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Veteran Demonland Trackwatcher Picket Fence endured the sweltering heat on a windy day out at Casey Fields to bring you the following Preseason Training Report. Blustery day at Casey, Ground NOT OPEN?? and the only other people I saw were one bloke on the far side and another Man and Woman also watching around the south Goals, had a small pair of Binoculars but looking through the fence was problematic. NO SHOWS Clarry, Kade Chandler, Petty, and Melky REHAB GROUP Gus, Salem, Bailey Fritsch, and later ……. Koltyn Tholstrup! A group of young players including Caleb Windsor was also on light duties. OSERVATIONS, PLAYER WATCH AND DRILLS INFORMATION Drills were nothing new and involved overlaps, weaves, clean ball handling and picking the correct options. All players looked pretty fit and a few have put on some beef. Among them were Jefferson, Sestan, Farris White, Sparrow and I really liked the look of TRENT RIVERS! After exercises stretches players were practicing goal kicking from various angles, distance and combos of set shots and on the run pivots. After that came an almost full match simulations between Red Kicking with the wind and White kicking against. Reds DOMINATED; however, it was at times difficult to differentiate as quite a few players had different numbers on for example VINES wearing no 3? As well as standing on the outside looking in this set another level of challenge! From the Match sim I have this to report! BEN BROWN will play round 1 barring injury; He looked really good unhampered and ran far and wide kicked plenty of goals and looks a new man. TRENT RIVERS Wow just watching him develop was just mind bending , he has gone to another level with fitness, confidence, poise and belief ran through midfield at times and just shrugged opponents at will. SHANE MC ADAM What an excitement machine knows where to run, almost took the hanger of the year, and kicks the ball beautifully , he will also play round one. JACK BILLINGS What an astute pick up, clever, crafty, uses the ball very well and will slot in as high half forward or maybe wing and did some very nice things. KOZZY PICKET, Did the usual Kossy things. TOM FULLARTON, doesn’t look out of place and is a presence in Ruck and forward. JOSH SCHACHE Bit of a surprise packet for me today was involved kicked a couple of goals and was good in contest. MATHEW JEFFERSON, Has definitely bulked up and did a few nice things and kicked a couple of goals as well. BAILEY LAURIE Was also quite involved in general play, but I don’t know if he just lacks something is it breakaway pace? BLAKE HOWES Also did some good things , took the game on , his disposal was good and he looked quite confident! Other than that T Mac played back but gee he looks slow and I’m not sure where he will sit this year in selections. A few players missed REGULATION goals for example Trac from 40 out directly in from and really this again would not want to be part of our conversion going forward. Was training intensity up or down compared to what I saw last year at this time? I would have to say Slightly less intense than same time and maybe just building gradually. Skills looked sharper and there was a propensity to pick the correct option and seemed to be more creative handball. There was little evidence of Bombing into forward 50, but then again, this needs to be tested at the coalface in games to see if there has been a more systematic entry and conversions that equate to wins. Will try to watch again next week if possible.

A number of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the heat to venture down to Gosch's Paddock as the entire list returned to the training track for the annual time trials. Here are some observations from KEV MARTIN, CLANIKO, WALKING CIVIL WAR, WAYNE WUSSELL, DEEZ MAN & OLD 55. KEV MARTIN’s PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Summer training, time trials and all back into it. 45 players in the squad, including a strong looking Noah Yze (did not time trial). I think the only one missing was Chandler. Great to see Angus out there in the yellow cap. He participated in the non-contact program. Even the small bumps and body contact drills were avoided. He looked very sharp, 100% efficiency I reckon. Oliver has started on a full rehab program now. Running, kicking, gym work. He was not time trialled. Occasionally appeared a little frustrated with the running, but kept the head down, and did what was asked. Fritsch must be very close to full training. Some kicking drills really worked him over. Had a spill and clumsily hit the ground as he fumbled. He did not look like making any errors after that, doing the rest of his work with style. Has passion and commitment. Looking stronger and heavier through his hips. Petty did a little kicking, no running, plenty of gym. Was vocal when hanging around the structured sims. Helping out Jefferson, giving some pointers about body and arm work in the lead up to a contest. Melky on a similar program to Petty. Both in blue tops, while the rest had training jersey's on. Kossie did the time trial, but I think not up to standard, as he was placed on a running program alongside Fritsch doing 5 km and no participation in the simulations. Wasn't particularly happy by the end of it. Though, like Olivercompleted it. At the end of training, Kossie and McAdam were walking together, and Goody places his arms around both and gives them the emotional, caring support. Maisie appears to be working hard as a leader. When he wasn't running, he was on the boundary, offering encouragement. He was very vocal about the skills he liked about McAdams. McAdams struggled a bit with the time trial, but excelled in the sims. Has the ability to find the footy on a lead and gets front and centre of the pack and is a ball magnet. Fullarton and Max were matched during the structured sims, and Farris-Whitewas up against Verral. All four are doing well. Max appears unhindered, Farris-White getting more involved, Verral works well, especially below his knees. I think Fullerton (good agility and run) will be Max's back-up at this stage. Sparrow has the rig, and a few made him aware of it at the start of the time trial. He was in the fast pack, with Tomlinson, ANB, Langdon, McVee, Taj, maybe another one, but cannot recall, and could be wrong about the group. Spargo and Bowey were the hardest working players during the structured sims. After the action on the field, they got them sprinting 25 m around the boundary as another group entered. The simulations can be a full oval, with players having more choice of style and ball movement, or a set play kind of a structured sim. Today's structured sims, appeared to be about movement from the backline, and then a sim of getting the forwards well set when creating 50 re-entries. Emphasis was in making two fwds hold back and the other fwds pushing out. They finished with timed runs down the centre of the paddock. They had to do extra, as a few didn't get under the time, this disappointed a few, but the word got around to make sure you take your mates with you. The four new young one's did not do these run troughs. Viney looks to have put on more muscle. Thought Hunter was looking a bit slower. Tomlinson was looking big and strong. Howes, Adams, Turner, and Billing all going about it professionally. Windsor and K. Brown competed well in the sims. Sestan has great hands. Salem was flying under the radar, only noticed him when they first entered the field. There was an aerial clash of four players at one stage, with the coaches voice of that's what we expect. No-one was hurt. Last on the track were some smalls working on ground ball gets, Viney, Laurie, and two others, with Tracc and Kolt kicking goals. Tracc was very accurate, I think it helps his kicking, with someone else following him and having him as a mentor. It was a long session. CLANIKO's PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS: • Regarding Angus Brayshaw's return to training and whether he was training with the main group or on a modified program - Doing his time trial currently, appears to be with the main group. • Looks like it, they're doing their time trials in groups so it's a bit hard to tell who's in the rehab group and who's just not doing theirs currently. • Oliver, Fritsch, Salem and a kid in #46 I don't recognise look like they're doing the rehab program. • Tommo and Nibbler are miles ahead of their group and almost racing each other with Tommo just pulling ahead • Time trials done. All going over to get a much needed drink. • They picked a rough day to do time trials, might only be 10am but in the sun it's bloody hot • Oliver kicking to Fritta on a lead, both clearly doing a modified program to main group. • Salem wandered off somewhere also not with the main group • Tyla Hanks is here. Not sure if she's helping out with the session or just watching. • Split into two groups doing a drill working the ball up the wing to a leading target with some defenders. • Leading targets started B. Brown, Jefferson, JvR and Sestan. • Now Schache, McAdam, Brown and someone wearing #14 I don't recognise. • Pretty sure I just saw Billings in #33 getting called JB so maybe him and Fullarton have swapped jumpers. • Kosi and Fritta doing some running separate to the group. • Currently doing ground ball gets or marks with tackling pressure. • Notable absences - Kosi and Fritta doing some running together. Oliver doing some running. And Gus doing a separate drill with a trainer in the dreaded fluro cap • Forwards vs defenders now • Defenders start with the ball then work it out to miss who turn over then practice a forward entry • Defenders: May, TMac, Judd, Bowey and Disco? (I can't tell) , • Forwards: McAdam, JvR, Laurie, Sestan and Brown • Similar thing happening on the other side of the ground but I'm too far to see any detail • Cannot believe I'm saying this but Ben Brown looked really good. Took a strong contested mark and another on a lead • Choco came over for a chat • He seemed very impressed with McAdam, pencil him in for a round 1 (or opening round 🙄) appearance. • Kosi on a different program because he just got back from SA and they don't want to overdo him. • When I asked about TMac training with the backs he suggested I was an opposition scout 😂 and didn't go into any more detail. • He confirmed #46 is Noah Yze training with them WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Wandered in for a gander right on time for time trial. Tomlinson and Spargo ran as though they were here to protect their round 1 spots! Other impressive runs by Fullarton, Tholstrup and Adams (special mention to Jack Viney, who only knows one way!) I was amazed at how vigorous Melksham was in his rehab exercises. Also good to see Fritsch and Oliver progressing well. When they began full oval work in several groups, I walked around to watch the young talls on the Punt Road wing. I was impressed with how much effort coach Stafford put in with his instruction to this group. They were primarily engaged in one-on-one marking contests with a small running past to mop up after the contast. Most impressive in the air was Verall, who consistently got the better of Farris-White, Jefferson (who took a couple of good grabs) and Schache. When Benny Brown joined for a short stint, he was excellent at putting his opponent off balance and clunking the ball. I haven't seen Ben looking this strong for some time. In general, noticed how smooth Billings was in run and disposal. Fullarton and McAdam did not stand out for me in these full ground exercises. Tholstrup looks the closest to senior selection of the newbies. DEEZ MAN's PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Went down to training with my old man today and I'll do my best to recount what we noticed. Fritsch, Kozzie & Oliver did plenty of running away from the main group. Melky looked a lot more mobile than I was expecting but didn't partake in much. Gussy was there and ran the time trial and seemed to miss out on a couple of drills but was involved in most of the day. McAdam really looks like a player we've been missing, in the match sim he was constantly leading to the right places and got on the end of a few, including one diving grab out the back. I'm prepared to say he's very likely to be in round one team - though he didn't appear to run the 2km well. Likely one of the worse performers though I don't know what his fitness was like coming to us. Based on what I saw today, Tholstrup will be in the team very early and I'm actually prepared to say he'll play round 1 and give us a really dynamic option up forward. He brought some really nice energy when playing up forward, won a 50/50 contest and snapped truly. He then kicked another goal a couple minutes later and was clean the entire session. He also ran really well and just looked really at the level already. I am very confident he's going to be a player and he's going to add to us immediately despite not wanting to put too much pressure on him. A few others mentioned how good Ben Brown looked and he really surprised me too. He was moving well, took a few really nice grabs and finished his work. My dad and I were both impressed by number 14 who we later learned was Tom Fullarton. He was involved in a lot of things and really surprised me by how well he moved and his skills for a player his size. I'm going to go out on a limb and also say he'll be in the team round 1. He ran well today too. Admittedly, he didn't get on the end of any but he was playing up the ground more. It looks like they're going to play Tmac back this year, he was in the backline and did a few good things. One interesting play billings had the ball at half forward and Tmac was marking McAdam. McAdam manage to evade him found a nice channel and Billings put it on his chest. May told Tmac keep your eyes on the ball carrier instead of your player in that scenario. Billings was being used a lot in the match sim as the player to distribute the ball inside 50 and he was heavily involved and using it quite well. He's another I think will be a big chance to play early if not round 1. Viney looked outstanding and did his usual things, max ran well, sparrow ran well and looked good. Noah Yze was a lot bigger and more mature looking than I was expecting and was running around in #46. Sestan had a good impact up forward and kicked a nice goal, his running is a mile off though. He was probably the worst of the 2km time triallers, but he's also just so big through the hips. Anyway Go Dees! OLD55's PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS The only player I didn't see was Kade Chandler. As reported Salem left the track at the start so didn't participate. AFAIK everyone else was there and active at some level. Noah Yze has a good frame - looks to be 188 or so and broad shoulders so size won't hold him back. Right footer. It was a long session especially when kicked off with the TT. As reported Tommo blitzed the A team group in that. WALKING CIVIL WAR's PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS • The band’s back together! • SOOO good to see Gussy. i got a greasy hug. Sunscreen everywhere. He apologised, I said worth it just to see you looking so well. He noticed my Demonland T-shirt, I told him everyone on DL loves him and are stoked he’s playing on. • Noah Yze is here! Looks like his dad. • Kozzie looks great, so fit! • Today’s session is easy for me to explain… running. Running, running and more running. Poor bastards, I’m knackered just watching them 🥵 • Maysie just walked past and said “this is the worst, I [censored] hate this” 🤣 The rig on Tommo!!! Apparently he just ran the fastest, according to my buddy who timed them. So, not official. But hella fast. • Kolt aka my new bestie came over to say hello. He said, “nice sunnies!” They’re wraparounds so I said, “Yep, I’m rocking the Kolt look today, except mine are Versace, you probably bought yours at the servo for $20” He said, “$25 actually.” 😂 From the Herald Sun: Melbourne midfield star Angus Brayshaw has been given formal approval to continue his AFL career as he made an impressive return to pre-season training on Monday. Brayshaw was knocked out in the Demons’ qualifying final loss to Collingwood in one of the most dramatic moments of the season, with good friend Brayden Maynard ultimately cleared by the AFL appeals board. Brayshaw’s brother said in the immediate aftermath he would consider his football future but as his symptoms cleared Demons mid Angus was always determined to continue his AFL career. On Monday as the Demons senior players returned to training with a 2km time trial Brayshaw ran impressively in baking Melbourne heat then joined his teammates in training. The fluro yellow hat which indicated he was not yet allowed contact was the only indication that Brayshaw would be treated differently to his teammates. The Demons have ticked every medical box and had his return approved by the AFL, which means a player contracted to 2028 will have ambitious plans to play a full 2024 season. Melbourne’s players broke up into smaller groups for that 2km time trial and Charlie Spargo, who played only 14 senior games this year, set a withering pace. He led home Jack Viney, Brayshaw and Lachie Hunter in one group, while Adam Tomlinson burnt off hard-running Alex Neal-Bullen in the battle of the club’s best runners. Ben Brown was limited to only seven AFL games given knee issues in 2023 but ran freely as he pushed Steven May hard and was excellent in match simulation as he enters the final season of his contract. TRAINING NOTES Melbourne star Clayton Oliver will be held back from full training until mid-January as he continues to rehabilitate his knee after off-season surgery. The Demons had said Oliver was four weeks from integrating into full training but the expectation is that the Demons medicos will treat his return date with caution. Melbourne has few issues with his physical conditioning as he ran sprints, kicked the football to fellow rehab group member Bayley Fritsch and did some light touch work. And while he will be footy’s most scrutinised man this off-season Melbourne is also optimistic he has made gains away from football with his personal issues. Coach Simon Goodwin recently admitted Oliver’s complicated personal challenges “have been ongoing for multiple years”. He was admitted to hospital after a seizure the Demons star said was partly attributed to ADHD medication. The Demons also have swingman Joel Smith awaiting a date from Sports Integrity Australia for a hearing date over his match-day cocaine positive. Smith has accepted a provisional suspension and is unable to train with the Demons but will face a short SIA ban as well as a likely Demons internal suspension. NEW FACES Melbourne’s draftees in Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup were both in action but it was the veterans in former Demon Marty Hore and ex-Saint Jack Billings who will be worth watching over summer. Billings hit up teammates including full forward Brown with impressive foot skills in match drills to show exactly why the Demons traded for the left-footer. Hore was the VFL’s best interceptor in the past two seasons and could get early games with Harrison Petty playing forward and Smith potentially suspended. Tom McDonald and Adam Tomlinson will both be pushing for that third defensive spot behind May and Jake Lever, who was impressive pushing McDonald in their 2km time trial. Ex-Lions tall Tom Fullarton also ran well as he prepares to back up Gawn in the ruck. INJURY ISSUES Melbourne is confident Harry Petty will be in full training well before round 1 as he recovers from a serious lisfranc injury that ended his 2023 season. Petty, keen to return to Adelaide but not released by the Demons, will play as a key forward alongside Jacob Van Rooyen. Van Rooyen and ex-Crows forward Shane McAdam were both at the forefront as the Demons slotted straight into mid-forward connection drills. The Demons failed miserably to capitalise on their welter of inside 50s as they lost in straight sets for the second season in a row. Fritsch was on light duties after his foot issues of 2023 which included a mid-season fractured foot and then toe ligament injury which he endured through finals. Kysaiah Pickett ran the time trial but then did run-throughs instead of training with the main group he battles some low-level groin soreness. Jake Melksham is ahead of schedule in his early recovery from an ACL tear but will only be back late next season. FULL PRESEASON TRAINING THREAD FROM MONDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2023

