Training Report 28-1-2004

[macca23]

Good golly Miss Molly!! Surprise Surprise!! I actually managed to get to Crows training AGAIN today!! I have to say that Ayresy would have had to be pretty happy as I thought it was an excellent session and the best of the 4 I’ve seen so far this year.

It started just before 9 am and finished around 10 45 am. Clarke didn’t train at all and there were 8 training separately in the injured group, these being Carey, Stevens, Krueger, Smart, Hart, Torney, Doughty and Shirley. None of these are overly injured as they all took part in goal kicking exercises, then some handball work, and finally some running. For all the Carey knockers out there who might read this, I hate to disappoint you, as he ran freely and stayed out long after the others of this group had gone in doing more running. Krueger apparently copped some bruising to the ribs at Strathalbyn but moved well.

Back to the main group. Following the obligatory warm up exercises they did some agility work followed by 20 metre sprints. After some skills work they continued with what has become the main part of every session – moving the ball from defence through the centre and looking for options up forward. Same structure as previous weeks with the one loose forward, who might or might not be the best option. Jars was on the oval filming every shot for goal from behind the player, and he’ll certainly be showing Rutten why he kept missing to the left of goal all the time – the bloody idiot kept running in that direction!!

At the end of this, the smalls and medium sized players finished training with Burton and Bode having some after training goal kicking practice with Jars. The 16 talls, yes there are 16 of them, paired up and had marking contests, which was very interesting to say the least. Perrie caned Rutten, Watts was too good for Biglands, and Hentschel had the better of Scott Stevens. After a while, they kept moving them around onto different opponents. Hudson was another who did very well in the marking contests.

What a sensational leader the Roo is. He trained with the main group and did everything that they did, except better than most. He kept urging them onto greater effort and more perfection. Most of the senior players stepped up a cog or two, with Goodwin, McLeod, Edwards, Perrie and Begley outstanding. Of the lesser lights Watts, Reilly (please note Radar ),Hudson, Jericho, Hentschel, Bock and Mattner all had very good sessions.

A few observations:

Hudson is starting to pick up the tempo. He had a very good session and is an excellent left foot kick. Marked well and handles the ball well for a big man. On the improve.

Perrie is really believing in himself. Virtually a flawless session, marking strongly and kicked truly every time for goal. He’s in for a big year IMO.

Goodwin really set a high standard today. He’s one who’ll step up from an average 2003 due to injury.

Andrews has a very ugly and awkward kicking action – I can’t see Jars allowing that to continue.

Hentschel had his best training session for weeks – perhaps his back has been bothering him. Seemed to give it a jar in the marking contests at the end of training, but I think he pulled up okay.

Watts is the real deal. I like him more each time I see him. He’ll probably force them to pick him this year, although I just want to see him developed slowly.

Smith is still Smith.

This’ll be my last report this year, as the boys are off to Berri next week and the week after the 2 trials are played at Norwood. Hope you’ve got something out of them.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Thanks Macca - always hangout for your very descriptive reports.

Based on the training sessions you have seen, and taking into account the ability to mix it physically with other AFL players, who would your best side of 22 be, at this point of the season?

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World

Based on the training sessions you have seen, and taking into account the ability to mix it physically with other AFL players, who would your best side of 22 be, at this point of the season?

Gee this is going to be hard, because there's blokes who deserve a game who will have to wait their turn. an example of that is Bock who's ben training well and deserves a HB flank, but Smarty will get it when fit.

My guess is that it'll be something like:

F: Stevens Perrie Welsh

HF: Johnc ock Carey Goodwin

C: Burton Ricciuto Begley

HB: Smart McGregor Massie

B: Hart Bassett Edwards

R: Biglands Stenglein McLeod

Int: Clarke, Reilly, Bode, Shirley

Emerg: Torney, Schuback, Bock

Hentschel, Scott Stevens, Watts, Krueger and Hudson are all likely to play games at some stage as are Ladhams, Doughty, and Skipworth.

