Apples' Training Reports

[Stoods]

Great write up mate, well done


Very excited to see Elliot doing well, Greenwood tearing it up and i was happy to read the progress of Wells and Reid!

This gets me so excited for the footy season, hurry up!

 

[Apples]

Excellent read. I really look forward to any reports over the off-season.

A few things that immediately stood out for me.

1. I can't wait to see Levi in the pre-season games. I don't think we've seen the best of him yet at Collingwood. He played some really good games last year as a tagger, and I think this is how he'll be best utilised. I'd hate to see him pitted as a defensive forward where he won't get to utilise his clearly improved aerobic capacity.

2. Lachie Keeffe reportedly back in defence. I think this is where he should be training. We have a shortage of tall forwards, but I just don't think Keeffe is overly suited to the role.

3. Mason Cox has been doing a lot of work in the ruck. With Witts gone, and only a rookie as genuine back-up, it seems the club has decided Cox is the 2nd choice ruckman. I think it is essential Cox works on his ruck-work as he is 211cm and really doesn't have the skill-set to make it as a stand-alone KPP forward. His best chance is as a ruck/forward. At his height, he could be a terrific option.

4. Brodie Grundy's pre-season has been huge. The first reports of this were way back at the 5year and under training camp where he turned some heads. I haven't heard much about him since, but to hear he was leading sprints is an unbelievable effort. Remember in his first season he barely even made it across the line in the 2km time-trial. Now he is leading sprint work at the end of a gruelling session. I reckon lock him into all your fantasy sides!

5. Really concerned about Brayden Sier. Not sure what the issue is, whether it is injury or just hasn't returned in shape. Either way, this was an important pre-season for Sier given last year was really just a development year. Most draftees only get 2 years to prove themselves, so he needs to get himself right. At this stage, he is just completely off the radar.


One question, was Aish in full training?

Yes Davy, Aish did all of the drills. Noticed him a couple of times, but he didn't stand out in any way.

 

[Apples]

No mention of DeGoey I notice. Was he still inside at the buffet doin some bacon training?

He was training Doodles. Didn't take a great deal of notice to be honest. I was trying to watch players that have been recently sidelined or the blokes just killing it. I'll put DeGoey on my watch list next time.

 

[Mongo Ming]

How are El Chapo and Escobar going? (Aka Lachie and JT). Do they look like they are at full fitness after their 2 year vacation in the Golden Triangle or do they look behind the pace? How are their skills looking?

 

[Lethal06]

Brilliant report! Thank you!

This has the makings of one of our best pre-seasons in recent memory. Nobody out with a LTI, everyone fit and firing, intense competition for starting spots and talent/youth has replaced some aging warriors and list-cloggers. The intangibles of enthusiasm/unity/spirit sound really high too. Keep it up, Pies!

 

[TheGreatGrundy]

Brilliant report! Thank you!

This has the makings of one of our best pre-seasons in recent memory. Nobody out with a LTI, everyone fit and firing, intense competition for starting spots and talent/youth has replaced some aging warriors and list-cloggers. The intangibles of enthusiasm/unity/spirit sound really high too. Keep it up, Pies!

Don't push your luck. There is plenty of pre-season time left for LTIs and the like. Otherwise, at this stage, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.

 

[Countrypie]

Conditions: Warm and sunny
About 4 spectators present at 9:30 which was a little surprising. Later about 25 fans attended.

Not training:
Josh Daicos
Callum Brown
Kayle Kirby (although he was sighted on the sidelines)
Sam McLarty
•It was suggested by other track watchers that these boys were being rested after Friday’s sizzling hot training session.

Not in full training:
Tom Langdon: came onto field late. Walked and ran laps. Still some time away from the looks of his condition.
Ben Crocker: Ran laps
Ben Reid: Ran laps and near full pace. Doesn’t look far away. No bandages.
Matt Sharenberg: Joined in some of the drills and then ran laps.
Daniel Wells: ran laps for most of the session. Did some 100M sprints. Not far off.
Brayden Sier: Did early ball warm up skill work, then ran laps. Behind the expected schedule.

