2016 Pre-Season (All news, press conferences, training reports, Photos)

[M Malice]

http://www.lions.com.au/video/2016-01-25/beams-confident-to-lead
well said beamsy.

 

[blynd_freddie]

http://www.lions.com.au/video/2016-01-25/beams-confident-to-lead
well said beamsy.

Yep, very much looking forward to you taking the 'next step' Dayne - IMO, one of the many positive steps within the club that needs to be taken over the coming years.

 

[Milux]

At training last wednesday and he was training alot with rockliff c beams and walker. Handball drills where the stand in a square and look the opposite way to there handballing and catch the one there looking at. Didnt notice any signs of a shoulder hinderence. Looked comfortable both sides. One thing i did notice is his massive bulk gain.

 

[lionshine]

At training last wednesday and he was training alot with rockliff c beams and walker. Handball drills where the stand in a square and look the opposite way to there handballing and catch the one there looking at. Didnt notice any signs of a shoulder hinderence. Looked comfortable both sides. One thing i did notice is his massive bulk gain.

It is really noticeable isn't it? He is massive! I wonder if it is Austin inspired or he has just added heaps of bulk since his shoulder surgery.

 

[Milux]

It is really noticeable isn't it? He is massive! I wonder if it is Austin inspired or he has just added heaps of bulk since his shoulder surgery.

Probably would be a bit of both. He has bad shoulders and it might be a way to help hold things together. One thing is for sure though he will be hard to tackle

 

[MacMum]

I like to see the players looking fit and solid....but I'm also a bit wary of lots of muscle, doesn't seem to do Stosur any good when playing tennis....e.g Daria is not a patch on Stosur's size, but seems to be far more agile around the court and can really slam the ball.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that they may look good and all muscle, but can they still play good football and last the distance?

 

[Cockliff38]

I like to see the players looking fit and solid....but I'm also a bit wary of lots of muscle, doesn't seem to do Stosur any good when playing tennis....e.g Daria is not a patch on Stosur's size, but seems to be far more agile around the court and can really slam the ball.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that they may look good and all muscle, but can they still play good football and last the distance?

Going off topic but Sam's problem is between her ears

 

[James North]

It helps Serena plenty ... but Sam's issue is definitely psychological. Can also hit the ball a lot harder than Dasha, just doesn't grunt.

 

[James North]

Actually, to bring it full circle - the wonderful specimen that is Stef Martin.

 

[Morgs_]

Sorry for the lack of training updates, have been extremely busy lately.

Went down to training this afternoon and watched the boys go round. There was only a handful of players in the rehab group, Beams x2, McGuiness, West, Skinner, Dizzy and Green was there in a chair briefly. There was also a few notable absentees - McStay, Rocky and Clarke.

I got there while the boys were doing some running. All looking pretty good, with a lot of jocularity among the players while maintaining a high intensity. It wasn't the sort of exercise where anyone was standing out. They then split up into their respective groups (yellow, maroon and white) and did some agility drills in which the focus was on reducing the turning circle of each player. They would have some small markers set up in a diamond and the player would run to the opposing marker and turn, but when they turn they would raise the opposing leg and really drive off it. This would hopefully allow the player to turn immediately instead of running in an arc to turn around. Austin seems to be a lot more hands on than Burton, he was among all the players and he was asking them why they were doing certain drills and what the benefits would be.

They stayed in their groups and began doing an exercise (from the centre square) in which they would have a short kick from one player, that player would then turn and look for another player and then they would kick to another player. Cutler was kicking and catching very well. Schache was lobbing the ball a little bit so that the player he was kicking to had to stop and wait for the ball.

After that they then ran an exercise from the wing in which a player would do a short kick in on a 45 degree angle from the boundary and they would follow it up and provide an option for the receiving player. The player that received the ball would either handball to the follow up player or he would look to pass the ball laterally to another player who was near the centre square. This player would then kick to a player near the 50m arc and he would either go for a shot or pass to a player inside the goal square. In this exercise, Schache's passing was a lot more direct. Bundy, MRobbo and Cuts were really good in this drill with all 3 barely missing a beat.

