Kev

Still no rain, just some stray drops. Grey skies, Certainly no downpours. Hoping for the same as we head into the evening.

We are a well structured and disciplined side. We are playing a rather arrogant, high risk to reward team. If a few words can get them to try a different approach, then they will be playing into our hands. We will build our wall and have a strategy to blunt their corridor runs. I can't see them going with another strategy other then fast footy and pressure. We will outlast them. They could drain themselves early with having to chase us, and to get the ball in front of us, then all the better. I reckon, it will be the 3rd quarter that decides this game. Don't let them get momentum and we have this. Salem to hit his straps. Petracca to kick straight. Kossie and Sparg's to light it up. Gawn, to feed Oliver with a duck entree, a Mag pie, and the sherrin on a platter. Be ruthless. Go Dees

They're hunting magpies

Last out on the track, was Tracc, Kossi and Melky, oh, and of course Viney who was playing with his doggy. After the warm up they kicked to the 4 points of the square, where the groups gathered, with run throughs and some handballs. Split into their lines, they then moved a kaos ball from defense to the forwards, and finished with a goal. All at about 3/4 pace and no opposition, apart from a coach getting in the way and bringing the ball to ground. They finished with individual goal kicking. They appeared nervous, though upbeat and focused. They look powerful. I think they are ready for them. Tomlinson trained with the back-line, Harmes with the mids, and Chandler with the forwards. Go Dees.

Talked to the ground staff today. He said they still have to put up, a or some, small sheds, no toilets. The fencing restricting the use of the paddock is down. The ground will be able to be used by the public.

Wandered past the magpies. I thought they looked a rabble. No numbers and all in different types of black and white. Plenty of banter, from Howe, "you're a d'ckhead", to one of the younger, smaller, long hairs. Both with arms out. "If you can't do it seriously, then f'ck off", said another. The drill stopped with two wrestling each other, seemed in good fun. WOW! Maybe they will get serious when some momentum turns their way and then work together. Hoping we have a plan for when they decide to take the game on. Addit: also using the red ball to practice with.

Started at 9.30 AM In the captains squad: JVR, BBB Can't see Weids. Boisterous out there. Finished at 10.15 AM

They have suspended open trainings due to covid, and haven't reinstated them yet. I use the old intuition and guess work. On Monday, it all happened very quickly, cart drove out and the players and entourage (coaching staff and some guests) followed. When I walked around Aami park I could see some footballers getting out of their cars, so at least I knew they were here, and not Casey or Port. I am of the suspicion that a captains run will be 'on' at about 10 AM Thursday, on Gosch's. Could be wrong. The arena is fenced off by the ground staff, as the area is still under repair. There is plenty of room between spectators and players, maintaining covid distancing with the fence. They also allowed some observers and film crew into the fenced area. You could try your luck! My guess of the training routine is; Monday morning, and a captains run the day before the game, at Gosch's, with a full training either, Tuesday or Wednesday at Casey.

Tmac also appears very much lighter. Whether it is muscle mass, or just an illusion I couldn't tell. If he has dropped some weight, it could make it easier and perhaps quicker to rehab. He is a focused individual and I wouldn't put it past him to have a chance at being ready.

No, doesn't seem bigger, though I know it is. Soon they'll finish the final touches of the landscaping for the non-playing area.

He trained with the back-line.

Smith trained as normal and in the forwards group. When they split into seniors and seconds, Joel was talking with coaches though left the field with the seconds.

Tmac was out there for a fair bit of time. Mainly easy running and some kicking. Lever started his warm up with the group, he second guessed himself and went to warm up by the fence, stretching mainly his ankle area. Trained with everyone as per normal. I think he is right to go.

They all did a warm up and some run throughs from goal to goal together. They then split up into their lines and went to three drill stations, which they rotated through. I watched the one that Williams took. He wanted them to look around then perform a sharp 10 meter pass. He didn't stop talking. The group split into seniors and seconds. Just as they were getting warm they left. There was minimal kicking, and everything was 1/2 pace. Thought it was great that nearly the whole squad was together.

Weid was with the seniors, appeared upbeat. JVR with the forwards when they split and with the seconds when they finished on the track.

Two in rehab, Rosman and Tmac. BBB on the ground late and in runners, joined the main group, for about 5 minutes, then back into the sheds. Joel Smith training in the forward groupings. Bowey was with the seconds. The seconds left the field,. Jake Lever did his own warm up, then joined the group, appears unhampered. Jackson in with the group. Now they have all left. A quick 1/2 hr. Harmes is doing a little extra work.

Got a chance to walk out on the surface. There are patchy areas, some grass is brownish, a little less growth in places, and the line can be seen between the slabs. Feels firm underneath and generally well levelled. They are still not out, perhaps an 11 o'clock start. Happy watching the storm go about it. Still waiting, if not by 11.30 I'm out. The training cart has turned up. There will be a session.

Looks like they will be on Gosch's this morning. Saw a few in the car park, including Jackson, who appeared fine. I'll be here, though it looks like a 10.30 start at the earliest.

They enjoyed that win as did I. Probably had some truths put to them, though the week. We are starting games so well. Sets us up to be front runners, and playing the game on our own terms. To catch us, the opposition have to play well and take risks. Winning can be contagious, onwards Dees.

Love an angry Tracc. Our movement down the corridors has been good. May, Langdon, Brayshaw, Viney, Fritta, Rivers, Hibbs, Lever, Melky, playing well. Clarry has to break his tag. Keep the intensity. Go Dees

Field looks like it has drained well, (7 broadcast). The Casey conditions will suit us. Spargo and Kossie to get goals and keep the ball in our 50. Langdon knows the field, run rabbit run. Viney has had such a consistent year, time for another BOG. Tracc has to kick a few goals. Back line back to miserly best. Go Dees.

I don't get the Boo. Perhaps when the umps do a howler, or a mongrel act occurs. To boo champions is a disgrace. It can end up like what happened to Adam Goodes (for example) and impact for a long time on others. The club should stand up against the media. Make a statement about inclusion and to enjoy amazing skills from both sides of the fence. Bad example to the young, doesn’t promote sportsmanship and creates divide. The divide sells product, but effects our communities, adversely. Where's the Boo bus!

Why did the repairs to the surface not begin last week when it was reported to be in poor condition? Turf will be flying, players buckling. We could have been training on Gosch's for the last 10 weeks. Cancel Optus and use Subiaco or one of their WAFL grounds.

Also love the tongue a waggling. What a joy, as Langdon burns off into space. It's a flapping so don't bother chasing. Bring on the thinking music.