Kev

Apologies Deemania, the MCG size is 160 × 140 m (not 160 × 129 m). Smaller flanks to play in on optus, perth.

Thanks coach, you are right. Got the size without doing due diligence. I picked up from a thread in foxsports.

The dimensions of MCG (160 × 129 m) and the new optus stadium (165 × 130 m) are similar. The corridors we use should be the ones less defended. Or if we are closing the game down then we kick down the line to packs. So north, south or middle is irrelevant. They are probably moving to a game plan anyway. I see our main problem being the opposition getting a run on and kicking numerous unanswered goals. I think it is a mental problem and lack of hardness. They look like roos in the headlights, unable to get the ball as they become spectators. We really need to make a determined effort to answer every goal the opposition get and make our own run of unanswered goals. Kicking to targets especially if the player has space is better than bombs to packs. Errors will occur but repetition at training can help as well as knowing other players limitations (I think that is one of Hogans problems, he expects the carrier to deliver to him instead working hard to make it easy for the player to feed him). Freeing the ball movement takes creativity and lowering the eyes.

At the thursday training I noticed that we were working hard on defense. Dean kent and Jay Kennedy-Harris competing in close range. Coaching staff putting ball in between them basketball style. The one who got the ball was instantly tackled, both doing well breaking or sticking the tackle. I thought JKH was a bit stronger and smarter in the contest. Christian Petracca was working very hard in the simulations to pressure the opponents. He won or imposed himself in lots of contest. I think he is ready and I'm hoping he can pull it all together in this big game. At the throw ins to mids they were making sure they got their match ups right. Plenty of communication to cover the opponents. Pick ups, front positions and defending the area were the ball may drop seemed to be emphasized. There were plenty of intercepts, punches of high balls, locking the ball in and finding outlets when under pressure during simulations. Tom Mcdonald was looking very fit and strong (no obvious niggles) and motivated. He will be difficult to defend against (tall, fast, endurance and a rock), hoping we can kick to his advantage and he kicks a bag full. Jake Melksham was delivering beautifully into the forwards during simulations expecting the same thing during game. I think he is mature enough that a few weeks off won't effect his impact too badly. Sam Wiedeman has been doing quite alot of ruck training in the past couple of months. It will be interesting to see how Goodwin uses in the team. He was getting plenty of action on thursday though looking a bit anxious. He is stronger and bigger now, won't be pushed around. Hopefully he sticks a few marks or at least brings the ball down to front and centre. I think Goodwin liked the way Sydney used small kicks to create the overlap or break the lines as he was getting us to do the same thing. Small passes to open players and kicks looping to players at the back of front positioned defenders. I think it is also a strategy that may allow us to clear the opponents pressure area. Wouldn't be surprised if we move the ball more by foot and keep them to under 12 goals. A kind of finals approach to this game. Hard, dour and gut running when we don't have the ball and creative ball use so to find an express lane to goals when we have it.

Peds was with the backs.

I thought a bit of both. Flat at the start and subdued as the training continued. I think they are realizing that the season is on the precipice and they expect better.

Rarely do I see running kicks for goal from the 50 m arch. Regularly a few will bomb from 45 to 60 m when they are whistled to the center by coaches. Usually the running goals are within the 45 to 35 m. The one I used to see do it was Jayden Hunt, though not under coaching supervision.

An easy morning for training, sunny, not too cold and only a little breeze. The mood seemed subdued. Rehab had Joel Smith in it, Oscar Baker doing laps and Neville Jetta being tested. Nev later joined the main group. Plenty of drills were done. Mostly hit ups with small kicks. Seemed they were working on the basics, especially by foot. The forwards had Sam Wiedeman, Mitch Hannan, Jake Melksham, Dean Kent and Tim Smith. Tim joined the Casey group near the end of training. Plenty of goal kicking practice for them. Mids working well. Charlie Spargo going to boundary throw ins but not in the centre bounce. The backs included Michael Hibberd and Josh Wagner (later joined the Casey group). Casey also included Tom Bugg (forgotten man). The simulations became congested on several occasions. They seemed to be going more direct with less emphasis on spreads. The defensive aspects seemed strong. Max Gawn was training well. Tom Mcdonald leading the forwards with instructions. Nathan Jones giving plenty of encouragement. The bonding session was very vocal and seemed genuine in their joy for each other.

A cold morning. A staggered start. Rehab had Jake Melksham, Michael Hibberd, running and ball work. Mitch King doing light duties with them. A small group trained with the running coaches till joined by the rest, absent Max Gawn. Max on the paddock in track pants and runners. No obvious strapping, walked laps and did a couple of runs. Drills done professionally. Cam Pederson, Jayden Hunt and Josh Wagner in the defense during simulations and doing well. Jayden ready for speed and Cam is zoning well. Lachlan Filipovic was doing some drills with the mids. Though during simulations was ruck practicing with Mitch King and not in the contest. The intensity of simulations built up as the players made more contact with each other. Thought Neville Jetta and Jesse Hogan were a bit hampered till they contested, looking good. The squad trained well. from Kev Martin

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.