Ruffles

When I listened it must've been before or after Omac. The stats I heard were about the top performers in terms of turnovers per disposal. Impressively we had two of the top 5 or 6 with Stretch about 3rd and Oliver 5th or 6th. Stretch doesn't surprise me from what I've seen this year but a great result for Oliver considering the pressure and contested nature of his disposals! The least turnovers were by the Bont with only 1 per 19 disposals.

At that point in 2014, yes, absolutely agree. I'd suggest however that a lot has changed in 2.5 years. We know the draft is basically a lottery and that clubs often consider need not only talent. Only assumptions can be made how a draftee then approaches training, professionalism, preparation and how their body develops and how long it takes. Looking back at drafts, once the players have finished their careers, the draft order in hindsight would be significantly different! I'm personally very pleased with Oscars level of development for being a former pick 53 at the ages of 21 and with only 20 games to his name!

No one is perfect, we all have flaws. Perhaps sharing the role between the two, who clearly have different personalities, will create a better balance and allow both of them to utilise their strengths more effectively. Similarly other players may respond better to one or the other so with Jones and Viney working together we might have a more engaged team. Don't mind this at all. Co-captains has clearly been successful in most instances.

The other change is Garland to be replaced by Lewis, so a lot of continuity there! I like it.

It's been awhile but I was stoked to attend my 1st training session for the year. Picked a cracking day for it....... Firstly, I don't understand how WW can make sense of the drills and post at the same time. Full respect! Takes me long enough to just work out who's doing what. Training has definitely improved every year for the last few years. The intensity is up, the talk is up, the couches involvement is up and most importantly the skills are up. The music is odd but not in a bad way and I get the theory behind it. There also seem to be almost as many staff as players! Maybe that's where Roosy's salary has gone... The drills have been covered well so I don't have much to add there. There's not much down time it's go, go go. The players need to be switched on mentally as well. It was a tough day for it and the coaches didn't go easy on them, it was pretty brutal. My comments for what it's worth: Loved seeing Lewis finally. Now that I was really paying attention jeez he's a beautiful kick of the footy. A really good influence on the group too. It's not his 'on field coaching. At one stage, when he and Trac were sitting out the match sim, Trac was getting really into it from the boundary calling out instructions. Lewis told him back it off and let the team out there talk. Players that stood out to me today were Hunt, Jones, Lewis, Hogan, Watts and Viney. But most players were pretty good, also Pederson, Melksham, Johnstone, Garlett, Gawn, Vandenberg and Trengove. Hunt looks so full of confidence, he's a pleasure to watch (that sounds bad doesn't it..). I'm glad to read Oliver might have had hay fever, not surprising either considering the conditions, as he seemed out of it. Not much talk or involvement with team mates, looked cooked and spent a fair bit of time coming off. His skills were good when I watched him in drills but he was struggling to keep up today. One of my favs to watch! Weideman and O Mac have definitely bulked up, but will still take a couple of years. Loved my first glimpse of Johnstone. Very lively and bit of x-factor about him! Fitness-wise you can tell his a draftee but he was pushing and trying his heart out. Team mates were getting around him in a big way. Looks to have talent. I didnt' realise Bugg was such a talker, in the instructive/leadership type way not the lippy fella we know he can be. Hibberd nor Melksham appeared to be off the pace after a year off, though it is only training. As others have mentioned Spencer was everywhere, though his kicks were regularly not to advantage. They were more safe than risky though so perhaps it's him trying to play to his ability. I was bummed not to see Brayshaw, he must've left before I arrived. Just saw Tyson and Jetta packing up and heading back. I liked Troy Chaplin's coaching. He would run through the different aspects of the match sim with whichever team had just rotated out. Getting too distracted by the tennis now so that'll do it. Thanks to all the other attendees who've been getting me through this preseason!

