waynewussell

Clarry. Sorry for the confusion. In future I'll use "Clayton".

Some other thoughts about training today. Melksham and JVR were the most effective forwards. Both seem set for a bright 2025. Fritsch was also good but played further from goal much of the time... still managed to snag 2 or 3! Billings and Short spent a lot of time on each other (on the wing I presume, although they roamed far and wide). I thought Billings had the better of the duel. Roy G was more involved today. Ricky Mentha was impressive in run and carry Jed Adams has definitely improved and is having more impact as a key back. Jack V is running with the ball more than previously, but his opponents know that they can catch him and did so on more than the odd occasion. The stand outs for me in match sim were Clayton & Caleb, closely followed by Rivers, Fritsch and Melksham. McAdam was offering good leads and took several marks in front of opponent. Bill Bailey is also having more input than previously. Tom Campbell is the dominant ruck with Max being on lighter duties. Langford and Lindsay did well with ball in hand but were not prolific (Clayton, Caleb and Rivers were) NOTE: Slarti just expanded on another reason why I didn't notice them!

Gigantic hit by Adams on Disco (I think) in a pack knocked the stuffing out of him. He was struggling to recover for 10 minutes.

Goody gives Ollie a pat on the back for his efforts during a short break

Great mark by Hore in big pack. JVR finds McAdam in lead. Ollie in 40+ form, running riot!

40, 33, 11, 5, 21 & 8 running laps at pace

Great tackle on Viney by Bill. Campbell takes screamer over Verrall, Howes marking well on intercept. McAdam caught by Hore, holding the ball!

Clayton and Caleb involved in multiple link up chains, scorched Earth!

Fritta playing more mid in full ground sim, wearing yellow vest which seems to indicate he can kick either way. Sestan nice spoil on Bowey, gathers ball and snaps truly

Up till now, two groups ball movement, low pressure, constant motion. Key forwards leading patterns, no opponents

350 here now

Rick in main group

250+ supporters here

38 players in main group, 3 train ons, haven’t seen Kossie

Tholstrup doing short passes to trainer on the lead

Jefferson back from protocols

Chin out if sling. Just a bandage high on right arm, doing boundary runs at half pace, not able to swing that right arm.

You see what I mean by "tree trunks"!

I agree with your observation that defenders intercepted regularly, but remember, the defenders in this case are teammates who know the game plan as well. For this reason, it is difficult to 'wrong foot' them. This changing direction and hitting up to the corridor will require precise foot skills... The more they practice these skills under pressure the better they will get (here's hoping!).

He doesn't under deliver while training. He is a tank and a team player. I have hopes of further improvement in the real thing, but I wouldn't call him a sure thing.

Almost no ruckwork in these sims. A backman is selected by coaches to kick back into set plays.

Just running when I was there.