Kev

TRAINING Tuesday 9 July Mood was subdued. Out in three squads, VFL , AFL and the rehab. Braydon Preuss unseen, Jake Melksham running laps, Max Gawn getting time tested (running freely), Jack Viney on light duties, Tim Smith and Billy Stretch running laps. The younger players in the VFL squad are all matched with experienced players, Brendan McCartney directing traffic. Toby Bedford and James Jordan looking good as was Corey Wagner. Jake Lever vocal, Oscar Baker moving well as was Oscar Mcdonald. The AFL squad drill with a soccer game, then move to some serious goal kicking of 35 meters out then some bananas. Kyle Dunkley looks ready to go again. Kade Kolodjashnij working with the AFL squad or it could have been Michael Hibberd wearing his number. The run lasted less than an hour, on a beautiful Melbourne morning.

The squad out together on Gosh's for a clean, precise captains run. Started with warm up drills followed by short passing. After some run throughs, they went down for some serious goal kicking. Some coaches on the mark, including Simon Goodwin guiding the accuracy. They split into the line teams. Forwards practising rolling from a defender to create spread and overlap. Sam Wiedeman and Jayden Hunt working leads at different angles at the end of training. Braydon Preuss working off Stafford with taps to the mids, Jordan Lewis with Kyle Dunkley and the others working inside. Angus Brayshaw a little proppy, Clayton Oliver a touch off (hope it is just at training). Back line looks compact and there was connection between Sam Frost and Steven May. Appeared to be working on timing the release and hitting a player down the corridor. Christian Pettraca and Jack Viney had light duties. The rehab had Jake Melksham running with timed laps, Billy stretch, Tim Smith and I think James Jordan and Kade Chandler. Mood was subdued, could be just going through the paces, though Jordan Lewis up about his selection. Max Gawn was not in the squad.

The private conversation went like this. Me "We need to win 4 in a row". Brendan,"We will win the next 6". Me, "Get the best out of them"

Brendan McCartney says we will win the next six. Braydon Preuss ran out with the second group. He looked a little nervous though up. Missed a few snaps and ground ball gets. Thought JKH a chance and Michael Hibberd to play. Didn't notice anything about Dunkley

Half the team begin with goal kicking some defenders at the other end and the rest are in the rooms. It 's a big squad on Gosh's. The lankier bodies are put through angle changing run through as the stocky type are using bands to restrict run. Lever in rehab. Neville Jetta in main squad as is Michael Hibberd. Christian Pettraca appeared a Little proppy. An all in drill of moving ball by hand looked great. Clean and precise ball use. The simulations nearly full contact. With a lot of niggle from the defenders. The simulations finished with the forwards and backs (Rawlings setting up well), in the fifty and the midfield on the wings or centre, competing for ball and connecting as the coaches instruct. The final drills were angle changing sprints, some rugby style ball movement and tackling and the one on one contested mark. Oscar Baker had a light training session. Simon Goodwin working with the small halfbacks, spoils, hand and body positioning. There was also plenty of peer assistance to the younger players from Jack Viney, Jordan Lewis and Max Gawn. Overall, a long hard training in beautiful full sun of a Melbourne winter.

I noticed Oscar Mcdonald having an individual session at Gosh's Park on friday. Appeared to be a skills and fitness test. By the end he was still hitting targets by foot on the run, after leads and some timed laps. He looked stern and focused, showing good fitness and skills. I saw Colin Garland going through something similar and he couldn't break back into the 22. Can see him getting back in.

If developing then admin overlooking the yarra. Would help them feel professional, proud and privileged.

Had a look at Gosch Park area. They could develop a warf and social club on the yarra. Just walk under the freeway. Be a great meeting place and people could ferry to the area of sporting and botanical. Parks and waterways victoria would need to invest. By the way saw rehabbers; Tim smith, oscar Mcdonald, Michael Hibberd and Neville Jetta. Hibs and jets working with Crossy. Clean at the ball and good foot skills. Can't be far off. Oscar working on kicking skills mainly the stab pass. Tim marking well.

Is there a captains run tomorrow on Gosh's Park? Anyone have the times?

Looking at Google maps , it is about 170 × 170 m (with tennis court area add another 50 meters). Just enough room to put a field without spectators at the goal ends. Could incorporate the tennis courts next to it in a multi level sport, admin, hospital and parking area. Only a thought, especially as the MCC may be more accommodating to MFC than councils. Close to Fawkner or albert park fields during cricket season.

Fawkner Park: Build with The Alfred hospital, sports medicine and concussion specialists department and three level underground car park. Assist South Yarra soccer, rugby union, cricket club and other sporting groups in the area. Create social club that can be utilised by hospital staff, patients and others. Or develope the; MCC Albert Ground on the corner of St.Kilda Rd and Roy st. Also close enough as well to partner with The Alfred hospital.

The toilets need to be right next to ground otherwise players have to make there way back to the railway area, losing time and disrupting the session. At Goschs Paddock they often squat in the long grass, which isn't a great look. A space for gear needs to be close by as they often change into and out of boots or runners, plus having the phone and other personal stuff close by and secure. Encouraging spectators who may not be members should also be encouraged. So having some "comforts" for them is only sensible if we are to grow our supporter base.

Sometimes a fence can be a problem, restricting the use of the field especially when the rehab is large or some are running laps or they are spilt into groups causing them to clash with each other. They can mark the field to suit purposes and are able to place temporary goals. No more jumping fences to get the ball. The problem I see is because more thoroughfare for the public there will be more rubbish, dog doo, beer bottles and cans. The staff and field cleaners will have to be vigilant. I would love to see a small pavillion that spectators can use to huddle in on those rainy days and the staff can use for their computer/tracking area. As well as toilets and room where the players can put their gear.

During simulations, they rarely use both goals. Usually will set from the backline and if a turnover happens they kick to a coach or a temporary small goal set is used.