Training 2024 Preseason reports and discussion

[Judd2Sewell]

It was often said about our gun players in the threepeat, and in other sports particularly MJ & Kobe in the NBA, that we trained so hard against each other and tested each other so well that we were mentally and physically prepared for any game.

I've always felt that it's a massive advantage to have a gun player, and a gun player in the complete opposite spot from a training perspective. For guys like Day and Newc to be able to go toe-to-toe with Finn is a massive advantage, the hardest opponent they'll have all year is a guy they line up against every week at training. It's definitely something that helped drive both Rance and Riewoldt to new heights.

As the old saying goes, iron sharpens iron. Or was it steel sharpens steel? Either way it works.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

In regards to Hardwick up forward as much as it's the pressure he brings I think the main reason for it is his kicking and ability to hit targets lace out. This will be as important as ever now that we have multiple targets i50.

As a junior he was a lead/mark kind of forward, similar to Mark Williams. Our other smalls aren't really like that. Hardwick is strong overhead and will lead hard, so I imagine that's a big point of difference compared to our other smalls who like to crumb or run back towards goal.

 

[Topiary]

Of course, but he’s well ahead of those two.

In pure defending, but not in disposing. I still say we will have to do better than Frost if we are to challenge.

 

[Topiary]

As a junior he was a lead/mark kind of forward, similar to Mark Williams. Our other smalls aren't really like that. Hardwick is strong overhead and will lead hard, so I imagine that's a big point of difference compared to our other smalls who like to crumb or run back towards goal.

As I said earlier, he can mark and kick truly and because of his years back, knows how to defend against an attacking defender. Understands the defenders tricks. He will be invaluable forward.

 

[TheFourPillars]

Grainger-Barras and Serong are vying for the same spot in defence. I’d rather see games put into them than Frost. 2024 is a make or break year for them.

They will have to earn them.

So will Frost?

Scrim has been playing KPD and doing quite well in pre season

 

[TheFourPillars]

It's just, how the hell is he going to get a chance? We're going to have a few guys very unlucky.

Injuries happen

 

[KermitJagger]

Scrim has been playing KPD and doing quite well in pre season

Scrim reads the play well and has great defensive instincts when he's in a position to compete. He just needs to be switched on at all times, not let his opponent get too much distance.

Honestly think he'd be a solid match up for guys like Cameron, Mihocek, Walker who aren't exceptional overhead but instead work opponents over through craft and leading patterns.

 

[Charchi]

Scrim has been playing KPD and doing quite well in pre season

I thought we looked our best last season with Scrim playing as CHB and Sis as 3rd banana.

Long term I see Weddle as our natural CHB as I am old enough to remember Peter Knights and how damaging his play was off CHB.

 

[bigmaxi]

It was often said about our gun players in the threepeat, and in other sports particularly MJ & Kobe in the NBA, that we trained so hard against each other and tested each other so well that we were mentally and physically prepared for any game.

I've always felt that it's a massive advantage to have a gun player, and a gun player in the complete opposite spot from a training perspective. For guys like Day and Newc to be able to go toe-to-toe with Finn is a massive advantage, the hardest opponent they'll have all year is a guy they line up against every week at training. It's definitely something that helped drive both Rance and Riewoldt to new heights.

Nice observation, hadn't thought about it. Ta.

 

[bigmaxi]

I thought we looked our best last season with Scrim playing as CHB and Sis as 3rd banana.

Long term I see Weddle as our natural CHB as I am old enough to remember Peter Knights and how damaging his play was off CHB.

I'd throw in McCabe in there in a year or two, looks the goods. Weddle's run off half back is so important not so much a stay at home defender.

 

[rei154]

I'd throw in McCabe in there in a year or two, looks the goods. Weddle's run off half back is so important not so much a stay at home defender.

CHB/Sicily replacement, is our McCabe imo.

I think Weddle ends up further up the ground with the ability to plug and play where needed

 

[Newmo89]

Could someone remind me of what Serong's tank is like?

