kev martin

They are really important if we are to become the rolls royce again. Jackson's drop in form is a worry. Fumbly, being rushed, not getting enough touches. Hope the four of them turn it around, though Gawn and Salem have been OK.

Dogs seem to be playing ordinary games. Hopefully we can push them in that way and not give them a sniff. Expect our wingers to continue the good work they have been doing. They have been a needed part to our winning ways. Expecting a big game from Tracc. Hope the umpires protect Clarry and stop the opposition from wacking his hand. The same with the back of Max's head. Go Dees

They could be thinking, they've got to get goals from somewhere. Could also be to set the throw ins from near the goal and not sharking at Weids feet.

At training today, ANB and Viney, had semi competitive drills with each other to end the session, about 10 minutes. They were very close to goal and after slapping, holding each other and turning the ball boundary side they would perform a little snap for goal. They had a bit of intention about it.

Have some faith. He is a big guy, gets lots of support from the club, has a good kick. Be great if we can get some ball into him quickly and allow him to get out back or some separation when on his lead.

Agree, has to have a one grab mark. I can also see ANB and Viney, taking some time deep in the forward area and getting some snaps, from the front and centre positioning under Weid.

I think we will have to rely on Tracc as well as the Weid.

Lever trained well this morning.

Going by the chatter about BBB this week, that he can't fully train and will always have a tender knee. (He isn't a Buddy.) I think we need a stable forward line, going into the final series. If it functions well without him , I can see us not picking BBB.

BBB pulled out of the training (captains run), very early in the session this morning. Spent most of his time wandering around aimlessly, looked underwhelmed. If our forwards fire could be the end for him. Weid and Petracca to destroy the Dogs. Also Dunstan had a little issue with his left hammy (awareness), required some massage, quickly rejoined the seconds squad though. Go Dees

I think he has been playing the last couple of games down back, ever since his return to the main team. He has been doing alright, as he can take more risks and has a bit more freedom. Has created some good linking plays.

No restrictions, wasn't even sure if he had the shoulder strapped. He was wearing a long sleeved under jumper top. Ready to go, I'd say.

Joel was with the seconds, full training but didn't notice the line he went into, sorry. Next time!

I think because of the short week and it being the captains run, they went easier. Probably also protecting Oliver, and as a guess Tracc. Tracc was seriously practising his set shots. Most were on target, with a beautiful flight.

Had a talk to Buddy the MFC assistant. Tells me they love the surface as do the women Beautiful morning, storm is training and Victory are just setting up. The boys are up and about All over now, short and sweet. The not picked group are out there now. Looks like Joel is in the main group.

There into the lines. Mids working on no look kicks from the clearance, then the connection from back to forward. Going 3/4 pace Forwards working off the marking bag, and the back 6 doing some lead up and outs. Now its some competitive sims, all out there, white, yellow, orange and red. Coaches included. No tackling. The sims broke into a smaller group and got a bit more serious, only for 5 mins, still no tackling Goal kicking now. Push ups for misses, for the entire group Our number 50, has done nothing other than walk around. Bit of a worry.

The oval has been raised by a little less than 1/2 a meter. There is a slight camber, with the peak in the middle. A camera is up on the net post at both goals. Plenty of flood lights on 4 poles. Beautiful looking surface. No trees missing Lever is out there, as is Weids, Tomlinson, Bedford Exercises seem to be about getting them thinking They are making plenty of noise

Something is being set up. Cones are going out. Tmac doing some run throughs.

Keep the 8, when we get the 19 teams. Though, I believe the fixture could change to this, even before we have the 19th team. Every team play each other once. Then separate into zones: Top 4, then middle 6 and lower 6 or 7, they play within each zone to decide their ladder position. Have some matches between the zones in the final one or two home and away games, so as to create possibilities of relegation and promotion into a finals place.

I'll go past tomorrow and give you my thoughts afterwards. Hopefully the squad will be there!

Had a wander around Gosch's this morning, nobody there. My guess is, friday morning captains run!

They have also added flood lights, hopefully for some night training. The nets at the goal ends have been renewed.

When Sparrow trained, he had good disposal when he first joined us. At times in matches he has beautiful kicks. I think he is rushing himself, given the speed he is adjusting to. I suggest he has games when he is connecting well. His problem is consistency, he will mature.

We'll be good. Petracca to drive us, with Viney who will get it on a plate from Max. Rivers and Tomlinson will work well together, as Lever and May do. We will attack off the halfback, connect with Langers and JJ. Time for Spargo to have plenty of goal assist. Go Dees

I am really enjoying this year. Great drama and entertainment as we rack up the wins then fall off the pedestal, then steady again. We haven't hit our straps yet as we struggle with connection, cohesion, ruthlessness, and hunt. Our defensive structures are strong, the mids are nearly the best going around, we can pressure when we want. I can see us getting back to scoring over 100 points and/or piling on heavy scores in a short time. In the past, we would make bad decisions throughout the game, be fumbley, overuse the ball, miss the simple. Now, being more mature and confident, our failures can be remedied within the game and are less existent. The opposition have to play hard and bring their best to compete with us. It is no longer us struggling to stay in touch or be competitive, it seems to be we are always within striking range to win it. Again, an enjoyable place to be, given where we have been in the past. Even a loss is a bit, nah and not as it used to be, where the next ones become must wins, just to be in finals. Good entertainment, hoping we keep growing, learning, and getting stronger. Go Dees.