Kev

Koltyn looks alot like Gary Hocking, and with a similar body shape, (was a champion for Geelong in the 1990's, a tough and skilled player). Hoping he can have a similar career, with us. I've attached a photo of Hocking

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times When: Monday 4th December Where: Gosch's Paddock Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm

Wandered down for a squizz at the bizz on Gosch's. Melksham rehabbing, not doing a running program yet. Oliver appears underdone. Working a running program, though not very advanced in exertion. Completely opposite to how he turned up last pre-season (fittest of the lot). Petty was having just strolling around. The field was dry and the ball handling for pre-season was good. Some stabb passes early in the session dropped in front of the leading players, at least they weren't bombing away. There was some emphasis on creating fwd 50 marks, plenty of short ball hit ups in the simulations. They started with runs and short kicks, then into station drills of low pick-ups, one on one positioning to high balls with push off, and side tackling after receiving high the ball. The atmosphere was great. Get a sense they have a point to make. Everyone was supportive of each other, the noise level was high, and they were looking like a great young squad. They took knees a few times, with group discussions and some frivolity. Plenty of instructions and guidance from the coaches during the process. Goal kicking practice was about snaps, based on the musical chairs game, but with the ball going around, with a couple of defenders and the manikins, making it tougher. McQualter (Mini) gets right in there with the mids, emphasising the spacing. Some drills were created to make the fwds hold position deep, and spread fast as a turnover happens when the opposition leaves our 50 area but loses the ball. Loved our run, we look fast. Standouts include Bowey, McVee, Tholstrup, Laurie. Laurie was baulking everyone, so much composure and looks to be a big improver. Tholstrup is a born leader, supporting team-mates, working hard, one of the last on the field, Also appears to have the will to get to the contest and has that explosiveness after getting the ball. AFL speed won't worry him, a good size and solidness about him. Bowey looking stronger and faster, impacts when he gets the ball. McVee has that composure, runs to the right places and looks explosive. McAdam was definitely struggling with the running program, though out in the sims he gets involved and has nice skills. Verral was getting plenty of 1%er's going, earning praise from the coaches. His is looking slim and moving well. Must have been working hard off season. Howes is looking to be all muscle, barely any fat on him, looks ready for some hard at it footy. Rivers was linking everything during sims. Max and Lever cannot keep away from the play, plenty of involvement. T'Mac was playing in the back line during sims, moving freely, though not winning the run throughs as he used to. Billings adds another dimension to us. Finds space and has a good finish. Kynan Brown has great vision, runs good angles, if he gets some consistency in skills, and a bit more bulk I believe he will make it. Windsor was low-key, I didn't notice him too often. I reckon JVR needs to have a full and hard working pre-season, looks a bit off, his usual aggression didn't seem there. Jefferson was dancing around well and wants to goal when he gets it. Working up and down the field, a few fumbles, and in and out of the play during Sims. Sestan has improved his fitness, no longer gasping after the exertion, and has plenty of composure. Adams has bulked up and playing well by sitting behind the ball. Turner was working up the field off the backline, providing carry of the ball. Farris-White, looks like his skills have improved, has a bit more bulk about him. AMW, seems more mature, getting to the right positions and kicking goals in the sims. Taj is going about it very professionally, straightens the ball movement up and continues to bring intelligence to the game. Hore has not missed a beat. Schache is working hard, getting on the end of plenty. BBB looking faster, and turning well. Still has his own running program. He and Tracc last on the paddock doing goal kicking practice. The new young ones, did not compete in Sims. There is going to be plenty of pressure for places. We will be batting deep. Go Dees

The drills had a bit of evolution as the season progressed. Kicking is always a priority. Goal kicking, although less laissez-faire this season, seemed to fluctuate in style and type, definitely empathised. Plenty of Goaling before leaving the field. I didn't see the main training, more the recovery and review, training sessions.

We were kicking well mid season, after Williams got on a roll with training drills. I wonder if he threw away effective drills as he searched for a bit variety. I remember set shots down the alley. There were also snap drills as stations, and his general kicking program. Find out what drills help, and repeat and repeat. I thought we were on the right path with Williams.

They will have the neutrals. They are fast, play in small pockets and are desperate. Good backline, mids and forwards. Hinkley out coached. Playing the one trick pony (Woods) who haven't done that fast, bang, bang for a while. Also, have a dream to fulfill. That was an outstanding first half by the Giant.

Because that's his personality flaw, Thug. Once a thug, always a thug.

