Carlton Forums Training Thread

[BrizzyBlue]

I thought that I might just post a Training Report in the Training Reports Thread. Is that ok with you guys?

Seriously it is great that some devoted Blues fans are taking the time to get down to the Park where Princes walked and compile a report.

Thanks to the good Dr. Sherrin and Wangers from over on TC for this info. Dated Tuesday 2nd April 2008.

http://www.talkingcarlton.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20625


Dr. Sherrin:

Training was right on schedule today and the boys looked resplendent in their 'Tele-Choice' Yellow training strip that might just become the new 'M&M' away guernsey before too long.

Anyway - Training was good today considering the winds were gale force +. Those in the rehab group were Ellard, Ando, Hadley, Blackwell, Jacobs (limited due to ankle), and Murphy for lengthy periods although he did participate in quite a few drills as well.

I would think Murphy and Ellard would be listed as general soreness and will be right when it counts - however Hadley is a worry...he looked a bit frustrated and he really is a professional and takes his footy very seriously...if he's out (and I don't know what the problem is but it looked groin related) - he'll be sorely missed. He's a big body in the midfield and needs match fitness after a disrupted pre-season. Might be an opportune time to bring him back through the 'Ants - let him find plenty of the ball and come back in fit and strong when he's really ready to go.

Today's training was very much focussed on the defensive side of our game and swift ball movement to the player in the better position who then had time to deliver to the leading forward. Considering the wind - this was done well - although we do have quite a few players who's hands aren't 100% and didn't hold their marks. Fish just needs to get his touch back - Cloke is definitely favoring one hand over the other and Pfieffer dislocated a finger early on today and whilst it won't impede him - he did favor it a bit today.

Such was the defensive nature of the session today - that the defenders really stood out...particularly Jamison and Saddington. JS simply used his experience - the only player on our list born in the 70's (1979) found himself in the right place at the right time and not by accident - and while he has his detractors amongst fans - it's important that he pushes for senior selection as often as possible. Jamo will be a gun - I've no doubt. He is quick and seems to be footy smart. His disposal, body work and speed was outstanding today and the defence will be all the better with him back in the side.

Speaking of body work - Steven Browne is exciting. In a tough one-on-one dual with Heath Scotland where tackling was permitted - he beat Heath up like a bad puppy (sorry for the analogy, I am a dog lover - but it was a comprehensive thrashing). His decision making is very good, isn't slow, is solid and more importantly keeps his feet. You do have to remind yourself that he is only 18. I can't help but think senior selection will come earlier than not. The player who's competing with Browney is Dennis Armfield - who also trained well and if he sees a path he takes it. This is also true of Grigg and Benjamin however their decision making and disposal just doesn't seem to be as good as the aforementioned rookies.

Other highlights for me today were the sure hands and movement along the ground of Matthew Kruezer, the vertical leap of Shaun Hampson, the 2008 speed of Adam Bentick, the work rate of Bryce Gibbs and nature of the way coaches Riley, Montgomery, Crosisca and Ratten went about their job today...it was forthright and encouraging.

On a less rosier note - the tight fitting guernseys' did nothing for the figure of Nick Stevens. Those comments by Andrew Maher on SEN this morning were spot on. I'd go one step further - that's a beer gut...I know because I've got one like Nick Stevens! There is no excuse - he needs to get the beer out of the fridge and put the hard yards in. I understand he's doing extra sessions and I applaud him for that. His training performance today was good - but a player of Nicks quality should be standing out amongst the kids in a similar fashion to Judd. Leading by example is the best form of leadership.

N.B - I didn't see Ryan Jackson out there today - could have been just me though. I also left after the boys had been out there for 1hr 40mins...in an attempt to get back to the office and get out of the dust storm that is engulfing Melbourne as I type this...so hopefully someone can inform us if anything else occurred. I felt the boys were nearly done after their 'orange vs teal' drill and that goalkicking in these conditions would have been a waste of time.

Wangers:

Was also at training today, and weather was very windy, gusts of around 80km/h. Plenty of kids stayed back after the clinic this morning to watch training. Just over 100 there.

