Kev

My belief is everytime you step on a field with a footy and the squad, you should be switched on. Otherwise, it leads to poor body memory patterns and habits, and mental lapses may occur when attempting to perform at high levels. You know, like how we use a bedroom. If it is not primarily used for sleep, then that will effect your quality of sleep as the body knows what is expected of it, those unconscious expectations. Play as you train. I'm not saying have no fun as that helps stay relaxed.

I have to describe the Recovery and Captain's run as something other than a structured, purposeful session. I think they are trying to make more genuine friendships within the group, hoping that gets them helping each other, causing connection. I believe the strategy just hasn't worked. What would you call it? I am nobody, rarely in touch, just giving an impression of the training that others cannot attend. Being in Europe, at least you get an idea of my impressions, and though you may disagree with my assumptions, you are left, maybe a little wiser. What has 1950 got to do with it? What happened in the 1950's? You think most the high achievers at that time, didn't work hard. What is your connection to high level professionals? I know the industries that require you to be a high achiever are cut-throat, all based on outcomes, and easily disposed of.

I'm not sure what you are alluding to about me "picking up"? You mean, thinking that social outings twice a week appears a waste of the players time. What other professional team is using that approach? No I don't attend at Casey, though I have viewed the main trainings when at Gosch's. I am giving my opinion, which are coloured by my experiences in life and observation, I am often wrong. I am more optimistic than you. I reckon we can still beat any team on our day. We have the potential, but the club is not getting the best out of the squad. That's my frustration. Too many of our players have gone backwards in ability or application. (At least we don't hear the rhetoric of culture and brand this season) I see there is something wrong, and voice that. Again, I may be wrong. Would you rather me hold back, because it doesn't suit your agenda? Finding a better balance between whip cracking and treating them as self guiding, would be my approach. As some have told me, " the club nearly own these players". All that control, could lead to much better outcomes on the field. We have missed our opportunity this year. Time for the club to change it up.

I heard someone say that Kentfield has some self-doubt. I hope that drives him to work harder. Sometimes those that are their own toughest critics are the ones that succeed. It was interesting to see that along with Tracc, he makes use of his time constructively in the Recovery runs.

A little problematic, it can appear that Tracc is separate, aloof, from the squad. I'd suggest that he frolics with them, so as to build a sense of comraderie, or a few shoot for goal with him until the soccer finishes. There he is kicking goals by himself, after last years dramas. Are they a united team? Does Tracc have close mates who would rather stick by him, than watch a soccer ball bounce around 30 players, with only a few getting a touch?

"Im very curious. When they do these goal kicking drills, do they have a coach or assistant next to them with an ipad or pen/ paper and recording distance, accuracy, angle." @Jjrogan It is all laissez-faire, they probably don't even turn the cameras on, nor are any of the "tech team" set up during the Recovery or Captain's runs. The coaches wander around aimlessly as well, some have player interactions for a short time or with one or two players, though they usually hang out with each other. They are (Recovery and Captain's) a player led training. The "techs" are definitely there during the main sessions.

"NSW Rugby League team. Recovery session. Surfing (indoor). Also smiling." @bing181 They are not doing that every week. Probably reward or a change-up. If soccer or a stroll was a once off, or if it made us a better team then I would support it. We are not applying ourselves, fallen far, we have lost a mental edge. Need to continually repeat and repeat, work hard, and make it fun. Adit: the MFC players are doing enough smiling. That's my point. Push them, the likable has not worked, find the middle way.

I'm with you fence. They have no direction. If a few pushed themselves instead I'd be happier. From what I've seen it is a stroll. They aren't doing anything with structure. If it is player guided, they require help. They need to be encouraged to run laps, sprint, and, bring out the handball and short kick targets, tackling dummies, obstacle course, trick shot challenges, a tap the ball on, get creative with a variety of stations that they can choose to use. They are getting better at soccer. I see Storm and Victory train, everytime it has purpose to it.

"Looking forward to Thursdays reports from Gosh’s, hopefully no extra injuries to the boys." @DeeZone They train Friday on Gosch's. 📆 Friday, May 16 ⏰ 9:15am - 10:45am 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Main session

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times 📆 Friday, May 16 ⏰ 9:15am - 10:45am 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Main session 📆 Tuesday, May 20 ⏰ 1:45pm - 2:15pm 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Light recovery

Another beautiful day. The players, appeared in reasonable spirits and light-hearted (some having fun), given the win/loss ratio we have, about 31 on the paddock. Woewodin worked with a trainer doing those change of direction runs, in rehab. Hore still in rehab as well. Lever out there in runners, though with the squad. Melky trained as well, and in runners. They had a structured warm-up, stretching and short runs. A soccer game followed, 15 on 15, most of them didn't touch the ball or do much running. Plenty of squeals when a goal was attempted. They broke for goal kicking practice. Most of them kicking within the 45° angle area and 35 m out. Later, a few moved to the boundary shot. Turner broke out in joy and an exaggerated 50m run, he must have hit an important one through the sticks from the boundary when the others challenged him. Kentfield working hard, drilling with a trainer. Tracc practiced goal kicking for the entire session. Melky and Gawn first to leave.

