Training 15/1/07

[AndyWalkersGirl]

Many many thanks go to pj_canus from talkingcarlton.com for this report. The guy writes the most extensive reports i've read for a while. Greatly appreciated by many online blues supporters

Despite the persistent bushfire smoke, the players would have welcomed an almost brisk morning for what would prove to be a relatively lengthy track session. The warm up session included a quirky little game of follow-the-leader, with the group split into groups of three where the following pair had to mimic the leader. Significantly Libba’s tennis ball from Friday did not re-emerge.

The circle work exercise based on the centre circle origin point followed this but differed from last weeks version with the addition of a ball moving in the opposite direction. This was followed by an exercise involving a corridor of about 2m by 5m. A pair of players would start at the centre and then run to opposite ends of the corridor and then as they turned to face each other again the coach would yell out the name of the player who had to tackle the other to prevent them reaching the opposite end. There was plenty of voice in this exercise from players and assistant coaches alike. It was good to hear TD shout at one point ‘watch his hips – watch his hips.’ Too often players are sold a dummy or miss a tackle because they are watching the ball in their opponent’s hands or their face rather than focussing on the hips which first indicate where the player will actually move. The corridor was too narrow to allow many attackers the space to break through, although Paul Bower provided a prominent exception with a nice little side-step that left his opponent grasping at thin air drawing applause from his group. Also continuing a sound pre-season is Houla. His sessions at the moment are very similar to those of Scotland’s, carried out well with a minimum of fuss.

The next exercise was the now familiar handball game run by Libba. Libba asked the players to put emphasis on their tackling and blocking. There were just two games today and players were organised into their pre-season teams and played for points. This aspect seemed to introduce a bit more heat to the contest. I tried to keep an eye out for Josh Kennedy after others have asked after his progress. I think the reason Josh has flown under the radar a bit so far this pre-season is that the exercises so far rarely serve to highlight his strengths, particularly that there have been scant opportunities to showcase the ability to split a pack. The hand ball game is essentially an extraction exercise and success or otherwise usually the result of the performance of the rucks or midfielders. That said, Josh is one of the few that really put in an effort at the less glamorous tasks requested by Libba. His tackling was again very enthusiastic and he was diligent in blocking his opponent from getting to a team-mate with the ball. Blues fans should be grateful that Josh’s willingness to pursue the 1 percenters shows no sign of waning. It would be interesting also to know of JK’s current weight, as I think that, if anything, he looks a bit lighter than last year. I am hoping this is because of the development in lean muscle.

There was an official half time break of two minutes, and Libba encouraged the teams to go away in their groups. I noted that Gibbs took the opportunity to address his group, motioning to various parts of the field and presumably talking tactics. Rohan Connolly’s article in the weekend Age seemed to suggest Carlton fans have over-emphasise d the significance of such actions by Gibbs, however it seems unusual and noteworthy that an 18 year old recruit who has been at the club for 5 minutes would have no qualms about putting his views forward to team-mates that are veterans of numerous pre-seasons and the heat of battle at AFL level. Most draftees seem to be pretty quiet and those that do chirp up do so more often in the jester’s role rather than leadership ones.

Eddie Betts was again prominent and seems to love these contests. In these days of professional sport it is great to see someone who has such an obvious and simple joy in the sport itself. If only Eddie could find the motivation/enthusiasm to gain the aerobic capacity to share a midfield role, however then we might be deprived of his innovative, brilliant cameos in the forward line.

Next was a mini-practice match. As was the case last week, this was generally played in a very direct fashion. This made it quite entertaining as the ball moved very quickly and our legspeed became apparent. The one obvious downside was that there did not appear to be a lot of defensive pressure to temper this. Interesting to note Jacobs take the first ruck, but do so off just a couple of steps. Sam is a bit gangly in his movement, making for stark contrast with Aisake and the Hampster. I think Blues fans might warm to this in the way we loved Harry Madden. What he does have is great size and a handy reach. Hopefully with continuing ruck tuition he can improve his judgement of the ball’s flight from an umpires bounce and introduce a longer run-up to him generate some real momentum by the time he arrives at the ruck contest.

A sign of the times also with the midfielders at his feet, starting with Murph, Gibbs and Blackers. A couple of clean clearances, especially from Gibbs and Murphy were very encouraging. They actually play quite a similar way, insofar as is unlikely that either will ever attribute a clearance to pace, but simply for the split-second advantage they gain from an opponent by anticipating where the ball will go and also where they can find an exit path from congestion.

Jackson was again good with some solid run’s through the midfield, although at one stage he was almost caught after a withering chase by Waite. This exercise also proved to be the first time when I would watch Anderson closely. As previously said, he is a bit taller than I expected, but has good pace and evasive skills. He also seemed to find some voice today, which hopefully suggests he is feeling at home with his new team-mates. In a strange sort of a way he reminded me a bit of the way that Lappo plays as a linking defender. The quality of his delivery by foot tends to vary a bit but there were enough good clearances from him to suggest that any issue in this respect might be as much about composure as technique. Meanwhile fellow recruit Benjamin was again playing in the forward line. I had expected that his earlier runs might have been from HBF or perhaps midfield, however this is about the third time that he has been played up forward, almost in a Brad Pearce type role, providing a fast lead from 20-30m from goal. I am pleased to say that the early signs are encouraging. Back in the middle of the ground and Thornton landed heavily from a spectacular spoil, although he seemed to get up ok. Wiggo also did his jack-in-the box impression with a great grab in front of the Heroes Stand, and which was loudly applauded by the players up the other end of the ground. Around the ground the O’Hailpins were again impressive. Carlos was at FB and took a couple of good grabs. Aisake seemed to be playing at half-back, although it might have been a midfield role. I know I have said it a few times, but Aisake’s kicking has come along really well. He did cop a bake from Crosisca at one point for playing on when a free had been given against him ‘come on son – you have to concentrate’ bellowed Crosisca.

