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Lots of good argument there LN and I both agree and disagree. Brownlow votes are rarely an indicator of club worth but I feel you may be being a bit harsh on Brayshaw getting it " on the back of running forward from the work of others". I also recall he was in and under and bursting through, taking hits and getting taps.His disposal was terrible but he sure got a lot of it under the umpires nose. His placement on the wing or in one on ones showed up his poor disposal and his confidence like the rest of the team was impacted. BBob mentioned at training that Brayshaw always trained in an style that he looked like he was injured or exhausted, slumped shoulders, slow gait and always last to join huddles. But he, BB, conceded that he always competed enthusiastically and ran and ran during all sims and training exercises, his spirits seems better and he seems to be enjoying himself. He may still have some inner demons with his concussion etc but seems to discard them at training. Perhaps his confidence is , perhaps he is reflecting his teammates confidence. Let's hope so.

In the interests of further education The cherry market is subject to huge manipulation. SA crops being introduced late into the market as drought conditions are indicated as prompting a shortage. NE Vic has supplies at $7 a kg for seconds (or Casey as we call them) while Yea cherries were $30 for5 kg (Caseys) Global headwinds could impact on Banana prices as Josh and Mathias prepare (scare) us for disaster while praising their economic management in retaining a shallow surplus. Thank god we have such giants of fiscal responsibility to help us through the festive season. The reaction s in the real economy are remote from the considerations of the Canberra bubble. Fortunately ScoMo is reported to be in the pacific islands somewhere. No doubt feasting on bananas.

Very true, that "context" is everything. We must all be prepared to respect that and acknowledge it. Sometimes that does clarification and genuine apology if offence caused. I have often found that discussion results in both sides of an offence apologising to each other.This usually also results in increased understanding, education and progress.

Yes can't help but agree but was also including investment of hope and non monetary factors as well. It does mean hat the return I have had on disappointment and frustration have me well down the insanity road.

Yes a great report again BB and having experienced it with you and others can totally agree. I recommend everyone try and see one session and it will heighten your understanding and appreciation of the reporting we have. We all have prejudices so it's best to accept the report and try not to challenge and fuel them. Im thankful there are a few who are regulars as you can add a greater historic perspective. I'm hoping to get down more often and will include a visit to training a school a priority. i was thankful to see the complexity of training methods and the intensity that seemed to be building even during the one session I saw. Would appreciate your comments on that and any consequent improvement to those skills and abilities you mention becoming instinctive and reliable not just in the first drill but throughout and at the end of the session,like kicking goals when exhausted and under pressure. i also think we need to maybe accept that there will be injuries from training and I hope we can see the management of that through the rehab group. I love the fact that so many can identify action and progress within that group rather than the standard 4-6 of official reports. Thanks all and keep up the good work. Looking forward to our journey next year.

Probably the most significant unrecognised factor RDB but confidence of playing squad which enhances belief and justifies anticipation of fan base. When confidence is there the snap goes through , the set shots become easy, the fumble becomes a clean possession , the handpass reaches its target, etc. The squad does seem to have a few options for every position and a variety of tactics and strategies. With confidence in those and their abilities the players can overcome set backs in the short term and the longer term will evolve with success. I have not seen a squad with such high depth of skills, abilities and characteristics. We need our coaches to develop and use those features to give us long suffering supporters some return for our investments.

While I have no trouble with your rankings, I am not in agreement with your initial point. i have long presented that we should use the whole squad dependent upon matching a specific opposition or related to a specific structure or tactic. I also say that we can manage players capacities allowing them to taper and peak performance n performance as required. Some players are impact players which may take a harder toll on their bodies while others may be linking players with requirement to build endurance. Games should be granted due to these needs with an additional m to have the whole squad available and peaking at finals time. The other obvious factor is mental state. No player can be a expected to operate at 100% for every week or even all game and so their capacity or playing state should be used as a consideration for selection. Your identified development players especially need to be managed to come into the right mix of players against the correct opposition to play their best game. They then continue or are rested depending on that team and opposition mix. The skill of the coach is to manage this variable mix to reach the finals and then to win the flag.

Not sure that my comments were included in bar setting but I'm home in Murmungee, Satys at work. But I'm sure the usual committed watchers will be there. BB, GotO , DeeS etc. Just hope I inspired anyone else attending to add their own singular observation. If everyone contributes a small comment a lot can be relayed and it maybe takes the pressure off the "usual suspects."

Happy to have helped Vagg. Like you I have always appreciated reportsand now know how much goes into these comments. I Will finish off by saying that I was also really delighted with the number of spectators who stayed for the whole session. Obviously a lot of demon tragics. I can't make many sessions and am unlikely to report again but can certainly vouch for the comments of the usual suspects. Perhaps Ian who is a regular reader could add some of his thoughts as he added some great comments at the ground and anyone who attends even if only one extra point that you witnessed from your vantage point all adds to the picture. And all goes to help us isolated few feel more a of the progress.

