TRAINING REPORT - 2015-12-14
Gold Coast
Headed down to the Sharks club to watch the boys go around this arvo. Today's session was a very light one, only lasting just over an hour. Not a huge amount to report to be honest. Mostly just some light kicking and running drills, and a bizarre drill involving a kind of soccer game in a tight space with handballing and dribble kicks. The session finished with set shot kicking for goal under pressure, with all players lined up either side of the kicker (same as the David Cuningham video from a couple of weeks ago).
The overall focus really seemed to be on quick and precise movement in confined spaces. Lots of short passing drills and quick handball drills. I think that the really serious stuff will kick off tomorrow. Training every day this week.
Players to note:
Daisy Thomas - real leader, very vocal, absolutely all-in with the re-set.
Sam Kerridge - this guy is a beast. Just loves working hard. He'll be in our best 22 every game next year.
Ed Curnow - like Daisy, Ed is now one of the true leaders of the club. First to the drinks every time, very vocal and leading most of the drills. Dare I say it, he's captain material.
Clem Smith - after his indiscretion, it was great to see Clem right in the thick of everything and showing heaps of pace and silky skills. I hope we see a lot of him in 2016.
Patrick Cripps - didn't see a great deal of him, except for right at the end. His shoulders and upper body are HUGE. He may actually kill someone on the field next year. He does though have ridiculously skinny calves. They're practically non-existent!
Notable absentees:
Marc Murphy - No Murph, at all. Anyone know why? He was the only absentee that I can think of.
Light / Restricted duties:
Kade Simpson, Andrew Walker, Jayden Foster (I think??), Dennis Armfield, Levi Casboult, Michael Jamison, Matthew Kreuzer.
The New Draftees:
Jacob Weitering - Impressive, looks physically ready, didn't have much of a chance to stand out.
Charlie Curnow - Needs to grow into his body and get some definition, seems a very 'playful' character, always keen for a laugh.
Harry McKay - Beast. He's huge and looks about 23. I didn't think he'd be a chance to play next year, but he looks physically ready and from what I saw of him his skills were great.
David Cuningham - Silky and fast. This kid could be an absolute steal for pick 19. Clean hands below his knees and hit his targets constantly by foot and by hand. Will really be watching him closely next year, and I think he'll be the first of the new kids to really impress.
Jack Silvagni - Still has a boy's body. Needs a couple of years in the gym and to grow into himself. Beautiful, classic kicking action. Was taking a lot of set shots for goal.
Interesting moments:
Korchek was picked to do the set shot for goal drill with everyone standing either side of him. Slotted it from about 40m with a kick that went about 80m in the air! Everyone went off and jumped all over him. He seems like a really popular guy.
SOS and Andy McKay running laps the entire session. I can't believe how weird SOS's bandy legs look in real life.
All in all it was a good, fun session in perfect weather. Will be keen to hear other reports during the week if any others get to some sessions.
Charlie Curnow
Jack Silvagni