- Jun 23, 2004
- 13,497
- 39
- AFL Club
- Adelaide
Training Report – 9/12/05 – First for the summer:
Any type of football at this time of year is a luxury. In a period of time full of cricket and soccer news, any football relief is welcome! This makes Collingwood training an excellent opportunity to again slip into football gear, an opportunity to check out the new draftees and also an early opportunity to gage the level of optimism around the club – and there is plenty of that at the minute.
Catching the train in to Richmond Station once again, it felt like old times – the time of football season, where the stop off at Richmond was a formality. After an early kick of the footy with a mate, the real show began – the players emerged from their change rooms. Beginning with a short kick-to-kick session, the players limbered up before going off on a light jog around Edwin Flack Oval. All players ran, save for Tristan Walker, Guy Richards, Paul Licuria and Julian Rowe – who were all doing ‘short handballs’ in a separate group. The players again stretched in the middle of the field, and were soon joined by marquee forward Chris Tarrant, who emerged late from the rooms. The players then set off for lap number two, finishing with a slow walk and stretch. Whilst they main group was running, the handball faction were joined by gritty defender Ben Johnson. The only players not on the track (for reasons unknown) were skipper Nathan Buckley, Brodie Holland and Rhyce Shaw.
The players then broke into a third lap, including hard and fast sprints around the outer side. As they were doing so, a member of the coaching staff could be overheard talking about the latest and greatest feature of the Collingwood Website – CTV. The final lap of the field was completed, as defender Tarkyn Lockyer left the track – he soon returned. As the players stretched once more, it was time to take a look at how a few of our more inexperienced players were shaping up for the journey ahead. Speedy half forward flanker Chris Egan appeared to have stacked on the muscle over the break, as did classy wingman Ben Davies, whose slender frame has morphed into a nice size – it will prove difficult for Malthouse and co to leave him out of the first 22 who take the park against Adelaide in round one next season. But the biggest improver in the body stakes is by far the much publicized Sean Rusling. After showing all Magpie diehards that he may be the next big thing in his first season, it is clear that Rusling has only worked harder – with the size of his arms thickening to a massive extent over the break. This will hold him in good stead for the coming season, as he looks to survive the dreaded ‘second year blues’.
The group then trotted over to the centre, and split up into four groups for a dose of handballing. While ex-basketballer David Fanning was having his legs worked on by fitness staff, former Eagle Chad Morrison emerged from the rooms to join the handball group on the Olympic Park wing. The handball drill soon evolved into a circle work of sorts, with the players only disposing of the ball by hand.
Ten minutes later, the players split up into five sections – moving into different areas of the ground. The first player on a certain cone would lead, with others racing off their own respective cones to provide support. The drill was one where players were able to showcase their footskills – and Leon Davis has it by the truckload, his kicking first rate. One of the several players trying out for a position on the list, either a rookie or senior spot, proved very good at ground level, with his ball handling skills impressive. He soon moved into the handball group with Morrison and Rowe, where they worked on their short passes.
The players were now running the ball down the ground, and booting the pill to their leading targets of Fanning and Cameron Cloke, who were stationed in the ‘hotspot’, in-between full forward and centre half forward. A bright spot was the form of new draftee Danny Stanley. In a past interview, Stanley rated Glen Archer as his favorite footballer – so it was no surprise to see him go in with his head down for the ball, with many players coming towards him in the other direction. His kicking was also solid – which should hopefully temper suggestions that his kicking can be erratic at times.
They then broke into another stretching routine. Whilst they were taking a well earned breather, the handballing group was still hard at work – now doing sprints up and down the wing. Half the squad split into orange Wizard Home Lones jumpers as the start of a mini-scratch match. Licuria did not take part in the game, however, jogging off into the sanctuary of the rooms. Players on the orange team included Swan, Prestigiacomo, Wakelin, Caracella, Clement, Hall and O’Brien – not surprisingly all bar the former Don/Lion are defenders. The aim of the game was for a player to take the ball in from defense; the midfielders carry the ball forward and spear the ball onto the chest of leading forwards (generally Anthony Rocca or Tom Davidson). Hall was opposed to the big Pebble, and was beaten on the lead on many occasion by a hard-running Rocca, who is clearly set on a big 2006, with his previous two seasons destroyed by injury. It is the fittest he has been for many a year. His kicking for goal, once an area in which he struggled, was first class – not missing a thing from inside the fifty. Hall was given some advice by assistant coaches Gavin Brown and Michael Christian, and moments later outmarked Rocca with a clever nudge to the side. Nick Maxwell was another to benefit from the advice of his mentors.
