Bigman’s Training Reports

[cmndstab]

Pretty nice effort by Ludowyke in that first video.

 

[1970crow]

I see this as a not good sign. ‘Leaving no stone unturned’ is a lot less promising than ‘needs to work on his professionalism’. We want to be seeing potential upside, not what’s essentially evidence that the kid is already maxed out.

 

[1970crow]

Filth and ROB rotate each game. I’d say it will be the same in SANFL. If we only have one ruck in the seconds he could get banged up. That won’t help us if and when he needs to cover for ROB. Just saying.

Just say away, changes nothing with respect to how bad that SANFL structure is going to be with 2 pure rucks and 4 tall forwards plus Cotton. It’s going to come at the cost of developing mids in forward roles, which is where they’ll play when they get a crack in the 1s.

And don’t we have Toby Murray and Finnbar Maley on the list for that ruck chopout role. So it won’t be “the same”, even in your response you identify we don’t play two pure rucks in the AFL. Just saying.

 

[baldandbroke]

Second session down.

Despite being quite windy and a few key players missing, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of today’s training. Ball skills and marking are still a bit rusty as you’d expect but the general intensity seems really good for this time of year.

Numbers were again pleasing though there were a few different names compared to Monday. No Tex, Milera or Laird this time, but Dawson returned as did Sholl. Berry was absent today as was Peatling, while ANB, Cumming and Ah Chee are yet to return.

Hinge did a bit of the session which was good to see. Fog and Max are still in the rehab group, not sure the issue with Max. Suspect he’s not far away rejoining the main group. Draper was again a no show, I guess they’re working on something in the gym? Seems strange he hasn’t set foot on the oval yet.

Marsh was only allowed to run laps while Ludowyke did some handball work before heading into the gym. He’s a huge lad, will fill out a lot with those shoulders. Cotton did almost the entire session save for the running.

The two train ons (McGuane and Foot) both did the bulk of training. Interestingly McGuane was eased into it - while the boys did the early drills, he was working with the high performance guys on his burst speed and quick feet. Both McGuane and Foot were held off from the running portion of training, as was Dawson and Keays.

One drill that really caught my eye today was full-ground and had the corridor coned off and filled with coaches, meaning it was a no go zone. Instead they had to move the ball up and down the wings. Additionally, whenever a team scored, they would remain the attacking side and have to immediately move the ball from defence. Typically in most drills, after a score the ball is handed to the opposition or the coaches. This change meant players had to be really switched on and not get caught out on the rebound.

Another interesting one was late in the session and was basically the AFL combine kicking test. Players had six kicks to make, three left and three right of varying distances, with teammates standing in hoops and not allowed to leave the hoop to receive the footy. Basically they had to be perfect kicks. Only half a dozen did this drill, but my boy Taylor was the standout, hitting 4 of 6, while Ryan (3) the runner up. Both very impressive given gusts of 40km. Curtin surprisingly was the worst of the group - I blame the fact he wore knee strapping again! Not sure the deal with that, one of the great mysteries.

The running at the end wasn’t too arduous, just end to end strides with 10–15 secs in between. Curtin, Dowling and Pedlar generally led the pack. Pleasingly, Welsh did not labour one bit. His time trial will be interesting but there’s no doubt he’s fitter at the moment.

As for the standout trainer, it has to be Cook. In the two larger-scale drills today he was the most dominant and really covered the ground, working up and down the wing. Had a few contested wins including two on Pedlar, took a few intercept grabs and was typically excellent with the ball. The penny seemed to drop for this lad late last year, he became a force in the sanfl and a different player. Hopefully he keeps riding that momentum this summer.

Some other player notes:

7. Thilthorpe - if you were concerned at all he might come back sluggish, don’t be. Ran like a greyhound out there, including one burst through the centre a 200cm bloke just shouldn’t do.

8. Rachele - no sunnies today. Looks fit though was a bit quiet during today’s drills, but whenever he gets the ball you can basically guarantee he will hit a target.

9. Murray - should clarify that he’s quite bulky but in great condition, I just think he could stand to lose a bit of that muscle. Had a ground ball where he wasn’t agile enough to beat his opponent, still an area he needs to improve.

10. Pedlar - beaten twice by Cook which isn’t ideal, but he’s certainly training with real energy and looks leaner to the eye. Kicking sharp again, bit more composed.

12. Dawson - think he’s not in quite as good condition as this time last year but that’s not a shock given the foot injury. Still trained really well, he’s a class above at times out there.

17. Welsh - like I said, has definitely slimmed down a bit and improved his running. And what a shock, he was able to get involved a lot more in the full-ground drills, even pushing up to take marks at half back.