Gallagher, Jericho, Mattner and Rutten are only wild chances to get games.

 

[PAfolwr]

Originally posted by macca23
...Hudson is starting to pick up the tempo. He had a very good session and is an excellent left foot kick. Marked well and handles the ball well for a big man. On the improve.
...

To me he is your interesting recruit.
A late starter that supposedly has improved every year. Definitely worth a short punt when you need a ruckman.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

So Macca, at the end of the day, theres been no-one really to impress you enough at this point to force their way, into what is essentially our best 22 from last season?

Just your comments on some players who are on the knifes edges of delisting

Doughty
Gallagher
Smith
Skipworth
Burns
Hazell
Dabrowski

Do you think they have improved

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by macca23
It started just before 9 am and finished around 10 45 am. Clarke didn’t train at all and there were 8 training separately in the injured group, these being Carey, Stevens, Krueger, Smart, Hart, Torney, Doughty and Shirley. None of these are overly injured as they all took part in goal kicking exercises, then some handball work, and finally some running. For all the Carey knockers out there who might read this, I hate to disappoint you, as he ran freely and stayed out long after the others of this group had gone in doing more running. Krueger apparently copped some bruising to the ribs at Strathalbyn but moved well.

I think those boys are "kept aside" just for pre-cautionary measures. I think all of them will be ready for Wizard Cup.

At the end of this, the smalls and medium sized players finished training with Burton and Bode having some after training goal kicking practice with Jars. The 16 talls, yes there are 16 of them, paired up and had marking contests, which was very interesting to say the least. Perrie caned Rutten, Watts was too good for Biglands, and Hentschel had the better of Scott Stevens. After a while, they kept moving them around onto different opponents. Hudson was another who did very well in the marking contests.

Wow 16 talls. Holly crap we are getting a reputation as a land of the giants Good to see Hentschel pulling his finger out. Has he improved his set shots?????

What a sensational leader the Roo is. He trained with the main group and did everything that they did, except better than most. He kept urging them onto greater effort and more perfection. Most of the senior players stepped up a cog or two, with Goodwin, McLeod, Edwards, Perrie and Begley outstanding. Of the lesser lights Watts, Reilly (please note Radar ),Hudson, Jericho, Hentschel, Bock and Mattner all had very good sessions.

Roo is a champ. Good to see Begley putting his hand up. Hopefully he cements his spot in the best 22. Its encouraging to hear that our youngsters are putting their hand up. Where the hell was Schuback?????? Or is he being a lazy bugger??????

Hudson is starting to pick up the tempo. He had a very good session and is an excellent left foot kick. Marked well and handles the ball well for a big man. On the improve.

Play him in all Wizard Cup games I say. Let him show what he can do. This would also give him some sort of AFL experience so if he is needed during the year he is not thrown to the wolves without knowing what to expect. Is he an improvement on Ben Marsh?????? I understand he can take a grab but whats his ruckwork like??????

Perrie is really believing in himself. Virtually a flawless session, marking strongly and kicked truly every time for goal. He’s in for a big year IMO.

Its amazing what a bit of confidence and self-belief can to to an individual. Hopefully he continues to improve and be even better than last year. As long as we don't play him in defence I would be happy. I would much rather us play Mark Stevens in the backlines if needed and have Carey and Perrie up forward.

Goodwin really set a high standard today. He’s one who’ll step up from an average 2003 due to injury.

I am expecting a HUGE season from him. From all the reports he is set for a BIG year.

Andrews has a very ugly and awkward kicking action – I can’t see Jars allowing that to continue.

Scouts have pointed out his kicking as being a bit "mechanical". Apparently he was worse in 2002. Whats he like in marking contests and tapwork?????? Worth persisting with for a couple of years on a rookie list??????

Hentschel had his best training session for weeks – perhaps his back has been bothering him. Seemed to give it a jar in the marking contests at the end of training, but I think he pulled up okay.