Whilst this was going on, the handball group had been joined by duel Premiership player Blake Caracella, who had migrated across from the main party. He, along with Iacobucci, Licuria and Walker ran up and down the wing, in short, hard sprints. During this time, Channel 9 reporter Chris Jones arrived to interview Licuria – to be telecast on tonight’s news.
After a short break in the middle, it was game on once again – this time, Rusling used up forward, with new teammate Jon Anthony picking him up. Selection five in last months draft, Scott Pendelbury, found space and marked on his own, 20 meters out on a slight angle. He played on immediately, however spraying the kick for a behind. Rusling, Morrison and Richard all headed off the field – all in the direction of the gymnasium located inside the Lexus Centre.
The coaches then tried another tack, getting ruckman Fraser and Fanning to compete at a stoppage on the back flank, with rovers in O’Bree, Davis, Johnson, Stanley, Thomas, Davies and Burns swarming around them, waiting for the loose ball. Stanley was again noted by his teammates for doing the hard 1%ers, which can be so crucial in the overall outcome of a contest. Nick Maxwell was another come attract attention for his gritty efforts.
The team then went back to the five corner drill – while Licuria chatted with Chris Jones of the Nine Network. The younger Cloke’s, Cameron and Travis, as well as Licuria himself left the field, headed for the gym. Heath Shaw displayed some potential as a forward, leading hard, marking strongly and kicking truly. Brazilian cult figure Harry O’Brien had the crowd of fifty in a trance, as he balked around Leon Davis, took two bounces and kicked truly from forty – hopefully a sign of things to come. Prominent in the drill were Burns, Davis and Shane O’Bree, while Dale Thomas worked his way into the match as time wore on. More stretches and length-of-field jogs eventuated, while Dane Swan and Fraser headed for the rooms.
The coaches broke the players up into separate groups – midfielders and key position men for differing drills – with stoppages high on the midfield agenda. Kicking out drills restarted, with Scott Pendelbury’s racking left foot showing to all how classy he may end up on a wing. The usual suspects of Lockyer and Clement were ever efficient, as was Ryan Lonie – who will play a pivotal role in running the ball out from a behind in the wake of the new laws, which see sides able to play on from kick-ins.
This all paled into insignificance as a real battle began -Walker and Didak locked into a tight battle, in an exercise which sees one man throw the ball into a net, and then trying to knock it away on the rebound before the other player is able to catch it. Clement, Burns and Christian were vocal from the sidelines, watching the comrades locked into a fierce battle.
A final huddle was called – before three groups of players – two of them experienced and one of rookies and potential Magpies – were sent off on different missions:
Mission 1: The draftees – the new crop of Thomas, Pendelbury, Stanley, Cook, Anthony and a host of prospect draftees were all to ‘tractor pull’ weights up and down the field, before lifting a large weight above their heads 20 times, before doing a peculiar ‘crawl’ along the running track. It was clearly strenuous work – and took a large toll on the boy’s bodies. Stanley in particular looked very fit and capable of it.
Mission 2: Sprints – short, sharp sprints of thirty meters were conducted, with Maxwell, Davies, Davis, Cox (prospect draftee), Didak, Jason Cloke and Caracella all vying for front spot.
Mission 3: Running – the rest of the players were to run around different poles placed on the turf – in a test of the players agility and pace off the mark.
The groups were rotated through each exercise, before moving off the track, where they happily signed autographs for the crowd which had waited over three hours to view them in action.
All players appear to be fit and firing – with many of the youngsters bulking up considerably. If all players can remain in this shape, there is no reason why the top eight is out of the question – perhaps even beyond. Competition for places in the final 22 is on in earnest, and it would take a brave punter to write off the Pies in this type of form. Pre-season is certainly the most optimistic time of year, but if track form is anything to go by, Collingwood will be a team to beat in 2006.
