DeeVoted

The banner looks great, love the red fox in there,and the others. Nice work to all involved. I see you left the far righthand corner vacant to slot in flag 13

Surely he cant be serious?? Warnie to make a test comeback? Just heard he wont rule it out. Looks fit enough. If he did, has he still got it? Watch this space I guess.

I was at Casey for 3 hrs, not one other player gave me any other conclusion they were not giving it everything they had. Flash was last in all the 200 sprints,but never did he throw in the towel. Jones , Howe, Rhodan and a handful of others were laughing at each other when they missed a running shot on goal, Sylvia included. They were putting pressure on the player running with the ball,and then taking a shot. It was about then I thought Col looked to be moving ok, no sign of any hinderance. Jones has to be the biggest stirrer out there, Howe gave it back to him. All good banter. It was then I decided to watch Sylvia closely. In the match sim they had about 4 players on the interchange, it was up to the players to make the call to go on or off. I couldnt hear or see any of the coaches, calling the player movements, they were more intent on making sure the players out there were doing as expected. Sylvia run on (fast jog) pranced around for 2 mins, never got near a contest,then jogged off. Everyone else was on for at least 5- 8 mins, and only some used the interchange. Sylvia then stood with the rest,waiting for a turn to go on again. His body langauge was gee nearly over did it. So draw your own conclusions, was he told not to get too heavily involved? I just thought,well if he can run around taking potshots at goal,with no sign of discomfort,then not attempt an effort during a match sim, I wasnt going to pin my hopes on a big effort from him this session. He has a few months to give the same effort as all the others out there. (excluding a handful with injuries). Apart from a few mins of the match sim, and 10 mins of joining the others shooting for goal, he was on the sidelines,or doing handball drills.If he wasnt doing that, he might as well joined me on the fence watching the others slug it out. I watched Tmac do all the sprints, and busting his gut every run, Nicho all but passed out 15 mins later,Chip and all the others their faces were showing the strain of not leaving much left. I was looking at Col, and thinking surely he cant have Neeld ,Craig etc, sucked in,and taking the easy route. I was hoping when he run on to take part in the match sim, he would get stuck in,but it wasnt to be. I hope in the next few months left he can or will train and give the effort that everyone else is giving. But on his track record from past years. I dont think its going to be. Perhaps someone at other training session after xmas,will post Sylvia left the track knackered after putting in a big effort.

I managed to sneak down there for a quick look. Not a bad morning to be training, overcast, light breeze, both stands packed (with seats), could do with a few more to view training, as the players would feel inspired with the extra support. It was touch and go, if the spectators out numbered the coaching staff. I considered stripping down for a bit of a hitout with the boys, but felt a slight twinge in the hammy while bending over to untie the shoelaces.So thought better of it. I will try to put another view out there, rather than repeat what was already been posted The previous posts on training are right on the mark. (Do we miss FNQ? his missus must have got him back in line,nowhere to be seen). A good 1st up post by TM, I too thought the skill level was down on the last trip out to Casey. I was asking myself, was I now marking them too hard? The reality was, they were fumbling, missing targets under or no pressure when doing simulated game drills. Not every player, but I was disappointed to see some old habits still lurking with some players. Overall it was a good hit out with lots of running. One drill I hadn't seen before, apart from passing to a leading player, they had a drill where they deliberately 'shanked?" a kick ,when I 1st seen a ball that had been kicked forward, it was wobbling along the grass, I quickly looked back to see what dork kicked that!. Then I realised, they were practising handling a bouncing ball and picking it up and the run. I got there as they were running 10 x 200? mtr spints (in pairs) after they got to the end, they would all walk back to the start, and off they went again. (TMac and Nicho and Howie stood out) there were a lot more not that far off their pace. Except one. Anyone care to guess? Jimmy "totone" Toumpas looks fit,nice built, but he was blowing hard, from running laps, he looked like his race had been run. Nicho wasn't well, after the repeat sprints, he looked cooked, and ready to keel over, he was having his pulse monitored and looked about to pass out. He looked like he wanted to continue with the rest of the drills, but he didnt. He might have a virus, as I heard him say he had headaches etc. I liked the look of Jack Hannath, I hope he gets a spot. Sylvia trains like plays (at least he was involved), seems to do no more than he needs to.I was watching him closely, I wasn't all that impressed with some of his efforts. He should be setting an example. Mitch Clark, was running laps, and heard him say later,he was happy with his progress. Howe and Chunk love getting stuck into each other with barbs to each other. Howe taking set shots on goal?? I hope he plays midfield,and let others take set shots. He is great on the run, but misses a lot from a set shot. (I was trying to spot what he does different on the run to having a set shot on goal,I couldn't spot any major) Must be a head thing with him. Nobody seemed to be too worried about it. I thought one of forward coaches might have had him practising one on one. Everything else has been posted already, so I won't repeat that. Overall a good training session,they look fitter, lots of chat to encourage each other. I am not sure where Flash is at, He kept trying, but, something is not right when him. If he was injured he would have been in the rehab group,but he wasn't. Fitzy was being played at FF in one of the drills, so from that I would suspect, he might get a gig up there. Neeld was right onto him when he took a pass from Viney,and took a chest mark, Neeld yelled out to him, then indicted hands out in front of his face. He then went back and had a shot from 45mtrs on a 45% angle hit the top of the goalpost. (nearside) So perhaps if Clark needs a fill in, Fitzy might be our man. I hope that covers it for those that couldn't make it.