Demonland Trackwatchers WERRIDEE, HAWK THE DEMON, DEMON WHEELS, WALKING CIVIL WAR, SCOOP JUNIOR & KEV MARTIN ventured down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations from Friday's Preseason Training Session which closes out the first week back on the track for the Demons. WERRIDEE'S RUNNING COMMENTARY OF HIS OBSERVATIONS: Farris-White and Sestan out there early kick to kick Rivers and Bowey running laps Roo and Laurie kick to kick Billing’s in no33 McVee Howes and Turner kicking in a triangle the rest having shots on goal Howes and Sestan practicing hip and shoulder techniques and tackling techniques They seperate into 2 groups one doing resistance training the other doing jumps and stretches They are all doing resistance training now Now they are doing run throughs Now they are dropping back then leading forward Melksham is training away from the rest as you’d expect Now they are stretching Now they separate into 6 groups as they pass the ball and also picking up the ball at their feet Melksham skipping and jumping Now there doing passing exercises with B.Brown and Roo leading out Petty is there but not doing anything Re: Senior players in attendance: McDonald Gawn trac the rest are youngsters Clarry on the sideline doing resistance training Now they all over the ground passing exercises with Roo and McAdam leading out Riv looks like he’s going to have a superb year Lever is also there Petty doing one on one marking with Melksham kicking it to him The taller players are doing ruck drills while the mids are doing tackling drills They have now switched Now they are doing match sim white and orange tops defending Norma tops attacking trac just done a beautiful pass to McAdam Roo has just turned it over Laurie gets his kick well spoiled by Lever Hore in everything Petty is not in a moon boot and Fritta is not here Clarry still training away from the group I think Petty and Melksham are done for the day Trac Riv and Hore dominating Windsor just got his ball smothered by Riv Trac another brilliant pass to McAdam Bowey just put it down the throat of the opposition in Adams Great smother by Billings Gawn nice pass to Moniz-Wakefield Clarry just told me he’s a month til full training Fullerton just beat McDonald one on one to applause Jefferson just beat Turner one on one Now the yellow vests b normal billing’s in a white vest just dropped a sitter Sestan just kicked a dribbler McDonald on Roo Roo just took a good mark Tholstrup KBrown Windsor and McAdam not participating Bowey is now in the white vest Verrall good intercept Roo kicks a goal for the red team McVee just got stopped in his tracks by Riv Good pass from Hore to Farris-White to Moniz-Wakefield for a goal McVee now in the white vest When asked whether Tom McDonald is training forward or back - BACK When asked whether Trent Rivers is training backs or mids - BACKS Schache just kicked a goal Now everybody’s favourite push ups Just handball drills now HAWK THE DEMON'S OBSERVATIONS ON ATTENDENCE: Petty not in a moonboot, but not training. New attendees today - Schache, B Brown and Melksham doing exercises with Jack McLean the physio. Apparently training will be at Gosch's on Monday before they head to Casey for the remainder of the year. Clayton doing his run throughs again - will probably re-join the main group before Christmas. Non-attendees so far this week - Chandler, May, Viney, Brayshaw, Kosi, Langdon, Tomlinson and Smith. Assume will all be there on Monday, other than Joel of course. DEMON WHEELS' OBSERVATIONS FROM TRAINING: Dropped in for a quick 30 minute visit while they happened to be doing match-sim for the bulk of that time. General Observations: – Quite open play with lots of kicking to targets both short and long – Coaches pushing for the kicker to follow-up and connect / overlap which happened more frequently after a bit of fatigue had set in – Good quality kicking and marking with the odd longer kick missing the target (bit blustery out there so forgivable) Player Observations: – Impressed by almost all of our tall young players getting involved in the match sim at certain times – Verrall and Adams did some good things and had some nice touches – Farris-White is a beast and didn’t look out of place – Jefferson did some good things and was quite amongst it to begin with, faded a bit towards the end. Did well in the earlier ‘marks-up’ one-on-one where he either beat or neutralised against JVR, Turner and one other tall (can’t recall who). He was quite agile in these marking attempts and got busy even if out of position to make a contest, he looks to be building to me – Fullarton looks a player as well – McVee, Bowey, Woey, Laurie, Rivers all getting touches and trying to link up through the middle – TMac playing as the last defender did an impressive job and his kicking was good too – All the new draftees don’t look too light in terms of body shape at all – Trac looks like a cat on a hot tin roof when he gets the footy, just electric feet – JVR looks primed and just doesn’t give in. Took a few nice grabs and just competes non-stop – Gawn looks fit, fresh and healthy. Took a few nice grabs as well and was actually jumping And lastly Tim Lamb was walking around the boundary with a big tall kid – who else but Kalani White. Looks like he was there for a bit of a meet and greet / orientation of sorts as he was introduced to Andrew McQualter. Go Dees. WALKING CIVIL WAR'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Bloody l-o-n-g session. Close to three hours. As usual Tracc stayed out there for about half an hour after the others had all left, having shots on goal. He does this after sessions, totally his choice. Tracc is dedication personified. Like, next level invested. LOL… I told him he needs to get to work on his muscles. He looked shocked and said, “Who, me???!” I said, “Relax, I’m kidding!” He said, “Phew, for a minute there…” 😁 Like he should pay any mind to what a slightly deranged fan says, amirite?! I told Marty Hore welcome back and he said he’s so happy to be back because this is where he really wants to be, and that he feels like he never left. 💖 Clarrie started later than the others. We chatted a little before he started. Wednesday wasn’t a one-off. He’s definitely on the right track. Happy to chat, super positive, walks with a spring in his step and his head held high. Hashtag body language tells all. Also had interesting chats with Chocco and Perty and Goody, all separately, but all instilled a strong sense of positivity and I’d even say excited anticipation. They’re clearly pumped for next season, as are the players. It really shows. The whole vibe this week has been amazing, which bodes well so early in the preseason. Best thing about today? Two words… [censored] MELKSY! Was NOT expecting to see him moving so well! It was such a sight to behold. Last time I saw him he looked (and was) gutted. Totes different today, all smiles and really buoyed. Perty said his recovery won’t be like “your regular ACL recovery” I said, “he looks ahead of schedule already.” Perty said at this rate he’ll be right “middle of the season.” YAY 🥳 PS Adorable little George Gawn stole the show on the boundary. Heartwarming moment: Tracc walking towards him, George runs to greet him, arms outstretched wanting Tracc to pick him up, which Tracc did, making George so happy he buried his little head into Tracc’s shoulder. I know, right?! 🥹 SCOOP JUNIOR'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I was able to get down to training this morning. Those who I didn't see there - May, Salem, Viney, Spargo, Gus, Hunter, Langdon, Tomlinson, Smith, ANB, Fritsch, Sparrow, Kozzie, Chandler Oliver was doing numerous run throughs on the boundary and then some ground ball work. Not running at full speed but was doing a decent chunk of slow running. Melksham and Petty did some kicking and then went in early. No moon boot on Petty. Neither did any running. I got there just before 10am and they were initially doing some transition work without tackling. Fairly easy ball movement stuff without any pressure / tackling. They then split into groups - talls and smalls. The smalls did one-on-one ground balls, one player would win possession and the other would tackle. The talls did one-on-one marking. They then swapped so the talls did ground balls and the smalls did marking. No real surprises in the split up here, the only one of interest was that McAdam was with the talls. After this, they then did a drill where the ball was kicked to about 40m out in the D50, a ground ball would ensue, and the defensive team would win the ground ball and then try transition the ball forward to an inside 50. This was under pressure as there was an opposition. The focus seemed to be on running hard off half back. Again no positional surprises, other than perhaps McAdam as a tall deep forward. It appears he may be earmarked to play a bit out of the goal square. I think of Kozzie in the Carlton final where he created problems with his speed as a deep forward. McAdam has speed but is better in the air. They then repeated this drill but on the other half back flank / side of the ground. The next drill was a kick out from the pocket in the attacking team's 50 and the attacking team would win the ground ball and then look for a re-entry inside 50m. Whereas the previous drill was a deep turnover (at half back), this was a high turnover (between half-forward and wing). They looked to switch it a fair bit so that the inside 50 entry was to the fat side where there were less numbers and less congestion. It was a bit messy but there did appear to be a focus to get it to the fat side rather than a down-the-line re-entry to congestion. This was also done under pressure with a defending team. Finally there was some full ground ball movement drills. By this stage some of the new boys went and did running so it was probably something like 11 v 11. As a result there was a lot of space so it obviously didn't replicate the kind of pressure and lack of space you'd see in a game. TMac played key back for this. Maybe just to stand in for May, but who knows. I left soon after this as they were doing some handballs in tight and shots for goal/snaps. I find it hard to read too much into player performance at training so I've focused more on what they did as a group. One thing I will mention is there is something about the Tholstrup boy. The big mop of curly hair that makes his head stand out in a crowd and what appears to be a level of confidence / self-belief. I didn't get the impression that he was a new guy there. He really pushed hard on the run throughs, leading the way when running with Windsor, Brown and McAdam. He then encouraged Windsor and McAdam to beat the required times when they were doing some extra running after he finished. He went and helped up the skipper off the ground after they did push ups. I don't know exactly what it is but there does look to be something a bit different and unique about him. If he can play, he seems the type of player who will be really fun to watch. KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Wandered down for a squizz at the bizz on Gosch's. Melksham rehabbing, not doing a running program yet. Oliver appears underdone. Working a running program, though not very advanced in exertion. Completely opposite to how he turned up last pre-season (fittest of the lot). Petty was having just strolling around. The field was dry and the ball handling for pre-season was good. Some stabb passes early in the session dropped in front of the leading players, at least they weren't bombing away. There was some emphasis on creating fwd 50 marks, plenty of short ball hit ups in the simulations. They started with runs and short kicks, then into station drills of low pick-ups, one on one positioning to high balls with push off, and side tackling after receiving high the ball. The atmosphere was great. Get a sense they have a point to make. Everyone was supportive of each other, the noise level was high, and they were looking like a great young squad. They took knees a few times, with group discussions and some frivolity. Plenty of instructions and guidance from the coaches during the process. Goal kicking practice was about snaps, based on the musical chairs game, but with the ball going around, with a couple of defenders and the manikins, making it tougher. McQualter (Mini) gets right in there with the mids, emphasising the spacing. Some drills were created to make the fwds hold position deep, and spread fast as a turnover happens when the opposition leaves our 50 area but loses the ball. Loved our run, we look fast. Standouts include Bowey, McVee, Tholstrup, Laurie. Laurie was baulking everyone, so much composure and looks to be a big improver. Tholstrup is a born leader, supporting team-mates, working hard, one of the last on the field, Also appears to have the will to get to the contest and has that explosiveness after getting the ball. AFL speed won't worry him, a good size and solidness about him. Bowey looking stronger and faster, impacts when he gets the ball. McVee has that composure, runs to the right places and looks explosive. McAdam was definitely struggling with the running program, though out in the sims he gets involved and has nice skills. Verral was getting plenty of 1%er's going, earning praise from the coaches. His is looking slim and moving well. Must have been working hard off season. Howes is looking to be all muscle, barely any fat on him, looks ready for some hard at it footy. Rivers was linking everything during sims. Max and Lever cannot keep away from the play, plenty of involvement. T'Mac was playing in the back line during sims, moving freely, though not winning the run throughs as he used to. Billings adds another dimension to us. Finds space and has a good finish. Kynan Brown has great vision, runs good angles, if he gets some consistency in skills, and a bit more bulk I believe he will make it. Windsor was low-key, I didn't notice him too often. I reckon JVR needs to have a full and hard working pre-season, looks a bit off, his usual aggression didn't seem there. Jefferson was dancing around well and wants to goal when he gets it. Working up and down the field, a few fumbles, and in and out of the play during Sims. Sestan has improved his fitness, no longer gasping after the exertion, and has plenty of composure. Adams has bulked up and playing well by sitting behind the ball. Turner was working up the field off the backline, providing carry of the ball. Farris-White, looks like his skills have improved, has a bit more bulk about him. AMW, seems more mature, getting to the right positions and kicking goals in the sims. Taj is going about it very professionally, straightens the ball movement up and continues to bring intelligence to the game. Hore has not missed a beat. Schache is working hard, getting on the end of plenty. BBB looking faster, and turning well. Still has his own running program. He and Tracc last on the paddock doing goal kicking practice. The new young ones, did not compete in Sims. There is going to be plenty of pressure for places. We will be batting deep. Go Dees EMDE's TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I've been to Monday's and today's training. In no particular order.. The best 10-12 we know and will again be our core. Melsham was doing his drills just in from of me. There's minimal difference in his quads, he was jumping off either foot, doing side step jumps then short kicking with either leg. He must have done a power of rehab to be this far advanced so soon after a knee recon. BBB was moving really well, and moving quickly in his leads to the ball. KFY and Verrall are both very mobile and would make other rucks look sluggish if they can maintain this in a game scenario. Taj especially but Dan Turner, Jed Adams and Jefferson all looking very much stronger. Schache doing what he likes best and avoiding contact. Of McAdam, Billings and Fullarton - they are going to have to bring serious game sense, skill and endeavour to be in the best 22. Which is what we really want. Laurie & Taj look like they really want a spot. But the 2 stand outs for me were Marty Hore and Oli Sestan. Hore was in everything, knew where to position himself in the drills, clean, precise, moving really well. Sestan played one drill on the lead out of the goal square. Never fumbled, nialed them from everywhere. Another, he was link man- precise foot skills, clean hands, looking 1 or even 2 moves ahead of the rest. Hope his tank is larger this year - he looks fitter and dare I say a bit trimmed down below the waist. If JT was correct in his summation 12 months ago when questioned about this choice, he said that we couldn't afford to let Sestan slip another year and thought he might be worth a punt. Lastly, Kynan Brown will never let anyone die wondering if he's put in enough effort to get to play AFL. He never stopped. Looks like he has massive tank. Needs 2 preseasons to get 10kg on his frame. FYI FULL PRESEASON TRAINING FOR FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2023 THREAD

