Kev

Sparrow has developed a tank, though would he be able to outrun those who will run all day, or does he have the footy smarts like Hunter had? I believe he will be at the contest, or playing in the half-forward area as a pitch hitter.

I've seen Sharp linking with the backline as well. I imagine they aren't sure where is position is yet. With Windsor heading back (probably), there is a wing position available. Though, Woey, Billings, Rivers, and Brown, could all be in line. Half-forwards are also in the plenty. Chandler, Kolt, Melksham (excellent kicking today), if fit, Spargo, McAdam, and part timers in Tracc and Sparrow. So much pressure for places already. Sharp can run, able to creates separation off the defender, loves getting to the ball, and his disposals are good. I wonder if he has that negating capacity that ANB had. That is a unique skill.

Chandler, Lever, and Petty walking from AAMI with the coaches as I arrive. Some are already on Gosch's, they are getting down to prepping. The sun block, hydration, the Tech in the jersey, and all in runners. Plenty of buzz around for our first full hit up. Yet no balls on the field. The time trials! They are hyped and ready. Those ahead of their times appeared to be, Sparrow, Kolty (maybe flu related), Sharp, and another but cannot recall. They got to sit out when the others did 5 more sets of 120 metre runs close at the end of the training. Kossie is fit and running very well. Goody got round him soon after his run and gave him the warmest of embraces, slaps, and words. Verral struggled, though ended his running with some push. Sestan ran better than other years, a little slow but not struggling. Langford led for some time, looks like a competitor, overrun close to the end. (Between some drills Tracc was getting around him, offering some insights) Great to see Maysie and Melk back. They all got round each other after the running, plenty on their haunches. Great effort all round. Shane McAdams back on the exercise bike. His body shape is good, looks like he has been working out. Lever has increased his workload, with a variety of running drills. My guess is that of Achilles awareness. Fritta is putting in hard runs. My guess is that his goal is being very fit. Xavier Lindsay is on a modified program and is going at about 70% effort. Spargo spent most of his time on the bike. Rumours were spreading that Roy George is being picked up. The drills were a little off. Windy, hot day, with some exhaustive running, I reckon caused some astray kicking and fumbles. Ricky Mentha has good hands, also doesn't do two errors in a row. It was apparent that he puts his head into it, after a mistake. Looks like Kossie, Rivers and Woey are in the mids squad, whereas Windsor and Petty are backmen. I like what Chaplin is doing as a forwards coach. He was getting the smalls to crumb. Two of them would follow the flight of the ball, the talls would bring it down, then the smalls either, handball to their partner who would snap, or they would snap. He was very hands-on at describing the movement patterns he wants from those marking forwards. The backs worked with the mids. They were getting the connections and fast ball movement down the wings. Langdon with leather poisoning and Sparrow running the wings very well, often the last one with the ball. Goody set up a full field structure, getting them to position where he wants them. Looks like a high press, with no one in the forward 50. Some goal kicking from the mids and forwards, as the backs settled down for a chat about structures. Jed Adams had some testing from the trainer, after some sims. Appeared to have a slight limp A good session.

It was reported on Demonland that they are upgrading/working on the surface at Casey field.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times AFL Monday, December 2 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm Wednesday, December 4 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm Friday, December 6 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times AFL Gosch's Paddock Monday, December 2 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm Wednesday, December 4 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm Friday, December 6 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm

"I sense a subtle/carefully planned petulance to Christian’s approach at the moment." @The Jackson FIX Perhaps they weren't at the training. Part of the dialogue though, and the feeling that Tracc is going about it in a "funny" way. I apologise for any inferences to the Mansfield trackers. Go Dees

My guess is, our delivery into the forwards this season will be very different. Chaplin is working with the high forwards and mids, as much as he is with the forwards. Also, looks like they are going to go with the hard running transition game, chase the ball with a swarm, and play a high forward line. Great patterns of delivery can help JVR have a great season, though, last time we did that we got the flubber legs, missed easy kicks, and failed to run out games and quarters, swings and roundabouts. I also think we are trying to work on stopping teams using those dinky kicks, possession games, to slice us up.

Totally agree, someone who has "been there done that", I feel will really help JVR with his confidence and execution. Reshape that rough diamond by giving very personal attention to him. Lyon or Schwarz an hour a week at training may do it.

