Training 2017 - Preseason Training

[Okinakashi]

Well, I've popped my 2017 training cherry this morning and what a great day for it.

The sight and smell of freshly cut grass against a bright blue Fremantle sky were the first things that greeted me as I walked to the Oval. I got there just a the boys were beginning their warm ups.

As has previously mentioned, the first years (Darcy, Logue etc) weren't there. Neither was Neale or RTB (that I could see).

Mundy, Apenes, Spurr and Ibbo were running at full tilt around the park (maybe a 3k TT?) I was surprised that the Apeman beat Mundy by a long way. I have big hopes for young Michael this year.

Griffin, Zaarke and Sandi were all not on the park, but were popping in and out of the gym - it's a bit of a concern that the only recognised ruckman on the park at the moment was drafted less than 2 months ago - hopefully the next few weeks see the big guys trickle back into the system.

Dawson, Bennel and a few others (mentioned above) were also absent

sherrif has covered most of the details in his (her?) excellent post above, so I'll just add a couple of my thoughts.

Cam Mac is a serious player - his field kicking and goal kicking were both excellent today and on numerous occasions he pinpointed players on the chest, while they were running at full tilt - however, when he's not "on" he lopes around and looks like he's still on his way home from the music festival that was in Freo over the weekend.

The Fyfe is a machine and looked in really good nick today - his man bun is excellent and obviously the rest of the team have been requested to reduce any excess hair to highlight the F7 - Lach Weller and Mundy are 2 of the main culprits here - who are both looking freshly shorn. Blakely obviously hasn't got the memo yet, but I expect he'll be tidied up before Rd 1.

One thing i've noticed about Fyfe - he ALWAYS has a footy in his hand - all you youngsters, pay attention!!

Tabs looked good today and seemed to be leading hard and generally hanging onto the pill. I have high hopes for him this year.

In fact our Fwd line looked pretty good - Walters, Tabs, Cam Mac, Ballaz, Kersten looked good in a few sims/drills that they did - there also seems to be a bit of chemistry being developed as the forwards seemed to be under instruction to pass fro 40-50 out, rather than kick at goal.

Sonny Walters was TTHD - he was lively and vocal and all class - I really like how we've been privileged to see him grow up over the last few years.

Another thing to note, Johnno was moving as freely as I've seen him for a long time, hopefully the extended rest in '16 has helped him get over any lingering issues and he has a good run of it in 2017.

I think that's about it for now.

I can't wait to head down again in the next few weeks and get my first view of the new recruits.

 

[meima]

I don't think Hamling is in rehab, but doing extra work in the gym and then doing his running with the rehab group. He looks at full fitness. McCarthy was giving heaps of advice today. Mostly do with kicking for goal and passing. I hope the players took on his advice as his kicking that I have seen is superb.

As I went off early , uber jogging gingerly or smoothly . Thanks

 

[sherrif]

As I went off early , uber jogging gingerly or smoothly . Thanks

Walking and slow jogging.

 

[Gussman]

At 0:48 Hamling is shown doing a midfield drill. Do you guys think it's possible he could play a defense/midfield role and maybe rotate with a player like Mundy or Logue?

 

[scon]

Great to hear Apeness is up and mobile and others are trickling back.
Our fitness guys are as good as our training reporters
Surely Hamling is just coming from a fair way back after playing the Grandy then partying.
Late start,slow build,complete preseason,firing round one.
It really seems to me we have the most balanced and talented list since inception.
We'll be truly blessed if we ever see the elite quality of Elvis and Pav again,but across all the lines I reckon it's the best bunch we've had in terms of overall talent,interchangeability and balance.
Exciting development year ahead,then one more draft and we'll be pretty bloody tasty I reckon.

 

[Fred Ziffel]

It looks like we finally have a legitimate leading forward in Cam McCarthy. Three beautiful displays today; one with Brad Hill taking the ball on the wing then honouring a great lead from Cam.
Another from a Suban Kick, again to MCCarthy well out in front of his opponent; and a passage involving Danyle Pearce with a long well weighted kick to Cam on the lead.

One very impressive passage today was Subes taking the ball on the wing. This time Cam was at CHF while Taberner was closer to goal manned by Sam Collins who was in the front position. There was space behind the two and seeing Taberner at the rear of the contest, Suban weighted a beautiful delivery to the right of them and over the back. It left Tabs with an easy mark running back with plenty of space on Sam.
Cam McCarthy started applauding and cheering Subes on yelling out " fantastic kick Subes ".Half a dozen others joined in the congratulating.

I am hoping we see Suban in a more attacking role this year. It can't be denied he is a great kick.