Anyone have any news on the scratch match where hopefuls were getting a run, against the Blues?

Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin ventured down to Training on Tuesday Morning at Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations including an update on Max Gawn and a couple injury concerns for a couple of other big names. Got down to Gosch's for this morning's run. Taj was being put through a fair bit of running. He also had a small amount of time kicking and marking. Max ran more than 10 laps. At one stage, he tried a drill with direction changes, that didn't last long. The rehab also had Farris-white, K.Turner, BBB, Lever and Hibbo in it. Hibbo looks in trouble, probably his achilles. Left training after 20 minutes. Lever appeared to have a right hip complaint. He joined the main group after they finished their running. Schache was in full training, he also spent time after the session, marking the high ball. No Harmes. Kossie looked happy. The session was mainly about stretching the legs and having some fun. After some run throughs, they separated into 4 stations. Short kicking drill, with movement either left or right behind the mannequin after marking. A game of keep the soccer ball in the air. A handball game with a precision target to finish the action. The final one was competitive handball, finishing with a 40-meter pass to a leading forward. That was it. A few stayed back, working on their goal kicking. Grundy, Petty, Tracc, Moniz-wakefield, Oliver and a couple of others who I can't recall.

KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING REPORT Wandered down to Gosh’s to watch the captains run, the rehabbers were out on the ground. Schache, Woewodin, Kossie (not injured), two Casey players (1, 28) and White (Casey) doing individual work. The MFC squad then came out as one. Melksham and TMac in the squad. The vibe was low-key. It didn't help that it was cold, and the ground was wet, they didn't really start chirping until well into the drills. Seemed like they're a bit off with timing and the handling the ball. They were happy and relaxed. The morning consisted of about 5 to 6 drills. They worked on ball movement from off halfback, and off the wing, with delivery into the leading forwards. Interestingly, they had Petty forward for a few entries. Near the end, the centre mids were practising slowly for the centre stoppages. Grundy patting down to, Oliver, Tracc, Viney, Sparrow and JJ. The rest kicking goals (Petty included) or taking high marks (particularly JVR). Choco was also helping refine JVR's set goal kicking. May looked fine in drills, no strapping, but did have a slight limp when walking. At the end, he did a full 30-meter sprint and had a talk to 4 support staff (physio and trainers). After the MFC squad left, the Casey team came out. Laurie and Tomlinson were with them, I didn't see Dunstan. Go Dees.

I ventured out to Gosch's Paddock on a beautiful sunny morning to bring you the following observations from this morning's Captain's Run. Only Jack Viney on the track with one of the trainers who is belting balls into him at close range. Viney has no strapping on his knee. May is here. Walking onto the field. Has a slight limp. May is in runners and training tshirt (not jumper). Looks like only named players training (Captain’s Run). Will keep you updated as to what May does or does not do. Of the 4 Emergencies only Melksham is here. (So far). Viney heading back to the rooms. He was doing some longer kicks before he left and he and the trainer seemed happy. Reckon he plays next week. Otherwise Rd 3 vs Swans. Yep definitely only Melksham of the 4 named Emergencies. I’d say he’s a certainty for the Sub. May assisting with training throwing the ball to players. Not moving all that well. No strapping but noticeable limp I can’t see him playing next week but I am not a medical expert. Just my gut feel. Very light training sessions (Captains Run). Drills are short and sharp. May doing some kick to kick with Selwyn Griffiths now. Short and low 25m kicks. Now extended to higher 40m kicks. Looks like one of the TV stations camera men are here filming May so I’m sure we’ll see some vision later today. Melksham will be the Sub. May now kicking to Griffith 50m from out of the square. They’re finished that now. May appears to be walking very gingerly. Perhaps exacerbated by the kicking practice. A few minutes later he was walking a lot better albeit with a slight, noticeable limp. You’d assume it’s a strain and not a tear. Obviously not risking him this week. Perhaps he plays next week but I reckon we’ll be more conservative given his age and it being early in the season and perhaps the new conservative philosophy. Again I am not an expert. I have no medical training and am just going by my own observations and gut feel. I have no idea on timeframes nor the severity of the injury. Just reporting my observations. He was able to kick. He wasn’t running. You could tell he was limping but it wasn’t an overly exaggerated limp. May was kicking well off one step and then when they finished and were walking back to the sidelines he was walking gingerly with a noticeable limp. I’m no expert obviously but perhaps the kick to kick from short pass then to longer passes slightly aggravated his soreness. He’s walking around the boundary a lot better now. Clearly there is a strain to the calf. It’s by no means a long term injury. Team has split up into two separate groups doing the same drill on opposite sides of the ground. 6 on 3 keepings off hand ball drill culminating in kicking to a lone forward in the square. Lone forwards have been Brown, Gawn, Grundy, TMac and Melksham. The 2nds have just come on to the field. They’re just on the sidelines at the moment and I assume they are training separately right after the Captain’s Run. Salem is in training jumper with his trusty wrist strapping so I assume he will be training. Fritsch is in training tshirt perhaps indicating that he won’t be participating in full training. I can’t stay for the entire 2nds training but will Report on whether Bayley trains or not. Salem definitely training with the 2s. Fritsch just having shots on goal. Nailing most of the them. That’s a wrap from Preseason Training. A massive thanks to all of our trackwatchers over the summer. You’ve lifted the bar for future seasons. That’s a wrap from Preseason Training. A massive thanks to all of our trackwatchers over the summer. You’ve lifted the bar for future seasons. Thanks to @kev martin @picket fence @Slartibartfast @george_on_the_outer @Gator @DeelightfulPlay @DeeSpencer @dazzledavey36 @Nudge @Wizard333 @McQueen @Tough Kent @Yokozuna @Dee Zephyr @Stiff Arm @EMDE @Bitter but optimistic @stinga @RedLegs23 @waynewussell @DemonWheels @Deespicable @old dee @dworship @Tim Apologies to anybody I missed.

