Where Demons Dare

As 'GW' already mentioned, we spoke with Petty and tried to get a bit more information out of him on where he will be positioned next year and asked if he'll be our swingman next year? with a wry smile he said he'll be "happy to play anywhere." So he's not giving anything away for now.

It seems to be his right Hammy/Glute. Every session the Physio is getting his elbow into those areas and working hard on it. I overheard him with one of the rehab trainers saying that they want him to focus on his running today at a higher pace, so hopefully he isn't far away from main training. Selection is looking very tight already so he'll have to push himself even more this year if he wants to play 5+ games. Good luck to him though, I think he'll be a good player for us in the future.

Nice meeting you too today 31. 👍

Quite a few players out there today on individual programs and training in and out of the main squad. In rehab we had the 5 regulars being McAdam, Lever, Spargo, XL and Sestan doing their thing. While May, Campbell, Melksham, K.Brown doing a lot of boundary running but also involved in lots of the main squad drills. Fritsch and Salem training fully with the main squad which was good to see. Today the group focused a lot more on ball movement and various kicking drills, working the ball from the back pocket diagonally across to the other side of the forward line. I think our players will start to get the hang of the new tactics soon as it looks as though we will be more attacking next season and understandably takes a bit of time to adjust. Last month I was there at training they were doing a lot more running drills, but now they are more focused on ball movement. Fullarton surprised me today, he was involved in quite a few things and outclassed his opponent. One to watch. Trac again continues to impress me and is in for a big year, showing great leadership and very vocal. Turner keeps getting better and better and will do nicely this year as the 2nd key forward to JVR. JVR was a no show today so hopefully he is okay. I was also surprised with Kentfield's speed. He raced Windsor over 80m from the centre square to the boundary line and they drew even going flat out. Gawny is really taking a step back this year and letting others lead the way. You can see he is much more relaxed and will ramp things up closer to next season. There's definitely a vibe in the air that everyone knows their role and is executing it to a good standard. Maybe a bit more maturity in the group. You can sense that whatever came out of the review a few months back is already in play.

We can still have 3 Tall's at either end of the ground and use Petty as a utility/swingman from the bench and interchange him with a tall coming off the ground at either end. This could give May a bit more time to rest and keep him fresh while protecting his troublesome hammies and even chop out with Gawn and JVR when they need a break. This could be a real weapon for us if used correctly, we could really stretch opposition defences with our height.

He was the one I wanted. I'm disappointed we didn't take him. But there's hope for us yet in the rookie draft but that would mean we miss out on Noah Yze I think? not sure how many rookie picks we have available?

I made my way down from Wodonga to watch training for the first time since 21' and brought my wife along with me which she enjoyed. Fritta and Salo were there well before the rest of the boys had turned up and had worked up a real sweat. They finished their training with some goal kicking games trying to out do one another. The boys were aiming to hit each of the 4 posts and whoever hit it, won the game. They followed that with some drop punt kicks from the boundary where Chocco came over and offered some guidance he said "kick the ball high up in the air" which they both did and totally shanked the kick. They were quite animated about and I could hear them laughing away at each other so it was good to see them in high spirits. The rest of the boys started making their way to the track around 10am about 25 all up in attendance and I saw Tom Campbell doing his rehab in front of me. He didn't look to be in any discomfort, I think he just has some catching up to do. Tom is waiting to get a new training kit, which won't come out for a while yet so that's why he's unfortunately stuck in his casual gym clothes. Sestan, Spargo, Howes, Lever and Windsor on occasion also in the rehab group doing individual routines. Spargo had mentioned how bored he was with his rehab as he was limited in what training he could do, so I felt for him. TMac on the boundary watching on. I met the lovely Walking Civil War and her friend Ros, which was an absolute delight. We were so engaged in conversation that I missed a fair bit of the drills the players were doing, but I'm sure others will be able to report on it. Some observations I did notice were that the players are still sprinting to the boundary line for a drink and taking a minute rest break. Viney had called everyone in to chat about one of their drills and he was talking about how well the players in the white bibs were performing and that everyone else had to work harder to cover ground and defend better. Bowey spoke up also showing his leadership qualities followed by McVee. I was impressed with Turner during some of the sims, you can see him improving each time and even did a fancy double spin to evade two tackles but then got pinned on the ground by McVee. Some of the hits were pretty physical this early in the pre-season which was good to see. Jeffo is filling out nicely, he's a confidence player so I hope he can learn from JVR how to be an aggressive forward but he'll come good this year I believe. Sestan and Laurie looking leaner now so I expect them to get a few games this year. Kentfield has a really nice size about him but just needs to working on his fitness/conditioning. Verrall a good size also. Important to note that Petty was in everything today and in really good shape. He was even in the second best running group when they were doing half ground 80% pace running on the boundary towards the end of the session. He's in for a big year if he stays injury free! I also heard Oliver is in a really good space and his hand is the best it's been in years so he is fit and firing to go. Anyway I'm on my way back to sunny Wodonga now. I'm backing us in to have a big year in 2025 and playing finals. Let's Go Demons!

