Training Reports

[Bartram_Class]

Stolen off Demonology...

Arrived at 9.50am and was surprised to find the boys already out on the track, and a full car park (which was a relief given my last attempt to watch training). The first thing I look for when at Trinity is who is in the rehab/sprint group on the far side of the oval. I was pleased to see Moloney doing ¾ sprints with Wheats and Wheels in a group that also included Petterd, who is slightly built for mine. The major injury concern was Sylvia, who still has a cast on his arm and who only walked or jogged very slowly. He spent quite a bit of time talking to ND and other staff on the boundary line. Soon after I took up position the coach called all the boys in and Nicho addressed them for about 5 minutes. Don’t know what this was about but after his talk many of the list walked up and shook his hand, with Robbo hanging back until last and having quite an earnest chat. The whole list was then divide into Forwards, Backs and Midfielders. The Forward group included Neitz, Miller, Dunn, Davey, Pickett, Newton, Hughes, Yze, Garland, and Robbo. This group did lots of goal kicking with variations, of course. One I noted was to have leading players running either side of the key forward, from where the ball had been delivered up field. Nothing of note here other than the skipper looking in good early season nick, Robbo seeing to be running freely and the inclusion of Garland. Next I moved up to the Midfield group as they worked through a number of interesting competitive drills under new coach Williams. They played a game of touch/handball between the skins and the blues. McLean shone, with lots of skilful running by Bate, Johnno, McDonald, Jones, Bruce and Green. Jamar, Neeves and White were in this group. I noticed Ericksen with this group and can report that while very tall and on the light side, he is quite athletic and has reasonable ball handling skills. I was pleased to see Bartram working with this group, albeit with reduced responsibilities. Whilst at this end of the field I saw PJ and Moloney doing handball stuff, along with a tall well-built youngster I didn’t recognise. PJ looked fit and didn’t seem to be wearing any shoulder gear. Later on Moloney joined in with the midfield group on some of the less rigorous running in pairs stuff. Now it was over to the Backline which included Buckley, Bizz, Holland, Ward, CJ, Bell, Brown, Rivers, Ferguson, Warnock, and Carroll, with Petterd, Wheels and Wheats doing the kicking back duties. Bell stood out with his excellent defensive work v Warnock, whilst Weetra and Frawley (I think) matched up as running half back types. The Bizz looked his old self and Carroll seemed to be coasting along in his own self-assured manner. One of the drills for this group involved four kickers from the full back line who kicked long to a huddle of four, these four then kicked long to a leading player. Well, I had to leave at this stage with the team still in full flight, Mrs Wayne has me busy with renovations and I have to attach that laserlite before it blows into the neighbour’s back yard!

My two cents.

Took the liberty of wandering down to the vast expanses of Trinity playing fields to watch the boys take to the training track. It was quite a hive of activity, as a couple of cricket matches were in progress as well. I noticed about a dozen or so others keeping an eye on proceedings so perhaps they can contribute further to my observations.

Firstly, it was great to note that the entire senior playing list, with the exception of Sylvia, were out and about. Col was walking laps with his arm in a sling. At one point he was subjected to an intensive groin massage from the physios so I can only conclude that his OP problems persist. Hopefully he can return to training soon.

The group was divided into forwards, backs, and mids. I didn’t get much of an opportunity to observe the mids in action, aside from noting who was there.

The forward group comprised Neitz, Robertson, Dunn, Davey, Pickett, Yze, Miller, Garland, Newton, Neville.

The backs included Carroll, Holland, Rivers, Wheatley, Whelan, Ward, Ferguson, Bell, Frawley, Petterd, Buckley, Warnock, Weetra, Bizzell.

The mids contained Green, Bruce, Johnstone, Bate, McLean, Brown, White, Jamar, Paul Johnson, Chris Johnson, Godfrey, Moloney, Jones, McDonald.

Each group participated in position-specific drills. I won’t elaborate other then mentioning that the midfielders in particular looked very sharp.

Now to some player observations.

I was impressed with Dunn. He looks like he has filled out, and leads and marks confidently. He has the air about him of a player looking to, using the old cliché, ‘take the next step.’