They then had a little bit of match simulation with I think Green and White teams combining against Yellow and Maroon. Was pretty congested but I was trying to keep an eye on Mathieson and Keays. Mathieson makes me smile for some reason, I just have a feeling about him and I really think he will be a great addition to our side. Bell was impressive, nailing some absolute bullets and one in particular earned praise from nearly every player on either side. It was lace out to Schache from near the boundary line into the goal square. Archie was particularly physical in the match simulation (to the point that it was a standout). Squizzy also smashed a player a fair bit larger than him (can't remember who now). Merrett was directing all the young defenders on where they should be defending, he is losing his voice as well so I don't know if they aren't listening to him They then reduced the number of players with a fair few of them going to the back park to do some other exercises.

After that they went and did some handballing drills, with plenty of voices to be heard.

I left shortly after, but if you have any questions, just ask.

Go Lions!

 

[James North]

Thanks Morgs_ - great to hear.

D Mez has had a case of the tonsillitis - that'd be all it is.

 

[Nunez]

Sorry for the lack of training updates, have been extremely busy lately.

Went down to training this afternoon and watched the boys go round. There was only a handful of players in the rehab group, Beams x2, McGuiness, West, Skinner, Dizzy and Green was there in a chair briefly. There was also a few notable absentees - McStay, Rocky and Clarke.

I got there while the boys were doing some running. All looking pretty good, with a lot of jocularity among the players while maintaining a high intensity. It wasn't the sort of exercise where anyone was standing out. They then split up into their respective groups (yellow, maroon and white) and did some agility drills in which the focus was on reducing the turning circle of each player. They would have some small markers set up in a diamond and the player would run to the opposing marker and turn, but when they turn they would raise the opposing leg and really drive off it. This would hopefully allow the player to turn immediately instead of running in an arc to turn around. Austin seems to be a lot more hands on than Burton, he was among all the players and he was asking them why they were doing certain drills and what the benefits would be.

They stayed in their groups and began doing an exercise (from the centre square) in which they would have a short kick from one player, that player would then turn and look for another player and then they would kick to another player. Cutler was kicking and catching very well. Schache was lobbing the ball a little bit so that the player he was kicking to had to stop and wait for the ball.

After that they then ran an exercise from the wing in which a player would do a short kick in on a 45 degree angle from the boundary and they would follow it up and provide an option for the receiving player. The player that received the ball would either handball to the follow up player or he would look to pass the ball laterally to another player who was near the centre square. This player would then kick to a player near the 50m arc and he would either go for a shot or pass to a player inside the goal square. In this exercise, Schache's passing was a lot more direct. Bundy, MRobbo and Cuts were really good in this drill with all 3 barely missing a beat.

They then had a little bit of match simulation with I think Green and White teams combining against Yellow and Maroon. Was pretty congested but I was trying to keep an eye on Mathieson and Keays. Mathieson makes me smile for some reason, I just have a feeling about him and I really think he will be a great addition to our side. Bell was impressive, nailing some absolute bullets and one in particular earned praise from nearly every player on either side. It was lace out to Schache from near the boundary line into the goal square. Archie was particularly physical in the match simulation (to the point that it was a standout). Squizzy also smashed a player a fair bit larger than him (can't remember who now). Merrett was directing all the young defenders on where they should be defending, he is losing his voice as well so I don't know if they aren't listening to him They then reduced the number of players with a fair few of them going to the back park to do some other exercises.

After that they went and did some handballing drills, with plenty of voices to be heard.

I left shortly after, but if you have any questions, just ask.

Go Lions!

Are you Really the head of the Qwik-E-Mart?

 

[Morgs_]

Are you Really the head of the Qwik-E-Mart?

Yes.

 

[chopperduck]

Think Mathieson is gonna have a touch of the Squizzy's about him. Taken much lower then he should have and performs from day 1. He is a favourite of mine already simply because i felt we lack another good young inside ball winner, and he is a perfect fit.

Im most excited about Bell. I think he will have a Robbo like impact, especially with his bigger body and running power, i can just see him doing some damage and kicking some nice running goals for us this year, adding some nice outside run as well. Also think Bastinac will be good for us, but he is more blue collar, will do good work on the inside for us and probably go a bit unnoticed whilst other players do more flashy things.

Bundy has to be 3rd player for me. With the quality midfield we have Bundy is so far down the list of players that will get attention it isnt funny. He will be purely damaging this year as well.