Time to readjust our training regime. Getting fitness having them train by drilling with ball in hand appears not to get them to a level where they are fitter, faster or stronger. A return to hard sprinting and numerous laps, is the only way to start to prepare for next season. To get in finals we will need to win 11 of the next 14 games. So many things would have to go right to get there. If we lose to Brisbane, then we can only drop 2 more. Time to test those, on the periphery, who haven't had a look yet, Brown, Verral, Culley, Sestan, Mentha and Kentfield. Not all at once, but over the next 7 games. Then play best 22 to finish the season. The tail has wagged the dog. Enough of creating loving relationships between them by having the social gatherings called "Recovery and Captain's," runs. The players just don't apply themselves well enough (especially goal kicking), at these sessions. No more fun and games in the Captain's run. Goal kicking practice needs to have a professional and serious attitude. Too many kicking from the boundary looking for the spectacular and not practising the basics. Give more mid-time in crucial positions, and freedom, to Rivers, Sparrow, Langford, Windsor, Bowey, Tholstrup, and Lindsay. They are our future. If kicking long, we need to get players in front of the pack. JVR will bring the ball down, because he has hands only slightly better than Wiedeman. Tell him to soften those hands at the time of impact. Cannot kick to a marking contest hoping smalls will mark it. Tell them, they should leave it for the talls, and work to crumb it, unless a hit up lead with separation. Freed from desire, with such a disappointing start to this season.

They all came out as a group (Casey MFC, and tomorrow's squad), filing from AAMI. Fairly subdued atmosphere. The weather here is as good as it gets. They gathered to present the family, with the kids who are running through the banner, their attire. Some young ones ran a lap, a few saddled up behind mannequins and kicked for goal. May got around a group of kids who were invited onto the field in the area they banana goals from. He appeared unrestricted but most importantly, happy. The kids were the excited lot. Clarry hanging out with Fritta again, kick to kick with some variations. At the end off training, he could be seen with his arm over the shoulder of another track watcher wandering towards AAMI. Appeared relaxed and happy. JVR having discussions with Goody. The "young ones" headed to the opposite side of the Paddock on the fence and hit bananas and miracle kicks for goal. Jeffo was drilling with JVR as a trainer kicked easy high balls to them, after they ran the change of direction movement. Jeffo is looking more mature everytime I see him. Tracc was kicking well for goal, as was Chandler who seemed to be challenging him. Short session which had meaningless written all over it. I wonder how they will be on a Captain's run when the weather turns miserable. The soccer ball was out, a few used the opportunity to show their Gaelic kicking skills for goal.

They didn't have a recovery session at Gosch's, earlier in the week. Therefore no reports from the City track watchers,@BigFez. They had full training, Tuesday on Casey. I assume, a main session at Casey today. There is a captain's run at Gosch's tomorrow. 📆 Friday, May 9 ⏰ 10:00am - 10:30am 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Pre-Match Captain's Run 📆 Monday, May 12 ⏰ 1:45pm - 2:15pm 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Light recovery https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times

Outcome based decisions have been a norm for the MRO. Melky worked him away from the ball drop area and McGovern flails to get the umpires attention, and takes no reasonable steps to reduce impact with the oncoming players. MFC players are often used as scapegoats and examples of new interpretations. He will possibly get the undeserved 2 weeks.

This is from the AFL https://www.afl.com.au/albums/1312840/afl-2025-round-08-west-coast-v-melbourne?modal=true&type=gallery&playlistId=1312840&playlistSize=12 Jeffo has been found at Optus. The tag indicates that either Lindsay or Langford have had a change of persons to be Jeffo. Employ WA people, we get substandard one eyed.

RE: Condition of Gosch's Paddock "Chappy says they prefer having the main session at Casey. I said yeah because it’s a closed session right? He said no it’s because the surface here is sch!tt. Doesn’t mince words does our Chappy." Quote of Ghostwriter. The surface is looking good. The ground staff are doing plenty of work. In the past, they wouldn't fill the scuff marks, they now regularly fill the divots with sand. Possibly, the club has asked them to work on it. The second type of grass has now grown well (ground staff told me that the new surface has two grass types in it), creating a much more spongy surface. I had a run on it the other day and there is plenty of give in it. I rarely see dog droppings on it, though plenty of dogs run around on it off leash, since there is the fence. In the past the club has usually had there main sessions out at Casey during the H&A season. If they don't like to use public ovals, why would we entertain Caulfield racecourse as our facilities. The autumn leaves have been dropping recently, the ground staff have a machine that blows them into areas and a machine that sweeps them up. Clear of leaves today. They spent preseason running around on the Paddock. I would suggest that Casey fields is best for privacy of game plan, especially from the media and opposition. I think Chaplin is throwing fugazi around.

Yes, kossie looking quick. Also got a hit to his nose in the one on one drill. Blood nose, got the stuffing into it, the discomfort continued to annoy him through the session.

