Bigman’s Training Reports (Update: 9th Feb)

[1970crow]

We didn't get better. Our depth is already worse.
Some in games injuries and we are in trouble. Unless Rankine and Rachele become unbelievable mids, we are in trouble.

I Don’t think there’s any more improvement in Rankine’s top end. We could get more of it though. But at his age, he’s pretty well fully formed as a player.

 

[jtav13]

Can anyone lip read lol

 

[Mutineer]

The new fitness guy maybe should have stuck with ice hockey.

Between him and the coaches directives, we've actually injured ourselves.

Just smells like Nicks career to me. One stumbled 'learning' to the next.

Huh?

Overreaction much.

 

[Archie87]

It's not panic stations yet with Sid but how many top 5 pick midfielders have soft tissue injuries in their top age year, need to be treated like porcelain in their first AFL year only to go into year 2 still having groin issues and actually become good players when they're older?

There haven't been many - fingers crossed he can buck the trend...

 

[bigman]

Boys and girls, I’m starting to feel a bit flat about our pre-season.

Sid was the latest casualty today. After looking sharp in some early drills, he ended up limping off the ground with either a groin or quad complaint. He went up the race before returning to do some run throughs, but obviously wasn’t happy and ended his session early.

It’s a big blow for the lad, who was genuinely looking like returning to footy in the next few weeks. I have no idea what exactly the issue is, but given he’s struggled most of the summer with groin issues, you’d think it’s alarm bells.

Hinge didn’t train at all - pretty sure I saw him watching from the sidelines, not sure if he’s injured or not. One to watch.

We also had a few in the rehab/managed group today. One of them was Dawson, but I think this is purely management and nothing more sinister. He was joined by Soligo who is definitely an issue for us. Maybe he plays some pre-season games but he’s a quite bit behind the eight-ball now.

I also noticed Berry come off late in the session with a lower right leg complaint. It didn’t look anything major but he didn’t do the running block with the rest of the team. Wouldn’t read too much into it but just something to note.

Edwards wore a fluro non-contact hat during the main drill but trained fully.

On the positive side of things, both Ryan and Cumming returned to the main group, the latter of whom trained very well. Additionally, Rankine has finally shed the knee strapping.

It just feels like too many blokes who are key to our future are either injured or under a cloud. I don’t want to overreact but I can’t help but think this might be a tough year for us - one positive is it should allow us to finally make a call on a few more fringe types like Nank, Cook, Taylor and Bond who have all been on the edge for the past two years.

There were two main drills today.

The first involved three teams, with two competing over two-thirds of the ground (the other did handball/kicking work in the other 50m arc and would rotate in after five or so minutes). This was essentially a smaller bit of match sim, including centre throw ups and kick-ins. I was genuinely impressed by some of the ball movement to be honest - we have some really nice ball users in our squad these days.

The other main drill I’ve mentioned a lot before - once again three teams, with two active at once while the other rotates on after a score. For the team which comes on, it’s all about getting to your positions as quickly as possible to defend the counter attack. It’s pretty chaotic to watch but it’s quite a nifty drill and highlights those who are really switched on and aren’t coasting.

The boys then finished with a decent block of running up and down the oval at pretty high speed. Once again no stragglers which is always pleasing to see.

I did notice the boys held off from crunching each other unlike other sessions. I even saw Murray have a little laugh when he had to stop short of poleaxing a teammate on the wing. Rachele and Peatling had a head clash going for a loose ball but thankfully neither were injured.

Some player comments:

9. Murray - he’s definitely moving the best I’ve seen for a long time. He’s also kicking like a mule - some seriously long bombs including a goal from 55m into the breeze. Hopefully this is a good year for him.

11. Edwards - with our midfield troops going down there will be some calls for a debut. I say wait a bit longer - he’s improving no doubt but he’s not ready yet. In particular he needs to learn how to drive the legs out of congestion. At the moment he really tends to slam it on the boot which won’t fly at AFL level.

13. Walker - trained better today. Took a couple of nice clunks and covered the ground well. It’s hard to judge veterans like Tex, because for him the pre-season is more about staying healthy than having a point to prove.

15. Cook - had the best moment today where he put the jets on, sold candy twice and dubbed a goal on the run. He’s such a talent. Really hope he gets an early gig, provided he performs in the pre-season games.

26. Marsh - kicking is top notch and he’s a good mover, but he really needs to work on moving the ball quickly after a mark. Too often he takes four-five seconds to weigh up an option. He usually hits it, but at AFL level you can’t be giving the opposition time to get back.

