picket fence

Trained and trained well!

Do you believe in Footy "Miracles"?? I don't, but I do believe that hard work, a good game plan, personnel, that can carry out the plan and a smidgeon of luck can quickly turn into something potentially satisfying lets say..... Success at MFC!! Welcome to training today from the magnificently manicured CASEY FIELDS. Although the obligatory 6 seasons in one day reminded me of Science Fiction type inbalances between an EL NINO event and a LA NINA Cross, training today was very very good! NO SHOWS Didn't see Rosman, Kysiah still interstate I would imagine and Obviously Aaron Nietschke with his latest tragic ACL, Sam Weiderman also no show ON MODIFIED TRAINING BEN BROWN ( More on him later) Jake Melksham ( Jack Viney almost normal training along with Hibbo) DRILLS , SKILLS AND MANEUVERS After obligatory warm ups I saw 4 drills being executed today. ALL drills had the essential elements of the following game type events A Choosing correct options to create overlap and positive disposal accuracy B Being able to execute skills under pressure C Creating space from turnovers thus turning defence into attack and break line running DRILL A KAMIKAZE TARGET SELECTION ( BY HAND OR FOOT) This consisted of players in 6 groups zig zagging fashion giving handballs or kicks to best option standing in criss cross formations firstly from 15-20 m away increasing to 25-30 m away. This was a very good drill which showcased positive decision making and pretty good skills by hand and or foot to best options DRILL B HUDDLE BREAK OUT PINBALL WIZARD This consisted of what to me was a very intricate set play where player would get the ball have options to pass but was placed under enormous pressure by players with those battering foam mats who acted as harrasers trying to stop the player and or smother the ball in transit. This meant that players needed to not only pick correct option but also execute with precission and value. The pinball element presented as the flippers of a pin ball machine similiar to the foam battering mats used by the players. Players would huddle and then give of corect option quickly. DRILL C OVERLAP AND LINE BREAK DRILL Consisted of players in precision timing a run and creating a target getting the ball giving of calling for it back if in correct position and feeding it of to presenting player. Player then had a shot for goal or gave of to another option in rotational work similar to creating options of the back line DRILL D GOAL KICKING DRILL Simply throwing ball in air turn pivot and kick either for goal or to target depending on judgments POSITIVES BEN BROWN On modified program but worked with physio on exercises , strengthening and being able I would guess to go through movement range pain free. Looked unhampered MAJAK DAW WOW On what I saw today there is not a shred of doubt he will be on the list. His agility was exceptional for a big man he moved well, hit targets and looks to be not that far of fitness for AFL. Looks like he belongs and plenty of hand taps between players for him JACK VINEY Was impressive on todays performance looks fit and was not hampered in any way that I could see with his foot. Did some modified training at end but looks on track for round 1 HIBBO DITTO JV report as above VANDERS I worry that he seems to get injured at the wrong times and then has to refind form and fitness. Today he looked good and completed all drills OF INTEREST Someone was in rehab with Jake Melksham wearing Kossie Pickets no 36 I have no idea who he was!?? Just to reiterate as above header suggests; Do you believe in Footy "Miracles"?? I don't, but I do believe that hard work, a good game plan, personnel, that can carry out the plan and a smidgeon of luck can quickly turn into something potentially satisfying lets say..... Success at MFC!! Have to say all players were interested, involved , you could sense the Camaraderie and purpose skills and pace at execution were good today and so who knows, with a largely injury free list continued hard work, let the year unfold.The blend of mature, maturing and young players just seems to be gelling very nicely! PS In one of the Drills Max gathered the footty and on the run from outside 50 ROOOSTED a GOAL. AND DIDN'T HE LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT IT GREAT STUFF Cheers PF

Arrr "Fighting it out with Strawbs O Dwyer" ah no. He is that far ahead of him it doesn't matter. Norm Smith could play a bit as well!

Yep but wont happen

Ok, it might well have been well docoed and all, but honestly I have iterated my postion and so lets leave it at that. I trust, however both players make speedy recoveries.

Sorry, but I have no interest in AFLW hence the lack of knowledge about our women personel. I hope she recovers well.

Sloane? Not one of our players! 3 knee reco's I would think he might find it difficult to get back. Good luck P.F

Ah, I ALWAYS bring this up whenever I see Bradman discussed as GOAT BUT, he never ever played on the subcontinent, India, Pakistan, Sri, Lanka and from my point of view the jury will always be out based on this.

Can I open the bowling and just say, has there ever been such a meteoric rise and richly deserved 100 games ever in MFC History?? What a Brilliant inside modern day Midfielder we have. Dual B&F, All Australian and we hope a Demon for ever more. Congratulations Young man Cheers and best of luck P.F

In a word NO!!!

Well IMO he is a fantastic player, but not yet near Neeta, The Ox, Gaddy Lyon, Stynes, even guys like Gary Hardeman, Stan Alves, Greg Wells, Ivor Warne Smith was, by all accounts a champion, then look at the Great Melbourne teams of the 50s and 60s even the Golden ages of the late 30s and 40s. He may get to top 5 at end of career but I doubt he would overtake Flower or Barassi !!

NO WAY does he come anywhere near ROBERT FLOWER ...... Daylight BARRASI More daylight then some arguement Max around best 20 or so

Same old same old,repeat a zillion times

We still bomb,bomb,bomb into the forwardline indiscriminately!

Hopefully Richtank get the same treatment tommorrow GO DEES

Meanwhile Joe Root takes 5/8 in India Unbelievable.

And if he is not then thats a MASSIVE FAILURE even by MFC standards. What do you base this statement on???

Unquestionably our best player. Max, May,next in line! I'll leave it at that!

FFS Clayton Oliver has been our BEST player for years.He has performed BEYOND standatd. Lets put pressure on those that have underperformed for years!! With more instinctive and creative champs like Clarry we would be well in the frame

No not saying that at all ! Remember the Baby Bombers? Play em and blood them NOW No rebuild or remake or anything !! Time is NOW

Well Ok ... Lets see how it pans out but, based on my observations, footy playing and coaching experience lets see how he goes for the year! Forget practice matches, I want to see if he has improved over the season. If he has.... I'll eat "Humble Pie" If not.. well, you know the rest! Cant get fairer than that! In my next training report, I will focus on him and report OK??

Hunt offers a gazillion times more than Spargo surely!??

I can only go on what I have seen, and big call or not he oozes Charisma and X factor. As iterated in scratch match took the mark of the day ,then in another bit of play gathered the footy in traffic and kicked a 45 metre goal on the wrong side for a left footer. Understand the apprehension, but he has size, tank can mark and kick freak goals. I for one am prepared to back him in.This also goes for Bowey and Bailey Laurie and anyone else who looks likely.For too long players who have underachieved have been gifted games. Not any more. Step up or get replaced. Welcome the next generation!

If you read my training reports, I havent seen anything which pionts to the notion that he will become the S.P. Time will tell.He has trained O.K no more no less.

Agree WTF constitutes that MADNESS FROM AFL