I like to hear he did well. Not happy about jarring his back a bit. Hope its nothing serious. Do you see him getting games in the Wizard Cup?????? Has he beefed up AT ALL??????

Watts is the real deal. I like him more each time I see him. He’ll probably force them to pick him this year, although I just want to see him developed slowly.

I picked him up as the one to watch as late back as April/May of last year. I remember discussing with you how good it would be to get a tall marking forward like him into our squad. Out prayers have been answered. If he doesn't face a major setback he will be a gun and a future captain of the club.

Smith is still Smith.

Why doesn't that surprise me!!!!!!


Out of the 2nd tier players, who do you see as the one who will step up to be part of our best 22. In 2002 it was Doughty, last year it was Perrie. Who do you think is this years surprise packet?????? Begley??????

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Originally posted by macca23

Perrie is really believing in himself. Virtually a flawless session, marking strongly and kicked truly every time for goal. He’s in for a big year IMO.

Now who's going to put up their hand and own up to wanting to get rid (trade) of Perrie, and at best did not select him in our best 22 for 2004?

 

[Stiffy_18]

Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
Now who's going to put up their hand and own up to wanting to get rid (trade) of Perrie, and at best did not select him in our best 22 for 2004?

*Stiffy puts his hand up*

I still think he is the bloke who will be worth trading. In a year or 2 he will be what Doughty and Gallagher are at the moment ie. he will hold back a youngster to get a game who has more upside than him.

Never going to get footy smart and I think he will never improve his skills below his knees. He will always busts his guts out and always give you a contest but he will never be the sort of player to build a forward line around.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by PAfolwr
To me he is your interesting recruit.
A late starter that supposedly has improved every year. Definitely worth a short punt when you need a ruckman.

Definetly worth a punt IMHO. We needed a ready made ruckman and we selected him. I am really keen to see him play. By all reports he has improved in every year. Generally, big man take longer to develop and he could turn out to be a real steal but he can also turn out ot be a bust. Either way he was worth pick 58.

 

[Fergus]

Great report again macca23.

Based on your reports there has to be a reasonable degree of optimism about how our season will unfold. I can't wait to see the boys play their first trial game.

Roo certainly seems to have picked up where he left off after his speech at the Crows B&F. If the boys follow that we should have a good year.

Thanks again macca23 - best training reports around!!

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
So Macca, at the end of the day, theres been no-one really to impress you enough at this point to force their way, into what is essentially our best 22 from last season?

Just your comments on some players who are on the knifes edges of delisting

Doughty
Gallagher
Smith
Skipworth
Burns
Hazell
Dabrowski

Do you think they have improved

There are quite a few players who have improved dramatically, but they'll be chasing spots where there is an established player also doing well. Examples of those are Schuback, Bock, Hentschel, Scott Stevens, Watts, Krueger and Hudson.

As for your other question:

Doughty has been okay but he's getting leap-frogged by others.

Gallagher will be gone at the end of the year IMO. Skippy's more likely to get games than him.

Smith has bulked up and looks quite strong. but when he had to think today, he was still Smith. Got thrashed in the one-on-ones.

Skippy is more nuggety than last year and could be a dark horse if given the chance. He's been kicking okay as well.

Burns has made up the ground he lost over Christmas. You just sense at the moment he's out of favour.

Hazell. Watched him very closely today - forgot to mention him. He's a very neat player and does everything correctly. He's one of those that go unnoticed, as there's not one flashy thing about his game.

Dabrowski has really struggled with the fitness side of things so far and as a result has looked very unimpressive. Could be different once he's adjusted to the increased tempo.

As for your question about trading Perrie, I was one of those who thought we should. If he carries his current attitude into games he'll make those of us who said that look silly - and I'll be pleased.

 

[macca23]

Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by Stiffy_18

Wow 16 talls. Holly crap we are getting a reputation as a land of the giants Good to see Hentschel pulling his finger out. Has he improved his set shots?????