Player Review:
Leon Davis – Looks in good touch – ran well as a midfielder, and displayed excellent kicking skills.
Sean Rusling – Has built himself up well, and looks in terrific shape – will take on a big role in 2006.
Ryan Lonie – I did not see much of Ryan this morning, however, from limited exposure, he looked in top nick – as he should be – 2006 is a major season in determining his future.
Alan Didak: Spent time in the midfield group and moved well – will need to spend more time there throughout the year.
Chad Morrison: Did limited handball work with Richards, Walker and Rowe before leaving early, destined for the gym.
James Clement: The professional’s professional, Clement did all that was required of him – and is moving beautify.
Julian Rowe: Limited to handballing and short passing, Rowe was another to leave the track earlier than expected.
Blake Caracella: Late onto the field, Caracella combined running work with match time.
Shane O’Bree: O’Bree came into his own in the on-ball activities, roving to both Fraser and Fanning well and kicking long.
Tristan Walker: Walker was limited to handballing and plenty of sprint work, as well as shifting the weights around the track.
Shane Wakelin: Going into yet another pre-season, Wakelin was one of the leaders on the field, helping guide his younger teammates.
Chris Egan: The talented indigenous forward has put on a few kilos, and moved nicely – showing good hands, marking well on the lead.
Scott Burns: Similar to Wakelin – fit and firing, and should still be able to spend plenty of time in the midfield in 2006.
Paul Licuria: Busy morning, with interviews, sprints and handballing, without ever taking part in the main group. Still ready for action, no doubt.
Chris Tarrant: Was a late starter, and never really got into the session before leaving early.
Guy Richards: Limited to handballing for much of the day, Richards left halfway for the gym – looking to build up is frame, which still requires a bit of work.
Anthony Rocca: Back to the Rocca of old. Lighter, fast on the lead and strong hands – Rocca looks the best he has for a long time. As the saying goes – ‘beware of the wounded fighter’ – it may well apply to Pebbles, who appears set for a massive season 2006.
Tarkyn Lockyer: Doing all the right things as ever, and will look to move back into the midfield in 2006.
Nick Maxwell: Another to impress, Maxwell is clearly one of the more courageous players in the lineup. A shoe in for the first match against the Crows, and is already displaying leadership traits.
Travis Cloke: Looked in good shape – perhaps even taller than 2005 – before leaving the field for the gym.
Cameron Cloke: Looks stronger in his upper body, and moved well before going to the gym with brother Travis.
Jason Cloke: Looking as fit as can be, and is not as slow as many may have you believe. Has really been working hard, and results should begin to show.
Dane Swan: Looked solid in the practice match before leaving the track early.
Adam Iacobucci: Had put on bulk over the break, and spent his time running and handballing with the side group.
Heath Shaw: Popular amongst the players, the son of Ray showed his capabilities as a forward, leading and marking well, and, most importantly, kicking truly. Could be a surprise packet in 2006.
Brent Hall: Opposed to Rocca, Hall struggled when the big man was on the charge, but marked well on occasions. Big year ahead.
Ben Davies: Classy wingman has built up his body in a big way – will be looking for a permanent place on the wing in 2006.
Harry O’Brien: Has not put on much muscle (or so it seemed to the untrained eye), but still displayed much of the excitement which caught the eye of many supporters at the tailend of the season.
Draftees:
Dale Thomas: Looks good – nice build on him, accurate with disposal. Worked very hard when lifting and carrying the weights.
Scott Pendelbury: Has a classy left foot, save for one blooper when shooting for goal, and has a bit of height – which will be handy on the wing.
Danny Stanley: A real standout. ‘Stanners’ looked terrific running through the midfield out of defense, and his the ball hard. Darkhorse for a spot next year.
Ryan Cook: Did not see much of him, but is lightly built. Moves well, but is unlikely to play this coming season.
Jon Anthony: Could end up a find by recruiter Derek Hine. Spent time on Rusling before moving the weights, and has a clear appetite for hard work.
Also in attendance: Those who may be selected by the club in the Pre-Season draft/Rookie Draft, include Sam Iles, Jackson Barling, Byron Bonner, Shannon Cox and Scott Meyer.