Looks like they finished not long ago at Princes Park. Bugg, Jones and Neal-Bullen top three with Tmac rested. They've also put up some photos on the website already! ANB finishes top three in timetrial

Funny that this is brought up. About a month or two ago I saw Goodwin, McCartney, Melksham and.............. Hibberd having a quiet beer and counter meal in a pub in Richmond pub. I assumed it was a catch up of dons and ex-dons players/coaches, but perhaps there was more to it. I wouldn't be against it as he's kick is a weapon, but I wouldn't want the club to pay too much. As others have said, definitely focus on Hurley!

From club website: Upcoming open training sessions: Wednesday 23 March - Gosch's Paddock - 9.45amCasey Scorpions intra-club practice match - Friday 25 March - Gosch's Paddock - 10.30am

Hmm, maybe Jack Martin for a potential break out? Andrew Walker's cheap this year but not sure how his preseason going or where he'll be played. I'm going with Craig Bird at this stage as he'll probably end up one of their key mature mids. Haha yeah that's pretty keen for dees players mate!! I've only got Kennedy and Petracca at this stage. I'm also going with Bird at this stage - should play every game and score well.

Lately it's been the safest option just to steer clear of Dees players, apart from rookies/draftees. But I'm interested what Melbourne players people are considering, apart from a few obvious ones like Petracca when he debuts? I'm considering Ben Kennedy - if he slots into the best 22 he's a good price for a mature player. TMac was a good selection last year... Will Tyson or Viney rise to top scoring mids? Do we back Gawn to become one of the best ruckman after the preseason reports we're hearing? Kent or Salem as mid priced options?

I'm keen to go around again - team was the Ruffnuts last year. Thanks DV!!

I believe the suns have a number of academy prospects next year, so will likely be a club after points. So us not having a 1st round pick might not be much of an issue.

Dropped by again today to catch the return of the seniors. Tasman's basically covered everything super well, so I'll just make a few observations. Didn't see Lumumba, Trengove and Newton. There were a couple guys I didn't recognise so I assume they're the Casey listed players training with the club. Garland seriously needs to tighten his hat, every time I glanced over it was flying off his head! Melksham is taller than I thought he was and reasonably built. From what I saw he didn't do anything badly and his kicks at goal during one of the drills were mostly all on target. Bugg is a good runner, was generally near the front of the packs during running drills. Kennedy didn't join in drills, just ran some laps. It's always entertaining watching the McDonald bro's when they're 1v1 in drills. This time it was marking and although Tom had the upper hand most of the time Oscar snagged a few good ones. You can tell he's now taller and will only get better as he fills out. Kent was running pretty quick, was very happy to see that. Really hope he gets a good crack next year. He's got a beautiful thumping kick too. Dunn vocal as usual but Watts seems to be the most encouraging of the boys, really getting around everyone with fives and back slapping. Saw ANB at one point but didn't see him take part in anything. Vandenberg definitely looks trimmer and fitter than a year ago. Hopefully next time the new draftees will be there as well, looking forward to seeing them out there.

I went along at about 10:30am and the drills weren't very intense, so it must've been after the run. There were 3 groups rotating between 3 drills - being set shot goal kicking, 1v1 marking contests and a ball-up ruck contests with 2 teams of mids. Not much to report really, I wasn't there that long. Players missing were: Jones, Vince, Hogan, Petracca, Brayshaw, Lumumba, Trengove, Tyson, Newton, Pederson, O McDonald, Neal-Bullen, Kennedy, Garlett, Spencer, Terlich, M Jones, King. A few observations were: Viney is just scary... just so ripped. Most were pretty up-beat, a lot of talk and encouragement from Watts. Joel Smith has a serious leap. In the contested marking drill they used bags at one stage. One was basically to take a speccy on, using the knee. Well, all the others got a knee up on the bag and took the grap. Smith basically stood on top of it. Jumped on to it and used his feet! Stretch did quite a few good things in the 3v3 mids roving from the ruck, congratulated by the coaches. White has a thumping kick. Melksham was looking alright, did some good things. That's about it I'm afraid... not much happened really!

