Search the Community

It was the final session of 2024 before the Christmas/New Years break and the Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force to bring you the following preseason training observations from Wednesday's session at Gosch's Paddock. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS TRAINING: Petracca, Oliver, Melksham, Woewodin, Langdon, Rivers, Billings, Sestan, Viney, Fullarton, Adams, Langford, Lever, Petty, Spargo, Fritsch, Bowey, Laurie, Kozzy, Mentha, George, May, Gawn, Turner Tholstrup, Kentfield, JVR, TMac, Salem, McVee, Lindsay, Hore, Verrall, Campbell, Windsor, Sharp, Howes, Brown, Jefferson, Chandler, Johnson, AMW. REHAB: Melksham, Fullarton, Lever, Spargo, Woewodin & Turner ABSENT: McAdam (apparently arrived towards the end of the session) Lever has much more strapping on his right knee than he has had a previous sessions Melksham and Fullarton with one trainer doing the same exercises Woey, Turner and Spargo with another trainer to their exercises. Lever doing his own thing. Max is not in the training jumper and is not warming up with the main group and is standing with the coaches. Spargo and Woey running laps. Turner has joined Melk and Fullarton Lindsay who has previously been in the rehab group is warming up with the main group. Lever has now joined the main group for warmups. Turner doing some sprints Half the boys doing a drill utilizing the stationary metal men (don’t know what they’re called) where they receive the ball and have to weave through two of them and then have one of the assistant coaches apply closing pressure while they snap for goal. They then keep running towards goal where they receive a ground ball and have to baulk another stationary metal man and snap for goal again. Max and Melksham walking laps. Main group doing sprints through the center square. Both Lever and Lindsay not participating in the sprints. Lever and Lindsay have rejoined the main group for the ball movement drill. Obviously they're not up to the sprints yet but lighter running/kicking is fine. Ball movement drill is someone kicking from the back goal square to a player leading out to the back pocket at the 50. Player then kicks the ball back towards Centre on the half back flank point of the square. Another player runs past for the handball and he kicks across ground to the wing half forward and then that player kicks to a lead towards the forward pocket. Players still sprinting to the water station during breaks. As others have mentioned in previous training reports Chaplin is taking a lead role in explaining and breaking down the drills and the feedback afterwards. Lever and Lindsay not participating in contact drills. Very physical contact drill for the midfielders which simulates a ball up in play with all players in close. Players involved. Rucks Campbell and Verrall. Midfielders - Viney, Trac, Oliver, Langdon, Laurie, Billings, Windsor, Chandler, Sparrow, Rivers, Kozzy, Sharp, Tholstrup, Langford, McVee. Forwards and Backs doing a separate tackling drill. Full length of the ground end to end full contact drill whites vs blues with one yellow swingman in the middle. Roy George kicked a ripper snap for goal from a ground ball get much to the applause of players, coaches and spectators. Trac did a sensational bit of work to spoil a ball and then gather the ground ball with a nice contested possession amongst a group of bodies and get away with a burst of speed only for his handball to be intercepted beautifully by Clarry who dished it off with lightning speed to Laurie who was off to the races as he waltzed into 50 and banged home a goal. Intensity is extremely high in this drill Keepings off handball drill There were a number of turnovers at today's session but as I noted the intensity in the drills were very high with a lot of pressure and ferocious tackling. Not necessarily excusing the turnovers because you hate to see it but some credit should be given to that aspect of the game. I have to leave but will compile all the training reports later and add some observations of some individual players. See you in the New Year. DEESPENCER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Melk and Fullarton are doing short rehab drill movements. Soargo and Taj on long runs. Disco doing straight line sprints at a good clip, doesn’t look too restricted. Roy George does look nice in the 23. Full ground cone to cone drill now but the design is half back handball receiver in the corridor followed by a long diagonal switch to a fat side wing runner. Great energy in that drill and even more so on the sprint in to get a drink. XL’s field kicking is as advertised, he has penetration but also the sense of when to use touch. Sestan is such a lovely kick too, and Jeffo for that matter. Forwards and backs in to a drill where 3 pairs run between a 1v1 at the goal square and 1v1 50 out crumbing, pressuring, scrapping. May keeps ruining the 1v1 50 out by winning ever contest, but there’s good scrapping otherwise. A big group of Mids - including, Pickett, Sharp, Windsor, Langford, Chandler with some contested handball work. Good pressure. Tommy Campbell and Verrall in that too. Big TC moves like the bloke from happy Gilmore but full credit to him he has a crack, Lindsay and Lever did rehab stuff. Full ground Grey v Blue jumpers. Kynan Brown no right side, turnover. JVR bite off too ouch, turnover. T Mc kick out flat punt, turnover Harvey in the yellow. Pickett gets the short, switched to Salo, Windsor handball receive, Sharp wing, inside 50 kick touched by May for something a little better. Rivers free running off half back, handballs to no one, turnovers are back. Langdon hospital kick, cleaned up by Salo and AMW, out to Chandler, in to Salem, chain of handballs through the corridor for our first goal of the session. Verrall takes the kick from 30 out, misses Viney by a mile, Billings slams through the behind. Larry’s handball gets deflected by Tracc. 20 seconds later Tracc’s handball gets picked by Clarry. Nice Bill goal. Fritsch in the yellow link bib now. Goes to Mentha, kicks to no one, boundary throw in. The good news: we are full ground spreading and pulling the trigger. The bad news: right now there’s no rhyme or reason to the ball movement and the skill and decision making errors are ugly. There were 2 elements to the repeated turnovers that annoyed me. 1. Players not playing to the game plan they’ve been practicing. There was a lot of freewheeling rather than stick to the short kicks that they’ve been training. When they did manage to find a couple of short kicks it often opened up for the switch and there were a number of examples of a half back getting a handball receive, out to a wing, up to Chandler or another half forward and inside 50. 2. Bearing in mind I know they review trainings and I don’t know how in depth their reviews are, a lot of the stuff you see in drills translates to errors in match sim. Just one example but Kynan Brown in the point to point drill received the ball running to the right boundary and then took the time to not just straighten up but aggressively cut back on his left before hitting the target. First play of the game match sim - he gets the ball going right, takes a big cut back on to his left back in to traffic and is pressured in to a turnover. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training session this morning. Very impressed with the fitness of most players. There were quite a few turnovers in match sim. It is only December, but still a lot of work to do. I will report again in the new year. CLANIKO'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I headed in to watch the training this morning and most of the drill descriptions have been covered but here's a couple observations. Maxy and Melksham walking several laps have a chat, stopping occasionally to watch the rest training. LOTS of turnovers in the match sim stuff, they did seem very quick on the adapting from turnovers and either setting up or taking advantage of it though so silver linings. Kozzy looked really good, if there's any sites out there putting odds on for non petracca/Oliver Melbourne bnf winner let me know because he's looking primed for a breakout midfield year. Ended by splitting into defenders doing some drill at the other end while everyone else (including tmac and petty?) were doing goal kicking practice. The defenders group looked quite small as if it wasn't all the defenders so maybe they still want to get a bit of goal kicking practice into potential swing men. Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it. Happy to answer any questions about specific players but these were the main things I noted. BUCK NEKKID'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I also attended this morning, but for only an hour or so in the middle of the session. If I was Werridee, I would be going out of my head trying to fit about 35 players into the 22. The only real player who looked below standard at this point was Verall, who I hope can step up over time. Roy George was training with the squad and fitted in well. His move and snap from the pocket during sims was roundly applauded - but no by Chocko. Kid was called in and a chat ensued about AFL speed and pressure and the need for him to take easier options when they presented. Max and Jake Melksham were walking the boundary, chatting about the world. Looked relaxed. The comments about turnovers were accurate. I’m sure that this is all good at this point, and that the nature of the game is based upon turnovers being generated (the defensive side doing good) and responding when it happens to you. The skills in the no contest drills were pretty good, however. The nature of what we are trying to do this year is interesting - we work to hold width as an outlet if needed, but first call is to look at the corridor. Langford spent some time in the focus vest, suggesting he is going to be important in setup this year. T Campbell and AJ both impressed with their efforts, skills and positioning. I see some really good efforts from Clarrie, Trac, Salo, - all who will really add to what we delivered in 2024 into 2025. The sprinting to the drinks station is about setting standards - it looks really good when they all finish a drill then race to the drinks station. Thats about it, will answer any questions. Don’t know if i can get down there after the break, but thought I would add my eyes to the track watchers a few times to help out and do my bit. DEMONSAW'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Popped down for a look with my dad. Ground surface in amazing condition given recent heat. Trac looks ripped and happy. Claz very good and pushing himself very hard. Pickett looks at home in midfield winning ball, very evasive, has jets. We need him up forward too, maybe Mentha can step up in a season or two? KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS They moved a few into new roles today during sims. The wings included Koltyn, Tracc and Rivers (not sure it was Rivers playing there), plus the regulars of, Billings, Sparrow, and Langdon. At one stage, Langdon burnt Sparrow off, left alone in the forward 50 where he swept onto a ground ball and set up the play for a goal. Yellow bibs (central ball movers and connection) had Fritsch, Langford, and Sharp, all at separate times. Some sims had no one in the bib. The sims appeared to be about aggressive ball movement, often looking for that hit up near the centre circle. They also played a high forward line and then did some congested forward work. Langford stuffs around with the ball, he usually has enough skill to step and move freely. I am a bit worried that the speed of AFL may catch him out. Still some learnings to happen. Langford likes having the ball in hand, I just see him getting caught in the faster AFL games, if he is not switched on. Most of the time he breaks lines and moves to space, Have seen him get caught a few times, not from confusion, more because he is a confident player, who can get straight line tackled. I have also seen him get rid of the ball super quickly, hands close to Clarry's abilities. He is a one touch player, very clean. Tracc, Oliver and May getting plenty of intercepts. Viney making midfield leads, forming the outlet ball, and helping the connections. In some mids drills, they where tackling was willingness, Vines got hit multiple times. He is ready for battle. Salem impressed, running well and play making. Got a touch to the ball in the defensive 50, followed up with a kick on the wing and another with a delivery into a leading forward (barely a sweat). Great morning to finish off the pre-Christmas sessions. They were in great voice, training with enthusiasm, and getting around each other. 3183 DEE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I dropped past briefly on my way back from Fitzroy to Balaclava, to catch the handball drill. As on Monday, I can’t help but be impressed with Langford: he looks so at home at this level and has great touch. Good to see him take the game on so confidently. Sure, he may get caught out a bit in his first few games, but with a bit of experience, he will be very special. DEESPICABLE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Dropped in again today and saw most of the match sim. There were two highlight plays - both discussed already on here in brief. Trac, who was everywhere intercepting and creating plays like he was in his midfield breakout year of 2020, intercepted a Clarry handball that spilt into general play and then raced to try and win it, when he finally did amidst about five players he bounded out of defence only for his own give to be intercepted by Oliver who started a brilliant chain that led to Laurie's goal on the run. Trac nicely gave Olly a high five congrats on the play - a nice sign of respect. Both Trac and Olly played far more in the middle corridor than normal - both on each other I suspect - so they had a bit of latitude and really just had to use their smarts to win the footy, which they both did on countless times. They are clearly the cream of our midfield. Sadly Olly got a little sore towards the end and came off - not sure whether it was a significant injury - suspect it was pretty minor as he was standing around the tent area. The other was the goal from boy George, who spun out of a tackle and snapped beautifully from about 40m. It should also be noted that he dropped a chest mark in the same play prior to getting tackled. Kossie and Trac were the two stars out there - just so quick and clever. It looks like Kossie, when he resumes in rd 4, will go straight into our midfield rotation this year. His days as a small forward may be done - at least until our goals dry up. Harry Sharp was quite prominent on his wing, although he did get brought down by a huge tackle from Sparrow at one stage. We do have a plethora of wing options this year and that's even without Caleb Windsor, who will be a match winning line breaker down back. Billings is looking good, Ed is everywhere, Woey when he goes there looks good also and Xavier Lindsay will probably be in contention soon when he stops running reps and joins in after X-mas. Across half forward Fritter and Kolt were also lively and Roo's mobility and clever Tommy Hawkins-style gives makes him a standout. I haven't commented on Harvey, but if I did it would be the same as last time. He is still finding his feet with the extra pace making life tougher than in his junior career - but he has some significant tools that will come into play this season. Let's wait and see how he fares after a X-mas break - I reckon he will comeback feeling more confident in the new environment and will make the pace adjustment. It's incredibly hard on a guy being thrust straight into a mid role - Trac had four seasons as a forward to learn the ropes before graduating to that role. PICKET FENCE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clearly, game plan has been tweaked, chip kicks around, find space and use center corridor to launch into a leading or presenting player It appears that players are being encouraged to be a bit more daring in finding separation and presenting opportunities and has already been reported by other posters turnovers were more pronounced this session compared to others I think that the wind played a fair bit into the rationale for the above, Centimeter perfect kicks were just missing as the wind was swirly and forced some skill errors, remembering its Goshville not the MCG. Clarry, just methodical with instinctive knowing where to go , what to do and preciseness of delivery. He tackled with intent and is coming back to his mesmerizing best. Came off slightly earlier but didn’t appear injured. Brown dog Junior… Yeah, he did turn it over a few times but, he runs all day, has real purpose in his intent and creates separation and options and PACE! A lot to like Bailey Laurie, now I’ve never been a big fan, but clearly he has been working hard on his game. Today he was busy, incisive generally picked correct options and I thought his disposal was very good. Harry Sharp, WILL PLAY ROUND 1, just does the little extra things runs harder, created opportunities and has very good disposal. When he wore the yellow shirt he was very damaging with run and carry very impressed. Trac and Vines were again excellent, Viney is a hard as a cut cat, but clearly now lowers his eyes a lot more and picks good targets. Trac just does Tracc like freaky things and looks content and happy, that’s a HUGE takeaway. Harvey Langford, as iterated previously just looks like he belongs, Loves the ball in his hands and almost teases interception, got caught once or twice BUT once he adjusts to the tempo he will become a vital cog. Kozzy, Roy and Menthamind Each one showed a bit of magic and clearly are loving life as Dees, Roy mercurially astounded with a phenomenal goal as testimony to his skill Tom Campbell and Aiden Johnson… AT LAST SOME DEPTH.. Um hold on.. not just depth, from what I have seen both will play and make a significant impact to our structures and game plans, both impressive again today. Jack Billings a maligned by some posters here, Look I thought he was clever , creative, ran all day and just made some astute and decisions and executed well. Is it too early to bookmark a forward line round 1 of Kossy, JVR and Jeffo?? Frita played high half forward today, but the selection of Jeffo and JVR alongside each other worked well today, Jeffo not as prominent as he has been but gee does he move well and dish of correctly when required! Anyway, that’s it, just saw something very interesting two guys in grey overcoats were making a move towards Clarry when a guy uncannily resembling Maxwell Smart, produced a lightsaber and whisked them of to the cosmos! Best of luck to all posters and especially the Goshville Training reporters . P.F ENTER SANDMAN 2021'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I don’t usually go to training but I went today and I was quite impressed. There are players you don’t realise are so big until you see them in person. Daniel Turner was running laps and he is a huge athlete and was racing around the boundary at a fast clip. I can see why he would be difficult to match up on and I think he is fast becoming another great bargain pick by Jason Taylor. I felt the usual suspects - Petracca, Oliver and Viney - were the most dominant in the drills and match sim - but I was impressed by the second layer of midfield talent coming through - at one time you had Windsor, Langdon, Kolt, Kossie, Langford, Rivers, Mcvee all going for it head to head in a midfielders drill and they were all speedy, classy and tough. With Lindsay coming through as well I think we will be alright with midfield depth and that will be an area of strength for us in 2025. Sharp had some good moments and could be a chance to start on a wing in round one. Langford is a really good size and you get the feeling he has the body size to really dominate at AFL level - but yes I think he is still adapting to the pace of midfield work. Kolt and Windsor look really ready to have great 2025s - I like Windsor off the back flank and hopefully he will average a few more possessions per game next year as he is so silky and damaging. Good day at Gosches :)

Demonland Trackwatchers braved the sweltering heat to bring you their Preseason Training observations from Gosch's Paddock on Monday morning. SCOOP JUNIOR'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I went down today in what were pretty ordinary conditions - hot and windy. When I got there, they were doing repeat simulations of a stoppage on the wing and then moving the ball inside 50. There seemed to be an emphasis on handballing out of the stoppage, usually there were 3 or 4 handballs to chain out until a player received it in space and could then carry the ball forward. I thought the handballing was sharp and accurate but it is training against your mates in December. I thought Clarry got some great reads off hands in the stoppages and did step through the stoppage to come out the front rather than just give it off as soon as he got it. Langford also had two lovely reads, getting the first possession on the move from the stoppage. On the second occasion, he won it and stepped his way through the traffic to clear out the front. After that, they did some tackling on the far side of the ground. This was followed by more simulations, this time moving the ball from half back on a slow play. The emphasis here appeared to be on kicking a way through when the oppositon's defensive structure was set. There was barely any handballing in this drill, with almost all of the movement short kicks. There seemed to be a desire to kick on 45s and particularly a 45 into the corridor if an option opened up. Eyes seemed to look for the corridor, but if no option presented, it was then moved out wide. There were no long bombs or kicks over the mark. Not suggesting this is a game plan thing - more likely it was just a drill to practice short kicking in tight areas. Then finally, before I left, they split into 3 groups. The small backs did more 45 degree kicking, with Brown and Windsor in this group. The mids did ground ball work and the forwards had goal kicking practice. From what I saw, Spargo ran along the boundary at a good speed. Lindsay and Fullarton also did boundary runs. Not sure what happened with Disco but he also did boundary runs and didn't appear inhibited. Lever looked further behind in his rehab. Petty was with the backs during the sims, along with TMac and May. Also not sure what happened with Melk but Chandler dinked a kick into space and Melksham was running on to it (with the flight of the ball). He made a long sustained sprint to get there and then pulled up and grimaced a bit after it. I didn't see him grab anything but it was the sort of action where you can twinge a leg muscle. As others have said, thought Kozzie looked great running through the middle. On one play him and Trac fought for the ball on the ground. It was closer to Kozzie and he grabbed it, bounced up to his feet and sidestepped another player almost in one fluid movement and then cleared it. Tough session in that kind of heat - these guys really are impressive athletes. 3183 DEE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Went along today with my lad - I didn't keep detailed notes of all the training, but from what I saw: Practice drills getting the ball from forward half stoppage and delivery into 50 Close up 2v3 inside work/tackling Stoppage drills Part match sim, with the ball being started from a ball up in various parts of the ground Short, full ground sim Running exercises Some general observations: JVR looking very commanding now. Harvey Langford looks VERY likely - doesn't look out of place at all. Laid a couple of great tackles on Viney, which Viney loved. Kossie looks very sharp - he just finds space and time and his kicking is elite. I like the look of Tom Campbell - certainly a strong unit, who loves the contest. I'd imagine Max is quite happy having a legit ruck to contend with. I thought some of the disposal was still not great, despite it being a practice, although the wind was very strong across Gosch's Great to see Chunk out there. It was also interesting to hear Troy Chaplin coaching the forwards, very commanding presence. Not sure who the coach was in the middle of the main sim, but seemed to be running the entire session. Barking out orders and instructions, had everything under control! Good to see Spargs back in the fold - participated in the first few drills and then running for the rest of the session along with Xavier Lindsay. Poor Tom Fullarton running lap after lap. I think Chandler will be the new ANB. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Oliver was looking great in the sims. Moving well to space, getting his hands on the ball easily in the congested areas, and linking to others. Had a word to Choco about him. Still says he has some improvements to go. I think he was saying his fitness isn't primed yet. Jed Adams had a central lock down role on various forwards, in the sims. He got his fist to plenty of balls and was first to it for the ground ball. Working very well. May was lurking in the left or right pocket to intercept plenty of balls. Backline looking strong. A gusty wind helps them as the hit up players missed a few times. They also had the occasional difficulty getting the ball out. Jefferson's hand weren't as good today, but stepping up for some good clunks was JVR. Fritsch is looking eager, he has determination about him, Tmac is still looking good, reading the play well and outpointed the forwards. McVee and Windsor, looking very classy, with plenty of participation, both are ball magnets. Viney's not taking prisoners, hitting all and sundry hard. Moving well, and creating links through his leads and gut running. Lever had the lime green cap on when participating in drills, (the no tackling piece). He is running the boundary with enthusiasm and really striding out. Leadership in spades when on the field. Spargo in with the forwards, playing that high up and delivery into the 50. I didn't see Woey out there today. Verral was rucking, along with Gawn and Campbell in sims and structures. We have three elusive indigenous players out there. Mentha is gaining confidence, skills, especially his kicking, is improved (rarely missing), moves beautifully to a d in spaces. George moves very similar to him, though Kossie is starring. They all have a smile going and are clearly loving being at it together. Mentha has regularly got visitors down here. Socially, he appears good for Kossie. The kolt is really maturing. Rarely missing his disposals anymore and making the right decisions. Previous drills had all of them doing some bouncing of the ball. Today (last training as well), they didn't practice that skill. The tackling drill and defensive style in sims had plenty of intensity. Get worried when they go hard at each other. Talking about hard, they didn't go easy with the exertion required because of the heat. Coaches and trainers pushed them. At the end of one sim they could barely get up a run, that they have been doing to the sheds. I think I saw Melky tweek a hammy. Probably an early Christmas for him. All the previous rehabber's had time with the main group. FRITTA AND TURNER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Obviously not an ideal day for training with the heat and strong wind but..... The boys were out early at 9.30. The shed was packed with iced drinks. The full squad participated in the drills for about the first 45 minutes with the exception of McAdam ( absent feeling a bit crook) and Woey ( on the bike and then watched on). George in nos 23. All the drills this year emphasied fast ball movement, winningb the contest in the middle and then passing to the fwd. Considering the conditions this drill went well. It was great to see Spargs (not Charles ok) participating. After about 45 minutes Spargo, Lever , Sestan, Lindsay (Xave), Turner and Fullarton pulled out. Sestan had something checked out then joined back in, Spargo, Lever and Lindsay on a modified program, Turner had a foot issue and not sure about Fullarton. AJ looked like he had face planted in a bucket of sunscreen Viney asked them to keep the noise up and Spargs replied with 'fffff yeah. Tracca no legionaires hat Roo tackles well. I would give me left leg to be able to kick like Fritta. Had a quick word with TMac who said his brother Oscar was doing well. Left about 11.15 with drills still going and Langford, Mentha and AJ running the boundary. The boys look fit and the vibe is good, About 20-30 track watchers in attendance.