Any type of football at this time of year is a luxury. In a period of time full of cricket and soccer news, any football relief is welcome! This makes Collingwood training an excellent opportunity to again slip into football gear, an opportunity to check out the new draftees and also an early opportunity to gage the level of optimism around the club – and there is plenty of that at the minute.
Catching the train in to Richmond Station once again, it felt like old times – the time of football season, where the stop off at Richmond was a formality. After an early kick of the footy with a mate, the real show began – the players emerged from their change rooms. Beginning with a short kick-to-kick session, the players limbered up before going off on a light jog around Edwin Flack Oval. All players ran, save for Tristan Walker, Guy Richards, Paul Licuria and Julian Rowe – who were all doing ‘short handballs’ in a separate group. The players again stretched in the middle of the field, and were soon joined by marquee forward Chris Tarrant, who emerged late from the rooms. The players then set off for lap number two, finishing with a slow walk and stretch. Whilst they main group was running, the handball faction were joined by gritty defender Ben Johnson. The only players not on the track (for reasons unknown) were skipper Nathan Buckley, Brodie Holland and Rhyce Shaw.
The players then broke into a third lap, including hard and fast sprints around the outer side. As they were doing so, a member of the coaching staff could be overheard talking about the latest and greatest feature of the Collingwood Website – CTV. The final lap of the field was completed, as defender Tarkyn Lockyer left the track – he soon returned. As the players stretched once more, it was time to take a look at how a few of our more inexperienced players were shaping up for the journey ahead. Speedy half forward flanker Chris Egan appeared to have stacked on the muscle over the break, as did classy wingman Ben Davies, whose slender frame has morphed into a nice size – it will prove difficult for Malthouse and co to leave him out of the first 22 who take the park against Adelaide in round one next season. But the biggest improver in the body stakes is by far the much publicized Sean Rusling. After showing all Magpie diehards that he may be the next big thing in his first season, it is clear that Rusling has only worked harder – with the size of his arms thickening to a massive extent over the break. This will hold him in good stead for the coming season, as he looks to survive the dreaded ‘second year blues’.
The group then trotted over to the centre, and split up into four groups for a dose of handballing. While ex-basketballer David Fanning was having his legs worked on by fitness staff, former Eagle Chad Morrison emerged from the rooms to join the handball group on the Olympic Park wing. The handball drill soon evolved into a circle work of sorts, with the players only disposing of the ball by hand.
Ten minutes later, the players split up into five sections – moving into different areas of the ground. The first player on a certain cone would lead, with others racing off their own respective cones to provide support. The drill was one where players were able to showcase their footskills – and Leon Davis has it by the truckload, his kicking first rate. One of the several players trying out for a position on the list, either a rookie or senior spot, proved very good at ground level, with his ball handling skills impressive. He soon moved into the handball group with Morrison and Rowe, where they worked on their short passes.
The players were now running the ball down the ground, and booting the pill to their leading targets of Fanning and Cameron Cloke, who were stationed in the ‘hotspot’, in-between full forward and centre half forward. A bright spot was the form of new draftee Danny Stanley. In a past interview, Stanley rated Glen Archer as his favorite footballer – so it was no surprise to see him go in with his head down for the ball, with many players coming towards him in the other direction. His kicking was also solid – which should hopefully temper suggestions that his kicking can be erratic at times.
They then broke into another stretching routine. Whilst they were taking a well earned breather, the handballing group was still hard at work – now doing sprints up and down the wing. Half the squad split into orange Wizard Home Lones jumpers as the start of a mini-scratch match. Licuria did not take part in the game, however, jogging off into the sanctuary of the rooms. Players on the orange team included Swan, Prestigiacomo, Wakelin, Caracella, Clement, Hall and O’Brien – not surprisingly all bar the former Don/Lion are defenders. The aim of the game was for a player to take the ball in from defense; the midfielders carry the ball forward and spear the ball onto the chest of leading forwards (generally Anthony Rocca or Tom Davidson). Hall was opposed to the big Pebble, and was beaten on the lead on many occasion by a hard-running Rocca, who is clearly set on a big 2006, with his previous two seasons destroyed by injury. It is the fittest he has been for many a year. His kicking for goal, once an area in which he struggled, was first class – not missing a thing from inside the fifty. Hall was given some advice by assistant coaches Gavin Brown and Michael Christian, and moments later outmarked Rocca with a clever nudge to the side. Nick Maxwell was another to benefit from the advice of his mentors.
