waynewussell

quod erat demonstrandum

... and yet "delusional" Goodwin coached us to our first premiership in 57 years, in a coaching period that also saw us win a VFL and AFLW premiership. I refer to it as Goodwin's perspicacious period!

Further observations from today's session... McAdam is still running with a slight limp, but what a lot of running he is doing! Today he broke away for some short kicking and he looked comfortable. Tholstrup is looking fit and was a strong body in breakaway from the centre sims. Heath seemed to struggle with his kicking for goal today, surprisingly, Lever was hitting 75% of his shots. May is getting back to some fitness and is moving a little better than in the latter stages of this season. He is getting back some of the swagger. A fully fit May would be a huge bonus going into 2026. Matthews is recovering well from his op and, purely from my observation, should be joining sims activity after the Christmas break. Campbell is benefitting from an uninterrupted preseason. He may be more than a Max backup in 2026.

On training form, I list the following as visible improvers, not in any order... AJ, Langford, Windsor, Culley and Kentfield This group makes us better... Jiath, AMW, Mihocek, L. Pickett, Steele Another positive factor... Lever is fit. Without further serious injury, I am confident we will at least break even in 2026, which would be an improvement on the previous two seasons.

We were treated to some of the 'magic' Trelly moves as his group worked through some repeat shots at goal, and later some lead up work infront of us. He is lightning, full of confidence, evasive and a sure ball handler. I didn't notice Onley today, but X Taylor has blossomed somewhat since his first hit out. He showed finesse when bursting from defence, was reasonably accurate with his shots for goal and chirpy in general, as he blends into the group dynamic.

Yes, we had a short chat with Harvey, my friend asked if he had grown since last year. He said he wasn't sure... "maybe a centimetre or two". I snapped those pics and posted them before to give some indication of Langford's size compared to Lingers. He is definitely taller than listed. I told him he better stop growing or they will have him in the ruck next!

AJ is looking good. He seems to have gained a little polish, particularly with his kicking for goal. He is fit and takes some good marks in leading and contesting sims.

You'd better get yourself down to Gosch's Corral, gunslinger!

I have this as a round 1 back 8 B: Moniz-Wakefield, May, Petty HB: Salem, Lever, Jiath Rotations: Howes, Turner

I wouldn't rush to the conclusion that Xavier Lindsay is a ready-made replacement for Bowser. For a start, Jake is 175cms, Taylor is listed as 192cms. Andy Moniz Wakefield is closer to the mark for mine.

I made reference to Rhino in my training notes re CJ. Do you have a problem with celebration?

Some impressions from today's session, Bill continues to be a prolific link man, always trying to be evasive with the ball. generally, makes short kicks on all angles, but a few turnovers are costly. Langford has grown! He is now very close to May in height and not far below in build. (He did look sore mid-session with a tweak of his upper left leg) Salem is looking very good and will be in our 23 come round 1 Langdon motors on, and continues to give us drive Bowey spent a lot of time running the boundary Melksham had some concern with a leg problem. I thought I heard him tell a trainer that it was from the previous session. He got some massage fro the trainer for a while. McAdam ran hard on the boundary line for most of the session Started to notice the old run and long kicks from Riv. Tom McDonald looks very fit Petty is quicker than he is given credit for At one point early on the brothers were in a group taking around-the-corner shots at goal. McAdam, Ricky jnr, AMW (who has joined the group) and 'Cussey' all succeeded. The odd man out was Kossie!

1983, Rd 2 - Russell Richards first VFL/AFL Goal was one of the goals of the year - Melbourne

I was impressed with Steele and Mihocek throughout, both in the sims and in the runs. Mihocek regularly led his group and seems to have fully recovered from any 2025 season niggles. Heath impressed more than he has previously with his size, marking and athleticism. CJ bursts like a maniac from half-back. He seems to have that Russell Rhino Richards approach to run and carry!

Have attempted to upload a few files of the ruck pairs, Max v TC, Heath v KW. I haven't had much success! In summary, Max was impressive, as always, against a very strong and very experienced competitor. My videos make it clear that Heath was too strong for Kalani at this stage of development.

IMG_6030.mov

6 Gillard 5 Hore 4 Paxy 3 Chaplin 2 Hanks 1 Taylor

I went with my daughter, as I have throughout the season. I totally agree with all the supportive responses that have been aired here. It was a magnificent effort by our women! I enjoyed the game throughout. I was extremely proud to be a Demon because of the way our team, our leaders and our coaches went about it. It is true, this team deserves stronger support. One way we believers can assist is to speak positively and spread the word. If this sounds a little evangelistic, please seek out the exploits and passions of mother superior Hore, sister Paxy and novice Gillard! Football is a religion!

Henderson more likely trying to run out a glute issue

I’m more talking about when he is clear, on the run and streaming forward, but I take your point.

Standouts for me today are Windsor, Sparrow, Jiath & Kossie

Tholstrup sometimes holds on to the ball for too long. It is only pre-season training, but that was occasionally his downfall during the season. I would like to see him take the first option.