dpositive

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.

Last Po I was going to finish with the dignity of losing graciously but then realised if I was to lose thar phrase could never be considered. However he did not prevail and I was able to savour the reward of victory magnanimously and yet humbled as my team lost. We now head to the elimination while his team is propelled straight to the Grand final. I must increase intake of bananas as I contemplate eliminating another upstart on Thursday and repeating victory on Friday in the GF. We all have our minor diversions from the harshness of following MFC.

Currently outside the emergency created in NSW but wary of the climate of fear that is taking precedence over any positive action to maintain personal tranquility. My recognised title is an indicator of where my preference lies. Off to squash where my team has carried me to the final series. I must defeat yet another young challenger, rabid hawks supporter who needs to be reminded of the dignity of losing.

Probably the most significant attribute!

I consider it a dalliance now.

I have heard the term reality shock, that would be the status if Biffen is even close, and Uncle and bewilderment are joyous company. As to others being thoughtful, that option is usually missing on the new instant social media channels, if this thread is an outpost it occasionally also moves into the error of instant response being more relevant than any considered process. It would be admirable to have red pleased but I believe he already inhabits a higher state.. But thanks for your comments which I have always s enjoyed usually only as an observer.

As an occasional contributor I too have missed the usual appearance of the thread. I doubt the plea to interpose some actual football dialogue would do anything but reduce the overall streams of consciousness that regularly inhabit the site. I read recently that Nick Cave had identified the beach as, the sand representing the conscious mind and the water representing the subconscious. Didnt have a clue what that meant but have grappled with the need to redefine the diving board in the pool. And what of the significance of the banana as an economic unit to rival the bitcoin? When does the abstract replace the obtuse? The potential of the Chaos theory to overwhelm the simplest of observations reduces football matters to just another variable in the complexity of life. Well must be drawing closer to the inanities of the game but never let this thread be halted.

I liked the way he seemed to glide along at a fair pace for the sustained distance. There appeared to be no jarring or heavy compression. While he did seem fatigued that wasn't too bad for a training run. It was probably more sustained than most reality chases,and it's better that he builds up the repetitions with shorter recovery periods as we get closer to game time. Nice work for a big unit.

I hope the Dees take my suggestion of the last few years and invite umpires advisers to attend our club and advise what is wrong with our techniques. We seem to be called to play on often from mates and free kicks that then means we are off balance and structures are not formed. We give away free kicks for tackling and do not get frees when tackled high or in the back. Tripping also seems to be ignored. Maybe we are clumsy. Anyway invite the umpires and treat them as wise gods even. Show them over emphasised respect and build a cooperative and friendly relationship. Treat them as and make them our friends. Maintain that relationship not by criticising them but asking them for support all season to overcome our problems.

I'm certainly not flying any white flag. Totally the reverse. Pick a side that will win, based on form and match up. We did see how we coped with injury and some players did step up when exposed to the higher standards but could not sustain it, others were not able to step up as not exposed to faster pace or bigger bodied opponents and higher intensity. Intensity is a real key and I think we should have the depth of the Tigers and develop that through training the whole squad with an understanding of the competition for positions.

Couldn't agree more DJ A feature I would like to see this year is use of the complete list. Pick teams on form, match up and peak and taper needs. Nurse players if needed to maintain a consistent performance individually and for team. Each position should have a set of players allocated as replacement and should be rewarded with selection if form warrants.