19. Taylor - has probably bulked up more than I gave him credit for on Monday, though he’s still by no means a huge lad. Is definitely more involved so far this summer and training with more confidence, it’s amazing what extended time at AFL level can do.

21. Bond - similar to Taylor but his improvement in the last two years has been even more substantial. He’s a much more composed and confident player now with his decision making and ball use.

23. Rankine - is ready to play right now. He’s the best prepared on the list.

27. Nankervis - had a good session particularly with his kicking which seemed to desert him last year. Hopefully Nicksy doesn’t kill his confidence this time around.

33. Cotton - was good again. Made a few blues but for a bloke who hadn’t played footy in years, he kept running to the right spots and got used a lot in transition. Seems a pretty calm decision maker which I like. No idea where he will play yet, personally I like the idea of half back/wing for now. Curious to see if he has inside chops.

38. Foot - broad, strong lad and with the curly dark hair and tan I got him confused with Bond once or twice. Seems a good athlete, but my doubts remain from his draft year over his kicking and decision making. Willing to give him more time as it was windy and I’ve no doubt he was nervous.

40. McGuane - pretty much as expected. He’s very light, but knows where to run and is a neat player and good with his hands. Kicking lacks a bit of guts though, bit Crouch-like in that regard. Also one thing I noticed from his draft year is that too often he takes too long to move the ball on after a mark, and that was the case again today. Think he gets paralysis by choice.

41. Butts - mentioned it last time but I’ll mention it again, he’s in incredible nick. With his tan he looks in supreme condition out there, certainly no excess bulk.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Awesome as usual Bigman - can we get the threadmarks going again on this thread? Is great to able to get to the gold in one click

 

[baldandbroke]

I see this as a not good sign. ‘Leaving no stone unturned’ is a lot less promising than ‘needs to work on his professionalism’. We want to be seeing potential upside, not what’s essentially evidence that the kid is already maxed out.

I dunno, plenty of never-beens left stones where they were and never get it!

Can be one of the hardest traits to switch on.

 

[Jetwa5h]

I dunno, plenty of never-beens left stones where they were and never get it!

Can be one of the hardest traits to switch on.

I know its only one video, and he shanked a kick (ill go some nerves with that one) but in that chain he put himself in the right spot to help and dish off more than once, shows a bit of IQ IMO

 

[Slim258]

Just say away, changes nothing with respect to how bad that SANFL structure is going to be with 2 pure rucks and 4 tall forwards plus Cotton. It’s going to come at the cost of developing mids in forward roles, which is where they’ll play when they get a crack in the 1s.

And don’t we have Toby Murray and Finnbar Maley on the list for that ruck chopout role. So it won’t be “the same”, even in your response you identify we don’t play two pure rucks in the AFL. Just saying.

Alternatively, this will hopefully allow the likes of Draper, Edwards and co to actually get midfield minutes instead of top up players.

 

[Floating Doughnut]

I know its only one video, and he shanked a kick (ill go some nerves with that one) but in that chain he put himself in the right spot to help and dish off more than once, shows a bit of IQ IMO

Agree, his running and smarts look good, think his disposal is not normally an issue and would be very nervous.

One of the funniest things I have ever seen on a footy field was his old man playing against us back in the 90’s.
He had a jab in the groin at half time and it missed so they gave him another one. He could run fine but tried about 3 kicks
and missed his foot every time was hilarious. Had to wait till it wore off a bit to come back on.

 

[Trigger13]

I see this as a not good sign. ‘Leaving no stone unturned’ is a lot less promising than ‘needs to work on his professionalism’. We want to be seeing potential upside, not what’s essentially evidence that the kid is already maxed out.

Agree. The SSP should be for players with high ceilings. Low risk, high reward. But not for the Conservative Crows FC.

 

[Fud#3]

Agree. The SSP should be for players with high ceilings. Low risk, high reward. But not for the Conservative Crows FC.

Not happy with Mark Keane?

210cm Lachie McAndrew

Nick Murray

 

[crowutopia]

Second session down.

Despite being quite windy and a few key players missing, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of today’s training. Ball skills and marking are still a bit rusty as you’d expect but the general intensity seems really good for this time of year.

Numbers were again pleasing though there were a few different names compared to Monday. No Tex, Milera or Laird this time, but Dawson returned as did Sholl. Berry was absent today as was Peatling, while ANB, Cumming and Ah Chee are yet to return.

Hinge did a bit of the session which was good to see. Fog and Max are still in the rehab group, not sure the issue with Max. Suspect he’s not far away rejoining the main group. Draper was again a no show, I guess they’re working on something in the gym? Seems strange he hasn’t set foot on the oval yet.