It’s going to be a tough year dealing with Hawks fans. They are a bit like European wasps, with no cold winters to kill them off, they just keep growing in number, ruining many a good BBQ and irritating everyone. lol...

You wouldn't believe it, but through the kitchen sink too.................... You can tell it's been a long off season when just a spelling mistake almost derails a thread! It might not be about JKH's top speed, maybe's he's just quicker off the mark. It was more than once though where he seemed to have time and space through the corridor.

I went along yesterday from about 10am. For some reason I didn't pay that much attention yesterday but will try and recall some of it..! Like the look of frost. Not because he's looks like Mick Fanning on steroids, but as others have mentioned he's got a serious turn of speed for a big fella. Couple good punches and weaving in the handballs drills, though there was that dropped sitter of a mark, which he was pretty filthy with himself for. JKH ran threw the corridor a few times in match sims. Got caught the odd time time without many options before him, but very quick! Also his goal kicking drew some applause from the crowd. Heaps of video cameras and big bertha lens cameras today. Enjoyed seeing Hunt out and about. There's something about this kid that really intrigues me. Looks quite a bit bigger than last year. I'm really hoping he develops into an Isaac Smith, Brad Hill, Lewis Jetta quality player for us. Tyson looked a level above. I think he was just in the zone - everything was working. Topped it off with one of his trademark bomb goals off a step from outside 50. Gun. Matty Jones is bloody quick. Was a good find and I reckon he'll lift further this year. ANB and Vince turned up half way through and chatted to coaches but didn't train. Howe also joined but didn't appear to train. Hogan is a player, just naturally gifted. Serious mancrush... him and Viney that is! Garlett fired off a few nice low bullets during match sim. Hits targets. O McDonald flicked a ball up off the ground, soccer-style, on the boundary just past the behind post and then kicked it through for a goal. Got a few claps from team mates. Anyway that's about all I can come up with... mind was elsewhere yesterday. At least the games are starting so I won't need to go to training to get my fix anymore!

Completely forgot about Kent! This is becoming much tougher... not that that's a bad thing!

Been a couple of these but always up for another! FB: Jetta Frost Dunn HB: Grimes Tmac Garland/Howe C: Vince Cross Lumumba HF: Viney Hogan Watts FF: Garlett Dawes Gawn R: Jamar N Jones Tyson I/C: Newton Salem M Jones Sub: Bail Honourable mentions to Toumpas, Michie, Petracca and JKH. Even though Watts, Vince and Howe have been in rehab I get the feeling they've been handled very cautiously with the aim of being ready round 1. All senior players, they'll have the miles in the legs from laps, just need some match fitness via NAB challenge.

I agree OD and TDI - I had Viney up there due as he appears to have increased his fitness significantly this preseason (3km time trial placings and running drills), plus I may be a little biased... love him! We already know what we're going to get in a contest, I guess I'm expecting his spread and outside game to go up a notch. So on straight training though I can't argue with your assessment TDI!

Yeah I'll have a crack - probably not too dissimilar to yours.. 1. Jones 2. Tyson 3. Cross 4. Lumumba (though he'll spend time at HB) 5. Vince (yeah he does need to get out of rehab but running-wise he looks fit and has the runs on the board footy-wise, confident he'll be in there!) 6. Viney 7. M Jones 8. Newton 9. McKenzie / Michie (can't separate at this stage) Thanks to all the other reports, spoilt for choice today!

