Kev

The vibe was very good. Unfortunately, I've no idea what the gathering was about. It acted as a circuit breaker with joyous outburst. They aren't showing the giggles and playfulness that was a hallmark of Goody's training, a disciplined attitude prevails between the time the whistleblows (start and finish). There are social interactions at the appropriate time.

Beautiful morning at Gosch’s, good temp, no wind. Plenty of power on show as they go against each other. There is some care being shown (not as forceful in tackles as pre Christmas hits). That sense of trepidation for this tracker as they close down each other in contests near to the spectators. A tension exist to the possibility of injury, passes my thoughts. They were serious and professional again, except one stage earlier on, they gathered in a circle which ended in rapturous applause and joy. The goal kicking has been integrated into the warm up drills. Smaller groups, with kicks over the mannequin or a snap after bouncing the ball off the mini trampoline. Only a few kicks from the boundary. Plenty going through or close to the goal. A few of the longer snaps ending anywhere. The sim ran cross field and with very small width. I get a sense that the boundary line is the enemy. My guess is that the ball will move quickly through the middle and most congestion will be in the forward or back 50 arc. Ball movement was very angular, rarely a straight down the line hit up unless it was a small pass to open the field up. Plenty of forward leads off the back of the defender. The defenders checked closely through the middle and their intensity was up. It was all watched closely by King, who continues to voice his teachings when needed or appropriate.

This is the new rule. "competing rucks can't cross the centre circle line before contesting the ball at centre ball-ups". No-one told Heath and the umpires didn't give a free, as he crossed the centre line and made contact before the contest, 7.26 minutes in. Are we not switched on to the new rules? Am I right with my interpretation?

I haven't seen any set plays after a point as yet. In the sims out of the backline, it is the usual pass it round and spread, till an opening is there. Most of the time the balls goes close to the boundary and 50 arc, from there they seem to be looking to bring it into a central corridor.

Jeffo Hands are good, he is moving well, struggles a bit when closely checked, has a beautiful set shot which has developed into a very smooth gait, and with great intention. The delivery into him is improving, which makes his job of getting the ball easier.

Apologise for that, I misread the intention.

I think CJ was wearing a wave cap.

Lindsay has been in the middle, quietly going about it. Plenty of linking and kicks into the forward 50.

I've liked what I've seen of Heath. Moves quickly for a big. Today I saw him get down on himself when he dropped a mark. He sets high standards.

May got a "corker" in the marking contest. May have restricted him in the runs.

Melky distances himself from the spectators. I think that influence may have fired CJ up (re: "smart" reply) as he creates bonds and a laugh for his teammate.

Big turnout by the spectators. Weather was great, temp perfect, and a slight wind blowing down field. They went straight into competitive work in the drills they ran. Three stations, all rotated through them. One station had two sides compete, hit five passes and then shoot for goal. After the rotations they separated into: Mids (Tholstrup in there) with a ruck, as they worked on stoppages. Smalls to mediums, one on one at ground ball and snapping for goal. Talls, one on one competing for marks. Then a 12 minute sim. They were regularly looking for the inside ball and getting numbers to that play. Usually only one player will spread to the boundary side. The first shot on goal was JVR leading well (good separation) and finishing from the 50 arc. Jefferson, not to be out done with contested marks and finishes with grace and accuracy from the opposite side and same distance. Bibs scored 7, to the shirts 37 points. Congestion work is improving, with Steele (I like how he goes about it) making sure there is a receiver on the outside. Langford caving through the spaces, linking with one two's, and his angled powerful runs. He appears to have matured, training with confidence and purpose. Chandler linking well. Finished with runs and a cool down. Max G has put on plenty of muscle mass. Chaplin coached most of the session. No goal kicking practice (perhaps pre-training as it started earlier than advertised). This is the first time I've noticed this in several seasons. The evenness in egos is an interesting change. Seems the leadership roles are across the whole team or the pecking order (leadership group) is yet to be defined. Plenty of focus, minimal joviality, lots of professionalism.

Any information about Langdon? There were some photos (from today), with him hanging out with the light duties/rehabbers. I didn't see him down on Friday, though others indicated that he was there (more by omission). Track-watchers and/or @Ghostwriter

Unless it is the evil thing, then a personal bottle emptier may come in under the softcap.