waynewussell

Congrats Jack! It feels good to know Jack has made it. I agree with all the positive observations that have been made here. On the few instances that I have met Jack in person, as well as watching him at training and in the media, he stands out as a terrific bloke, a passionate Demon and a wonderful role model. Our club has benefited, on and off the field, as a result of drafting Jack. Now the future is his to push on to the elite level that he is capable of on-field.

6 - Viney 5 - Vince 4 - Gawn 3 - T McDonald 2 - Jetta 1 - Watts

Pederson played his usual game at Casey... and that is above VFL level. He is another who could improve our current side. He would allow Watts to play the game he is best at and give Gawn a chop out. He also has more going for him as a tall defender than O Mac at this stage (that is where he was playing for North when we recruited him).

I wouldn't be dropping Brayshaw, I would find a way to add Oliver and I would get Stretch back ASAP

Given that Spencer was one of Casey's best (v Minson), and given our current Etihad strategy fails miserably, I wonder if it is time to go with the second ruckman and give the shootout away!

Of the backline, I was disappointed in White because he was given an opportunity and hardly had an effective stat. I was disappointed in Grimes for similar reasons. Oscar battled along but hardly had a positive impact. I am a Harmes fan but he ran us into trouble a little too much for my liking. Thinking about what else is available in the backline..... Hmmm.... Salem would be handy and Melksham has a spot in 2017, not to mention Hibberd!

We are all angry! Not just because of the loss.... because it was so much like every other loss against the Saints and every other loss at Etihad.

Brayshaw is fine, just a little slow on that occasion. He has done some good stuff during the game. We always have room for Oliver. We have given ourselves a chance... that's all I ask for.

Wasted quarter. I suspect turnaround in 3rd to be near equal at the last change then its anybody's

6 - T McDonald 5 - Grimes 4 - Hogan 3 - Watts 2 - Jetta 1 - Viney

I forgot to mention, White exited training with the main group!!!!

White IN

Salem worked well today at training, away from the main group, he was put through a variety of skill and maneuverability exercises with assistant coaches. He came over to where I was standing for a drink at one stage and I complimented him on how fit he looked. He thanked me and said he was two weeks away from resuming. He didn't look significantly lighter to the naked eye.

Smith didn't stand out. He is working his way back after a longish rehab. I reckon he needs another month to get back to the shape and form he was in. I agree with what others are saying about Dawes. However, I reiterate that on the track he looked quite a bit more impressive than the younger aspirants. I reckon he does too much running around in the games and is buggered later in the contest. At this stage I feel he would benefit from playing as a deeper key forward who can lead up. Going by my theory on those who stayed out on the track today, Dawes won't be going to Darwin, but he trained like someone had told him he has one more chance!

To be fair, Dawes did everything asked of him today with willingness and high energy. If he plays with that zest we wouldn't have the disappointment of Sunday

Brayshaw was moving well, I would say he is in the mix following on from very good workout at Punt Rd on Sunday

Many heading in now, mainly Seconds out on the field. That includes Oliver, Trenners, ANB, Hulett, Weiderman, Garland, Dunn, JKH, King, Spencer & Dawes. Michie went in with others, Grimes exited with main group but stayed chatting with supporters. Not sure if this is a selection predictor but Wagner still on the track with seconds working with Crossy. Brayshaw appears to have left with main group. Dawes is being put through full on body to body work v Garland and Dunn

Salem has ramped it up a bit doing light body work and longer kicking. I had a word to him and he said "a couple of weeks"

Spencer v Gawn in midfield work with Brayshaw, Oliver, Newton, Bugg, Trengove, Harmes, VDB, M Jones while top-shelf Mids move into other drills

Small group competitive stuff around the oval now. Wagner has a thigh bandage above the right knee, no other strapping, seems mobile. Small forwards, Kent, Kennedy, Jeff & JKH... Working on bumping then receiving before shot on goal. All low key at the moment in light rain

Goal kicking in two groups now. Most excel with no pressure. Fair to say Trenners lacks penetration but may be keeping it conservative to avoid further foot issues. Watts dead-eye, as is Hogan and Garlett. Frost gets good distance as does Pederson

Pairing off for 30mtr sprints now Jack Watts putting a meter on Trengove each time. Jetta quicker than some think. Kent and Jeffy a good match up. You'll be pleased to know that Dawsy leads out in the running stuff!

Almost full list on the track. H not there, Salem doing lighter drills with one of the coaches. Wagner, Pederson, JKH, Smith, all accounted for

Just watched the second quarter from Punt Rd (was there for the first) and Clayton Oliver was back to his explosive and damaging best. Hands are a weapon from stoppages but we all want him to kick it more. One passage late in the Qtr caught my eye. He took off from the centre bounce after a tap from Spencer, accelerated away and had a long shot from just outside 50... it was touched on the line but the breakaway speed was sensational at that level.

Yes, Hunt ran in the 2014 GF sprint. Was the only runner who got down in block position at the start and got off to a flyer, weakened in the second fifty for fourth I reckon.