FNQ Demon

You are a dead set legend. I am going to make a trip and come down and help.

dworship, good question mate. Don't get me wrong, it was tough putting together this team because IMO (1) we are training well; and (2) there are so many new players. In answer to your question; I placed Rodan as an emergency because I felt that we had more pace, endurance and flexibility around the ground than we did with Rodan. In saying that the sessions I have watched Rodan has trained very well, however so have the others. It was tough picking a best 22 and I do like the comments from all the other posters, because there are some seriously good points. I personally believe we are in a much better place than year’s gone bye. I believe we have flexibility throughout the whole ground now, with multiple payers capable of playing multiple positions and roles. IMO this is a good sign and from what I have seen at training and speaking with the players, I think we are in a much better position. Col Garland said to me last week Quote: “It will be hard to get a game in the backline this year”. I hope this answered your question. FNQ Demon

Ben, Nice one mate. Every post is spot on.

After watching training, IMO this will be the starting 22: B: Strauss Frawley Nicholson HB: Garland McDonald Watts C: Grimes Jones Trengove HF: Pedersen Dawes Howe F: Byrnes Clark Blease Ruck: Jamar Viney Tapscott IC: Sylvia Magner Toumpas Sub: Davey Emer: Barry, Rodan, Gillies, McKenzie. I have always believed our back line was strong and still is. With this team our spine would stand side by side against any team in the league. Just my opinion.

Excellent reports guys. Thank you FNQ Demon

Hi everyone, I forgot to mention in my report. I had a good chat with Col Garland and he was very serious when he said "It will be very hard to get a game in the back-line this year". I understood what he was saying, because they are (1) a tight group, (2) They are all very fit, and (3) They are all very competitive. IMO our back-line was always our strongest on the ground. I honestly think it has gotten stronger. FNQ Demon

Ben, Excellent point, you are 100% correct. We will find out Rd 1.

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a good Christmas and I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. I flew down from FNQ and attended training today. It was a beautiful day in Melbourne and the training was intense and very productive. AFL Induction New recruits, Mark Neeld. Rehab group (Indoors on bikes) - Clark, Trengove and Magner Rehab group (outdoors running drills) Gawn, Garland, Watts, Taggert, Dunn and Dawes Main Group Everyone else I spoke at length with everyone in the rehab group and they gave me some insight to what was happening with the players. AFL Induction the new recruits were at AFL Induction with Mark Neeld and did train at 0600 to-day. They told me the new recruits are fitting in very well and training very hard. Rehab group (Indoors on bikes) (Clark), his foot is progressing better than expected however they are sticking to the program as advised by the doctors and physio. He did make an appearance on the ground near the end of training and he looked very happy and was kicking the ball beautifully. (Trengove), Is still on crutches and not putting pressure on his foot. He did not come out the whole session. (Magner), was going very hard on the bike, he was on the bike because he pulled up a little sore after Darwin and Christmas. Rehab group (outdoors running drills) (Gawn), he said he was feeling 100% and it is now a decision for the physio team to get him back in the main group. He is looking forward to the intra-club match, (Garland), precautionary as he has the flu, (Watts & Taggert), both joined the rehab group after the first training drill. They both pulled up with a slight calf strain after Darwin, however both feeling 100% now and will resume full training after their scans to-day. (Dunn & Dawes), both joined the rehab group after warm ups and the first training drill. Both pulled up sore after Darwin. Dawes has trimmed down big time and moves very nicely to the ball. Main Group The session started with warm-ups; (stretching, run throughs, kick to kick). They then broke of into random groups and did some triangular kicking drill. Three (stationary) players kicking to each other and three other (mobile) players applying pressured to the three kickers. It was good for fitness and kicking under pressure. Standouts Davey and Watts (Sublime kicking), Nicholson (Missing targets on a number of occasions) They then moved into groups and conducted individual skills with each of their coaches. Backs Split into two groups and conducted clearing drills by foot and punching the ball away from the pack. Standouts T McDonald kicking was outstanding. Mids Split into two groups and conducted centre bounce clearance drills. Standouts Grimes, Rodan. All activities are strictly timed by DM and his support staff. After hydration they then moved into a sprint session conducted by DM. Four groups, two groups running at one time and the other two groups resting. The drill consisted of full length sprints of the oval and back around the boundary back to the same goal square. This consisted of about 8 sprints each. Very Intense. They then split into Fwds, Mids and Backs for more of the same sprints. Fwds Pederson, Blease, Howe, Davey, Byrnes, & Bail. Mids Grimes, Jamar, Rodan, Spencer, McKenzie, Evans (Very quick), Couch, & Sylvia. Backs Strauss, Seller, Frawley, Nicolson, MacDonald, McDonald, Jetta, Gillies, Davis & Nicholson Training then finished after these last sprint drills. The whole session was split into short team drills, individual skills and fitness training. Most noticeable The amount of talk and positive feedback to each other was fantastic. Not one negative word was said. There was some funny one liners at the end of training directed at Howe about a trip to the G to watch the cricket. It was very funny and very relaxed. Dawes and Dunn had a kick off at goal from 50m on the boundary and all I can say is I am glad Dunn has found his position in the back line and we recruited someone that can kick goals Nice to watch Dawes kick at goal, he had no problem kicking from 50 with the ball soaring over the goal posts and he was very accurate. The boys then went inside for stretching, massage, lunch (Recovery session) and then off to AAMI for a weights session. FNQ Demon