ANDY'S TRAINING REPORT It’s a beautiful morning at Gosch’s Paddock. REHAB: Jake Melksham (?), Taj Woewodin (?), Luke Dunstan (Hamstring), Fritsch(hip/back??), Salem (Thyroid), Brown (managed) Everyone is in Blue Guernseys so I doubt there will be match SIMs. Probably just regular training considering preseason is officially over. Joel Smith looks like he is back training with the main group. Fritsch and Salem are not training at all. Salem for obvious reasons. Not sure about Fritsch. Split into 3 groups for wam ups. Mids, Backs and Forwards. No surprises except Kozzy & Smith with Forwards. Gus with defence. Mids Trac, Max, Langdon, Clarry, Verral, Grundy, Viney, Sparrow, Farris-White, Howes, Harmes, Jordon, Hunter Forwards TMac, Jefferson, Schache, Van Rooyen, Nibbler, Chandler, Spargo, Laurie, Joel Smith, Kozzy, Sestan, Brown Defenders May, Lever, Brayshaw, Hibberd, Bowey, Tomlinson, Rivers, Adams, Deakyn Smith, Petty, McVee, Daniel Turner, Kye Turner, Moniz-Wakefield Fritsch now walking knee raisers with arms raised in the air with the medicos. Now doing walking lunges whilst twisting side to side when lunging. Dunstan slow/medium jogging along the boundary. Melksham doing the same at a slightly quicker pace. Split into two groups. Mix of forwards, Mids and Defenders in each group. Ben Brown not training just having shots for goal from different angles and distances. Salem now jogging laps. Trac noticed and clapped saying “Go Salo”. Fritsch walking doing leg raisers whilst the trainer is pulling a theraband which is around his waist. He looks to be in mild discomfort. One of the groups is now doing a half ground match SIM sans contact. Players have reversible training jumpers and that are blue on one side and white on the other for easy changing of teams. Fritsch doing side crab walks while the trainer pulls on the Theraband around his waist. The field has been divided length ways down the middle and there are two separate match SIMs ( for want of a better description) without contact/tackling with 2 players in yellow vests playing for both teams. Goal is keepings off down the length of the field to kick a goal. I will note that disposal has been very sharp. Trac’s long kicking is like a laser guided missile. In my non-medical opinion Fritsch may have a hip (flexor) issue. Any physios can you confirm that the exercises I poorly described could confirm this? Kye Turner is wearing number 33. New number perhaps? I’ll echo what other have said about Chandler over the preseason he is certainly putting his hand up for a call up. Trainer is throwing the footy at Fritsch to catch it in one hand whilst he is standing/balancing on one leg (the right one). Brown and Taj playing kick to kick on the boundary. Dunstan jogging between a set of cones set up in a zig zag pattern. Full length ground drill starts with a kick to a one on one contest. If the ball spills a player swoops in and 4 players run down the field almost in a line and kick to a contest at the other end and the drill begins again the other direction. Next drill also starts with a kick to a one on one contest deep in the forward line. When the ball spills 4 players run in from different directions (2 in white and 2 in blue). Whoever won the spill would have a quick snap for goal. Brown and Dunstan have hit the gym as has Taj. Boundary throw in simulation drill with small forwards like Spargo, Nibbler and Chandler also involved with the Mids and wingers. Verral getting a lesson in ruck craft from the Master Max. When the ball spills the ball is swooped on and kicked into a contest (forward on forward) in the forward line. Defenders doing a separate drill. Rivers is in the defenders group as is Brayshaw. Salem jogging laps with Reece Conca. Forwards/Mids/Wingers doing a drill with either the wingers kicking from half forward flank or a Mid kicking from CHF into the forward line to a lead again focusing on if the ball isn’t marked then it is swooped on and snapped for goal or a better option is kicked/handballed to. There is a lot of congestion and chaos built into the drill. Often the wingers will look for a better option at CHF first before kicking into the forward line. @george_on_the_outer noted that if a lead wasn't found we would be kicking higher and longer/deeper to a contest deep in the forward line than we normally do. He may be able to explain that better. Grundy is training with the forwards on that drill whilst Max, KFW & Verral have joined the defenders drill which appear to be a drill simulating taking the ball out of defence ending with a long kick into the forward line to a contest between Kyah Farris-White and Verral (who are just being used as a tall target to kick to). Max floating around as a tall marking option as the ball comes out of defence. Joel Smith & Jed Adams have joined the rehabbers probably as planned as there might be a contact drill coming up for the first time this session. Match SIM has begun with minimal contact though. Lot of loose players. Not really man on man. More of end to end circle work than a Match SIM. Only seen a few tackles. Todays session is more skill and tactical based without the emphasis on defence or pressure. I would assume that they need to learn some of the game plan without the pressure and then in other sessions bring in the pressure/tackling/defence so that they can practice what they've learned under intense conditions. That's my uneducated guess anyway. In case I’ve never mentioned this before Kozzy is just a magician. He scooped the ball up in a one on one ground contest, broke out of a tackle with a nice don’t argue, kicked beautifully into Chandler on a lead who was spoiled in a marking contest but got the spill and handballed to Kozzy who had continued to gut run down the field and had every right to have a shot for goal on a tight angle but he kicked it in board to a free Trac who snapped truly. I know that Ben Brown and TMac have been in great form and are almost undoubtedly around 1 starters but I can’t see how Van Rooyen doesn’t get a call up either. He is a natural forward with great hands and a superb ground ball game. Can we possibly trial 3 talls again? It didn’t work with Weid in the Mix but Van Rooyen is a different beast. Great conundrum to have. Howes is a very smart clean footballer. Was in trouble on the wing and thought his way out of the situation. Granted there is not really tackling but there was pressure in this drill and he had a player in front of him and to the side with another also coming at him from another direction and no options forward and managed to spot a player backwards and found the option. Got kudos from players and coaches around him. Some of the things that Clarry does just cannot be accurately described. Players now doing run throughs to cool down. They’ve been instructed to go slow and not reach their destination before 17 seconds. The way Schache has been training at every session I have been to and from anecdotal evidence from other trackwatchers and from talking to some players at the player sponsor event it is hard to see him not pushing for selection. Granted he will probably have to prove himself at Casey but I think we will definitely see him at some point in the season. He was targeted when Weid left as like for like but I like what I see from the Schack more than from what I saw from Weid and I had high hopes that Weid would eventually make it. I'm more confident with Schache. Just noticed that TMac has his left elbow strapped. Hasn’t appeared to hampered him. I have mentioned this before in my training observations but I really feel for Tomlinson. He trains his guts out and is always encouraging to the younger blokes and is very vocal on the track. Our defence is a hard one to crack into with the big 3 in May, Petty & Lever and I feel that both the Turners might be ahead of Thommo. I haven't seen enough of the new recruit Adams who has just started to join in to most drills but like Jefferson up forward he will do his apprenticeship this year at Casey. In any event our back stocks run deep. That’s a wrap from me. Oh and did I mention that we trained some very sturdy dwellings all the way down.

PICKET FENCE'S TRAINING REPORT Greetings Demonlanders on this Hot as day. Fortunately not only was the temperature hot but the Dees went through a 6 quarter full match sim of which I file the following report. REHAB/ NO SHOWS FRITTA, JOEL SMITH, JAKE M, JED ADAMS (I THINK) SALEM INJURIES ON THE DAY Looked like LUKE DUNSTAN pinged a Hamstring during match sim. MATCH REPORT Initially the teams were more or less Blue Team ( Probable starting 18-23 Round 1) and White Team ( Probable Casey team) A few observations about this Hibbo, Dunstan, Jordan, Shache attacky, Tomlinson started in this team, Grundy and Max both were in the blue team at the start before swapping teams at Half time where we saw Max , Clarry, Gus, Harmes and one or two other regulars from Blue went to white team to even things out. PLAYER WATCH IMPRESSIONS 1 KADE CHANDLER was ON FIRE Today really looked like he wants a spot, playing in the Blue team he was heavily inlvolved in setting up play was electrifying with break away speed dish offs plus he kicked about 3 goals and was very very influential. 2 BBB He is easily the best forward we have currently runs up and down the ground leads hard judges the falling ball in contested marking and just does not miss goals. He would have had another 5 or so today 3 BLAKE HOWES What a cool customer he was today, just seems to have found a nice groove, does most things well and effortlessly and picks correct options I think he will play this year on todays performance 4 JUDD MC VIE Likewise did some very good creative work across half back wing and won his fair share of the ball in both contests and on the outside, a hard runner he is gaining in confidence each time 5 OLIVER SESTON I can now see why we drafted him , in junior footy he wouldhave been just too strong in the air and on the ground and possesses an excellent turn of speed, got caught trying to do too much on a couple of occasions but boy when he matures watch out he is not unlike Ollie Wines! 6 JAKE BOWEY Has all but sown up a hbf position I think he is a better player than Calb Daniels now and his disposal, smart descision making and mop ups are very very good. 7 SPARGY PANTS Has improved his posessions and kicked a couple of goals today and used the ball precisely and with purpose playing in the blues I think if he continues to get around 20 quality possessions he earns his keep this year 8 WILL VERALL What an athletic strong running big man he is. He contested manfully in the ruck took some grabs around the ground, dish ofs were good and his mobility and "Flair" wre very appealing will develop into a player I think . Not disimilarly DISCO TURNER Caught mey eye for the same "Flair" 9 JOSH SHACHE ATTACKY Lots to like about his , for example he took a mark today contested that a Sam Weedeman would have ran under then goaled. Clever unobtrusive but can become dynamic and bob up unexpectedly and kick a few , which he did do today. Not a bad ruckman and gives his best 10 MATT JEFFERSON.Quiet in parts but then takes the Mark of the day ) In contested company and cooly converted against the wind from 45 out on an angle, when he gets it things happen and although he may not play this year gee in 2024 watch out when he gets some confidence and size/weight. Kicked a couple of nice goals today 11 (THE HOLY TRINITY) CLARRY, J.V , TRACC were just phenomenal today just scary phenomenal. 12 LACHY HUNTER Just knows where to run, how to get it, get out on the outside spearing kicks lace out to other players and will be SENSATIONAL for us. Only slight disappiontment was JVR dropped a couple of chest marks and just got caught out of position a little today HIGHLIGHT MAX VS BRODIE G ( AFTER HALF TIME) BOTH were pitted on one another and it was highly entertaining and enlightening, Max is a one hand tap ruckman and Brodie prefers two hands. BOTH are effecteive and both take marks around the ground, use the ball well and are VERY VERY FIT FINALLY GEE WE ARE FIT I MEAN REALLY REALLY FIT, NO OUT OF CONDITION PLAYERS EVIDENT AND ON A DAY LIKE THIS PIONTS TO A SERIOUS ASSAULT ON THE FLAG IN 2023 I BELEIVE!

DEMONLAND'S TRAINING REPORT It’s a beautiful morning at Gosch’s Paddock. I’ll record my observations as the morning progresses but I have to leave early so hopefully some other Trackwatchers can fill in the gaps. Here is a compilation of all my posts/observations from training. A disclaimer: all observations are observed through one eye whilst wearing rose coloured glasses. REHAB: Melksham, Woey, Hunter (Concussion wearing yellow), Brown NO SHOWS: Salem (Thyroid), Grundy, Fritsch, Adams, Joel Smith Blue Team: May, Harmes, Melksham, Petracca, Brown, Kozzy, Nibbler, Bowey, Moniz-Wakefield, Dunstan, JVR, D. Smith, Jordon, Schache, Tomlinson, Jefferson, Laurie, K. Turner White Team: Max, Farris-White, Brayshaw, Viney (#24), Lever, Petty, Howes, Sestan, Spargo, Disco, Chandler, Rivers, TMac, Sparrow, Clarry, Langdon, McVee, Verrell I have a sneaking suspicion that Kye Turner just got the last list spot. Players in a huddle cheering and patting someone on the back & ruffling his hair. I didn’t notice Burgoyne here today. Melksham doing some running with the trainer. Brown and Woey also with trainer doing some work with one of the trainers. A game of European handball with a footy is being played in the middle of the pitch as a warmup. Langdon & Petty in long sleeves as the temperature climbs. Fingers crossed but I really think Trac’s kicking has improved. We’ve seen him have a spectrum of in play disposal from sublime to [censored]. I’ve noticed a significant improvement at training sessions. As a follow up to my criticism a few weeks ago of Laurie’s disposal I have noticed a significant improvement with his kicking. For the kicking into the pocket doomsdayers the current drill has players kicking from about the fifty to a lead deep into the pocket. 😱 Melksham, Brown & Woey all doing gym work in the open air shed. They’ve broken up into 3 separate groups for 3 separate drills. The smallest group is Jefferson, Verrell & Farris-White doing marking work with Chaplin body on body with them Another group is the keepings off handball drill in a small circle with big bodies like Max, Petty, May, TMac, Tomlinson, Schache, JVR, Lever, Disco Turner and K Turner without tackling. The rest are doing a keepings off handball drill in a bigger circle with tackling. Bowey being tended to by a trainer. Something to do with lower leg, ankle or foot. He came off earlier but came back on. Trainer has left him and he has returned to the drill. Field has been split down the middle (length ways) and two separate half field match SIMs taking place sans tackling with players in yellow vest (changing) who are on both teams. There was almost a cataclysmic event as both Viney and Trac almost collided in a non contact drill. Both pulled up in time much to Viney’s disappointment. JVR received a handball from Trac running through the middle at full pace and lace outs a beautiful long pass to Bowey on a lead. JVR has an agility that isn't always present in key position players. I'm not suggesting he could play in the midfield but he moves really really well for a big man. TMac’s on the run kicking has improved too. It cannot be underestimated how much we missed TMac late in the season for his work up the ground and in the 50m arc. He looks super fit. Dunstan has come off the track and is doing short sprints with a trainer to assess what’s going on. He’s returning to training now. Hunter kicking high to one on one contests between tall forwards and defenders. One on one opponents May vs Schache Petty vs Max Tomlinson vs TMac Lever vs JVR Disco vs Farris-White K Turner vs Jefferson Disco Turner out bodying young Jefferson Petty took a great contest chest mark on TMac Some of the one on ones from the key position players had the players start with their back to the kicker so they were going into the contest blind. Mids doing a similar one on one contest drill but when the ball spills two others are at the fall of the ball contesting the spill. Split into two groups for the keepings off handball drill with tackling and a yellow vest player in the middle playing for both teams. Tackling intensity is high. Full ground match SIM underway Hunter despite the broken nose is taking part in the SIM albeit with the fluoro hat. JVR has kicked a couple of goals getting out the back of his opponent when a high long ball has come in from fifty and he has waltz the ball into goal. Trac just makes it look so easy with his lateral movement in traffic. So much power. As I’ve mentioned every training session I’ve been to Kozzy is a magician in traffic. I would hire him to navigate my way up Punt Rd in peak hour. Viney is everywhere. Clarry doesn't appear to be hampered at all by his finger or thumb. There is no strapping and he is no longer wearing the don't touch fluoro yellow hat. It really doesn’t need to be said as we’ve seen it last two seasons but Langdon’s work rate from deep in defence, up the wing and deep into the forward line is just phenomenal. Spargo’s tackling work is mint. Sparg’s was often used as a link up along the wing and would look to bring it back in board with his clean & accurate disposal. Maxy’s marking is top shelf. Rivers disposal into the forward line is beautiful. Regarding a questions about whether River's was playing as a midfielder for the match SIMs - Hard to tell because all the play is generated from full back ie: almost like from kick outs but not in terms of being set plays from kickouts. Playing today in the half back to half forward arc closer to the boundary. If JVR doesn’t mark it his follow up work is top rate. He doesn’t stop trying to win the ball and his ground work is fantastic for a big man. A lot of power in the hips. Schache not playing as a key forward. Playing up the ground possibly replacing Grundy who is absent today as ruck positionally. We traded Schache in as a replacement for Weid and with Grundy absent he is playing that role. On the training track I have liked what I've seen from Schache and believe he can offer us more than we got out of Weid. Time will tell. Hunter’s delivery all around the ground (with the exception of one howler) and especially into the forward 50 is pinpoint. Match SIM is over. Lots of mini drill stations set up around the ground. One of them has ground ball contests between a big and a small. TMac vs Spargo and Schache vs Chandler. A snap for goal from the boundary station. One on one marking contest either in the air or to a lead. Trac vs Viney and Harmes vs Sparrow. Jefferson vs Farris-White in contested marking contests taken by Stafford. Both taking turns being the forward and defender. I guess they are teaching both of them the defensive part of the position and also combatting having a defender on you as you're marking. Two other drills on the other side of the field but I can’t tell what they’re doing. Actually one of them appears to be a ball-in drill simulating once the ball is tapped down and each player involved has his turn to mop up the ball once it hits the ground. Kye Turner signing papers handed to him by List Manager Tim Lamb. That’s all from me. The boys look like they’re changing from boots into runners so perhaps they are going to do their sprints and warm down. In summary; not one house in the Richmond area is left standing after we once again trained the house down. YOU CAN READ THE ENTIRE TRAINING THREAD HERE: https://demonland.com/forums/topic/54848-training-wednesday-15th-february-2023/

