- Jul 21, 2008
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'Some' magnificent finals games!? Are you sure there was more than one? You are not trying to make something out of a negative digit possession game that there wasn't?
Training 2024 training updates.
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TheVillageIdiot7
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interesting to see Richards named by King.
When he has largely gone un-commented on to date.
He was coming from a long way back last year (given the jump....see Sofrinidis), but i thought he started to show some cleanliness and speed / skill at VFL late in the season.
Certainly didn't look out of place at VFL level at the end.
Not 100% sure he is the dead weight that a lot on here decided he was early in the VFL season.
Equally not sure he'll get another contract (might depend on retirements), but at least he seems to be improving.
When he has largely gone un-commented on to date.
He was coming from a long way back last year (given the jump....see Sofrinidis), but i thought he started to show some cleanliness and speed / skill at VFL late in the season.
Certainly didn't look out of place at VFL level at the end.
Not 100% sure he is the dead weight that a lot on here decided he was early in the VFL season.
Equally not sure he'll get another contract (might depend on retirements), but at least he seems to be improving.
Jen2310
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He's a late developer physically and still maturing into his own body. But its not surprising that kids can improve on their skills as they get older. Especially one from the 2020 draft and lost a lot of development to date because of covid.
His first year he was playing as a forward, which would have been as hard as it was for any forward playing under bucks. Essendon's VFL was not great and he hardly saw the ball up forward.
JuniorB
Norm Smith Medallist
Fin was from the same draft, so loss of development applies to him too.
He's showing good signs now though.
Quicky from 2010I got interested in the Leon Davis chokes in finals debate so decided to go back in history and look at the stats. The truth of these things tend to get lost in myth and I was interested to see if this was in fact the case.
Here are the raw stats:
2002 (3rd year at Collingwood)
Qualifying final - 7k, 1h, 8d, 4m, 3g, 2t.
Prelim final - 5k, 1h, 6d, 1g, 1b, 0t.
Grand final - 0 zilch in allo)
2003
Prelim final - 5k, 1h, 6d, 3m, 3g, 1t
Grand final - 6k, 4h, 10d, 1g, 1b, 1t
2007
Second elimination final - 13k, 1h, 14d, 2m, 1g, 1b, 5t
Second semi-final - 12k, 6h, 18d, 3m, 10t
Preliminary final - 9k, 2h, 11d, 3m, 1g, 1b, 2t
2008
First elimination final - 16k, 4h, 20d, 6m, 1g, 1b, 4t
Semi final - 10k, 7h, 17d, 1m, 2b, 1t
2009
First qualifying final - 8k, 7h, 15d, 3m, 1g, 1b,
First semi final - 10d, 2h, 12d, 6m, 1b, 4t
Second prelim final - 7k, 6h, 13d, 2m, 8t
I'd say the last 3 years are probably the most relevant.
In that time (2007-9) he averages: 15d, 0.5 goals, 4.25t
If anyone wants to provide more detailed averages from those stats go for it - I can't be buggered now.
It's funny but anyway you look at it, it isn't really pretty reading. Last years finals was particularly poor given his midfield time, although it is said he was carrying an injury which limited his output. As a positive I guess his 2007 and 2008 finals series were pretty good from a player in a small forward role. He has also had some big games tackle wise at an average of 4 which isn't bad. This is probably what the coaching staff are looking at. But to me that finals output is still a worry.
For interest his 2010 averages reads: 9k, 4h, 13d, 3m, 1.4g, 1,4b, 4t,
Jen2310
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Pre-season training: January 22nd.
There was a few players missing from covid:
* Jakob Ryan was seen walking along the boundary in runners. From what I've been told, its a minor shin issue, and he'll be back next week. So very minor and nothing to worry about. I initially thought he was absent from illness, but its nothing too bad to worry about at this stage of the season.
Josh Daicos was out doing some extra things, as he ramps up his program to resume training fairly soon.
Maynard is almost at full fitness. He participated in about 90% of the drills and match play I would say. In the coming weeks, he'll be back in full training.
Saw Mcstay out and about for a bit. Did some handballing and then shots on goal on the opposite foot at the river end of the ground. He came to the outer to chat to fans and autographs and photos. Someone asked him about the chances (or not) coming back this year, and he didn't rule out a return.
This session was a bit defensive based and pressure some of the keys that was focused upon. After the warm up up was completed, Roughy; who is now the defensive coach led groups through a pressure drill at the AAMI Park end of the ground, where the players would be set out in positions. Starting from full back, the focus was to handball and move your way through the pack, trying to make a clean break, and if not, handball to your nearest teammate to get to the very end, where the forwards were located.
