kev martin

I didn't see Max down at training, Saturday morning.

Saw him on Gosch's with the rehabber group Saturday. Mainly running laps by himself. He didn't want to kick when another player ask him to do some short passes. Pointed at his left groin/abdomen. I'd guess still 3/4 weeks away.

Not posted, just guess work, as they usually have a run at Gosch's the day before the gig. Start times are usually 9.30 am.

Wandered down to Gosh’s to watch the captains run, the rehabbers were out on the ground. Schache, Woewodin, Kossie (not injured), two Casey players (1, 28) and White (Casey) doing individual work. The MFC squad then came out as one. Melksham and TMac in the squad. The vibe was low-key. It didn't help that it was cold, and the ground was wet, they didn't really start chirping until well into the drills. Seemed like they're a bit off with timing and the handling the ball. They were happy and relaxed. The morning consisted of about 5 to 6 drills. They worked on ball movement from off halfback, and off the wing, with delivery into the leading forwards. Interestingly, they had Petty forward for a few entries. Near the end, the centre mids were practising slowly for the centre stoppages. Grundy patting down to, Oliver, Tracc, Viney, Sparrow and JJ. The rest kicking goals (Petty included) or taking high marks (particularly JVR). Choco was also helping refine JVR's set goal kicking. May looked fine in drills, no strapping, but did have a slight limp when walking. At the end, he did a full 30-meter sprint and had a talk to 4 support staff (physio and trainers). After the MFC squad left, the Casey team came out. Laurie and Tomlinson were with them, I didn't see Dunstan. Go Dees.

JVR will keep them honest. He will get to the contest and help BBB out. He has been whacking Petty all preseason. Cannot wait to see him slam into opponents when they get under the ball or have it. I love the way he uses his body as a weapon. Hoping for plenty of goal assist from Jacob, plus 2 of his own.

Head over the ball and determination may outdo, skills and speed. With the wet, I reckon it makes it a closer contest and probably, a low scoring game.

It is why I thought the umpires had stopped giving the Dogs the "iffy" free's. Last night showed me, no change.

Tonight's game could be a beauty. Great test for the tigers, their young brigade should be fast enough to keep up with the manic style of Collingwood. Whether they are skilled enough? Collywobbles seem to be the benchmark early this season.

You were right. Four goals from free kicks out of 10 goals, for the dogs. They started the game with a free kick advantage, then they became even, and by the end 21 to 15. So the first 4, then the last 6 (calculated guessing). How do they get that advantage and some with "ify" and soft calls? Good prediction.

Clangers and turnovers without making each other pay.

You might be right again!

I'm thinking winning form is good form. Until Bontempelli makes his touches dangerous, Dogs will be in trouble. Their young players are struggling. Naughton needs to convert his opportunities. Their game plan also looks a bit shaky. Even if they fix up game day execution, they are up against a side that likes challenges. We let Ashcroft have too much freedom, we couldn't control the centre and our backline gave it up to smart forward entries. Dogs play a bit like MFC, and the Lions already have a style that beat that structure. The contested game and pressure on the ball carrier will show if the Dogs want "it". The Brisbane forward line looks good, Hipwood, McGluggage, Gunston, Daniher and Cameron. Lobb and Treloar will help the dogs, but Brissy has the win over us and learnings about playing to the end. Whereas the Dogs are already under stress, with two losses. Lions for me. The extra umpire, has made a difference. No favours for the Dogs tonight.

"TRAINING AT CASEY TOMMORROW IM RELIABLY INFORMED!" Quoted from Pickett Fence.

Didn't get to Gosch's Monday or today. I heard on some type of media that they trained on Tuesday and intend to have the main training Thursday. Whether it is at Casey or Gosch's anyone's guess. Nothing on the website about open trainings.

Brisbane had plenty of time to speculate about the most obvious scenarios, they came up short and we hammered them. Another 5 minutes?

I have no idea what went wrong. Hopefully an aberration.

"Why fly him up then?" May will be in the coaches box again.

Can they pick a sub from anyone on the list?

I can see Brisbane playing a hit them hard, give them nothing game. Prepare for a fight. Love to see us continue with the use of attacking corridors, the good use of angles as we go into the 50, and the great transition between offence and defence. Still need to work on momentum and tempo, which we did well in game 1. May will be well schooled on game analysis and structures, after the week in the coaches box. Oliver, Pettraca, Viney and Gawndy at the stoppages, yes. Hunter to have an outstanding game, (without thoughts of his old team). Run them off their feet TMac. Hit it hard Chandler, get in "the zone". J.Smith is an interesting emergency. Can't be game fit! Perhaps for 50 minutes, though Tomlinson/Melksham, even JJ as sub, must be ahead of him. Go Dees.

With 11 disposals, 3 marks and 71 AF's (I think fantasy points), Weeds was a good cog in the bomber.

Ran the game out, reflects our preparation. We had a clean, fast start. Our capacity to deal with momentum control has improved. We wrestled the momentum by getting some tempo and composure when we had the ball. The structural changes continue to develop, with an emphasis on roles still holding firm. The ball movement patterns have made for a very quick but unpredictable delivery into the 50.

Will Clarry play off half-back during the game, or was that just for the trial?

With trepidation, I believe that the umpire addition has been great.

Make the MCG our fortress. Petty to hold down back. The mids hunt them, Tracc and Clarrie feed the footy. Our transitioning is legendary. We get an extensive list of goalscorers, play a great 3rd quarter and roll on nicely. Sharp, quick, intensive. Go Dees.

X factor