Marsh was only allowed to run laps while Ludowyke did some handball work before heading into the gym. He’s a huge lad, will fill out a lot with those shoulders. Cotton did almost the entire session save for the running.

The two train ons (McGuane and Foot) both did the bulk of training. Interestingly McGuane was eased into it - while the boys did the early drills, he was working with the high performance guys on his burst speed and quick feet. Both McGuane and Foot were held off from the running portion of training, as was Dawson and Keays.

One drill that really caught my eye today was full-ground and had the corridor coned off and filled with coaches, meaning it was a no go zone. Instead they had to move the ball up and down the wings. Additionally, whenever a team scored, they would remain the attacking side and have to immediately move the ball from defence. Typically in most drills, after a score the ball is handed to the opposition or the coaches. This change meant players had to be really switched on and not get caught out on the rebound.

Another interesting one was late in the session and was basically the AFL combine kicking test. Players had six kicks to make, three left and three right of varying distances, with teammates standing in hoops and not allowed to leave the hoop to receive the footy. Basically they had to be perfect kicks. Only half a dozen did this drill, but my boy Taylor was the standout, hitting 4 of 6, while Ryan (3) the runner up. Both very impressive given gusts of 40km. Curtin surprisingly was the worst of the group - I blame the fact he wore knee strapping again! Not sure the deal with that, one of the great mysteries.

The running at the end wasn’t too arduous, just end to end strides with 10–15 secs in between. Curtin, Dowling and Pedlar generally led the pack. Pleasingly, Welsh did not labour one bit. His time trial will be interesting but there’s no doubt he’s fitter at the moment.

As for the standout trainer, it has to be Cook. In the two larger-scale drills today he was the most dominant and really covered the ground, working up and down the wing. Had a few contested wins including two on Pedlar, took a few intercept grabs and was typically excellent with the ball. The penny seemed to drop for this lad late last year, he became a force in the sanfl and a different player. Hopefully he keeps riding that momentum this summer.

Some other player notes:

7. Thilthorpe - if you were concerned at all he might come back sluggish, don’t be. Ran like a greyhound out there, including one burst through the centre a 200cm bloke just shouldn’t do.

8. Rachele - no sunnies today. Looks fit though was a bit quiet during today’s drills, but whenever he gets the ball you can basically guarantee he will hit a target.

9. Murray - should clarify that he’s quite bulky but in great condition, I just think he could stand to lose a bit of that muscle. Had a ground ball where he wasn’t agile enough to beat his opponent, still an area he needs to improve.

10. Pedlar - beaten twice by Cook which isn’t ideal, but he’s certainly training with real energy and looks leaner to the eye. Kicking sharp again, bit more composed.

12. Dawson - think he’s not in quite as good condition as this time last year but that’s not a shock given the foot injury. Still trained really well, he’s a class above at times out there.

17. Welsh - like I said, has definitely slimmed down a bit and improved his running. And what a shock, he was able to get involved a lot more in the full-ground drills, even pushing up to take marks at half back.

19. Taylor - has probably bulked up more than I gave him credit for on Monday, though he’s still by no means a huge lad. Is definitely more involved so far this summer and training with more confidence, it’s amazing what extended time at AFL level can do.

21. Bond - similar to Taylor but his improvement in the last two years has been even more substantial. He’s a much more composed and confident player now with his decision making and ball use.

23. Rankine - is ready to play right now. He’s the best prepared on the list.

27. Nankervis - had a good session particularly with his kicking which seemed to desert him last year. Hopefully Nicksy doesn’t kill his confidence this time around.

33. Cotton - was good again. Made a few blues but for a bloke who hadn’t played footy in years, he kept running to the right spots and got used a lot in transition. Seems a pretty calm decision maker which I like. No idea where he will play yet, personally I like the idea of half back/wing for now. Curious to see if he has inside chops.

38. Foot - broad, strong lad and with the curly dark hair and tan I got him confused with Bond once or twice. Seems a good athlete, but my doubts remain from his draft year over his kicking and decision making. Willing to give him more time as it was windy and I’ve no doubt he was nervous.

40. McGuane - pretty much as expected. He’s very light, but knows where to run and is a neat player and good with his hands. Kicking lacks a bit of guts though, bit Crouch-like in that regard. Also one thing I noticed from his draft year is that too often he takes too long to move the ball on after a mark, and that was the case again today. Think he gets paralysis by choice.

41. Butts - mentioned it last time but I’ll mention it again, he’s in incredible nick. With his tan he looks in supreme condition out there, certainly no excess bulk.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

How was Edwards moving?