••I was told that urine samples had been taken before training by an outside company.
••I wasn’t aware that training had begun last Friday in the extremely hot weather. I was told that a time trial was run with the following top place getters:
1. Steele Sidebottom
2. Tom Phillips
3. Levi Greenwood

Training began with players split into 3 groups for kicking skills.
Later groups played in congested handball drills. Emphasis was on very fast disposal. It looked to me a lot like the way the Bulldogs played late in the year; very quick handballs that went backwards, sideways and backwards over the head.

Then match simulation took place. Two teams were pitted against each other. Much of the play began from boundary throw-in and ball ups. One ruckman (Grundy or Mason Cox) worked on getting the ball down to his designated rover.
The players took three minute breaks and were replaced by others in this match play.
This drill went on for about an hour. This was implementing a game plan and emphasis was on fast movement from defence into the forward line.
•Lachlan Keefe played defence against Darcy Moore.
Levi Greenwood continued his pre-Christmas form. He looks lean and very fit. Dominated around the ball. Also prominent were, Treloar, Pendles and Goldsack. At the end of this drill, Daniel Wells walked over and took Josh Thomas aside and was making suggestions about positioning. Nice to see him taking on a leadership role so early.

Now all players take part in 15 minute goal-kicking drills at the Yarra end.

If the players thought the session was over now, they were in for a very rude shock. After 90 minutes they were to undergo some very gruelling running sessions. The players were split into 2 groups. Players sprinted 100m, then jogged 100m, before sprinting again. Levi Greenwood won most of the sprints in his group. Brodie Grundy, who looks super fit, won a couple of sprints too edging out Greenwood. It was terrific to see Josh Thomas work very hard to win 3 or 4 of the sprints in his group. Also impressive were Sidebottom, Crisp, Sinclair, Varcoe and Philips.

Now there’s an all-in 300m lap. And it’s a tussle between Greenwood and Phillips. Greenwood outstays Phillips with Sidebottom third.

Now it’s back to the 100m sprints. Grundy and Crisp beat Greenwood this time.

Now the players are lined up on the Glasshouse side in two groups for a 400m sprint. Jesse White wins from Lyndon Dunne, Ben Sinclair and Josh Thomas in Group 1.
In Group 2, Levi Greenwood burns them off. Phillips is next and then Pendles, Howe, Treloar and Broomhead.

Some Observations:
Levi Greenwood – I don’t think I’ve seen a player so dominant during a pre-season before. He’s won time trials, 400m sprints, 100m sprints and sizzled in match play. He’s lean, fit and very determined to win a spot in a highly contested position in the team.
Jamie Elliott – looks super fit. Took part in all drills and did some nice things in the match plays. Very good to see.
Tim Broomhead – was prominent throughout training in all drills. Was opposed by Will Hoskin-Elliott and had the better of that duel.
Lachie Keeffe and Josh Thomas – both these boys have returned fit and raring to go. Obviously they have worked very hard over the past 2 years. For Thomas to do so well in the sprints is really pleasing. I wonder if the Club was allowed to organise training for them or if they had to organise this themselves? Whichever it was, it has worked.
There was a new boy on the track that we couldn’t name. He took part in all drills and match practice. I’m taking a stab here and calling him as Rookie, Henry Shade from the Gold Coast Suns. Good size and is quite a nice mover.
Alex Fasolo – took part in full training. Was heavily strapped on left shoulder. Did OK in a Fasolo kind of way.
Chris Mayne – not prominent but worked hard. Is looking very lean and fit.
Brayden Maynard – Trained hard. Looks to have gained a yard or two. Was at the front of most sprints.
Tyson Goldsack – worked very hard. Stood out in match play with decision making. Disposal a bit hit and miss.
Jack Crisp – I thought Crispy was outstanding today. Really vocal and aggressive at the ball.
Lynden Dunne – Didn’t notice him a great deal except for his disposal when he got the ball. Penetrating kick. Did very well in the running work too.
Jess White – Perhaps the best I’ve seen him train. Seemed to be everywhere. Has great speed; I hope he uses that consistently.
Jeremy Howe, Josh Smith and Jack Ramsay were all good too.
They say you play as you train and it’s no wonder Pendles, Sidey and Treloar are such consistent players for us. They always work hard. Treloar was like a big kid today. At one stage he asked a coach what the next drill was and when told, punched his palm and cried “Yes!” with enthusiasm. Made me laugh.

