Harvey Wallbanger

I attended a function earlier this year at which Laura Kane was the keynote speaker. She was asked about the number of direct reports she had and whilst answering the question accurately and diplomatically, there was a clear suggestion that she simply had too much on her plate. I am not surprised at this announcement, just perplexed as to why it didn't happen before the men's season began.

The other stat mentioned in that clip was that we are No.2 for marks. We see that stat play out in a lot of short kicks (which the punters tend to get a bit frustrated with) but when the time comes to bite off the 45 kick, or give the overlap hand-ball or go long to a contest we are brave and we now have some beautiful kickers - our last goal was a little case study of it - May's kick to Langford (doesn't break stride) hits Melksham who then nails it. Three "works of art". The new game plan was built pre-season on McVee and Windsor (with Salem and Bowey chiming in) providing the drive and accurate delivery off half-back. I still don't think it (the role) has quite clicked for Windsor (who had that infection issue) and McVee had his hammy setback, but as they play this system more and more , it will be a pleasure to watch. Gun kickers on the wings - Langford and Lindsay - provide the luxury of using Langdon's running capacity in a different way - and he provides incredible link-up. Please though Lingers, give it to our gun kickers.... The last piece of the puzzle will be a confident JVR back in the team. We got a nice glimpse of improvement out at Preston on Saturday. JVR now needs to knock the door down - might be a few more weeks....AJ will do just nicely until that time arrives.

There were a total of eleven listed players who did not "do the soccer". Individual programmes apparently....

32 playing soccer today, and having a ball! Initially absent: May, Viney, Lever, Spargo, Turner, Melksham, TMac, Hore, Sparrow, Kosi, Woey and AJ. Later, as a bunch of staff awards were announced, all these absentees arrived, other than May, Spargo, Melksham and Woey. Good to see both Andy M-W and Shane McAdam also in attendance. Apparently Spargo hurt his shoulder in the Mills incident (see Ghosty's note). No indication of any player retirement announcements, so assume we will not be going to the mid-season draft tomorrow. Tuesday is injury report day so we will see how bad Spargo's shoulder is. Nod to the Kolt who was last off the track and picked up the equipment with Wheels.

Noted RIF. Selwyn's injury report has just dropped and the good news is that (barring anything untoward this week) Lindsay, Lever and Viney should all be available for selection for Sunday. That leaves only Mary Hore on the injury list - listed as 3-4 weeks, but we reckon he'll be available sooner than that. We are MIGHTY HEALTHY at the moment.

Another beautiful day at Gosch's. Absent today: Spargo, Jefferson and Sparrow Rehab: Hore, but movement looks good. With Selwyn: Viney, Woey and then Lindsay for a bit. Woey seems to be carrying a lower leg injury from Saturday? We are wondering if Lindsay is being monitored because of that high shot he took in the last quarter. We'll know soon enough when the injury report comes out. Great to see such a healthy list at the moment. Full training session tomorrow at Casey. As Ghosty reported there was an "all staff" presence today and a very upbeat mood. As usual Clayton got the biggest hug!

Perhaps a full and unreserved apology to our fitness team? Helps a lot when you get to choose from a pretty healthy list. With Viney and Lever to return next Sunday it seems only Marty Hore is unavailable from the 43 this week?

Wow - 18 AFL listed players, the most I can recall for years - just Hore and Viney not named to play this weekend......

Kev was there....in all his glory!

No AMW or McAdam. As LTIs for 2026 (and having been replaced by Henderson and Culley) I don't report them as "absent". Given the nature of their injuries I am not sure we will see them at Gosch's for some time.

A rare treat - a full training run at Gosch's. Happy to report that all AFL listed players were present. Hore still in rehab, and Viney doing lots of running (in his concussion protocols). Lever in trainers - does not look to me that he will be playing for Casey tomorrow - let's see. Those playing for Casey tomorrow morning left the track early, and that included Howes (included in the extended AFL squad). We will know at 5 pm today, but of the remaining 7 named interchange - Turner, Laurie, Lindsay, Fullarton, Petty, Chandler and Johnson: Petty looks certain to play forward, Turner was in discussion with TMac, May and Coach Bassett and will play back. Strong indications that Johnson will play so I would guess that Fullarton and Laurie don't make it (but may travel?). So either Chandler or Lindsay the sub? Sharp named in the 18.