Where the hell was Schuback?????? Or is he being a lazy bugger??????

Hudson.
Is he an improvement on Ben Marsh?????? I understand he can take a grab but whats his ruckwork like??????

Would much rather us play Mark Stevens in the backlines if needed and have Carey and Perrie up forward.

Andrews.
Scouts have pointed out his kicking as being a bit "mechanical". Apparently he was worse in 2002. Whats he like in marking contests and tapwork?????? Worth persisting with for a couple of years on a rookie list??????

Hentschel
Do you see him getting games in the Wizard Cup?????? Has he beefed up AT ALL??????


Out of the 2nd tier players, who do you see as the one who will step up to be part of our best 22. In 2002 it was Doughty, last year it was Perrie. Who do you think is this years surprise packet?????? Begley??????

In order Stiffy:

Hentschel's kicking for goal has been good this year.

Schuback has trained like a demon every session and today was no exception. He deserves to be in the starting 22, but I just can't fit him in there.

We'll have to see Hudson under match conditions to answer whether his ruck work and he are an improvement on Ben Marsh. My guess is yes because he appears to have plenty of heart, and can take a mark.

There was a bit of a rumble going around today that Stevo could be in the backlines this year but probably only opinion not fact.

Andrews is definitely worth persisting with. He just needs time to fill out his body. Haven't seen his ruckwork but he takes a good grab.

Hentschel should be given chances in the Wizzer. He has half bulked up.

Begley's my tip as the one to really step up and emerge this year - he's flying!!

 

[RaDaR ReiLLy]

Originally posted by macca23
Reilly (please note Radar ),

Very, very good!

 

[Stiffy_18]

Re: Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by macca23
In order Stiffy:

Hentschel's kicking for goal has been good this year.

Hentschel needs to work on his set shots a bit and from what you said he has been working on it.

Schuback has trained like a demon every session and today was no exception. He deserves to be in the starting 22, but I just can't fit him in there.

I hope we play him in every game this year. He would have played a lot more games last year if it wasn't for that ankle injury he got in the trial against Norwood. That kept him of the track for 6 weeks and as a result he had a bit of a wasted year in 2003. He should be given every opportunity this year. In the drills has he been playing as a midfielder or a forward?????? It will be interestig to see where AFC play him this year.

We'll have to see Hudson under match conditions to answer whether his ruck work and he are an improvement on Ben Marsh. My guess is yes because he appears to have plenty of heart, and can take a mark.

Fair enough but one would think that it doesn't take much to be better than Marsh.

There was a bit of a rumble going around today that Stevo could be in the backlines this year but probably only opinion not fact.

Hmm. Thats interesting. Stevo as a defender is an option but would prefer him as a forward who goes back when the need arises.

Andrews is definitely worth persisting with. He just needs time to fill out his body. Haven't seen his ruckwork but he takes a good grab.

Another one who can take a mark. At 198 cm / 82 kg he will take at least a couple of years to get to acceptable level.

Hentschel should be given chances in the Wizzer. He has half bulked up.

Thats a start

Begley's my tip as the one to really step up and emerge this year - he's flying!!

Begley was unfairly treated last year by some posters on this forum but I think he showed enough to suggest he will be a regular this year. Just out of interest how is Massie going?????? His improvement last year was fantastic and if he can continue on this year he will be up there in B&F count.

 

[macca23]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
Schuback

In the drills has he been playing as a midfielder or a forward?????? It will be interestig to see where AFC play him this year.

Just out of interest how is Massie going?????? His improvement last year was fantastic and if he can continue on this year he will be up there in B&F count.

Both is the answer for Schuback Stiffy.

As for Massie, this will be his best pre-season ever, as he's had no setbacks. You'd expect him to go even better this year.

Overall we've been reasonably lucky with injury in the pre-season so far. Roo's thumb (which he just won't let slow him down), Torney and the two moon-boot boys Hart and Smart are the only ones taht have had any significant set-backs.