He's been open and upfront with the supporters with the happenings of the MFC. As supporters we want to feel included in the direction taken by the club and board. Can't fault him so far, he's done a lot more for us in recent times than any other President. Keep it going Brad.

Depending how our cards fall, I see us taking one of Smith, Langford or Draper with pick 5. If we pick Langford I don't see the need to go for Smillie with pick 9 as they are like for like players. I also don't see St.kilda taking Smillie either, as they got Phillipou last year who is a 194cm mid, which many on here have predicted St.kilda will select. Reid I'm not sold on with pick 9. I get Toumpas vibes from him... skilful player yes, but doesn't like the contest. Richmond and St.Kilda will probably take one of Armstrong or Tauru with their selection before our next one so that leaves us with Allen, Lindsay, Travaglia, Hotton or Trainor. My gut feel is we go with Trainor, who is an excellent key defender but will be watchful of as he has already had concussions recently. Either way we will get 2 fantastic players and will help us contending for years to come.

I don't think anyone has mentioned it so far, but from what I've seen of the footage I get a real Pendle's vibes from Smillie. The way he is able to get out of heavy traffic with ease and then dispose of the ball to advantage is brilliant. Not the fastest player, but has good evasion skills and footy IQ. I would be happy to take him at pick 9 if we weren't able to get Langford with pick 5. Smillie mentioned he can also play forward or back which is handy, he could rotate with Petracca or Rivers when resting forward or back.

Geelong must have photos/videos of the AFL HQ senior staff... these guys getaway with everything. Not only do they gift farms and other back alley deals to players (including shutting up the media). Now the coach is involved with one of its key sponsors. Talk about conflict of interest.

I mentioned in another thread, but Clanny Dennis would be my pick if he lasted to our pick. Under 18 All Australian CHB this year. May has a couple of years left in him, we need to think about recruiting some tall defenders after delisting Tomlinson. Tmac and May being 32 and 33 respectively, we need some fresh blood in defence.

He's our back up interceptor/ 3rd tall if Lever goes down. We had to keep him after delisting Tommo. Good luck Marty, have a big pre season and stay injury free, we may need to call on you next season.

I'm hoping we can pick up Clancy with our third pick, if we do end up taking one. He is rated around the top 50 mark in the HS. But I feel he could be a really good player in time and with a couple of years of development he could be ready to take over May's position. An All Australian CHB in the under 18's, he would be a steal at pick 50+. Here's what the HS said about him: 50 Clancy Dennis DEFENDER The All-Australian centre-half-back from the national championships can get the job done down back in multiple ways. Club Claremont/Mosman Park State WA Height 195cm DOB 28/12/2006 1 on 1 Defending Intercepting Overhead Marking Mobility A promising tall defender who can contain dangerous key forwards, Dennis was named at centre-half back in the All-Australian team after a strong under-18 national championships campaign for Western Australia in the middle of the year. He finished as the tournament’s No.1 player for intercept marks, averaging 2.3 a game along with 11.3 disposals and 2.3 spoils. Dennis was his state’s best player in its final match against Vic Country, recording 14 disposals, five marks (four intercepts) and two spoils that day. He is an ultra-competitive type who is rarely beaten one-on-one and has good composure with ball in hand. Dennis played a key role in helping Claremont’s Colts side secure the premiership in the WAFL in September, logging 14 disposals, 10 intercept possessions and five spoils in the Grand Final victory over Swan Districts. However, he sat out testing at the draft combine in October due to a sore foot which he sustained during that Grand Final. 2024 WAFL Colts83 ranking points, 15.9 disposals, 6.2 marks, 1.4 intercept marks, 4.4 rebound 50s, 3.4 spoils, 1.0 tackles (10 games) 2024 National Champs68 ranking points, 11.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 2.3 intercept marks, 3.5 rebound 50s, 2.3 spoils, 1.5 tackles (4 games)

You can thank Joel Selwood for ruining his hand when he kicked it a few years ago. Thankfully Hawkins and Selwood are no longer playing anymore. Dirty, dirty players. I can't wait for the day when they fall off the cliff and spiral down the ladder.