And just like the forementioned parrot, this thread wouldnt zroom if you put 400,000 volts through it. 20,000 d/landers are now coming out of therapy

I also felt the same. I asked the question if he was a chance to be re-drafted. I got a firm no. Unless something happened behind the scenes, my gut feeling is he was 82Kgs, and it was asking to much to expect him to stack on another 10-15 kgs. Neeld has shown he wanted solid bodied players. The end of the 'stick era'. We couldnt possibably have an another year,like the one we just had,with all off field distractions. So far from seeing and reading reports, the players have improved on their fitness levels, I dont have available where each players goals need to be. but already there has been a big improvement. Last pre-season they seemed to be shell shocked. this pre-season they are taking it headon,and look much better. There is a noticable upbeat approach on the track. The FD has had a full year, to refine / retune their goals. They, like the players, now know each other better, and how each individual operates. They have a better understanding on player reaction,and weaknesses, and will address those better, they have had a full year to access all the facts. Of all those players WJ listed only 2 will be missed. Rivers (even though I wasnt his biggest fan) he was servicable,but can be covered. His experieced will be missed. Jurrah, (forget this year) his ability to impact a game,if only in bursts will be hard to replace. Having said that its not the end of the world. Like most I am feeling upbeat coming into 2013,but I have been burnt many times, so I am keeeping the lid on predictions. If the players are somewhere near the fitness levels they need to be at, then Neeld is now on a even playing field.He cant use excuses for them not playing out 4 quarters of football,the acid will be right back on him,to get them to fire up. Right from the opening bounce. We'll see if he can perform,in the same way he expects his players to perform.Has he the ability to make moves to win games, or make them after the horse has bolted? He needs to inspire, show us what he is made of. He also put our attacking game on the back burner,to allow a defensive game to be developed. If that is now at a stage where he is happy,then unlease the attack, we have the firepower up forward. Bring it on. My few concerns, Clark, untested thus far. Just hope he makes a full recovery, and it doesnt hinder him. Can the players, take what they are learning onto the ground,then continue to build,or will they crumble when the heat is on. The unknown, INJURIES. they murder us, I would love to none to our most important players, we cant afford the luxury. We will get them,it depends on the duration,and to who. A fit,confident team, with no more disgrunted players,looking like they wanted to be anywhere else but in a Melbourne jumper, we should expect a lot better 2013. (I would like to say we can rattle the eight, but I wont)

A tough one to find for Jack I thought D2 (r2d2) Dee2 as Todd is 1, his son 2nd. Little, indestructable , unstoppable, keeps going. Then again R2 (artoo)

Thanks to all for the training reports. If they can carry what they are learning on the track into game day, we might do better than expected. What we dont need, and its been happening year after year for many years, is injuries to our important players,the ones we need the most. Our luck is overdue for a turnaround. Perhaps we can chip in and get FNQ a flight to Darwin, his GF relationship seems on the rocks now after standing her up to get in another report.

Pointing the finger at Casey for poor showings in the finals is way off the mark. Look at the MFC for that problem. Peter German walked out on the club for this very reason. If we continue to not allow our players to be available, Casey will never win a flag, if we continue this practice. Yet Neeld and Co this draft recruited players that came from a winning and successful clubs. But then deny our players to be a part of a probable flag in a VFL team. I would have thought any finals experience is valuable. The old addage, wanted them in asap for surgery, or cleanups so they will be ready next season. Thats fine, if someone has a leg or an arm about to fall off. Every bit of finals experience they can get will benefit not only the players but both clubs.The priority being Melb players, they get a winning feeling and share the glory with team mates,and know what it feels like to be successful. Thats is something they wont get sitting on the sidelines with their finger bandaged. Always play the best available (in any comp).they carry a niggle all year at some stage. I hope this doesnt continue, that we strive to be the best team(s) with no exceptions. I'll add in the NAB Cup, we should be striving to win that as well. It all helps in the long run. BTW: Your favorite listed players... is spelt Sylvia (not Silvia) and Mitch Clarke? Spelt Clark. You may want to amend both.

