kev martin

My thoughts about how we will play. Clayton Oliver to have the ball on a string, feeds Dom Tyson and Angus Brayshaw who release outside runners like Christian Salem and Bayley Fritsch. Max Gawn and Jack Viney working as one. Jesse Hogan stretching the backline making room for Tom Mcdonald and Jake Melksham. Joel Smith to grow into an intercept backman then giving the ball to Jordan Lewis and Bernie Vince who set up our game plan. Christian Petracca steps it up, using his bulk to bully opponents, gets the ball cleanly and hits his targets. Alex Neal-Bullen and Tim Smith to apply forward pressure. Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta and Michael Hibberd to close the backline down and create rebounds. Tom Mcdonald to play all over the field as well as taking marks inside 50. James Harmes and Bailey Fritsch pulling in some screamers. James Harmes could be the relief ruckman for Max Gawn. Nathan Jones to steady the ship. We don't want Port have a run of goals. We reply quickly to tie the game up when they look like owning it. A little worried about our intensity levels for the entire game, especially after the bye. Lets hope we come out strongly from the start and we perform when placed under pressure.

Oscar McDonald to play him like a second skin with Joel Smith being the third up and limiting his leads.

Sam Wiedeman did some training work with the talls, Max Gawn, Lachlan Filopovic and Cam Pederson.

I think the blocking rule is only in the marking contest because the ball is further than 5 meters away. At the stoppages the rucks can't be blocked, but anyone within 5 meters of the ball is fair game. They practice in order to reduce frees against. Often at the training umpiring decision are made by the coaches. It is a physical game with many one on one's competing for advantageous positions. The rules are often tested with how far the play can be pushed before a free given.

Always plenty of ruck drills with the mids. Often not with a strong defensive role. Today they did the stoppages with a bit more pressure and opposition around the drop area. Max has a beautiful relationship with Jack Viney. It was on display at training today, great taps to a fast moving rover. I think Jacks season is building and we will start getting the better of clearances even against the stronger sides. We need to handle the pressure from the opposition much better. I think it was where Collingwood got the better of us. That is why they are using blocks and sheppards to create space, make overlaps and ease the oppositions pressure.

I haven't seen Declan or Frosty train with the forward coaches (doesn't mean they haven't ). Frosty was kicking some good goals at training today. I think he would be useful up forward, size, speed and defensive pressure. Declan also has mainly trained with the backs but I think he is a very flexible player. We haven't seen him in the big show yet, there are a few in the same box. Plenty of pressure for spots in the team. In AFL history there haven't been many switch players, usually picked and play forward or back. Could be another Goody innovation regular exchanges through the backs and forwards.

Can't agree with you Satyr. The groups during simulations are a mix but when a player drills with the back, forward or midfield coaches then I think there is relevance. The coaches want them there, fulfilling roles, learning structures, checking cohesion with each other. Very rarely is a training move in professional teams irrelevant. I'm not suggesting that the move to train with particular coaches indicate where they may play, you may know better.

Just a few add ons to Dee Zephyrs report. The rehab had only Harley Balic in it. He later joined the main group but not in any contact drills. I assume he was a bit sore and needed a test. Training with the midfield group was Oskar Baker and Billy Stretch. Dion Johnstone still getting plenty of help from Neville Jetta. Both Aaron vandersBerg and Pat Mckenna trained with the backs. Jay Kennedy-Harris trained with both mids and forwards. I thought Tom Bugg and Sam Wiedeman had bad training sessions (maybe just my impression). Tom could not get his hands on it in simulations and Sam fumbling (slippery ball) and finding it difficult to get to the right positions. Oscar McDonald had a good hit out considering he had some concussion problems. Dom Tyson looking professional given the situation he finds himself in (breaking back into selection). Jeff Garlett killing them for pace. Charlie Spargo doing everything correct, rarely misses with his collection and disposals. Harrison Petty seems to have matured quickly, looking confident and strong. I think he needs an AFL game so he can figure the pace and skill level required in order to further develope. The backline had a drill where the players created space by using bodies against the forwards to have one player go up for the mark uncontested. Another drill included punching the ball when it was kicked in the goal area. Some of the drills today were in slow motion, probably in order to get the structure and game plan right. I think they were working on a bit more awareness of each other. So they work together and not compete for the same ball and space. There were also attempts to control the tempo. The simulations had both get the ball and move it or hold on and wait. Plenty of individual or small group assistance by the coaches to end the session. I thought the training was a bit subdued and a few finding it difficult to keep up the pace, some gasping for air. Hopefully they will be ready to go by friday.

