Training Friday 7th January

[eskimo]

Hey ya'll.

Anyone going down to the open training session at Casey tomorrow.

I'm hoping to get down there, and will do my best to take some notes and write a report back on here. Will try to get some happy snaps as well and put them up.

Taking my nephew down with me, so not sure just how much I'm actually going to be able to see, coz the little man absolutely hates sitting still, unless we're at the 'G.

So I'm taking requests - is there any player you lot are particularly interested in reports on? Will try to watch as many players as possible, but as I said, my viewing time might be limited by my over-active nephew!

Will be trying to get some photo's of any player who has particularly beefed up, trimmed down, or done something stupid with their hair/tatts etc.

If you get down there, I will be there with a light haired 5 year old, probably in his Melbourne jumper, kicking the footy, and talking everything Nathan Jones, so feel free to come say hi!

 

[Deestroy]

Thanks for offering to give us some feedback mate.

I'd love to hear your impressions on how some of the fringe players in the team are going (Strauss, Blease, Maric, Campbell, any of the recent draft picks that stand out).

 

[Wise Guy Sam]

Hi Eski,

Thanks for the offer. Would be keen to see if Wattsy and Cale have put on some size. Any news is good news though so I'll be happy to read any report you give.

Im seriously jealous that I cant go.

 

[eskimo]

Good to see everyone is interested in the same things I am, so makes it all that much easier

Strauss and Maric were the two I was particularly interested in, as well as the usual culprits - Watts, Scully, Trenners, Sylvia etc.

Will definately try to get some photos of Watts, Jurrah, Morts, Fitzy and all the other beanpoles for us all to have a good look at.

 

[Wise Guy Sam]

If you get a chance get a shot of Martin, I'd like to see how he looks after several months in the gym (no homo).

This has to be end of the road for him if he doesn't create some waves

 

[Captain Jack]

I too will be there, all going well... problem being I will have my girlfriend in tow (on our way down to Phillip Island for the weekend). But I'll do my best to add to what eskimo has to say at some point over the weekend. Should be interesting, and I'm loving the fact that the stars have aligned between training and my journey south. Winner.

 

[The Dr]

If you get a chance get a shot of Martin, I'd like to see how he looks after several months in the gym (no homo).

This has to be end of the road for him if he doesn't create some waves

Was going to ask re Martin too. Our forgotten tall....I still have hope for him - Maybe a good sub option - can play back, ruck or forward (at a stretch)

 

[RandB]

Generally I'm on a similar line with the fringe/rookie players but any feedback would be great.

If you manage to see this thread again before heading off eski I wouldn't mind knowing where Jetta is at wrt speed, skills etc - apparently they are a little further advanced in the training regime and drills compared to same time last year.

Thanks.

 

[Demon 16]

Im interested to hear about how big Max copes in the skills work.

 

[Demon 16]

Also - I heard McKenzie has torn a hammy. Is this correct?

Lastly, how does Tapscott go in the running and skills drills? Does he look like he could run through the midfield - or does he look more like a small forward/flank?

 

[Bartram_Class]

Also - I heard McKenzie has torn a hammy. Is this correct?

Think it was Gysberts, just before Christmas.

Unless Jordie has also done so, in which case rotten luck for our mids.

 

[cannons]

Yeah, Gysberts injured his hamstring prior to Christmas, haven't heard anything about McKenzie though.

 

[SkulZ]

Mckenzie trained well today with the main group, didnt notice any hammy troubles. Robbie Campbell limped off half way through which will be a bit of a set back for him. Boys trained well today.. Scully = FREAK!! Stronger, faster, bigger than last year and his kicking has improved out of sight..

 

[Darksidepoints]

Any news on Howe/Tapscott would be appreciated.

 

[SkulZ]

Any news on Howe/Tapscott would be appreciated.

Tappy was moving well and seems to over his injurys. He's fairly quick for a guy built like a brick out house! I watched Howe for a bit, he seems to have fitted in well and Is clean with his hands, lets hope we get a look at both of them In the NAB Cup.

 

[Captain Jack]

Went down this morning for about 45 minutes, so I'll share some observations as they come to mind.

Firstly, the rehab group consisted of*
Jurrah
Gawn
Campbell
Wonna (not sighted by me)
Tapscott
Gysberts
Jamar
Bate
McNamara
Lawrence
And a few more... The names were listed on a whiteboard but I didn't write them all down.
Most of these guys were part of the first set of drills - the squad was split into line groups for skill practice - but then split off to run laps in the second set (match simulation in restricted areas on the wings). None of those running laps seemed particularly injured, so maybe some were just on rotation from full training or something.

Also worth noting that the conditions were difficult - hot, with a strong northerly blowing - so kicking skills were affected, with many of the players struggling to measure their kicks properly depending on the wind.

