2019 Training Reports

[Dale147]

Reports or it didn't happen

Didn’t absorb much of what was going on, did notice a couple of players were wearing different numbers, the defenders were off working together, as were the rucks. SHill was doing laps, moving nicely, Walters was in rehab group.

 

[theGav56]

From memory didn't Darcy beat Goldstein for the majority of the game in 2017 but then ran out of puff in the 4th? It was his 1st season and just 3rd AFL game so call me crazy but I think he'll get through a full game next time around.

If Darcy is our #1, how do you see rotations with Lobb happening?

My main concern for the start of the year is that clubs will be planning to absolutely hammer Fyfe. Some injury niggles with his elbow, no SHill or Blakely, Neale gone. It is going to create a "stop Fyfe;stop Fremantle" mentality. Conca and Banfield can be key players for us if this does happen.

I also worry that with a 3 or even 4 tall forward set up, him getting some respite in the forward line may be less effective than in the past.

 

[wayToGo_]

If Darcy is our #1, how do you see rotations with Lobb happening?

My main concern for the start of the year is that clubs will be planning to absolutely hammer Fyfe. Some injury niggles with his elbow, no SHill or Blakely, Neale gone. It is going to create a "stop Fyfe;stop Fremantle" mentality. Conca and Banfield can be key players for us if this does happen.

I also worry that with a 3 or even 4 tall forward set up, him getting some respite in the forward line may be less effective than in the past.

I'd only use Lobb when Darcy needs a rest - Darcy is a better ruck imo and Lobb is better as a KPF. Lobb is going to make a massive difference to our forward line. People may have forgotten but Champion Data rated Lobb as a top 10 KPF back at the end of 2016 (when GWS had Mumford and Lobb didn't have GWS' ruck responsibilities). I know it's probably going to take time but getting both Hogan and Lobb last off season still seems like a dream.

As for Fyfe, I wouldn't be concerned. It's not like he hasn't been hard tagged his entire career and teams regularly try to rough him up. If anything I think it might be easier for him with the big body of Mundy there beside him more often and guys that aren't afraid to lay a bone crunching tackle like Conca, Banfield and Brayshaw in there at times - the latter two will have more weight to throw around this season. Plus can see Walters getting fired up if Fyfe gets targeted too much. Darcy looked like he was going to hurt someone in his first season and I hope we see more regular aggression from big Sandi when he's out there in what is most likely his last season.

 

[rgauci]

Goldstein? It's not 2015, it would be really worrying if Goldstein towels Darcy up this year

I can’t remember the year but I recall Goldstein drawing a free inside his forward 50. He’s old. Slightly undersized but wily. I just feel more confident with 211cm come round one.

 

[Mr Fonebone]

If Darcy is our #1, how do you see rotations with Lobb happening?

My main concern for the start of the year is that clubs will be planning to absolutely hammer Fyfe. Some injury niggles with his elbow, no SHill or Blakely, Neale gone. It is going to create a "stop Fyfe;stop Fremantle" mentality. Conca and Banfield can be key players for us if this does happen.

I also worry that with a 3 or even 4 tall forward set up, him getting some respite in the forward line may be less effective than in the past.

I am beyond comprehension as to why Fyfe is even contemplating this AFLX crap? Why isn't the club putting it's foot down.

He is our most important player, he has an injury niggle already and we are already down Blakely and Shill for the start of the season. Not to mention Neale has gone too.

I just cannot see the sense in the club not putting him in cotton wool until round one. It may all turn out ok but if he cops an injury in AFLX and misses a few games at the start I would be ropeable with Lyon and co.

 

[Freeeoo]

Pretty warm conditions today but the boys were pretty sharp and there was a lot of noise and banter going on.
The rehab group consisted of Valente, Ballaz and Stephen Hill who got in a good block of running including lots of laps at a good clip. He looks on target for his return in round 3 or 4.