In closing, if I were writing a headline for training today it was be this:
Levi Greenwood Continues His Scintillating Form at Collingwood Training.

Next training session is Wednesday at 9:00am.

Excellent report. Much appreciated . Thank you

 

[Lethal06]

Don't push your luck. There is plenty of pre-season time left for LTIs and the like. Otherwise, at this stage, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.

Dare to dream big! Over the past few years it has been too easy to focus on what we're missing and what can go wrong, rather than what we've got and what can go right with a bit of luck. I love the look of our transformed 2017 line-up. So much skill and youthful enthusiasm. Reminds me of the new-look Aussie test cricket team. Much more fun and interesting than the old version!

 

[FIGJAM]

Kayle Kirby (although he was sighted on the sidelines)

From space??

 

[Kirby]

From space??

 

[Bunton Barfly]

Conditions: Warm and sunny
About 4 spectators present at 9:30 which was a little surprising. Later about 25 fans attended.

Not training:
Josh Daicos
Callum Brown
Kayle Kirby (although he was sighted on the sidelines)
Sam McLarty
•It was suggested by other track watchers that these boys were being rested after Friday’s sizzling hot training session.

Not in full training:
Tom Langdon: came onto field late. Walked and ran laps. Still some time away from the looks of his condition.
Ben Crocker: Ran laps
Ben Reid: Ran laps and near full pace. Doesn’t look far away. No bandages.
Matt Sharenberg: Joined in some of the drills and then ran laps.
Daniel Wells: ran laps for most of the session. Did some 100M sprints. Not far off.
Brayden Sier: Did early ball warm up skill work, then ran laps. Behind the expected schedule.

••I was told that urine samples had been taken before training by an outside company.
••I wasn’t aware that training had begun last Friday in the extremely hot weather. I was told that a time trial was run with the following top place getters:
1. Steele Sidebottom
2. Tom Phillips
3. Levi Greenwood

Training began with players split into 3 groups for kicking skills.
Later groups played in congested handball drills. Emphasis was on very fast disposal. It looked to me a lot like the way the Bulldogs played late in the year; very quick handballs that went backwards, sideways and backwards over the head.

Then match simulation took place. Two teams were pitted against each other. Much of the play began from boundary throw-in and ball ups. One ruckman (Grundy or Mason Cox) worked on getting the ball down to his designated rover.
The players took three minute breaks and were replaced by others in this match play.
This drill went on for about an hour. This was implementing a game plan and emphasis was on fast movement from defence into the forward line.
•Lachlan Keefe played defence against Darcy Moore.
Levi Greenwood continued his pre-Christmas form. He looks lean and very fit. Dominated around the ball. Also prominent were, Treloar, Pendles and Goldsack. At the end of this drill, Daniel Wells walked over and took Josh Thomas aside and was making suggestions about positioning. Nice to see him taking on a leadership role so early.

Now all players take part in 15 minute goal-kicking drills at the Yarra end.

If the players thought the session was over now, they were in for a very rude shock. After 90 minutes they were to undergo some very gruelling running sessions. The players were split into 2 groups. Players sprinted 100m, then jogged 100m, before sprinting again. Levi Greenwood won most of the sprints in his group. Brodie Grundy, who looks super fit, won a couple of sprints too edging out Greenwood. It was terrific to see Josh Thomas work very hard to win 3 or 4 of the sprints in his group. Also impressive were Sidebottom, Crisp, Sinclair, Varcoe and Philips.

