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Training pictures at Casey today including an action sequence of young Billy Stretch ==> http://www.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=36047047&AlbumKey=ccGjHn

A mostly sunny day with temperatures in the low 30s is predicted for today as the boys head out to Casey Fields for training. Unfortunately for me, work commitments have intervened and I must miss out again so, like many others, I'll be looking out for reports from those who can make it out there today for the first training session under the post Jimmy regime. Wednesday night's AGM was a pretty lacklustre affair (especially for those expecting fireworks after the controversy surrounding the sacking of Dean Bailey) but the highlight for me was the football part of the night and in particular Mark Neeld's speech which is available on the melbournefc.com.au website. Neeld said that his pre-season challenge to the players was an elite work ethic and elite compliance. I think this has been reflected in many of the reports here but perhaps those who go out there today could concentrate on the new faces? When introducing them on Wednesday night, Neeld spoke of Mitch Clark who he said some consider a ruckman but Neeld has a specific role for him as a key forward. He spoke of Tom Couch's strong legs, James Magner's big arms, how James Sellar was a tall, big, mature age player, of Jai Sheehan, a tall youngster who went to the same school as Neeld (and strongly touted by new midfield coach Aaron Greaves), that Leigh Williams was a strong aggressive forward line player, mid size Josh Tynan was a hard at it defender with an interesting hair style who took on taller players in the TAC Cup and of the great first impression made by Rory Taggert at the draft camp. There's a definite thread there and it was clear when they stood together on the stage. Strong bodies that you don't mess around with so I wonder if today's observers could check out how that translates on the training track. I've left Taggert last because I haven't previously seen mention made of what impressed Neeld at draft camp. He explained that he gave his interviewees his email address and asked them to send him an email of what they wanted to get out of themselves in football. Sure enough, when Neeld returned to work the following Monday there was a comprehensive email from Taggert (Neeld expects him to be an inside mid) setting out why he wanted so much to get drafted to an AFL club. If Norm Smith would have done that in the 50s & 60s he might have received some messages too but they probably would have come in by carrier pigeon.