 

[meima]

I reckon it's the best bunch we've had in terms of overall talent,interchangeability and balance.
Exciting development year ahead,then one more draft and we'll be pretty bloody tasty I reckon.

Once the team gel or build chemistry
I think this freo team could go a long way provide fyfe stay.

It looks like we finally have a legitimate leading forward in Cam McCarthy. Three beautiful displays today; one with Brad Hill taking the ball on the wing then honouring a great lead from Cam.
Another from a Suban Kick, again to MCCarthy well out in front of his opponent; and a passage involving Danyle Pearce with a long well weighted kick to Cam on the lead.

One very impressive passage today was Subes taking the ball on the wing. This time Cam was at CHF while Taberner was closer to goal manned by Sam Collins who was in the front position. There was space behind the two and seeing Taberner at the rear of the contest, Suban weighted a beautiful delivery to the right of them and over the back. It left Tabs with an easy mark running back with plenty of space on Sam.
Cam McCarthy started applauding and cheering Subes on yelling out " fantastic kick Subes ".Half a dozen others joined in the congratulating.

I am hoping we see Suban in a more attacking role this year. It can't be denied he is a great kick.

this is well written report regarding suban , mine just a trailer earlier

 

[Reverse Torp]

I missed the start of training but caught the last hour or so.

A few things struck me. Ballas looks very fit but I noticed at the end of one drill that he walked on his own separated from the main group. i could be wrong but I have the sense that he feels he has a point to prove and that could be a good thing for us.

Spurr was exhausted and down on his haunches after a repeat running drill and Fyfe went and grabbed a water bottle and a towel to help him out - a nice way to support a guy who's struggling.

Sonny is one competitive, professional unit who is always talking to his team mates. Definitely a leader regardless of whether he's in the leadership group or not.

The boys look fit and I'd be amazed if we aren't better prepared than we were last year.

 

[electricfeel]

First time I have seen Apeness in real life. He is one big unit.

I had a bit of a dance with him at a bar not too long ago heh. He was baffled I recognised him (or is that what all footy players say?) He is bloody tall that's for sure.

 

[scon]

Apeness is a very humble and unassuming critter.
Hope you were gentle with the giant

 

[meima]

A few things struck me. Ballas looks very fit but I noticed at the end of one drill that he walked on his own separated from the main group. i could be wrong but I have the sense that he feels he has a point to prove and that could be a good thing for us.

.

With yarren gone, I think there is certain amount of pressure for ballas to perform and also an opportunity to grab a contract extension . I will definely keep ballas if he is firing .

 

[Sailor]

Is anyone concerned by the apparent lack of fitness by Mundy?
Struggled in the 3K and again today according to reports.
We have alternatives.

 

[meima]

Is anyone concerned by the apparent lack of fitness by Mundy?
Struggled in the 3K and again today according to reports.
We have alternatives.

Not too concern , better manage him than getting him injure in pre season, will be ready round one.

 

[Clems Knee]

Is anyone concerned by the apparent lack of fitness by Mundy?
Struggled in the 3K and again today according to reports.
We have alternatives.

I think he always struggles in the 3km. What matters is how close to his PB he gets.

 

[PurpleReign]

I had a bit of a dance with him at a bar not too long ago heh. He was baffled I recognised him (or is that what all footy players say?) He is bloody tall that's for sure.

I think someone may have posted it on YouTube.

 

[Sweetback]

McCarthy sounds like he's becoming a real talisman for the other players. That enthusiasm has got to be infectious.

 

[mightymouse75]

Thanks for the training reports. Appreciate the insight

 

[E Shed]

I had a quick look at McCarthy and the rest this morning. I'll go early and say Cam is the most important player we've brought into the Club since Fyfe. He is going to be a dead set star and GWS knew it which is why they made it so hard for him to leave.
His kicking, marking, goal kicking and just general footy nous is absolutely top shelf. Mind you I felt this way about him after his first couple of possessions for GWS so its not news but its a bloody godsend watching him out there in purple.
If:

• Bennell gets up and running with Stephen & Brad Hill,
• Kersten gets some chemistry going with Cam, Tabs, Walters, Balla and Apeness finally gets a clear run
• MJ stays fit Alex Pearce is fit, and we have Weller/Crozier running off half back
• Sandi, Fyfe, Mundy, Neale all fit and starting in the middle

We will give the 8 a shake next year.

 

[DudleyDocker]

I had a quick look at McCarthy and the rest this morning. I'll go early and say Cam is the most important player we've brought into the Club since Fyfe.

Hi E Shed. I have been to a few training sessions and I have to say this is exactly the feeling I have whenever I see Cam at work. I want to go early and say he is going to be an absolute champion, but then my conservative nature says "wait and see".