27. Nankervis - was worried when he warmed up with the rehab group but thankfully he did all the main drills. Wonder if he’s still carrying something? I thought he trained well though aside from a couple of blunders.

34. Ludowyke - good to see him rejoin the main group today. There’s something to like about this lad - one trick he’s got is his quick gives on the deck. Very sharp and creative with his hands. Kicking is less consistent - it’s a nice action but he’s prone to the odd helicopter.

36. Maley - gee he can mark. It does seem however that Ibis is the preferred of the two. I suspect they’re a bit worried about Maley’s ability to cover the ground.

39. Murray - speaking of Ibis, he was good again today. Dropped a sitter early on but quickly found his groove and does some things that make you take notice, whether it’s a big mark or a clean half-volley at speed. Had a pretty quiet summer until the last week or so but he’s going well now.

44. Cumming - thought he was the best out there today. Just super sharp with his marking and ball use, and often got used in transition which we need to see more of this year. Similar to Cook, get it in his hands!

46. Bell - this lad is a genuinely nice kick. He’s not a cannon boot like Murray but he’s got great touch and doesn’t mind taking a risk. If we are confident he can learn how to defend the big boys, do we consider him? To be honest he’s impressed me more than Foot. If he goes well, other clubs will sniff in the mid-season draft.

 

[Daniel6]

I Don’t think there’s any more improvement in Rankine’s top end. We could get more of it though. But at his age, he’s pretty well fully formed as a player.

I disagree with your premise. The greater his fitness improves and that allows him to play on the ball, he will develop a whole different level of skills. I think he still had plenty of improvement in his game. He’s walking into a new role.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

I Don’t think there’s any more improvement in Rankine’s top end. We could get more of it though. But at his age, he’s pretty well fully formed as a player.

Rankine top end can become more consistent...

 

[ABAB]

It's not panic stations yet with Sid but how many top 5 pick midfielders have soft tissue injuries in their top age year, need to be treated like porcelain in their first AFL year only to go into year 2 still having groin issues and actually become good players when they're older?

There haven't been many - fingers crossed he can buck the trend...

Draper played a lot in the AFL (mainly as the sub though) and in the SANFL last year.

 

[Eagleboy2011]

 

[cleanhands]

 

[Eagleboy2011]

 

[cleanhands]

Why haven’t they had him in for an op, I did my groin years ago, in repaired and away you go

 

[crows dude]

Let's be real, we are heading for a 8-10 finish.

no way.

1-5.

 

[DJ75]

We have not even played a game. Not sure how you came to that conclusion

Our back 6 are no better or no worse. Butts steps in and play his part.

No Keane makes us worse. He's a very good player.
Butts is fine, but the combination of Butts and Murray worries me.

Our midfield is no better than last year. The one hope was that Curtin would could become a top line player. Now we are praying that it will be Rachele.

Add in a tougher draw and I suspect we are going to be brought right back.

 

[Jarman3]

It just feels like too many blokes who are key to our future are either injured or under a cloud. I don’t want to overreact but I can’t help but think this might be a tough year for us - one positive is it should allow us to finally make a call on a few more fringe types like Nank, Cook, Taylor and Bond who have all been on the edge for the past two years.

None of the guys named here are going to be able to fill Keane's spot. Likewise none are really going to be able to replace Curtin is that big body in the midfield. Nank and Bond are small defenders, Cook has also been training as a defender, and while I'm a fan of Taylor's ability, he doesn't have the physical attributes to be a regular midfielder. Best case for him seems to be more the HFF with an occasional pinch hit in the middle. Draper wasn't really a fixture in the best 23 last year so his injury doesn't really open up a lot of opportunity for others.

That's what really disappoints me with these injuries - they're to guys that we really don't have like for like replacements. Although with Keane's spot we can hope and pray that Butts and Murray both find their best form and are able to maintain it and stay fit.

We really need to get Sid sorted out, too. Still a long way to go but if his body ends up being unable to stand up to the demand of AFL footy then it's a serious issue. Having a pick 4 (Sid) and a pick 6 (McAsey) both not pan out would really blow a hole through our rebuild.

 

[cleanhands]

No Keane makes us worse. He's a very good player.
Butts is fine, but the combination of Butts and Murray worries me.

Our midfield is no better than last year. The one hope was that Curtin would could become a top line player. Now we are praying that it will be Rachele.

Add in a tougher draw and I suspect we are going to be brought right back.

I actually think Butts covers Keane pretty well, as a one for one replacement this is our best possible scenario regard to an injury

 

[bigman]

A heads-up to everyone - I’m about to go on a two week trip so sadly won’t be able to attend any training sessions in that time. Then again, given our luck with injuries this summer, maybe it’s best if I’m not there.