Really feel like we bat deep in the midfield/wings/HB/HF. If we can keep enough of them on the park, the likes of Walker and Freeman are going to look like world beaters up forward.

 

[blynd_freddie]

Austin seems to be a lot more hands on than Burton, he was among all the players and he was asking them why they were doing certain drills and what the benefits would be.

Some great observational analysis there Morgs_ Seems to be a great example of enforcing self-education. Of course the next step would be for the coaches to continue this educational mind-set with set plays and general onfield decision-making.

PS - Don't waste time apologising for tardiness - it's still 'fresh' the first time read, whenever it is read! Oh, and bonus points for throwing in jocularity.

 

[WA Lion]

Sorry for the lack of training updates, have been extremely busy lately.

Went down to training this afternoon and watched the boys go round. There was only a handful of players in the rehab group, Beams x2, McGuiness, West, Skinner, Dizzy and Green was there in a chair briefly. There was also a few notable absentees - McStay, Rocky and Clarke.

I got there while the boys were doing some running. All looking pretty good, with a lot of jocularity among the players while maintaining a high intensity. It wasn't the sort of exercise where anyone was standing out. They then split up into their respective groups (yellow, maroon and white) and did some agility drills in which the focus was on reducing the turning circle of each player. They would have some small markers set up in a diamond and the player would run to the opposing marker and turn, but when they turn they would raise the opposing leg and really drive off it. This would hopefully allow the player to turn immediately instead of running in an arc to turn around. Austin seems to be a lot more hands on than Burton, he was among all the players and he was asking them why they were doing certain drills and what the benefits would be.

They stayed in their groups and began doing an exercise (from the centre square) in which they would have a short kick from one player, that player would then turn and look for another player and then they would kick to another player. Cutler was kicking and catching very well. Schache was lobbing the ball a little bit so that the player he was kicking to had to stop and wait for the ball.

After that they then ran an exercise from the wing in which a player would do a short kick in on a 45 degree angle from the boundary and they would follow it up and provide an option for the receiving player. The player that received the ball would either handball to the follow up player or he would look to pass the ball laterally to another player who was near the centre square. This player would then kick to a player near the 50m arc and he would either go for a shot or pass to a player inside the goal square. In this exercise, Schache's passing was a lot more direct. Bundy, MRobbo and Cuts were really good in this drill with all 3 barely missing a beat.

They then had a little bit of match simulation with I think Green and White teams combining against Yellow and Maroon. Was pretty congested but I was trying to keep an eye on Mathieson and Keays. Mathieson makes me smile for some reason, I just have a feeling about him and I really think he will be a great addition to our side. Bell was impressive, nailing some absolute bullets and one in particular earned praise from nearly every player on either side. It was lace out to Schache from near the boundary line into the goal square. Archie was particularly physical in the match simulation (to the point that it was a standout). Squizzy also smashed a player a fair bit larger than him (can't remember who now). Merrett was directing all the young defenders on where they should be defending, he is losing his voice as well so I don't know if they aren't listening to him They then reduced the number of players with a fair few of them going to the back park to do some other exercises.

After that they went and did some handballing drills, with plenty of voices to be heard.

I left shortly after, but if you have any questions, just ask.

Go Lions!

Thanks for this - much appreciated!

For anyone in the know, what is the deal with West and Claye Beams being in the rehab group? Didn't know West had an injury and thought Beams knee would be healed by now? Wasn't it cartilage related?

 

[James North]

I guess Claye's just doing some rehab work for the injury that he hopes to not get this year :/

 

[WA Lion]

I guess Claye's just doing some rehab work for the injury that he hopes to not get this year :/

As someone only just 30 and staring down a knee replacement in the near future I can appreciate the challenges he has with bad cartilage damage, but when it gets to this long after surgery and he still isn't back in the main group that is a bit of a red flag for me. Hope I am wrong but his knee is becoming a worry now

 

[SizeMatters]

Sorry for the lack of training updates, have been extremely busy lately.

Went down to training this afternoon and watched the boys go round. There was only a handful of players in the rehab group, Beams x2, McGuiness, West, Skinner, Dizzy and Green was there in a chair briefly. There was also a few notable absentees - McStay, Rocky and Clarke.