Probably emergencies and Monday still away off

Possibly with the Casey team

Training Friday A morning to harden the team with cold wind and light rain. The Casey team weren't there. An extenened rehab with the light duty group. Mitch Hannan, Angus Brayshaw, Tim Smith, Jake Melksham, Dean Kent and Corey Maynard. I didn't notice if Melksham or Tim Smith joined the main group. The rest did except for Corey who was increasing his work load. Simulations played with the slippery ball. Spread was good. Cam Pederson was hitting up well. Joel Smith was round about. Tom Mcdonald looking in shape. Jesse Hogan big and strong around the field. Max Gawn zoning and chasing everyone. Some individual goal practice with Bernie Vince, Nathan Jones, Jesse Hogan and Michael Hibberd who joined in later. Harrison Petty and Jayden Hunt not on the field. Jeff Garlett doing his stuff. Petracca and Jesse last to leave field after shots at goal.

The midfield trained with some privacy on the opposite side of Gosch's padock. Brayshaw was with them.

TRAINING I didn't see Tim Smith on the track. Joel Smith was on the light duties. Cam Pederson continued with his usual run today

Professionally approached training. The coaches had the field well organized for drills with player skills and involvement abundant. Light duties included, Jack Viney, Jake Melksham, Joel Smith, Mitch Hannan, Christian Salem and Tom Mcdonald. Vieing for the Jake Lever position looked to be either tall or small. Dion Johnstone, Sam Frost, Petty Harrison, Harley Balic, Jayden Hunt, Josh Wagner. All having exteneded training and being the last off the track. Along with Declan Keilty, Lachlan Filipovic and Sam Weideman. The rehab squad was Cory Maynard and Dean Kent. Simulations were well controlled clean football. Some goal kicking practice had video been taking for later analysis. Coaches stole the day with Max Rook absorbing the beautiful winter sun rays on his scalp with his new crew cut.

TRAINING Jack Viney and Mitch Hannan started the training away from the main group. Doing run throughs and 3/4 speed 50 meter sprints. I thought they were going to keep to light duties but after about 15 minutes both joined the main group. The AFL group all had a light training and did not do game simulations . Those in the VFL did some 8 on 8 game simulations. Sam Wiedeman and Cam Pederson taking many marks. Sam Frost giving run from the back. Oscar Baker linking well through the middle. Harley Balic offering composure and ball skills. Jay Kennedy-Harris getting to contest and putting lots of pressurs on everything. Tom Bugg showing leadership to the younger ones. There wasn't a rehab group today. Let's hope Dean Kent hasn't gone backwards in his recovery. AFL group did lots of goal kicking. Mainly snaps around the coaching staff who are encouraging lateral movements. The whole group focused on ball skills. Plenty of kicking to advantage, high marking and lead up to mark. Drills to protect the ball and shield the opposition from the contest were also included. Coaching staff working hard to make sure the players react quickly when there is a turnover and restructure to defensive or attacking game plans. Plenty of work to encourage the spread. The players were again very positive, lots of enjoyment and a good amount of noise and support for each other. The session finished with all staff members, players, coachs, fans and some school kids attending a ceremony celebrating the indigenous round. The field was marked with the Aboriginal and a Torres Strait flag. A speaker talked for 15 minutes about his story, family and the traits that he found positive in his life. Then the didgeridoo and sticks were played. All present very respectful and reflective.

Tom Mcdonald trained for half the time. He then did a lap of the oval probably as a test, then finished. Christian Petracca a little sore the end of training (a knock during boundary throw ins) Also did a lap to test, appeared to be moving well. The Casey players finished 25 minutes early. Those who stayed on the field and pushing for selection included Cam Pederson, Joel Smith, Harley Balic, Lachlan Filopovic, Jayden Hunt and I think Dom Tyson. Rehab group was Sam Wiedeman (who was moving well) and Dean kent. I thought Oscar Baker was training very well. Jeff Garlett, Tom Bugg and Sam Frost looking good. There.was plenty of talk and support for each other in the training. They appear to be working well as a group. Plenty of smiling and general enjoyment in tbe squad. The 7 on 7 match simulation was done with very little space. They did fast spreads and were strong at the contest. Jake Melksham was a ball magnet. Jack Viney running hard and getting to many contest. Bernie Vince the play maker, as was Jordan Lewis. Jake Lever vocal and reading the ball, taking marks and working hard when the ball hit the ground. The 3/4 field simulations saw the ball moving quickly through the corridors. James Harmes taking some beautiful high marks. Neville Jetta shrugging tackles and creating plenty of time for himself. He is very encouraging of Dion Johnstone who is looking very composed and powerful. Simon Goodwin very active, plenty of instructions and encouragement. During the goal kicking drills plenty of talk and feedback was given by the assistant coaches.

