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Jan 4th Training Session

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Markthirtytwo said:
The boys start the new season off at Norwood Oval on the 4th Jan at 3pm.
Anyone going?
Click to expand...

There's a good chance I'll be there, depending on the timing of other things.

I'll certainly be getting to some sessions this year, if not that one.
 
I'd love to hear anything that resembles a general training report, and I'm sure others would as well.
 

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Norwood Oval is convinient for me but the date is not. Have meetings all day long. I will also be getting down to a few sessions but definetly not this one.

Since its the first session back after the christmas break I wouldn't be surprised if its only a fitness test session (ie all running and no ball work)
 
Had the opportunity while in Adelaide on business to attend probably my only training session for the year.

a lot of the first session was spent trying to identify the "new blokes" which I did with some success but not complete success.
This review is based on a two hour session so my views are changeable but this is how I saw it.

Session was as has been reported using balls for the entire session - no time trials as I think Stiffy suggested. Wind was very gusty but at Norwood it's reasonably protected - the skills however were very ordinary - but it was the first session after Christmas.

Emphasis during the whole session was on playing attacking footy - taking on opponents, dishing off a sideways handball to a teamate and delivering accurately to a leading player - not very successfully may I add.
Lots of circle work with 3 groups using 3 zones of the ground, but always in pairs with one leading and an oponnent.
Lots of emphasis on handball during all sessions.

Some player comments:

Perrie: This guy looks in fantastic knick, built like the proverbial, and looked every bit an AFL player - trained very well.
Has gone bleach blond but is IMO in for a great year.
Bode: Has bulked up a bit, but realistically saw no difference in his disposal - pretty much same as
Reilly: In AFL terms this guy looks and moves like a thoroughbread - excellent hand and kicking skills and just looked all class
Hudson: Didn't recognise him, expected a larger bloke but he has fined down, put on muscle and looked a lot faster and fitter than last year - very impressive. I was surprised with how quick he was, but what was super impressive was how close he is to his team mates, lots of comradery (which you couldn't make the same comment re Watts - but don't read anything into that comment based on just one session and small observations)
Rutten: Moved well, no noticable change in his build, but gee his passing was awful - keep the kicks low son not helicopter passes all session.
Watts: I for one was disappointed, expected him to have bulked up a bit and to be moving smoother than he was - seemed to be labouring all the time. By this I don't mean he was unfit, just compared to Reilly, Macca, Rutten, and even some of the new tall guys, he didn't cover the ground well.
Has big legs, small upper body and IMO just an average session and hasn't raised my hopes for this season.
Maric: Awkward kicking style but effective, this guys impressive, seems to really have fitted in well with his teamates, moves well for a big guy and will have an imposing physique down the track - looks taller than you think.
Von Berlo: This guy was the impressive one of the session, looks ready to play AFL this year. Smooth mover who kicks alot around his body which makes reading his kick very difficult. His skills and just the way he moved thru the session suggests this guys an AFL player.
Johncock: Looks to have put on weight - was paired with Macca and Macca looked much smaller against him - looks ready to have a good season.
M.Stevens: Nothing looked wrong with him, had good pace, didn't hold back at all, held his marks and skills generally very good - have no fears he's back.
Bock: Guy has bulked up and moves well and looks an AFL player - but training and playing are sometimes very different - but you can certainly see why the AFC is persisiting with him - will present matchup difficulties for opponents if he can play with more intensity and aggression.
Krueger: A bit like Watts, similar build but looked smoother in covering the ground, trained OK, but didn't strike me as someone ready to step into AFL in any meaningfull way. As for being a FF option, thought his kicking for goal was very iffy.
Mattner: No noticable difference in any aspect.
Gibson: this guy has a wonderful build, does reminf you physically of Brown, full of enthusiasm, but didn't see enough of him to comment much.
Andrews: Now I think he was the guy, built like a mtachstick, but gee super impressive for a big guy. Great hands, great balance and kicking style and a real future prospect. Stood out during the session like Von Berlo as someone to keep your eye on.
Disappointing aspect at the end was when the whole squad was doing push-ups I doubt he did more than half a dozen - was noticable in his prostrateness as the rest of the squad did about another 50-100. :(
Smith: Not impressed - takes too may steps to balnace b4 kicking
Hinge: Looked good, smooth mover with a bit of pace, body ready now, and IMO a good pickup.
 
I was there, but was unable to see much of the session.

Just as a side note; John Meesen has a cold and will resume training when he's fully recovered.

Also: If all goes well you can expect a fit and fiery Ben Hart this season - hamstring problems, what hamstring problems?
 
Thanks Wayne's-World :)

Keep in mind that Watts is carrying OP and its his first full session. Great to hear you like what you see with Van Berlo and Maric.

I have to pick you up one one thing though, I am not sure what you saw or more precicely who you saw BUT Andrews and "great kicking style" just don't go hand in hand :p. He has the worst kicking style on our squad (at least he did last year and I doubt he could correct it that much in one pre-season:))
 
Great report WW - top stuff mate!!