Whilst this was going on, the handball group had been joined by duel Premiership player Blake Caracella, who had migrated across from the main party. He, along with Iacobucci, Licuria and Walker ran up and down the wing, in short, hard sprints. During this time, Channel 9 reporter Chris Jones arrived to interview Licuria – to be telecast on tonight’s news.
After a short break in the middle, it was game on once again – this time, Rusling used up forward, with new teammate Jon Anthony picking him up. Selection five in last months draft, Scott Pendelbury, found space and marked on his own, 20 meters out on a slight angle. He played on immediately, however spraying the kick for a behind. Rusling, Morrison and Richard all headed off the field – all in the direction of the gymnasium located inside the Lexus Centre.
The coaches then tried another tack, getting ruckman Fraser and Fanning to compete at a stoppage on the back flank, with rovers in O’Bree, Davis, Johnson, Stanley, Thomas, Davies and Burns swarming around them, waiting for the loose ball. Stanley was again noted by his teammates for doing the hard 1%ers, which can be so crucial in the overall outcome of a contest. Nick Maxwell was another come attract attention for his gritty efforts.
The team then went back to the five corner drill – while Licuria chatted with Chris Jones of the Nine Network. The younger Cloke’s, Cameron and Travis, as well as Licuria himself left the field, headed for the gym. Heath Shaw displayed some potential as a forward, leading hard, marking strongly and kicking truly. Brazilian cult figure Harry O’Brien had the crowd of fifty in a trance, as he balked around Leon Davis, took two bounces and kicked truly from forty – hopefully a sign of things to come. Prominent in the drill were Burns, Davis and Shane O’Bree, while Dale Thomas worked his way into the match as time wore on. More stretches and length-of-field jogs eventuated, while Dane Swan and Fraser headed for the rooms.
The coaches broke the players up into separate groups – midfielders and key position men for differing drills – with stoppages high on the midfield agenda. Kicking out drills restarted, with Scott Pendelbury’s racking left foot showing to all how classy he may end up on a wing. The usual suspects of Lockyer and Clement were ever efficient, as was Ryan Lonie – who will play a pivotal role in running the ball out from a behind in the wake of the new laws, which see sides able to play on from kick-ins.
This all paled into insignificance as a real battle began -Walker and Didak locked into a tight battle, in an exercise which sees one man throw the ball into a net, and then trying to knock it away on the rebound before the other player is able to catch it. Clement, Burns and Christian were vocal from the sidelines, watching the comrades locked into a fierce battle.
A final huddle was called – before three groups of players – two of them experienced and one of rookies and potential Magpies – were sent off on different missions:
Mission 1: The draftees – the new crop of Thomas, Pendelbury, Stanley, Cook, Anthony and a host of prospect draftees were all to ‘tractor pull’ weights up and down the field, before lifting a large weight above their heads 20 times, before doing a peculiar ‘crawl’ along the running track. It was clearly strenuous work – and took a large toll on the boy’s bodies. Stanley in particular looked very fit and capable of it.
Mission 2: Sprints – short, sharp sprints of thirty meters were conducted, with Maxwell, Davies, Davis, Cox (prospect draftee), Didak, Jason Cloke and Caracella all vying for front spot.
Mission 3: Running – the rest of the players were to run around different poles placed on the turf – in a test of the players agility and pace off the mark.
The groups were rotated through each exercise, before moving off the track, where they happily signed autographs for the crowd which had waited over three hours to view them in action.
All players appear to be fit and firing – with many of the youngsters bulking up considerably. If all players can remain in this shape, there is no reason why the top eight is out of the question – perhaps even beyond. Competition for places in the final 22 is on in earnest, and it would take a brave punter to write off the Pies in this type of form. Pre-season is certainly the most optimistic time of year, but if track form is anything to go by, Collingwood will be a team to beat in 2006.
