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.

Yes, they were. That said, Tracc's an interesting one.

The main focus of this morning's training was transition speed. Ball movement was the main focus. There was very little contested work except for a one-on-one marking drill and a two-man ball contest. Player 1 would mark the ball and immediately look left and right to handball to player 2 running by. Player 2 would then kick 20-30m, either laterally or straight ahead, to player 3. The kicking and handball skills were outstanding given the speed the players were travelling and the slippery conditions of the ground. Chocco took this drill and was quiet for the whole duration—a give-away that he was most pleased. Having said this, the players were not yet fatigued, as it was in the first half hour of training. Next, there was a lot of running around the centre square, then running between 50m mark to 50m mark. Standouts were Sharp and Brown. Clarry and Tracc at the back. Aiden J in the middle and not out of place. Last major exercise was a transition drill from one end of the ground to the other with players at high speed connecting with handball and kicking. While it was performed at a high level, it was obvious the players were more fatigued and targets were missed. Not many mind you. Player watch: Jefferson - is a very confident man now and looks imposing. Didn't put a foot wrong in the drills. Fullerton - impressed with his ground ball skills. McAdam - on the rowing machine. Not sure whether he is injured or is just underdone still. Fritsch - running laps. appears to be quad related. Rivers - no sign of him. Langford - similar height to JVR. We are going to love him. Mentha - struggling with fitness which is understandable. Does have some size about him. Kentfield - foot skills a bit iffy. Johnson - does everything pretty well without being exceptional. He is pretty fit. Clarry - certainly does not look like an athlete, but great to see him out there and happy. Lever, Spargo, Lindsay, Campbell - rehab. Finished training with the team signing autographs and having photos taken with over 100 kids. They were off then to Bright.

Our contested possessions need a bit of work. IMG_8112.mov

Kossie has slimmed down quite a bit.

Soulless.

Not sure Essendon were as silly as everyone believes. We traded our F1 and 28, 40, 46, 54 and 65 for that pick and they still picked up their man Kako.

Obviously, JT thinks that AJ is a better fit for the club than RA. Its that simple. As for your second sentence, your declaration makes you look ridiculous.

It will be interesting to see where Tholstrup fits into our best 22. I really rate him, and he is a point of difference from the other Mids/Forwards. He reminds me of a taller Ginnivan that would compliment Langford/Trac in the forward line. That said, where would he fit in? As a high forward transition role competing with Chin? Not sure about that.

Who is this interviewer? Her voice inflection is off the charts.

Picket Fence is Chris from Camberwell.