To add to Dr Sherrin's report, most of you would be glad to know there was an emphasis on tackling. The big red bags came out and some one on one competitive drills were simulated as were some 4 on 4 team drills. Judd was sublime, his ability to side step quickly leaves his team mates look like witches hats. Gibbs was good in this drill as was armfield.

I thought overall despite the atrocious conditions, the players adjusted well with their skills. Plenty of voice from the players and it just felt the intensity today at training was lifted up a notch.

Ryan Jackson was out there today.

McKee was out there with all our ruckman (5 in all), except for sauce Jacobs. Work here was an emphasis on the tap out technique with the ruck bag. Hammer was the standout here followed by Kreuzer. They will be our future ruck combo me thinks, so get use to it.

Hadley looked injured and is doubtful for Sat nite.

Jamo trained fully and expect him back in the team.

I actually think either Armfield or Browne will debut along with Kreuzer, so there will be 3 changes minimum - Hadley, ......, ....... (not sure on the other two, but I would suggest they will be omissions based on team balance).

Good to see Juddy, Murph, Fev, and others stay behind to sign autographs and pose for pics. Juddy was doing this for a good 20 minutes after the conclusion of training. Great stuff. Not one disappointed person.

 

[Blue Dawn]

Ok then BB - let's hear what BluesGirl has had to say over on CSC....

Ok firstly I'll start of by saying that to everyone who doesn't live in Melbourne, it is the most windiest day i've seen in years. Big tree branches were everywhere around Princes Park and I heard a few people died around Melbourne because of the winds. So take that into consideration when reading this.

Today was the junior members clinic and there were about 600 kids there and half the footy team. Best person with the kids is Fevola. Every parant had so much apprasial for the way he was playing with the little ones. There was one part I found quite amusing (but im sure the Fev bashers wont so stop reading from here). Fev and Cloke were in charge of tug of war and at that moment they had the under 6 kids with them. They both joined in a few times and after 3 goes Fev said "Ok it's me and Cloke versus all of you, if 1 of you fall, we win". The kids went absolutely nuts with excitement. The boys of course won but after that Fev threw Cloke to the ground and said come on lets jump on Cloke so Fev jumped on him and so did a further 30 kids. Now most of you would probably say, what a dumb thing to do but you should have seen how big the smiles were on those kids faces. I was talking to a parent after it and they just love the way Fev acts with the kids. May not be relevant but I just wanted to share that.

Anyway onto training. Remember take into consideration the winds.
Sammy Jacobs is out for 2-3 weeks, he tore 3 ligaments, lucky that theres no bone damage. He walked in on crutches but on the track he sat on those massive blow up balls and joined in with the injury group. Now the injur group at one stage got a tad big and I got a tad worried. All these players firstly were with the main group but then went there sperate ways. Now don't be alarmed when you read a specific name here.
They included, Ellard, Blackwell, Hadley, Anderson and Murphy. Yes Murphy, I got scared to but it's ok, he got a knock so he didn't participate in all aspects of training, he did however return to the main group. Hadley is still getting troubled by his knee, I saw him point to the top of his knee when a coach asked what was wrong. Hartlett came off early (not sure why). No sign of Walker. Stevens came off early and did not return.

Many would be happy that training was very intense and there was more competivness in it. Everything was match related and it was real toughness. A few one on one drills and then back to the physical stuff. When doing a few match set ups, Asakie was being used as the full forward. Bower ran straight down the middle on several occasions, and ran a bit to far sometimes.

At one point in these drills Kade Simpson went down. Had the trainers and doctors run up to him, he got up limping but carried on training.

Now considering how windy it was the skills were wonderful. Several players had shots on goal after training and most got them in after they had had a few shots. Of course Judd got it in on his first go.