There was another group that included AP, Switta, Carter, Nyhuis, Hamling, Walters, Sturt, Tucker and Watson who did some modified running drills and they all seemed to join in and drop out of the main group at various times. There seems to be a focus on micro managing individual work loads.

Fyfe, Bennell, Sandi and Kersten were not sited.

Hogan joined in with main group until some contact drills started when he peeled off and put the runners on and ran some slow laps. He seems to have developed a bond with Tabs.

Sims were sharp today with focus on setting up and working through zone defence. Bewley who looks and moves like thoroughbred was good, he was involved in a very good piece of play where he pinpointed Walters amongst a throng of defenders with a laser left foot kick. Walters wheeled and delivered lace out to the leading forward. More of that please!

At one point there was some set shots at goal with a man on the mark. I recon the first six or seven shots missed until Langdon slotted one straight through the middle and that seemed to get the others on board and it wasn't too bad after that.

Cam was good throughout the whole session, as we all know he has an ungainly gait but his skills are elite, he looks lean and worked as hard as anyone.
Dave Mundy is still a beast and looks super fit. Others that had a very good day were Wilson, Cerra, Cox, Brayshaw and Colyer.

 

[Taylor]

I can’t remember the year but I recall Goldstein drawing a free inside his forward 50. He’s old. Slightly undersized but wily. I just feel more confident with 211cm come round one.

Yeah he let Darcy reach from behind then leaned into the arm so it's right over his shoulder. Real rookie mistake from Sean.

 

[FreoMonocle]

I am beyond comprehension as to why Fyfe is even contemplating this AFLX crap? Why isn't the club putting it's foot down.

He is our most important player, he has an injury niggle already and we are already down Blakely and Shill for the start of the season. Not to mention Neale has gone too.

I just cannot see the sense in the club not putting him in cotton wool until round one. It may all turn out ok but if he cops an injury in AFLX and misses a few games at the start I would be ropeable with Lyon and co.

It's Fyfe's decision to play, not the clubs. Be ropeable with Fyfe and AFL hq for inventing this steaming pile of poo that AFLX is, the club itself probably can't refuse to give AFLX access to their players unless a club medico say's no, but even if I'm wrong on that, I doubt the club is in a position to say no to AFL HQ, they can be selectively generous or punitive (for example, a freo only rule where we play finals in Geelongistan for example, but other clubs wouldn't be asked to).

 

[Superkoops]

Fyfe, Bennell, Sandi and Kersten were not sited.

Thanks for the great report.

There were pictures of Sandi and Kersten in the Gym on Monday. Also pictures of Bennell training early in the session on Monday before he went to gym. Assume all three were in the gym again.

Fyfe is in Melbourne for the crapola AFLX and its stupid draft that starts shortly.

 

[theGav56]

I am beyond comprehension as to why Fyfe is even contemplating this AFLX crap? Why isn't the club putting it's foot down.

He is our most important player, he has an injury niggle already and we are already down Blakely and Shill for the start of the season. Not to mention Neale has gone too.

I just cannot see the sense in the club not putting him in cotton wool until round one. It may all turn out ok but if he cops an injury in AFLX and misses a few games at the start I would be ropeable with Lyon and co.

I am thinking that the emerging niggle is a signal that he is playing along, but may actually have a minimum contribution. The club usually says sweet f-all about injuries, but the bursa is getting the headline treatment.

Apart from that, I don't really think he is any more likely to get injured in AFLX than in a game, a match sim, a training drill etc. Got to get some time in before the real thing starts.

 

[theGav56]

Love to hear any thoughts on North's pre-season. Seems all but invisible, yet Cerra has clearly put in a good word for him. Plus, he could find an opportunity right at the start of the year if he is fit and firing.

How would you rate the chances of Bewley versus North for a debut?

Both have decent kicking skills. Bewley more outside, but strong body. North more inside and two pre-seasons under the belt.