PICKETT FENCE'S TRAINING REPORT Arrived at 10.00 Just in time to see start of 4 Quarter Match Simulations. INJURIES REHAB AND NO SHOWS No show Didnt see Lachie Hunter at all out there also Didn't see Melk, Salem or Kozzy … REHAB GROUP Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Joel Smith ( Although he doesn't look far off) and Will Verall (Jake Lever, and Hibbo and Clarry ALL JOINED IN MATCH SIM but Jake and Hibbo were on Bikes after about 3 Quarters PLAYER WATCH AND HIGHLIGHTS 1. Ben Brown He is in career best form at the moment and he marked strongly in contests and on the lead. Must have kicked 5 or so goals for the blues and was opposed to either Harrison Petty and on occasions Steven May. look set for a bumper season and has all but cemented a place in the 1st Round. 2. Clayton Oliver Showed NO signs of his thumb injury, was creative, brilliant and at his destructive best opening up play exhilarating runs and brillant ball use .Just Sublime 3. Jacob Van Rooyen Nearly I say Nearly has arrived. Playing in the White team looks like he belongs and was very strong in the air and a dead eye kick for goal, Played very well and I cannot see how he misses out. Having said that TMac was a perfect foil for Ben Brown and he too looked menacing and dangerous with his up and down the ground gut running. 4. Deakyn Smith was brilliant off half back, he had a few opponents but the way he glides over the turf, reads the ball incredibly well and provides great run and carry. I beleive he would be looking very good for an early season call up. 5. Tracc was Tracc and he and Jack Viney were indefatigable and as robust as a Jar of Bovril with one teaspoon of hot water added. Just cannot be stopped. 6. James Harmes & ANB were as Busy as a one legged man in a Bum Kicking competition. They add more than icing on the cake they are the cake and very rich ones indeed and part of a potent revolving mid and half forward mix. 7. Max Gawn vs Brodie Grundy This was facinating to say the least Both played a Ruck Roving around the ground role when they weren't rucking with a Licence to roam far and wide ( Well thats how it looked to me) Max probably shaded Brodie in the ruck and around the ground , BUT Grundy did some nice things that brought many into the play. These guys will be weapons! If they play the same role as today Clubs will almost have to sacrifice a running tall Cyberman type to keep up with them as both have amazing fitness! 8. Jake Bowey Just mops up time and time again. Disposal never falters and seems a lock for round 1 9. Ed Langdon just Runs and Runs and sets up play with ability to be in the right position perrenially 10. Moose Munro yep thats right, the Moose played in the white team and picked up numerous good possesions and kicked a great goal, Think he was just making up numbers but gee would not be the worst idea if a spot opened up HIGHLIGHTS REEL 1 Ben Brown marked 60 out, looked to have a shot, but ran around the man on the mark and bullet passed it to Ed Langdon for a Goal 2 James Harmes 1, 2,3, 4 bounces around wing /pocket no options hemmed in and drilled a goal from the acutest of angles 30 out 3 Matt Jefferson Quiet for the day but late in game took a strong contested mark 50 out on an angle and Kicked Truly OTHER OBSERVATIONS If Burgoyne is no 33 Didnt notice him a lot in Match Sim. Bailey Laurie some Cameos, Luke Dunstan Ditto, Kade Chandler same. YOU CAN READ THE ENTIRE TRAINING THREAD HERE: https://demonland.com/forums/topic/54840-training-friday-10th-february-2023/

DEMONLAND'S TRAINING REPORT It’s a beautiful sunny morning at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ll be bringing you some observations from training. REHAB: Viney, Melksham, Joel Smith, Salem, Woey, Verral No Shows - Steven May & James Harmes Players warming up with kick to kick. Stafford taking the Rucks (Gawn, Grundy, Farris-White) in ruck craft drills. Verral acting as the umpire throwing the ball up. Lever, Petty & Hibberd running laps to warm up. White: Grundy Farris-White Clarry JVR Schache Fritsch Sparrow Howes Hunter Rivers Hibberd Tomlinson AMW Deakyn Smith Laurie Blue: TMac Gawn Lever Bowey Petty Brayshaw Petracca Jordon Viney (no number today) Brown Kozzy Melksham Nibbler Joel Smith Sestan Dunstan Langdon Kye Turner Jefferson Chandler Kozzy Clarry training with the main group. I didn’t notice any strapping on his hand. Interestingly Viney in the rehab group not doing anything. Boys playing a game of soccer. No Steven May No James Harmes Melksham involved in a goal kicking on the run drill. As already reported Lever is back in full training and does not look to be hampered by anything. Running and kicking freely. Looks in great nick. Max also running freely with no apparent lingering effect of his hamstring injury that sidelined him a few weeks ago. Clarry back in full training marking and handballing with no apparent discomfort in his thumb. Melksham and Joel Smith are participating in this no contact full ground drill Viney & Woey doing work on the rowing machine. They’ve broken up into the white versus blue keepings off game with a pink vest in the middle that plays on both teams. Kozzy in pink in one group. Lingers in pink in the other. Spargo now pink. Now Bowey One group keeps changing the pink vest. Lingers still the pink vest in his group. No one ever anywhere near him. Sestan does appear to have one quad bandaged. Moving freely though. Sparrow is a tackling beast. Has put on so much size. Looks like Match Sim is about to start. Clarry is wearing the flouro yellow hat. Assume this is meant to denote no or limited contact and isn’t a fashion statement or screen from the sun. Kozzy just carved his way through traffic with ease and such poise. I’ll eat my hat off his not playing more midfield minutes. Long beautiful kick from Trac off half back to TMac who turns and kicks beautifully to Jefferson on a lead. Disco Turner takes an intercepting screamer in the middle of Gosch’s Paddock. Rivers looks super fit. Hunter is going to be so important for us on the other wing. Constantly with the get, give and go again. He and Lingers on opposite wings is a weapon. Max playing last line of defence. If we kick to Brown in front on a lead so he can mark out in front he will be unstoppable. Hibbo came off second best in a marking contest with Trac and limping with some discomfort to his left leg. TMac, Brown & JVR all look in great nick out on the track. Would not want to be a round 1 selector. Jefferson obviously won’t play for a while but he is an exciting prospect for the forward line. Brayshaw came off and is getting his wrist strapped. He’s back out training now. Some great tackling from Fritsch today. Feel for Tomlinson. Works his guts out but I feel he has moved down the pecking order. Already hard to break into the defence with Petty, May & Lever and with Disco Turner impressing and Jed Adams doing his apprenticeship you feel he might not get the opportunity baring injuries. It’s evident that this year we’ll be bringing the ball back into the guts more rather than always predictably going along the wings and kicking into the forward pocket. Brown, Hibbo, Adams & Moniz-Wakefield no longer participating in match sim and are running half laps at a quick pace. Hibbo’s thigh has been bandaged indicating a corkie. Running with a slight limp. Melksham on the bike and Woey doing weights. Lever also left the match sim and is doing gym work in the makeshift shed. Ben Brown practicing snaps from the boundary. Howes also working out in the outdoor gym now. JVR cleaned up Petty in a contest. I like his mongrel. Petty eventually got up but he felt it as did the spectators nearby. DEELIGHTFULPLAY'S TRAINING REPORT Just about to rock up after 10 hours on the train to Melbourne. Don't think I'll be much good for insights but will add anything that catches my eye! Lingers is back from wherever he was After some light drills, the boys are playing soccer Joel Smith practising some goals, and then rehab group sets up for some agility drills Most boys now doing the three station kicking and grabbing on the run drill Rehabbers doing ground ball / low kick drills Salem walking laps with a trainer Tomlinson disposing well in kicking / full ground drill I second Demonland's comments about Clarry - saw him do some one hand grabs and then handball with his left hand (which was the injured one iirc) Some nice tackles by Jordan and Hibbo (in the group that has Spargs/Kozzie in pink) Burgoyne also did some agile handballs but later got caught Sestan tried a tackle on, then a few moments later got take down in a ripper tackle from JVR Hunter just did some nice running on the wing to link up with Tomlinson Gus shouting for corridor set up but then match sim ended. Might be a sign of more flexibility in game plan this season? Edit: match sim started after minute resetting Schache tries one handed grab while being pinned, Hunter swoops in and grabs the crumb before neat pass out Disco took a nice contested mark but fumbled disposal Chandler did great intercept on Grundy kicking to Hunter Seems like match sim is done - scoreboard reads 115 Blue to 99 White Tommo was great today in both match sim and drills but it's a packed field ahead of him Nothing we don't already know, but gee Bowey is a clean kick Chandler really working in this match sim, had a few good marks where he's run hard to win them Max and Grundy face off, Max successful but Hunter snatches the pass out (Max the only blue) Kyah faces off Petty for a mark and then "goals" (as far as there's such a thing in these match sims) to shouts of delight from some of the boys. Nice to see him coming along! Choco supervising and kicking points haha Trac limping off over to the shed but not sure what caused it - nothing immediately prior that looked like it could cause damage Squad now lined up down the centre on either side, with individuals coming down the centre to kick for goal head on. Heckling on the approach and shouting encouragement after. Didn't go for too long, was using Choco's striped balls I didn't notice Deakyn much but Schache went well in the match sims. Few good marks and nice positioning at times. DEESPENCER'S TRAINING REPORT Pert, Lamb, Richo, Kelly OD..good crop of admin here on the outer wing Lot of quality in the blue team. Chandler, Dunstan, McVee the only non best 22 starters. Jeffo rolling in too. White has Oliver, Grundy, Hib, JVR but otherwise seems the lesser side and Fritsch Lovely spoil by K Turner on JVR, then recovery and handball out infront of Langdon. AMW closed quickly and disrupted the handball though. More of that from Turner and he’ll get the last list spot K Turner switch to JJ. JJ hits corridor kick to Max. Gets the handball, hits Jeffo on the wing, he rolls to Spargo. Spargo plays on, bounces, hits up Dunstan 35 out filling in from midfield. That’s the game plan. Nasty clash between Hibbo and Hunter after a Tracc marking contest. Hibbo in a bad way He’s up and gingerly walking it off. And jogging back to position. The pig lives! Kyah banana! Young fella kept involved running down the flank, Nibbler kick missed JVR, Kyah pounced, stepped through traffic and nailed the snap from 40 out. Exciting Blue team are dominant forward of centre (having BBB, TMac, Tracc and Pickett) but being held inside d50 at times leading to long bombs. The lack of May and Salem is showing. White a bit the same, but Sparrow long to JVR seems an effective match up. Andy Moniz-Wakefield was filling in on a wing and I think JJ had 15 touches on him, but when he did get around the contest he looked handy. He’s wearing bigger shorts than Eddie Betts Messy low intensity start to this sim. Adams now doing sprints with Hibbo, AMW, BBB who have been pulled out Good stint in that drill from Jeffo, finding space on Disco by timing his leads and leaps. Very very messy period of match sim. Honestly I would’ve called it off and given them a bake. No doubt they’re running on fumes down rotations but there’s a lack of off ball running to create switches and corridor looks. You can’t beat a zone purely by accurate kicks, you need guys moving in and out of gaps. Not sure why the coaches are so keen to keep practicing JVR and Petty crunching in to each other over and over again. Not sure if it was the defensive pressure dropping off but they just finished a much sharper period with far more corridor play. Pretty willing session from what I saw between 10:05 and 11:20. One big full ground drill that seemed to be a mix between 3 cone kicking, some defenders involved and hit up kicks. I couldn’t work out who went where so good on the players getting this one sorted. Otherwise periods of match sim for about 10 minutes at a time mixed in with some high tempo small handball drills. Standouts: Fritsch, playing as a lead up target on team white and just racking it up in the corridor and facilitating nicely. Sparrow, showed an exceptional turn of speed to take the game on and used it well. Tracked back in defence hard. Looks ready for more midfield time Oliver was Oliver. Gawn dominated the air early. Grundy got involved at ground level, he links up in traffic very naturally. Liked the work of JJ on one wing, and Langdon had the better of Hunter on the other. From the young guys Jefferson was really good. You can see the way he reads the play and times his leads. Even showed the ability to push back in to a defender then hit up. Only one mark that I’d even remotely call contested but plenty of others with natural extension towards the ball. Then he makes calm decisions with the ball. Kyah also had a good day. He’s a proper tall ruck so can make an impact at marking contests even if he’s still learning positioning and timing, then he has the athleticism to get back on to the ground ball first. It will be 5 years until we know for sure if he’s any good but early signs are he has the tools. Schache has moments were his tank to present to space really looks the goods and his skills are solid. But he got worried out of a chest mark when 3m clear on a lead and he had a one on one with Gus that was halved but they were side by side competing. Not sure his fatal flaw has improved. Deak Smith had some willing contests but didn’t stand out. McVee throws in some classy moments with a cheeky underground handball and the likes. SLARTIBARTFAST'S TRAINING REPORT Just back from training and having read the posts by others there isn't a lot to add. I've not noticed Jefferson much to date but he was very good today. He marks the ball at his highest point timing his jump really well. He was a lot more involved in the match sims and disposed of it well. It's the first time I've really thought he's shown something in the match sims but I think he'll be good. Schache was disappointing for mine today. I noticed a few skill errors under little pressure and he just seemed a bit off. For mine he's well behind BBB, TMac and JVR. Deakyn Smith didn't do much but he's only just got back into the match sims and like most of the younger players he just wasn't involved. When you report on training sessions it almost goes without saying that blokes like Clarrie, Gus, Trac and the other mature players do well. So I tend to concentrate on the younger players or those who I think might push for selection. The two standouts for me today were Kade Chandler and JJ. Kade was so clean with the ball, I didn't see him fumble once and his disposal by hand or foot was pretty good although like everyone he missed the odd target. JJ was in everything and got leather poisoning. I think I'm like many who really like him but struggle to see exactly where he fits in but on his performance to date during PS he is best 22 and my observation is his best position is midfield. He's clean with the ball, he's brave, he gets it and he makes good quick decisions by hand. I just wonder if we should start to spread the load on Viney, Clarrie and Trac and start to give kids like JJ and Tommy S a bit more prime time mid roles. It would give the top boys a bit of a cop out and it would make the opposition concentrate on more than the big three. Others to impress today were Bowser who I thought was very good, Riv who looks in good form, JVR who continued his good form and for a bit of a smokie, JFW who I reckon is well ahead of where they thought he would be. He's nowhere near senior level but for a young kid who hasn't played any real footy he shows quite a bit, and encouragingly plenty when the ball hits the ground. My boy Olie Sestan did some nice things too but his fitness needs some real development. And for Dazzle, Joel Smith started to do more than just running the boundary with some gentle agility work. The match sims today weren't a fierce as some others I've seen and it was more ball movement today. Players were not finishing forward plays with shots for goal and the tackling wasn't as intense. It was a solid session going for well over 2 hours. JOEBOY'S TRAINING REPORT My first preseason venture out to training today, and I believe there’s going to be major headaches about filling the 2 key forward positions Brown is moving very freely and looks strong TMac is probably the pick of the bunch looking leaner and moving unencumbered JVR is everything you want from a KPP with skills, agility, and ‘attitude’ aplenty Fritsch of course picks himself KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING REPORT Beautiful morning for it. They are getting to the stage where there is plenty of push. The drills and sims were done with intensity and voice. There was an extra sim's session, making 4/5 in total for 6 minutes each, with hardly a rest during, as the ball kept moving. Goody was encouraging them to all run the transition hard. Most had to push hard up the field. At times, it looked like our backs ran so hard they were playing as forwards. They were often getting their passes over the backs to the forwards leads. Seems like they are working on creating an open forward line. Some defensive structure to hold the ball in the forward area worked well. By the end, many ended up on the haunches. They have stepped up the tackling in the handball games, they were also encouraging them to break the tackles with fends and steps away from the defender. A bit different from last year, in that they don't separate into their lines (forward, back, mid) very often. Thought Burgoyne did well, got plenty of it by running hard and getting separation, also used his shimmy/step to find clear air. K.Turner was always chasing and couldn't get in it. D.Smith was looking good, beat his opponent a few times and laced the ball to the next player. Moniz-wakefield missed a few hit ups, wasn't alone, as a few of the 1 to 3 year players did the same early in the sims. Jefferson has amazing long arms and his hand are gold. Needs to bulk up, but is looking like a potential. Spargo was in everything. Petracca getting lots of intercepts. Oliver and Kossie the stand outs. Tmac is looking powerful and getting some good acceleration. Lever left early and with no May there, our lack of backline structures made it easy for the forward thrusts. Petty up one end and Tomlinson the other didn’t get much support from the others, especially with the forward push, they were frequently isolated without the usual zoned area. Not sure if the cohesion between the group of best 30 and the rest is great. At one stage, Lever asked judd McVee what his name was in a drill. Hoping it was tongue in cheek. Hunter got hit in the collision with Hibbo who corked his thigh, got it strapped and was running it out. Lachie then smothered a ball off Max's boot with his head. He didn't appear dizzy, but that was the end of the session for him. Maybe getting the concussion tests. Our intensity is causing many niggles early on in our preseason. Talked to a volunteer, he tells me the practice match out at Casey will be curtain raised by the, Casey Demons team versus Richmond VFL. You can read the entire training thread here: https://demonland.com/forums/topic/54834-training-wednesday-8th-february-2023/