He certainly looked good on the track today to my uneducated eye

As I said I was there and have real difficulty n remembering what happened n the 3hours. BB and Saty particularly both made the same comment that with all that is going on particularly with a full squad you cannot possibly see all that is going on, it depends where you are on the fence and what group or player you are concentrating on. I was searching for some specific players( had to often refer to the seasoned watches who had an incredible ability to take in several actions players and also respond to me) and so did not see any thing really negative. Unless you see the tension building so that scuffles become almost a blue where players could injure each other, or that gut busting running could create fatigue, that the odd errant handpass searching for an unlikely option is a negative I did not see any. perhaps Levers apparent lack of calf muscles could be a negative but Ian reminded me of Dustin Fletcher and I recall Tuckie who had the same negative physique, so no negatives there. on reflection I agree with all the comments above and as I said can't thank all the commentators for their views. There is a resounding sense of positivity among the watchers and if that is infectious to the players we should be in for a good season. It was just great as all have said to see such a wealth of bodies on the field competing with and for each other. Oh yeah I went more specifically to watch May, had to have him pointed out to me.For such a big body and an imposing figure he is a silky mover, doesn't seem to pound the ground but rather floats around. Even when exhausted and slightly slumped over he seems more relaxed than others. I reckon he will be great to watch. Oscar also seems to have muscled up as have most of the boys and has that same appearance of floating along so it could be an interesting season for him. Pickett as BB said is something else speed, flexibility and agility in a controlled package, can't wait to see him jump out of the box. But I recall it said in the past that these practice games are like dancing with your sister, but I dont think that's a really great metaphor we really won't know until we see these players, techniques, strategies and tactics tested against other AFL sides. I hope that their minds are being as well developed a short their bodies and they can build that confidence against every opposition that was so lacking last year. Go Dees

Had a few lazy hours in Melbourne for a change. Got to see in the flesh and confirm the reports I always look for. My admiration for all has been improved thanks Bob George Ian and Saty for being so welcoming and generous with your response to my puerile questions. Your comments and particularly your corporate knowledge is as fantastic in real time as it is at a distance. I hope we have a good year to justify your dedication.

Turning defence not attack as Macca said with addition that attack needs to be converted. We first win respect by beating the 10 sides that Macca says we are better than and then enhance that respect by beating the sides he suggests have our measure. We use the entire squad sacrificing some for specific matches to provide or exploit opposition match ups. We initiate surprises by complementing established structure with surprise unknown selections. We are able to play several styles and structures during and between games to produce an element of uncertainty for our opponents. Plenty to be positive about

Agree great reports thanks all Dont mind the negativity which has then led to positive responses as to why bad kicking etc.it adds to the reality of the reportsand has given me more reassurance of the increase in intensity. As supporters we can be part of that intensity through accurate observation, reporting and commentary, please keep it all up. The photos have been fantastic and to my untrained eye seem to show greater muscle definition than previous. Many of the kids now seem to be in a more matured and solid state. Comments have been that tackling has been emphasised with mention of new coach. Has there been any indication of umpiring body representation to ensure our techniques are legitimate and will ensure we do not give away free kicks and receive more if impeded incorrectly?

Very interesting observation. Footwear is crucial to foot health. Exactly correct that cushioning can be important so also can grip and responsiveness . Surface tension, time on the surface and compounding impact can also affect foot health i would hope that New Balance are consulted in all training and match circumstances . it would seem that we lacked a bit of knowledge in the past when you look at our record

Success will come with had work

Looks like we finally have some depth. The range of that depth means we can select the best option based on the opposition. We can also select on the basis of peaking and tapering and resting players for maximum performance. We use the whole squad to have a best team on the field each week. No one guaranteed a spot every week. We can even rest Gawny by playing Pruess in conjunction, off the bench or in place of depends on the opposition.

Jacksons development will depend on his capacity the role he is given obviously, but more important is the status and support he is given from his teammates. Ours is a team game and it is critical that roles are clear, recognised and accepted by every individual in that team. Short term or long term individual roles and development must be communicated within the team. As we are in a competition with other teams external transparency does not need to be high. We as supporters cannot expect to be told or know. Our hopes assumptions and projections can be accurate or fanciful. I hope they continue and we can respect everyone's opinions but ultimately it is the club officials who must decide. I support them wholeheartedly as I always have despite the anguish and frustration they have continuously given me. Go Dees

So sad that it's come to this. As the entrails of the draft are disgorged to reveal less significance than a statement from Buckingham Palace the creeping reality of another infinite evaluations of merit will again be overwhelmed by irreverent support for antiquated structures.while more important issues need to be addressed. What are these issues? And who are those resolute enough to identify them? i am merely posing that the quality of commentary must be lifted to save us all from sliding slowly, inexorably into oblivion!

Interesting comments H. While hierarchical structures were the accepted norm, there are now many models used by businesses which acknowledge that there can be different demands for leading in different circumstances. Sporting teams were often used as models of these emerging models. The role of captain is being depleted by this evolution. Is the single captain who is and can be targeted the best model for success. Also what is the role of the coach as leader, with the captain a conduit to players. The role of captain on field example setter etc is also diminished withplayer rotations, playing structures etc. A more organic model which could be a new model emerging as a feature of the Demon resurgence could recognise that there is a captain to toss the coin and perhaps another captain for media interviews, but each line and group has their own captain who will lead through action and by example to active the coaches aims. identification of roles and skills should reveal the best operators for given roles and requirements.

Well done Kev. i saw àn earlier video post of May where I noted(as surprised) that he seemed to glide along and did not appear to run heavily. Thought a less impact may be of value injury wise. Did you notice those who were a little lighter on their feet vs those that were heavy?

True and no government.

And yet Albo is considering cutting education policy.

Gee rotten accident, being in wrong place at wrong time whatever, but what a refreshing and revealing post. Glad to know you even though remotely and wishing you all the best. If you ever felt like you needed and could handle a retreat in Beechworth feel free to reach out. My friend has a cottage in the centre of town which you can access via airbnb Lockwood cottage. It's cheap but may be able to secure a demonland discount.

I agree that it is extreme, and should be unnecessary as a test should be able to find any variance which is performance enhancing and can be conducted within reasonable time frames I would have thought. But I am not an expert in drug activities and would rely on WADA who have probably seen all examples of avoidance and use. These "young men who kick a leather ball around" are richly rewarded for that action (probably more than most "commonwealth security clearance holders") and so have to suffer some extreme privations. But in reality these things are probably bought in to satisfy the gambling industry who want to eliminate any manipulation of the game.