With only a few sessions left before the Christmas break a number of Demonlander Trackwatchers headed down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations from this morning's preseason training session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS PLAYERS IN ATTENDANCE: JVR, Salem, McVee, Petracca, Windsor, Viney, Lever, Spargo, Turner, Gawn, Tholstrup, Oliver, Billings, Langdon, Laurie, Bowey, Melksham, Langford, Lindsay, Jefferson, Howes, McAdam, Rivers, TMac, Adams, Hore, Verrall, Sparrow, Fullarton, Petty, Pickett, Chandler, Sestan, Mentha, Woewodin, Brown, Kentfield, AMW, Hardie & White ABSENT: May & Fritsch REHAB: Lever, Spargo, Lindsay, McAdam, Sestan & Melksham. (some of the rehab players joined the main group at various times and then returned to rehab). Halfway through the session Fullarton was running laps. Had a busy day at training catching up with some Demonlanders and the Podcast Team so my focus on the session was not high. A couple of things that I will highlight was Harvey Langford's double tap tackle on Windsor during a One on One Ground Ball drill. Langford ferociously tackled Windsor to the ground twice within the same segement of the drill. We have a very special one here. Hungry and on the hunt for the ball. Uses it very well. Windsor's kicking to targets in the forward 50 is elite. Tholstrup's overhead marking in the middle of the ground is very strong. Kozzy is looking in super great nick. He is not as bulky in the shoulders and looks to have slimmed down. His ball movement is sublime. Trac and Clarry look so focused and if we get maximum output from the two of them this season then look out. Judd McVee is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen on the training track and that includes watching Jack Viney on the training track over 12 or 13 years. JVR rarely loses a one on one marking contest. Granted neither May or Lever was training with the main group in todays session. I was super impressed with Jefferson's leading and marking. He kicked some nice goals from outside 50 and I only saw 1 poor shot for goal that he didn't kick through. A one stage he was on a lead and the kick was a little bit wayward. Whilst on the lead in a straight line up the field towards 50 he read that it was not going to hit him and he moved laterally to mark it. A little thing but I was impressed with the speed that he recognised it and made the decision to move to get to the ball. I've seen bits and pieces of him at Casey and have been anywhere from very impressed to a little underwhelmed. I'm cognizant of the fact that key position players take longer to develop and that he was always going to take a little longer that JVR but I think this year will be his make or break. He will likely start at Casey but this is the season he needs to take the step up. I like what I have seen in the preseason but his destiny is in his hands. Aidan Johnson is a very nice size for a forward. Moves well. Has a good pair of hands. A nice kick for goal. I will not be surprised if we see him trialed in the preseason matches and providing all goes well in those matches or early at Casey I won't be shocked if he gets a call up particularly because he would be a better option as the relief ruck for Max than having those duties fall on JVR. This is not a knock on JVR; ruck work because I think he did an excellent job in that relief ruck role. However I think that was to the detriment of his development as a forward as ruck work can be punishing on the body not to mention all the running up and down the field exhausting him when he has to go back to playing key forward. The less rucking he has to do outside of the forward 50 arc the better. He is a key forward and should only be used as such. We don't want to rob Peter to pay Paul. Disco Turner has the safest pair of hands in the business. I am very bullish on him this season and firmly believe that he will breakout even more this season. He reads the ball in the air so well and just has the ability to clunk them. On Kalani White. He is only doing warm ups and non-contact stuff and isn't involved in the larger drills and match sims but boy do I love what I see and pray to all of the footy Gods that he chooses his beloved Demons. He is a tall and skinny kid as you've seen in the photos and he is 17 but still growing and with a couple of preseasons under his belt and a good nutrition plan, he will put on some bulk. He is very athletic for someone of his height and has very nice and clean skills which often times player of that height don't possess. It was great to see Charlie Spargo running sprints along the boundary. Since the team has returned to the track Spargo has progressively increased the intensity of his training from stationary handballing and kicking to some light movement and agility training with the trainers to slow jogging along the boundary to running and today was the first time I have seen him sprinting at a good clip. Hopefully he is not too far away from returning to the main group. I would love to see him in the full training after the Christmas/New Years break. It is fantastic to see such a small rehab group and this time of the preseason. In past years we have had many players in various stages of rehab and as we have all surmised the less body of training work that is put in during the preseason it is almost impossible to make that up during the Season. Only having a handfull of players in the rehab group and the majority of players in full training can only be a positive heading into the 2025 season. Lever is recovering from post season surgery. I heard someone mention shoulder surgery but he also had a thin strap under one of his knees. He had slowly increased his running load while at training and I hope he too returns to the main group after the break. New recruit Xavier Lindsay had post season surgery on his PCL. I'm not sure what his timeline to return is but he would be chomping at the bit to get involved. The little I have seen of his skills when he has been able to participate in now contact stuff is something to be excited about. Melksham is new to the rehab group. I don't know what his ailment was and I'm sure it's been mentioned in some of the previous training reports but by the end of today session he was joining in with the main group in the match sim and did not look to be hampered by anything. He too looks to have come back in great nick (as does our other veteran TMac). Both could be playing their final seasons and neither of them will die wondering. The one player I am most disappointed with in this preseason is McAdam. Another poster has reported that he was doing intense training sessions over the offseason. My hope after an injury interuptted preseason last year and then an injury interrupted season with only 3 senior berths and 11 games at Casey was that those injury concerns were all behind him. Since his return he has spent another preseason, at least the pre-Christmas block, in the rehab group. Granted I do not have any insight or knowledge as to what the issue or injury concern or if it is just precautionary, but I was hoping that he too could have a full preseason under his belt and hit the season running. I do believe that if fully fit he has a lot to offer which is why it is so disappointing that he is not tearing up the track. Finger crossed he is back on the track after the break. CLANIKO'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I headed in to Gosch's to check out training this morning and got there about 11 for the second half of training. Heres my observations Were doing some full ground match sim style stuff when I rocked up. Then split into talls and non talls. Talls were doing a contested marking drill in front of me while the shorts/medium sized players were doing some sort of 1 on 1 groundball thing on the other side I couldn't really see. Talls contested marking consisted of 1v1 in a box each running to an opposite corner of the box then coming back together judging a high kick and trying to mark. There were two groups of this going and the one in front of me had Harry Petty, Max Gawn, Jake Melksham, Tom Campbell, Will Verrall and Trac came over about halfway thru for the medium/short drill. After this there was a bit of full ground match sim stuff starting from a ball up on a wing and transitioning forward. Pickett playing in the mid was the biggest standout for me with some great play and a very nice fend off at one point. Other noticeable things were Roo near the pocket I was in getting a bit frustrated they didn't kick it to his side, instead kicking it to the closer pocket to the ball up where jeffo had his mark spoiled a couple times in a row. And Jack Viney ended up on the end of a few shots at goal (two from in front further out and one snap from the pocket) where he kick 1/3 of them including hitting the post from a snap that he probably should be kicking :( Last up was a mids vs forwards goal kicking competition where everyone gets one shot from each angle/type of kick including a couple where they we getting handball receives/groundball gets. Mids seemed to be winning this comp which doesn't seem like a great sign for our forward line but oh well I guess having goal kicking mids doesn't hurt. Usual suspects in most of the line groups, only thing I noticed was both Jake Bowey and Caleb Windsor training with the backs on the other side of the ground. So maybe Bowey not going to the wing this season? Then they changed into runners and did some running conditioning stuff, everyone appeared to be on a slightly different program. Kolt headed back to the rooms while everyone else seemed to do some amount of running/sprints. BINMAN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS The first drill was focused on ball movement with players really encouraged to run and carry with call from trainers to 'cover the grass' and players encouraging teamates to bounce the ball (something we did very little of last season) Xavier Lindasy (XL) is seriously naturally skilled. In the drill notes above (I think the only drill he participated in) a teamate handballed behind him (grrr) and X pirouetted, took it one handed and in the same movement handballed beautifully to a teammate who, unlike him, didn't have to break stride. Speaking of natural talent, Kozzy is just unbelievable. A joy to watch. His footy IQ is off the charts, particularly his ability to position himself where the ball is going to go. Was switched on all session and the stand out trainer for mine. Vibes and body language was terrific. Great to see Claz and Tracc talking during drills about what appeared to be stuff like positioning etc. Very focused and serious. Both worked on boundary throw ins after every other player had finished. Clarry very engaged and focused. The session finished with running drills led by Selwyn. He clearly had live GPS data as he periodically called our players to finish, I assume because they had met their km target. Clarry was running timed laps at the end in a group with Brown and Campbell. I was watching him with the binoculars and for the last couple of minutes he willed himself to pass Campbell and was making ground on Brown. When the whistle blew it looked as if he was going to faint. Teammates got around him. He is giving everything he has. Incredible effort level. As advertised, AJ is very competitive, the sort of player Goody loves. But I'm very surprised how fit he looked, AFL level fit. He was running laps at the end at a very fast clip. Sparrow has changed body shape quite noticeablely, dropped size in the the chest and upper arms. His running group, which he was at the front of, included tmac and Brown (they started their timed laps in front of me and tmac said to sparrow, 'that's a fast pace you're setting'). Jibes with the talk of him playing a different role next season, possibly wing. Koz has also lost lots size in the chest and upper arms, which is why I'm dubious he will play much time as a mid this season. Kid is a dead set freak. In the match sim, which was surprisingly willing physically, running flat out he scooped the ball one handed off the deck, handballed beautifully to a teammate, putting him in space, somehow got involved in the chain again and then kicked a perfectly weighted ball accross his body, over the top of a defender to JVR. Thing of beauty. The boundary line work i mentioned Trac and Clarry were doing after the session finished was led by Jonesy. It was fantastic to see he Trac and Claz working together. Inspired move to bring Jonesy back. Has a similar energy to gus in his ability to connect with everyone. Kolt has got noticeably bigger and his hair looks permed. If he was dog he'd be bulloodle; a poodle bulldog cross. DEESPICABLE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Attending training today was not quite as exciting as it was two weeks ago when the newbies were on display for the first time and the odd player was being trialled in unusual positions, but it's still good to see what's going on and who's making inroads. I was particularly interested in the match sim work, which lasted about an hour and generally saw 14-a-side lining up - so plenty of space and plenty of running. As I said last Friday, it's hard not to be impressed by Caleb Windsor as a defender. He gives us the line-breaking pace and decision making that we need. Salem, Bowey and even McVee are all generally safe disposers and capable players in their own right, but adding Windsor into the mix will give us that dash we've been lacking allowing us to transition on occasions with real venom. So far this pre-season Kossie is spending the majority of time with the mids and he's nailing it. It's like watching Aaron Davey in his prime - his ability to baulk and weave out of trouble is amazing. Last year his forays into the middle were also dynamic, but he kept turning the ball over. Hopefully with a full summer he can iron out his gives, because he now wins the majority of the contests - even more than Trac and Ollie. With him no longer playing forward, it seems Jack Viney has been assigned the task of being an extra small up forward and you'd be surprised how good a mark he is for his size and you'd hate to be the defender that turns the wrong way and gets nailed in a tackle by him. Disco Turner looks to be mastering the art of forward-play and looks at home in the role now. Our key forwards are in a battle for spots this year and you'd be doing well to predict our round 1 trio. Jeffo had a day out in match sim kicking about four goals but he still gets pushed off it by bigger defenders. Aidan Johnson is starting to look the part, he's quick and physical and he definitely will be considered for round 1, although he'll need to nail our practice games. Petty keeps swapping roles, but spent most of today as a forward and with Jed Adams clearly on the improve, it may be that he will stay up front after all. JVR is finding the going tougher this year - he's got the yips with his kicking for goal routine and I suspect it's sapping his marking confidence. But he still looks a brute and is mega determined - the only issue being that Turner and AJ are similar models. The class and variety that Fritta provides was clearly missed today, while Melky was on light duties. Don't be surprised if Tom Campbell plays quite a few times this year. As good as Gawny is, big Tom is beating him in the ruck tapouts contests, although he can't match him in marking duels around the ground. Tom was huge at Sandringham in the VFL last year and he has made a huge impression so far at training. He's mobile in the Brodie Grundy mode, but he has extra height, which means he can monster the throw-ins. Given there's 23 in a squad these days, surely it's time to take the pressure off Gawny a bit this season by occasionally playing TC as well with a view to subbing him out for fresh legs at three-quarter time. As to Will Verrrall, he laid a couple of ripping tackles today, but he's up against it, conceding about three inches and 10kg to TC and Gawny. If I was giving votes at training today, then I'd be considering Ed Langdon - there was one magic bit of play where he just kept running to provide the spare and after a chain of quick handballs it finally to fell to him. He pulled a 90-degree kick that found Viney lace up for a shot on goal. Such was Ed's form that I barely noticed Harry Sharp who was often doing his best to keep up with him. Our other newbie mid Harvey Langford won a bit more of the ball today, but I suspect he's still trying to adjust to the extra pace and will enjoy the X-mas break to recharge. Kynan Brown spent much of match-sim as a small forward and got a few nice touches. But I think he needs to play on the wing or half-back to make it. As mentioned by others, Clarry and Trac had a nice chat about body positioning after match sim, and both are clearly a step ahead of our other mids (aside from Kossie), barging and baulking their way out of stoppages. If they can keep in a good headspace all season, then there's no doubt that with our draw we will challenge again. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training session this morning. Very impressed with the coaching of Bassett and Chaplin during the match sim. Very impressed at how fit everyone is. Liked the great talk and encouragement during match sim. PICKET FENCE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Skills, Drills and Manouvers, As already reported on earlier posts emphasis on quick disposals, run and overlap, using the centre corridor and better skills execution. I’ll cut straight to the chase and present my tack aways from the match sim which is after all the proof of any adjustment in game style , improvements in skills and positional differentiation from this year Some players look bigger and stronger this preseason, Laurie, Chandler, Tholstrup, Brown, Jeffo and Woewodin are certainly stronger and more able bodied. By the same token Clarry definitely has lost some midriff, and Sparrow, also looks trim. Players look fitter by that I mean that the gut running doesn’t exhaust some players perhaps like it used to, Windsor, Langdon, Chandler, Kossy, Viney and even Max look super fit. Game style has been tweeked and using the centre corridor, sizing up best position to put the ball to advantage with centimeter perfect disposals with hand or foot was obvious today. As confidence grows and skills develop there is a more concerted belief that Perfect practice delivers more perfect results. Long bombs into any line much less forward entries are much more polished. Running patterns of forwards has definitely been worked on with the result of a more seamless attack spread. Troy Chaplin, Nathan Bassett and Chuck Jones have spiced things up quite a bit with operational strategies, set plays and positioning. Kossy was ELECTRIC Rotating through the midfield and his zips and magic were a thing to behold Trac and Clarry and Viney were not far behind with ground ball gets, Class, spread and old fashioned grunt. Midfield looks fresh and new, clearly a philosophical shift in mindset and again I bring up positioning at stoppages looked far more creative and DANGEROUS Tom Campbell might well be more than an understudy to Max this year, I liked the way he bustled, ran hard and competed. Might be a surprise packet Serious thought will be given to playing Harvey Langford in round 1. He just looks like he belongs. Does everything right and is not flustered and has “Class” Similarly “JEFFO JUGGENAUT” Has definitely improved big time, took some strong grabs, his leading patterns were classy and he is a very accurate kick for goal. I must also add Disco also was clever and canny around goal and Van Rooyen always presented a dangerous option. Petty and T Mac played mainly back. That’s about it, all in all enjoyable day, and last question to myself….Have we improved enough to challenge for the 8?? A resounding yes from me, The tweeks in playing style, improved fitness, and improvement by our younger brigade provide me with a very positive feeling. I hate using the Culture word so I won’t but what I will say is that there is a more steely resolve and harmony evident that I haven’t seen as much of with this group. If we can replace our injuries with like players then our depth and character will rise and get the job done I believe. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS The area was buzzing, Victory and Storm teams were also training. The mornings mild temperature was made to train in. They were including some rehabbers in the warm-up and drills. Great to see Spargo in a training Jersey and with boots on. Lindsay had a little time in the sims. Lever and McAdam the kicking drills only. When they had a full field drill, defenders in yellow bibs, ran and pressured near the ball users. First time I'd seen this defensive movement included in drills. If they caught them they tapped the back, or they placed themselves in blocking positions, or they stand the mark and go when the play-on happened. Coaches continue to work in pairs, and they can be in any of the various groups. My guess is they coach according to a skill set, not a line preference at the moment. Though, when they have gone into their line groups they take up the designated roles. I like the pairing of JVR and Jefferson. They don't get in each other's way, and their skill sets compliment the other. Big bash, ground ball get, find outside or behind space, alongside, aerial and leading acumen. They want the players to keep out of the corridor areas. Calls of stay wider rang out. Appears they are trying to make leads into the spaces, in the middle of the field. AMW has become a close down tackling machine. Tmac hasn't put a foot wrong. The drills are performed at an outstanding skill level. Hoping the sims follow suit. They continue to work hard on their structures and intentions. They are eager and happy out there. WHISPERING JACK'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Damn good question Mr. Stone. While watching this morning’s session with some very astute observers on the boundary line, we were pondering over exactly where the 2025 list stands by way of comparison to the great 2021 premiership team. Here’s the team that beat the Western Bulldogs in the Grand Final at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, on Saturday 25 September 2021:- The players who are no longer at the club are Michael Hibberd, Angus Brayshaw, Alex Neal-Bullen, Ben Brown, James Harms, Luke Jackson and James Jordon (sub who didn’t get on the ground). There were also a few good depth players who for one reason or another didn’t make the cut, notably Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta, Jayden Hunt, Jake Melksham, Sam Weideman, Aaron vandenBerg and Toby Bedford. A few of those were on their way out. Daniel Turner had just been drafted in the mid-season draft. Adam Tomlinson was on a long spell out with an ACL. Kade Chandler and Joel Smith were thereabouts. Are we better now? It’s hard to replace some of those premiership stars (Brayshaw, Brown, Hibberd and Jackson were instrumental), there are some question marks about some of the key midfielders from 2021; only time will tell whether the team remains as fit and healthy as it was back then. I did see room for optimism on today’s showing at Gosch’s Paddock. Kozzy was outstanding today but he’s out suspended for the first three games. Trent Rivers is maturing into an important piece in the side. They look to be the big improvers over the intervening time. You would have to be happy with the progress of Clarry and Tracc - they displayed an attitude today that augured well for their return to “normalcy” within the team. There seems to be a nice infusion of high level elite young talent from the last two drafts in Windsor, Tholstrop, Langford and Lindsay are all blue sky. Judd McVee is emerging as a quality defender. Then there were the young key forwards Jacob van Rooyen, Turner, Matt Jefferson and newcomer Aidan Johnson held their marks and moved around the ground with flair, noting that their cause was aided by the absence of Steven May and the fact that Jake Lever was running laps around the boundary. The jury’s out but I’m optimistic for a return to the finals. WEBBER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Pedalled down to training yesterday too, and can happily confirm the thoughts and observations of others on here. Looking fit and happy, the boys. Notables for me - Really really pleased to see ‘Charles’ Spargo at full stride-out pace looking great (and super fit bodily). If he’s a season starter, we’re getting an extra back on the list, and I reckon he’ll be driven like no man to make it stick. Jack Viney continues to amaze with his sheer ‘one way’ to play and train - you’d just hate to be matched up with him in competitive drills, but he will ALWAYS set the standard. Kozzy IS mesmeric. Makes me smile that the non-Dees footy world still doesn’t get it. Clarry’s having a great time, back to his best ‘happy hands’ around the stoppage and through traffic. Obviously loving the energy and group intent, to which Nathan Jones is such a brilliant addition - welcome back Chunk. And finally - the 3-headed Demonland pod monster does exist. IRL! Can confirm that no only is @binman a real boy, so too are @george_on_the_outer and @Demonland/Andy. No digital puppetry or A.I. here, no algorithmic airwave deceptions, just flesh and blood assailing a mic or three.