When I was in Melbourne I spoke with Jack Grimes. He told me he was not injured in any way. He has been put in the rehab group because he is on a modified running programme to get some more ks and strength into his legs and core strength. He also mentioned he is on a modified programme in the gym. He was conducting sprint sessions when I was there and is very quick and extremely fit. He is fine and raring to go. FNQ Demon

Thank you all for the kind words. I am heading back North tomorrow; looking forward to all your reports. GO DEES.

FNQ Demon Report – Wednesday, 28 November 2012 Arrived at training about 0905 the ground support staff were setting up Gosch’s Paddock for a gruelling session; and gruelling it was. Dave Misson arrived with his team at about 0935 and they commenced the set-up of some different training areas designated by small coloured markers. The rehabilitation area was also set out at the same time. Coaches arrived at approximately 0945 and a couple of minutes later the players arrived. Jack Watts and Max Gawn headed the group chatting and laughing to themselves, Jack Viney the new recruits and Rodan all together talking and near the end were Mitch Clarke and Chris Dawes again talking to each other. Nathan Jones and Daniel Nicholson were very vocal in encouraging the boys to train hard and do it for each other. Missing – Jack Grimes, Jack Trengrove and Colin Sylvia. The team placed their bags down and went straight into warm-ups. All players were wearing all blue training tops and all others (new recruits and rehabilitation group) wore red and blue singlets. The team broke into two Groups: Group 1 – Modified programme. Mitch Clarke, Chris Dawes, Max Gawn, Michael Evans, Jesse Hogan, and Tom Gillies broke into some of their own stretching and walking around the oval. MN and Jesse Hogan walked a whole lap together talking and at the end JH looked pretty happy. JH was walking very slow deliberate laps. It looks like everyone is on an individual programme. They walk laps together, conduct individual stretches and break off to do their own thing and come back to do their walk around the oval. It is all under the guidance of Dave Misson's team and it is very structured, deliberate. I get the feeling there could be some sort of brief prior to training and each discussion is just to re-enforce points and conduct some minor tweaks. I spoke with one of the trainers and he said they were all coming along perfect and looking good to get back into the main group. I asked him (on behalf of all of us) to take it easy with Mitch and he did say Mitch would be a while off full training. I spoke at length to Mitch and he said he felt really good after Monday and all doctors and physio are telling him he is coming along really well and they are sticking with the programme and time lines for return. He said he will be back. Group 2 – All other players (including recruits) conducted a lap and then some stretching, another lap and more stretches. They also conducted some ball work (half pace) as part of the warm up. This was all conducted by Dave Misson. Very structured warm up and Dave Misson had them eating out his hand. Noticeable is the way the boys react to words of command. It was almost military like. No back chat, got straight into whatever was required; they look like a very disciplined team, Especially the backs. They look like a very tight group. After warm up’s they moved into tackling practice led by one of the Melbourne Storm tackling coaches. He was very vocal and pulled everyone up for grabbing around the chest during the tackle, he reminded them (in no uncertain terms) that was not the way he had taught them and they were to get down low and drive up with the legs through the chest area. WOW, did things change. Most notable – Luke Tapscott, James Magner, Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, James Frawely. This was a very aggressive and positive session, all players encouraging each other. They then moved into a hand ball drill where you have three defenders and three attackers and you have to get the ball over the opposition line. This was fantastic to watch, lots of talking, encouragement and skills. Most Notable was “FLASH”, he was quick, elusive, skilled and putting on some hits (one especially against Frawley). The next drill was kicking drill in a triangle group to group; I was impressed because the ball hit the ground twice in the whole session – Best Kick, Jetta, Watts, T Mac, Davey, Garland. They then moved into some stoppage drills/clearance drills. This was run by Neil Craig. The boys split into FWD’s MID’s and BACK’s each wearing different coloured tops and then conducted the drills against each other whilst one group rested. It was quick, high intensity footy. There were coaches all over the ground with MN in the middle and they were very vocal barking instructions and getting the plan in place. This went for a while and was very intense. The game plan looked like it took the ball wide and then cut into a running CHF, FF. It also looked like the MID’s were doing a massive amount of running, because the alternate game plan looked like short, quick continuous footy. It was very quick and looked good (from my perspective) there were a couple of sprayed kicks but nothing too bad. Nearing the end of the session, Taggart and Watts had a slight clash; Taggart went to tackle Watts and slipped off him. Watts accidently heeled him in the face and Watts delivered a beautiful kick to Colin Garland and then pulled up lame. He was holding his ankle/back of calf area. He went off with the Physio, however returned for the some of the last (gruelling) session. He did leave earlier than everyone else and I spoke with him and he said it was nothing, he just didn’t continue because he was still getting over the illness and he did look tired. Most Notable – Jetta, he ran all day, chased, tackled, beautiful kick. He was impressive. The last session was punishment. FWDs MIDs & BACKs under the guidance of Misson. He punished them with various times jogging and then timed sprints. Notable – Nicholson, Jones, T Mac. Strauss copped it bad from MN and most of the other coaching staff. He was slower than FLASH. I also have to mention Sam Blease, although not the quickest he was putting in harder than anyone, it was a great effort. END of Training. I spoke with Aaron Davey who said he is feeling fantastic; his knees are the best they have ever been. The patch on his knee is due to a grass burn that has got infected. He admitted he is not as quick but feeling fantastic. Again, he trained really well. MN was taking with his constantly and his field position, kicking was excellent. The players continue to use him a lot. I spoke at length with Mark Neeld; he is very happy where the guys have come in 12 months. He said the recruits would join the main group in Darwin. The current training is putting down a base level of fitness prior to Xmas, and then they will really step it up. He is very happy with what was going on and the attitude of everyone. Overall a fantastic session. FNQ Demon

