Training Notes - Friday 16th
Went down this morning to see the boys train - were right into when I got there around 9:30.
Draftees were mostly boxing, understandable as their workloads are managed but would've been nice to see them out there. Maybe Sunday Bolts will release them...
The 2nd year and overs were in two groups - I caught the one exercises purely based on closing space and team defence.
This was followed by some match sim.
Everyone looking really good - Gibbs, Phillips and young Bradley stood out (appears to be with the club full time this pre-season). Jake looks balanced and quick, moves with an air that suggests he belongs. If he has a better year, I expect us to pick him up next year.
Good to hear the 'reset' calls still audible ala last pre-season. Love that we're using the same, consistent messaging.
Players then broke into smaller groups, with my focus on those doing stoppage practice. Phillips was again very good, with Gibbs taking control when the ball was up for grabs. He's set for another huge year. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
Murph moving very very well and has natural speed and agility - easy to forget that he missed most of 2016. Also noticed a conversation where he appeared to be mentoring Bradley, could inspire Jake to have a better year no doubt. Been said before, but Murph really is a quiet type. Leads by example but hardly a peep during match sim etc. Ed and Gibbsy on the other hand - plenty of voice.
Interesting to note that young Dave Cuningham was training/matched up on Gibbs in stoppage practice... a sign he's in our long-term midfield plans.
Met SOS Snr - awesome guy. Looked a little tired but was kind enough to have a chat. Happy with the kids we drafted but gave nothing away.
80% of players then moved into full match sim, starting from the midfield.
Charlie was playing in the guts and looked at home a few times, tallying a few clearances. Daisy was training as he plays - trying to be cute and makes poor decisions regularly. Is trying hard but the doubts are building in my mind about him - could be gone by 2018.
Again Phillips good - took lovely clean contested mark on a wing at one point. Harry then took one over Andy in the goal square then slotted it home without fuss. Give Harry 5-10 games next year with low expecations, focus on playing as much footy as possible and getting some meat onto those legs - watch out. I know Korcheck is 208cm but Harry looks taller - just a beast. Could understand completely if
thylacine60 had a crush here based on his views on height.
Maybe it was just me, but Phillips and Gibbs kept standing out, at one point their combo from a stoppage looked perfect - could see this as our ruck rover combo in R1.
Walker off to side watching with Lebois (done for day) and JP. Love he's taken them under wing. Andy still looking fit as ever.
Charlie came and sat behind - asked if he was playing in the middle. He said 'trying to' - one year of mid forward then into the guts FT for him.
Other player notes
Palmer on bike and sidelines for most part, not in the match sim
JGM watching on not in full training
Cas looking fit as opposed to last year which is good to see, moving and running well
JP looks like a mini-tank but didn't get to see him running around. Was boxing with draftees mostly
Cripps was wandering around, looked like he wanted to get out there. Probably champing at the bit
To finish up, they did the normal running drills. First up was running blocks. Players ran 100 metres in small groups to receive a kick - Charlie led the mid sized guys, Cas and Harry led the big blokes. Simmo Cuningham and Doc even. Good to see Gibbs, Murph and Simmo running in a group - pushing each other.
Finished off with 800m round the oval. Ed understandable led all comers but followed very closely by Marchbank, Kedge then Simmo with poor Korchek at the rear. Speaking to a few support staffers, who mentioned MB was an excellent athlete. He pushed Ed all the way before Charlie came from nowhere to catch them. Everyone got a laugh seeing Ed then pull ahead once he saw him coming (sneaky competition between brothers).
Training Votes
5 - Gibbs
4 - Curnow
3 - Phillips
2 - Charlie
1 - Marchbank
See those coming Sunday then - hope y'all Victorians enjoyed.