A few new faces joined our veteran Demonland Trackwatchers on a beautiful morning out at Gosch's Paddock for another Preseason Training Session. BLWNBA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I arrived at around 1015 and the squad was already out on the track. The rehab group consisted of XL, McAdam, Melksham, Spargo and Sestan. Lever was also on restricted duties and appeared to be in runners. The main group was doing end-to-end transition work in a simulated match situation. Ball movement was focused on moving the ball from a kick in, into the forward line, with focus on kicking to the advantage of a forward. In this drill it appeared Petty was playing as a forward alongside Luka and Turner, while TMac was a defender. I was unable to really see down the other end from where I was positioned, but Pickett also played as a forward linking player, along side Ricky. Ricky Mentha does some nice things, though there were a few times he was caught as a result of not taking the first option, or getting corralled on the boundary line as a result of attempting to use his pace and quicksteps to get around a defending player. For this exercise it seemed as though Trac was designated as a ‘no-contact’ player and had the high-vis vest adorned. I will say, the intensity was there. But, I thought the ball movement for the most part left a lot to be desired, particularly with the linking possession from the D50 into the centre or onto a wing. There were multiple turnovers, or failure to hit a target, which resulted in an ‘opposition’ score. FWIW, I’m not saying this is a doom and gloom worst preseason ever type of scenario, but I am calling it on the body of work I saw. Similarly, there were numerous kicks into the attacking F50 that went straight to a defender, including several uncontested efforts. In terms of some ‘positives’, Petracca does look very, very fit. His lateral movement was amazing at times, and he was extremely vocal. I‘m not going to make a judgement on what this means for anything post 2025, but undoubtedly his professionalism will get him through next season whatever the outcome. He looks raring to go. Turner did some nice things up forward, including a very nice roving goal from spilt contested mark. I think he’ll be a very handy addition up forward and will continue to impact. Chocco was also issuing some very vocal encouragement to Kenterfield (who, is absolutely massive). Hore could, in all likelihood, easily fulfil a depth role. He had some great moments including a goal saving spoil and fitted in seamlessly next to TMac as a defender. Langford is definitely a big boy. I’m beyond excited to see what he can do. In the full ground exercise he contested multiple marking contests and although he probably should’ve stuck a couple of the marks, he was at least able to ensure that the ball was brought to ground, rather than allowing his opponent to make a contested mark. He seemed to be playing as a marking half-forward and in a few of the plays I saw, seemed to be used as a marking runner from a kick-in. In terms of an early bolter for next year, I think we may see a big uptick in output from Kolt. Geez, he’s got some wheels on him and I was really surprised by his pace and ability to transition the ball. He’s a lot quicker than he looks on tv, and he’s got an uncanny ability to pick up the ball and roll with it. I was somewhat reticent on him, but I was very impressed from what I saw. The second exercise saw the group split into two and move into another contested ball movement exercise. Essentially the ball was brought in from one end of the ‘centre square’ (the exercise only utilised approx 25 x 10 in terms of a simulated centre square), by a ‘random’ player, and then a series of quick handballs were made in attempt to bring the ball to a coach on the other side of the ‘square’. Goodwin and Jones were the two ‘linesman’ for the group I observed. Petracca fully participated in this exercise, including contact, and was extremely vocal. He chased energetically, and once again his lateral movement was on full display. Several times the players were vocally reminded to ‘hunt the ball’ by Goodwin. I left not long after this exercise concluded. I’ll add more if anything pops into my mind, though I acknowledge this lacks a lot of depth like we see from our usual track watches. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training session this morning. A lot of ball movement exercises, with Nathan Basset giving a lot of instructions to defenders. Rehab group including Melt, McAdam, and Seston doing some ball movement. GHOSTWRITER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Petts is happy to be a swing man. He likes that he’s useful in both areas of the ground. He has no lingering issues with his foot, it’s totally healed and healed well. He mentioned SpargiPants’s progress. He said “Charles” (that’s what the boys call him) is running at pace and is on a tailored program. Tomorrow is his running day (every Thursday) and so far he’s pulled up well after each session. Petts talked about foot/ankle injuries taking the longest recovery time with (in his opinion) achilles injuries being the “trickiest.” He said Charles is further along in his recovery than we think from just watching him on these whole-team training sessions. BUCK NEKKID'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Anyone who worries about the 3 ‘wantaways’ should get down to training- i have no doubt all 3 are focused, committed and in for a big year. Trac Coaching and leading from the sidelines. The tackle that Clarrie laid (see GW’s post above) and Kossie owning the footy in drills. Fullarton looked really good forward of the ball today and in contested drills - although he was brought down by Howes in one play like a lion about to feast on a gazelle. Also impressing(apart from the usual suspects): Billing’s, Kentfield, Johnson. Aim to use the corridor as first priority in drills. Melk running really fast repeat sets. Sestan also running, grabbed for hammy at one stage. All rehab boys doing agility and ball receiving work. Spargo kicking the ball to them. Seen chatting to Choco - Gary Lyon and Bill Browless’s boy (big lad with a mop of hair that his dad would die to have!) Choco sharpened up KW#34’s kicking at goal with a slight ball drop adjustment and momentum shift and he began toi hit them beautifully. Trac was frustrated with his snapos around the body, and Choco gave him a few gentle Tils and he was back on track again. A nice day for it THIRTY ONE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS My first training session in 30 or 40 years! Last I went, Gerard Healy was still playing for us. That's a while ago! Didn't notice Roo out there. The players look both smaller and bigger than they do on tv. Like Ed Langdon is taller than I thought he was yet others look smaller/lighter. They say the camera adds 5 kilos and I'd believe it. Anyway, I've few comments as it was all new to me. Trac was doing a lot of yelling/leading, Max was hanging back a bit, Vines headed off early with this poop chute issue, Kalani is a stripling but looks a likely sort, Claz is nowhere near as fat as the media would like to have you think (might not be the skinniest either but he looks a lot leaner than he did last season). WHERE DEMONS DARE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Quite a few players out there today on individual programs and training in and out of the main squad. In rehab we had the 5 regulars being McAdam, Lever, Spargo, XL and Sestan doing their thing. While May, Campbell, Melksham, K.Brown doing a lot of boundary running but also involved in lots of the main squad drills. Fritsch and Salem training fully with the main squad which was good to see. Today the group focused a lot more on ball movement and various kicking drills, working the ball from the back pocket diagonally across to the other side of the forward line. I think our players will start to get the hang of the new tactics soon as it looks as though we will be more attacking next season and understandably takes a bit of time to adjust. Last month I was there at training they were doing a lot more running drills, but now they are more focused on ball movement. Fullarton surprised me today, he was involved in quite a few things and outclassed his opponent. One to watch. Trac again continues to impress me and is in for a big year, showing great leadership and very vocal. Turner keeps getting better and better and will do nicely this year as the 2nd key forward to JVR. JVR was a no show today so hopefully he is okay. I was also surprised with Kentfield's speed. He raced Windsor over 80m from the centre square to the boundary line and they drew even going flat out. Gawny is really taking a step back this year and letting others lead the way. You can see he is much more relaxed and will ramp things up closer to next season. There's definitely a vibe in the air that everyone knows their role and is executing it to a good standard. Maybe a bit more maturity in the group. You can sense that whatever came out of the review a few months back is already in play. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry is fit, happy to outrun others in sprints. Getting heavily involved in the sims. They were getting them to make and hit leads over the back and running towards goal. They are hitting each other hard and willingly in the drills. Petty slammed Tracc backwards and onto ground with a don't argue. That got them going hard at each other with plenty of intensity, during one of the handball games. Goody's words, something along, doing like we ask you makes a much better, and easier drill. When doing the drills without shape it led to being caught in tight spaces. When following the correct patterns and structures they moved the ball to the open spaces, and with better completions. Wings in the sims, included Sparrow, Billings, Langers and Woey. Sparrow is running the rails without too much strain, looking trim. McVee was everywhere. I saw him start with ball on the defensive point post, then he finished the play off in the half-forward area inside the 50. Heading to being one of our elites. Petty was used forward and back. Kossie had the different coloured bib on (the linking player), later it was Tracc. Kossie got picked off few times, but got to the contest and impacted after the error. I like his ability to see ahead of himself. Working hard on being a playmaker. Jefferson had a great session, hands are sticky, kicking snaps with confidence, and finding separation out the back. Bowser is our best field kick, hitting some incredibly hard passes. Many are still floating the ball, not Bowser, gets to the ball to the player, flat and direct. Salem is not far behind, with beautiful kicks. Mentha likes to dance with the ball, got caught a few times, love his cheekiness/bravado to take them on. Rivers got picked off a few times as well. They were playing down the corridor, with high reward, high risk sims. Turner is another looking good. Moving fast, getting separation and appears set for a big year. Fritta is also playing well. Very fit, even strong as he cleans the defenders away from the contest. Goaling is a natural, effortless action. Adams and Howes are making a few errors. May is starting plenty of plays off the backline. His fitness is improving. Langford and Kolt (looking bigger), also made a few errors. Turnovers will kill us. JVR was not out there today. Tmac had some strapping on his right shoulder, moving well. Lever, a patella support on his left leg, running with intensity at times. Hard extensive session. They are being put through their paces. SLARTIBARTFAST'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I was at training today and the reports seem very accurate to me regarding how individual players went. Perhaps one that hasn't been mentioned enough is Clarrie. There have been lots of comments over the preseason saying he's out of condition and carrying too much weight. Well from what I've seen that's not strictly the case. He's not ripped like he was in 2021 but he's still in very good condition and he is working extremely hard and pushing himself to the limit. I reckon that as long as he maintains focus over the Christmas break by the start of the season he'll be really fit. He looks to have got that initial speed back and the ability to find a bit of space in congestion. His disposal today was very good on a day where a lot struggled to hit a target. On that, I reckon today was the first time I've seen them in a true contested situation and hence the disposal skills were down as there was a lot more pressure on the ball carrier. It was good today but it's early in the PS. Secondly, I've been to a lot of PS training sessions over the last few years and every year I read that we are going "more direct" and using the corridor more. I've not noticed any difference in the way we've used the ball in the full field drills so it will be interesting to see. On other players: Langford got caught a couple of times, a good thing I say, better to learn the pace of the game in PS than during the game. He works really hard around the ground. Concerns expressed about his pace don't seem evident and he's building nicely. Sparrow looks a lot more involved than he was last year, he's moving very well and kicking it well. Tmac was, again, very good today. Those thinking he'll play at Casey need to reconsider. I was also impressed with Fullarton today, he was strong and involved and kicked very well. Fritta looked a class above on occasions, strong in the contest an elite with his goal kicking. May had an opportunity to send Tmac into next year at one stage and thankfully made a decision to avoid contact. I reckon Tmac will buy him a bunch of flowers as a thank you! AJ has impressed but he learned a lesson today. In the handball drill he decided that the best option was just to run through Clarrie but he learned that's not all that easy. Lots of smiles and laughs when Clarrie helped him up. I like AJ, looks a ripper bloke and has lots of good attributes. It's a crowded forward line for talls but he's in the conversation. Looking forward to Friday, hope JvR is there, missed today but hopefully nothing in it.

Once again Demonland Trackwatchers were in attendance at the first preseason training session for the week at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Looks like very close to 100% attendance. Kelani is back. Same group in rehab. REHAB: Spargo, Lever, Lindsay, Brown & McAdam. Haven’t laid eyes on Fritsch or AMW yet. Fritsch sighted. One unknown mature standing with Goody. Noticing Nathan Bassett much more today. He is taking the main, full group ball movement activity, with Goody looking on. Bassett barking instructions constantly. Obvious from watching training these early days; we are very fit and transferring the ball with speed (and often, but not always, precision). However, until they start real, full ground match sim, it's a bit like dancing with your sister! Apart from communicating who is not there, and who is in rehab, and who may have picked up a niggle, it's now difficult to be enlightening about projections regarding our progress in 2025. All I can say is that Langford plays round 1 and he improves us. Johnson is putting pressure on key Talls (forwards) with his intensity and athleticism. Tracc is back bigger than before, Clayton is on course to burst back into eye-catching, high disposal, mid-dominance. McDonald is fitter than he has been for a couple of years and Campbell is a legit, road-tested Max-back-up option! DEESPENCER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Match sim. Lovely mark on the lead by Dees CHF Harry Petty. (they’re playing with a backline of Judd and Windsor most of the key backs are rolling through a forward line). Jed Adams nice run and receive on the next piece of play. Bad Harry Sharp turnover kicking to Bowser. Clarry and Tracc racking them up. Bowser and Salo the 2 man backline now. Moving fast with lots of diagonal stuff which is good to see. Not always connecting to the forwards - nice Kalani intercept and spoil there - but Riv, Viney, Koss have all run the ball through the middle. Kolt, Kalani and the new boys jogging laps. Main group just doing end to end lane work with 2 vests v 3 cones at each end and a 2v1 defenders in the middle to link up. Really simple but fundamental running and decision making. Now with 2 footies so it’s getting all multi ball. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training session. Very impressed with with the quick balling moving drill conducted by Choco. Choco was saying keep your eyes open at all times. Petty was training with forwards today, which suggests that he may be a swing man. DISTRACTION JACKSON'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS When I first got there they were completing a drill in a diamond shape using the whole ground and running in twos. They were all running incredibly hard and really pushing each other, plus Choco really getting vocal. Seem to be Incorporating match day type running as opposed to just running laps to build fitness. Milkshake running laps and looks to be in some discomfort. Ended up on the bike so must have some type of niggle. Hand balling drill focused on shutting down ball movement once the whistle goes. Lots of celebration when it gets shutdown Watching Trac’s power from 10m away is incredible. He burst through three potential tacklers and gave a big cheer once through. Windsor grabbed at his calf after one of the drills…. Made me panic but seems ok and finished the rest of training. Lindsay just keeps running and running. Looks a highly likely type and can’t wait until he’s in full training mode. Kynan Brown also moved into running about halfway through and he just motored along at a decent click for ages. Langford is an absolute beast of a boy, but didn't get to see too much of him unfortunately. Bailey Laurie’s kicking is elite. Hoping he can have a breakout year… Petty playing as a forward in the match sim to start. Adams runs hard to get a handball from May and then hits his 30m kick. I am holding out hope he will eventually take over form May as a key defender. May get a game this year if desperately needed, but I think 2026 will be when he really starts to ramp up. Kozzy turns it over and Chappy was not happy. Chappy also giving some pretty stern words to Ricky Mentha. Chappy is very vocal and looked to be getting a bit [censored] off at times. Assuming the new game plan he is trying to implement is taking some time as would be expected. Scrappy kick from Langford and petty picks it off his bootlaces and snaps a goal. It’s pretty willing in the match sim. Some genuine slaps of the body happening out there. Skills have been so-so, would’ve liked a bit better but the defensive intensity is really good. Again, hard for me to tell given I don't get down very often. Kalani White showed great courage in getting across to make a spoil. Can imagine it would be intimidating for a 17 year old! He also slotted a few nice goals and looks really athletic. Don’t think Bowey missed a kick the whole session. Think he is ready for a big year. Good thing it’s a pretty full list out there. Really just Lever, Spargo, Lindsay, McAdam and Melk not in full training. Kolt finished training early… hopefully nothing too serious but he was walking back to AAMI park with a trainer as I was leaving. Trac was smiling a lot and very vocal ... SIDESHOW BOB'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Spent about 45 mins there for the first time in many a season. Very impressed with the quality of training and ball movement - picking a starting 22 is going to be tough work on the selection committee Was surprised about the size of Lindsay - he is definitely bigger than I was expecting - ripped and should slot straight in. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Basset, and Jones (Goody observing) had a sim/structural drill going, tackling included, going in at about 60% commitment. It seemed to be about getting the ball out from a stoppage in the backline with kick, when the ball gets locked in by congestion. The other side of the field had Chaplin and, I think Whitford, doing something similar, with the emphasis being locking the ball in. Basset was very vocal, he emphasised that the corridor was sacrosanct, 'give them the boundary'. Langford struggled with the shorts kicks, and decision-making a couple of times. His long kicks were more successful. Campbell moved and handled the ball fairly well for a big man. Good fun watching Viney and Tracc compete against each other. They had some stoppages for the mids, taken by Jones. Two mids on one opposition, crumbing off the rucks, Gawn, Verrall and Campbell. One mid would block, as the other gets a free run to collect the tap. I am yet to see the tall forwards do any ruck work. The forwards all practised set kicking from about 45 metres out, taken by Choco. The backs, with Bassett, practised the basic releases. The full sims were done with plenty of skill, fast ball movement, and a sparse forward line. They had an extensive, intensive session, building well. Jefferson is going well! Has put on bulk around the hips. Looks taller than last season. Getting involved in the sims. Listening to and executing the instructions. This morning he was working hard, getting off the blindside of defenders, and in constant movement. Didn't get many passes to him, continued to offer options. His handball and field kicking have also improved, has great hands. Has a reliable set shot. The tackling effort is still lacking, or it maybe that he cannot read defensiveness well. Starts a step behind and doesn't straight line with gusto, though can zone defend reasonably well. During drills he is as clean as anyone. Looking happy. Must be a chance to get a start this year. They have been simming and drilling in very congested areas. A marked change from early last season. When they structure up with a crowded forward line, the instructions I have heard have been, 'look and kick it to where the leading forwrd wants it'. A few of the sims when crowded had them putting the ball infront of JVR who wanted it above the pack for a strong specky attempt, hit the pack, and have a front and centre ready. Big change is that the crumbers are being drilled, working together, and making sure that someone is there at the crumb (hard running). Chandler reads it well. Kossie's snaps are a beautiful thing to see, so very consistent. They haven't given up on the kind of bomb it in theory.

