Demonland

Veteran Demonland Trackwatcher Picket Fence once again ventured down to Casey Fields to bring us the following observations from the Demon's Preseason Training Session. NO SHOWS Didn’t notice J.V and Chandler, Bailey Fritsch but they may have been there! INJURIES MODIFIED DUTIES MAX, CLARRY, GUS (Although he was doing plenty of Running), THOLSTRUP, PETTY (Who also ran for the first time!) SKILLS , DRILLS AND MANOUVERS After warmups and Run Throughs, players broke of into Groups doing a variety of Close in Handball through traffic to hit clean target with players pressuring. One on one Groundhog Day ground ball gets. Telescopic Talls in Marking contest situations Pressure the ball carrier, two meters away closing fast to kick to a lead. Match sims ( See below for details) Half ground transitioning including stoppage work on both boundary side wings and emphasizing manned positioning and quick breakaways using precise handballs to break out of traffic and finding leading player on lead or further handball, chip kicks to favored positions to free up play and present scoring options closer to goal. Red vs Whites, this also had an element of keeping the ball in forward line and using lateral movements and handball before finding a target. So, it was as much about forwards and positioning and defense creating a chess like impenetrable phalanx! PLAYER WATCH AND MATCH SIM TOM SPARROW I mean wow just wow this guy is ready to launch, has confidence picks great options and really will excite through the midfield this year. LACHY HUNTER Has lost weight and dare I say it has picked up a yard of pace, was involved in plenty and looked rejuvenated and classy. JACK BILLINGS, Classy ball user who always hits targets and linked up beautifully today, will play major parts in games. SHANE MC ADAM The missing piece in the forward line puzzle, just oozes class, goal sense and links up magnificently, can also take a hanger and a half KOZZY, Just mesmerizing today total excitement machine SPARGO Yeah righto , he was really good today involved linked up and kicked a few goals and was busy. MONIZ-WAKEFIELD Starting to find his feet was involved in a lot of link ups and used his pace and skills to great effect and could be a surprise early inclusion if he keeps this form up. ADAM TOMLINSON Used his pace to run of the back half and set up many plays. JED ADAMS, I took notice of him a couple of times with great run of Half back and also astute ball use. Looks a player. MARTY HORE Looked right at home of half back, is an intercept king and used the ball to advantage. He could also get an early look in. CHRISTIAN SALEM I’m sure it was him ( remember I’m on the other side of the fence) and he looked really good unhampered by recent injuries and looked fresh, pacey and involved with effortless and crisp disposal. JOSH SHACHE, Took a couple of really good, contested marks and converted effortlessly, I hope he has improved enough to make the difference and looked particularly good today. KYAH FARRIS WHITE Rucked well today and looks like if he develops a bit of mongrel could be a hell of a find. TRENT RIVERS Looks like Mr. Universe with his swagger and relentless attack on the ball. FINAL THOUGHTS T. Mac wasn’t bad in defense and training levels were up from last week I thought. Ball movement was quick , precise and forward entries were purposeful and effective. Given some of the exhilarating and exotic weaves out of defense and forwards moving to effective scoring positions this training session said a lot to me about the increased pace and intent to rectify past deficiencies which have sabotaged our last two years of finals performances.

Petty back up and running after 131 days.

Caulfield Racecourse is a 3 minute drive from Demonland HQ so expect a lot of training reports in the future if this comes to fruition.

Jason Taylor had to sign an NDA

Already in the mix of questions

I'm interviewing one of the Melbourne Football Club's newest recruits and one of Demonland's Sponsored Players for 2024 Koltyn Tholstup tomorrow for the Demonland Podcast. I'll be asking him about his recruitment to the club and how he has found the leap from WAFL to AFL as well as what his goals for 2024 and beyond are and much more If you have any further questions let me know below and I'll see if I can squeeze them in. I will release the podcast at some time tomorrow so stay tuned.