There was work on ball movement; the first one looked like a match sim, but it started from the defensive 50 as the ball was thrown up. It was blacks v whites. There was no centre bounce stuff here, but was more about moving the ball along the wing.
Then the coaches set up a mini match sim contained of three teams. Blacks, whites, and blue vests. They would then alternate every few minutes so that each team would play against one another.
This simulation probably only went for about 10 minutes, and was squared off in the middle of the ground. With the goal posts in the middle, and they couldn't play outside of the square they set up which served as the "length of the ground"
Player observations:
SSP's (since its who we keep an eye on on, given they are potentially about to be on our list)
+ Might as well start with Eyre; who had another eye-catching; standout performance. Using that lethal left boot of his to go down the wing, or across the ground. He even ran from FB to half forward and kicked a goal during the mini match sim.
He was also chopped off some balls coming his way, used the ball well. I asked a few reporters around me, and he was the front runner in their eyes.
+ Sofronidis, I found he was a bit more involved in chains of play. With some link up handballs in the backline, and had a nice moment in match sim with nice handling of a ball. Kicks well to a target generally as well.
+ Teakle, I thought did alright too. Didn't do any ruck work as that was relegated to cox and DC and so thus he was up forward for most of the time. He sometimes might do stoppage ruck. But he did get hold on some of the ball at times.
The mids:
+ Both Bytel and Sullivan were prominent. Bytel has a great running capacity, and Sullivan is good in tight spaces.
Hustwaite also does some really nice things at times too.
+ Cameron - He had sticky hands during this session. whether that was up forward, around the ground, or plucking himself in defensive.
+ Fin Macrae probably the standout performer in this training session. Stamping his authority through the midfield, good in congested areas, had a great run and link up chains. He's now ready to take the reins when it gets handed to him.
+ reef, was strong in the contest, was using his pace and stength to move through traffic and players. He's making a case for himself for that vacant position.
+ Johnson did some nice things, took a few nice marks up forward.
+ TJ, geez he has some class with the way he moves and with ball in hand. Give him a few pre-seasons and he'll be a good player for us. Such a smooth user.
+ Hill provided some snazzy movements and skills up forward as he moves around his opponents, or sets up scoring opportunities.
There was a few players missing from covid:
- Harrison
- Crisp
- Dean
- Jamie
* Jakob Ryan was seen walking along the boundary in runners. From what I've been told, its a minor shin issue, and he'll be back next week. So very minor and nothing to worry about. I initially thought he was absent from illness, but its nothing too bad to worry about at this stage of the season.
Josh Daicos was out doing some extra things, as he ramps up his program to resume training fairly soon.
Maynard is almost at full fitness. He participated in about 90% of the drills and match play I would say. In the coming weeks, he'll be back in full training.
Saw Mcstay out and about for a bit. Did some handballing and then shots on goal on the opposite foot at the river end of the ground. He came to the outer to chat to fans and autographs and photos. Someone asked him about the chances (or not) coming back this year, and he didn't rule out a return.
This session was a bit defensive based and pressure some of the keys that was focused upon. After the warm up up was completed, Roughy; who is now the defensive coach led groups through a pressure drill at the AAMI Park end of the ground, where the players would be set out in positions. Starting from full back, the focus was to handball and move your way through the pack, trying to make a clean break, and if not, handball to your nearest teammate to get to the very end, where the forwards were located.
There was work on ball movement; the first one looked like a match sim, but it started from the defensive 50 as the ball was thrown up. It was blacks v whites. There was no centre bounce stuff here, but was more about moving the ball along the wing.
Then the coaches set up a mini match sim contained of three teams. Blacks, whites, and blue vests. They would then alternate every few minutes so that each team would play against one another.
This simulation probably only went for about 10 minutes, and was squared off in the middle of the ground. With the goal posts in the middle, and they couldn't play outside of the square they set up which served as the "length of the ground"
Player observations:
SSP's (since its who we keep an eye on on, given they are potentially about to be on our list)
+ Might as well start with Eyre; who had another eye-catching; standout performance. Using that lethal left boot of his to go down the wing, or across the ground. He even ran from FB to half forward and kicked a goal during the mini match sim.
He was also chopped off some balls coming his way, used the ball well. I asked a few reporters around me, and he was the front runner in their eyes.
+ Sofronidis, I found he was a bit more involved in chains of play. With some link up handballs in the backline, and had a nice moment in match sim with nice handling of a ball. Kicks well to a target generally as well.
+ Teakle, I thought did alright too. Didn't do any ruck work as that was relegated to cox and DC and so thus he was up forward for most of the time. He sometimes might do stoppage ruck. But he did get hold on some of the ball at times.