A couple of intrepid Demonland Trackwatchers headed down to Gosch's Paddock for the midweek Preseason Training Session to bring you the following observations. Demonland's own Whispering Jack was not in attendance but he kicked off proceedings with the following summary of all the Preseason Training action to date. We’re already a month into the MFC preseason (if you started counting when the younger players in the group began the campaign along with some of the more keen older heads) and in less than a few hours’ time, most of the list will be hitting the track for another grueling session at Gosch’s Paddock. If you haven’t been following our training threads, today’s Herald Sun article Demons ponder big man reshuffle to fix forward funk by Jay Clark has a crack at bringing you up to speed with the goings on at the club. In the hard paper edition the article is on page 63 and it’s entitled “Dees go for Petty change”. Clark writes that “Melbourne could make footy’s first big positional switch of the summer and return Harrison Petty to a key defensive role next season”. This is not an official call for Petty who struggled to have an impact up forward last year - Clark says he will be trialled in both forward and defensive roles over summer. He adds that this opens up some scope for “marking targets Daniel Turner, 2022 first round pick Matthew Jefferson and VFL recruit Aidan Johnson to partner ace goal kickers Jacob van Rooyen and Bayley Fritsch”. Clark also points out that it’s a crucial year for the club in fighting off possible poaching efforts for Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver after they explored moves to leave during the trade period but he confirms the gun midfielders “have put those issues behind them”. Accompanying the article which also mentioned the team-building exercises at last week’s camp in Victoria’s high country are the following pointers to highlight some of the preseason moves at the club:- “Harry Sharp on the wing With running dynamo Alex Neal-Bullen heading to Adelaide, the Dees recruited Brisbane grand final emergency Harry Sharp to add run to an ageing midfield. The 21-year-old showed his aerobic prowess on Monday when he decimated his new teammates in a 2km time trial and he is likely to be given first dibs on the opposite wing to Ed Langdon. Caleb Windsor to defence With Sharp and potentially No.11 pick Xavier Lindsay joining the Dees’ wing stocks, second-year Windsor is likely to move to a running half-back role used to great effect by Fremantle’s Jordan Clark. The club is aware that with Steven May and Tom McDonald both on the wrong side of 30 and Jake Lever often copping knee niggles, having pace around them is essential. Midfield reboot It’s not just the arrival of No.6 pick Harvey Langford that has the Dees excited. Both Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver set tongues wagging at Gosch’s Paddock on Monday. After a horror 2024, Oliver seems to be keen to re-establish himself as one of the league’s best tacklers, while Petracca looked fully engaged instructing the first-year players.” Well … that’s your history lesson about the preseason so far. Of course, most of the above has already been covered in our own preseason training threads. Now it’s over to our track watchers to fill us in on today’s action … WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Gawn and Melksham first out, closely followed by Tholstrup. I’ve counted 42 out there at the moment. Haven’t seen Roy "Boy" George this morning. Fritsch is not kicking in the short pass to lead activity. Salem is running with him and he hands it off. Campbell has a slow, loopy pass. REHAB GROUP: Lever, McAdam, Spargo & Lindsay A little late on this, but haven’t seen K White. McAdam now having shots at goal by himself. Verrall = lackadaisical. Ollie trailing in on the sprint to drinks. Fritta now running the boundary at good pace. Lindsay now running the boundary. Clarrie has left the training field. I watched the group on the Punt Road boundary where Clarrie was involved. It was a run and handball, with little goal posts at each end. It was non-stop with attacking team v defending team. Seemed like even numbers. It was played in a 50-metre section of the wing, quite congested, but the non-stop run by ball carriers was impressive. Clarrie showed trademark burst and lightning handball on occasions. He brushed some opponents aside, but the very next play he ran into Kossie, who trapped him in vice-like arms and bought him to ground, hard! Immediately after this, Clarrie took himself to the side line and sucked in the big ones on all fours. Soon after this he slowly walked the perimeter... I think this must have been just before he threw in the towel. I add that he was pushing himself to the limit everytime he had the ball in all the activities I watched. The speed of Sharp was very evident in this same activity. He bounced off tacklers and spun around on-coming defenders to speed away and deliver to teammates. He then ran on at blistering pace to start a new chain from the backline... think, "beep beep"! Langford's poise by hand and foot was on show in end-to-end exercises on that same wing! NO. 41'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I saw Clarrie earlier having a few puffs of an asthma puffer, plus what I assumed to be a couple of hits with a nasal spray. I suspect that probably has a lot do do with his early departure. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training. Very impressed with how fit everyone looks. During one exercise Luker Kentfield failed to take his time when kicking for goal, and missed. Choco told him to take his time, and kick the goal. Clayton Oliver left training early with physio, but seemed OK. FRITTA AND TURNER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Once again a very pleasant day watching the training with a full squad in attendance. It took me ages to find Jed Adams until the boys started yelling Jed Jed Jed (dead give away) and i realised he was in a No number Jumper. No Kalani White but Toby Sinnema was there. Lever, Spargo, McAdam, Lindsay and Fritter in rehab ie not taking part in all the drills. They did a separate drill and then on the bikes and running the boundary. Don't know whats wrong with Fritta but it aint running. Lever dragged the bike to the boundary line and yelled encouragement, and you better be encouraged ok!!!! AMW did a great block on the Kolt and a fantastic tackle on Viney. Maysie gives instructions to the backs with a flick of a hand and guess what, seems to position well and find space. Langford has a first and 2nd effort and seems to instinctively know where the ball is in a contest. He also looks like Turner but with curls. AJ ready to go and is strong at it. Kynan shows plenty of run and dash. Hore wacked his knee cap on the ground, a minor cut, and had some strapping as a precaution. Tracca had the cap with a 'sun shade' on the back. (Reminds me of the cartoons I watched years ago). Moving well. Sharpie looked er sharp and got lots of vocal support from his team mates. Campbell looks like he is enjoying it. Max and Clarrie were gassed at time. Clarrie did not participate in the match sim at the end. I think Kynan pulled out early. Not many track watchers as last time but the number grew to 60+. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Coaches are working hard. Plenty of instructions, and a variety of new drills that are making them use different skills. Bounces and run, more focus on having opponents, handballs with the players getting in the way of opposition, and opponents (Jones) getting in the way of runners. They are happy and training with skill and high standards McAdams with boots on and kicking goals. Spargo getting closer. Langford likes a goal and can kick them on the run and from a long way out. Fritta doing some training drills and extra running. Salem has already dropped a few kilos. Melky in an orange bib during sims (the only one), and connecting through the middle and then hitting up with some beautiful kicks. Tackling in handball game was ferocious, I worried about them at times. Bowey was in with the backs when in their lines but matched up against Windsor on the wing in the sims. The other wing side had Billings and Langdon. Tracc playing with some flair, his field kicking has also improved. Oliver was trying to dance around opponents but got caught a few times. When Clarry was boundary running with Campbell, he was belching . Perhaps he had an upset stomach. Wasn't the temperature in the low 20's. I was in the shade most of the time, and comfortable. McAdams is still on light duties. Gawn is getting more involved with the leadership role, He is in cruise mode. Oliver is trying hard. Viney is excelling and isbest by a far distance, also, atending every session so far. Billings is looking very good. Running hard, getting plenty of ball and with good disposals. Back to the club in great shape. Harry Sharp has looked good from day 1. Glides around the field, comfortable with ball in hand, he is not disturbing the pecking order as he is keeping a humble and happy disposition. Howes started preseason with the occasional fumble and misskick. I feel a few may have jumped above him. Today he had a good run at it. Hoping he is finding some confidence from it. His body is looking taller and stronger.

Some veteran Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations from another Preseason Training Session. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Rehab: Lever, Spargo, McAdam, Lindsay, Brown Sinnema is excellent by foot and has a decent vertical leap. Windsor is training with the Defenders. Windsor's run won't be lost playing off half back. In 19 games in 2024 he kicked 8 goals as a winger. I see him getting shots at goal from HB by being involved in a chain. Houston kicked 7 goals in 2024, Zorko kicked 9. I don't think we lose much in goals by playing Windsor off HB. Just had a short chat with Browny, who is running 200 at a fair clip. He said his break from main group was “awareness”. Main group now in competitive 3/4 ground match sim (of sorts). Tracc hemmed in and tackled in forward pocket, quick handball to Clayton, snapped goal! McAdam now in various runs around boundary. He looks fit and is running freely. Sharp skirting in front as Riv is spoilt from marking. Sharp passes wide to Woey who slots a nice goal from 45. Fritsch just kicked a Fritsch goal in traffic/snap from 15. Tracc turns it over with a scrubber low pass which is intercepted. Very good chain through the middle, Bill long low pass to Max, handball to Kossie, kick to Mentha, finds a deep forward. Ball movement is quick, non-stop, disposal is mostly sharp with limited pressure on ball carrier. Fritta just chased Ed and Howes from behind wing to inside 50. "Bill" Laurie continues to nail long passes to leading players in corridor. Bad kick by AMW from back pocket lands with Kossie intercept, who sends it back in to a leading Fritsch. AMW meets him head on and brings him to ground earning a coaches free kick. Whole group now doing sprints from 50 to 50 arcs. Only a couple, then sprint to drinks. McAdam still running. Brown still running! Players broken into several groups now for contested work. The competitive, 1 on 1 marking with the talls was great to watch. Disco out pointed Maysie with his regulation sticky fingers. McDonald got the better of Max. Jeffo also competed well. Jefferson now looks at home among the big boys. He is stronger and able to jostle for position without being shoved aside. He is enjoying the work and has good goal sense, with crafty snaps and some length when required. I get the feeling he now knows he belongs. Lever is certainly doing a power of running through and over obstacles, building up leg/foot strength and flexibility. It's reassuring to have McDonald and Petty in peak fitness at this stage. Have to head off now. I look forward to other’s more detailed observations to come. DANNYZ'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Woey's physique is seriously impressive. As big an off-season change as I can remember seeing. Not that he was in poor shape to begin with, however, impressive gains! A lot more hand balling and lateral movement through the middle. Less kick in hope and reliance on territory only. Windsor with the backs. Adds class to our ball transition. Radford involvement has increased. Seems to have a lot of say in game plan/tactics. Kentfield & Fullerton focus areas are their one touch with marking. Jonesy brings the group in between 25-33 closer together. I believe there is a spot for Sharp on the wing. He will be fighting with Bowey, XL & Woey for that role. Jed Adams for mine probably isn't quite at the level and I was surprised the club re-contracted him so early. Happy to be proven wrong. Tholstrup would be an on-field starter in the 18. Everything he does is with intent. His defensive efforts in the front 50 are infectious. Second ruck will be Aidan Johnson. DEESPICABLE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Ok, I went down to training and after writing a lengthy report for you on Monday was going to quietly avoid putting fingers to the laptop. But then, the shot that was heard around the world happened and I thought you'd enjoy knowing about it. Ok, what shot. Well here's a test guess which player I am talking about from this detail. The ball heads long to the wing and Roo looks set to mark but in comes this strong looking Dee with hunger and nudges Roo aside and takes a really strong mark. He then goes back to kick with his left foot and seeing Roo overcommit on the mark, beautifully baulks him and charges down field, get his balance and sees a player 65m away hoping for an over the back in the goal square. He balances after the baulk and then thumps his left footer over the top to his waiting teammate. It was by far the play of the morning and given I was standing on the far side of the ground, I had to check my glasses weren't fogging up. Could it be No.26. Surely not. I looked again as he made his way back and yep it was No.26 - Jed Adams. The same Jed Adams who only minutes earlier before match sim had completely fumbled and left the ball behind in a drill. The same Jed Adams who I, like many of you, had put down as one of Jason Taylor's handful of misses. The same Jed Adams who later on in the one-on-one forward drills looked confident enough to outpoint anyone. Yep, there are signs that in his third season since being taken with pick 38, that the 20yo is finally making headway. He's not about to push out Steven May or T-Mac for rd 1, but there's no doubt he's starting to show enough to get an AFL game at some stage if we get injuries. With Tommo gone, the queue for key backs isn't quite as long and even with Petty looking likely to play there, he's only two hammy twings or twangs from being named. While Adams had that 'moment', there were three clear stars on the track that you couldn't help but notice on a regular basis. The first was Clayton. Yep i know how frustrated we were with him the last two seasons, but right now he is back having fun and looking like a Brownlow Medal runner-up again. He kicked goals, he gave one off to tricky Ricky Mentha and he intercepted passes, made strong leads etc etc. He's probably 100-1 for the Brownlow right now, but given our draw, he might go close. The second was Kossie. He may not be playing until round 4, but watching him weave and turn his way out of trouble was mega exciting. On what we are seeing so far, he may end up playing quite a bit in the middle as he is mega fit. The third and most important of all is the positional switch that is going to make us exciting again. And I'm not talking Petty back to defence. In match sim, there's probably just 15 a side and so there are only five defenders. No prizes for guessing T-Mac and May with Petty, who may well be just there until Jake Lever is back over his knee soreness. Judd McVee and his precise kicking is also there again after a late (somewhat baffling) dabble in the midfield last season. And the other small down there is our No.6 Caleb Windsor. Those of you who are Robbie fans will recall that Barass even sent Tulip down to full-back so Goody's move is only somewhat revolutionary. Caleb waltzed off half-back like he was doing cone drills and at one point he flew across in front of Roo for a nice mark. Caleb has more height than Bowser and Salem and he has more pace and he's also a damn good kick like them. he also seemed happy to switch the ball - was it just me, but I reckon our defence switched way more often than last year - another positional adjustment for those of you looking for what we are doing differently. Well there were quite a few other things that happened and yes I saw some improvement from Luker Kentfield and I reckon Woey looks quite a bit faster than last year and Aidan Johnson looks strong and promising and Disco Turner is up there with Olly for passion to win the footy. And I could go on all day, but I walked away from training second guessing one thing and I had to go back and ask a fellow track watcher one thing. 'Did you see Jed Adams take that mark over Roo on the wing?' I said. 'Yep' said my colleague. 'That was No.26.' KEV MARTIN’S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Coaches are micromanaging, here are a couple of examples. For delivery of ball to Turner, 'look for where he wants it kicked'. To Sestan, 'Ollie keep moving, get to the next contest, that is your strength'. Gawn and Cambell were rucking for the mids when they separated into their lines. I would assume Tom will be the back-up ruck if Max goes down. I doubt he will be the second ruck. Lever and McAdam were running with gusto as they did laps. Both started the session in boots. Charlie who is not in a training jersey, has to be closer to getting down with the squad. Goody and Whitford took the backs for drills. I think Basset had the session off. Each defender had a mannequin as an opponent, 8 of them. They moved around it and kicked with precision to the next player. Sinnemar was very clean. I sense the players appreciate that, a new young one that doesn't hold the drills up. The sims. Turnovers make it easy for the other to find space and go direct to for goal. Something I think we will need to work on. Kossie was looking for Mentha. They were keen for the contest, hard hits occurred and high marking attempts that hit through packs. JVR has his spark, he hit some packs, nearly marking it, bringing the ball to the front. Wings included, Sharp, Billings (who is looking good), Langers and Woey.