Geez, the training reports have just been taken to a new level. Well done!!

I noticed that as well. I wouldnt worry about it. I used white-out on my screen, all fixed!

Oh $hit, that's Jack playing with Brownie, ouch, listen boys when Viney gets up, if he heads this way, get ready to make a dash back into the change rooms.

If it is Jack Hannah, and it seems the popular guess atm.... http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/hannath-puts-his-hand-up/story-fn525un5-1226498501120 Wouldnt hurt to have a rookie ruckmen on standby to cover an injury. Sounds like he wants it bad enough.

That was my 1st thought too. But then again,wouldnt he just jump into a phonebox, slip the cape on,then make his own way down here?

If I can highjack this to back on topic. When loud mouth Robinson made that comment, and it went viral. At the time ... (well I cant repeat what I said the whole sentence would be censored out). Now I am glad he said it.it needed to be made known. We are soft?, far from it. We are guilty of not putting pressure on the opposition and making it hard to get a possession, Yes we were. Is the end of playing "bruise free football" over? .not yet,but then has been a huge shift into righting it. I have been following this thread ,having a chuckle, nodding in agreement and shaking my head throughout. Lets take a constructive look and break down the issues. 1st: Fitness levels ..... have been terrible (under Bailey, we thought we were travelling ok) Mission and Co are addressing their fitness, to get it somewhere where it needs to be to perform where Neeld wants the players to be able to play the type of game HE wants. You cant expect to be able to chase, backup or run to position,if you havent got the fitness base.Anyone who has played any form of sport will know,if the legs go, the will remains, but its not phsyically possible. Our fitness is being addressed. I expect a big improvement now 2nd: The skills they are there, we have seen it (in glimpses) IF the fitness drops off,so does the skill, or the penerating kick fatigue makes it look worse and it seems they dont possess any, or lack thereof. Confidence is another factor, when it gets better, suddenly everything falls into place. 3rd: A game breaker We dont have, havent had one for awhile, someone to stand up to give guidance, to show the way, to give a spark when its needed. But we do have a team, if we play as a team, we will start winning more games.Give us a game breaker or two, we can start talking finals. As for loudmouth, lets take a leaf from the West Indies cricket team from the 70s -80s ,then Aust followed suit..... Thats target the opposition game makers,shut down their best, one at a time,as we improve,we can takeout 2 or 3 whatever it takes during a game.We dont have the cattle,to shut down all the top team match winners every game. This will come over time, then they we be more worried about shutting us down than us stopping them. It will come.Bit by bit improvements will be made. Their roles will become 2nd nature. IT will happen ,slowly, we wont notice it happening, it wont standout like a Howie speccie but it will slowly evolve. A good start ..lets single out Carlton (as an example). Just a couple of players only need to remind Robinson about his comments,and just point out to him. to watch his back, and every chance they get, let him know they mean business.(wont take much to put him off his game) The same applies to every other team we play, make it known about our intentions,should anyone else start taking cheaps shots. We have some big lads in the team now, more than capable, For now its about concentrating on fitness,and playing as a team, and getting the basics right. The end of bruise free footy?.... not yet. The end is in sight. Nobody could expect a bunch of underdone kids to keep up with seasoned players. With the influx of this years drafts, we can expect a bigger effort. edit spelling

Sheahan wont be re-drafted by the Dees, its over. Got that on good authority. I thought he was worth another year,he had more upside than Cook.

I assume you mean Beijing Airport?? Then flew home asap

Take it from me. It wont help you. He was hardly sighted in this game. Casey flogged them. I would have preferred Luke Tynan. Then I didn't get see many Box Hill Games, so like most, I was also wondering who the hell is Matt Jones.