Player Review:
Leon Davis – Looks in good touch – ran well as a midfielder, and displayed excellent kicking skills.
Sean Rusling – Has built himself up well, and looks in terrific shape – will take on a big role in 2006.
Ryan Lonie – I did not see much of Ryan this morning, however, from limited exposure, he looked in top nick – as he should be – 2006 is a major season in determining his future.
Alan Didak: Spent time in the midfield group and moved well – will need to spend more time there throughout the year.
Chad Morrison: Did limited handball work with Richards, Walker and Rowe before leaving early, destined for the gym.
James Clement: The professional’s professional, Clement did all that was required of him – and is moving beautify.
Julian Rowe: Limited to handballing and short passing, Rowe was another to leave the track earlier than expected.
Blake Caracella: Late onto the field, Caracella combined running work with match time.
Shane O’Bree: O’Bree came into his own in the on-ball activities, roving to both Fraser and Fanning well and kicking long.
Tristan Walker: Walker was limited to handballing and plenty of sprint work, as well as shifting the weights around the track.
Shane Wakelin: Going into yet another pre-season, Wakelin was one of the leaders on the field, helping guide his younger teammates.
Chris Egan: The talented indigenous forward has put on a few kilos, and moved nicely – showing good hands, marking well on the lead.
Scott Burns: Similar to Wakelin – fit and firing, and should still be able to spend plenty of time in the midfield in 2006.
Paul Licuria: Busy morning, with interviews, sprints and handballing, without ever taking part in the main group. Still ready for action, no doubt.
Chris Tarrant: Was a late starter, and never really got into the session before leaving early.
Guy Richards: Limited to handballing for much of the day, Richards left halfway for the gym – looking to build up is frame, which still requires a bit of work.
Anthony Rocca: Back to the Rocca of old. Lighter, fast on the lead and strong hands – Rocca looks the best he has for a long time. As the saying goes – ‘beware of the wounded fighter’ – it may well apply to Pebbles, who appears set for a massive season 2006.
Tarkyn Lockyer: Doing all the right things as ever, and will look to move back into the midfield in 2006.
Nick Maxwell: Another to impress, Maxwell is clearly one of the more courageous players in the lineup. A shoe in for the first match against the Crows, and is already displaying leadership traits.
Travis Cloke: Looked in good shape – perhaps even taller than 2005 – before leaving the field for the gym.
Cameron Cloke: Looks stronger in his upper body, and moved well before going to the gym with brother Travis.
Jason Cloke: Looking as fit as can be, and is not as slow as many may have you believe. Has really been working hard, and results should begin to show.
Dane Swan: Looked solid in the practice match before leaving the track early.
Adam Iacobucci: Had put on bulk over the break, and spent his time running and handballing with the side group.
Heath Shaw: Popular amongst the players, the son of Ray showed his capabilities as a forward, leading and marking well, and, most importantly, kicking truly. Could be a surprise packet in 2006.
Brent Hall: Opposed to Rocca, Hall struggled when the big man was on the charge, but marked well on occasions. Big year ahead.
Ben Davies: Classy wingman has built up his body in a big way – will be looking for a permanent place on the wing in 2006.
Harry O’Brien: Has not put on much muscle (or so it seemed to the untrained eye), but still displayed much of the excitement which caught the eye of many supporters at the tailend of the season.
Draftees:
Dale Thomas: Looks good – nice build on him, accurate with disposal. Worked very hard when lifting and carrying the weights.
Scott Pendelbury: Has a classy left foot, save for one blooper when shooting for goal, and has a bit of height – which will be handy on the wing.
Danny Stanley: A real standout. ‘Stanners’ looked terrific running through the midfield out of defense, and his the ball hard. Darkhorse for a spot next year.
Ryan Cook: Did not see much of him, but is lightly built. Moves well, but is unlikely to play this coming season.
Jon Anthony: Could end up a find by recruiter Derek Hine. Spent time on Rusling before moving the weights, and has a clear appetite for hard work.
Also in attendance: Those who may be selected by the club in the Pre-Season draft/Rookie Draft, include Sam Iles, Jackson Barling, Byron Bonner, Shannon Cox and Scott Meyer.