Question: Could the guy you thought was Andrews be Meeson?? It sounded like Andrews until you got to the kicking stage, because Meeson is a great kick, and Andrews has a very distinct awkward kicking style.

Sounds overall as if our draft choices are looking promising, particularly Van Berlo. Certainly the good judges think he will be the first of the 5 to play AFL and possibly by the end of this year.

Disappointing about Watts - sounds like he hasn't improved on last year, although it's early days, and he still has a bit of OP.

You've really whetted my appetite now, WW.

All being well I'll be going to training on Thursday at 10 am, and will post my report on that session.

Thanks again WW - much appreciated. ;)
 
Also went and saw a couple of interesting things.

One on one in the square with the ball coming continually down the centre.

After most sessions saw Fred,Truck discussing backline tactics with.................Pertenchel. Could be a clue. ;)

With WW not happy about Trucks kicking, I must admid his commanding the ball was impresive, seeing he was not the most talkative player in the squad.
I dont believe his disposal is important at this time of the year.
Impressed with the Count, Radar and young Andrews kicking style must have improved cause he continually took shots at goal and his style looked ok.

On first sight of Gibson, will be a big boy when he grows up, sure hope his talents match his build.
 
Stiffy_18 said:
Great minds think alike :)

Maybe it was Jonathan Griffin :confused:
Click to expand...

Nope it was Andrews with long hair, Griffen is still built like a match stick.

On a PS saw Bodie getting some disposal instructions from Don Pyke, and he seemed to go and pratice what he was told.
 

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Markthirtytwo said:
Impressed with the Count, Radar and young Andrews kicking style must have improved cause he continually took shots at goal and his style looked ok.

On first sight of Gibson, will be a big boy when he grows up, sure hope his talents match his build.
Click to expand...

Someone must have performed wonders with Andrews and his kicking style. the best way to describe the way he kicked last year was a la Paul Northeast - very ugly style.
 
macca23 said:
Someone must have performed wonders with Andrews and his kicking style. the best way to describe the way he kicked last year was a la Paul Northeast - very ugly style.
Click to expand...
Well if they both said its Andrews then its Andrews. Like you I would be very surprised (positively of course) if Rowan has improved his kicking that much. His kicking last year was mechanical at best and he was kicking with a bent leg :confused:

I guess its a positive :)
 
macca23 said:
Someone must have performed wonders with Andrews and his kicking style. the best way to describe the way he kicked last year was a la Paul Northeast - very ugly style.
Click to expand...

Worth keeping an eye on - if Andrews can put his hand up and play this year it will be a huge bonus.

BTW thanks for the reports.
 
tinman said:
Worth keeping an eye on - if Andrews can put his hand up and play this year it will be a huge bonus.

BTW thanks for the reports.
Click to expand...
I think he needs to put on some 10kg before he is reasonably ready for AFL footy. He can play but he "did" have a very akward kicking style. Great pair of hands, good below his knees and great 3nd and 3rd efforts. Still a fair way to go to be AFL ready. Might get a game or 2 in the Wizard Cup.

Wayne's-World and Markthirytwo, how did the likes of Hentschel, Schuback and Jericho and Scott Thompson train?:)
 
Stiffy_18 said:
Well if they both said its Andrews then its Andrews. Like you I would be very surprised (positively of course) if Rowan has improved his kicking that much. His kicking last year was mechanical at best and he was kicking with a bent leg :confused:

I guess its a positive :)
Click to expand...

I'm looking forward to having a look at him on Thursday, because he is a promising type who is a strong overhead mark, and if he's added a decent kick to his armoury, he might well be a good long-term prospect.
 

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Wayne's-World said:
Had the opportunity while in Adelaide on business to attend probably my only training session for the year.

a lot of the first session was spent trying to identify the "new blokes" which I did with some success but not complete success.
This review is based on a two hour session so my views are changeable but this is how I saw it.

Session was as has been reported using balls for the entire session - no time trials as I think Stiffy suggested. Wind was very gusty but at Norwood it's reasonably protected - the skills however were very ordinary - but it was the first session after Christmas.

Emphasis during the whole session was on playing attacking footy - taking on opponents, dishing off a sideways handball to a teamate and delivering accurately to a leading player - not very successfully may I add.
Lots of circle work with 3 groups using 3 zones of the ground, but always in pairs with one leading and an oponnent.
Lots of emphasis on handball during all sessions.