Spoke to a few players:
Hartlett - Asked him what was he thinking when he hit Howat and said although he deserved it. His reply was "yes he deserved it and he got 3 weeks *laughing*
Murphy: I said are we going to win his reply "yeh" I said "Marc you don't sound to confident" "don't worry we always beat the bombers".
Judd: "hey Chris are we going to beat the bombers" "Hope so, we need a win"
Scotland: "Hey Heath we going to win this week?" "Bloody oath"
Setanta: "are you going to kick Lloyd's butt?" "Ohh, if I get to play on him"
And wait for it we see the return of JAMISON!

Oh and Kreuzer trained fantastic! He was in the back pocket, got the ball passed it off and kept running to the forward pocket. Bloody brilliant!

Im sure i'll think of more things so i'll post that up tomorrow along with some yes, photo's.

 

[Silvagnis]

Lol! Apologies mate.

Thought you and Bluegal chatting earlier about sat night sounded like a convo between sisters and assumed....wrongly.

Anyhoo, back on topic, any chance Hampson might actually be lifted up off the jumping pad and actually fly today?

LOL.

 

[Jeremias]

Oh and Kreuzer trained fantastic! He was in the back pocket...

Watch the Pagan bashers bring up the similarities

 

[setanta17]

how did setanta train?

was he training as a forward or as a defender?

 

[The Grover]

The wraps on Browne & Armfield sound promising, will be good to have 2 true defenders ready to replace the likes of Scotland & Houlihan.

 

[Pamam]

The wraps on Browne & Armfield sound promising, will be good to have 2 true defenders ready to replace the likes of Scotland & Houlihan.

i doubt both players will be dropped

not to mention, who makes there way for Kreuzer and Jamison

firstly those 2 come in before Browne and Armfield do.

If Simmo doesnt play after reports he hurt his knee, then Browne would be the perfect replacement to unleash Hoops on the wing and Browne to take a forward!!

 

[The Grover]

i doubt both players will be dropped

not to mention, who makes there way for Kreuzer and Jamison

firstly those 2 come in before Browne and Armfield do.

If Simmo doesnt play after reports he hurt his knee, then Browne would be the perfect replacement to unleash Hoops on the wing and Browne to take a forward!!

Definitely not saying drop them, just nice we have better prospects for their positions in the future.

 

[Pamam]

Definitely not saying drop them, just nice we have better prospects for their positions in the future.

true true

 

[Silvagnis]

I thought that I might just post a Training Report in the Training Reports Thread. Is that ok with you guys?

Seriously it is great that some devoted Blues fans are taking the time to get down to the Park where Princes walked and compile a report.

Thanks to the good Dr. Sherrin and Wangers from over on TC for this info. Dated Tuesday 2nd April 2008.

http://www.talkingcarlton.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20625

Speaking of body work - Steven Browne is exciting. In a tough one-on-one dual with Heath Scotland where tackling was permitted - he beat Heath up like a bad puppy (sorry for the analogy, I am a dog lover - but it was a comprehensive thrashing). His decision making is very good, isn't slow, is solid and more importantly keeps his feet. You do have to remind yourself that he is only 18. I can't help but think senior selection will come earlier than not

Got a good feeling about Browney turning into the aggressive tagger the Carlton side needs.

A Steven Baker clone would do me for pick 36.

Not sure if Browne is quick enough to take a speedster in the forwardline and keep up with them.

Rather see Anderson do that job.

 

[Salaryman]

Got a good feeling about Browney turning into the aggressive tagger the Carlton side needs.

A Steven Baker clone would do me for pick 36.

Not sure if Browne is quick enough to take a speedster in the forwardline and keep up with them.

Rather see Anderson do that job.

Geez you're thick....Browne won't make it as he is a WH late pick

 

[Silvagnis]

http://www.talkingcarlton.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20666

Easily the best training session I've seen this year. Coaches had some great drills on display - the players were switched on and you'd dead set think you were watching a team with a 2-0 record such was the confidence and execution of skills on display.

When everyone trains well and works as a team unit - it's difficult to single out anyone - but Darren Pfieffer impressed me today. He didn't miss a target and was assured by hand and foot on the run. His possessions have looked a bit rushed thus far in matches - if he can translate the composure and skill he has on the track into game time then he'll get a game each week and become an important cog in the midfield - hopefully this comes with getting used to the pace of senior footy.