My biggest worry is that members are voting with their feet (and their wallets). Currently 51,872 - down 10,400 from this time last year. That is extremely worrying - surely the biggest drop-off in nominal or percentage terms for AFL clubs. I hear the Club has stopped doing volunteer member call-outs. Are we just waiting for things to turn around on the field? What happened to our Member Engagement Committee? - supposedly a key recommendation from last year's "external governance review"? We probably all know someone who may have dropped off the list so engagement with existing members may encourage the "leavers' to re-sign?

My biggest worry is that members are voting with their feet (and their wallets). Currently 51,872 - down 10,400 from this time last year. That is extremely worrying - surely the biggest drop-off in nominal or percentage terms for AFL clubs. I hear the Club has stopped doing volunteer member call-outs. Are we just waiting for things to turn around on the field? What happened to our Member Engagement Committee? - supposedly a key recommendation from last year's "external governance review"? We probably all know someone who may have dropped off the list so engagement with existing members may encourage the "leavers' to re-sign?

Fyi, Trac doesn't play soccer - he only shoots for goal.

Not officially Ghosty, but don't tell the Union. My source is impeccable - see you Friday!

A few women were doing an optional session with Mick Stinear, after the men finished on Gosch's this afternoon: Present were: Paxy, Loz Pearce, Eden Z, Olivia P, Fitzy, Georgia Campbell, Georgie Gall, Tahlia Gillard, Ryleigh Wotherspoon (may have missed one or two). Official training begins next week, with a couple of sessions at Gosch's and one at Casey: per week.

Whilst acknowledging the Club's well publicised "individual training programmes" there were quite a few absentees today: May, Viney, Billings, T Mac, Petty, Kosi, Chandler, Mentha, Johnson and Henderson As Kev mentioned, Hore and Woey were rehabbing. Lever did not take part in the soccer but did the other running and he announced on the weekend that his recovery had been relatively quick and he will play at least two quarters at Casey this Saturday (v Southport at Casey) and should be available for the Sydney match. Hopefully Melksham and Petty available this week (Viney needs at least one more week).

They were both there. Laurie, Howes and Johnson listed as AFL emergencies. Maybe Billings and Woewodin are carryovers for the AFL with the other three named in the VFL team.

Apologies for the late report. Absent: Viney, Lever, Melksham, Hore, Petty and Mentha Clayton always does more voluntary running at these sessions than others. He and Fritta are tight. Longish one-on-ones between Goody and Jeffo. I agree with Picket that Tholstrup will likely be the sub to give Sharp a fair crack. Wouldn't think it would be Jeffo, Turner or Windsor, the other three from the 5 interchange.

Phew. Thanks Roy.

The main question is "Did Clayton train today"? Some photos from Casey on the socials, but none of the ginger locks.....

But he does comment on Caulfield - he says he wants to understand it more "and the other options". It's that additional comment that is the problem. Members are only aware of Caulfield as the current option (we've had a few before). It would have been easy for the Board to instruct him that it's Caulfield all the way, and to say that - unless it isn't? Creates confusion. Still sounds like he wants to get out of his old job sooner rather than later....

All the pressers seem to have been done on the Tuesday. The Club's announcement to members came out after 9 pm on Monday evening (given Caro had "broken the story". Again, speculation only, but it seems something may have happened between the Monday evening (hit the ground running) and Tuesday morning: perhaps he was reminded of his obligations to his existing employer.

"We would've been well aware of his timelines for resigning from his current role." This is the bit I am not so sure about. Maybe he told our Board it wouldn't be a problem to leave VECCI early, but his existing Board, said - "Hang on young fella...." If you are correct it would be good if the Club confirmed that...... I heard him say "conversations are ongoing" etc, etc re VECCI and Racing Victoria, which is why I was interested to see VECCI come out today with their own position, which is very clear.

That's correct Redleg - the only thing we absolutely need is access through to our proposed building site, which goes through the freehold land over which Mount Scopus holds an option to purchase from the MRC.