Thankfully I won’t miss too much - we are in Port Augusta this Friday and next Friday we play at Alberton (yay), so it’s really only three sessions I’m not attending.

If anyone would like to pick up the slack while I’m gone, training at West Lakes starts around 9am and finishes about 11:30. I’m sure people would like a different viewpoint as well, so I definitely encourage it if you have the opportunity. You can easily watch from your car or the grassy knoll.

Given we are nearing streamed/televised games, meaning you can all soon judge for yourselves, I’ll list my top 10 performers over the summer. Sadly I won’t include Curtin, who would’ve otherwise been high on the list. Soligo in a similar boat.

1. Rachele - he’s been the man this summer, particularly since Curtin went down. Fit, strong and looks like he owns the place. Still figuring out his inside game but otherwise firing on all cylinders.

2. Ah Chee - was managed somewhat early days but even then his class stood out. Rarely makes a mistake and just a very-well rounded footballer. Slipped in effortlessly.

3. Nankervis - he was my December star and although he’s had a back niggle since then, he has done enough to earn this position. Looks super confident at half back and backs himself to beat his opponent and leave them in the dust. Let’s hope this is his year.

4. Dawson - was slightly underdone coming off that foot injury but since Xmas has looked excellent. Covering the ground really well and his kicking has been sublime. Doesn’t have much to prove but I’d be surprised if he didn’t have another great year.

5. Pedlar - to this point has remained injury free, which is huge. Playing as a defensive forward and looks terrific. Still makes the odd blunder but his overhead marking has been sublime as has his pressure game. Please stay fit.

6. Cook - has slipped into his new half-back role better than I expected. Still need to see more of his defensive work, but as a rebounding option he’s been great to watch. Seems to be in a really good head space and his kicking is a difference maker. Using his speed more now too. Let’s hope he can crack an early gig.

7. Bond - has been talked up a fair bit but for good reason. He just keeps improving and this summer it’s been his accumulation in particular that has stood out. Doesn’t have the x-factor of Nank or Cook but he’s definitely just as much in the mix for round one.

8. Berry - I think we all have our doubts after his meek finals series, but Bez hasn’t done much wrong this summer. Is definitely the leanest I’ve seen him and appears to have a point to prove. Using his pace more and more and has sharpened his foot skills - the key is for him to now translate that to AFL. He won’t get a better opportunity given our injures.

9. Neal-Bullen - easy to overlook this guy as he’s a known quantity and just kinda no-frills, but he never misses a single drill and he’s been a consistent performer in match sim, whether it’s up forward or on a wing. Deserves the credit.

10. McAndrew - has to be in this list as he’s consistently beaten ROB in match sim, especially at centre bounce. Seems to have improved his game in certain areas as well, particularly his follow-up work, though his marking still needs to be better for someone his height.

And some honourable mentions:

Rankine - would be on the list if not for the minor knee issue. Hasn’t been the force he was last summer but it must be a little difficult knowing he can’t play round one. Has still had some special moments.

Dowling - still not sure if he’s quite good enough, but he’s really embraced his inside role this summer. Has put on size and looks more confident as a result. Doesn’t seem to be in favour with the selectors but he couldn’t have worked much harder out there.

Butts/Murray - both key defenders have - touch wood - stayed healthy this entire pre-season and look great out there. I struggled to split the two for round one, but now that Keane’s injured that’s no longer a conundrum.

 

[bigman]

Let's be real, we are heading for 8-10 wins.

Fixed that for you.

I jest…kinda.

 

[cleanhands]

A heads-up to everyone - I’m about to go on a two week trip so sadly won’t be able to attend any training sessions in that time. Then again, given our luck with injuries this summer, maybe it’s best if I’m not there.

Thankfully I won’t miss too much - we are in Port Augusta this Friday and next Friday we play at Alberton (yay), so it’s really only three sessions I’m not attending.

If anyone would like to pick up the slack while I’m gone, training at West Lakes starts around 9am and finishes about 11:30. I’m sure people would like a different viewpoint as well, so I definitely encourage it if you have the opportunity. You can easily watch from your car or the grassy knoll.

Given we are nearing streamed/televised games, meaning you can all soon judge for yourselves, I’ll list my top 10 performers over the summer. Sadly I won’t include Curtin, who would’ve otherwise been high on the list. Soligo in a similar boat.

1. Rachele - he’s been the man this summer, particularly since Curtin went down. Fit, strong and looks like he owns the place. Still figuring out his inside game but otherwise firing on all cylinders.