Those misses in the last, when they were going hurt Port the most.

Carlton 8, if played on Saturday. Seems funny, GWS playing all over the place, only get the 6 days. Carl getting 8 even without travel interstate. Had to be 7 day break each, prior to preliminary. Did Collingwood decide that? If they beat the Wood, then at least they get 1 more day to prep for the Grand.

I haven't been able to bring myself to read much of this thread. Shellshocked and I keep saying to myself and others, it is only footy, not a big world problem. Similarities to last year's finish, but different problems. 2022, bathwater and some arrogance in the lead up, compared to, being the better team and not being able to execute. We aren't a complete team, and we fail at adjusting to our inadequacies. What happened to our bang, bang, bang game style? We used to be able to develop overlap with handballs and short passes, our long kicking game does not create "quality" forward entries. Where was the on-field leadership? I thought we had focused on winning at the "G". Last quarter we looked tired. The emotional week got to them. Many if's and but's about the game, especially if we had a good lead already established, given our scoring opportunities. We are in good shape for 2024. Loved our H&A season, much easier going to the footy when we didn't have the pressure of having to win. Perhaps that's the problem, no necessity to win, our games were more about pecking order. Wish we took a leaf from the Women as they can find the way to win, playing with the will and the structure required.

Early on, Elliot got free. Hibbo's natural reading of the game got him back in to the contests, as the game developed

Great that Clayton and Gawn are in. For a while I thought we would have a week from hell. Interesting that they bought in Kennedy, after his stoush with Pittonet. Maybe he will pinch hit some rucks for us, LOL. Heard their coach say they, don't want Cripps to try too much. Those ribs are nearly cooked. Spargo brings some zip and energy. Tomlinson adds plenty of leadership and structural ability to a backline that is doing well. JJ will give stability, lucky he is there, as a replacement for Gus. It will be the midfield battle that wins this. Hibbs the emergency.

When I've been out at Casey, I feel is was necessary to have a seat. Many sat on the ground. The people in chairs set themsevles at the back of the groundee's. I found the people who stood did it a few times infront of the seated and those on the ground. Let the people work it out. They aren't getting enough patrons to make a difference as yet.

The big games are here. No build up to the Woobles game, flew under the radar, didn't do us much good. Different to this one. Pressure form many angles. Tribunal, possible straight sets again, not quite right forward area, hurt mates and families. Great we get another look, unlike 12 other teams. Plenty to get right, though our backline is a rock. We will play with passion, hoping we do it smartly, and not to the point of exhaustion or trying too hard. I am nervous, but that is what finals seem to bring up. Go Dees.

I thought he moved the right way, opposite to the balls movement. If number 4 was playing the ball, he would have gone to his right. Gus moving diagonally away from the ball means he clears from the impact area, if the ball was being played at. Number 4 was tracking Gus. Gus moved the correct way so as to avoid a collision, if was expecting the opponent to attack the ball. Number 4 launched before he knew where the ball was heading, as shown by having to reach out when in Frisbee mode, therefore he jumped into the players line and had no idea where the ball was. Football action (haha), and if so then an unrealistic attempt, causing concussion.

Is any of the other AFL fans that are not MFC, upset about this outcome? The sake of the game is in the balance, as duty of care has been relegated to, there are times when hits to the head are not sanctioned.

I interpret it as, solely attacking the ball (give no consciousness to anything else). Do that and collateral all over the place, and no consequences to self.

If you are playing the ball, a duty of care to those around you is now unnecessary. The defense of in the motion of a "football act" has a precedence. As Number 4 said, he did not take a collision with Gus into account. Will give Viney, Sparrow and other inside bulls a licence to not worry about the pain they inflict. Sad day for CTE outcomes.

I reckon it's more straight line the ball and the player is collateral damage. Duty of care is out the door in a football act. No More tackles, to risky for a chance of suspension. Those rucks are going to be dangerous places to tread. Where the ball is, missiles are coming through.

Dream of 12, and it's Yippee, Yahoo. 2023 and number 14.

There are plenty of teams to play for in the adapted game, of 9 on 9. I understand your sentiment, I found the area to have a very diverse cultural mix. Get stuck in one group and it is like the others don't exist. That area has it all, up to you to look.

There are plenty of teams to play for in the adapted game, of 9 on 9.

That is not true, they have an AFL hub up at Cavanbah (a couple of k's out of town). Perhaps you feel that way because of the Gold Coast link and area,

Extremely skewed, nothing about the optics, or the spirit of the game.

In the guise of a football act.