Interesting that last year it was mostly forwards, this year so far it's been mostly defenders.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by macca23
Interesting that last year it was mostly forwards, this year so far it's been mostly defenders.

Good point that. Hopefully the injury curse won't stike in the season. If we actually lost Hart, Smart and Torney for longer periods of time it would weaken us significantly. However, I think its easier to cover a defender than it is a forward, although, the quality of those 3 would be tough to replace.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Re: Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by macca23

Begley's my tip as the one to really step up and emerge this year - he's flying!!

Always looked good - couldnt understand negative comments - will be a very good player - has skills and footy smarts

 

[Stiffy_18]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Training Report 28-1-2004

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
Always looked good - couldnt understand negative comments - will be a very good player - has skills and footy smarts

...and no left side

Seriously I picked his as th eunlikely suspect and he appears to be doing the right thing. I think its the only time in his AFL career that his pre-season hasn't been interupted.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Originally posted by macca23
Gallagher will be gone at the end of the year IMO. Skippy's more likely to get games than him.

Interested in your thoughts Macca on why you rate Skippy higher.
Gallagher puts in (as does Skippy) 100% everytime on the field, but I can't see a longterm future for either one. I would think Skippy would go B4 Gaggs though.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

There are players really putting their hands up at PS, the club has indicated a need to inject some youth, so who are the candidates from last years best 22 who are in danger?

I'll put some names for discussion:

Bode - poor season, goes to ground too much, not a penetrating kick and slow. At his best good enough.

Stenglein Given all the criticism of Begley and Perrie, cannot understand how Stengleins poor season escaped any comment.
Very slow disposal hand and foot, and under pressure just kicks and hopes. Was beaten as a run with player regularly last season. For a player that receives the wraps he does, we should be talking about him progressing from a run with role to another defensive role. Thus allowing perhaps Shirley to be the run with player and introduce a more attacking midfielder into the midfield rotation rather than too many defensive types.
Have ??? marks to his value - needs a good season to restore my faith.

Bassett Need more flexibility, height and attacking falre from defence. We really struggled when Hart and Smart were out injured last year.

If the club is to inject youth into the side, and you do not agree with some of these names, who will make way for youth??

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
Interested in your thoughts Macca on why you rate Skippy higher.
Gallagher puts in (as does Skippy) 100% everytime on the field, but I can't see a longterm future for either one. I would think Skippy would go B4 Gaggs though.

Neither actually set my heart on fire.

No argument that Gags puts in every time he goes on the oval, but he is 24, which is more than 2 years older than Skippy.

He's done reasonably okay with his limited chances. His main problem is that he is really a small wingman who can't crack a wing so is being played as a small on-baller. He's not a genuine bottom of the pack on-baller. Also he'll get found out badly in the defensive area against the good ones.

Skippy on the other hand is a genuine small rover who can play bottom of the pack and also pick up his man when he has to. He also did okay last year with the limited playing time that he got.

As for who'll go first, both may well go together.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
Interested in your thoughts Macca on why you rate Skippy higher.
Gallagher puts in (as does Skippy) 100% everytime on the field, but I can't see a longterm future for either one. I would think Skippy would go B4 Gaggs though.

Gags is OK but I think we need to give more of a chance to our youngsters. While I rate Gags higher than Skippy at this stage, Gags, Gags is 25 and Skippy is younger. We have to keep the squad fresh and that means getting rid of middle aged fringe players and give more chance to our youngsters.

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
There are players really putting their hands up at PS, the club has indicated a need to inject some youth, so who are the candidates from last years best 22 who are in danger?

I'll put some names for discussion:

Bode - poor season, goes to ground too much, not a penetrating kick and slow. At his best good enough.