Plenty of talk, calls and encouragement at training. The players seemed 'keyed up'. Jake Lever a little less animated than when he first started training with the dees a few months ago. He is more focused on his own skills, fitting in and acting in a leadership role. The simulated game drill was very physical. The tackling and pressure was game like when in open play. The aerial contest more constrained. Joel Smith and Oscar Baker moving and kicking well. They were getting plenty of ball and showing good defensive skills. Cam Pederson displaying his usual reliability, marking well, kicking goals and bringing the high ball to ground, Tim Smith there abouts. Harrison Petty working hard and learning. Billy Stretch running well and working hard. Sam Frost is in the mix, showing his speed and the reading of the play. Talking of reading the play, Michael Hibberd is killing it. Jay Kennedy-Harris getting plenty of ball and working hard. Tom Bugg looks to be putting in that extra effort, professional approach, similarly is Jeff Garlett. Josh Wagner doing some good defensive plays. Lachlan Filipovic getting to the aerial contests. I thought some stand outs at training included Nathan Jones, Jordan Lewis, Jake Viney, Charlie Spargo and Oscar McDonald. The rehab group included Dion Johnstone, Mitch King, Harley Balic. Christian Petracca mainly running but also did a little ball play, kicking goals and some soft ball handling. Dean kent, some walking and very slow jogging. Pat Mckenna his usual jogging.

The usual goal kicking practice involves the whole squad kicking all at once. They rotate through different areas and sometimes use a metal man on the mark. Coaching staff seem to be assessig the kicks but rarely offer any advice on the field during this drill. It all becomes chaos as staff chase balls behind goal to send back out. I've seen some individual goal kicking with a players and a coach, though not often. The coachs often instuct as to what style of kick to use in general play. Most of the time the coaches are instructive, constructive, very encouraging and positive. The rehab squad get plenty of attention from Crossy (who is a beautiful kick) he expects high standards and has a great rapport with the players. He is always there and giving feedback to the squad. I've seen other players assisting each others routines and style. But, I believe we need a specialist goal kicking and kicking coach. I also believe a specialist athletics coach to help with running would be handy so as to gain more speed and endurance.

Sorry meant to say; Maybe Jayden Hunt and Billy Stretch to play. (not Dom as he is already in the squad). Jayden looked switched on.

Training was very vocal, lots of loud calls and encouragement. Plenty of energy. Maybe Dom Tyson and Billy stretch to play. Dom looked good, no errors, making good decision, taking on some leaderships roles. Billy looking quick across the field. Sam Wiedeman moving well, bringing the high ball to ground and then quickly onto it. Tim Smith having some impact. Some of our ball movement during stimulations was beautiful, very quick through the outside corridors. Our defensive pressure was also good. Goal kicking drills, snaps, running shots. Tackling drills using 8 players, breaking and getting the ball away to advantage. Plenty of splitting the group into there respective forward, defensive and midfield groups. Neville Jetta moving very well. Sam Frost doing mainly sprint work in the rehab group. Tom Mcdonald in the main group on a few occasions, doing the match stimulations. Players and coaches look as though they are ready for a big game infront of the huge crowds.

Jordan on the track with hand heavily bandage, looked to be acting as assistant coach. Sam Frost in the rehab group. Neville Jetta tested and seemed to have passed fitness. Tom Mcdonald expects to be training with the main group next week. Plenty of tackling practice, disposal and being very aggressive when under pressure was empathised . Demands by the coaching staff to run hard when ball turns over during 7 on 7 game stimulations. Plenty of running for the group that played against Hawthorn. Lots of marking drills for our talls. Jesse Hogan, Nathen Jones, Max Gawn all look ready to win against Richmond. Brendan McCartney very optimistic about knocking off Richmond. A hard at it training session for the players.