Training Training Reports and Updates

[sr36]

I'd say they are both elite - Blicavs: distance running, Begg: vertical jump

Usually when we use the word elite in terms of AFL player's athletic attributes, we're talking elite in terms of the AFL. Blicavs was on a whole level above - he was an elite runner in running circles.

 

[RobJD]

Usually when we use the word elite in terms of AFL player's athletic attributes, we're talking elite in terms of the AFL. Blicavs was on a whole level above - he was an elite runner in running circles.

Earlier in the thread I mentioned "Begg is an interesting player - some very good athletic traits". The comment was an extrapolation of the earlier comment.

 

[neilk]

Usually when we use the word elite in terms of AFL player's athletic attributes, we're talking elite in terms of the AFL. Blicavs was on a whole level above - he was an elite runner in running circles.

What about running in a straight line?

 

[Kirby]

What about running in a straight line?

Nice one Neil

 

[SchuPie]

Begg is a big man. They take time as everyone says (ad nauseam). We have to persevere and see what he can actually do before we think of moving him on. I recall Grundy was towelled up by Goldstein at first, but he did come on. Swan didn't look any good at first either. The small list sizes make it difficult for clubs to be patient, but it is necessary.

I guess the issue is, like our drafting of McMahon and other KPP prospects, they may be really good footballers but do we have the time to retail them on the list until they have the size / nous to play AFL? (Gault...my god, how long did we wait?!)

Players like McMahon prob need to be drafted when they are 23 after they have grown into their bodies - but is this realistic as well?

 

[Fat Jesus]

I'd say they are both elite - Blicavs: distance running, Begg: vertical jump

I think Blicavs was a steeplechase runner. Sav Rocca discus and shot put. Koutafides Decathlon.

All were a chance of joining our Olympic team. Or very close to.
They chose footy.

 

[cityslick1]

I think Blicavs was a steeplechase runner. Sav Rocca discus and shot put. Koutafides Decathlon.

All were a chance of joining our Olympic team. Or very close to.
They chose footy.

Kouta was a hurdler wasn’t he…

Another one who slipped through the net. Diehard pies fan, said he almost cried when he first played against us

 

[No SPIN]

Blicavs is a elite athlete. Begg is average

at the same age - Blicavs was no better than Begg, except for his tank.

 

[Fat Jesus]

Kouta was a hurdler wasn’t he…

Another one who slipped through the net. Diehard pies fan, said he almost cried when he first played against us

I had to look it up. hurdles and high jump. cheers

 

[Fat Jesus]

Kouta was a hurdler wasn’t he…

Another one who slipped through the net. Diehard pies fan, said he almost cried when he first played against us

He and Ang Christou were massive Pies fans..
Koutas son was wearing a Collingwood jumper at auskick and as you all know Nick in a Blues one.
Stephen Silvagni took him to many Carlton games and Nick got sucked in.

 

[cityslick1]

Just back from training btw, on a lovely Melbourne morning. Followed by a nice relaxing and picturesque walk home through the botanic gardens…

All of the new boys were out in force, and some pleasant surprises were witnessed. We did look v short though, with no Darcy to my naked eye, and the current list dominated by small runners and medium utility types.

Jordy also not there, likewise Mihocek?

Few notes as follows, though just drills at this stage, so feel free to ask any questions. Pretty sure I spotted Jen there also, with her able companion, so she may be able to verify / contradict any of my musings

Ryan - looks likely and much more developed than expected. Doesn’t look far off being physically ready imo, and looked v comfortable in the drills for his first? Training session. Cannot miss the hair and slouched strut, and up close reminded me of a Dean Laidley type… for those who remember the 90’s Roos. Purely talking football here, but junkyard dog is the first thing I thought seeing him prowl around the ground.

Richards - v neat disposal and also slotted into training straight away. Clean, good runner. Great guy by the looks and already seems popular / to be impressing teammates. V short, and had de ja vu of the old josh smith days, looks wise, but if height is not an issue, does seem to fit our style. Genuine footballer

Allan - v raw and looks the least ready. Straight to the squat rack after going inside, and will take time to build his tank and learn game style / AFL level transition. Usually 4 or 5 of these types at this time of year, so nothing to worry about. Just shows that the rest of the list has benefitted from multiple pre seasons.

McCreery - gee he looks strong up close. Just ran sprints though.

Josh C - also a big boy through the hips and thighs. Another natural footballer… cult favourite. Beautiful kick on him, covering the ground well.

Mitchell & McStay - make the list look a lot better. Mitch a true pro, in everything. Classier Taylor Adams

3

Taylor Adams

Age

32

Ht

181cm

Wt

85kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

24.9

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.4

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

4.8

5star

CL

5.0

5star

D

20.4

5star

K

12.4

5star

HB

8.0

4star

M

4.0

4star

T

5.9

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

18.2

5star

K

11.0

4star

HB

7.2

5star

M

4.4

4star

T

3.0

5star

CL

2.2

4star

, and I reckon takes his role next year, with Tay’s snaps better than his field kicks. McStay looks v mobile and skilful. Nice grabs and great field kick for his size.