It was a near perfect morning for training. Having read the previous reports / posts on today's training it has been summed up perfectly. I will reflect back for those that never get a chance to see them training in the flesh. Going back to the Bailey era, the drills were a bit hit and miss back then. They always seemed to me, as it was the same ol, same ol, with not much thought with structures, drills and fitness. It mostly was all about reflexes - handballing in close. Lacked direction somewhat. Come last pre-season, the step up was enormous, the players were being flogged, with more considered and thoughtout training drills. It came across as they were building up their stamina,and 90% of the players were really struggling. I almost felt sorry for them. This session, a big change again from last pre-season, from my point of view. They have the players primed to take the next step up into more structured and intense sessions. Players that looked like slowing down, were told clearly and loudly not to drop off, and do the drill perfectly. Encouragement was given constantly to press that home. And most time the players were doing it right. They kept encouraging each other to go harder or at least keep to the level required. You can be sure, on the track, the players are giving everything they have. Its pretty full on, whether it was the repeat spints (100mtr x 3) short break for a min then another 100mtr x 3. Then that group moved on to another drill. No break. Went straight into, leading and hitting a running player with 30mtr passing to handballing to a running player. Lots more running, its non stop. All this over 30-40mins before they had a breather. I can add, MY (our) favorite player, No 12 has a slight injury and they are easing him through it. My thought was, 'yeah, whats new, he always seems to find an out, whether a fault of his own, or a mishap from elsewhere'. I was told, fairly bluntly, he is well aware of the need to be involved, and nobody knows better than himself. It was also added, after I dropped a subtle hint, he needs to step up, and was told Col is well aware of that, and wants to show he can perform better so perhaps a new Col this year. (if he completes all the drills, instead of being an onloooker) Pickles said he will be ready soon, He should be right to go for the third practice match. He had learnt a hard lesson, by coming back too soon. He is raring to go, is back on track, and looks like his probelms are behind him (lets hope). No Neeld, (stayed with the new recruits at the Gold Coast). No Watts, or Hogan. They were at AMMI. Magner has trimmed down, looks more like a greyhound, as do most of the players. Rodan is built like a mini bulldozer. Flash was struggling with the running drills. He looked to be moving ok, just his tank is ½ empty. Everyone else there, looked fit, and look ready to keep building on their fitness levels. Overall it was a long, intense and impressive training session. The players are all under the pump to compete, without making mistakes. If I were to put in into 4 phases, we have entered phase 2, nearly ready for phase3. The difference now with a handball drill, has changed a lot, from years past, they would almost stand toe to toe, and fire handballs to each other (and we wondered why, under pressure, they shot off a handball to a standing target, then that player would be buried) Now in groups of 10 (x2 groups), they do the keeping off, from the other group who were trying to put pressure and win the ball back for their group. If the group that had control of the ball, they had to work their way through traffic and pressure, and try to keep possession. It was full on, only the tackling wasnt slightly eased, nobody got dumped. If somebody in either group, erred, it was 10 pushups,no just for the player, but the entire training group, that happened a few times. Footnote: I stumbled across this. Always interested to hear where our ex players endup after being delisted etc. Seagulls secure Ex-Demon

Don't change buses. Stay with us on the reality bus.

1: Eddie everywhere threathens to overthrow the Government. (Pies getting a raw deal) 2: Victoria Park bulldozed to make way for new highrise units for the toothless er .... I mean homeless. 3: The new rail link to Casey Fields all but a few months away from being opened. (James Magner will then be stood down as transport planning minister) 4; A young Cordner showing promise in the minor league conference. 5: Visy board succumb and shuts the doors ,claiming lack of ambassadors has ruined them. Oh, Demonland still looking for RangeRover

After being involved in 5 premierships at Melbourne. Cam Schwab decides he needs a newer,bigger challenge in life. He takes the job as president of the Tiges. An old haggard,frail looking woman, in a wheelchair parked outside the punt road offices Displays a sign around her neck, "hes a tanker,get him out get him out!!" Excerpt from the link: Richmond In 2030, the Tigers are two years into a new five-year plan, which aims to return them to the finals for the first time since 2001. As the 2030 season begins, the Tiger faithful are full of hope, only to have it dashed by being thumped in round one by Carlton on a Thursday night at the ?G?.

The rules committee has held an extraordinary meeting, and decided that Quiz Masters will also score points. See the OP for the current clubhouse leaders, and the scoring system that will be used. PS: A well done to R&B4ever with the clues and hosting the chair. Hopefully a new QM after the ND.

Now there's something to look forward to. There will be more flashes, than a lightning strike in a thunderstorm.

I'll let you decide,but the draft is in 2 days, D'land will be in meltdown. Perhaps its a good time to have a break in the quiz? Then perhaps a new QM to host the clues. (I replied to your PM)