Comments have been made about Byron being overweight. I believe this is something of a yearly occurrence. To this extent, I am unconcerned. The general perception is that he runs himself into fitness as the season progresses. Watching him strut around the ground today, there is no question that next year he will continue to instill the fear of god into anyone that crosses his path. He is one solid, solid unit.

Davey looks like he has muscled up a tad. His ball skills are phenomenal. We can expect more magic from him next season.

Newton is an interesting one. I confess I have not observed him much in action, but he looks to possess all the skills and attributes necessary to make it. After watching him today, I would be hugely disappointed if he doesn’t get a chance to show his wares in the NAB Cup, or the season proper. He has ‘Neitz replacement’ written all over him.

Colin Garland’s kicking for goal was, to put it nicely, ‘in need of work’. He seems to have patented the helicopter punt. However his field kicking was better, and he does possess the frame that, while in need of a few pre-seasons in the gym, a key forward requires.

Frawley has a very awkward kicking action. However that does not necessarily suggest he is continually off target. It is just not pretty to watch. I’m sure it will smooth out over the course of the pre-season (fingers crossed).

That’s about all that springs immediately to mind. I encourage others to get down and have a look at the boys, it’s a necessary experience for those of us who can’t wait for Round 1 to roll around again.

Also got down there today, so will try to get some photos up later tonight.

The others have covered off most of the observations. I noticed a change with Bodhan B in charge of the physical preparation. A lot more on quick physical movement and agility exercises. Dancing around poles, quick stepping through ladders and over small obstacles.

Also this would make it more interesting for the players as the variety of exercises keeps the mind awake, instead of "another boring run or sprint"...


It will be interesting with the placement of the new youngsters as Frawley was with the mids, Weetra with backs and Garland with forwards. Perhaps just showing them a bit of everything and getting to know everyone and show their wares.

There was a break in the session as Nicho spoke to the group following his retirement and after he was heartily applauded by the group.

Craig Cameron got along for the session, no doubt to keep an eye on the potentials training with us, given that we have one rookie spot still available.

White, PJ, Beamer, Bartram and Sylvia were all out of action for the first part, although PJ, Clint and BM participated in handball after. Col was out with his arm in a sling and probably will be out for a while. Clint said his ankle was stiff from the nearly 10 weeks he had off it following the horrific injury at the end of the season.

So while there were these half dozen out of the running at the moment, there were plenty of others running at full tilt. Neitz, Miller, Bizzell and Robbo were all fully on song.

It is usually a sign of how we will perform by the number walking the boundary at this time of year. If there are a dozen, we would be in trouble, because a good pre-season is essential these days. Col seems to be the only one with a way to go.

New hairstyles belong to White who has blonde tips at least hiding under his cap. Jamar has the 2nd most fearsome moustache to Carroll following his Movember programme, and it looks like it is staying. Wheels looks a bit lighter but also seems like he has spent the last 3 months in the bush, not having cut it.

 

[CaptainDavey]

Is it just me...Or is anyone else like REALLY UBER EXCITED for like the next few years.

Btw I shotgun Ricky as my youngen

 

[rick James]

Is it just me...Or is anyone else like REALLY UBER EXCITED for like the next few years.

Btw I shotgun Ricky as my youngen

Indeed I am, but I want us to do something right NOW as well, we won't have Neitz and White forever.

but yes, that midfield brigade is as good as any young group going around.

 

[melbournemartin]

Hopefully Dunn, Garland, Newton, Miller can pull together a strong post-Neitz Forward line. Same with Jamar, PJ, Neaves for after White goes. But anyway...we have our 2 old guns next year, hopefully we can make the most of them.

 

[Jeremias]

Read in the Hun this morning that David Fanning is training with you guys. What do you think of this?

I don't know why you would need him...

 

[Bartram_Class]

Read in the Hun this morning that David Fanning is training with you guys. What do you think of this?

I don't know why you would need him...

Would only be a rookie list option, I dont think we will take him.

 

[rick James]

Would only be a rookie list option, I dont think we will take him.

Wouldn't play for us, but no harmd in rookie listing ruckmen, considering the state of our list I don't think we'll be offering any rookies a spot on the senoir list any time soon.

 

[Jeremias]

Yeah, I don't know why you would take him.

You have 3 ruckmen who would all be vying for a spot in the 22 next year, and 2 of them are still pretty young.