Now there’s an all-in 300m lap. And it’s a tussle between Greenwood and Phillips. Greenwood outstays Phillips with Sidebottom third.

Now it’s back to the 100m sprints. Grundy and Crisp beat Greenwood this time.

Now the players are lined up on the Glasshouse side in two groups for a 400m sprint. Jesse White wins from Lyndon Dunne, Ben Sinclair and Josh Thomas in Group 1.
In Group 2, Levi Greenwood burns them off. Phillips is next and then Pendles, Howe, Treloar and Broomhead.

Some Observations:
Levi Greenwood – I don’t think I’ve seen a player so dominant during a pre-season before. He’s won time trials, 400m sprints, 100m sprints and sizzled in match play. He’s lean, fit and very determined to win a spot in a highly contested position in the team.
Jamie Elliott – looks super fit. Took part in all drills and did some nice things in the match plays. Very good to see.
Tim Broomhead – was prominent throughout training in all drills. Was opposed by Will Hoskin-Elliott and had the better of that duel.
Lachie Keeffe and Josh Thomas – both these boys have returned fit and raring to go. Obviously they have worked very hard over the past 2 years. For Thomas to do so well in the sprints is really pleasing. I wonder if the Club was allowed to organise training for them or if they had to organise this themselves? Whichever it was, it has worked.
There was a new boy on the track that we couldn’t name. He took part in all drills and match practice. I’m taking a stab here and calling him as Rookie, Henry Shade from the Gold Coast Suns. Good size and is quite a nice mover.
Alex Fasolo – took part in full training. Was heavily strapped on left shoulder. Did OK in a Fasolo kind of way.
Chris Mayne – not prominent but worked hard. Is looking very lean and fit.
Brayden Maynard – Trained hard. Looks to have gained a yard or two. Was at the front of most sprints.
Tyson Goldsack – worked very hard. Stood out in match play with decision making. Disposal a bit hit and miss.
Jack Crisp – I thought Crispy was outstanding today. Really vocal and aggressive at the ball.
Lynden Dunne – Didn’t notice him a great deal except for his disposal when he got the ball. Penetrating kick. Did very well in the running work too.
Jess White – Perhaps the best I’ve seen him train. Seemed to be everywhere. Has great speed; I hope he uses that consistently.
Jeremy Howe, Josh Smith and Jack Ramsay were all good too.
They say you play as you train and it’s no wonder Pendles, Sidey and Treloar are such consistent players for us. They always work hard. Treloar was like a big kid today. At one stage he asked a coach what the next drill was and when told, punched his palm and cried “Yes!” with enthusiasm. Made me laugh.

In closing, if I were writing a headline for training today it was be this:
Levi Greenwood Continues His Scintillating Form at Collingwood Training.

Next training session is Wednesday at 9:00am.

Absolutely comprehensive report. Amazing. Reading it made me feel like I was watching training myself.

 

[DaVe86]

I think Sier is still on a restricted program because of his back.

I think you are right.

I'm willing to go easy on Sier because I never expected much in 2016 given how far back he is coming from and how little exposure he had to elite systems. From the glimpses I've seen of him, he actually looks like quite a prospect.

I was just really hoping he could complete a full pre-season, so I'm disappointed he has basically been unsighted til now.

 

[Apex36]

I think you are right.

I'm willing to go easy on Sier because I never expected much in 2016 given how far back he is coming from and how little exposure he had to elite systems. From the glimpses I've seen of him, he actually looks like quite a prospect.

I was just really hoping he could complete a full pre-season, so I'm disappointed he has basically been unsighted til now.

On a positive note though, he was looking in ripping shape on the 1st-4th years camp, so has obviously been putting in the hard work behind closed doors. Really needs to get the kms in to his legs now though.