Glad you have gone early! I believe he has that little bit of x-factor which 99% of footballers will never have, but which separates the good players from the special players.

If not I will just refer back to your post and say you are a sycophantic pencil neck who swallows the kool aid

 

[rgauci]

Is anyone concerned by the apparent lack of fitness by Mundy?
Struggled in the 3K and again today according to reports.
We have alternatives.

Mundy has always struggled in the distance running. It's no surprise.

 

[meima]

Hi E Shed. I have been to a few training sessions and I have to say this is exactly the feeling I have whenever I see Cam at work. I want to go early and say he is going to be an absolute champion, but then my conservative nature says "wait and see".

Glad you have gone early! I believe he has that little bit of x-factor which 99% of footballers will never have, but which separates the good players from the special players.

If not I will just refer back to your post and say you are a sycophantic pencil neck who swallows the kool aid

He just a kid enjoyed his football , relax yet focus , look laid back yet work you to the ground xxx factor for me. Coach also enjoy watching him and said he compete well vs MJ one on one today . As I am quietly confident with my buddy , just to inform you that grey impresses me today with one of the drill where coach throw the ball to ground and players run to it and pick it up.

 

[Freo88]

He just a kid enjoyed his football , relax yet focus , look laid back yet work you to the ground xxx factor for me. Coach also enjoy watching him and said he compete well vs MJ one on one today . As I am quietly confident with my buddy , just to inform you that grey impresses me today with one of the drill where coach throw the ball to ground and players run to it and pick it up.

Probably more interested about what is happening out on the ground rather than behind closed doors to be honest...

 

[meima]

Probably more interested about what is happening out on the ground rather than behind closed doors to be honest...

Is it a good thing or a bad thing for cam ? If bad I refused to accept it .

 

[Dockernut]

Well, I've popped my 2017 training cherry this morning and what a great day for it.

The sight and smell of freshly cut grass against a bright blue Fremantle sky were the first things that greeted me as I walked to the Oval. I got there just a the boys were beginning their warm ups.

As has previously mentioned, the first years (Darcy, Logue etc) weren't there. Neither was Neale or RTB (that I could see).

Mundy, Apenes, Spurr and Ibbo were running at full tilt around the park (maybe a 3k TT?) I was surprised that the Apeman beat Mundy by a long way. I have big hopes for young Michael this year.

Griffin, Zaarke and Sandi were all not on the park, but were popping in and out of the gym - it's a bit of a concern that the only recognised ruckman on the park at the moment was drafted less than 2 months ago - hopefully the next few weeks see the big guys trickle back into the system.

Dawson, Bennel and a few others (mentioned above) were also absent

sherrif has covered most of the details in his (her?) excellent post above, so I'll just add a couple of my thoughts.

Cam Mac is a serious player - his field kicking and goal kicking were both excellent today and on numerous occasions he pinpointed players on the chest, while they were running at full tilt - however, when he's not "on" he lopes around and looks like he's still on his way home from the music festival that was in Freo over the weekend.

The Fyfe is a machine and looked in really good nick today - his man bun is excellent and obviously the rest of the team have been requested to reduce any excess hair to highlight the F7 - Lach Weller and Mundy are 2 of the main culprits here - who are both looking freshly shorn. Blakely obviously hasn't got the memo yet, but I expect he'll be tidied up before Rd 1.

One thing i've noticed about Fyfe - he ALWAYS has a footy in his hand - all you youngsters, pay attention!!

Tabs looked good today and seemed to be leading hard and generally hanging onto the pill. I have high hopes for him this year.

In fact our Fwd line looked pretty good - Walters, Tabs, Cam Mac, Ballaz, Kersten looked good in a few sims/drills that they did - there also seems to be a bit of chemistry being developed as the forwards seemed to be under instruction to pass fro 40-50 out, rather than kick at goal.

Sonny Walters was TTHD - he was lively and vocal and all class - I really like how we've been privileged to see him grow up over the last few years.

Another thing to note, Johnno was moving as freely as I've seen him for a long time, hopefully the extended rest in '16 has helped him get over any lingering issues and he has a good run of it in 2017.

I think that's about it for now.

I can't wait to head down again in the next few weeks and get my first view of the new recruits.

Someone once told me that the great Dale Kickett used to take a footy everywhere he went, sitting it next to him in the car, spinning and handballing it in the front seat when he came to the lights. I s'pose it's easy to love something you're really good at.

 

[sherrif]

Mundy has always struggled in the distance running. It's no surprise.

The extent to which he is miles behind surprised me greatly. He has struggled in the past with distance running, but today he massively struggled.