DAZZLEDAVEY'S TRAINING REPORT Great day all round. It was a low key kind of session which I suppose makes sense from yesterday full match sim. The boys are seriously looking fit and they know. To see the boys up close and see the likes of JVR who really is a beast for his age is something to be excited about this year. @Deemania since 56 is right 100%. There was no stand out particular just the team cruising along ticking the boxes. Very jovial out there with Maxy, Melksham, Lever, Petracca the ones always vocal and keeping the group up beat. Realistically it wasn't so much a full footy type training but more groups of about 10? rotating through to each drills with some doing stationary kicking drill, and some doing some keepings off down the far wing. Short and sharp and was enough to draw a crowd. They still would have worked up quiet a sweat considering was fairly hot. Was great to catch up with a few local boys such as Spargo, Turner, Schache and Oliver from MB days and James Jordon who's a close friend with my little brother from Yarrawonga. Once they picked me out of the crowd they came and shook hands and was happy to take photos with my young lad. Was great to catch up with these lads and not even a change of ego or arrogance in them since being in the system.. Still the same country kids as when i knew them back when they were 16 year olds coming through the ranks. Was blown away with how incredibly fit Turner is compared to when was a fat chubby kid coming through the system. Was blown away also with how trimmed Schache is. Leaving no stone unturned and wouldn't surprise if on training form he plays round 1. Got carried away talking to Oliver just talking life in general and about few mutual friends we knew that I completely forgot to ask about his hand 🤦‍♂️ Maxy Gawn is a genuine rock star. Everywhere he went the kids were following him around and hassling the poor kid (in a fun way). Very good with the kids and we're incredibly lucky to have him as our skipper. Few notes on players. Howes: Smooth mover and quite tall then i thought. He was standing next to Turner during the initial warm up and I thought he was a smidge taller? Turner is listed at 194cm. JVR: Has a presence already. Just a big strong lad who'll command that forward 50 in the next few years. I knew he was a big boy but didn't realise how physically imposing he already is. You can certainly build a forward line around this kid. Jefferson: Didn't really see much of him to be honest. Jed Adams: Interesting kicking action but didn't seem to trouble him, in fact he's got a pretty good kick on him with a bit of penetrative to go with. Got a few positive feedback from choco. Deakyn Smith: Very interesting player. He's a smooth mover who's well balanced and is clean below his knees. Quiet poised in the kicking drills and was happy. No idea what position the coaches have in mind for him but he'll be a player of interest for me. Sparrow: A big ball of muscle. Trains at a real intensity and look pretty focused and ready to go. Hoping he takes that next step. Burgoyne: In the stationary kicking near me he didn't even miss a target. Was composed and just neat with his disposal. I think he was a bit surprised that I called him out for a photo and signature for my lad. Asked him abut his chances getting on the list and in his own words.. "Yeah nah should be pretty easy to get a gig." Grundy and Hunter do train at high intensity. Can tell they have come from clubs that demand high performance and these blokes are certainly bringing that to the club. You can't have enough of these guys because it certainly rubs onto the young players. Guys like Lever, Melksham and Rivers are looking incredibly fit. Ball in hand all 3 barely missed a target. Competition for spots will be heating up! Good luck to Goody and the coaches picking round 1 side because there is some genuine talent on display today that will miss out unfortunately. Players mingled with supporters and went out of their own way to take photos with the kids etc. DAZZLEDAVEY'S NOTES FROM THE TRAINING THREAD: Have arrived and boys doing a circut on the netball courts. Some ridiculous fit dudes here. Circut still going on. JVR is one big unit. It's ridiculous a bloke that's 19 is already that size. Onto the oval where you'll struggle to find a green blade of grass. Seston with a bandaged left hammy Still doing some walking lunges and side skips as a warm up. Broken up into small groups with most of it compiled of stationary kicking. See today's sessions as more of a captains run. Disposal is clean, crisp and moving fluently. There's a group down the other end doing some keeping off. No bandage on Oliver's hand. But i presume as its a light session there will be no contact today. Lever is moving and kicking well. Doesn't at all seem hindered. Groups have no rotated. Near me is Choco Williams with the kicking group. Barking orders and wanting to keep it low and hard. Kye Turner has an unusual kicking style but is effective so far. Kozzie, Rivers and May are so efficient with their kicking style. Rivers looks extremely fit. Would love to see him spend midfield minutes if an opportunity came across. Trent Burgoyne really showcasing his poise and clean kicking skills in the group near me. AMW is another who kicks it flat and hard. Mark Williams would still make a good senior coach. He barks orders but also gives good constructive feedback and demands 100% in all aspects. Benny Brown moving well also. I haven't spotted TMac either. And that's a wrap. Will try and give a bit of a summary when I'm home. You can read the entire training thread here: https://demonland.com/forums/topic/54827-training-tuesday-7th-february-2023/

SLARTIBARTFAST'S TRAINING REPORT I arrived at 9.15am to find the match sims well underway and I imagine they started early to allow them time to get organized for the community camp at Yea. On the rugby oval adjacent to Gosch's a few are the boys were doing some gentle drills. Clarrie, Nibbler, AMW, Jefferson and Melk were doing a bit of keeping off, handball drills and some running. I only watched as I made my way to the main oval. Smith and Verrell were doing running around the boundary and as far as I could tell the only no shows were Salo and Lingers. All the rest were involved in the match sims including Gawny and Jake Lever. Goody would throw the ball in on the wing and the white and blue team would contest from there. Brodie got a lesson from Max over the journey but Brodie was good around the ground and did some good ruck work on the odd occasion when he got the better of Max. JJ was playing inside mid in the absence of Clarrie and was doing very well. He was very clean and won a number of clearances. Kyah Farris-White was playing as a KPF with Brown and TMac and really didn't get into it but it's interesting that they see a bit of KPF in him. May was in everything and a real standout on the day and Max was marking very well around the ground. JVR continues to impress. On one occasion he was involved in a marking contest at FF with the ball bouncing away to another player who was 15 metres away but he then pressured and tackled the defender drawing applause from Goody and the players. He's very competitive when the ball hits the ground and I'd hate to be the match committee selecting the KPF if all the boys are fit. In another piece of play the ball was cleared from the centre wing throw in and was kicked forward. JVR took the bouncing ball at full pace and instantly handballed to Spargs who kicked beautifully to Fritta. It was a fantastic piece of play again drawing applause from Goody and the staff. After match sims they broke into three groups and did craft training. One was marking practice and on one occasion Kossie sat on his opponent's head and took a screamer. When he landed he jarred his knee and went to get some medical attention but returned and completed the running at the end of the session. The session finished at about 10.40 and the players all headed off together. I imagine it will be a pretty relaxed skills session at Yea tomorrow with a lot of meet and greet particularly if the advertised training session is on again at Gosch's on Wednesday. You can read the entire training thread here: https://demonland.com/forums/topic/54828-training-monday-6th-february-2023/

Goody has sent the players away for a 4 day break before they regroup at the club on Monday. After a few 6 day breaks and the 4 day break, it is probably a good time for them to freshen up. Goody said they might watch a ‘bit of footy’ over that time. Without kicking off a massive player bashing session, I am interested if that’s what a few of these guys need - a bit of time away and self reflection? Perhaps now the bath water has been drained and we are staring at the dregs of what should have been, a little time away to ‘freshen up’ might be time for them to get their heads back in the game. I would seriously be hoping the coaching staff take the time to take stock and reset. If J Lewis was speaking from the club approved position (to change the gameplan a bit), then they have very little time to work out what they want to change, and get the systems ready to train next week. Some of the players need to take a fairly solid look at their performances over this time and make some hard decisions about what they do from here.

Just saw some photos on FB re training today. Anyone able to supply a report? Any special notice of players who may be IN for Thursday?

Drove past Goshes Paddock between appointments, and it looked like MFC were training (or about to train). Unfortunately, in the interests of staying employed, I couldn’t stop in. Anyone else attend, and can offer some insights? I wonder who looks like coming in?