 

[jackcass]

On a positive note though, he was looking in ripping shape on the 1st-4th years camp, so has obviously been putting in the hard work behind closed doors. Really needs to get the kms in to his legs now though.

Wasn't there mention in 1 of these training reports that he's doing most of the fitness training, just not engaged in any match simulations and contact training at this stage?

 

[legendstatus]

By the end of this week, it'll be 4 weeks before the first preseason game

Just trying to move it along quick


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Saintly Viewed]

Great write up.
Only weeks to go.

But...... the real stuff is Round 1

 

[NT Magpie]

Excellent report. Much appreciated . Thank you

On holidays in Melb from NT, wondering if the guys are training Friday (tomorrow) morning. Would love to catch them while in town!!! First time poster sorry if this is posted elsewhere.

 

[TradeDraft]

On holidays in Melb from NT, wondering if the guys are training Friday (tomorrow) morning. Would love to catch them while in town!!! First time poster sorry if this is posted elsewhere.

Normally they do Mate

 

[Apples]

Cool & Cloudy 17 degrees.

Not Training: Kale Kirby

Limited Training: Jarryd Blair

Injury Group: Ben Reid, Brayden Sier, Tom Langdon, Ben Crocker, McLarty

Jarryd Blair did not take part in any drills. Reid, Sier, Crocker and Oxley did quite a bit.

There were a few interesting new drills today. ‘Brash’ and ‘Blackhole’ were two of them. I’m sorry to disappoint those who might be hoping Jarryd Blair disappeared into the Blackhole never to return.

At the Tennis Centre end Anthony Rocca and Scott Burns ran the exercise I presume was the Blackhole. Two teams opposed each other in this lightning fast handball drill. From what I could hear, Team A had to move the ball quickly and upon reaching handball No.10 had to shoot for goal. Team B kept trying to pressure them out of bounds, which in this case was an arc thirty metres from goal. Later it was 5 handballs and shoot for goal. This drill replicated intense pressure on a forward line with super fast handball (in the Bulldogs’ manner,) moving to goals.

At the other end of the ground two teams played ‘keepings off’ by foot.
Wells was so impressive by foot. It will be such a bonus if we can keep him fit. Ben Reid also participated in this drill. Broomhead continues with an injury free summer. This might be his best start and he’s giving himself every opportunity to prove he can snaffle a spot. Surely this must be the year he gets a good injury free run.

After a drinks break the players swapped groups.

Josh Daicos was noticeable in this drill. This is the first time I’ve seen him on the track. Reflexes of a cat. So like his dad in the way he moves. Has that low centre of gravity. Loved it when I saw him streaming through the centre looking to deliver forward. He is easily brushed off the ball though and will need time.

Now all of the players (except Blair) take part in a drill called ‘Entries.’

Sier, Reid, Langdon, McLarty do not take part. They disappear down along the Yarra with a trainer. Blair and Oxley leave the track.

Red Team V Black & White. Grundy (B&W) V Cox (R) in the ruck. Throughout this drill and the following match simulation, Grundy and Cox battled it out. Grundy won 90% of the time. Even when Cox took front position, Grundy outmaneuvered him. Grundy has sizzled on the track each time I’ve gone to training. He’s overtaken Levi Greenwood now that we have got to the business end of the pre-season.

Other matchups:

Goldsack (BW) takes forward Keeffe (R). Beats him most of the time.
Adams V DeGoey
Treloar V Crisp
Pendles V Varcoe

Now we have a drill called Shape/Transition, which is match simulation concentrating on ball movement; it’s a big part of the game plan. Buckley barks instructions and two young umpires take control. B&W v Red. Adams, Crisp, Treloar, Grundy V. Cox, Pendles, DeGoey, Greenwood in the middle.

Other match ups: Philips V Sidebottom, Keeffe v Shade (Rookie), Max Lynch (Rookie) V Dunne.

Jesse White, Sinclair, Crisp, Grundy and Treloar shine here. Wells does not take part in this drill.

