehab group. The injury is expected to sideline him for Melbourne’s match simulation on Friday at Casey Fields. “Jack copped a knock to his ribs in a tackle last Friday, with scans showing some damage to his rib cartilage,” Richardson said. “We allowed it to settle over the weekend and pleasingly, he is recovering well. “Jack will continue to work through his rehab over the coming sessions, which will give us a greater understanding of his availability for our upcoming practice matches.” Youngster Caleb Windsor has also been forced to the sidelines with a skin infection on his foot. The 19-year-old has been managing symptoms of late, with the Demons confident it is now under control. “It’s been frustrating for Caleb, as it has taken a couple of days to get on top of the infection. We’re confident with where it’s at now though,” Richardson said. “At this stage, we expect Caleb to re-join the main training group by the middle of next week.” Christian Salem and Jake Bowey were also absent from Wednesday’s session due to illness. Melbourne will welcome fans to Casey Fields this Friday, for the first Beyond Bank Family Series event of 2025. The open training session will begin at 3pm, with a player signing opportunity from 6pm.

Ghostwriter reports: Limped off. Cleary reports: Carried from field. 😱