Richard Hadley trained well and moved freely. I'd be interested to see how he pulled up, but what he did out there was good. It'll be interesting to see how much work he does on the track next week and this might point to a modified program if he misses the midweek session again. Having said that - I'm not convinced of his fitness level for the demands of the game and would hope that he's not immune to going back to the magoos - match fitness can still be gained with the Bullants.

Jordan Russell and Shaun Grigg both trained very well. JR was great in close - really clean and hit targets consistently. His gait is still a worry - fails to lift his knees and use his quads in his running technique. This means that his feet go up and down - but because he doesn't extend the stride - he's taking little steps. People with little steps look quick (like Stevie Kenna), but the reality is they're far from it and Shaun Hampson and Matthew Kruezer could run him down very easily. JR should have done sprint work with Braddles and AB in the pre-season. Nevertheless, he is becoming a better footballer,

Dennis Armfield didn't have the greatest of sessions - just needs to hit the target a little better over 30 metres and he'll be fine. His speed is good and I'd be surprised if there's ever been a first year player who talks more on the track - it's great to see (and hear).

Kade Simpson showed no sign of a bruised knee - and what was pleasing about today's session was not only the leg speed that some of these boys have - but the quickness of the ball movement. I pray that this translates over into the gameplan and we don't sit on the ball and wait. If ever there's a team to attack - it's the Bombers. Swift ball movement and hard leads that are timed well is the key. Goalkicking was practised by all with someone standing the mark at all times. Again - very little went wide aside from one attempted Fev torp - but if there's one thing Fev's never been able to do - it's the torp...he just can't kick them (so he's chances of playing NFL are Buckley's in my eyes).

Chris Judd had a very relaxed smile on his face after training - he might well have felt right at home after what was (close to) a mistake free session. And if a clean, concise and confident training is any indication to how we'll go gameday - in my eyes, it's the Blues on Saturday night by 20 points.

What are they doing selecting Russ for this week?

Why aren't they listening to the people who own computers and have internet access?

 

[Bluebear]

http://www.talkingcarlton.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20666

What are they doing selecting Russ for this week?

Why aren't they listening to the people who own computers and have internet access?

What.....that he was great in close and very assured with his disposal.........or the "expert" gait analysis?

 

[Silvagnis]

What.....that he was great in close and very assured with his disposal.........or the "expert" gait analysis?

The first part.

 

[Will.B.Worth.Da.Waite]

Well I thought Russell sucked on Sat night. If you look up previous posts, for the most part i've been a supporter of giving him a chance, but I think he shouldn't be given any more. Turned the ball over at real crucial moments. I'd probably rather Jackson than Russell. Russell just doesn't get enough of the pill, doesn't shut down players, doesn't kick goals, and only seems to hit targets when they're easy short kicks. The few possessions he gets aren't damaging enough for mine. Stick him in the magoos, and hopefully he'll realise this could be his last year, and come back firing.

 

[Silvagnis]

Training Friday 11th

squad of 24 players currently training Houlihan not in the group at present

training was intense.

included match simulation. setanta played alongside fev in fwd line with thornton on him. waite ran with judd. bentick seemed slow to dispose of ball when play was flowing but trained well throughout. they practised maintaing possesion in backhalf for 40 second blocks as if it was last part of a qtr. grigg left track for short period but came back fine. j russel did one on three tackling practice whilst rest of team did drills together for a short while. setanta amongst last 4 to leave the track. russell was very vocal during the session. fev trained well but looked to be struggling
a little with long stretching rest. russell murph gibbs betts waite ran as a group in a warm down lap - seemed in good spirits. judd bentick and grigg did the same.

sorry for my rambling first report and not used to it.

setanta trained well.

ratts spent a few minutes with setanta towards end of session encouraging him and indicating what appeared to be leading manouvres. I spoke with setanta after training he seemed up beat doesn't know if he is in team as yet.
houlihan did not train.