Beautiful morning out there - sunny with a light SW breeze. I arrived probably close to 10am and it looked like the group were just finishing their warm ups. Definitely not cancelled today! Long session... I left around 12:30pm when it was winding down, though quite a few were practicing set shots among others things. Again, more of a skills / ball drills session that finished with sprints and laps. General comments below: No sign of King, Hunt, Bail or Trengove today. ANB was back, running laps with a light strap to his knee. Good to see him again! Rehap / light duties group seemed to be White, Watts, Garland, Fitzy, Terlich and Howe. Watts, White and Howe did a few light things on the far side of the oval but spend most of the session doing laps. Bernie also did only laps I believe. Garland did drills early while Fitzy and Terlich ended up doing basically all the drills later in the session. Brayshaw left early today. First drills were all basic kicks and hand balls in pairs and then group loops with running. Great to see Kent and Hogan amongst it all Intensity then went up with contact drills - players separated into tall forwards/backs and everyone else. One midfield group was doing a ground ball gather then brace for incoming tackle and try get a handball off. Apart from that I can't actually remember too much of these drills... Next were full ground drills with players moving from one station to another and included kicks, hand balls, play on etc. These are quite interesting looking at kick accuracy as the players are under more pressure. A few errors but tidied up with minimum fuss. Full ground drills were then two teams, blues vs high viz, trying to maintain possession from a stoppage at defence and moving the ball inside 50 then goal. Lots of voice in these, either calling for the ball or directing other players into space or pointing out options. Quite fun to watch these ones. Gawn was used as an option quite a few times, covered ground and got on the end of a few to convert. Petracca was pretty good, also M Jones, Lumumba, Grimes and Hogan. A couple things stood out to me during these drills. Stretch doesn't look like a 1st year draftee - did not look out of place, just strength in a contested situation more like a draftee. Very impressed! Love Garlett's speed, not always used but provides options. Frost is quick too, a couple quick spoils. Lumumba was mainly down the other end from me but saw quite a bit of run followed by a couple long kicks. Will make an impact. Hogan just looks like he wants the ball so bad every time. After these drills most players did sprints followed by a lap of the oval. McCartney seems not to be running drills but be providing feedback to players on various aspects of what they've done such as technique and timing. Heard the word "fantastic" quite a few times as well things like "you should've committed to that lead earlier.." etc. One funny moment saw the McDonald bros in a 1 on 1 at FF during a full ground drill with TMac defending. Oscar managed to outmaneuver Tom and took a great grab. Then went back and kicked the goal to big applause and shouts like "There's a new McDonald!" Dunn got a calf strapped at one point but went back into drills. Did a lot of directing from FB during drills. Byrnes took part in the all the training today. If a remember correctly he was going to be a playing coach at Casey this year...? Love the way Jetta gets stuck into all his opponents, whether it's Dawes/Spencer or whoever he only knows one way. Salem looks such a gifted footy player, saw him take a couple one hand grabs during the ball drills. Looking forward to his 2015. People have mentioned Toump a bit lately - he looked pretty quick to me today. Plenty of running in all the drills and quite involved. Didn't stand out to me today but I don't mean that in a bad way at all as much of the group was pretty solid today. Jamar is tracking very well and is the clear no. 1 ruck at this stage, in my opinion. Stronger than the younger rucks in rucking drills, taking good grabs and running well. Also have Cross firmly in top 18, geez he's in good nick. What a great addition to the team. Petracca should definitely get opportunities this season if he continues the way he's going. Grimes, TMac, McKenzie and Salem did a intercept / 3rd man up marking drill in defence towards the end. Vandenberg took part in all the drills today and also doesn't look out of place. Improved fitness will help but a lot to work with there. Can the footy hurry up and start already...

If he gets his foot / body right again is really the question at this stage. He has a great skill set - good tackler, great overhead mark, good kick, excellent endurance, leadership and footy smarts. Is it that easy to forget? If he regains some speed then, to me, he's well above at least Michie, McKenzie, Newton, Riley and Bail, not to mention the new draftees. Possibly also Cross and Toumpas.. At the end of the day it just comes down to the foot.. if he's body's right and allows him to return to his form from the 1st couple of seasons then he's a walk up start in my opinion. If it doesn't then that would be very unfortunate and we mightn't see much more of him.

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2015-02-04/coloured-lights-free-wifi-coming-to-mcg AFL are also reporting the MCG's going to install lighting outside, which can all be changed to display home team colours etc. The short video shows an example in red and blue! Reckon it would look great for our home games!

Haha, thought I was incognito behind the mustache!