@djr With JVR, I reckon he is struggling to take the needed next step in his development. He can appear to get down when he misses goals or those easy marks. He drops his head and doesn't go at "it" as hard, for a while. I think he needs a personal motivator or some leaders to get round him, when he misses. Confidence will improve him. Kick a bag full and be clean with his marks, and we have a champion. High with expectations, the pressure is on him this year and my guess, he is feeling it already. Though that is my opinion about JVR, you are right about mongering. Tracc is in a different boat, as he struggled with body and mind, and then his attempt to leave the club. If I was him my strategy would be to keep a low key within the team as I attempt to mend/create bridges, and gain the trust again. Which is how I interpreted his behaviour. Similar to how Clarry went about it last season. Low key, minimal displays of attention seeking behaviour and well down the pecking order. He is back to his extrovert and happy self now. Hoping Tracc is of the same mindset, but of course, you may be right and it is petulance that you observe. If so, then an immaturity pervades him, which will not serve him or the club. I know which interpretation I would prefer, "glass half-full".

I watched Tracc at the last Gosch's training, not closely. Appeared fine to me once he got over a bit of anxiety. My guess about the observations from Mansfield is that he is keeping a low profile. He is an emotional person, and maintaining an outward aloofness will keep those emotions in check. What do those reading a disturbance in him want from him? It really is about how he relates with the other players. He probably has a few relationships to build on and up. To suggest his body language is telling of a disengaged person, with all that he has to mend and deal with, is just speculative and rumour mongering.

That is my thoughts about them as well. The 1 to 4 yrs were setting high standards. The application of basics had been emphasised. Makes it easier for the oldies to slot into, and improve us.

I assume so. On the "new", net post and I think the lights, there are cameras permanently fitted. Put in during the Gosch's upgrade. They used to put drones up, but I think we are covered by the cameras, as I have not seen a drone. There are also plenty of Tech staff at the computer, dealing the trackers out to the players, and other "stuff".

The heat is on and the players didn't take a back step. Goody ran them hard, especially after a sim completion from the back to forward area. They had to sprint back up the field. Tholstrup felt it. JVR was pushing high, though became the last man forward in the non action area. Looked a bit bored, am worried about his training and application. Previous preseasons, he was the aggressive one, only seen him attack it once. Hope it just a bit of being lackadaisical during the early parts of preseason, and he starts getting into it. Some ball movements during the sims were very quick. There was room for a few of them to have multiple bounces down the wing, Windsor and Rivers took my attention. A couple of pressure moments caused them to rush and miss the target. Forgot who the defenders were. Chaplin continues to make his mark on the forwards. We definitely have a “front and centre” more prominent. They are also doing more short passes within the 50 to a dynamic group of leads. Harry Sharp looks a player to me. Well-rounded in his skills. Finding separation and has confidence in his disposals, he was linking out of the halfback area. Johnson looks and moves like Petty. Unsure how Jed Adams is going. Trying to keep it simple, but just not executing well at times? Clarry was being extremely playful out there. Last year he kept his head down, low profile. Now he is back to being stress-free and engaged. Tracc was nervous as he entered the field. Had a longish chat to Goody, then got down to work. Disposals have improved. Fritsch was in boots for the first time. Joined in a couple of sims, outpointed a tall defender with ease and skill. I reckon he is building for a big year. Salem also in boots and in a few sims. He has trimmed down since his first pre-run, and is pushing himself hard in the boundary runs. Lindsay has a mentor in Spargo. Appears to know the routines, and appears well coached through his developing years. Langford, first impression is that of an enforcer. N.Jones had a bib on in the sims. Hasn't lost much, closing speed and surprised a couple of them, then doing beautiful clearing kicks to hit the mark. Leading by example and being humble about it. Put him on the rookie list😄.

I think they did train that day. Two nervous kids and a loud mouth.

In previous years the new draftees have joined in right after the draft. If you love footy and running after that ball, tough to sit on the side. Though, I understand if they give them time to observe some of the drills, set-ups, and routines.

Good chance they (new draftees) will also be down at Gosch's tomorrow.

Great day for it. The drills were done at a high skill level. The boisterous vocals continued, as was the running to the sheds side when the drills/sims finished. The drills seemed to emphasise handball, tackling and fighting through the tackle, working in crowded areas, and releasing the receiver into space. The sims had a very compressed field, forcing them into short kicking and defending those short kicks. Looks like we are going to use a high press at times. Goody was giving regular instructions about how he wants them to defend those short hit ups. A bit of zoning the centre and quick close down, if the ball is delivered to the boundary side. AMW is training well ground balls tackling positioning. Bowey is starring. Rivers is building. Verrall is making a few mistakes when rushed, though never two in a row as he continues to learn. Hore must be a chance for the big dance. Chaplin, was instructing JVR with his leading patterns and body work to create separation. Troy was happy with what he was creating. Jefferson was getting some explosive leads happening. McVee is hitting his straps, lovely mover and delivery. Turner is impressive, he has a bit of X-factor happening. Laurie is having a mass of involvement. Getting to many contests. Windsor was a touch low key. Kentfield has the occasional fumble, though showing some agility at the ground ball. Woey is a bit inconsistent with the disposals, he is looking strong and big. Tholstrup working on getting separation and moving off the defenders blind side. Brown looking a bit bigger, moving well and getting plenty of involvement. Oliver is going about second gear, having to work with plenty of pressure and minimal space, that's what Viney puts onto him when they match up (got away from him a few times). Had a chat to Richardson about tonight's draft. He reckons they usually know what the other clubs are probably going do. Tonight they are relying on hope, as they are unsure who will go where, but are very happy to be getting the two high picks.

