Training 2018 Preseason Thread

[ezard15]

I wonder if there is any danger with Pidge about losing speed whilst putting on size. Very explosive athlete for his size id be keen to see if there is a balancing act that is represented in what times he runs etc.

Hmmm, good point.

I might contact the club and let them know that I think I became even more slow than I was after I became really fat.

I could still catch pidge though I reckon. I used to run the 100 metres in 5.9 seconds but have slowed right down to nearly 8 seconds now with my arthritis.

 

[Haychh]

Anyone else heard this Essendon song?! I love it

I've seen this pop up on every Essendon facebook group i'm in. I still haven't brought myself to pressing play, it scares me

 

[DallasCrane316]

I've seen this pop up on every Essendon facebook group i'm in. I still haven't brought myself to pressing play, it scares me

Go on, press play!! I don’t think it’s as bad as you fear

 

[Andronicus]

If we can beat the Crows and Tigers during the season i give us a chance to win the flag.

Do it in the finals and I give us a better chance.

 

[Seb78]

so good!

How old was he when he first became interested in footy/essendon?

Probably end of last last season. So 4 y.o

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Stop being a stick in the mud and embrace the hype Tim haha

ESSENDON HYPE IS “OVERSTATED” SAYS CLUB LEGEND
BY SEN 7 HOURS AGO

Former Essendon captain Tim Watson has identified his former club’s biggest concern heading into 2018, and he believes it is big enough for people to cool on the hype surrounding the Bombers.

John Worsfold’s men have been engulfed in positivity over the offseason, a welcome change from the negativity that has poisoned the club throughout the ASADA saga.

After making the finals last season, the Dons brought in a trio of big name recruits in Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad.

However, Watson thinks it doesn’t fix their major issue in the guts.

“I think this hype around Essendon is overstated,” he told

“I still think they’re going to be deficient in the midfield. I don’t think they’ve got enough absolute super talent in their midfield, and depth in their midfield, to go with the best.

“They lowered their colours many times last year. They’ve got enough talent to make the eight, but I’m not saying they’re a lock for the eight.”

Despite trying to lower the expectations around the club, the three-time premiership player conceded he does understand why the Bombers have received so much hype.

“There is a lot of excitement around Essendon because the real emergence of Joe Daniher last year, his superstar potential,” Watson said.

“Then Jake Stringer coming to the club with Smith and Saad. You have other young players that have been starting to rise to the top in Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Orazio Fantasia really starting to blossom.

“There is a lot of excitement around that team.”

Essendon begins their 2018 campaign against Adelaide on Friday March 23.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/02/21/essendon-hype-is-overstated-says-club-legend/

 

[Mercurial89]

Stop being a stick in the mud and embrace the hype Tim haha



https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/02/21/essendon-hype-is-overstated-says-club-legend/

I actually agree with what he says.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

I actually agree with what he says.

Macca18 called up sen and spoke to Tim didn't he.

 

[Mercurial89]

Macca18 called up sen and spoke to Tim didn't he.

Haha it is a fun time of year with the hype so he probably should lighten up a bit.

But hes always been pretty straight when it comes to the bombers and positive hype.

 

[hurlygurdy]

I want to have a go at analysing what needs to happen in our midfield in order for this year to live up to the hype.

Zerrett (22)- A grade 2017

Heppell (25)- B+ grade 2017

Zaka (27) - B+ grade 2017

Goddard (32) - B+ grade 2017

Parish (20) - B grade

Myers (27) - C+ grade 2017

Langford (21) - C grade

Stringer (23) -

Smith (24) -

McGrath (19) -

Now history would suggest that we need at least two A grade mids, and i think that is fair enough. Tempting as it is to think a host of B+ mids might do the trick, i think we would be kidding ourselves particularly when it comes to finals intensity.
There is a solid chance that Heppell can get back to being an A grader but if he can't then realistically i think we are looking at Smith needing to slot straight into that level. That's a big ask but not impossible from what we have seen so far.
I think we can expect more of the same from Zaka and BJ and with a bit of luck Parish or McGrath can join them at that B+ level.
That leaves Myers, Langford and Stringer. The crucial extra big body. One of these guys probably needs to hit B at least. Stringer probably wont play enough midfield time to qualify.

Our small forwards will run through to add pace, but they are just the icing on the cake.

So at the end of the day i think the really crucial question is whether Heppell or Smith can rise to the top. A lot has been made of the Myers/Langford question, but thats secondary to having a twin tower to support Zach. Another A grader takes half the opposition attention away from Zach and that should allow more consistent midfield results for the team.

 

[Lore]

More pics. Pic names instead of captions. Stringer hair (or lack thereof) already under discussion in his player thread

Stringer hair


Jimmy


Devon roll


Boys train back


Zaka handball


Horse handball


Darc hands up


Handballs web hero

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2018-03-02/dons-training-gallery

 

[Jade]

Hooker to kick twelve on Geelong.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Apparently Brad Crouch in doubt for round 1 with abdominal strain according to the Age.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl...ne-with-abdominal-strain-20180303-p4z2o0.html

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Apparently Brad Crouch in doubt for round 1 with abdominal strain according to the Age.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl...ne-with-abdominal-strain-20180303-p4z2o0.html

Walker and Brad Crouch in doubt for rd 1.

They would be some handy outs if it happens.

 

[astrowizzle]

Walker and Brad Crouch in doubt for rd 1.

They would be some handy outs if it happens.

Don't want outs. We need to match it with every team from the start.

 

[Beerfish]

I'm happy to accept outs.

 

[Whispering_Jack]

I'm happy to accept outs.

Seasons can be built on a bit of early season luck. The 'we want to play the best team' line should be reserved for coaches and players commenting in the media on possible opposition outs.

 

[Mercurial89]

Seasons can be built on a bit of early season luck. The 'we want to play the best team' line should be reserved for coaches and players commenting in the media on possible opposition outs.

Especially when the "we want to play the best team" is usually to stamp the credential of a win. Like say, beating a full strength side in a grand final, nobody can question the merit of the win.

A round 1 game against the runners up of the previous year though? Give me a weakened team so we can bank an early season win and give us a shot of making finals.

In saying that its going to take a lot more than a couple of outs to beat the Crows. Great early season test.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

I'm happy to accept outs.

and how exactly the **** are you supposed to finish on top of the moral wins ladder with that attitude?!

 

[Mercurial89]

and how exactly the **** are you supposed to finish on top of the moral wins ladder with that attitude?!

we are Essendon mate, we are morally bankrupt for the next decade.