As for players I noticed:
- Scully goes 100% all the time... Freak.
- Spencer still looks like a bumbling oaf, but his skills look much sharper than previously.
- Watts seemed to be making a conscious effort to be vocal and take a leadership role within the drills. Once you looked past his naturally lackadaisical style, he appears to be training with good intensity and urgency.
- Davey was amongst the main group as far as I could see... Did some sharp work at stoppage setups with the midfield group.
- Blease was also with the main group, and I saw him a few times trying to break lines and the like *during match simulation, looking very speedy. Still seems very slight though, needs to get in the gym for a while before getting a call up.
- Morton had a mixed day, getting some praise from one of the coaches but also making a few clangers during the game. He seems to be at the crossroads * in a small way, he could either have an amazing year or start sliding out of contention for our best team. He still has time on his side, but it seems like 2011 will be important for Cale.
- Bennell was incredibly clean with his hands in what I saw of the match practice... So smooth.
- Maric looked sharp, as per the reports... Good to see him starting to make some progress.

Will add more as I think of it.

 

[Demon 16]

Nice one dcrock.

And sorry guys - I think someone said 'Jordie' did his hammy and I obviously presumed McKenzie but they must have meant Gysberts.

 

[jimmyclean]

Robbie Campbell limped off half way through which will be a bit of a set back for him.

I hope its not serious, I'd love to see Campbell give us some game time this year.

- Bennell was incredibly clean with his hands in what I saw of the match practice... So smooth.

I think Bennell is going to have a breakout year, seems like the kid has really taken the game seriously over the off season and is ready to make big contributions.

Thanks a ton for the reports, massively appreciated!

 

[eskimo]

Alrighty folks...my overall impression -

Mostly the group looked pretty good. There were probably a few too many skill errors for my licking, but the first big session back, and pretty down at Casey. Everyone was really vocal, and when watching them they all seem like good mates out there. A few players took it upon themselves to punish themselves for turnovers and such in game simulation type drills. If they turned the ball over they were straight on the ground for push ups or whatever. Whenever there was a turnover or fumble they were all pretty tough on each other, and expected better from the other players which I liked seeing.

In my opinion, Brad Green is a dead set certainty for the Captaincy. They all look up to him, and he was the consumate proffessional out there. Puts in 110% on the track, and really leads by example.

Tom Scully - Absolute freak! Bigger, stronger, looks even faster! Looks like he has built up his core strength a fair bit. During game simulation he was breaking tackles from Jordie McKenzie, Beamer and Sylvia, and blistering away from them with his pace. Give the kid the 2013 brownlow now!

Trenners - Looks like he has spent the summer in the gym. Much bigger than he was. Still pretty quick, and silky skills when he has time. Looked a little rusty under pressure, but will let him off for it as it was pretty much our first day back.

Stef Martin - Looks incredibly fit. Lost a lot of his excess weight and built a lot of muscle. He looks stronger, quicker, fitter. During game simulation he looked as though he had a better idea of where to move to get the ball, and did better things with it. Under immense pressure he still did some silly things with the ball, but looked a lot more like a footballer today than I have seen him before. Spent time with the ruck group and the forward group, so he could be the perfect candidate for the sub!

Tappy - Hulk gets angry! But mostly with himself when he stuffs something up, which wasn't very often. His skills looked very impressive, and was running very freely. Looks to be well and truely over his injury, and is really something to look forward to this year. Paul Chapman mk II for mine. He could slot nicely into that hff/mid role that Sylvia has been playing to allow Sylvia to get in the midfield more.

Kelvin Lawrence - I was thoroughly impressed by him. Good skills, and a never say die attitude towards getting the ball. Put in 110% in all the drills, and his ball use was really good mostly.

Bennell - Watch out 2011! Out of everyone out there I was probably most impressed with him. Tackled hard, ran harder, spoiled balls I didn't think he would get to. Was absolutely super!

Jordie McKenzie - looks as though he has worked hard on his skills over summer, and also making a conscious effort during game simulation to get forward of the ball more. Seems like he might play that Cameron Ling role in our team. Tag the best player of the opposition, and try to hurt them going the other way.

Lucas Cook - Not as gangly as I thought he was. Skills are good. He is quick off the mark, but without good delivery he struggles to keep his position on an opponent, but that is to be expected for an 18y.o. Definately needs to put on some size, but he is a very good prospect.

Wattsy - as dcrock said, was definately making the effort to be heard out there. I didn't think the kid had that voice in him, but he gets loud. Looks like he WANTS to be a leader, but at times still seems like he lacks confidence. His laconic nature makes him look lazy at a glance, but if you watch him for a while you can see him really putting in the hard yards. He knows football - he knows where to move to get the ball, which I think adds to him coming across "lazy" He doesn't need to work as hard as the other forwards coz he reads the play better.