Got along to training this morning. I believe the whole list was present save for Mitch King. Arrived to see a "sore / tightness" group jogging slow laps comprising Viney, Kent, Salem, Vince, Terlich IIRC. The rehab group consisted of JKH (hammy strapped) and Jeffy doing some quick hands handballing. Jeffy later proceeded to walk a couple of laps and then disappear. Not self evident that he'll be playing this week but perhaps just giving the ankle maximum rest. Pencil must have been lurking there too somewhere as I saw him later on in the session walking around the boundary. Oscar McDonald didn't participate in training and just jogged a few laps. Training consisted of the usual skills sessions. Highlights for me were: 1) Ben Newton looked sharp and must be close to a game with Casey; 2) Dawes participated fully and can't be far away; 3) Trengove showed no signs of any lingering impact from the hit out at Casey; 4) Petracca very enthusiastic and hit up Weed and others on a number of occasions with what's quickly becoming a trade-mark ie low, hard & accurate passes.....not quite Flash like but elements to be sure.; 5) a great camaraderie across the group with a high level of self assuredness ahead of what looms as a massive game against a backs to the wall Pies unit. The other interesting facet was a couple of media outlets being present, including Stevo who stayed for the whole session. So presumably a selection story brewing?

Edwin’s Wi-Fi is terrible at the moment so bear with me for having this in rather late… Keen readers will have noticed that I was nervously awaiting the AFL Victoria announcement for the Community Media Awards last training report. It didn’t happen on Friday owing to an enormous amount of numbers, so I had to wait until Wednesday. But did I get one? Hell yeah I did. One of only two across the Northern Football League. Get around me. But as it is I only devote a little bit of time to myself and more so on the players who are actually training, and this is the first time I get to see the senior players in action after having to miss Monday’s session. At least, I hope that’s the case. A delay at Reservoir station means I’m not sure as I type when the hell I’m actually going to get there. 13 (!!!) minutes later, we’re off and going again, the train driver seemingly as sure as Mark Neeld’s assessment of training standards regarding what the hell was going on exactly. Anyway, regardless of whatever situation was the case, I’m there on time and just get there to see a whole heap of the boys applauding. Not sure why – maybe it was my presence. I wish. Regardless the boys head off for a quarter lap before doing some stretches. What I do notice is that rehab has increased markedly since last Friday, what with all the senior boys back. Jones is moving around really bloody well which is a positive coming off neck surgery, Terlich is in the rehab group, the big Spence train as well. At the moment I cbf’ed making my way over to see who else is in the rehab group, thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to sit in the shade on a quaint Melbourne November morning. Gus Brayshaw leaves early again after reporting early on. The warm-up, in the meantime, takes the boys to some weird and wonderful places. The boys run from the goalsquare to the wing… maybe perhaps a bit closer to the half-forward flank, with Dawes leading the way. Obviously he’s had the rocket up the ass from the drafting of Hulett and the other tall blokes (notice how they were going on about Hulett’s strong hands and his ability to play as a third tall?) and needs a big season. Viney is also up the front as he almost always is. Tyson and Garlett walk along the ground, not sure if there’s a serious intention for either of them to train, Tyson’s walking lap and Garlett sneaks off into the tent not to be seen again. Warm-ups carry on regardless, and I have absolutely NFI what the boys are doing. A sprint, sudden stop, turn back, jumping blind turn? Huh? Some blokes look graceful doing it (i.e the mids) and some blokes look atrociously clumsy (i.e Maxy). Next… after that the boys split into a couple of small groups. Nearest to me there’s a group with a two on one situation, where the two have to work out a way past the one which is defending and wearing a vest. The boys are getting through without too much difficulty but talk is non-existent. Mind you, whenever there’s the slightest sign of a feigned handball, the boys are up and about almost as if Steph Curry crossed over another bloke. Surest sign is when Jack Watts sells Goodwin some candy. Right, so the whistle goes and the boys rotate. Jack Viney gives a bit of candy out, and the bloke in the vest (can’t recognise who it is) is like “oh I didn’t want to hurt ya!” Righto… his ego takes a further blow when he is again sold candy not 20 seconds later. It’s also here that I get my first assessment of Jake Melksham. Skinny-looking bloke but by the looks of things good upper-body strength. Just think if he gets his disposal sorted he’ll be a handy pickup. The boys stop (for now) and it’s another chance to have a geeze and who’s doing what, especially in the rehab group. Bernie is taking (Max) King for a run, Spencer and Tyson bugger off early, Nate Jones is moving super well, he really is, and Terlich and Frost are running laps. Meantime Tom McDonald goes off to get his shoulder strapped, not sure what the prognosis is and whether he got a knock during the drill or it’s just your stock standard precaution, either way there’s a serious amount of tape on that left shoulder of his. The next drill is a handballing drill right in front of me, with a group of defenders trying to steal the footy off the team with possession. There is success in the second group where Salem reads the play beautifully and pinches it off White. In fact, White is pretty sloppy in this drill. Two handballs are intercepted, there’s a fumble when picking the ball up and his other handball misses the target. I’m backing the bloke to rebound as soon as he gets the chance. Interesting to note that the coaches are promoting “width” and “run and carry”. No doubt I don’t think anyone in the coaching staff want the panic handballs to set in like they always do. Anyway these quotes are mentioned about three or four times during this drill. On to the blokes who look in pretty good form at the moment. Grimes is having a good patch – thought he ended 2015 on a bright note which he can take into 2016 and he’s training accordingly at the moment. Came second in the time trial on Wednesday and has really settled in nicely and moving well. I still have a bit of a question mark on his decision-making but if he has a good season the Dees will be better for it. The boys have a break again, this time again I get a look at who’s doing what – BK’s running around, Bernie has seemingly not stopped running since training started and Hogan has been taking set shots into the wind. Dawes is doing some marking drills with Jade Rawlings – he still doesn’t look overly confident above his head, preferring the chest mark wherever he can. Again the boys split in two, up the far end it’s a tackling/strength drill of sorts, while the drill nearest to where I am being a pressure drill of kind. Watts is one of the defenders and he’s always the threat in these drills and accordingly he pinches one of the balls. I wish he was given the natural progression to AFL instead of being thrown in, killing his confidence. In the meantime, as I watch, it’s good to see Sam Weideman and Liam Hulett show up and have a look around – shades of Super Pav in not only Weed’s looks but his ultimate swaggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa as well. I can’t wait for opposition defences to be sorted just before a game starts, then they see Hogan and Weideman swagger along like the Beastie Boys did in the Sabotage music video. A fun fact about Hulett – I covered the Young Guns game for AFL Vic and didn’t mention his name, nor did I mention Brayden Sier who also played. I dun goofed with that one. I do remember, though, that Hulett was playing in the backline for the victorious green team and didn’t get much of a look in due to their domination after quarter time. Next drill – basically it starts around the middle with a couple of defenders with a kick coming in to a forward before kicking a goal. This happens at both ends. Nothing special’s really going on to be honest. Hogan has an uncharacteristic miss – in fact he’s having a bad day in front of the sticks – and then as I get the idea of typing that he nonchalantly goes off one step and puts in right through the middle. Okay then. Next drill is a whole lot of randomness again – on one side, the near side, you have two blokes going up for a marking contest; in the middle, you have a contest where two blokes are going after a rolling footy, and up the far side it’s more like a kick to five blokes see who gets it kind of drill. Petracca walks by and (I think) gives the new draftees the thumbs up. I’m looking forward to seeing Trac talking to Weideman for the first time. I reckon you could almost SEE the swag. As I type this actually happens. Petracca comes up and gives Weideman the swaggiest greeting you’ll ever see - quite the serious handshake it was, almost like they from da hood, and almost as if they’ve known each other for a decade. I already like this setup. Now to see Hogan meet and greet Weed for the first time and my day would be complete. After what felt like about 20 minutes of approximately nothing to report the boys get back into it for a bit of a run. And it’s a running drill out of the box here. The boys – in two groups of vests, white and green, go runabouts in what is like a game of tag, where the blokes have to run about to a pole before the other bloke. Maxy Gawn’s having a bit of a laugh as he’s running – he is the banter king that’s for sure. Anyway, after that brief exercise the boys run three quarters of the oval in twos, for what scientific purpose instead of running the entire lap only Misso knows. After that the space-time continuum is broken again as only Misso manages to do with his concoction of which groups should be what when doing the running drills, with the boys splitting up between white and green and running in two groups. It’s good to see Dawes running up the front with regularity, with Tom McDonald sandwiched in the middle much like a Melbourne Cup favourite around the 1200m mark. Some more continuous running then, and Petracca starts the second “groups of two” run by completely ghosting Dawes along with Grimes, passing Dawes and then evidently using all his fast-twitch stocks to run out of gas towards the end of the three quarter lap. Mind you his acceleration of the blocks is pretty damn impressive. It’s also pretty interesting to see the difference between a stock standard AFL player and an athlete. While most are absolutely puffed out by their final group run, Tom McDonald is still roughly as silent as a Charlie Chaplin film. The boys then finish up. I hang around just to see Hulk and Weed meet for the first time and begin the highest profile pairing since Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams fo-shizzled their way through Drop It Like It’s Hot. Roosy, interestingly, brings together Bugg, Harmes, Kent, Hunt and Salem together for a chat, for what I don’t know because I’m not a good lip-reader. As I start to embark on the route to Edwin’s Petracca, Watts and Hogan all come up to a young lad, wheelchair bound, and sign his cast, hat and promise a tour around the club during their weights session. It’s a timely reminder of how good this club is to the young blokes and what a fantastic gesture. I also wish the young lad well for the future. A further note – it appears that the first part of training will be finishing up on the 18th of December and restarts (at this stage) on the 8th of January, by the looks of things it’ll be a week of training at Gosch’s before buggering off during the Aussie Open. ​

With the tragic events of yesterdays results now well and truly sunk in and many questioning their faith I thought some reflection and confessions might be in order. I get on demonland to connect with fellow sufferers/supporters because quite frankly I don't have too many demon supporting friends. Thats just how it is. grew up that way, went to school that way and its still that way. But you know what, this team got in my blood, got in my soul and became a part of me I can't let go. So I don't care where we are. Im a demon through and through and I believe you guys and girls are too. In the hope that we can all get to know each other a little better and perhaps even get along better I suggest the following for anyone who is game. What I would like to know is the following. 1. How did you start following the Demons? 2. Who was your very first favourite player and why? 3. Best moment as a fan? 4. Worst moment as a fan? 5. Anything else you would like to share? Okay lets see what you got.