I got there while the boys were doing some running. All looking pretty good, with a lot of jocularity among the players while maintaining a high intensity. It wasn't the sort of exercise where anyone was standing out. They then split up into their respective groups (yellow, maroon and white) and did some agility drills in which the focus was on reducing the turning circle of each player. They would have some small markers set up in a diamond and the player would run to the opposing marker and turn, but when they turn they would raise the opposing leg and really drive off it. This would hopefully allow the player to turn immediately instead of running in an arc to turn around. Austin seems to be a lot more hands on than Burton, he was among all the players and he was asking them why they were doing certain drills and what the benefits would be.

They stayed in their groups and began doing an exercise (from the centre square) in which they would have a short kick from one player, that player would then turn and look for another player and then they would kick to another player. Cutler was kicking and catching very well. Schache was lobbing the ball a little bit so that the player he was kicking to had to stop and wait for the ball.

After that they then ran an exercise from the wing in which a player would do a short kick in on a 45 degree angle from the boundary and they would follow it up and provide an option for the receiving player. The player that received the ball would either handball to the follow up player or he would look to pass the ball laterally to another player who was near the centre square. This player would then kick to a player near the 50m arc and he would either go for a shot or pass to a player inside the goal square. In this exercise, Schache's passing was a lot more direct. Bundy, MRobbo and Cuts were really good in this drill with all 3 barely missing a beat.

They then had a little bit of match simulation with I think Green and White teams combining against Yellow and Maroon. Was pretty congested but I was trying to keep an eye on Mathieson and Keays. Mathieson makes me smile for some reason, I just have a feeling about him and I really think he will be a great addition to our side. Bell was impressive, nailing some absolute bullets and one in particular earned praise from nearly every player on either side. It was lace out to Schache from near the boundary line into the goal square. Archie was particularly physical in the match simulation (to the point that it was a standout). Squizzy also smashed a player a fair bit larger than him (can't remember who now). Merrett was directing all the young defenders on where they should be defending, he is losing his voice as well so I don't know if they aren't listening to him They then reduced the number of players with a fair few of them going to the back park to do some other exercises.

After that they went and did some handballing drills, with plenty of voices to be heard.

I left shortly after, but if you have any questions, just ask.

Go Lions!

Thanks for the report. Quick question what was Bastinacs role in the match sim? Did he stand out at all or show any glimpses? Cheers.

 

[Milux]

As someone only just 30 and staring down a knee replacement in the near future I can appreciate the challenges he has with bad cartilage damage, but when it gets to this long after surgery and he still isn't back in the main group that is a bit of a red flag for me. Hope I am wrong but his knee is becoming a worry now

Claye was more then fine about 6-8 weeks ago when i first went down. He was running really well. Maybe just a flare up as he had a compression bandage on last wednesday. Rockliff and Walker where also in that group. Rockliff maybe with the hammy tightness from camp.

 

[Big Sauce 21]

His knee strapped here. Taken on Saturday night

 

[WA Lion]

Claye was more then fine about 6-8 weeks ago when i first went down. He was running really well. Maybe just a flare up as he had a compression bandage on last wednesday. Rockliff and Walker where also in that group. Rockliff maybe with the hammy tightness from camp.

That is sort of what worries me, when you get to the stage where you struggle to get a knee to settle it is a bad sign. Hopefully it is just a precaution though and he will be back in the swing of things soon

 

[SizeMatters]

His knee strapped here. Taken on Saturday night

Geez, D.Beams does look huge in that pic.
Feel sorry for C.Beams though, he has some talent just that his body won't let him realise his full potential. I think he will get delisted and re-rookied at the end of the season IMO unfortunately

 

[Milux]

That is sort of what worries me, when you get to the stage where you struggle to get a knee to settle it is a bad sign. Hopefully it is just a precaution though and he will be back in the swing of things soon

Yeah mate im with you. Claye has super potential. Just want to see him get a decent run.

 

[WA Lion]

Geez, D.Beams does look huge in that pic.
Feel sorry for C.Beams though, he has some talent just that his body won't let him realise his full potential. I think he will get delisted and re-rookied at the end of the season IMO unfortunately

Isn't he contracted until the end of 2017? (not that is stopped us with Paine of course)