kev martin

I was in the Ponsford, below the big screen. As soon as Kossie kicked it it looked like a floater, even thought it wouldn't make the distance, then was hoping for the point. All was in slow-mo, it just kept going and it was straight, a thing of beauty. Kossie new exactly what he was doing. A big game player, all the intention in the world when I saw the replay. We were in raptures, the kids around me will be demons for life. The Carlton cheer squad after the initial shock were silenced, and then hoping for their miracle from the bounce. They remained silent, and we take the emotional lollies well into the week and our team set up to do Brissy. Go Dees.

None of the players from the Sunday VFL game were at training.

At the moment, Mon 11.30 am and a captains run at 9.30 am the day before game, both at Gosch's. Then a full training midweek down at Casey.

Short and sweet again. Plenty of banter and fun. There were some executive types who had an introduction to the group before they begun. The group appeared relaxed and happy.

Bowey is not on the track.

Coffee truck is down here again. Just waiting for the players. Watching the storm go through their paces, they're switched on! Light duties include: Lever, Spargo, Viney and BBB. Yesterday's players aren't on the track, Bedford is training as is Rosman, but not Chandler. They are mainly in runners, and after some jogging around the hats they played a soccer game. Moniz-wakefield and Tmac in rehab doing plenty of kicking. There is no strapping on Kossie knee.

I still see it as hate. You can dress it up as you like. You group think, separatist who believe the other should be like you or they are what, "d..k h..ds". Why if peoples attitude are not ones you agree with should they be singled out as unacceptable and ridiculed, possibly even ostracised by the "true thinkers".

Hate to be that person, but cannot help myself. Why would you want to punch anyone! So what, you don’t like their personality or something. Why violence or the threat of it? We have a world struggling with accepting diversity. I am just amazed that there are still those who hate others. You don't even know them on a personal basis. I don't see the joke! Oh, I see it but it is so tasteless and harmful. They're just people.

Unsure about the strategy Carlton's number 43 used against Oliver, at the centre bounces. Oliver had to spend his time retaliating to the hits to his torso. He appeared to not be focused on the ball and distracted from the game. If he turned his back to him the oppo would hit his back. Oliver used a good strategy to get his opponent away from the contest, so he could run towards the ruck, under less pressure. Just don't get how that 43 got away with it, I think it was within the rules but should it be? The taggers cannot just play the man and cause one of the best in the game have to wear themselves out fighting and not playing.

We robbed them. Great time to win a close one. The Melbourne players never gave in, well done. I keep expecting to hear that their Queen Councils are going to the appeal tribunal to claim the timers got it wrong! 36 minutes, is that normal? Those kicks down the line to a contest! We need more dynamics in our forward craft. Hard footy, well done Dees.

Beautiful footy weather, no wind or rain, and reasonably mild temperature.

Hoping our ball getters have more of an impact. I want lots of goal assist and smart plays. Our handballs have to be to players with more freedom. Score well, when if we are dominating, otherwise we give them a sniff. I want us to hit the scoreboard hard in the third and to keep the momentum going into the last quarter. Would love to see some stab passes into the forward 50. Can't let Carlton out mark us, the talls need to be there at each aerial contest. Pressure, pressure and take it on when it is our time. Need us to play as a team, do the roles, the one percenters and some magic. Time for our best. Go Dees.

Sorry, didn't notice.

Yes, it was the captains run. Only selected team and the emergencies were there.

Drills seemed to be focusing on, shimmy, quick direction changes and handballing. Match sims (opponents being the coaches), was about backline structure and working the intercept, then using short kicks to spread, create overlap and to get the ball deep to the forwards. I thought Jackson will be used more as a forward given the line squads. Forwards working on getting front and centre. Good atmosphere, felt like plenty of seriousness mixed with joviality. Their voice was loud and determined. BBB didn't have strapping on and did not participate in the long runs. He practiced plenty of goal kicking with supervision. An old coach, Macca visited them, long talks with Goody and a few of the players were happy to see him. The informal goal kicking had too many trying the miracle kick, (inside out banana) from the boundary. I guess they had 'fun'.

Kossie is with them. As is, Tomlinson, Laurie, JVR and Harmes.

Looks like a captains run at Gosch's. They have two food/coffee trucks and the people are mingling, as we wait for the players to arrive.

The tribunal won't deter those prepared to cause head injury. Players will have to take matters into their own arms. Ah Chee and all future and past head cases, should now prepare a civil case against Carlton (all clubs) and the AFL for sanctioning actions that damage the brain. We all know the associated trauma from head hits, and they are saying there are circumstances where it is ok. Going to cost them big bucks in the future. All those in positions of influence in the AFL who also say this is in the contest could be liable for inciting/encouraging harm to others. The Pandora's box remains ajar.

It is not right. Cripps was making a captains statement by running through Ah Chee. No protection for a player getting to the ball first.

I believe we lose desperation and give the oppo some momentum that we have trouble turning around, when we go into the 3rd quarter The oppo also puts some tweeks into their game and we sit on our laurels. We need to stay hungry and unpredictable. Lets play the 3rd quarter for what it is known, the premiership quarter. Time to hammer, bring the bang in the third.

The work they did was more about running the cobwebs out, and not for pushing the body.

I agree, the drill was completed at there own pace and without any supervision. Would love it to be done with an expert giving immediate feedback to them. They need it. You can see them looking around for assistance when they do howlers. Oliver couldn't hit the barn door this morning, same with Bowey till he adjusted, then went on to try and kick the miracles (reverse bananas from the boundry), Sparrow also needed some resets till he got it going.

Very upbeat, it was a beautiful day out there. All were talking in there small groups as they did laps. When I applauded a few as they went around, I could see them say (body language wise), we don't deserve that!

11.30 am start. Plenty in runners, so expecting some running. Sparg's, Viney and Kossi (with his knee taped) have light duties. No BBB, Rehab has, Tmac, Rosman and Moniz-wakefield. Same as last Monday, on for 30 minutes, mainly running with a casual kick for goal, then back to the sheds. I think Kossi will be good, though was favouring his taped leg. The rehab group is still working hard.

Best thing we have going for us is our belief. Our smiling, anger, discomfort with loss and errors, shows that they believe they should win every game. There will be no complacency from now on. The pointy end and we will roll on. Games won't be easy, but I believe the cream will rise. We have the plan, ability to carry it out, the cohesion and will. Go Dees