Hey everyone, I decided to stay in Melbourne a couple of days longer just to watch training to-day. The lady is not happy, she said “it was her or the Dees”; I'm going to miss her. Business partners not to happy. No respect “I say”. I will try to get as detailed a report as possible. I will also try and speak with some of the other players and see if Neeldy is up for a chat. Back soon. FNQ Demon

PaulRB, I honestly think there could be a role for Flash. I admit it might not be a full game, however impact player of the bench could suit us and MN. MN and NC were constantly speking with him on the field. I am unsure of the conversation, however it didn't look bad and I did hear MN say "Good work Flash". He was being used a lot by the players and his kicking was excellent.

Chook, My apologies for the lack of detail. Please accept this as an apology. At the beginning of the session when the boys walked out they were one group introducing themselves to each of the new recruits. The persona and vibe was very positive. Colin Sylvia and Nathan Jones were very vocal and encouraging everyone to train hard. Making comments like “One chance to get it right”, “Do it for each other”, all comments were very positive and a sign of a unified team. Mitch Clarke and Chris Dawes spent a lot of time talking with each other, laughing, High 5’ing. They seemed like they got along very well and enjoyed each other’s company. Aaron Davey (although slowest around the park) was very vocal and every player was listening to his direction and words of encouragement. Colin Sylvia (During a break) was having some kick to kick with Jack Watts. One of the trainers came across to put some pressure and out mark Colin (For fun), his skills were unbelievable. He had the ball on a string. His hands were so clean, marking one handed, using his body. It was very impressive. I forgot to mention during my initial report another couple of points that stood out. During the whole day each session was timed exactly by Dave Mission. During breaks everyone broke into their respective groups (Forwards, Mids. and Back) under the command of respective coaches. What stood out is the size of the Backs and Forwards, they are big boys. Obviously the Mids are not as big, however a nuggetty bunch. During the breaks, the new recruits would run to their respective groups and listen in to the feedback from the coaches and then return to Neil Craig for some more advice. If there is any other detail you require, please go to training on Wednesday, see you there J FNQ Demon