Some player comments:

Perrie: This guy looks in fantastic knick, built like the proverbial, and looked every bit an AFL player - trained very well.
Has gone bleach blond but is IMO in for a great year.
Bode: Has bulked up a bit, but realistically saw no difference in his disposal - pretty much same as
Reilly: In AFL terms this guy looks and moves like a thoroughbread - excellent hand and kicking skills and just looked all class
Hudson: Didn't recognise him, expected a larger bloke but he has fined down, put on muscle and looked a lot faster and fitter than last year - very impressive. I was surprised with how quick he was, but what was super impressive was how close he is to his team mates, lots of comradery (which you couldn't make the same comment re Watts - but don't read anything into that comment based on just one session and small observations)
Rutten: Moved well, no noticable change in his build, but gee his passing was awful - keep the kicks low son not helicopter passes all session.
Watts: I for one was disappointed, expected him to have bulked up a bit and to be moving smoother than he was - seemed to be labouring all the time. By this I don't mean he was unfit, just compared to Reilly, Macca, Rutten, and even some of the new tall guys, he didn't cover the ground well.
Has big legs, small upper body and IMO just an average session and hasn't raised my hopes for this season.
Maric: Awkward kicking style but effective, this guys impressive, seems to really have fitted in well with his teamates, moves well for a big guy and will have an imposing physique down the track - looks taller than you think.
Von Berlo: This guy was the impressive one of the session, looks ready to play AFL this year. Smooth mover who kicks alot around his body which makes reading his kick very difficult. His skills and just the way he moved thru the session suggests this guys an AFL player.
Johncock: Looks to have put on weight - was paired with Macca and Macca looked much smaller against him - looks ready to have a good season.
M.Stevens: Nothing looked wrong with him, had good pace, didn't hold back at all, held his marks and skills generally very good - have no fears he's back.
Bock: Guy has bulked up and moves well and looks an AFL player - but training and playing are sometimes very different - but you can certainly see why the AFC is persisiting with him - will present matchup difficulties for opponents if he can play with more intensity and aggression.
Krueger: A bit like Watts, similar build but looked smoother in covering the ground, trained OK, but didn't strike me as someone ready to step into AFL in any meaningfull way. As for being a FF option, thought his kicking for goal was very iffy.
Mattner: No noticable difference in any aspect.
Gibson: this guy has a wonderful build, does reminf you physically of Brown, full of enthusiasm, but didn't see enough of him to comment much.
Andrews: Now I think he was the guy, built like a mtachstick, but gee super impressive for a big guy. Great hands, great balance and kicking style and a real future prospect. Stood out during the session like Von Berlo as someone to keep your eye on.
Disappointing aspect at the end was when the whole squad was doing push-ups I doubt he did more than half a dozen - was noticable in his prostrateness as the rest of the squad did about another 50-100. :(
Smith: Not impressed - takes too may steps to balnace b4 kicking
Hinge: Looked good, smooth mover with a bit of pace, body ready now, and IMO a good pickup.
Click to expand...
Great report WW. :)

If M Stevens & Perrie have great years, we should make the finals.

Talking of forwards, could Gibson end up being better than Watts? I just home at least 1 turns out to be a gun.

Von Berlo sounds like a great athelete & the most likely of the new draftees to get games.
 
what about scott stevens ?? He was so thin last yr, has he put some weight on?? I saw van berlo before chrismas break and he looked too light for afl at the moment, he could only play on a wing or half back at the moment right??
 
WAAAAAAAAAAAAH WAAAAAAAAAAAH I want to be in Adelaide so bad...great report WW top shelf

Why do I feel the marketing department of the AFC will take the Pointer Sisters to overkill?

I'm So Excited and I just cant hide it Ima Ima Ima bout to lose control and I think I like it
:D
 
Stiffy_18 said:
Thanks Wayne's-World :)

Keep in mind that Watts is carrying OP and its his first full session. Great to hear you like what you see with Van Berlo and Maric.

I have to pick you up one one thing though, I am not sure what you saw or more precicely who you saw BUT Andrews and "great kicking style" just don't go hand in hand :p. He has the worst kicking style on our squad (at least he did last year and I doubt he could correct it that much in one pre-season:))
Click to expand...
As I said I assume it was Andrews, the only other it could have been was Griffen and I don't think his build is as thin as this guy - real matchstick.
But his ground skills and ball control for a big guy was most impressive - trouble is he couldn't possibly play AFL with his build and obvious lack of strength.

His kicking was as good as any bigman on the park yesterday.
 
macca23 said:
Great report WW - top stuff mate!!

Question: Could the guy you thought was Andrews be Meeson?? It sounded like Andrews until you got to the kicking stage, because Meeson is a great kick, and Andrews has a very distinct awkward kicking style.

Sounds overall as if our draft choices are looking promising, particularly Van Berlo. Certainly the good judges think he will be the first of the 5 to play AFL and possibly by the end of this year.

Disappointing about Watts - sounds like he hasn't improved on last year, although it's early days, and he still has a bit of OP.

QUOTE]
Just looked on the website still can't tell whether it was Andrews or Griffen I was watching - definately not Meeson.
If as you say Andrews has an awkward kicking style then it was probably Griffen - good prospect IMO

Yes Von Berlo definately impressive - looked every bit a ready made AFL player now - expect to see him play sooner than later :)
Click to expand...
 

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