At about 11 players jogged off the field, with a bit more purpose than usual. Fortunately I lingered a couple of minutes because they soon returned after what was apparently a planned refreshment stop as a few players appeared to be eating. The sustenance would prove necessary as the next 45 minutes was running work. There were about 4 groups starting running intervals around the boundary. Each group had a pacemaker or two and were obviously working to a schedule as at particular marks they would check their watch and yell out to each other how the pace was going ‘2 seconds under’ or ‘spot on boys’ etc. The leaders of each group were the usual suspects – Bannister, Blackers, Scotland, Carrots and Murph also made a point of being at the front. Interesting also that Fev and Ackland were able to run together, apparently at their own pace for a number of reps. Ackland continues to struggle with the aerobic exercises, hardly surprising as he carries such a large frame, but you must wonder what proportion of each game he will be fit enough to ruck and where he will go to take a breather. He seems a candidate as a resting forward, however I think our specialist key forwards have probably already got those spots sewn up and so Ackland may rotate with Cloke off the bench.

The official part of training finished at about 11:45 although Cloke and Kennedy lingered with Ratts for another ten minutes with Ratts to practice close quarters reflex-like catches.

This ends my training reports for the foreseeable future, as I will be returning to work tomorrow. Thanks for the many kind words and also thanks in anticipation to those who will continue to report as the season unfolds.

http://www.talkingcarlton.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14219

Wonderful report pj_canus. Thank you so much for taking the time to share the info. Greatly appreciated.

 

[AndyWalkersGirl]

Just off topic here, but i was just looking at the Gibbs/Grigg video over in the Carlton Youtube thread - great work ILF.

However, i miss the games at Optus Oval - just seeing the place packed with Navy Blue.

I hope the day will come very soon, when TD or MCG is packed with Navy Blue again

 

[blues4flag]

Love these reports by pj_canus, sad to see there won't be anymore anytime soon.

 

[HBF]

Great report again PJ, but sad to see that this will be the last one for a while.

 

[mediumsizered]

I would be interested to hear from anyone who goes to training in the near future, how young Flint is travelling. I don't think I have seen him rate a mention yet. This could be because his face is probably still relatively unfamiliar to most Carlton supporters. I hope someone can bring us up to date on his progress.

 

[HBF]

I would be interested to hear from anyone who goes to training in the near future, how young Flint is travelling. I don't think I have seen him rate a mention yet. This could be because his face is probably still relatively unfamiliar to most Carlton supporters. I hope someone can bring us up to date on his progress.

I'm hoping to go to training on The Australia Day public holiday, so I will certainly keep my eye out for him, although I do have a problem recognising some of the younger players without their jumpers on.

I'll do my best though, and I will take my camera with me as well.

 

[AndyWalkersGirl]

Looking forward to your report and pics HBF

 

[HBF]

Looking forward to your report and pics HBF

Can't say that my report will be anywhere near as good as pj's, but I will see what I can do.

 

[BlueBelle]

I'm hoping to go to training on The Australia Day public holiday, so I will certainly keep my eye out for him, although I do have a problem recognising some of the younger players without their jumpers on.

I'll do my best though, and I will take my camera with me as well.

I have no probs in recognising ANY of the boys

I will happily point them out for you HBF

 

[AndyWalkersGirl]

hahaha

Good point BG

 

[AndyWalkersGirl]

Big thanks to SPILIJ at talkingcarlton.com

Fantastic training report PJ. Keep up the great work. Very much appreciated.
I actually was able to get down and see the boys train for the first time, which was great.
I like the look of the new boys. All of them seem to have pace and size about them.
My only concern is the foot skills of Hampson, Anderson and Benjamin.
With one of the drills where the players were split into 2 groups and they had to run into open goal with Braddles providing a bit of pressure, I can recall Benjamin in particular spraying them all over the place.
It is a bit concerning that we may have actually drafted athletes rather than footballers.
As proven in the past it is very difficult to address kicking deficiences in a player.
Hampson when kicking never really seems to get good conact with the footy. He's kicks seem to float a bit.
Anderson turned the footy over a few times but was ok.
Luke Blackwell, Kade Simpson & the O Hailpin's, also had the jitters with their kicking today. Blackwell in particular did a lot of push ups because every time any player missed a shot on goal they had to do push ups. The reason he sprays them at times is because he moves the ball sideways prior to the point of contact when kicking.
Cameron Cloke looked very enthusiastic and did some clever things in the match play exercise. He also seems to be moving quiet well which is good to see. A spot up forward could be on the cards come the NAB Cup.
I thought Brad Fisher trained really well. His aerial skills are the best at our club. He was flying I thought.
Bryce Gibbs is all class. His ball use is fantastic and he along with Murphy are the reasons why we will be back up there in the near future.
In other observations, Craig Flint has put on a lot of bulk. This time last year he was a twig. He looks the goods.
Saddington is also training really well. No signs of any knee problems.
He could be very important to our structure if he can stay injury free.
Also great to see Braddles & Ratts out there.

http://www.talkingcarlton.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14219&start=15

 

[drusswaylander]

Welldone yet again