Was at training to-day, flew down from FNQ to watch all the new recruits. Please accept my apologies if I miss anything. Support Staff arrived about 1015 and set up the ground. Trainers, water boys and coaches arrived at about 1035. Dave Mission and his staff set up a running track and modified programme training area. The team arrived in whole at around 1045. It was very impressive. Most notable was every player was introducing themselves to each of the four new recruits and the whole team was training to-day There were a lot of people watching training. Todd Viney arrived with the all MFC administration staff and introduced the four new recruits to the staff. He asked the four recruits to get to know the staff and asked the staff to know the new recruits. The team broke into five groups: Group 1 – Mitch Clarke. Mitch is (obviously) on a modified; he conducted a warm up behind the goals and then went into a walk, slow jog, medium pace jog for about 30min. He then conducted a couple of laps of the oval (To the warm reception of the team, very positive). I spoke with Mitch and he said everything is coming along excellent and he is well on track. He looked good. Group 2 – New recruits. All four new recruits were slowly introduced to training. They conducted some handball drills, kicking and Neil Craig spoke with them for a while, explaining what the team was doing on the ground at the time and also what is expected of them during training. It was excellent to listen to and NC was very positive, very supportive and most of all very encouraging. Toumpas kicking and hand ball skills were very impressive. Group 3 – Jack Grimes, Dominic Barry, Josh Tynan and 1 other (Don’t know) – I spoke with Jack Grimes and asked why they were on modified programmes. Jack mentioned, none of them were injured. Jack and Josh are on a modified running programme to increase speed (over 5m) and increase endurance in the legs. Dom Barry and 1 other were increasing fitness and endurance due to being new to the system. Most notable - Jack Grimes was very impressive. He is strong, determined and very quick. He was very vocal towards the main group. The session went for about 1hr 30min and everyone was running well. DB then ran laps. Group 4 – Gawn, Dawes & Hogan – Spoke with Dawes and he is wrapped to be at the Dee’s. He said his calf was good, however told to take it easy to-day. He ran laps with Max Gawn and Hogan. Most Notable – Hogan is an absolute monster. He is just as tall as Dawes, just as wide (across the shoulders) and has a great presence around him. He is very big. Group 5 – Main Group (Everyone else). The session started with some laps and stretching. The group was very vocal and everyone seems to be happy being there. They then moved into sprints, 150m & 300m sprints. They were slit into pairs and had to race each other around the oval. They were all putting in hard. Jack Viney ran really hard the whole session; Colin Garland was also very impressive. It was a gruelling session that lasted for about an hour. They then moved into stoppage drill after stoppage drill after stoppage drill (run by Brian Royal). Jack Viney is afraid of nothing, he through his body at everything. There was defiantly no love lost out there, a lot of pushing and shoving thought the whole session. Everyone was very hard at the ball and at each other. I think there is going to be a lot of ‘bruise’ footy next session. Jack Watts and Colin Silvia did break off for a while and train by themselves. Spoke with them both afterwards and they told me they are not injured, just getting over illness and have been told not to push too hard after being ill. They then broke into forward, back and mids and conducted some stoppage drills and individual skills. They also moved into a kicking drill and ball movement drill around the ground. I was impressed by the lack of dropped ball. Frawley was very strong at this drill, his body position and strength is impressive. Aaron Davey was almost last in every sprint to-day, however his kicking during the other drills was one of, if not the best out there. He was also speaking with MN a lot and I have a funny feeling ‘Flash’ is still an important part of this team. Rodan also picked up a lot of possession; he is strong in the body and knows how to get the ball. The session ended with some stretching and Jack Viney wrestling Brown to the ground. MN and the recruits then conducted interviews. Spoke with Lynden Dunn and he said the atmosphere and mood at the club was excellent. He said, it was nothing like he had seen before. I could also feel a very positive feeling as well. Most Notable – Mitch Clarke (running); Jack Viney (Hard); Jesse Hogan (Massive) I hope this is OK. FNQ Demon.

I was at training to-day, what the picture doesn't show is that Viney dropped him (well and truly) on his arse 30 sec prior. Viney out muscled him to get him to the ground, then Brown flipped him after Viney relaxed. Viney is a machine.

Wines for me; Hard at it, prolific ball winner, ready to go. When we have possession we can dictate play. Without the ball we become slaves to an opponent’s game plan. Tough, hard at it, smart possession IMO will help us improve.

Thanks everyone for the fantastic reports; please keep them coming. Sorry to hear about Davey, I think the end is near.

W Jack, totally respect what you are saying. I always like to be optimistic in my outlook, however get your post. Chin up mate, I can feel the change in the wind.

Thanks guys for the continued reports for us that can’t make it due to being interstate. I can’t help but get the feeling the tides are turning. A lot of positives coming out of training and the club over the last week and very little negativity. By all accounts we are fitter, stronger and training harder in the first couple of weeks. Was Aaron Davey training? And if so how did he look in comparison to last year and others?

100% Gun midfielder.

rpfc, please accept my apologies. I was a little to passionate yesterday after speaking with the FD. I acknowledge your post and please accept my sincerest apologies. It was not an attack at you. I did read a nice article to-day http://www.bigpondsport.com/tanking-probes-innocent-victims/tabid/91/newsid/97657/default.aspx on the tanking issue. My apologies to all.

Nice one. Fair call.

GOLD

I think Melbourne might have a word to Jurrah. We have a pick before Port and could probably offer slightly better money. He could also do some mentoring of Barry and I did hear rumours that the club was speaking with Aussie and he might have an appearance in Darwin. If Aussie came back, it might persuade Jurrah or vice versa. Jurrah and Aussie are really good mates and you never know what might happen.