djr

This is awkward.

You raise an interesting question, primarily about whether other clubs have track watchers who post on their social media pages. I looked at several clubs, including the three you named, and I could not find any supporter forums similar to Demonland, let alone track watchers covering training. There is very little out there. It appears we are unique and blessed to have a platform like this and how it is set up, where information can be shared so readily.

I know what you mean, and I would have preferred a little more, but I suppose it would look awkward if our draftees and the public knew they were not our first choice. Nevertheless, JT was aware that a camera was present and probably knew that it would be uploaded to the website following the draft; he could have reviewed and ranked the top ten draftees and where they would probably land, and any discussion regarding preferences could have been removed. That said, what we saw was good content but it left the viewers wanting more.

I agree.

Geez Luci, it was just an observation from a couple of track watchers who went out of their way to report back to you guys. The comments made were no different from what other track watchers observe about other players at training in Melbourne. You don't need to shame people because you don't agree with what was said. You weren't there.

They could use Langdon as a high forward as the ANB replacement and have Windsor, Lindsay and Bowie compete for the wings.

Settle down pal. Only talking about that we should be ok if Tracc chooses to leave.

His strengths/weaknesses were well documented in the lead-up to the draft. I saw most of them on display at training yesterday. He is tall. Almost the same height as JVR. Almost 2" taller than Tracc. Although not super quick, he was able to run 40-50m to receive a handball from a player who had just marked and kick it 30m to another leading player. He has a good level of fitness. He loves a contest. He has a penetrating left foot that can hit targets 40-50m out. Some missed as the session wore on. Lovely one-grab mark, although I did not see him take a contested mark. His quiet demeanour gives him an air of self-confidence and a knowing that he belongs. If by chance we sadly lose Christian, Harvey will be well qualified to take over that role. Throw in 2 first-round picks, and I feel that we will be OK.

So any observations made by track watchers on players, whether good or not so good, are distorted by "confirmation bias"? Or does this only apply to comments regarding Tracc?

What I saw at training yesterday: this kid has it all. He beat Tracc in a one-on-one contest to the loud applause of his teammates. I will go as far as to say he is much further advanced than what Tracc was when he was drafted.

Hey Kev, I don't think it was petulance that the track watchers observed here. Like what you saw in JVR, it was his body language. Yes, he was committed in all training drills and had arms around other players' shoulders. Simply put, he just did not seem happy. As opposed to Clarry, who did seem content. That is all that we noticed. Nothing more, nothing less. It could be any or all of what you have mentioned: he wants to keep a low profile, mend/create bridges, and try to gain trust again. Time will tell.

Of course it's speculative. Like you and other track watchers, you report on what you see and observe. What we observed here in Mansfield and are being criticised for is no different from the comment you made about JVR last week - "Looked a bit bored, am worried about his training and application". Aren't you rumour mongering about JVR? I don't think so, but you get what I mean.

Yes, I had a similar thought watching him today.

Yes, Mentha was there with no number on his back. Did you manage to get down to training? If so, what were your thoughts on some of the training drills?

Just observations. Nothing to worry about.