Straight Sets Simon

Rubbish for those going to what was advertised as "intra club". Again, Melbourne can do circle work for all I care but it's hard on those who make an effort to go see what they think is an intra club game.

Because for the past few weeks it has been advertised as an intra club match. I can understand why they are doing it but a lot of people will make the effort to go on the thinking it would be a match, not just training.

Was he the only coach still under contract?

I've noticed in recent articles regarding the GWS The Age in their poll questions (about the GWS) have the option "Simply, I couldn't care less". Love it.

Dr Turf today on SEN had a little dig suggesting that Phil Scully could be part of the leadership group. Underrated is Dr Turf.

Apple provide cables so you can watch your iPhone/iPad/iPod on TV, I am not sure if you will be able to do this with the footy and the quality might not be great but it is worth looking into.

The result of NAB Cup games isn't so much of an issue but you can get a lot out of how the team will play and it is becoming more of an indicator each year. I still remember the FD cheer squad (I have faith in Daniher, Bailey and Connolly group) on here making excuses for the 2007 run and carry debacle after extremely worrying signs in the first NAB Cup game proved correct.

It actually is the worst, but Bennell's action is good (he guides the ball down well to his foot, he doesn't just throw it in the air like Bruce does). I am more worried about the kicking action of Bate, Fitzpatrick and Morton.

Sounds familiar.

He averages about ten disposals per game, but he does need to find the ball more.

His disposal is generally very good, that is not an issue for him.

Then why mention the Cancer Council?

Wait, are you saying that when Melbourne played with pink jumpers against the Bulldogs in 2010 that was an embarrassment? Because when people refer to "pink jumpers" they are referring to the stuff up by New Balance last year in getting the red in the jumpers right, not the Cancer Council game.

I think the red on the jumpers is perfect. Much better than last year.

Care to elaborate on this? As for Petterd's sister are you sure it's not McKenzie's sister?

I just think Melbourne fans have an obsession with younger players who could potentially be better in three years time. I think the "old age" point of 30 is starting to look like about 27 or 28.

Every session I have been to they have always been upbeat. As Neeld said they are "passionate" group, especially with the likes of Petterd, Moloney and Frawley. On a side note, it was funny to see Neil Graig getting stuck into Petterd, asking him how many goals he had kicked in the match simulations. I am guessing Petterd had stated he was going to kick a bag.

It was wriiten simply so the word "dumped" could be used at the start.

It's interesting, I saw Jurrah watching on today (after the rehab group came back) and he was talking to Leigh Brown, pointing and asking questions and he watches so intently, I am sure he knows what is going on, he has a very good football brain.

I was a training, I am not too big on training reports as we have seen too much gets read into them but just a few notes. - Cook is still skinny but really puts a lot of effort in, good hands and his goal kicking was good. I think we forget how promising he looked in the NAB Cup last year. - In the match simulation drill there was a lot of long kicking into the forward line which had forwards in it, after a series of (five to be exact) contested handpasses. Will this be a tactic used in games? Who knows but it was good to see. - Massive Petterd fan, but his kicking action is holding him back. - Sellar is big unit and tries very hard, he reminds me a bit of Kepler Bradley which isn't the best, but he is ready to go round one if needed. - A lot of dropped marks and missed kicks, which is a little frustrating even in non-costested situations. - Strauss was pushing himself very hard, kicking was excellent. I am hoping he proves me wrong. - Morton was hiding his huge new biceps under a t-shirt so I can't comment on those. He did make a couple of good spoils though in the drills which was good to see. - Bennell was a highlight, fast and skillful. Again, don't read too much into my comments, just some casual observations from the day. And yes, High Tower the "vibe" was good.

Seriously? I know at this time of year everyone is eager for football, but would expect a training session to be anything but positive with lots of talk?

I was referring to training facilities.

I could be wrong, but I thought I read somewhere that he was getting some Judo (or another martial art) training to help with his core strenght, so it is fairly specialised training which he couldn't get from the staff at the club.

It is interesting reading the thread regarding the Brand Green on On The Couch interview and then taking into consideration the events that unfolded. http://demonland.com...n-on-the-couch/

My hunch about Grimes being Captain proved correct, although I wrote it in another thread not this one.