2. Ah Chee - was managed somewhat early days but even then his class stood out. Rarely makes a mistake and just a very-well rounded footballer. Slipped in effortlessly.

3. Nankervis - he was my December star and although he’s had a back niggle since then, he has done enough to earn this position. Looks super confident at half back and backs himself to beat his opponent and leave them in the dust. Let’s hope this is his year.

4. Dawson - was slightly underdone coming off that foot injury but since Xmas has looked excellent. Covering the ground really well and his kicking has been sublime. Doesn’t have much to prove but I’d be surprised if he didn’t have another great year.

5. Pedlar - to this point has remained injury free, which is huge. Playing as a defensive forward and looks terrific. Still makes the odd blunder but his overhead marking has been sublime as has his pressure game. Please stay fit.

6. Cook - has slipped into his new half-back role better than I expected. Still need to see more of his defensive work, but as a rebounding option he’s been great to watch. Seems to be in a really good head space and his kicking is a difference maker. Using his speed more now too. Let’s hope he can crack an early gig.

7. Bond - has been talked up a fair bit but for good reason. He just keeps improving and this summer it’s been his accumulation in particular that has stood out. Doesn’t have the x-factor of Nank or Cook but he’s definitely just as much in the mix for round one.

8. Berry - I think we all have our doubts after his meek finals series, but Bez hasn’t done much wrong this summer. Is definitely the leanest I’ve seen him and appears to have a point to prove. Using his pace more and more and has sharpened his foot skills - the key is for him to now translate that to AFL. He won’t get a better opportunity given our injures.

9. Neal-Bullen - easy to overlook this guy as he’s a known quantity and just kinda no-frills, but he never misses a single drill and he’s been a consistent performer in match sim, whether it’s up forward or on a wing. Deserves the credit.

10. McAndrew - has to be in this list as he’s consistently beaten ROB in match sim, especially at centre bounce. Seems to have improved his game in certain areas as well, particularly his follow-up work, though his marking still needs to be better for someone his height.

And some honourable mentions:

Rankine - would be on the list if not for the minor knee issue. Hasn’t been the force he was last summer but it must be a little difficult knowing he can’t play round one. Has still had some special moments.

Dowling - still not sure if he’s quite good enough, but he’s really embraced his inside role this summer. Has put on size and looks more confident as a result. Doesn’t seem to be in favour with the selectors but he couldn’t have worked much harder out there.

Butts/Murray - both key defenders have - touch wood - stayed healthy this entire pre-season and look great out there. I struggled to split the two for round one, but now that Keane’s injured that’s no longer a conundrum.

Enjoy your break my friend

 

[Daniel6]

No Keane makes us worse. He's a very good player.
Butts is fine, but the combination of Butts and Murray worries me.

Our midfield is no better than last year. The one hope was that Curtin would could become a top line player. Now we are praying that it will be Rachele.

Add in a tougher draw and I suspect we are going to be brought right back.

As it’s only the 9th of February, I think we will have to agree to disagree as I see Butts as a plug n play type. His form from round 9 to round 19 last year was exceptional. I’m not worried about the 3 pillars of our tall defenders in Worrell, Murray and Butts and then add the fleet footed Bond, Milera, Michalanney and laird.

Keane is an exceptional player, but we have a very good player to step into his position.

As I said, I’m happy to agree to disagree on this topic.

 

[Pugsley]

Why haven’t they had him in for an op, I did my groin years ago, in repaired and away you go

That's right. Duty of care and time to find a decent training ground.

 

[cleanhands]

That's right. Duty of care and time to find a decent training ground.

Mrs Cleanhands was pretty good with the rehab

 

[Pugsley]

Mrs Cleanhands was pretty good with the rehab

So was our footy club physio back in those days loved how her boyfriend would crack it

 

[cleanhands]

So was our footy club physio back in those days loved how her boyfriend would crack it

No blue tablets in those days

 

[1970crow]

The new fitness guy maybe should have stuck with ice hockey.

Between him and the coaches directives, we've actually injured ourselves.

Just smells like Nicks career to me. One stumbled 'learning' to the next.

Sid’s injury pre-dates the new fitness guy. Plus once you’ve got an injury like his, it’s the specialists that advise on loads. We don’t have the best recent history with groins.

The new fitness guy maybe should have stuck with ice hockey.

Between him and the coaches directives, we've actually injured ourselves.

Just smells like Nicks career to me. One stumbled 'learning' to the next.

Draper’s groin injury precedes his arrival. Plus once you’re injured, it’s the specialists like physios that determine your loads. Problematic Groins have been a bit of a blind spot for a few years.