Training was fun. I lost 40 bucks in the CSC though.
I was up but then I thought I'd better keep playing for the Club.

Training:

- Only selected team was there - No Houlihan
- Setanta look good
- Murphy and Gibbs looked great again
- Juddy glides
- Good to see the boys smiling
- Browne moved well
- Russell looks good body wise but that about it.
- Ratts kicked an awesome goal from the boundry, showing up Betts.
- What is worng with Hammer?!?

No Houlihan.

But Russell trained.

 

[Bluebear]

Well I thought Russell sucked on Sat night. If you look up previous posts, for the most part i've been a supporter of giving him a chance, but I think he shouldn't be given any more. Turned the ball over at real crucial moments. I'd probably rather Jackson than Russell. Russell just doesn't get enough of the pill, doesn't shut down players, doesn't kick goals, and only seems to hit targets when they're easy short kicks. The few possessions he gets aren't damaging enough for mine. Stick him in the magoos, and hopefully he'll realise this could be his last year, and come back firing.

.......and the reason this had to go in the training thread and not the countless "get rid of Russell" threads is?

 

[BlueWorld]

Training Friday 11th




No Houlihan.

But Russell trained.

Lucky you edited as you would have got it from me. A report here last week said he'd been under an injury cloud and might not play. Do you think it might explain his performance? Quick to jump to conclusions aren't we.

 

[Will.B.Worth.Da.Waite]

.......and the reason this had to go in the training thread and not the countless "get rid of Russell" threads is?

Because it was in reply to posts made IN the training thread mocking people criticising Russell and implying they don't know what they're talking about, simply because Russ had a couple of good training sessions. I thought it was fair to put in Russell's game performance to balance the argument. Sorry, didn't realise you weren't allowed to reply to other people's comments just because its a "training thread"

 

[Silvagnis]

Lucky you edited as you would have got it from me. A report here last week said he'd been under an injury cloud and might not play. Do you think it might explain his performance? Quick to jump to conclusions aren't we.

I'm scared to get it from someone who has a soft footballer as their favourite player.

He's still soft and one of the main reasons we're so easy to score against .

I'm not jumping to any conclusions because in my opinion, Ryan would have been dropped anyway since he was named on the bench.

Houlihan and Scotland need to go for Carlton to move forward.

Both wouldn't get a game for the Cats.

 

[WeninRome]

I'm scared to get it from someone who has a soft footballer as their favourite player.

He's still soft and one of the main reasons we're so easy to score against .

I'm not jumping to any conclusions because in my opinion, Ryan would have been dropped anyway since he was named on the bench.

Houlihan and Scotland need to go for Carlton to move forward.

Both wouldn't get a game for the Cats.

neither would 18 of our 22 players

 

[BlueWorld]

I'm scared to get it from someone who has a soft footballer as their favourite player.

He's still soft and one of the main reasons we're so easy to score against .

I'm not jumping to any conclusions because in my opinion, Ryan would have been dropped anyway since he was named on the bench.

Houlihan and Scotland need to go for Carlton to move forward.

Both wouldn't get a game for the Cats.

You wouldn't have a clue why he was named where he was or why he didn't train. Yes he's so soft he's been playing with the injury for a few weeks. Believe what you want to believe. Who cares. Think you can make it through an entire game without having your whipping boy to bag? Any chance of you just sticking to the topic and not getting personal. I don't actually represent a player. If you have a problem I'm not actually responsible for that player. Unlike you, I support all the players and don't go bagging half or more. Go to the Richmond board. You'd be most at home there. Make sure you don't talk to me ever again thank you.

 

[BlueBelle]

If Houlihan has been injured for a few weeks, why the hell did he play!?

 

[Silvagnis]

If Houlihan has been injured for a few weeks, why the hell did he play!?

Because he's a leader.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Lucky you edited as you would have got it from me.

I'm scared to get it from someone who has a soft footballer as their favourite player.

I'm thinking Houlihan vs Russell in a celebrity death match to decide this feud.