Blease - looked very quick. A race between him and Tom Scull would be very interesting! His skills are good, but still looks far too small to play an AFL game. Everytime he got tackled I was afraid he was gunna break in half.

Morto - Again as dcock said he had a very mixed session. He looked like he wasn;t confident at all to me. He seemed to take criticism very hard. His upper body looked stronger, but he still has a bad case of chicken legs.

Howe - looks like he fits in 100% at the club - already one of the boys. Struggling by the end of the session, but his fitness base is probably a bit lower than those in that have been around for a year or two as he was only ever a part time footy player in Tassy. He can take a mark, and he kicks very well, but I can't see him getting a game until his fitness level is higher.

Maric - Looks like an AFL player now. He ran hard - both ways, looked to make space, used the ball well and really tried to prove that he is good enough. Very impressed by the kid, and if he keeps that level up, he will get plenty of game time this year.

Jizz - looks over whatever hammy injury he had. Moved well, but did spend a lot of time just running laps, but was doing it freely.

Gawn - spent most of the entire session running, and for a bloke his size, he was surprisingly quick. He was moving freely, and when kicking balls during the warm up his kicks were hitting the target most of the time. Has the size to play this year, but can't say anything about his ability as a ruckman as he wasn't doing any of it.

Fitzy - still a bit of a beanpole, but has gotten a little bigger. I can certainly see him playing this year if he develops well. He is mobile, tall, and well skilled. With a bit more size could be a big weapon. Think David Hale - but not a *******!

RIvers - Behind Greeny he is probably the next best leader on the track, with Jonesy. He reads the play so well. Look for him to play Nick Maxwell style rolls this year, with Frawley and stronger Garland to take the main roles.

Jonesy - Looked damned good out there. The competition from the younger midfielders has spurred him on. He has his spot in the team, and he doesn;t want to give it up for anyone. The young midfielders look up to him, and that is certainly a good thing. Trains harder than anyone (on par with Scully), and is very vocal. He seems like he is friends with everyone in the team, and you can't help but like watching him go about it out there. If he can improve that 5-10% in AFL games this year then he will be a superstar, and probably the next candidate for captaincy after Green. Lets not forget, he is only just 23!

Frank Grimes - Simply can not fault this kid - at all! Have nothing even remotely negative to say about him. Move over Luke Hodge!

That's about all I can remember at the moment. Honourable mentions to Chippa, Joel Mac, Garland, Bater and Dunn who all trained well from what I saw, but I didn't focus too much on them throughout the session.

Didn't get too much of a chance to take many photos, but will post some up when/if I get a chance.

 

[faultydet]

I took lots of pics and have posted a bunch on 'Ology if anyone is interested.

faulty

 

[sledbomber]

Thanks heaps guys for taking the time to post your observations I really appreciate it.

It all sounds really positive. I am so excited by what I am hearing about Bennell sounds like he is due for a monster year. Is there any indication of where Jamie will be playing next season?

 

[eskimo]

Jamie spent time with the forwards and the midfield yesterday, so looks like he could be in for some midfield rotation as well as forward, but his pressure on players with the ball was relentless, so a high pressure forward pocket will be his main role I think.

 

[Wise Guy Sam]

Awesome read. Its good to see the boys are working hard. I can't wait for the footy!

Thanks for taking the time to post all of that.

 

[Andy_Mac]

I took lots of pics and have posted a bunch on 'Ology if anyone is interested.

faulty

Good write up Faulty.

Looking at those pics Martin seems to have leaned up very well.

Also Gawn given time is going to be a beast of a man!!

for those interested:

http://demonology.midnight.net.au/

 

[LITTLE STINGA]

Alrighty folks...my overall impression -

Mostly the group looked pretty good. There were probably a few too many skill errors for my licking, but the first big session back, and pretty down at Casey. Everyone was really vocal, and when watching them they all seem like good mates out there. A few players took it upon themselves to punish themselves for turnovers and such in game simulation type drills. If they turned the ball over they were straight on the ground for push ups or whatever. Whenever there was a turnover or fumble they were all pretty tough on each other, and expected better from the other players which I liked seeing.

In my opinion, Brad Green is a dead set certainty for the Captaincy. They all look up to him, and he was the consumate proffessional out there. Puts in 110% on the track, and really leads by example.

Tom Scully - Absolute freak! Bigger, stronger, looks even faster! Looks like he has built up his core strength a fair bit. During game simulation he was breaking tackles from Jordie McKenzie, Beamer and Sylvia, and blistering away from them with his pace. Give the kid the 2013 brownlow now!

Trenners - Looks like he has spent the summer in the gym. Much bigger than he was. Still pretty quick, and silky skills when he has time. Looked a little rusty under pressure, but will let him off for it as it was pretty much our first day back.