There were many Demonland Trackwatchers braving the morning heat at Gosch's Paddock today to witness the players go through the annual 2km time trials. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Max, TMac & Melksham the first ones out on the track. Runners are on. Guess they will be doing a lot of running. TRAINING: Max, TMac, Melksham, Woey, Rivers, AMW, May, Sharp, Kolt, Adams, Sparrow, Jefferson, Billings, Petty, chandler, Howes, Lever, Kozzy, Mentha, Fullarton, Salem, Spargo, Turner, Viney, Kentfield, Johnson, JvR, Langford, Lindsay, Fritsch, Verral, Clarry, Sestan, Windsor, Laurie, Brown, Hore, Campbell, McVee, Langdon, Bowey, Trac. I think Kalani White is training with them. Kalani White is kicking the footy with MFC Next Generation Academy prospect Toby Sinnema. Main group of players doing warmups. Main group doing run throughs from half back flank to goal. Running groups around the oval. Spargo not training at all at the moment. Max is in a smaller group not on the same schedule as the other group. Max’s group is Campbell, Fritsch, Kalani White and the other kid. They must be doing the 2 or 3 km time trials The first lot are in 2 groups of about 8 at different points of the ground. 2nd lot are doing the warmups and will likely do the time trials after the first lot finish. Langford front of his group followed by Howes Bowey and Kozzy Rehab group consists of Lever, Spargo, McAdam and Lindsay Not sure why Gawn, Campbell and Fritsch aren’t doing time trials but are doing shorter running stints. Sharp leading Langdon in their group Trac leading his group that consists of Kolt Viney JvR Salem Rivers Billings with Clarry well at the rear Sharp has a big lead on Langdon. Sharp absolutely smashing it. Wouldn’t be surprised if there is a record broken today. Billings and Viney leading their group with Trac back to the middle of the pack with River Salem and then JvR and way back Clarry. Clarry has overtaken JvR. Runners off and footy boots on. Gawn, Campbell and Fritsch who weren’t doing the time trials have all joined the main footy session. Lever, McAdam & Lindsay are working with a training doing exercises on the boundary. Spargo has not joined them. Harvey Langford has a beautiful pass by foot. So nice seeing Trac, Clarry and Kozzy on the track. Spargo on the bike in the shed. First casualty of the preseason …. Me …. I have to leave training with a migraine from dehydration. Hopefully I’ll be back on Wednesday. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBERSVATIONS Might be the timed run this morning. The cones are out for the short warm-up activities. First players just coming out of AAMI. Running shoes on! I heard Kalani White is here! Kossie just won his group! Clayton finished well to pip Roo in his group… not leader but impressive drive to the line. Jack Viney ran a brilliant last 200 to get very close to Billings in his group. Billings is no slouch when it comes to middle distance. He looked impressive winning his group from a blistering final 200 by Viney! DEESPENCER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Time trials in groups. Big lumps: Luker, Jeffo, May Flankers: Pickett, Howes etc as above. Sestan a fair way off. The better running players are having a go now. T Mc is dominating his group ahead of Petty, Melk, Woey, Laurie Sharp is gapping to Brown, then a similar gap to Langdon, Chandler, Sparrow, McVee with Windsor a fraction off the back Billings gap to Viney gap to Rivers, Tracc, Kolt, Salem gap JvR group with Clarry off the back. Wait .. Clarry has overtaken JvR. Nothing too special in the drills after the time trial. Choco with some point to point kicking that didn’t go all that smoothly but wasn’t a disaster either and a few other smaller drills. Chappy took a big forwards group (both in height and numbers) for some work on kicking inside 50. A focus on how to legally block for both the high kick to the hot spot and the flatter kick to the lead in to the pocket. Backs and mids were doing a 2/3rds ground ball movement drill to get the ball out from the backline. Focus seemed to be on short accurate kicks to leads. I tried to watch the new guys. Langford - looks very comfortable in main training. Not the most pure kicking action and I think he’ll miss targets with depth control. His strengths look like really fast accurate hands and he just know where to run to get the ball. Plus Size (XL20) - a lot of lap running. Did some basic kicking drills and the ball comes off his boot fast and low with good accuracy. AJ - missed a few kicks in the drill immediately post the time trial but generally looks comfortable out there. In a drill moving the ball from a contest under pressure in backline he looked comfortable bending down to get it and evading pressure. Dished out on a long lefty handball and generally when he marks he extends his long arms nicely. Jeff Junior kicks the ball like the son of Jeff/academy player, he can spin it for a ruck. Natural mover. Tall. Thought he fumbled a couple of marks but just naturally he’s marking way up high. There’s some tools there for sure! The other kid Toby has some go and a nice left foot, hide him away for a year please! Watched a bit of Kentfield, he did a decent time trial given he’s a huge lad. Skills are nice and he moves pretty well. Not blown away but if Casey aren’t hopeless he’ll do more than his 4 touches a game this year. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training. I was very impressed with the instructions the forwards coach was giving to the forwards. His message was he does not want forwards standing still, but too be moving to make it harder for defenders. Several drills were conducted to help improve the forwards. FRITTA AND TURNERS PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Get Kalani White now!!! Really looks the goods but needs some upper body work obviously. With the full squad at training it was hard to spot standouts or for that matter concentrate on any particular player. Turner, Langford and Lindsay yet to get numbers on their backs. Spargo on the bike, Lindsay, McAdam and Fritter running the boundary. Chin is obviously well respected by the club and said a few words to the group. TMcs family always seem to be in attendnace at training. About 60+ onlookers at any one time with the highlight being the HUN camerman who asked which one was CP5. Really? DEESPICABLE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It's always nice to go down to a December session and see the newbies who do the odd drill, but spend most of the time looking from afar as they are handled with kid gloves - they are 18 after all. For me there were a few standouts that my eyes were drawn to on more than one occasion. One of the first to the track was a thinner, younger looking T-Mac and during all the drills, and the running he looked sprightly - It's ben a long time since I've picked him out as one of our best at training, but there you are. His protein diet must be working because he looked skinnier in the legs. The second player that I kept spotting was Kynan Brown. He was noticeable in the 2km run when he was second to Harry Sharp and he was crisp and evasive in all the drills, his only problem being a couple of errant bounces where he must have chosen some hard turf as the ball sprung back past him twice. I was bullish about Kynan last year when I felt he deserved a proper game (not 30 seconds off the bench as sub) and I am going to be even louder now. He looks ready and Werridee, it's time to amend your team (version 7656) and get him in. The third player you can't keep your eyes off is Clayton Oliver and it's not just the copious amount of sunscreen he wears. He seems to be making an early point this build-up to say, I'm a tackling god again, take me on at your expense. Sure he isn't the fastest in the 2km, but he is the fastest at reading the play - poor Toby Sinnema happened to be in his group when one of the few drills with tackling permitted happened and was taken down like a lion devouring a young deer. Clayton was back to his omnipresent self, a real livewire at training and I suspect his in-jest tackle on serial sidelines pest, Leo McDonald, will make the Herald Sun tomorrow as their photographer got a lovely shot of him taking on the 3yo. Congrats to Toby Sinnema who dusted himself off from Clayton's attack and then made two great tackles himself. Sinnema is from Dandening and is 16 and presumably was brought down to keep Kalani company. If he's part of our academy, that's great but if he's not, then unfortunately you will need to go down to Punt Rd to see him play in 2026, as he's a top-5 cert in my eyes - unless he doesn't grow. As with others, spotting Kalani White was easy - he's 200cm tall, looks like a young Sam Darcy and he kicks like his dad Jeff, giving the ball way to much hangtime. But that will be trained out of him, especially if he hangs around Steven May rather than Dimma and co. He also has the White-family leap, so he's a project to behold. But sadly though if you were a betting man, then you'd say he ends up staying with his mates on the Gold Coast. But that's a topic for others. Kalani was a little tentative and that's OK, he just turned up for his first session with a bunch of men, most of whom he's never met before. But gees, it would be great if he chose us. The other person to draw your attention was Trac, who was back with his trademark smile along with quite a bit of gasping, especially after the 2km time trial. He's lost a bit of fitness, but I reckon he'll pick it up again pretty soon and he clearly had that air of a club great about him every time he got the ball in drills, spinning it around like Andrew Gaze between each kick. He also imparted a bit of wisdom on Harvey Langford and Ricky Mentha - he's not too shy to hand out a few instructions, which is great and a sign of leadership that we need. The other highlights that I saw were a supersonic goal on the run under pressure by Trent Rivers, it's your guess where he will play, and a bit of Kossie magic, spinning in and out of trouble as he does with the tribunal regularly. From a haircut perspective, the big change came from Kade Chandler, who has gone for the In the Navy look, although maybe it was part of a charity cut. I better mention Harvey Langford, who is a strong looking individual who did most of the drills with the team, despite being a newbie. There's no way he'll be held back this year. Our other high pick, No.11 Xavier Lindsay, just did running drills, which was fine when he had Shane McAdam and Fritter to keep him company, but he had to go solo with no fitness trainer, for his final 10 run throughs. I know sometimes it's hard to have enough staff and players have to be resilient, but I couldn't help thinking you don't leave an 18yo in his first session at Gosch's Paddock in solitary confinement. Imagine he goes back to his parents place and they say, "how was training?". Does he reply "Great" or does he express his isolation. Finally, there was no real gp distinction with most of the drills today, so positional switches will have to become apparent in later session. But Goody did take all the players (bar the newbies) for one final full-ground session and explained a revolutionary new tactic. It's called the man-on-man defensive strangle. Amazing. Players actually had to man-up. Don't worry, that will never catch on! BUCK NEKKID'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS A glorious day to visit Gosh’s to see a training session. Highlights: In the running, Sharp, Pup, Bowey, TMac and Langford all did well. Trac looked like a man amongst boys and also ran strongly. Some of the drills: A zig zag kicking and markng drill, that led to a contested drill where the person on the mark was straight in front, the kicker went straight back but looked at the 45 degree angles to pick out a lead. Think we will go quicker off the mark to players leading from these angles. A contested ball drill. Oliver laid a few beautiful tackles. One passage saw the ball go 3>13>7>16>5 (goal). About as fast as you could read that, too! A forward drill with the bigs contesting and knocking it to ground for a small to sweep ink and either goal, or offload for a goal. Lots of discussion about positioning and strategy. A forward drill concreting on the forward staying in motion, and the small providing a legal block for the forward to roll around and mark. A full ground drill moving the ball fast and good contests between the backs and the forwards. Petty on Roo was worth the watch. Overall, a good session. When things were not going as planned, players were called in and things explained an reset. Some great teaching from the coaches to individuals and lots of good chat and banter amongst the players. Kalani White looks great in Dees colours, and was not out of place. Shane McAdam worked away from the main group, but seemed in good spirits. Cheered him one as he did some faster laps, got a hey and a smile. Some old guy running around “Working the room” to use his term for it, handing out flyers for the election. Didn’t give me anything, Im obviously not his ‘type’! KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Chandler, Lever, and Petty walking from AAMI with the coaches as I arrive. Some are already on Gosch's, they are getting down to prepping. The sun block, hydration, the Tech in the jersey, and all in runners. Plenty of buzz around for our first full hit up. Yet no balls on the field. The time trials! They are hyped and ready. Those ahead of their times appeared to be, Sparrow, Kolty (maybe flu related), Sharp, and another but cannot recall. They got to sit out when the others did 5 more sets of 120 metre runs close at the end of the training. Kossie is fit and running very well. Goody got round him soon after his run and gave him the warmest of embraces, slaps, and words. Verrall struggled, though ended his running with some push. Sestan ran better than other years, a little slow but not struggling. Langford led for some time, looks like a competitor, overrun close to the end. (Between some drills Tracc was getting around him, offering some insights) Great to see Maysie and Melk back. They all got round each other after the running, plenty on their haunches. Great effort all round. Shane McAdams back on the exercise bike. His body shape is good, looks like he has been working out. Lever has increased his workload, with a variety of running drills. My guess is that of Achilles awareness. Fritta is putting in hard runs. My guess is that his goal is being very fit. Xavier Lindsay is on a modified program and is going at about 70% effort. Spargo spent most of his time on the bike. Rumours were spreading that Roy George is being picked up. The drills were a little off. Windy, hot day, with some exhaustive running, I reckon caused some astray kicking and fumbles. Ricky Mentha has good hands, also doesn't do two errors in a row. It was apparent that he puts his head into it, after a mistake. Looks like Kossie, Rivers and Woey are in the mids squad, whereas Windsor and Petty are backmen. I like what Chaplin is doing as a forwards coach. He was getting the smalls to crumb. Two of them would follow the flight of the ball, the talls would bring it down, then the smalls either, handball to their partner who would snap, or they would snap. He was very hands-on at describing the movement patterns he wants from those marking forwards. The backs worked with the mids. They were getting the connections and fast ball movement down the wings. Langdon with leather poisoning and Sparrow running the wings very well, often the last one with the ball. Goody set up a full field structure, getting them to position where he wants them. Looks like a high press, with no one in the forward 50. Some goal kicking from the mids and forwards, as the backs settled down for a chat about structures. Jed Adams had some testing from the trainer, after some sims. Appeared to have a slight limp A good session. SLARTIBARTFAST'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I'm a bit late to the party but I made it down to training today and the boys were really put through their paces. The time trials were interesting. Harvey went out hard and held on well only to be overtaken by a few of the mature boys but he's fit enough to play AFL. Clarrie was at the back of his group but only by a small margin but he was totally spent at the end of it and I thought he was going to be sick. But then to my surprise he was up and at it in all the later drills. Interestingly they all did the time trials with shirts off and reports of Clarrie being overweight are grossly exaggerated, he might not be at his thinnest but he is far from fat. He looked in very good shape to me and as others have reported he's in good spirits. He was in the same group as Kolt who beat him but interestingly when all that group finished they fell to the ground in exhaustion but the Kolt didn't. He stayed on his feet and encouraged the others to get up. Leadership written all over this kid. Sesso also seems to have slimmed down well and is running much better than previous years. I don't think he's there yet but he's made big steps towards AFL fitness and if he continues as he is he might be a smokey for R1 when Koss is out. Verrall is really struggling in the running. He was a long way back in the time trial and in the end one of the trainers ran with him to keep him company. He really needs to get that right because he's way below AFL fitness at the moment and he's now entering his third preseason. I'm not suggesting he's not putting in the effort, just that he really struggles with this sort of running. Interesting in later running drills he was keeping up much better which was a positive. I was also interested in Aidan Johnson's performance. He looked pretty comfortable out there and kept up well in the time trials and other running. Beyond that I didn't really notice him much in the drills. To my surprise Petts is training with the backs as is Windsor. McVee is there too so it would seem that Duke and Knuckles won't be in the midfield this year which is against expectations. I don't see how Petts, May (who does look like he's been in a good paddock) Lever and Tmac fit in the one backline and it's hard to see Tmac missing out because he is in the best knick I've ever seen him. He's moving really well, he's really lean, his ball handling and kicking is good and his lateral movement is better than for a while and I'd suggest that's as a result of his feet being injury free. I've been to all but one session and he's the standout so far for me but I'm a big fan so perhaps I'm bias. Beyond that it was a great day for the track watcher I didn't think. Lots of little drills which didn't really show much and the boys were spread out all over the field making it hard to get an overall picture. I liked what I saw from Langford who to my eye didn't appear much taller than Clarrie when I saw them standing together but it's hard to tell given Clarrie's hair. Fritter was doing heaps of running at a very good clip and he did it for a long time. He looks really fit so I've no idea what his issue is. McAdam also did a fair bit of running and looked comfortable and he looks in good condition. I wonder if they just want to get him really fit before throwing him into full training and exposing his body to the level of stress. I can confirm previous report on Sparrow. He looks really lean and he was running really well. I think he may have got a rocket at the end of last season, he looks a new player. Billings also looked really fit. I'm going again on Wednesday and hopefully they'll do a bit of full field ball movement which is where I think you can judge players more critically. Boy was it humid at training today, skills were pretty good given the level of fatigue and the conditions. IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I made it down there yesterday but was flat out heading back Nth to write before now. I was planning a big one but there are so many excellent track reporters nowadays most of it's been covered. But here's a few comments. Poor old Jason Taylor had the misfortune of being identified by me. He was standing a bit away from the coaching section. So much for a nice quiet uninterrupted observation of training. I'm afraid I wasn't going to let Demonland down by letting him get away with that. In summary he laughed when I said it must be a bit like watching his babies run out on the field and strange so soon after just picking them. I asked him what expectations were there about when Lindsay might play. He said Oh well he's coming off a PCL and won't join in full training till mid Jan so it will be a while. I mentioned that Johnson seemed to be doing incredibly well at keeping up with the running especially as he's just come in. He said Yeh, he loves running and is a really good runner. Amazing for me given how most players who have come over from other clubs haven't been able to get close to the MFC running when they start in pre season and this guy's come in from only one season of VFL and is way more up to speed than any of them. He looks particularly agile and quick off his feet. Firstly I haven't managed to get to training since before Covid. The first thing I noticed is how much bigger they are now than I have seen in the past. A few years ago they had a real emphasis on running over strength and the squad had collectively trimmed down. It is noticeable they have bulked up again but I would say with more refined training practices nowadays they are probably running better than they did then. Secondly Viney's leadership really stood out. It's interesting that others picked up that Max was taking a bit of a back seat. But it's been interesting that Vines has turned up from day one of the 1st to 3rd years and has led them all the way. Today he was very noticeably leading all over the ground. When his group finished their 2km's he stayed on his feet when everyone else was collapsed and he walked around to every player in the group and patted them and gave them words of encouragement. His fitness was also right up there in the running. Thirdly. Clarry. I noticed in photos I've seen since they've started back that he's still got that bulkiness he had last year. Then in the 2km he was lagging off the back of his group. I was thinking this really isn't looking that great. But near the end of the session they did multiple 120m run throughs and he led his group in everyone of them and that's at the end of a very tough session. Sigh of relief. Don't worry about Clarry he's clearly done the work in the off season. Fourthly, I don't know why I'm numbering these points. Pointless. Oh well. Kossie blitzed his 2km group. He's really done the work this off season and I get the feeling he's realised he needs to make the most of his god given talent. I'm picking him to have a special season. Fourthly, others have mentioned Harry Sharp. His running was extraordinary. It wasn't just that he blitzed the group with his endurance but he's that very rare combination of speed and endurance. I have no doubt he will replace ANB's role and end up being an upgrade with better pace and skills. There's a lot to learn to get up to ANB's contribution though. I thought he was leading the B & F earlier in the season. Fifthly Jefferson has really bulked up since last season. He has a mature AFL footballers body now. A lot rests on him making it as a viable key forward. It's been such a long time since we've been able to develop one from the draft other than JVR. Windsor was surprisingly lagging back in the 2km but then again he's coming back from a long term injury but I thought he would have been up to speed by now. I can't believe he will be played anywhere than the wing. So few players know now to play that role and he's walked in from day one nailing it. No doubt in the off season players get moved around to play different positions to learn them. Wingers often play deep in defence and off half back in transition so it makes sense for him to be doing that. The role nowadays is all about transition now anyway. Kentfield took me a while to pick up. He didn't stand out so much in height and build. He's a very strange build. He's huge around the hips and [censored] and it's almost like his body which is much skinnier sits on top of his hips. It was interesting to see Selwyn Griffith walking around the boundary doing menial things like placing posts in the ground. It just shows you how they run on such short staffing nowadays. Its just appalling the AFL haven't lifted the coaching soft cap back up by now. Go Dees. I have to say that this time last year I was supper flat and pessimistic about the coming season. Mind you there was a lot of turmoil then. I feel very different this preseason. There's minimal injuries. There's clearly articulated recognition of the failings in the gameplan that is being addressed with changes in the coaching staff which didn't happen last season. I have a gut feeling that Jefferson is going to start performing in 2025. I'm picking Tholstrop to be a big improver. Kossie looks like he's done a power of work over the break. He had a pretty ordinary 2024 so hopefully he goes to next level. We have Maxy back up next year in Campbell. Langford will at the very least add desperately needed depth to the midfield that we didn't have this year. Onwards and upwards Dees.

Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week. Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s guernsey. The 2 new boys Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay are here. As is Harry Sharp. Trac is BACK!! TRAINING: PETRACCA, Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay, Clarry, Kolt, Brown, Jefferson, Sestan, Howes, Rivers, JVR, Turner, Kentfield, Hore, TMac, Laurie, Petty, Verral, Adams, Sharp, Fullarton, Windsor, AMW, Woey, Bowey, Chandler Spargo in rehab. Doing knee raisers on the spot. Viney was leaving the track as I arrived after running/sprinting on the boundary. REHAB: Spargo, Campbell, Howes, Sestan Fritsch and Salem were training separately but have now joined the main group. Langford is warming up with the main group. Lindsay is doing some drills/exercises with Spargo. Not sure if that is because he is in rehab or not. Clarry has come off the track and taken his boot off and is applying something to what appears to be a blister. Lindsay and Spargo jogging slowly around the boundary now. Their pace picks up a little as they do more repetitions. Clarry back out on the track. Windsor has a laser pass. * see updated comment a little later. New mature aged recruit Aidan Johnson is here too. Full length end to end drill with the outnumbered team defending in white bibs. Salem not participating in this drill and now doing sprints along the boundary. Trac is looking superb. Fit and strong. Just did a little shimmy and sold some candy and delivered a pinpoint pass. Petty and TMac are defenders in this drill. Disco and Fullarton also forwards Trac absolutely tearing it up on the track. Gave Windsor a big wrap the other day and earlier for his laser passing but he has missed a number of targets as the session wears on. Hopefully an aberration. Boys still running to the water station at the end of drills. Good to see Langford not gasping for air or on his haunches at the break. Split into two groups. And a third smaller group of Fritsch, Fullarton & Aidan Johnson. One group is one on one marking and if the ball drops another player mops up and dishes a handball off to a player running past to have a shot at goal on the run. If the ball is marked the player dishes off to player running past. The other drill is a one on one hand balling keeping’s off drill with tackling. Langford just laid a ferocious tackle on Kolt to the cheers of all the players. We’ve got another good one here. The group of 3 of Fritsch, Fullarton and Johnson are working with Choco Williams on a tackling technique drill. Kynan Brown now jogging laps. Might be as a precaution but does not look too hampered. Langford and Sharp now doing a one on one tackling drill with Choco. Salem, Sestan, Howes and Campbell are doing some ball drills on the adjacent soccer ground. Some observations on individual players. Trac - looks super fit and does not appear to be suffering any ill effects from his injury last season. Was in very good spirits and was an absolute beast on the field. Very bullish on him for the 2025 season. Langford - is a massive unit for an 18 year old kid. Has beautiful skills and is not afraid of contact. Will not be surprised if he debuts in Round 1. I think we have found a good one here. Lindsay - rehabbing from a PCL injury at the end of the season. Saw him doing some kick to kick and liked what I saw but there is not much to go on. Excited by his highlights. Didn't see enough of Sharp to make an assessment. Nor did I see enough of Aidan Johnson but he is a solid unit too. My first time this preseason seeing Salem and Fritsch. Both look in good nick. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Aidan Johnson is fitting in nicely. Plenty of pace, long arms, looks at home! Trac just nailed a 50 metre pass to Roo… wild cheers from the group! Choco chatting to Langford and Johnson on the boundary before unleashing them Trac to Clarrie for a goal… a sight to see! Campbell doing ruck exercises out in Victory’s turf 22 players on main oval, full-field transition Trac is in everything… often the last kick inside 50 to a lead, often Roo McDonald just out-marked Roo and is in peak pre-Christmas condition Langford is already asserting himself in the close-in handball/tackle group. Just got tackled by Trac, also showed a nice side-step. Then he and Tholstrup got hold of a rampaging Trac and refused to give an inch. AMW just ran through 3 tough tackles, rugby style, bounced off each and delivered the handpass Jefferson wrestles Johnson to the ground in a tackle, no mean feat. Sharp, Tholstrup and Fullerton just completed what looked like a 1500 or 2k run. Sharp lead but Tholstrup was with him all the way. Sharp by 5 mts in the end. Fullarton 30 Mtrs back. On that note, I’m off to parking meter… more when I get home! Everything Johnson did at his first hit-out read, "I'm not here to make up the numbers at Casey" I would have to say that this was the most exciting training session I have attended at Gosch’s. Following so soon after the 2024 Draft, with Clayton and Tracca joining the new boys. With Jonesy back out there where he belongs… Johnson, the new Dark Horse! Fritta and Salem joining in on many of the main activities, and a number of other blokes back from holiday. A hot day in Demon hell! BINMAN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I went. Some random thoughts: Is there a more beautiful sporting precinct in the world? Not sure why the players looked so hor and bothered, it wasn't that hot, in the shade. Tracc was doing fast laps, stopped right in front of me, on his haunches gasping. Looks in incredible shape. He's a beast. On Tracc, if I was goody I'd tell him not to EVER kick under 40 metres. He is so much better kicking long, weights the ball beautifully with his long kicks. Langford is bloody huge. As waynewussell noted he and kolt both tackled tracc at one point, was very willing. Clarry looks in much better shape than he was this time last, and even at season's end. But is still a ways off his very best condition - which is OK, preseason has just started. Clarry's effort was first class, pushed himself very hard right to the end. Clarry's class stands out like a flashing light. At one point he scooped the ball of the deck one handed and in the same motion hanballed into space so his targeted receiver did not have to break stride. Thing of beauty. TMac was in unbelievablely good shape. Best I've ever seen him. Trainer of the session IMHO. His effort and intensity was off the charts. In one drill he missed a target and screamed an obscenity in anger. Great to have chunk back at the club. Vocal. Encouraging. Good energy. And as an added bonus his tree trunk legs make clarry's look positively svelte. At the end group of about 12 players, almost all forwards, did a goal kicking drill. Four things worth noting. One, no petts. It would appear he us defence bound. Two, group included bowey. He came over near me to take somd snaps from the boundary and I asked him if we might seem him up forward. He said, no but we might see him on the wing and he hopes to snag some goals. Three, roo barely missed a goal. Beautiful, neat kicking action that looks exactly the same every time, from whatever distance. Four, Turner kicks the ball unbelievably hard. Also dead straight. He looks very focused and driven. I have a feeling he will really impose himself next season. DEESPENCER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Got there late at about 11 and could only handle the heat for about 40 minutes. Rehabbers have mostly been covered I think but XL (no strapping, walking fine) and Spargs were just chilling with Choco by the time I was there. Salem looking more comfortable than last year to my eye. Sestan and Howes ran together and there body shapes are coming together too! Not seen: Gawn, May, Viney (by me), Lever, McAdam, Billings, Langdon, Chandler, Sparrow, Pickett, McVee Langford is a big boy, but no extra weight on him, he has huge feet (not sure what that means - big shoes!). Johnson clearly isn’t built like a full time pro just yet but he seems to have fit legs and athletic look to him, I reckon a good preseason and he’ll look the part. No strapping on the knee and completing gentle run throughs with Harvey with ease. Probably only about 16 in full training so doubt drills were all that insightful but first one I saw was the mids simulating a contest on the half forward flank then going inside 50 to a 3 on 3. Initially with a spare defender then without. Focus on getting to the corridor and kicking out to the fat side. Mids: Verrall, Tracc, Oliver, Rivers, Laurie, Bowie, Woey, Windsor. 5 on 3 so not a lot of pressure Tracc bursting from congestion. Clarry had a couple of trademark zips through. Windsor getting handballs inside 60 = a shot inside 40 in no time. Forwards: JVR, Disco, Jeffo, Kentfield A big focus on spade and separation. Kentfield took a nice mark on the lead and hit up Jeffo. He’s a large unit. Jeffo’s stronger, still need to iron out that spine. He came up on leads and forced contests a couple of times, he has a closing speed on leads and swooped on a crumb and dished handballs in a flash of an eye. Not fully willing to say it’s magician time just yet but it could be close. Backs: Petty, T Mc, fake Petty, Hore, AMW as the key backs out there Tommy had a good spoil and forced the ball over the line and was met with Clarry saying ‘gets better every year’ Next drill was 8 on 8 condensed in to a 60 x 30 rectangle on the wing just trying to get short kicks through the zone. If this is our game plan with these current players we might be in trouble! Turnover central! But it was 30+ degrees and over 90 minutes in. Bassett preaching the need to be up on opponents, clear with handovers and to take away the 45 on the mark. Not sure he knows about the stand rule tho so that will be interesting. Windsor about the only one to find space but a couple of sneaky Jeffo leads. Overall takeaway was I hope the rehab group trims down before Christmas but seemingly a good core out there. Interested to see what Chappy can do with these young key forwards. SCOOP JUNIOR'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Went down a bit later and most of it has been covered. -Two main drills that I saw were 1) stoppage at various parts of the ground where someone would collect the ground ball and then the focus seemed to be on spreading and moving the ball out of the area and eventually to the forwards. 2) kick from half back on the Punt Rd side of the ground where the kicker would try find a teammate to hit up. It was very difficult as the defensive side was playing a hard one-on-one style meaning it was difficult to find a free player. Also, the play seemed confined to the Punt Rd side, so the option of switching the play to the fat side was not there. It was essentially trying to pick a way through on the skinny side of the ground. Lots of turnovers but I don't think any team finds this an easy thing to do. -Rivers was with the mids in the stoppage drills, as was Bowey. While Bowey does tend to go to the back of stoppages as a half back maybe this was an indication of spending some time further up the ground? -Great to see Trac and Clarry in the stoppage drills. Trac just looks in sensational physical condition and his burst and lateral movement looked like it hadn't missed a beat. Clarry to me seems in better shape than last year but he does look a bit thicker through the upper legs than the others. Not sure if that's just his shape but he does look bigger through there than what he did 3-4 seasons ago. The key for him is whether he can get that burst out of congestion back that he was missing this year. That's what elevates his game to the next level. -Lindsay is not built like Langford but he is definitely not a bag of bones as some draftees are. He has some upper body size and at about 6"0 has decent height for a mid. Certainly a stronger build than say Windsor had at the start of his first pre-season last year. As for Windsor, he is such a beautiful mover. In the stoppage drill, when he got the ball he just burst away and they struggled to keep up with him. -Langford has that prototype big-body midfielder frame. He still has some filling out to do but the frame is there to really develop into a powerful unit. -The amount of running they do under the sun in 30 degrees is really quite incredible. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS The heat is on and the players didn't take a back step. Goody ran them hard, especially after a sim completion from the back to forward area. They had to sprint back up the field. Tholstrup felt it. JVR was pushing high, though became the last man forward in the non action area. Looked a bit bored, am worried about his training and application. Previous preseasons, he was the aggressive one, only seen him attack it once. Hope it just a bit of being lackadaisical during the early parts of preseason, and he starts getting into it. Some ball movements during the sims were very quick. There was room for a few of them to have multiple bounces down the wing, Windsor and Rivers took my attention. A couple of pressure moments caused them to rush and miss the target. Forgot who the defenders were. Chaplin continues to make his mark on the forwards. We definitely have a “front and centre” more prominent. They are also doing more short passes within the 50 to a dynamic group of leads. Harry Sharp looks a player to me. Well-rounded in his skills. Finding separation and has confidence in his disposals, he was linking out of the halfback area. Johnson looks and moves like Petty. Unsure how Jed Adams is going. Trying to keep it simple, but just not executing well at times? Clarry was being extremely playful out there. Last year he kept his head down, low profile. Now he is back to being stress-free and engaged. Tracc was nervous as he entered the field. Had a longish chat to Goody, then got down to work. Disposals have improved. Fritsch was in boots for the first time. Joined in a couple of sims, outpointed a tall defender with ease and skill. I reckon he is building for a big year. Salem also in boots and in a few sims. He has trimmed down since his first pre-run, and is pushing himself hard in the boundary runs. Lindsay has a mentor in Spargo. Appears to know the routines, and appears well coached through his developing years. Langford, first impression is that of an enforcer. N.Jones had a bib on in the sims. Hasn't lost much, closing speed and surprised a couple of them, then doing beautiful clearing kicks to hit the mark. Leading by example and being humble about it. Put him on the rookie list. WHISPERING JACK'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS A few bonuses from attending my first Melbourne training session of the preseason:- • I had heard in the media that most of the players drafted over the previous two nights would not be attending their club training sessions this week but would be joining in next week to give them a break before the start of the hard work of the preseason but it was gratifying to see all three MFC draftees in attendance. We’re not pussies! The two young guns look impressive. Harvey Langford looks a big unit, strong and very much at home with the group having worked with them a year ago as an Academy train on player. I sense that like Clarrie back when he started, Langford is a chance to make his debut in Round 1. Xavier Lindsay is closing in on his recovery from a PCL incurred on the eve of the Coates Talent League finals and ran sprints on the boundary with Charlie Spargo - both ran well and look to be well advanced in their respective recoveries. Aidan Johnson was a surprise attendee given that he was only drafted 12 hours earlier. It seems that not long ago, he was your typical country big man, carrying a bit of weight (and throwing it around) who trimmed down a bit at Werribee on the way to a VFL flag. He wasn’t drafted to continue the journey at Casey but is seriously on a trajectory to continue his physical build up to do what the two young draftees are planning - to be playing AFL football regularly at the elite level. • Christian Petracca was present on the training track with his club for the first time since the Kings Birthday debacle. It took no time at all to show the small group of Demon faithful and his teammates that he has lost none of his class and ability. He’s almost back in town. • And if he’s closing in on town, then Clarry’s in the CBD for the first time in almost two years, give or take a bit of work needed on his blisters. He’s certainly looking determined to make up for lost time and backing that up with a fitter and trimmer body shape than he had at this time 12 months ago • The first weeks of preseason are reserved for the players in years 1 to 4 with Caleb Windsor, Jacob van Rooyen, Daniel Turner and Tracc’s understudy Koltyn Tholstrup with the rockstar looks, standing out. • Despite all the bonuses of the day, I made the big mistake of forgetting the Aerogard and the combination of flies and heat made it difficult to concentrate on each individual training drill. I therefore defer to our regular track watchers who are more onto the ins and outs of today’s preseason training session than I. However, what I can say is that after a tough twelve months for the Demons, I can see plenty of blue sky coming up in the season ahead. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training. I spoke to the Ghost Writer who was in fine form. It was good to see Trac training, and looked in good spirits. Aiden Johnson is a big solid unit. Langford will be big in a few years. I was pleased to see the forwards coach giving instructions during drills. It was good to see Brad Green at training.