 

[Golumless]

Alternatively, this will hopefully allow the likes of Draper, Edwards and co to actually get midfield minutes instead of top up players.

For SANFL? It won't and you absolutely do not want either anywhere near a SANFL midfield at this point.

Once you are past a prospects 1st year, playing SANFL midfield is an admission that a player does not have a position at AFL level in the mid-to-long term. If they are to have any mid-to-long term future as an inside midfielder, they need to win and lock down a spot in the 1s quickly. If that is not inside mid, half forward, forward pocket, half back or ideally wing will also develop them at the same rate.

 

[crows dude]

For SANFL? It won't and you absolutely do not want either anywhere near a SANFL midfield at this point.

Playing SANFL midfield is an admission that neither player has a position at AFL level in the mid-to-long term. If they are to have any mid-to-long term future as an inside midfielder, they need to win and lock down a spot in the 1s quickly. If that is not inside mid, half forward, forward pocket, half back or ideally wing will also develop them at the same rate.

I do not want to see top ups (Boyle) playing inside mid in front of guys like Dowling or any other AFL listed mids.

 

[Golumless]

I do not want to see top ups (Boyle) playing inside mid in front of guys like Dowling or any other AFL listed mids.

That's fine, but playing them there is just a rather pointless PR move with no developmental benefit once you are past a 1st year campaign. Well that, and it's an admission that the player in question AFL career is ****ed if they can't reinvent themselves quickly (and this is where Zac Taylor deserves a lot of credit, seeing he has so far successfully reinvented himself).

Whether someone can play inside midfield is a question of how well rounded someones game is, and in particular, how their elite traits stack up against the oppositions best players. It's not a specialised position in any sense whatsoever.

 

[jackster83]

That's fine, but playing them there is just a rather pointless PR move with no developmental benefit once you are past a 1st year campaign. Well that, and it's an admission that the player in question AFL career is ****ed if they can't reinvent themselves quickly (and this is where Zac Taylor deserves a lot of credit, seeing he has so far successfully reinvented himself).

Whether someone can play inside midfield is a question of how well rounded someones game is, and in particular, how their elite traits stack up against the oppositions best players. It's not a specialised position in any sense whatsoever.

Sorry but this couldn't be more wrong.

We run with a pecking order (based on years served) model rather than looking at how well rounded people's games are.

Otherwise we wouldn't have flubbed about with a cooked Sloane, Laird, Keays, Crouch and now Berry in there for so long.

We also used midfield stats in the SANFL to justify bringing in Murphy ahead of guys like Dowling and Edwards.

That's also why Curtin wasn't trusted in there during our ill fated finals campaign, despite our midfield being torn to shreds.

Our midfield philosophies haven't changed since Campo had Thommo, Dangerfield, Sloane and VB running around. The same Campo who dropped Lever and brought back Mackay for the finals.

It's similar for the half back position where we gift spots to 29 year olds with middling outputs who can't play anywhere else.

Unfortunately that's how the club rolls.

 

[Jarman3]

I see this as a not good sign. ‘Leaving no stone unturned’ is a lot less promising than ‘needs to work on his professionalism’. We want to be seeing potential upside, not what’s essentially evidence that the kid is already maxed out.

I wouldn't go reading too deeply into the wording of these generic comments regularly trotted out by coaches etc about every player at some point.

 

[WeeBlake]

Sorry but this couldn't be more wrong.

We run with a pecking order (based on years served) model rather than looking at how well rounded people's games are.

Otherwise we wouldn't have flubbed about with a cooked Sloane, Laird, Keays, Crouch and now Berry in there for so long.

We also used midfield stats in the SANFL to justify bringing in Murphy ahead of guys like Dowling and Edwards.

That's also why Curtin wasn't trusted in there during our ill fated finals campaign, despite our midfield being torn to shreds.

Our midfield philosophies haven't changed since Campo had Thommo, Dangerfield, Sloane and VB running around. The same Campo who dropped Lever and brought back Mackay for the finals.

It's similar for the half back position where we gift spots to 29 year olds with middling outputs who can't play anywhere else.

Unfortunately that's how the club rolls.

Just on this, have we got any coaching changes at all this year?

 

[Ciao Giacomo]

That's fine, but playing them there is just a rather pointless PR move with no developmental benefit once you are past a 1st year campaign. Well that, and it's an admission that the player in question AFL career is ****ed if they can't reinvent themselves quickly (and this is where Zac Taylor deserves a lot of credit, seeing he has so far successfully reinvented himself).

Whether someone can play inside midfield is a question of how well rounded someone’s game is, and in particular, how their elite traits stack up against the oppositions best players. It's not a specialised position in any sense whatsoever.