Stef Martin - Looks incredibly fit. Lost a lot of his excess weight and built a lot of muscle. He looks stronger, quicker, fitter. During game simulation he looked as though he had a better idea of where to move to get the ball, and did better things with it. Under immense pressure he still did some silly things with the ball, but looked a lot more like a footballer today than I have seen him before. Spent time with the ruck group and the forward group, so he could be the perfect candidate for the sub!

Tappy - Hulk gets angry! But mostly with himself when he stuffs something up, which wasn't very often. His skills looked very impressive, and was running very freely. Looks to be well and truely over his injury, and is really something to look forward to this year. Paul Chapman mk II for mine. He could slot nicely into that hff/mid role that Sylvia has been playing to allow Sylvia to get in the midfield more.

Kelvin Lawrence - I was thoroughly impressed by him. Good skills, and a never say die attitude towards getting the ball. Put in 110% in all the drills, and his ball use was really good mostly.

Bennell - Watch out 2011! Out of everyone out there I was probably most impressed with him. Tackled hard, ran harder, spoiled balls I didn't think he would get to. Was absolutely super!

Jordie McKenzie - looks as though he has worked hard on his skills over summer, and also making a conscious effort during game simulation to get forward of the ball more. Seems like he might play that Cameron Ling role in our team. Tag the best player of the opposition, and try to hurt them going the other way.

Lucas Cook - Not as gangly as I thought he was. Skills are good. He is quick off the mark, but without good delivery he struggles to keep his position on an opponent, but that is to be expected for an 18y.o. Definately needs to put on some size, but he is a very good prospect.

Wattsy - as dcrock said, was definately making the effort to be heard out there. I didn't think the kid had that voice in him, but he gets loud. Looks like he WANTS to be a leader, but at times still seems like he lacks confidence. His laconic nature makes him look lazy at a glance, but if you watch him for a while you can see him really putting in the hard yards. He knows football - he knows where to move to get the ball, which I think adds to him coming across "lazy" He doesn't need to work as hard as the other forwards coz he reads the play better.

Blease - looked very quick. A race between him and Tom Scull would be very interesting! His skills are good, but still looks far too small to play an AFL game. Everytime he got tackled I was afraid he was gunna break in half.

Morto - Again as dcock said he had a very mixed session. He looked like he wasn;t confident at all to me. He seemed to take criticism very hard. His upper body looked stronger, but he still has a bad case of chicken legs.

Howe - looks like he fits in 100% at the club - already one of the boys. Struggling by the end of the session, but his fitness base is probably a bit lower than those in that have been around for a year or two as he was only ever a part time footy player in Tassy. He can take a mark, and he kicks very well, but I can't see him getting a game until his fitness level is higher.

Maric - Looks like an AFL player now. He ran hard - both ways, looked to make space, used the ball well and really tried to prove that he is good enough. Very impressed by the kid, and if he keeps that level up, he will get plenty of game time this year.

Jizz - looks over whatever hammy injury he had. Moved well, but did spend a lot of time just running laps, but was doing it freely.

Gawn - spent most of the entire session running, and for a bloke his size, he was surprisingly quick. He was moving freely, and when kicking balls during the warm up his kicks were hitting the target most of the time. Has the size to play this year, but can't say anything about his ability as a ruckman as he wasn't doing any of it.

Fitzy - still a bit of a beanpole, but has gotten a little bigger. I can certainly see him playing this year if he develops well. He is mobile, tall, and well skilled. With a bit more size could be a big weapon. Think David Hale - but not a *******!

RIvers - Behind Greeny he is probably the next best leader on the track, with Jonesy. He reads the play so well. Look for him to play Nick Maxwell style rolls this year, with Frawley and stronger Garland to take the main roles.

Jonesy - Looked damned good out there. The competition from the younger midfielders has spurred him on. He has his spot in the team, and he doesn;t want to give it up for anyone. The young midfielders look up to him, and that is certainly a good thing. Trains harder than anyone (on par with Scully), and is very vocal. He seems like he is friends with everyone in the team, and you can't help but like watching him go about it out there. If he can improve that 5-10% in AFL games this year then he will be a superstar, and probably the next candidate for captaincy after Green. Lets not forget, he is only just 23!

Frank Grimes - Simply can not fault this kid - at all! Have nothing even remotely negative to say about him. Move over Luke Hodge!

That's about all I can remember at the moment. Honourable mentions to Chippa, Joel Mac, Garland, Bater and Dunn who all trained well from what I saw, but I didn't focus too much on them throughout the session.

Didn't get too much of a chance to take many photos, but will post some up when/if I get a chance.

How did Davey, Sylvia and Nicholson go?

On Gawn I read on demonland that he has more knee problems and won't play til mid season. Can anyone confirm or deny this?