Friday, November 20, 0945 hours Pretty big day for this individual. First of all, my one and only exam was completed yesterday, and secondly, today I find out whether I’ve been nominated for AFL Victoria’s Community Media Awards for the second year in succession, which at the age of 22 I see as a massive achievement. Anyway, I get here missing part of the warmups, as is almost customary for me nowadays, I couldn’t explain properly why that is the case. Anyway as I get here the boys are doing the same drill that they normally do when they start off with their drills for the morning, the handball drill where there’s a defender putting pressure on. In the middle there’s a different drill, where the boys are asked to kick to players in the same team until called to kick to the other team. I’ll probably try to better explain – there’s two teams of about four or five players, one wearing vests and one not wearing vests, plus a couple of players wearing orange for that matter as well, and the coach calls out which colour kicks to whom. If that makes sense. In the meantime, as I walk through to Gosch’s, Terlich finishes up early and walks by me; Smith and ANB are doing some running and I can’t really explain why, and Trengove makes a very welcome appearance. Not entirely sure what he is doing at this point. Vandenberg is having a run around the joint as well. Meantime checking out the personalities around the place Mahoney is hearing watching, as well as King Jackson who’s made himself a dead set legend yesterday by signing on for a couple more years. Top bloke. Next drill is a full grounder drill, two full teams, boys are going hard at it. Brayshaw is crashing into blokes and in one case manages to bring down Maxy Gawn. It’s not quite the full monty yet until everybody else joins the party anyway. In the meantime Kenty is still moving very well considering he hasn’t played for a few months, and Tommy Mc is still showing his versatility whenever the ball goes nearby. Having said that there’s quite a few slip and sliding around due to the wet conditions experienced after last night’s awesome storm. Speaking of storms, an early look at a possible game plan sees the boys storming forward whenever they get the chance to do that. The ball movement at this early stage is noticeably faster and there’s more of an emphasis on players moving positively whenever the chance is there to do so. There is still a bit of an emphasis on switching play – as most coaches probably would. Having said that despite all the positivity, there are still a few disappointing errors by foot. Some of these errors come about as a result of risky kicks, but there are also errors which come about due to poor kicks. Another bloke who’s moving around really well is Dom Tyson. This bloke’s going to be an interesting case in 2016. I think all Melbourne supporters agree that 2015 was disappointing for him but I think we also all agree that we knew he was somewhat affected by injury. Anyway, on the track at the moment, he’s moving around like he’s finding the 2014 silky-smooth movement again, even though that there is still a bit of tape around his knee, which is really good to see. I’m therefore looking forward to seeing what he does when he’s fully fit. More on the drill – the skills have improved markedly since I commented that they left a lot to be desired. Also it seems that there is a lot more confidence about with many players. Probably none more so than Jayden Hunt. He seems to be backing his speed a lot more and he’s also getting the chance to find a lot more space, which is really encouraging. I think 2016 is the year we’ll finally see him get games, and we’ll finally get to see the great #29 grace the field for the first time since the great days of Michael “Juice” Newton. Drill stops and the move to the other side of the ground to do some form of a defensive drill. On the near side of the ground where I am it’s good to see Dunny here a bit early like he normally is, having a bit of fun and having set shots… hold on, he’s a defender isn’t he? On the other side of the ground, it’s really good to see JKH all over this defensive drill, and intercepting a couple of kicks, which is exactly what I want to see. Just hoping that this year was just the classic case of second year blues. The drill stops for a period before the roles are reversed – the team with the vests are attacking and the team without them are defending… but that’s a loose term. Good moment comes when a kick opens up big Maxy 15 metres in the clear, Maxy gets there… but only just. One quintessentially classic panic handball later, the vest team are able to kick a goal having broken open the defensive structure that the plain team tried to implement too easily in the end. This is the same deal when the defensive structure is tried again, with a kick down the corridor breaking open the play way too easily, which is either good or bad depending on which team you want to focus on. After a short micro-break the boys go at it again… and again it’s basically the same deal without the result this time around. I’m looking around trying to work out whether it’s just that the team with the vests have more numbers or that there is a weak link which is hurting the plain structure. At the moment, it appears to be a case of the former. On closer inspection, there’s the same amount of numbers on both sides. Bit of a break, Frost is running laps around the oval, Hogan has seemingly appeared out of nowhere given I hadn’t seen him during the drills (not sure if I haven’t paid enough attention for that one TBH) and is having a few sprints just over a patch of the oval with Viney. There’s clearly a bit of friendly rivalry when they run around – think it’s almost like they have to start line astern with an alternate leader and then they have to make sure that they stay in front. Bit of a similar drill to what’s been going on basically all morning after a short break which is another pressure-based drill with game simulation. Again JKH is performing well when applying pressure, laying another couple of tackles. Really been impressed with his application this morning. As they have another chat all you can hear is the solid BEEP BEEP BEEP noise that the Storm are doing. It’s not entirely a beep test, but (BEEP) it’s (BEEP)in annoying. Thankfully the boys get back into it, coupled with the beeping noise stopping, so that I can focus entirely on the drill at hand and see who’s doing what. With Hogan, Viney and a few others sitting out of main group training for the time being it’s two groups of nine on nine… ahem, AFL 9s. The drill restarts and immediately there is an orgy of players all over the footy. Again, JKH doesn’t give an inch whenever anyone gets the footy, laying yet another tackle, this time on Harmes. Mind you there was about 15 or 16 players within two metres of the footy this time round so laying a tackle was straightforward. There was a bit of solid banter during the drill when Tom McDonald gets the footy and tries kicking it to King… only to have his brother intercept it! During the same passage of play, Hogan (who’s running on the oval) cracks the shits when he has players interrupt his run (as I said before, it’s a friendly rivalry with Viney that he has and he’s trying to better Jack’s efforts). The next time they go about it Harmes gathers from half back and goes for an electrifying run that last until about 20m from goal before he gives out a Joe the Goose to a teammate. I am a bit disappointed he didn’t take the initiative and kick the goal himself because that was every bit as good a run as Phil Manassa’s (albeit this is in training and not in a Grand Final with the game on the line). After that there’s more of a handball drill this time around. It’s similar to the kicking drill except it covers a much smaller patch of ground than the kicking drill which was basically a full grounder. It’s more of a five on five drill than the nine on nine we’ve become accustomed to, with all players basically starting side on. The boys then stop for a bit, have a casual kick to kick and then change into their running shoes. As ever they come with instructions – Press B to run like the wind! (points if you get the reference). Okey-dokes. The running. There’s two groups and one quasi-group which I’m not sure just starts slowly or is part of the other group, I don’t have a clue. First bit of running sees the boys go from the back pocket to the goal posts. Either side. Pleasingly for those who likes seeing epic running battles, Tom and Oscar McDonald are in the same group, which will make for good viewing when everybody else invariably slows down. Pleasingly, for the time being, Dom is up the front. Kennedy, by the looks of things, is up the front of the other group. Mind you, that group has Gawn, Frost, Kent and King in it, so it’s the same running group as when I was last here last Friday. For the time being though I’m really pleased that Dom looks back to his injury-free best, staying up the front the whole time. After a leisurely walk around the oval the boys head off for a spot of lunch, which is what I also do. ​

Alrighty, first off as I type this I'm going to be a little late. Not that it honestly bothers me too much, I had to do a bit of running around this morning, but I wont be missing too much more than the warmup should the boys actually start on time. Perhaps they might be a little bit later than that. Okay, so I get here at 10:00, a tad late with the almost as fashionable entrance that Russell Westbrook assumes in the NBA, laptop bag strapped over my shoulder and all - but Im told I didnt miss much all I missed really is the warmups and one of those six minute runs that the boys do. When I get here the boys are walking around the oval, and then slowly gets to a bit of a jog. In the rehab group on the other side of the oval are Hoges (I was wrong about Monday by the way, it wasnt management, hes got a bit of a finger issue at the moment) and Petracca of course. What it looks like they are doing is that both are running and doing a bit of weaving before marking the footy, and theres also a bit of work to do with some hurdles as well by the looks of things. As we were then with the main leaders leading the way around the oval. McDonald and Viney are up the front, and the boys look like they are changing into their footy boots so that they can start using the ball in vastly different conditions to when I was here Monday the thorough Monday afternoon heat and gust replaced by Friday the 13th cold, wet and breeze. Its not a pretty day by any means but this provides an early season indicator given this will be the conditions the boys will be facing come the 2016 season. The boys go for this weird kind of run around part of the oval. I couldnt properly explain it except for its pretty brief. Afterwards theres a short kick of the footy. Its a good chance to see whos up here and training. Max Gawn is here and hes having a run around in his quest to make Todd Goldstein look like Paul Johnson an ultimately difficult task. Ive already mentioned McDonald being here, dont think Garland is here, while Brayshaw after missing Monday is here too training. The whistle goes the kick of the footy is all too brief. I hear loud noises, including a couple of mentions of over the shoulder as the boys assume positions for the next drill, with a whole heap of cones. This is an interesting drill. Theres groups of four in this drill, with a couple of players weaving around cones, one with the footy and one without, whereas another player comes in to try and tackle said player weaving with the footy. At the moment no one is really missing the mark, thats because the player with the ball seemingly runs straight into the man whos going after him. Again its all too brief and they move around again, this time to the edge of the square. Again this is another kind of pressure drill Theres about three players in vests and another three who go out and run to get the footy in kind of a simulation drill. There isnt a whole lot of pressure from those wearing vests, which is either disappointing or what is expected of them from the fitness coaches, I couldnt tell you which is which. From the ball users perspective there are a couple of handballs which miss the target and their trajectory is poor. Again (and this seems to be the theme of the day) the drill is very brief. Meantime over at the near end of the ground, Jesse up for a kick at the park tomorrow? Hogan and CP5 are having set shots. Hogans run up is even more painfully slower and more edgy than what it was last year with the stutter even more obvious you could make a verse about it in Stutter Rap. Meantime Petracca misses a sitter from about 35 out on a slight angle and hes pretty [censored] about it he knows he should do better. You can notice the higher standards though, maybe in another year, specifically 2013, the boys would have a laugh about it, but you can see the want to succeed now. Anyway, with less jibberish, the boys begin their next drill. The first group nearest is stopped and the coach over there (cant work out who it is from a distance) mentions that it shouldnt be too much of a handball game. There are a couple of average kicks I wont lie about that, especially one from I think Smith who just skids it along the ground, its a true shank. On the far end of the ground the drill is still going and theres a few kicks which are just hitting the mark with authority. There was one such instance where Harmes lead excellently to the ball and it hits him on the chest as he jumps, didnt catch who actually kicked it to him but thats always a good sign looking ahead. Theres a clear difference between the two groups the group nearest to where Im positioned are moving it slowly and with a bit of hesitation, but the group on the opposite side of the ground are taking it on big time. Its a massive difference and the group nearest to us are out to rectify that when they begin again. Rehab Hulk and CP5 are running laps now. CPs endurance has massively improved since this stage last year and hes running with Crossy, whos going to be massive for his ultimate development in being able to run all day. The conditions change again as the boys head into the next drill suns out guns out not quite. Not for me anyway. The drill here is that the boys start off in a circle, then the boys spread out around the ground and become targets. Matt Jones scuffs the first kick, one which is wide of the mark to Terlich, which sees the vest team get possession of the footy. In fact the first two times the groups go out, it is characterised by missed handballs and a couple of scuffed kicks here and there. Its a little disappointing but then again the team with the vests are putting on good pressure much the same. The teams change and immediately theres a shift. Where the first team tried to move the ball too quickly, theres more a sense of surety with this team as the boys take a bit more time moving the ball, but not too slowly. The boys assess their options a lot more carefully and as a result, are able to transfer the footy from one end of the ground to the other. The second movement is even more impressive the team with the footy catch out the team with the vests through straight and direct ball movement, which goes nothing short of perfect until the final kick which drifts away late and hits the post. It was delightful to watch and hopefully theres more of that throughout the season as the boys cut through teams like a hot knife through butter. Now thatd be something. The boys, in the meantime, continue their drill, and while the early stages look reminiscent of the boys at their worst (what I mean is that when they handball backwards and they panic mercilessly) whats impressive is that they are beginning to realise that handballing to a bloke under pressure just doesnt work. Ever. Its Terls who sets this one up, sidestepping a couple of blokes and then delivering a good ball. In the meantime, CP5 leaves early. Im assuming therefore that OKC and his beloved Russell Westbrook are playing then. The boys start again. Salem gets the ball and somehow manages to break a Viney tackle. Not too often you get to say that but thats a representation of the standing of the bloke. In fact, every time Salem is getting it, he is using it extremely well and its so good to watch. Just nails almost every kick basically, no matter whether its a long kick or a short one. The boys then stop for a short break, be it either for drinks, to have a chat, or to watch Jesse Hogan walk off. Either one of the three. The boys then split up into groups of three, one with green vests, orange vests and one group without vests. Its two teams at the moment one sits out. Its the team without vests sitting out at the moment, leading to the ultimate See My Vest Cup (Byrnes coaching, anyone? Would be appropriate) which ends briefly after a miscued kick which just skids along the ground. Im assuming that the two just go at it until theres a mistake one which comes in the second game between orange and plain when a kick is spoiled well (to applause and cheers) by Gussy, the ultimate hard working kid. All three teams cycle through and we go again. Green team is unable to penetrate orange teams defensive structure. This time a loose kick is intercepted by (by the looks of it) King. The defensive structure of the two other teams is interesting. Plains defending is manic and high-energy, however some loose defending from Harmes brings their strategy undone, while Green seem to be loose, an ambitious kick into the corridor to Salem is quickly intercepted by two Green defenders. The drill then ends for either a pause or a switch to another drill. As it turns out, its a pause. After a brief restarting of the drill the boys start off again they stop almost as quickly, and then have a lengthy chat. They move down the ground and have another chat? Im assuming theres a bit of set shot work here because of the way this drill seems to be set up. This isnt the case. Instead theres only like four blokes actually having set shots, a big group having snaps and another small group crumbing and running in to goal from about 25-30 out. Meantime nothing has changed with Brayshaw in his training habits, always the prankster and always talking [censored] whenever someone goes past and has a set shot. On this occasion Stretch is copping an earful. Meantime theres a group with Crossy running around King, Frost, Kent and Kennedy. Dunno why they arent with the main group. As to be expected, Kent and Kennedy lead the way with Frost trailing and King a little bit further back in these running drills. This has been the way of the world for about 15 minutes so I have a geeze around and look at the world. While the training gear is somewhat up to scratch for a number of people its not quite up to scratch in other areas. For example, the cloth which covers the pavilion. Im not sure about you but you would THINK for a club which has worked hard to develop its logo that by now theyd have developed a cloth with the new logo on it in preparation for the release. Thats not the case. Old Schwabbolly-dobbolly-wobbollys logo is still taking pride of place. In the middle a beep test being sorted? It doesnt seem to be the case because after a short while with measuring et al, the cones are being taken away. Maybe they are otherwise preparing for it to be done in a future session (Monday?) Regardless theres a few at the moment who are on their way out. Its also my cue to bugger off myself as I look for a spot of lunch and either perhaps get to enjoy some old reruns of the footy or perhaps the cricket coming up as well (although thats not until later).

http://afl.to/1TynRFf

Melbourne FC ‏@melbournefc 3m3 minutes ago VIDEO: Today was @jtren9's first running session and the boys made it a moment to remember: http://mfcde.es/1MUr4d7

... no-one gets along to training anymore? Speaking for myself, but I'm sure others may agree, we interstaters genuinely appreciate any training reports that are posted on these forums as it provides more of a sense of involvement with the club where, obviously, we cannot physically show our support every week. Given all of the current talk on these boards, it would also be nice to get any (hopefully impartial) observations on the relationship between coach and players - is there a sense of distance, camaraderie, etc etc. I believe that there was a training session at Gosch's Paddock yesterday, but have seen nothing on here and only an empty topic on 'ology.