I don't believe the ban is the right way to go. Being more anarchist minded, I believe in self direction, though understanding the framework and pitfalls, create tools to navigate the complications in this world. "Need to encourage critical thinking, free thinking, making good decisions, gathering a balance of opinions, and avoid the narcissistic." I believe this is required in order to cope with the socials. Means developing great communication between those that have their best interests at heart which takes more time then making decisions for them. The government will use broad mechanisms that will not work. A VPN (virtual private network) will bypass any blocks. The intention is because of the damage socials can do. They rely on rhetoric, persuasion and self interest for power as well.

I have had personal attacks with some of my posts on this little site. If you aren't expressing the popular voice they can go hard at you, whatever the size of the site. I have learnt never to post on game threads (it is "owned" by the one eyed, group think, haters). Many footballers, and minor or major celebrities don't post because of haters and trolls, and the negative effect they have on you. The socials are a minefield, in my opinion and experience. Glad I am not a juvenile, I can disconnect, and put the hate in the appropriate place.

The Government is trying to dissuade the young from engaging with social media. Apparently an anxiety producing product that has fake news and emphasises the negative for the "clicks". Down with the influences and those being paid to change my thinking. Mainly because of the illusion of popularity, and playing up to our psychological inadequacies. Many are or become disturbed, they get further away from joy, as they search for external acceptance and consumerism. Worry about what others think, the young. Don't care what others think, the adult. They don't think about us at any time, the wise. Judgement is the opium of Socials. Self approval is the elixir. Need to encourage critical thinking, free thinking, making good decisions, gathering a balance of opinions, and avoid the narcissistic. Not sure where our club's promotions sits in that, but would prefer open and honest as a start. Unfortunately that is where the socials start, then end up in the gutter. Many end up hurt. Fan engagement has to be more practical. Being a follower of the persuaders, rhetorical at best and harmful in general. Not worth the collateral damage.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times AFL Monday, November 18 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 11:30am Wednesday, November 20 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 11:30am Friday, November 22 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 12:00pm Tuesday, November 26 Mansfield Recreation Reserve 9am - 10am: Open Training 10am - 10.15am: Player Signing Session

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times AFL Gosch's Paddock Monday, November 18 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 11:30am Wednesday, November 20 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 11:30am Friday, November 22 Gosch's Paddock 10:00am - 12:00pm Mansfield Tuesday, November 26 9am - 10am: Open Training 10am - 10.15am: Player Signing Session Mansfield Recreation Reserve

I like being down at the track watching them go through the rigours. They are still into skills and drills. The running component of previous preseasons is minimal. They did a few sets of boundary 250 meters hard runs, just enough to get them on their hunches, after the sims finished. A few got extra runs. My guess is they are getting the kilometres via the drills. At one stage Goody hollered for them to sprint back up the field after a sims action. They did it willingly. The run to boundary area after completions, and as a group, is encouraged. They were a bit off in the sims. That gusty wind caused miss-hits and fumbles. The coaches really want them to do the basics well. Viney is ready to go. His efforts and running are exemplary. Petty is vocal, wants the ball and is setting up many of the plays that come out of the backline. JVR is warming into the training. Looking better every time I see him. Bowey not missing anything, some beautiful hits up through the centre, no room for errors kind of passes. Adams was trying to do the same thing but got picked off or missed the target a few times. AMW is nearly always first to the ground ball. Brown is moving very well when he gets the ball. Finds that space that allows him time to make good decisions. Jefferson and JVR were looking for leads off the back of the defenders blind spots. Lever was running with a funny gait. Maybe protecting his achilles tendons. Campbell is large, he has maturity about him, and moves with some agility for a big man. I can see him being a bit of a protector. The vocal levels were boisterous, at one stage in the sims just about every one of them found voice. They are enjoying it.

I assumed that the info from the Ghost has them travelling after the Nov 18 for their camp. Which could be in Bright and on the way home, perhaps they are dropping into Mansfield, or they are in Mansfield the entire time. Draught night is Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st. I imagine the new draftees would go camping as well. Leaves us speculating from the 18th to 25th November about what they are up to. Perhaps the camp is after the 26th Nov?