waynewussell

Oliver back in the fray. Trengove definitely moving better than last year... mobility back and foot skills good. Jetta cops one in the thigh. Melksham has looked sharp today. Big Max has outstanding stamina and running ability in these exercises.

Tom McDonald and Pederson report to Crossy and his Minions for a marking routine with pressure from tackle bags. Oliver walks to tent. Rehab group have packed up. Main group divided amongst assistant coaches for in-close handball drills

Goodwin emphasized "composure under pressure" several times. Team activity continues between half forward lines. Basically keeping off, 7 defenders v 10 ball carriers. Quick rotation between teams. I've been here for an hour now and the intensity is relentless. We will have a very fit team come season opening. This is why the rehab group will have a lot of catching up to do

Just watched a very impressive full ground activity consisting of four teams (main group divided into teams of 9 - 10 players.) Two teams on at any one time, one attacking, one defending. Objective was to take the ball from deep in backline to a scoring opportunity at other end. All players had to take the game on... no prop and stop... Teams had to work the ball through by hand and foot, not too much run and carry. When each team exited the field they were required to sprint back to the defense goals by way of the boundary line. Goodwin would meet them there for observations about their previous work. Leaders in each group would also discuss strategies with team mates. Lewis, Jones and Gawn were driving their teams to 'win'

Main group involved in novel tackling activity now. Pairs on the ground, one with ball. Opponent has to pry the ball loose before the second whistle. Winner stays in. Nev was pretty good, so too Max

Rehab consists of Hannan, King, ANB & Filipovic... doing marking and ball handling under some pressure, with Crossy... Macca was here too for the marking. They are doing a lot of contact work with the tackle bags. All look close to joining main group

Arrived 10 minutes late due to Bridge Rd Tram! Cool morning, no breeze, damp underfoot but no rain at the moment. All accounted for except Tyson, Kent and haven't noticed Garlett yet. JKH celebrating membership of the main group with flouerescent orange boots!

Thanks for reports Saty & CB

Didn't see Tim Smith at training on Monday

Mahoney is suggesting that Dom will be back in the pre-season comp... reports of his demise are premature!

My conversation with Dom was last Thursday. I was there early and he was walking laps before the main group left AAMI. It was short and sweet. I'm pretty sure he said it was right knee and he was waiting on scan results. He intimated that he would have to wait and see. He was hoping that his level of fitness would let him play games soon after getting the ok to resume. I believed every word... still do!

Full ground spread now, very quick movement and the occasional blooper as they are constantly under pressure. Overall, the standard is impressive. Will leave you on this note... we'll talk!

The half backs, Bernie, Salem, Wagner and Frost are in a side step and short kick activity. Now all called back into centre of ground

Have to leave soon. Main group still rotating through small group in close stuff. Can't help but notice how good Viney is in these in an under activities. He and Jones are very competitive

JKH and ANB now also running the boundary at pace. Cool conditions now, ideal for training.

Hibberd also stretching out on the boundary now. Main group split into smaller groups for in close handball and tackling routines. Lots of body contact in this one. One small group still doing short kicks under pressure from a defender

The activity just mentioned culminates in a long kick to someone running full pace into goal square

Watts running boundary and stretching out for 200. Trenners doing strengthening with elastic straps. Main group on full ground pass and play on activity

Hulett

31 in main group today currently doing short sprints

McKenna in main group

Rehab group really stretching out, some full ground activity. None look far from joining main group

100+ spectators and channel 7 watching

Others not sighted so far, Hulett, Johnstone, Hannon, Filipovic, McKenna

Wagner in main group