Beautiful morning and a full session with 40 players tuning up, and with such a different collective emotion than last week (happy). Lever and Hore in rehab. Lever looking close as he does some shoulder contact against the trainer, change of direction drills and running laps at about 70%. May appeared niggled by some hammy awareness, stayed with the squad and worked through it. Plenty of energy and noise from them. The warm-ups, happened quickly, unlike previous seasons, they did most of it with ball handling and goal kicking after moving through the mannequins, after that they had some easy runs across the field, then some ×2 hard sprints, down the middle. First up was two sets of handball games. The competitive nature was high, with each team getting around each other, cheering when a turn-over occurred or some class created the goal. Into two groups, smalls and talls, they created one on one's off a high ball, with multiple efforts off a ground ball from the receiving trainer. Great to watch their effort and nous. Next they did some sims from mid-boundary stoppage. Rivers, the mid receiving the tap from Gawny. The last drill was groups of 5 on 3 (defenders), as the attackers carried the ball from back pocket, through mid to forward area. There was an emphasis of the attacking runners moving together as a swarm. Finally, some full field sims, most of it was working within that congested style, with the emphasis being defensive zoning, causing turnover and going quickly into the transition. Finding a corridor was difficult, they used the boundary out of the backline. Sestan doing much of the delivery from his backline area. Johnson, having discussions wth Goody. My impression is that they are encouraging them to compete, team run and congest. Finished with some goal kicking for the mids and forwards as the backs kick to kick. Again, such a difference a couple of wins make. Lots of energy and they appear happy and enjoying each other's company.

📆 Thursday, May 1 ⏰ 9:15am - 10:45pm 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Main Training https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times They will have a full session on Gosch's tomorrow. Hopefully no soccer balls. It will be good to see what they are working on.

The morning was beautiful (sunny, no wind, mild) and the players, most with an easy smile and a lightness about them. No Lever, Hore working with a trainer, Turner rehabbing under supervision. Last year they had Gus (volunteer), give a speech about veterans, this year's build up had no overt special ANZAC call to the players. No structure, no warm-ups, mostly goal kicking after low ball gets (two small groups). All players from AFL and those MFC playing for Casey, intermingled. May looking a little ginger, though got into his boots, did a few small runs. I think he is right to go. Melksham, spent his time over the other side of the Paddock, resting on the boundary line and talking to Nathan. Still a maybe, I reckon. Howes spent his time with the Casey selected players. Fritta did what he did last week, kicking balls with Clarry, he was with the main group as he came out of AAMI. Fullarton out with the main group, mainly goal kicking, but with little interactions with others. Johnson arrived at Gosch's walking in the company of all our coaches. Judd looks ready to go, came out of AAMI with the main group of AFL. These sessions are social, difficult to get a read on things. I wonder if the whole team would make it onto Gosch's if it was a cold, wet, winters day. I am a believer that they could make better use of their gathering, by working on intentions and skills. Half of them seem to like the socials, half seem lost. Thirty minutes and they drift off towards AAMI.

The Captain's run has become a social outing. Out onto Gosch's, AFL playing for Casey and some Casey players, then the MFC AFL, No warm-ups, no structure, a few kick to kick, some kick to groundball gathers. A few lap running some downfield runs. Fritta and Oliver, work together. May running around with low impact movements. Kossie enjoying the camaraderie of other indigenous and their kids. Three juniors were returning the balls on goal kicking, with skill. Tracc, only goal kicking, appears serious. Tholstrup has changed body shape, now top light, looking faster. The emotions seem sober, I assume plenty with self reflection. Glad the Easter egg hunt brought joy to the kids, who shared the paddock with MFC teams.

Make war not love. We need to play the players in their best positions. Viney, Sparrow and Oliver, rest on the bench, not as half-forwards. Goody has a history of sequencing wins. Cannot drop too many more games. We are finding it hard to stay in games, had only small periods with the momentum. Do less role playing and more natural footy. Our confusion, as the game plan is not executed or the wrong system chosen, or a crucial mistake, causes us to scramble and lose structure. We “cannot buy in” if unsure about the structure, especially with the many new faces. Our transition game is rattled by the speed of opposition's movement. McVee and Lever back in, drop Sharp, have Petty forward, drop JVR (to work with Turner in the VFL).

Sombre feel down at Gosch's, some thrills as Max smoothers small players under him. Gathered with kick to kick, on the whistle ran warm up and team runs. Soccer, then goal kicking. McVee ready, Windsor good, Melky wearing number 8, with Petracca, on the outside of the soccer game. Lindsay working the resistance bands, Campbell with rehab. Goody talking to Laurie. Mentha wants a run. Tholstrup looks ready.

They came out in drips and drabs. Mostly seemed paired with another. AJ Henderson, Fullarton, Melksham, Woey, Brown, Turner, Laurie, Sestan, Jeffo running, quite a few in runners. The main group with kick to kick, whistle goes and drills start. The kicking drill executed at a high standard. Walking handball, flick around of the ball. Plenty of team running, though at a subdued speed. Tholstrup and Mentha a chance, as is Windsor. Great to see McVee in with the squad. Lindsay into rehab, testing and personal program. Melky up and running. Culley, and Kentfield filling numbers at the moment.