Macrae - in a lot of things, busy. Looks ready, but proof of impact at AFL level will be in the pudding.

Ginni - cheeky, skilful. Always in the right spots. Looks like he belongs.

Cameron - solid, strong marking.. no surprises. Also nice to see josh Fraser

Josh Fraser

Age

44

Ht

202cm

Wt

100kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.1

4star

K

8.7

3star

HB

5.4

4star

CL

2.5

4star

HO

11.8

5star

No current season stats available

D

9.4

3star

K

6.6

3star

HB

2.8

3star

HO

8.6

5star

there. I’ve been away a while, but great to see great people back at the club.

Bolton and Leppitsch and Selwood also showing great leadership and management. Bolton a real unsung star of coaching imo. Guarantee he’s not undervalued in the industry though.

McInnnes - still not sure where he fits in. Big boy, but doesn’t have the tank or clean delivery of a mid, so will need to work on his goal kicking to have an impact.

Howe coasting. Will reallly miss his marking and beautiful kicking when he’s gone.

Ruscoe - also busy, but also don’t see where he fits in. Disposal ok, running ok. Still backup only.

Draper. Also not sure where he fits in. Doesn’t look a runner or agile enough for long stints in midfield. Hoping for the best.

V early days, and just surface level observations, but trying to keep it real

 

[sr36]

Cameron - solid, strong marking.. no surprises. Also nice to see josh Fraser there. I’ve been away a while, but great to see great people back at the club.

He's the one who needs a huge preseason.

 

[Jen2310]

FYI — Maynard has changed numbers to #4

Ryan #24
Richards #16 same as when played for Wangaratta


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[carm90]

FYI — Maynard has changed numbers to #4

Ryan #24
Richards #16 same as when played for Wangaratta


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

Which of our senior players have not yet returned?

 

[Chrispiesssss]

FYI — Maynard has changed numbers to #4

Ryan #24
Richards #16 same as when played for Wangaratta


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

Hope Maynard hasn’t changed numbers

 

[Jen2310]

Hope Maynard hasn’t changed numbers [emoji24]

He has. Apparently requested it after Grundy left.

I thought it was to honour his grandfather who recently passed this year, but he wore #20 at fitzroy. Whatever reason, must be a good one

Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[Lings of Geelong]

He has. Apparently requested it after Grundy left.

I thought it was to honour his grandfather who recently passed this year, but he wore #20 at fitzroy. Whatever reason, must be a good one

Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

Opens up 37 for Hill. I recall reading he wore that at GWS as a nod to Goodes

 

[loki04]

He has. Apparently requested it after Grundy left.

I thought it was to honour his grandfather who recently passed this year, but he wore #20 at fitzroy. Whatever reason, must be a good one

Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

Could be was always the number he wanted but Grundy already had it.

 

[Jen2310]

Which of our senior players have not yet returned?

JDG
Moore
Elliott
Mihocek
WHE
IQ
Murphy
Crisp
Are the only ones not spotted this week

 

[Apex36]

at the same age - Blicavs was no better than Begg, except for his tank.

At the same age Blicavs hadn’t even been drafted yet. From a developmental standpoint, Blicavs played 22 games in his second year at the Cats, coming from a different sport as Cat B. Begg is nowhere near that. Blicavs development in a short time was nothing short of astonishing.

 

[Scodog10]

I'd say they are both elite - Blicavs: distance running, Begg: vertical jump

Firstly the Blicavs comparisons are rubbish. He is the most unique player I’ve seen in my time watching the game. A 6’6 guy with the best endurance in the game from a non footy background is the most ridiculous comparison to make to any young player because we’ll probably never see it again.

Begg’s leap Elite? Not sure about that. What separates Begg is his ability to compete with that leap (it’s not at the level of Nic Nat to dominate) and get involved at ground level like Grundy once did.

People writing his obituary referencing his poor marking credentials need to hold the line because he’s no worse than Grundy in that space. His prospects will hinge on whether he can overcome the behemoth 205cm + ruckman once he’s filled out which we’re 2 to 3 years from figuring out.

 

[Mick F]

JDG
Moore
Elliott
Mihocek
WHE
IQ
Murphy
Crisp
Are the only ones not spotted this week

I’ll be keeping an eye on Mihocek and Howe. Get their bodies right over summer, and then a good year or two out of them would be very handy.

 

[Fat Jesus]

I’ll be keeping an eye on Mihocek and Howe. Get their bodies right over summer, and then a good year or two out of them would be very handy.

Mihocek should get an easier ride with McStay close to him.

 

[Couch Coach]

 

[JuniorB]

I guess the issue is, like our drafting of McMahon and other KPP prospects, they may be really good footballers but do we have the time to retail them on the list until they have the size / nous to play AFL? (Gault...my god, how long did we wait?!)

Players like McMahon prob need to be drafted when they are 23 after they have grown into their bodies - but is this realistic as well?

The footy department probably looked at Begg & McMahon & decided we could only afford to keep one of them as a "project" player, with list spots being so tight.