Stenglein Given all the criticism of Begley and Perrie, cannot understand how Stengleins poor season escaped any comment.
Very slow disposal hand and foot, and under pressure just kicks and hopes. Was beaten as a run with player regularly last season. For a player that receives the wraps he does, we should be talking about him progressing from a run with role to another defensive role. Thus allowing perhaps Shirley to be the run with player and introduce a more attacking midfielder into the midfield rotation rather than too many defensive types.
Have ??? marks to his value - needs a good season to restore my faith.

Bassett Need more flexibility, height and attacking falre from defence. We really struggled when Hart and Smart were out injured last year.

If the club is to inject youth into the side, and you do not agree with some of these names, who will make way for youth??

Really good post, and makes a lot of sense.

Bode had an ordinary season last year. So far he's done everything right in the pre-season except for having a sh*t-house hair-cut. I hope he can get back to his best. Presuming Shirley takes Bickley's spot, the only pressure on Bode is Schuback, Skipworth and Gallagher because Ladhams is more of a flanker/wingman as is Doughty.

You're right about Stenglein last year, and he did seem to escape his fair share of criticism. Hopefully he can capture his form of the year before which was excellent. The mid-field is the one area of the club where there isn't any real pressure from below - see comments on Bode.

Bassett had his share of problems at year end, but overall he's done a good job other than the rare game when he has to stand a gorilla like Lynch. As I can't see any alternative yet, rather than destroy what was the 2nd best defensive structure in the AFL last year, Ayresy and crew should take careful note of how other teams successfully restrict Lynch's area to move.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
There are players really putting their hands up at PS, the club has indicated a need to inject some youth, so who are the candidates from last years best 22 who are in danger?

I'll put some names for discussion:

Bode - poor season, goes to ground too much, not a penetrating kick and slow. At his best good enough.

Stenglein Given all the criticism of Begley and Perrie, cannot understand how Stengleins poor season escaped any comment.
Very slow disposal hand and foot, and under pressure just kicks and hopes. Was beaten as a run with player regularly last season. For a player that receives the wraps he does, we should be talking about him progressing from a run with role to another defensive role. Thus allowing perhaps Shirley to be the run with player and introduce a more attacking midfielder into the midfield rotation rather than too many defensive types.
Have ??? marks to his value - needs a good season to restore my faith.

Bassett Need more flexibility, height and attacking falre from defence. We really struggled when Hart and Smart were out injured last year.

If the club is to inject youth into the side, and you do not agree with some of these names, who will make way for youth??

Gee you picked 3 very important players to our structure.

Bode will be vital to us this year especially since Bicks has retired. His 1st 6 games of the year have been nothing short of sensational. I believe the reason he was out of form was because of the stupid midfield rotation than had him not gettig enough ground time. Bode of 2002 is vital to our side. Bode of 2003 is replacable. I think we will get Bode of 2002 back

Stenglein was down as well but he is a better player than Shirley. Shirley struggles against bigger midfielders of the comp. He might go with them for a half but gets killed later on. Clear example was Rd 20 match against Collingwood where he got spanked by Buckley in the 2nd half. Granted Stenglein had a down year but he is still in front of Shirley IMHO. Very underrated player.

Bassett was very good for us until Rd20 where he had a run in with a coach. Bottom line is we have no one better to play as a key defender unless we play Mark Stevens as a FB. Something I can't see us doing. None of our talls are really physically ready to hold down a FB position at AFL level. I think Next year Parker will really challenge Bassett's spot but for now he is safe.

Players that I see making way for youngsters are Burns and it kills me to say this cos I am a big fan, Torney. Shirley's spot is not safe either.

BTW, macca23, how is Parker coming along?????? Put on any muscle??????

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Originally posted by macca23
Skippy on the other hand is a genuine small rover who can play bottom of the pack and also pick up his man when he has to. He also did okay last year with the limited playing time that he got.

Whats Skippys pace like. Havent seen him live, but in the games I've seen he appears to be an average one paced small type without a penetrating kick.
Haw would you access