Now Max Lynch has a turn in the ruck V Jesse White. White does well. DeGoey rests in the pocket and Daicos gets a run on the ball.

Lachie Keeffe doesn’t take overhead marks (perhaps it was the delivery), but he is training very hard; he is presenting well. Josh Thomas also is really putting in the hard work. I wouldn't have thought it possible a few months back, but Josh may be in with the chance of getting an early game. Keeffe has been used as a forward on the last two occasions I’ve been at training.

A few calls from this part of the drill:
•The ball comes forward and Sinclair completely outpoints Keeffe and takes a good overhead.
•Wills tagging Treloar, fumbles and a turnover sees the ball transition to Darcy Moore for a goal.
•Out of the square, Sinclair finds Sharenberg who waits and delivers well as usual. Can’t wait to see him get a decent run. Fingers crossed.
•Josh Thomas to Daicos. Daicos from 50…beautiful kick to Max Lynch.
(Cox jumps early every time with his knee up. Grundy waits and wins nearly every time and taps it wherever he wants.)
•Sinclair swoops on it, short to Elliott who marks. Elliott to White on a sharp lead. White goals.
•Keeffe takes chest mark on a fast lead and goes back. He goals.
(Tom Philips has done well down back. Plenty of possessions and using his pace to effect.)

Training will finish with a gruelling session of 100 metre sprints.

•Treloar, Sidebottom, Thomas and Sinclair win multiple races.
•Greenwood, DeGoey lead this race with Greenwood hanging on.
•Elliott lead his group but Keeffe pushes him all the way.
•Treloar leads Max Lynch but tires and Lynch runs over the top.
•Sidebottom leads Pendles and Grundy.
•Goldy leads Daicos and Greenwood.
•Sinclair wins his third from Varcoe and Moore
•Crisp leads Dunne with Sidey third and Grundy last.
•Josh Thomas leads Phillips, Wells and Sharenberg. I don’t think Josh has lost a sprint yet.
•Keeffe, Ramsay and Elliott lead this group and Elliott pushes but Keeffe hangs on. He’s really done well today.
It’s now 11:30 and the boys finish up. A few boys do goal kicking at the Yarra end with Elliott the last off the track.
Next Training Friday at 9:30

I’ll do my best to answer any questions you may have.
BTW, following a dispute with a rude, direspectful moderator, I no longer post at Nick's BB. I would appreciate it if these reports were not linked there.
Thanks. Neil

 

[Mr Bombastic]

Thanks Neil! How are our full back prospects Dunn and Schade looking? Has one impressed you more than the other?

 

[magpies42]

Thanks Neil, great report.

Tend to agree with you, Keeffe isn't a marking forward. I think he should play back, maybe play Dunn or Reid (maybe too fragile) forward.

Always rated Josh Thomas, would be good if he remains fit and has a run.

I am very bullish re next season

 

[Apples]

Thanks Neil! How are our full back prospects Dunn and Schade looking? Has one impressed you more than the other?

Shade has done Ok but Dunn has been something of a surprise for me. Plenty of grunt and uses it well. What I really like is his leadership down back. Works well with his Demon-mate Howe.

 

[joff]

Absolute A1 report much appreciated

 

[Stoods]

Thanks Neil, great report.

Tend to agree with you, Keeffe isn't a marking forward. I think he should play back, maybe play Dunn or Reid (maybe too fragile) forward.

Always rated Josh Thomas, would be good if he remains fit and has a run.

I am very bullish re next season

Think Reid is far too valuable in defence despite him being a decent enough forward.

I dont even get the Keeffe forward experiment thing to be honest, i mean between Moore, White and Cox you would think thats ok enough.

 

[Bucksbuns]

Keeffe is being groomed for the forward/ruck position because:

Darcy too valuable to ruck yet
Cox too inexperienced
White too short for ruck part of the job
McClarty McCarthy Lynch all too young

Keeffe isn't the best choice, at 204cms he's the only choice.