 

[tonygeeks]

I am beyond comprehension as to why Fyfe is even contemplating this AFLX crap? Why isn't the club putting it's foot down.

He is our most important player, he has an injury niggle already and we are already down Blakely and Shill for the start of the season. Not to mention Neale has gone too.

I just cannot see the sense in the club not putting him in cotton wool until round one. It may all turn out ok but if he cops an injury in AFLX and misses a few games at the start I would be ropeable with Lyon and co.

POTY contender , it's about time we stopped bending over frontwards for the ****ing AFL altogether .... nice humble little non threatening Freo just sit down be quiet and make us some money

I vote freomaniac for club president just on his work in the predictions thread alone


On iPad using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Scham]

I am beyond comprehension as to why Fyfe is even contemplating this AFLX crap? Why isn't the club putting it's foot down.

He is our most important player, he has an injury niggle already and we are already down Blakely and Shill for the start of the season. Not to mention Neale has gone too.

I just cannot see the sense in the club not putting him in cotton wool until round one. It may all turn out ok but if he cops an injury in AFLX and misses a few games at the start I would be ropeable with Lyon and co.

Marketing

 

[Freeeoo]

Love to hear any thoughts on North's pre-season. Seems all but invisible, yet Cerra has clearly put in a good word for him. Plus, he could find an opportunity right at the start of the year if he is fit and firing.

How would you rate the chances of Bewley versus North for a debut?

Both have decent kicking skills. Bewley more outside, but strong body. North more inside and two pre-seasons under the belt.

As you say I see North as a pure inside mid whereas Bewley is more outside. I'm sure they will both get an opportunity to impress in JLT but in my eyes Bewley is a lock for an early debut.

 

[JBMAN]

As you say I see North as a pure inside mid whereas Bewley is more outside. I'm sure they will both get an opportunity to impress in JLT but in my eyes Bewley is a lock for an early debut.

Reckon you are spot on Bewley looks ready to go but North isn't too far off.

 

[yyou]

Yeah he let Darcy reach from behind then leaned into the arm so it's right over his shoulder. Real rookie mistake from Sean.

so you believe the reach-around move is potentially perilous?!

 

[Taylor]

so you believe the reach-around move is potentially perilous?!

I think we get better results playing in front.

 

[sherrif]

I'd only use Lobb when Darcy needs a rest - Darcy is a better ruck imo and Lobb is better as a KPF. Lobb is going to make a massive difference to our forward line. People may have forgotten but Champion Data rated Lobb as a top 10 KPF back at the end of 2016 (when GWS had Mumford and Lobb didn't have GWS' ruck responsibilities). I know it's probably going to take time but getting both Hogan and Lobb last off season still seems like a dream.

As for Fyfe, I wouldn't be concerned. It's not like he hasn't been hard tagged his entire career and teams regularly try to rough him up. If anything I think it might be easier for him with the big body of Mundy there beside him more often and guys that aren't afraid to lay a bone crunching tackle like Conca, Banfield and Brayshaw in there at times - the latter two will have more weight to throw around this season. Plus can see Walters getting fired up if Fyfe gets targeted too much. Darcy looked like he was going to hurt someone in his first season and I hope we see more regular aggression from big Sandi when he's out there in what is most likely his last season.

One of the reasons I thought Lobb was a fantastic recruit for us was becasue of what he provides as a second ruck option. If Hogan and Tabbs are in team then id want Lobb rucking around 25% of game time He's certainly a massive upgrade on Tabs, Cox and and Johnson who spent time in the second ruck option last season. Winning clearances with the new starting positions is definitely going to be super important if we can have Lobb rucking against the opposition second ruck then our centre clearnce numbers could improve significantly on last year. If we are playing a team with a ruckman who spends a high amount of game time on the ground like Goldsstein in round 1 then Lobb can be used to help either Sandy or Darcy gain a bit more rest on the bench to allow them to run out games better than both have in recent years. I could be wrong but I think in the last two years since Mumford retired Lobb's (ive only watched the freo games and a handful of other gws games) rucked more than being forwrda with around 15% game time on the bench. If we reversed that so that he was forward for say 65% with 25% ruck and 10% bench then we will be granting Lobb's request to be more forward then ruck while at same time improving the overall ruck work of freo over the season.