It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track. Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in training guernsey with no number), Woey, Tholstrup (wearing #12), Windsor, Jefferson, Laurie, Turner, Verral, Howes, Sestan, AMW (wearing #45), Adams, Brown, Kentfield Since these are new guernseys I would say it’s pretty much confirmed that Kolt will wear #12 this year. Tom Campbell is a massive unit. Will keep an eye on how he moves. Spargo is present but is just in regular training gear and not the red training guernsey. Doing some stationary handball drills with the guys but doubt he will join in on the main session. The main group are being taken through some agility annd stretching exercises by one of the trainers. Sestan, Howes and Campbell in the rehab group working with a trainer separately from the main group. Walking through high knee lifts and then turning around and bending down simulating picking up the footy. Someone previously mentioned Sestan and Howes having some hamstring awareness. Campbell might be in the same boat. So far not much footy besides the warmup handball and kicking drills. Boys now doing sprints from one end of the centre square to the other. Now the footys are out. Players running in 3s the length of the square. One with the footy sprinting down the square before kicking whilst the other two sprint beside him. Lever, Howes & Sestan doing sprints. They are listed in the order of how fast each can run given whatever ailments they have. Sounds like Lever isn’t far off from returning to full training. Tom Campbell jogging around the boundary. Obviously not progressed to a sprint. Split into two groups. One is doing the keeping’s off handball drill in a small circle with the goal of getting a goal. It is fast paced and players have to handball off quickly and as soon as a goal is scored the ball comes immediately back into play and they go again. The other is a handball drill with an uneven number and the uneven number is under fierce tackling pressure. Lever, Sestan & Howes doing fast quarter laps Campbell is doing grappling with a trainer. Windsor is back this session fully participating in all the drills so far. They’ve split into 3 groups 1. One on one marking drill 2. two on two ground ball drill 3. ground ball drill with two players. One gets the ball and is immediately hit by a trainer with a bag and so is his buddy who then receives the handball from the first player. Back to the keeping’s off handball drill with a different set of players. No one can catch Windsor. Verrall tackling ferociously. AMW just crunch Viney in a tackle. Almost took him down. They just stopped the drill and players were gassed and bending over. Chaplin calls out for them to get up and then says “What do you thinks happening now that fatigue has set in?” “NO TALK”. “You need to communicate”. “Let’s Go Again” A lot of this session is fast running incorporating sprints or short bursts into the drills. Less focus on skills. All about running and still doing the one percenters even when fatigued. TMac running laps at a quick clip now. Sestan, despite being in rehab, looks super fit and trimmed down and toned up. Looks like the boots are off and the runners are on. Sprinting/run throughs time. Petty, Rivers & Tholstrup heading back to AAMI. Rest of the Squad besides rehabbers are doing sprints through the Centre square. Goal kicking practice looks like it is being setup but I need to leave. Demonland out. Some individual observations. Due to some of the drills being on the other side of the ground I didn't get to eyeball everyone for the whole session. JVR - Great set of hands. Gets into good position for one on one marking drills and uses his body well. Uses the ball well in general play. A bit more vocal every preseason. Judd McVee - just oozes class with ball in hand. Trains like he plays. Very professional. Kid is a gem. Windsor - Classy, evasive, fast Viney - First one on the track, last one to leave. Hard nut. Tackles hard. Hard to tackle. Leads by example. Doesn't need to be there yet. Wouldn't be anywhere else. Lever - obviously getting over a niggle. Not far off returning to full training once the full squad is back. Otherwise looks in good nick. Spargo - heard that they are being cautious with his return but doesn't look like it will be before Christmas but that is just a guess. Didn't do anything other than stationary warmup stuff with the footy. Not running at the moment. Oliver - Physically in much better condition than in the preseason last season. Has trimmed down. Looks to be in good spirits and doesn't appear to be in discomfort with ball in hand or with tackling which seemed to be a problem during the season this year. Looks to be back to some of his best work in gathering and dishing off the footy. Good signs. Laurie - like every preseason I barely notice him so there is nothing much I can report on at this stage. Bowey - the best user of the ball in the team at the moment. After a disappoint season with injury and form I am very bullish about Jake for season 2025. Jefferson - does appear to have filled out a little bit. Has a good pair of hands and uses the ball well. Can find the big sticks. Will be interesting to see what he can do this year. Could be anything. Howes - also seems to have filled out a little bit. Is currently in the rehab group with a little niggle but doesn't seem far off from returning to the main group. In previous sessions this preseason before rehab he was one of the standouts. Should return to the seniors this year. Rivers - Great to see him out on the track from day one with the 1st to 4th years. Future leader of the club. TMac - Also good to see TMac out with the rookies. First preseason I can remember that he is out on the park in boots. Still has more to give the club in what could be his last season. Looks fit and is moving well. Adams - Like others I often confuse him with Petty. The resemblance is uncanny. Not sure how close he is to a debut but spots in a defence are scarce but he is good depth to have. Hore - will not die wondering whether he gave it his all. Looks in good nick. Petty - has been training with the defenders but as I mused the other day I am not sure whether it is due to lack of senior defenders at this early stage of the preseason. We will get a better picture in the new year. Looks in good nick and is not rehabing. Was in a moon boot at this stage last season I think so it will be great for him to get a full preseason under his belt. Tholstrup - Very vocal, hard as nails. Looks like he is loving being out there. Good user of the footy. Looks like he will be wearing #12 this season. Woey & Brown - Like Laurie I didn't really notice either of them. Like what I see from both of them but I'm not overly bullish on either of them as more than depth. Happy to be very wrong. Turner - one of the standouts of this preseason for mine. Excellent pair of hands. Has definitely filled out. Attacks the ball with ferocity and uses it well. Looking forward to him taking his game to the next level. Kentfield - A big unit. Needs to work on his fitness but this is his first full preseason at the level. Will be a fixture at Casey so hopefully he hones his craft there. Is a long way off at the moment. AMW - Another stand out. Attacks the ball and the man fiercely. Tackles hand and rarely looses a one on one when the ball hits the deck. Should be a more permanent fixture in the ones this season. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Great day for it. The drills were done at a high skill level. The boisterous vocals continued, as was the running to the sheds side when the drills/sims finished. The drills seemed to emphasise handball, tackling and fighting through the tackle, working in crowded areas, and releasing the receiver into space. The sims had a very compressed field, forcing them into short kicking and defending those short kicks. Looks like we are going to use a high press at times. Goody was giving regular instructions about how he wants them to defend those short hit ups. A bit of zoning the centre and quick close down, if the ball is delivered to the boundary side. AMW is training well ground balls tackling positioning. Bowey is starring. Rivers is building. Verrall is making a few mistakes when rushed, though never two in a row as he continues to learn. Hore must be a chance for the big dance. Chaplin, was instructing JVR with his leading patterns and body work to create separation. Troy was happy with what he was creating. Jefferson was getting some explosive leads happening. McVee is hitting his straps, lovely mover and delivery. Turner is impressive, he has a bit of X-factor happening. Laurie is having a mass of involvement. Getting to many contests. Windsor was a touch low key. Kentfield has the occasional fumble, though showing some agility at the ground ball. Woey is a bit inconsistent with the disposals, he is looking strong and big. Tholstrup working on getting separation and moving off the defenders blind side. Brown looking a bit bigger, moving well and getting plenty of involvement. Oliver is going about second gear, having to work with plenty of pressure and minimal space, that what Viney puts onto him when they match up (got away from him a few times). Had a chat to Richardson about tonight's draft. He reckons they usually know what the other clubs are probably going do. Tonight they are relying on hope, as they are unsure who will go where, but are very happy to be getting the two high picks. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Jack Viney first out. Ollie is here. Tom McD ready. Tom Campbell has a club strip! 22 players out warming up at the moment Spargo ready to resume rehab running Rehab group Sestan, Spargs, Campbell, Lever, Howes involved in handball keeping’s off Interesting that Windsor is with the backs in the current exercise, along with 4, 25, 35, 45, 27, 26 & 17 Kolt is flying, with the occasional ball handling fumble. His running and link work at top speed is terrific. I don’t see him as a nibbler clone. Nibs could wear an opponent like a glove, and run each way all day. Kolt is a more penetrating kick, a regular goal scorer, better contested mark, and probably a touch quicker. Which makes it all the more impressive that ANB reached such a highly respected level across the competition. Just watched the handball, burst through tackle group. It was full on, very physical. Several excellent, tough tackles. Jonesy was in control with Choco looking on. Riv, Marty, Ollie, Roo & Jud were in this group. Riv applied several crunching tackles. Ollie was right into it as one who broke through the tackle. He ribbed Roo a few times and I don’t think Roo enjoyed it. Marty was another who stepped out of tackles to move the ball on. Clarry is miles ahead of post-Christmas, opening of 2024 season. Fitter, Lighter looking (more muscle) and happier by comparison. He has the opportunity to reach his own peak fitness (2021) before round 1. Is on track! I didn't notice Kynan as much today, mainly because I seemed to be on the opposite side of the ground on most occasions. He is certainly putting in full effort in every session. I place him in the group of young improvers... Brown, Verrall, Kentfield, Jefferson, Adams & Sestan. We will learn more about this group when the full list returns and they are doing full match sim. Who has not appeared at training yet? Gawn, May, Petracca, Billings, Langdon, Melksham, McAdam, Fullarton, Kossie FRITTA AND TURNER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS A pleasant day at training, for me that is, not the players who were working hard and with some aggro i might add. Some of the tackles lasted somewhat long. Viney first out having shots on goal. I reckon heaven for Viney would be footy all year round. Campbell has his team strip and was running the boundary. Also did that strengthening exercise where the trainers lies on top of you and you have to get up. Then they swap over. Looks happy to be here and has the look of someone who wouldnt be out of place in Game of Thrones wielding an axe. Lever doing that weird stretching exercise again. The last time I tried anything like that I was actually tripping over. Spent most of his time running. Howes and Sestan, who both had niggles last time, moved freely running the boundary. TMc was in the drills and running very well for November, with some pace. Turner looking really strong in the contest. Spargo still doing rehab. Loved AMW in the contest. Petty and Hore very good at reading the flight of the ball. Marty always looks taller than I expect. Clarrie moving very well and no sign of a sore hand. Breaks the tackles with those magnicient hips. Roo doesn't like to get beaten.

Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC attire! No, just mild jogging and stretching I arrived early enough to witness Fritta and Salem competing in a spirited goal-kicking competition. There was much bragging and rule modification going on. At one stage a trainer was called on to adjudicate if the kicker wasn't overstepping the boundary line. It was a close thing, but Fritta claimed to be ahead before I moved on. Tom McDonald turned up in his casual gear and chatted to Tom Campbell on the boundary. Raised a question mark for me over a possible injury. No evidence to confirm this though. The main activity, when I was there, was the competitive, 9 v 8 ball-movement from goal to goal. I concentrated on the younger brigade. Speaking about goals, the set shot routines were a big improvement on previous sessions, with Roo, Kentfield, Disco and Jefferson all slotting goals. The 9 v 8 exercise lacks the pressure of a full team scenario, but ball movement is rapid. Today, Kynan B got his hands on it a lot and was more successful hitting targets. Windsor, Tholstrup, Bowey and AMW all provided excellent link up during transition. Jed Addams was good today, looking more confident and reading the ball well to out-position his forward opponent. He also took a couple of strong grabs. Petty also keeps the young forwards under pressure with his size and speed. WINTER DAN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Multiple successive ball movement sessions. Half ground, full, then super small dense. Bowser the standout with some piercing kicks. Turner making things happen up fwd too. Think it was him with a great double spin out of two tackles. Howes (on laps) not the skinny stick anymore. Pup has filled out too. Liked his evasiveness, playmaking, good low kicks ( bit of Jagga about him). No he wasn't unfortunately. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training. I was made to feel old seeing Viney, Brown, and Woey standing next to each other because I can remember their father's playing in the same team. It was good to see Lever at training doing some kicking on the side. Jefferson looks very good. FRITTA AND TURNER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Last time I sought the shade but this time the sun, and now a fickle wind. It is fly season in melboure but luckily one of the other track watchers shared the repellent. Thankyou. Only about 20 or so players running around. Windsor did most of the drills but pulled out to do some work on the boundary a couple of times, then back into it. Howes and Sestan had some hamstring? awareness so did some stretching and running on the boundary. Lever was there doing some weirdo stretching exercises then running the boundary to build up fitness. Spargo was also doing similar, but still running in straight lines. Told to concentrate on rhythm and mechanics rather than speed. Hopes to be back in full training after Xmas. Tom Campbell running laps to build fitness. Still hasnt got his proper kit yet, and when you look at the size of him I dont think there will be any spares lying around. Viney leading from the front and addressed the players at one of the breaks. Sparrow and the Roo look like they enjoy training. There was much run and carry through the center and Boweys delivery stood out. TMac in civvies watching on. ROOST IT FAR'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Dropped past today and on my observation Adam’s looks the real deal and Jake Lever looks to be in great nick. Good to see Charlie Spargo up and running and Tholstrup looks fitter and was in plenty. The highlight was Bowey’s kicking. He could be a weapon off half back with his precise, low and hard passes. As usual Jack Viney looks magnificent. WHERE DEMONS DARE'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I made my way down from Wodonga to watch training for the first time since 21' and brought my wife along with me which she enjoyed. Fritta and Salo were there well before the rest of the boys had turned up and had worked up a real sweat. They finished their training with some goal kicking games trying to out do one another. The boys were aiming to hit each of the 4 posts and whoever hit it, won the game. They followed that with some drop punt kicks from the boundary where Chocco came over and offered some guidance he said "kick the ball high up in the air" which they both did and totally shanked the kick. They were quite animated about and I could hear them laughing away at each other so it was good to see them in high spirits. The rest of the boys started making their way to the track around 10am about 25 all up in attendance and I saw Tom Campbell doing his rehab in front of me. He didn't look to be in any discomfort, I think he just has some catching up to do. Tom is waiting to get a new training kit, which won't come out for a while yet so that's why he's unfortunately stuck in his casual gym clothes. Sestan, Spargo, Howes, Lever and Windsor on occasion also in the rehab group doing individual routines. Spargo had mentioned how bored he was with his rehab as he was limited in what training he could do, so I felt for him. TMac on the boundary watching on. Some observations I did notice were that the players are still sprinting to the boundary line for a drink and taking a minute rest break. Viney had called everyone in to chat about one of their drills and he was talking about how well the players in the white bibs were performing and that everyone else had to work harder to cover ground and defend better. Bowey spoke up also showing his leadership qualities followed by McVee. I was impressed with Turner during some of the sims, you can see him improving each time and even did a fancy double spin to evade two tackles but then got pinned on the ground by McVee. Some of the hits were pretty physical this early in the pre-season which was good to see. Jeffo is filling out nicely, he's a confidence player so I hope he can learn from JVR how to be an aggressive forward but he'll come good this year I believe. Sestan and Laurie looking leaner now so I expect them to get a few games this year. Kentfield has a really nice size about him but just needs to working on his fitness/conditioning. Verrall a good size also. Important to note that Petty was in everything today and in really good shape. He was even in the second best running group when they were doing half ground 80% pace running on the boundary towards the end of the session. He's in for a big year if he stays injury free! I also heard Oliver is in a really good space and his hand is the best it's been in years so he is fit and firing to go. Anyway I'm on my way back to sunny Wodonga now. I'm backing us in to have a big year in 2025 and playing finals. Let's Go Demons! KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I like being down at the track watching them go through the rigours. They are still into skills and drills. The running component of previous preseasons is minimal. They did a few sets of boundary 250 meters hard runs, just enough to get them on their hunches, after the sims finished. A few got extra runs. My guess is they are getting the kilometres via the drills. At one stage Goody hollered for them to sprint back up the field after a sims action. They did it willingly. The run to boundary area after completions, and as a group, is encouraged. They were a bit off in the sims. That gusty wind caused miss-hits and fumbles. The coaches really want them to do the basics well. Viney is ready to go. His efforts and running are exemplary. Petty is vocal, wants the ball and is setting up many of the plays that come out of the backline. JVR is warming into the training. Looking better every time I see him. Bowey not missing anything, some beautiful hits up through the centre, no room for errors kind of passes. Adams was trying to do the same thing but got picked off or missed the target a few times. AMW is nearly always first to the ground ball. Brown is moving very well when he gets the ball. Finds that space that allows him time to make good decisions. Jefferson and JVR were looking for leads off the back of the defenders blind spots. Lever was running with a funny gait. Maybe protecting his achilles tendons. Campbell is large, he has maturity about him, and moves with some agility for a big man. I can see him being a bit of a protector. The vocal levels were boisterous, at one stage in the sims just about every one of them found voice. They are enjoying it.

Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here training separately with trainers not in Dees training gear. Windsor running laps after the warm up. Boys starting some basic kicking drills post warm up. Tholstrup wearing number 12. Clarry looking sharp and a lot fitter and trimmer than last preseason. There’s a guy here who looks like Harry Sharp but I’m not close enough to tell and he isn’t training. Choco just yelled out to the players that the kicking in the last drill (no pressure mini circle work) was great and that he wants to see it continue that way in the next drill which has more pressure. Not Harry Sharp. The guy we thought was Harry Sharp is Tom Couch who is coming on board as a conditioning coach. Woey back in number 40 guernsey. Kick out simulation drill taking the ball from defense to forward line. Clarry and Rivers lining up on each other. Verrall is a big unit. Petty playing as a defender. Whether that is because there are no other senior defenders training (TMac, May, Lever) is anyone’s guess. Turner, JVR & Jefferson are the targets up forward. Kentfield playing forward of centre too. With the simulated kick out to forward line transition drill their are 2 teams, blue and white, with white outnumbered. Players swapping blue and white to simulate them having to attack or defend in the their particular position. Judd playing mainly in defence. Andy Moniz-Wakefield wearing #34. Petty on JVR in this drill. Again could be for lack of senior defenders at these early sessions. Ball was miskicked to JVR and Petty read the fall of the ball better, mopped it up only to be immediately sandwiched in a tackle between JVR and Tholstrup. Looks like Chandler might be doing some more midfield/high half forward this season perhaps replacing Nibbler’s role. Something new from a “discipline” perspective as opposed to previous preseasons. Whenever a drill is finished and they go to get water on the boundary. They have to sprint to the boundary. Nothing groundbreaking but reckon it sets a standard. Players doing sprints along the square line of the wing. When the whistle blew they were instructed to get water and as per my previous post they had to sprint to the boundary. Few players were gassed and on their haunches and a few players yelled to get up saying “body language”. Player quickly bounced up. Obviously a standard is being set. Team split into 3 rotating drill groups. 1. One on One marking and if dropped a tussle to get the loose ball 2. One on One loose ball on the ground with the player who doesn’t get the ball having to tackle. 3. Another one on one loose ball but with the goal for the player who wins the ball to get a handball off to a player running past. Tholstrup and then Sestan doing some tackling work with a trainer before rejoining the drills. Windsor back doing the contact drills after doing fast paced running along the boundary. Runners are now on. Some players running at a good clip along the boundary and some sprinting the length of the Centre square. Brown, Woey, Chandler and Laurie the best of the boundary runners. Tholstrup making sure all the boys get off their asses and “get up” in the rest periods. Clarry gassed after the sprinting. Not the only one. Sprinting and running finished. Now goal kicking practice. I have to leave so I guess we’ll have to wait until Round 1 to see if they’ve improved. FRITTA AND TURNER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Demonland pretty much has got it all covered but ... Arrived at 9.45 and cones and coaching staff were in position, awaiting the players. Big news obviously was Clarry in attendance; he was greeted enthusiastically by Goody. I thought one of the players might have been Sharpie, but the Ghost Writer sorted that out for me. It was Tom Couch who has taken up a conditioning coaching role. The boys looked very sharp, carrying the ball through the center for a long kick to JVR, Jeffo for a goal. Some of the boys have that AFL walk, or strut, that appears as arrogance but more likely simply ther affect of all that lower body conditioning. Sprinting back to the boundary line after a drill was noticeable. Choco was in strong and demanding voice. One of the coaches light heartedly called out 'F... Cheat' during one of the competitive drills. Viney was the most senior player training. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Can't add much to what Demonland has already posted. Clarrie cruise through some early drills, but when they moved to the full ground activity, he showed he still has that burst speed. On one occasion he ran with the ball from the centre through to the 50-metre zone, being hotly pursued all the way by Riv, who couldn't quite catch him. Another highlight for me was seeing Tholstrup leading to a high kick, being shadowed by AMW. Tholstrup leapt high and almost grabbed the mark on the second attempt, however, AMW got a hand in to spoil in the air then mopped up the loose ball. All of this at top pace. Viney was Viney! Hard as nails, bouncing up like a rubber ball when taken to the ground. Howes continues to excite with defensive run and fine spoils in the air, much like Jud when he burst into the team. Riv looks great and seems ready to build on last year's excursion into the centre square. Marty Hore is another who looks to be at peak fitness levels already. Sestan looks comfortable in his role linking with the forwards. Another who has returned looking in better physical shape than last season. Browny gets a lot of it and has genuine pace. One rapid run on the Punt Road wing, bouncing the pill, was scintillating until the ball refused to come back up and he stuffed it. Got caught! Disco is not quite as tall as Roo or Jefferson, but he makes up for it with timing and those great hands. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Got down for a quick look. Had a tennis game to go to so only got a glimpse. One particular drill involved a keepings off via kicks. They were looking for space and accuracy. One of Choco's gems was "see the space before you get the ball, so you know where to move to" Saw some sims. They players love it. Once into the bibs and no bibs, I could see the joy on their faces (let's get into it kinda joy). The backline passed it around until a lead up field was "on". Goody was hanging in this area. Then they were getting a flood going. Often finding another pass or an outside run. Bowey was doing some beautiful passes. Looks like he has really matured in his execution, good vision and decision making. The ball went quickly into the forwards. There were three of them and doing hard leads in all directions, though with the pattern that Chaplin wants. I get the impression that they may resort to getting as many mids around the contest as possible and having a very high forwrad set up. Petty is strong, healthy and having plenty of involvement. Rivers has filled out, looking big and fit. JVR is working on creating separation, seems to be getting off the blind area of defenders, as he makes leads towards the goal from a high up field position. I thought Tholstrup's kicking is improving. His greatest assets are the intensity, the leadership and support. When Kentfield had a error he was the first and only one to get over to him with reassurance. Laurie is moving and executing those disposal well, AMW is the same. Woey is playing very sturdy footy. K.Brown has lots of upside, speed and a natural footy brain. Unsure about Sestan. Good skill set but is he going to be able to get to the ball and perform when the speed increases from VFL to AFL. He was getting rushed. Would really like to him develop some explosive 5/10 meters runs. I've only seen the one gear. Going to be lots of pressure for spots, as I reckon the the second tier of players are looking great.

Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they want to be there. 21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They look like they have slimmed down, especially the top half. Perhaps less upper-body work in the gym. Viney's thigh are huge. Nathan Jones brought the exuberance to many in his interactions. Chaplin was stamping his method into the forward work. Three across the line, the flankers staying wide, though with some synchronising as they turn and run. The delivery, then getting a flanker to be front and centre, as the other stays wide. Appears he wants them to turn quickly and make angles or direct/sharp runs at the ball carrier. Bassett working quietly, working on getting the outside run happening at the stoppages. Gus (the training assistant), led the Remembrance (lest we forget) ceremony for the minutes silence. Teared up as the RAAF jets overflew us on there way to the shrine, good timing. The squad was doing the basics well. In a few of the drills barely a ball hit the ground. I was impressed with the camaraderie, vocal noise and connection, we have a good lot of youngsters. Jed Adams looks like a leader, learnt some lessons from the Lever in the shape of being vocal. TMac was in boots, that's the first time in ages I have not seen him start the pre-season in runners. Foot problems are well behind him. The only one who looked little rusty was, Windsor. Jefferson is my tip as a big improver. Often led the running group he was in. Sestan has slimmed down and looking good. Turner and Howes are getting bigger, and as was pointed out by another tracky, so is Verrall. None of the new players, Campbell or Sharp were there. There were 6 technicians lining around the computer screens. Seemed like many of the Administrators and powers that be, turned up (No Green). When they did some contact drills, both Tholstrup and Bowey disengaged from the group. The main effort in tackling drills, was as Choco called out, 'drive them low and keep going at the arms'. Salem and Fritsch were running laps. Fritta was looking fantastic as he out did Salo, who was straining at times. Goody was watching them very carefully, I had the impression he liked what he saw, as did I. The kicking drills ran by Choco were quite extensively and the first after the warm-up. 15 meters apart and in pairs they kick right and left foot. Then variations occur. Spin (360°) to the left, kick, spin again to the right, kick, place the ball on the ground, pick up and kick, place the ball behind, spin and kick. Repeat at 30 meters. At one stage they included two balls, but only one kicking over the top as the other ball is handballed flat. The next kicking drill was more complicated. They had six starting positions. Three on two lines. The middle group in bibs, attempted to intercept the passes, by those in the outside lines. The outside lines would pass to the other line, down the line, or diagonal. I think they had a system going so it wasn't haphazard. It created a variety of kicks. Choco empathises that he wants the ball to spin well, and for sharp, direct actions. I think he will create even more drills with a variety of difficulty and skills. SLARTIBARTFAST'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS The session went for around 90 minutes and as far as I could see all 1 to 4 year players were there with Woey in 12 and Jed Adams in 19. It was pretty much a non contact session with the normal handball drills, lots of running and a little bit of field ball movement stuff. Good to see none of these boys in any sort of rehab group. Of the oldies Tmac, Viney, Chin, Marty Hore, Petts and Bowser did the full session with the young blokes and Salo and Fritta did a lot of lap running and a bit of kicking away from the group. It's really not possible to take much out of the session but Duke, Kolt and Disco sort of stood out but others would have picked others. Kentfield was there and he is one big unit. I was a bit disappointed Trac and Clarrie weren't there as it would have made a bit of a statement but it probably means nothing. DEMON WHEELS' PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Managed to make it down to training as well, beautiful day for it. Not a huge amount to report but here are a few of my observations: No players appeared to be in rehab, although Bowey did appear to spend a bit of time away from the main group during the bigger drills (if I recall correctly). Jefferson certainly looks a bit stronger, nothing too dramatic but just looks to have filled out a bit across the shoulders and arms. Reckon he'd measure about 2 inches taller if he wasn't so hunched. The running drills were in groups with the first and fastest featuring only Chandler, McVee and Windsor. The tall players were all in the last 2 groups and while they were only doing 200m sprints no one really looked too off the pace which was pleasing. Kentfield, Verrall, Adams, Jefferson etc all keeping up. Was great to see Jonesy back out there, this time in the sky blue coaches t-shirt. He was high-fiving and getting around all the players like he was still one of them. Great to see the older heads of TMac and Viney out there leading the way. Fox News was down with their cameras so might have been wanting to catch a glimpse of Trac or Clarry if they had turned up. Personally I hoped to see McAdam as I'm keen to see a fit version of him pre-Xmas but hopefully he'll appear in the next few sessions. McVee, Windsor and Turner probably the players that caught my eye the most. TED LASSO'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I managed to stop in for a little look, but i am not great at training reports so i will do my best. Everyone looked in really good shape from a fitness perspective, the players look lean, are running really well and i think it's really encouraging for the young guys to look this fit and ready to go before pre-season even starts. Jacob Van Rooyen looked noticeably stronger to me, i'd be shocked if he doesn't take a really big step this year, I agree with other posters thoughts on Jefferson and Windsor, both stood out, Jefferson looks like he's done an enormous amount of work. One thing that really stood out for me was the impact of Nathan Jones, the entire group looked like they got a real lift from him being there, and you could see right away he is going to settle in really well to coaching life. It looks as though a lot of players have been given homework around their running, which probably reflects the change in game plan Goody looks like the absolute weight of the world has been lifted off his shoulders, it seems the break and release of some pressure has done him an enormous amount of good. I know it's very early but the entire vibe of the club felt much more lighthearted, fun and energetic than i can remember it being since maybe 2021.

Veteran Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin returned to the training track to bring you the following observations from Gosch's Paddock this morning. Beautiful morning for training. The dew has dried, out from AAMI, quiet chatting. Maysie does his heart symbol. 7 in rehab, Turner, Hore, Sestan, BBB, Petty, Spargo and Schache. All in runners. Melky weighted and change of angles work. Salem has his individual program. White cap (no contact), Howes, Woewodin and Sparrow. Some players did laps, Gawn, Fullarton, McAdam, (a couple of others) as a competitive short pass at the mannequin ran. Petty after some hand skills with all rehabbers, spent time on the exercise bike. Low-key, running the cobwebs out. I didn't stay long, also I am off overseas for a few months. New trackers needed.

Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin was on hand at Gosch's Paddock for Monday's training session and made the following observations. About 38 to 40 players down at training. BBB walking laps. Charlie Spargo still in rehab, doing short run throughs. Christian Salem has full kit on and doing individual work with a trainer. He is is starting to get into some sprints. I cannot see Andy Moniz-Wakefield out there. Jack Viney and Kade Chandler have broken away from the drills that have some contact and are doing run throughs. Melky, Bowser, Shane McAdam and Lachie Hunter, doing main training without any indication that they are aren't fully participating. Three stations, all in a competitive handball game. Now four stations with a competitive kicking game. Some 3 on 3 , others 4 on 4. Goody has joined one of the stations with a bib. Calls for move the ball quick ring out. Bibs play defensive. The whistle goes and they all head off for some goal kicking. A short look at it, as they gather centrally and set for a full oval drill. Jack Viney has rejoined the main group, but Kade Chandler has returned to the sheds, The energy is great, many having a good time, calls are loud and plenty of support for their teamates. Two stations and doing stoppage simulations. Shane McAdam playing out of the stoppage area, like a high half-forward would. Occasionally looking disinterested, though that may be his demeanour. I think he is a shy kinda fella. Troy Chaplin was doing most of the talking when they gathered. They finished the session with some sprints along the boundary, and some runs down the middle, then off to individual stuff, goal kicking and low ball gets. Choco working with Harry Petty on his goal kicking. Before the runs, Shane McAdam was getting some work on his left hip. Completely the sprints, but not the runs down the middle. A trainer has continued to work on that hip now for the past 5 minutes.

Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin ventured down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you his observations from this morning's Captain's Run including some hints at the changes for our ANZAC Eve clash against the Tigers. Sunny, though a touch windy, this morning, 23 of them no emergencies. Forwards out first. Harrison Petty, JvR, Jack Billings, Kade Chandler, Kozzy, Bayley Fritsch, and coach Stafford. The backs join them, Steven May, Jake Lever, Woey, Judd McVee, Blake Howes, Tom McDonald, Trent Rivers, Daniel Turner, and coach Chaplin. A trainer and Choco are on the fence talking. The mids are now making their way over. Clayton Oliver, Tracc, Bailey Laurie, Ed Langdon, Tom Sparrow, Max, Jack Viney, ANB and Caleb Windsor. Choco talking to the crew after the first drill. "They were excellent because of the way we set it up". Kicks between the mannequins, then one over the mannequins. He also said to Whelan, "Kozzy has shown me at least 10 pics of it, he is so happy". Goody is standing in the centre, watching the goings on, as they drill. The noise volume is great. Chaplin has been taking most of the talking and directional instructing. Goody pulls them into a centre circle and chats away. Ends with one structured sim and a week to backline set up after a point. The call, OK Boys, then a whistle, and back to the sheds. You are right. You are right. I think Turner is forward. When the backline gathered he wasn't with them. Choco is putting plenty of time into him as he kicks for goal at the end of the session. Those playing with Casey are now on the Paddock, 16 of them. Jake Bowey in the white cap. Ben Brown is with them, so is Shane McAdam, Tom Fullarton and Koltyn Tholstrup. Ben Brown and McAdam off to the side doing their own kick to kick with a trainer. Clarry looks fine, going about it with plenty of concentration and professionalism. Some strapping, I didn't notice any hinderances. With Casey. Looks like the mids for Laurie. Yes Bowey doing some high marking off the bag. Seems to be trusting his shoulders. He doesn't have any strapping on. Doing some tackling drills as well. Giving the shoulder a good test. Casey session just finished and they are off the paddock, except for Bowser and Farris-White (marking practice).

They are out for a run just as it starts raining. It didn't last long, ended up a reasonable session weather wise. Light duties, BBB, rehab Farris-White, Melky, Salem and Spargo, all with private trainers. They are all playing soccer, huge amount of noise. 36-40 (difficult to get a count) in the main squad, biggest I've seen it in ages. Choco is barking out the orders. Goody has intense body language as he observes. Bowey in a lime green cap (no contact), and in the sims. Oliver is ball handling, required some re-taping after the first drill. McVee, McAdam, and AMW step away from the main squad, and are now with the trainers (light duries, goal kicking and easy laps). Melky joins the main squad. They are now into full field drills. Precise kicking, hard calls, drive the ball through the centre, and run. They rotate through the whole area, goal to goal, and both wings. Structured sims now. 9 against 18. Woey in the backline. Sims finish, and McVee, McAdam, AMW, join the group again. Salem, Spargo do easy, repetitive 200 metres runs. McQualter has them in the middle, chatting away, Chaplin then does some demonstrations. May and Goody chip in. They appear to be getting into the nitty gritty. They break, some continue talking, some off to kick goals (16 of them), others leave the field, the low ball getters as well (Laurie, Vines, Rivers, Howes, Sestan, Woey, Hore). Goody one on one talk with Langdon. Choco with the goal kickers, mainly Fullarton. Then Tracc goes over for some tips but Choco stays with Tom. Oliver on the boundary by himself, sprinting. Now hard running laps. Choco now with Sparrow for some 45 metre goal kicking. Last out there is Petty and over walks Choco to help with his goal style kicking. Takes them from all the angles. Hits most of them. Just noticed Viney, still working with a trainer, as well as Melky and Salem. Oliver still lapping. Oliver after laps, he did some sprints, and more laps. Ended up on his haunches, gathering wind, a trainer comes over and they do a slap handshake. He finishes by picking up the equipment with the crew. It is nearly all packed up, except Salem still running laps. Had a chat to to one of the crew, reckons McVee is fine, just light duties, and they have a main session Sunday out at Casey. Salem and Oliver walk off together.

Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin and Demon Dynasty were once again on hand at this morning's Captain's Run at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations from training. KEV MARTIN'S CAPTAIN'S RUN OBSERVATIONS No-one in rehab this morning, a Captain's run, 26 players. Laurie, Tomlinson, Tholstrup, Chandler, Woey, and Kossie are out there. Rehabbers are out now. Marty, McAdam, Melky, Bowey, Sestan. As a guess for in and outs, I would say, out Laurie, Tomlinson, and Woey as they were mainly in the yellow vest in the structural sims. <--- Admin Edit: This was the first inkling we had that Kolt would be debuting Tholstrup was doing plenty off the half-forward. Chandler was running hard, giving the knee a test, no problems. There are group, maybe 20, from the area around Alice Springs (Ntaria). One of them will toss the coin at the game. The indigenous players all made some time for them. All in the MFC colours of their own club. The MFC also handed them some scarves. MFC Casey players are out now. All rehabbers have joined them, Marty, McAdam, Melky, Bowey, Sestan. Sestan has some left shoulder strapping. McAdam doing well. Accelerating with power and some beautiful shimmies and cutting lines in a handball comp/drill. No, not Marty. Trainers call him out, he wanted to be in the drills, but no. Also, not Bowey. Though they both play in the structural sims. White caps are Sestan and Turner, (no tackling). Hunter doing some instructions when the sims breaks. The squad is looking classy, rarely any errors. McAdam is looking the goods, (in the sim), running hard defensively and when attacking. Schache is playing well. Jefferson gets lost at times, needs more work on his decisions and intention. When he has space, he kills it with skills. Andy Moniz-Wakefield is in the backline. DEMON DYNASTY'S CAPTAIN'S RUN OBSERVATIONS No McAdam or Hunter Marty Hore set to go for Anzac eve Rehab just joined.... McAdam, Bowsa, Marty & Melk Sestan's also joined rehab now Hunter & Moniz-Wakefield coming on with the Casey crew Kolt ✅️ <--- Admin Edit: This was the second inkling we had that Kolt would be debuting <--- Admin Edit: And this confirmed it. Moniz-Wakefield a minor calf setback but apparently now good to go with Casey this week McAdam right to go post the bye. Possibly via Casey? The boys were in great spirits today. Big voices and energy all round. Some concerned faces and banter between Clarry and a few trainers towards the end but wouldn't read too much into that for now.

Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin ventured down in the rain to Gosch's Paddock for the Demon Family Series April School Holiday Open Training session. Not such a good morning, weather wise. As I arrived, it starting raining, settled into watching some Victory players have a kick around. The MFC squad come out as the rain abated, they had wide smiles as the walked down the roped corridor. Plenty of joy from the supporters towards them, kids everywhere, maybe about 500 to a 1000 of us. Rehab/light duties, Hunter, BBB, TMac, McAdam, Bowey, Chandler, Melky, Sestan, AMW, Spargo, Turner. Chandler was doing enough running to suggest he will be right. I expected Hunter to be in the main group, must have had a setback. Looks like they are working on the fitness of Sestan. BBB and TMac are managed, no obvious hindrances, and the easy recovery run is usual for them. A surprise with AMW, just as we were suggesting he is nearly ready, he goes into rehab. I couldn't tell what the problem was. No Hore. They split into three stations, short kicking, a kind of soccer competition of kicking the ball down the field with finesse from outside the line, and a structured handball game. Down came the rain again for 5 minutes and then cleared. They did some structured sims. Coaches would move the ball from the forward line and set a high mark for a backman who would slingshot it off via spread and/or corridor it with links, to either a marking forward or to a forward that brings the ball front and centre. may was moving well. They had a couple of meetings in the middle. Finally, they head to the boundary for extensive signings. Great atmosphere. Some Observations from Fat Tony Hunter looked very proppy. Might have re-injured himself. Chandler looked in doubt this week with his right knee. Spargo and Turner were in rehab group but didn’t do much. AMW told me he hopes to play this week. Also said he thought we would challenge Kossie’s ban. Some Observations from Kick-It-To-Pickett Seemed to be quite a light session. Wouldn’t rule out those not completing a full session. Spoke to Maysie, he admitted his body was fairly sore. Incredible that he is playing through that much pain. A kid asked Oliver if he was playing this week. He was taken aback by it. As if he had no idea why he’d be asked the question. So, I assume we can lock him in.

Our man on the spot Bendigo Demon traveled to Adelaide for our back to back games in the City of Churches and brings you his observations from the Demon's training session at Hisense Stadium. Slow start so far!! About 30 spectators, 2 dogs, and an old bloke asking security if the bar is open. Few kids enjoying a kick on the ground. Kids etc cleared off the ground, looks like things are happening. Crowd has swelled to over 100, unfortunately no coffee van, (or for the old bloke, no bar open either.) Slow start, Jake Melksham working really hard with trainers, looks super fit, players wandering out now. Tom McDonald is in runners with left knee strapped. Steven May and Clarry with main group. Clarry wearing hand guard. Ben Brown in sneakers, no sign of Kade Chandler, Shane McAdam, Josh Schache and Kolt here too. I get the feeling McAdam * might play. Lot of love for him from staff and players. * ADMIN EDIT: Shane McAdam was listed as 3-5 Weeks away in the last Injury Report. Kade Chandler in sneakers with heavy strapping on right knee. He’s limping noticeably, can’t see him getting up. Kolt, Shaw, Shane McAdam, Tommo, Bill Laurie and May all training with team from Saturday. BBB and Chin only 2 not with main group. Lots of laughter. Tom McDonald and Trac are in rehab group. I know Steven May is as tough as nails, but he still looks in some discomfort even doing just basic stuff. Tom Mac and Trac have joined main group So, apart from BBB and Chin, all players named are doing run through. BBB walking laps. Chin doing rehab stuff, very low key. BBB doing kick to kick, Chin has started that too. Trac is in cotton wool, doing 50% 60 metre run throughs. He exudes the impression everything isn’t ok. Sorry to be negative. Main group doing lots of ball handling, Tom McDonald fetching balls behind goals and kicking out etc. Clarry handling ball ok, May moving much more freely. Trac back with main group. Trac looks fine, no strapping, just not his normal self. The only people with noticeable strapping are Chin and Tom McDonald As training progresses (very casually) and the boys start handing out little footys, BBB and Chin are alternating on the bike. Clarry is in seemingly no discomfort, Steven May still seems sore, Tom McDonald did stuff all, Trac was VERY limited and had a long chat with Goody, Chin was very down, shaking his head, BBB walking ok, but not trying to do anything intense. Everybody else seemed ok, BUT, I am 58 and I could have completed that training no problem!! And that’s it for today. I will be back Wednesday for more updates.

Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training. DEMON DYNASTY'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Kade Chandler's left knee heavily strapped. BBB, Spargs & Jake Lever also in rehab group. Jake Bowey solo running separate kicking/sprint/agility drills. Super fine morning / early arvo at Gosch's for the boys to blow out some cobwebs. Choco initially had the light duties / rehab group consisting of Chandler, BBB, Lever & Charlie Spargo. The boys started on their own. Then Choco joined the fray, initially as an observer. He wasn't happy with their frivolity & banter and told them so ..."stop talking you blokes & watch what you're doing!" They were initially doing HB drills then 15 - 20 meter stab passes where Choco asked them to place their kicking foot down after the kick and toward the target. Everyone followed instructions except Chandler (knee issue? Or just didn't listen lol). The main group (as listed by Kev earlier) went off too the boundary to do their bungy stretchy thingies before blowing some webs out with some half oval runs They then split into approx 3 diff forward focussed drills. Much of it connection boased with kicks coming inside and / or shooting for goal on the run after transversing obstacles etc. Choco was overseeing much of it including the short 30 meter (ish) passing drills into 50. His main emphasis was on accuracy with one instruction "Perfect kicks! Every one of them is a potential goal assist. Perfect kicks!" Choco always driving and asking for high standards never grows old 👏🏼 All in all, outside the light duties group and Bowey (on his own program), all involved in the main group looked to be in tip top shape albeit some were no doubt carrying the usual bumps / bruises from previous encounters. Shane McAdam looks super fit to me and suggested such mentioning he is roughly two weeks away. First time i've seen him live and looks a lot rangier than I figured. His reels suggest he can play tall on the lead which makes sense. How is he at ground level i wonder? Lachie Hunter is one more week away and then a likely starter for Casey the following week apparently (all going well). Melk is in fine shape and very happy with his progress so far and according to WCW on track for a second half appearance (touch wood) As already noted, BBB while obviously on a light program, appeared to be moving / kicking (short passes) without hindrance. Jake Lever same and no way he is continuing through the high knee lift stepping drills if he was uncomfortable in any way imho. Spargo & Chandler restricted to light stuff and probably safe to assume Chin may not make the cut although there's another four full days before Saturday so who knows. Ollie Sestan doing alot of work both with the main group, then the lap work after plus additional stuff after everyone except Bowey had left. The FD must have high hopes for the young fella and see something special here. Tom Sparrow very happy with Saturday and playing back in the middle. Lovely fella to speak to is Tom. Caleb Windsor said he pulled up fine after Saturday also and is right to go. Had the pleasure of meeting WCW (bonus hugs!). Great gal who i'm sure has red & blue running through her veins. Fingers crossed for Saturday. Carn the Mighty Demons! KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Numbers are down, 24 in the main group. None who played yesterday at Casey are with them. Light duties include, BBB, Jake Lever, Kade Chandler, Charlie Spargo. Shane McAdam is in the main squad, as are Melky, Daniel Turner, and Lachie Hunter. Tom McDonald in runners, though full training. No Steven May. Fairly light run today, as it is the recovery session. Mainly grid work, large and small, with goal kicking to finish. Some of those who didn't play Saturday and have now integrated back into training did extra laps at the end. Tracc and Tom Sparrow also joined them. Lachie Hunter hitting up beautiful kicks. Daniel Turner looks fit. Melky into everything. Jack Viney looked like he has a small niggle. In the run throughs was behind the pack, which is unusual. Harry Petty without restrictions, was kicking goals 50 meters out with accuracy and ease. Shane McAdam and Tom Sparrow joined in as well. Kade Chandler in the rehab has some light strapping on left knee. Tom McDonald didn't do much with the group, mainly running laps. Jake Bowey working hard, running sprints, then laps. Jake Lever was lightly strapped, and did a 30 minute workout with a trainer. Looks good to go. Lever discarding his strapping post training.

Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin and I attended the Captain's Run at Gosch's Paddock on this lovely sunny morning to bring you the following observations from the training session. Squad: McVee May Howes Rivers Lever Salem Langdon Petracca ANB Sparrow Brown Pickett Fritsch JVR Chandler Gawn Viney Billings Windsor Oliver McDonald Hore Petty Laurie Fullarton Woewodin Rehab: Bowey McAdam The team starts the session with some warm ups with Jake Lever being the most vocal of the group with the mantra being "Precision". Ben Brown in runners doing his own program. I suspect it’s all part of the plan to get him through as many games as possible this season particularly through the next block of games. Transition Drill from intercept mark off half back with no opposition (well the coaches) ending with kick to the lead of either JvR or Harry Petty. Fast and crisp ball movement always looking for a runner to handball on the outside and moving the ball through the middle of the ground. Very interesting. Seems like they were practicing tactics for stoppages and in particular using a spotter off the contest communicating the oppo numbers around the stoppage. That’s what it looked like to my untrained eye. Old school push ups for any mistake made. Goal kicking practice time for the forwards. 35 degree angle and from the pocket. Fritta nailing them all. The duality of Trac. Nailing one and spraying the next. Harry Petty was running and moving very well at training. You wouldn’t know he has had any issues with his toe/feet. Was leading and marking well albeit with no opponent/pressure. Kicking for goal from 40-50 directly in front was bang in the middle. That’s stumps on a light Captains run session. All Captain’s Run sessions I’ve been to have been very light sessions with little run and contact and usually only an hour and change. KEV MARTIN'S CAPTAIN'S RUN TRAINING SESSION OBSERVATIONS Lovely morning for the captain's run. The bonding appears to be high, they are supportive and encouraging towards each other. A good family club is not just words. At one time a mini number 25 ran to the boundary from the tent and gave Max a note, he read it (smiled) and tucked it into his shorts. Such nice interactions. Joy reigns supreme at the moment for the club. Shane McAdam was down before the squad. He was wearing his normal training top (blue one with his number) and gear. Being put through a more intense training regime than previous. He appears to be moving freely, as smooth a gait as I have seen. I can imagine, he gets a test at the next session, and will join the main squad if he passes. The main squad came out in drips and drabs. All the emergencies were with the team, 25 altogether. Partnered up for and kick to kick, until all were on, and then the whistle. BBB in runners, probably will be managed the entire season with his personal program. They went straight into drills with two stations. One, short kicks and runs, the other, handballs, quick step evasive moves, and low ball gets. Then all the squad drilled together, kick and run in a large square area to the four corners. They ran structural sims that had fast down the corridor plays. Finished the session with some goal kicking. Choco spent time with Bayley Fritsch, Kade Chandler, and Tracc as they snapped. Plenty were getting it right. Petty was also trying to hit some from outside the 50 arc, not too successful, though when he brought it in closer he was nailing them. Kossie was the standout, with Caleb Windsor not far behind in the 'beauty of kicking'. Goody is standing back a bit today, seems it is Choco's time to take it. Yells out "precision", or was that Jake Lever (loud all session). Goody runs off to AAMI immediately the session finishes. The atmosphere feels special. A trainer mentioned that a Captain's run from the Casey Squad, will be there tomorrow Saturday about 9.45am on Gosch's. We had a lovely group of 6 D/Landers, shooting the breeze, chita chatting. Thanks for that, I'm feeling part of something big. Go Dees. Addit: The Victory had a practice match on the other side of the paddock. A great morning for me, fully entertained, Woo-Hoo.

Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin & Walking Civil War attended Tuesday morning's training session at Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations. KEV MARTIN'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Windy, even the Yarra has waves, warm and humid. They are doing plenty of warm ups, then a game of soccer, now run throughs. I think keeping it simple. May, ANB, Hore, Max. TMac, Billings, Sestan, on modified programs. BBB, Spargs, Turner, McAdam (own program, talking to Whelan) in rehab process. No Hunter, Melky, or Verrall. Max, TMac, BBB, Spargo, Billing, left the field early. May, Sestan, ANB, Hore, all running. Sestan last man running, and Alex practising goal kicking, the rest of modified group have left for the sheds. 26 full training (Petty as well), the drills are close kicking and handball, one with low ball gets and an element of competition. 30 minute run and they are back to the sheds. Those who did not play Sunday are running laps, all 7 of them. Looked like McAdam was doing a little work with Spargo. Both in the blue uniform of the rehab and were wearing runners. They just handballed the ball to each other for ten minutes. Spent about ten minutes talking to Whelan. It really wasn't much of a run for many of them. I reckon they were doing more work in the gym today, or working intellectually on their strategic roles. Last weeks session I saw McAdam, he was doing ball work for the first time in ages, and drilling using sharp change of directions. I believe they will be ramping up his work load now. If his body holds up, I can see him ready in 2 to 4 weeks. His aim will be to tick the boxes. Addit : To get my handle highlighted and for me to get notification, I believe after you type the @, the names in a box appears after you type a few letters of name. If you click the name you want in that box it highlights it in blue (profile name) and will notify me. Second Addit: He may have done the run throughs with the main group, as WCW alluded too, though I didn't notice. WALKING CIVIL WAR'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Methinks I’m the only DL-er here(?) Anyways, the boys just came out on the ground. The mood is absolutely awesome! Everyone is smiling and everyone has a distinct spring in their step. L They’re all doing the stretchy band thing right now. Tmac and BBB and Jibba are separately doing different stretchy band exercises with a trainer. I told BBB and Tmac how immensely proud we all are with their performances on Sunday. Big smiles all round. Then I hear a familiar voice calling out “Oi” Turned around and it was Clarrie. I said “Oh my god Clarrie! You killed it on Sunday, that was sooo good!” He said, “it was, wasn’t it? It was sweeeeet!” Then he says, “how’ve you been anyway?” 😳 I didn’t even answer him. I just gave a thumbs up coz WHO THE HELL CARES HOW I AM?! 😅 Bowser was doing lotsa leg exercises and now he’s kinda playing kick to kick with two trainers. The only player I can’t see is Knuckles. Doesn’t mean he’s not here, could just mean I need to go to Specsavers. i just heard Jack, one of the trainers, telling Bowser who was on his way back to the rooms: when you get back, you can join the boys, the main group. I pounced on the opportunity to ask Jack how Bowser is tracking. He said, “really good. A week post-surgery and he’s coming along great.” it’s a big ol’ happy fest here! Maysie, Marty, Nibs and Ollie Sestan are running laps. Everyone else over the other side of the ground doing intense handball drills. It’s a joy to behold. Up And At ‘Em McAdam has got ‘treatment’ at 12:30pm. I didn’t ask what sort of treatment coz personal. I do have a bar set in terms of questions, it may be so low I trip over it, but it’s a bar nonetheless. 😄 Ok so they all just came back to the tent from the opposite side of the ground. For the entire walk, Goody had his arm around Chin. He was talking to him all the while and Chin was grinning like a Cheshire cat. They’ve gone into the rooms. Thought they’d be coming back out but they’re done for today. When I was leaving, Kolt, AMW, Matty J, Jed Adams (I thanked him for re-signing), and Ollie were still out on the ground doing sprints. I asked one of the trainers why this was so. He said “the VFL boys need to get some run in their legs.” Imho Kolt didn’t look like a VFL boy.

Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin and Dee Zephyr wandered down to Gosch's Paddock on Saturday morning to bring you their observations from the Captain's Run in the lead up to Sunday's Round One match against the Bulldogs. KEV MARTIN'S CAPTAIN'S RUN OBSERVATIONS Rehab is out early. A beautiful Saturday morning, though plenty of dew on the paddock Verrall doing hard sprints along the boundary. McAdam individual program and has started, ball work, change of direction drills, and easy kicking and handball. Melky, carrying weights as he changes direction. Hunter continues his running program. Melky has joined him for some runs through the middle. Hunter is struggling to keep up with him (will need a block of conditioning). Captain's run cannot be far off. Verrall last session at Gosch's, looked like he may do a full training, though started with a test in rehab which he didn't pass. Was working on his hip, and stayed with rehab. Gus is greeting the squad with applause and cheers from them. He is wearing the coaches colours. Looks like they have appointed him in an off field role. Laurie is not with the squad. Strange isn't it. Not sure what is going on! When Choco called for forwards to have some goal kicking, BBB went behind the goals to kick the ball out to them. TMac definitely with the backs. Max also doing plenty of work with the backs. Salem with the mids. Howes and Rivers did some stoppage work high on the wings. Chandler was kicking well at goals. McQualter taking most of the structural sims. Goody taking the stoppages. Looks like they are looking for quick plays down the corridors, by hitting the inside players, short, middle or wide. Hore looked nervous at the start of the drills. Woey seems to have slimmed down since the start of the preseason, moving well. Kossie was forward and on song, looking very good, and extremely focused. There was a mob of the players wives and kids on the sidelines. They were really happy about TMac (dad of three), he ended his session rolling around with his kids. Max had some strapping on his lower left calf. Moving well and involved in everything. Tholstrup and Viney cannot stop tackling each other. Melky finished his session, tackling the bag, then attacks a ball put in by a trainer (plenty of intensity). Going about it well, head down, keeping a low profile, doing the team stuff. Certainly not as animated as previous years. DEE ZEPHYR'S CAPTAIN'S RUN OBSERVATIONS Brayshaw is here. Tholstrup the only emergency training. Bowey and Spargo walking laps. Kicking and handball drills along with linking have been met with some real sharpness in their short duration. Brown hasn’t joined in a couple of the drills and is doing solo work (snapping at goals, short handballs) with a couple of trainers. He looked ok to me, moved well during drills. He was very chummy with some of his teammates, especially Kozzie.

Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin braved the scorching heat on a public holiday to bring you the following observations from Training. The set up, is being put up, for an 11.45am post review training session. 32 in the full session. Rehab: Spargo (runners and singlet), Turner, BBB, and Verrall (looks to be a test). Hunter doing his own program. Bowser in the arm sling. May looks fine. No McAdam. As they gathered, they gave Melky a round of applause, he is doing drills with them as well. Petty is also drilling. Verrall has not joined the main squad. Looks to be working on his hip, and running laps. So happy for Melky to be back in full training, the same for Petty. They are training hard, and the voice levels are high. Plenty of support for each other, hand slapping cheers, and 'that's what we want' calls. Drills started with running and kicking, then gather and leads, some competitive handball drills, now talls marking and smalls in two groups, low ball gathers, and breaking tackles and lines, in competitive handball. Sims are on, and Melky is off, running hard sprints. Plenty of spread and switch, and making overlaps in the midfield, but still delivering to a crowded forward area. They are now sprinting up and down the paddock, team running. Langdon putting time into K.Brown with instructions about wing roles. That looks like the end of the session. A few stay out. Tracc, Farris-White, Colt, Billings, Salem, Fullaton, JVR, AMW, kicking goals under supervision of Choco. Woey, ANB, Laurie, ball handling. Hore and Viney, kick to kick. Oliver from the centre kicking to a leading Petty. Oliver now goal kicking. Last on the track is Melky working with two trainers, direction changes with ball handling. McAdam is not at training. They haven't broken into their 'lines' yet. Woey was looking good, nothing extra from coaches. We didn't take it on through the middle. They want them to be quicker and not make errors. They want the smalls to stand and/or break through tackles. They are working on Petty's fitness. Going very slow with Hunter. Not bringing K.Brown in till he is sure of his role. Viney and Colt have a thing. Goody loves Clarry. McQualter works the recovery session. They are loading. Stafford was micro managing. They didn't move Into their lines. As a guess, it will be Salem to replace Bowser. The wingers run into the forwards space pushing the halves into the congestion. The strategy was during sims, so unsure if Stafford is the designer. He is more about the leading patterns. General fitness, push them after the 4 day break. I assume the trainers know how to get the best out of them. Used the trigger word, sorry for the confusion. I wouldn't know if they are in a 'loading' program. The trainers worked them hard, sprints after the sim. A little gusty, but not effecting them. Most difficult is the hot wind draining them. The water volunteers were working very hard, constantly sprinting to groups as the whistle for the change-up rings out. Great, moving well, I think still underdone fitness wise. Completed the training with extra runs and sprints. Must be a temptation to bring Petty in and lock him around the forward goal square. Appeared happy. BBB in rehab, no running, mainly stretching and simple ball handling. Yes, he has looked ready as soon as he started with us. They must be working on him understanding the roles. Great that he had a few centre bounces with Clarry in the Casey games. Can only help his development. Today he was hitting his targets and no fumbling, all the new young ones have improved the standards at training. The only ones showing some rust, were Melk and Farris-White. Sestan was getting plenty and finishing well in the less defenders sims. Jefferson couldn't get into the sims game, looks lost and needs support on where to position himself. Adams blanketed Fritta during sims. Deep forward looked like Sestans role today. Yet to see him work off the backline, but have seen him as a high half-forward at trainings. I think they will keep Laurie in as they continually used him as a linking player in the sims, though would love to see Tholstrup in, but could be Woey. Chandler was quiet but Goody seems to favour him. Billings in for him wouldn't be far fetched. Spargo out, Salem back, kossie mid/forward. Fullaton has to be a chance to replace Schache. Cannot think of anyone else who knows the backline system, and bringing in another green player alongside Howes could throw it out of kilter. Agree totally about his kicking as a mid, and I really would want him to play on the ball. Who else at this stage can take on the small opposition forwards? I believe McAdam had a hammy problem a few weeks ago, just after the calf came good, he had always been running short distances in his individual program at the trainings. For him to be absent, was unusual. AFL indicated McAdam has nerve issues effecting hamstring and will train away from main group as Mon Bon and titan_uranus mentioned. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1085531/hamstring-issue-to-further-delay-melbourne-demons-shane-mcadam-season-start Jed Adams is ready to go if he gets a call up.