In recent years the development of inside midfielders has followed a clear pattern.

Players who are seen as future first choice inside midfielders are played as inside midfielders both in the AFL and SANFL. For example, Soligo and Draper. There was a similar story for Berry and Schoenberg even though they were far from certain to become a first choice inside mid in the AFL.

Whilst it would be nice for our coaches to be proven wrong, neither Taylor, Pedlar, Edwards or Dowling are seen as potentially A grade inside midfielders. It is therefore logical for these players to develop skills in the SANFL so they can move seemlessly into the AFL in the same role (Dowling-wing, Taylor-small forward, Pedlar-small forward, Edwards-defender).

Most teams utilise 4 main inside midfielders (excluding ruckmen). With the retirement of Matty Crouch I believe the players competing for the four spots are Dawson, Rankine, Soligo, Peatling, Draper and Berry. I expect Rachele and Curtin to spend some time as inside mids but mostly play as a small forward (Rachele) and on the wing (Curtin).

Adding Pedlar, Taylor, Dowling, Edwards and possibly a SPP to our inside midfield rotations in the AFL will be a very innovative tactic.

 

[hugecannon]

In recent years the development of inside midfielders has followed a clear pattern.

Players who are seen as future first choice inside midfielders are played as inside midfielders both in the AFL and SANFL. For example, Soligo and Draper. There was a similar story for Berry and Schoenberg even though they were far from certain to become a first choice inside mid in the AFL.

Whilst it would be nice for our coaches to be proven wrong, neither Taylor, Pedlar, Edwards or Dowling are seen as potentially A grade inside midfielders. It is therefore logical for these players to develop skills in the SANFL so they can move seemlessly into the AFL in the same role (Dowling-wing, Taylor-small forward, Pedlar-small forward, Edwards-defender).

Most teams utilise 4 main inside midfielders (excluding ruckmen). With the retirement of Matty Crouch I believe the players competing for the four spots are Dawson, Rankine, Soligo, Peatling, Draper and Berry. I expect Rachele and Curtin to spend some time as inside mids but mostly play as a small forward (Rachele) and on the wing (Curtin).

Adding Pedlar, Taylor, Dowling, Edwards and possibly a SPP to our inside midfield rotations in the AFL will be a very innovative tactic.

Not disagreeing with your assessment as you make some really good points, I wonder if their is something specific in Edwards in particular they aren’t convinced about in regards to his midfield craft?

His form looked really good at the end of his first year when they did move him into the middle full time, but didn’t spend any time there at all last season from memory.

 

[SLOWNE]

Just on this, have we got any coaching changes at all this year?

Nope. You would've thought after the 3rd time in about 2 minutes that Newcombe walked it out of CBA that Van Berlo might be in a bit of strife. Especially as our midfield has been pretty terrible for a long time.

Nope! Nice backslap after the final siren, see you at preseason Nathan. Love your work mate, more of that for 2026 if you don't mind!

 

[crows dude]

So what other club has he signed with?

More players added to SANFL side today that wold need to find amatuer sides

SANFL: Crows add four to SANFL list

The Club announced the recruits on Thursday

www.afc.com.au

 

[Ciao Giacomo]

Not disagreeing with your assessment as you make some really good points, I wonder if their is something specific in Edwards in particular they aren’t convinced about in regards to his midfield craft?

His form looked really good at the end of his first year when they did move him into the middle full time, but didn’t spend any time there at all last season from memory.

I don’t know.

I suspect that our coaches thought that once we had brought in Peatling and Draper that Charlie’s entry to AFL would be via a half back flank, probably still the case. Unfortunately for Charlie our medium/small defenders were pretty healthy in 2025 and our defence performed well across the minor round.

It is not unusual for inside mids to transition through other roles (eg Dawson, Rankine, Daicos etc). I am hoping that Charlie gets a crack at a half back role and once he is cemented in our best 23 then we look at plan B.

 

[StonesThrow]

Is Edwards any good or is he just new? Same with Dowling, who ended up looking way out of his depth once brought in.

 

[SLOWNE]

Is Edwards any good or is he just new? Same with Dowling, who ended up looking way out of his depth once brought in.

Edwards is good. Great size, excellent penetrating kick. Hopefully comes on this year even more.

First year at the club it looked like Oscar Ryan would be the first the debut of the 2, last year Charlie looked much more likely.

 

[daniel_4tw]

Is Edwards any good or is he just new? Same with Dowling, who ended up looking way out of his depth once brought in.

Dowling’s one AFL game where he got 14 touches and kicked 2 goals? If that’s way out of his depth, can’t wait to see once he feels comfortable in the team.