 

[SiempreFreo]

I emailed FFC two days ago with this: "I and other members are concerned about our top player, Nat Fyfe, playing in the AFLX with an elbow injury.

Surely his primary contract and player obligations are with Fremantle Football Club and ensuring, as far as possible, that he is fit and available for Round One of the season proper. Bursitis is not only painful, it can become chronic with subsequent limitation of power and movement.

I get that footy players want to play footy, Nat more than most and he’s prepared to experiment. However in this case the risks to him and our club – of inadvertent season-affecting injury in an artificial and effectively meaningless competition - do not seem worth any benefits.

What is the club’s position on this, please?"

Haven't heard back yet but will share the reply if it's of interest.

 

[Deveraux]

Fyfe may have answered your question already in his presser with Brad Hill.

Also... you don't own him

 

[Jezzitizle]

Fyfe may have answered your question already in his presser with Brad Hill.

Also... you don't own him

That’s true, but people pay a lot of money to the club to watch him play, everyone wants to watch a winning team, is it too much to ask the club do everything they can to ensure that is what happens?

Personally I’m interested to see what AFLX looks like this year, but if a one night competition were to mean we go through a season (or even a number of weeks) without our best player, it’s not worth it. I’m sure 90% of opposition fans would think the same thing.

On the flip side, if Fyfey turns it into a recruiting opportunity to get some guns in..

 

[Sully90]

AFLX is virtually non-contact. There's no more risk of him getting injured than in any match-sim that he does at training.

 

[Clems Knee]

That’s true, but people pay a lot of money to the club to watch him play, everyone wants to watch a winning team, is it too much to ask the club do everything they can to ensure that is what happens?

Personally I’m interested to see what AFLX looks like this year, but if a one night competition were to mean we go through a season (or even a number of weeks) without our best player, it’s not worth it. I’m sure 90% of opposition fans would think the same thing.

On the flip side, if Fyfey turns it into a recruiting opportunity to get some guns in..

Do you have any evidence that injuries are more likely in an AFLX game than a standard training session?

 

[sherrif]

I emailed FFC two days ago with this: "I and other members are concerned about our top player, Nat Fyfe, playing in the AFLX with an elbow injury.

Surely his primary contract and player obligations are with Fremantle Football Club and ensuring, as far as possible, that he is fit and available for Round One of the season proper. Bursitis is not only painful, it can become chronic with subsequent limitation of power and movement.

I get that footy players want to play footy, Nat more than most and he’s prepared to experiment. However in this case the risks to him and our club – of inadvertent season-affecting injury in an artificial and effectively meaningless competition - do not seem worth any benefits.

What is the club’s position on this, please?"

Haven't heard back yet but will share the reply if it's of interest.

Sorry, but are you kidding? The injury is about as severe as a blister according to Nat, but even then its totally his call. What did you expect them to do. Tell Nat that sorry we've had a few emails from supporters concerned about injury so we've decided to reconsider and go against the club doctors opinion, so you cant play. Seriously get a grip. So far this preseason we've had sightings of players buying alcohol. Supporters wanting harley fired because someone from a group he was with had some loud people with him who got kicked out from a hotel on new years eve. Players are entitled to a life and to make their own decisions in life FFS.

 

[Jezzitizle]

Do you have any evidence that injuries are more likely in an AFLX game than a standard training session?

I don’t need it, it’s not relevant.

A training session is important, they need to prepare for the season, so the risk is necessary.

AFLX is a nice to have, it’s an unnecessary risk.

Anyway I’m not strongly against, but I can definitely understand why a lot of people are.