When we did the 1km time trials, he was in group 1 with Weddle, Butler, Croc etc.
He has a very good tank

 

[threesixpio]

When we did the 1km time trials, he was in group 1 with Weddle, Butler, Croc etc.
He has a very good tank

That’s Freak Level

 

[Slainte]

I'd throw in McCabe in there in a year or two, looks the goods. Weddle's run off half back is so important not so much a stay at home defender.

I get the impression that McCabe also has plenty of run in him.

 

[Gut Runner]

Great report, Matey. I have been wondering how Calsher Dear has been coping with his first pre-season. Any observations?

During the match sim there was one contest on the wing when he was defending. He needed to make hard contact to hamper disposal of the player holding the ball. Assistant coach yelled out "you've got to go Calsher" He went hard and crashed into player holding the ball.

My only observation is he goes when it is his turn and showed guts. Hope it works out.

 

[Bugs1977]

It was often said about our gun players in the threepeat, and in other sports particularly MJ & Kobe in the NBA, that we trained so hard against each other and tested each other so well that we were mentally and physically prepared for any game.

I've always felt that it's a massive advantage to have a gun player, and a gun player in the complete opposite spot from a training perspective. For guys like Day and Newc to be able to go toe-to-toe with Finn is a massive advantage, the hardest opponent they'll have all year is a guy they line up against every week at training. It's definitely something that helped drive both Rance and Riewoldt to new heights.

Very underrated post

 

[Bugs1977]

During the match sim there was one contest on the wing when he was defending. He needed to make hard contact to hamper disposal of the player holding the ball. Assistant coach yelled out "you've got to go Calsher" He went hard and crashed into player holding the ball.

My only observation is he goes when it is his turn and showed guts. Hope it works out.

Sounds like he'll be a slow burn. Like all KPP he'll need time and that's okay.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

I thought we looked our best last season with Scrim playing as CHB and Sis as 3rd banana.

Long term I see Weddle as our natural CHB as I am old enough to remember Peter Knights and how damaging his play was off CHB.

Agree

Scrimmers at CHB frees up Sicily to be an absolute force of nature playing as that loose man across half back.

Last year we always looked best when we had structure in our side (ie Scrimmers at CHB, playing Kozzie as second tall/ruck, etc).

We really struggled when we went with shall was say "experimental" line ups such as Greene as our CHF, etc.

 

[dermie50]

Does anyone know when the main training session is for next week? I have some time off and my grandson would love to watch the boys train as do I.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

It might sound ridiculous, but we’d be wasting Weddle if we play him at Centre half back.

 

[Mr Lizard]

running machine goes on the wing, no? Isaac Smith

7

Isaac Smith

Age

35

Ht

188cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.3

5star

K

13.0

5star

HB

8.4

5star

M

5.5

5star

T

2.9

4star

CL

1.7

4star

D

19.4

4star

K

11.1

4star

HB

8.3

4star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.5

3star

CL

1.3

4star

D

19.2

5star

K

10.6

4star

HB

8.6

5star

M

7.6

5star

T

2.0

4star

CL

0.6

3star

, Brad Hill, ...

 

[extractasam]

It might sound ridiculous, but we’d be wasting Weddle if we play him at Centre half back.

He’s literally got the size and athleticism of a player like Adam Goodes. He is going to be a genuine nightmare for oppo clubs if he finds the confidence to unleash himself. CHB would be taking away too many of his strengths

 

[unitedhawk]

He’s literally got the size and athleticism of a player like Adam Goodes. He is going to be a genuine nightmare for oppo clubs if he finds the confidence to unleash himself. CHB would be taking away too many of his strengths

A quicker and more athletic version of Goodes... I'm already salivating at the prospect!

 

[Newmo89]

Does anyone know when the main training session is for next week? I have some time off and my grandson would love to watch the boys train as do I.

Monday and Thursday from 9 am at Bunjil Bagora

 

[Colloquy]

It might sound ridiculous, but we’d be wasting Weddle if we play him at Centre half back.

Didn’t you said you were Sam Mitchell don’t play him there then. Time to back up what you believe.