The mids:
+ Both Bytel and Sullivan were prominent. Bytel has a great running capacity, and Sullivan is good in tight spaces.
Hustwaite also does some really nice things at times too.
+ Cameron - He had sticky hands during this session. whether that was up forward, around the ground, or plucking himself in defensive.
+ Fin Macrae probably the standout performer in this training session. Stamping his authority through the midfield, good in congested areas, had a great run and link up chains. He's now ready to take the reins when it gets handed to him.
+ reef, was strong in the contest, was using his pace and stength to move through traffic and players. He's making a case for himself for that vacant position.
+ Johnson did some nice things, took a few nice marks up forward.
+ TJ, geez he has some class with the way he moves and with ball in hand. Give him a few pre-seasons and he'll be a good player for us. Such a smooth user.
+ Hill provided some snazzy movements and skills up forward as he moves around his opponents, or sets up scoring opportunities.
Apex36
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Sounds like you want to be able to label him as soft.
- Nov 16, 2014
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Given that room needs to be created each year on the senior list…
I have Richards as the most obvious one to be delisted to create list space
Don’t think many others will be delisted from the senior list as the last two years the club has cleared out the Browns, Rantall, Madgen, Kelly, Ruscoe, Bianco etc.. the VFL level talent… and regenerated with either mature players or kids who need time
- Nov 2, 2012
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Thanks to Jen, Apples and others who write and post about training. Thank you 
Yes, Warburton Lad was the first training poster I believe and he posted at Nick's. He had a unique style, but it was natural, flowed well and there was nothing forced about it. I tried to do reports on the days he didn't attend. I think this was back in 2012 or so.
I think he has had health issues in recent years. Perhaps somebody who posts at Nick's could let us know how he is travelling.
He was the first and I thank him for the great effort.
WL still posts but I believe his health limits the number of training sessions he can go to.
Post from Jan 18 2024:
"Thank you for sharing, Quincy.
Based on this report, I am very bullish about the following players who can make their mark in 2024.
Begg- was always going to take time, but continues to develop nicely.
Steene- has played senior football in SANFL and, like Begg, is a developing player- certainly has a great frame to build upon.
Allan- Is probably ahead of where I thought he may be at this stage- has clearly put some serious gym time into his frame- has elite pace and some very good skills by foot and hand.
McInnes- has teased with his attributes to date but now has the body of an AFL player and will be a lock by mid-year in this team.
Johnson- similar to McInnes- if one views the footage of the players on the ground after the Premiership of 2023, it is hard to suggest that anyone was more excited about the outcome than Johnson himself- he is very good mates with Bobby Hill and McCreery and would love to be part of the team moving forward.
Macrae- whilst Adams will clearly be a loss to our midfield group, Macrae offers a ready-made strong body to fill that void.
Carmichael- people may forget his contributions in his early games; a goal-kicking mid who is very strong in the contest.
DeMattia, Jath, Dean and Jakob Ryan- all will be developing their craft further in 2024
I think Eyre and Bytel will be elevated to the Senior list-
Eyre has good hands and is an excellent and long kick- I think his time at the Bombers was hampered by troublesome hamstring issues (shades of early Darcy Moore) but he is now in his second elite AFL environment and has been consistently impressive on and off the track.
Bytel, similarly, has been troubled early in his AFL career by injuries. It is important to note that despite playing very little football at the end of his junior career (he had stress fractures in his back) he was still touted as a Top Ten pick in that draft. He has been untroubled by the intense workload during our pre-season and the leg injuries that troubled his time at St Kilda seem to be in the past.
Bytel has two qualities that appear to be valued highly by the Magpies: he enjoys tackling and pressuring the ball carrier and he has confidence to 'back-himself' against every opponent.
For the naysayers (outside of the Club), I believe that the depth of the Collingwood list will become very evident in 2024. The intensity of the competition for spots on the primary list (let alone in the first team) will ensure that complacency will not be an issue.
I think that the Collingwood VFL team will play finals in 2024- it is hard to imagine that with so much talent on the final list that our seconds would not be in contention.
Finally, do not be surprised if Dan McStay plays late in 2024. It is only mid-January, but he appears to have come through the surgery very well and is already out on the track and doing a power of work."
Unmasking WL:
He was interviewed by The Age a few years back..
Buckley’s standing as Pies legend ‘undiminished’ but fans angry with board
Some Collingwood fans wanted Nathan Buckley to go, others hoped he would be retained but almost all of them still see him as a legend of the Collingwood Football Club.
- Mar 28, 2023
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I'd like these training reports posted as often as possible.
Succinct, relevant & informative
Some of us are a bit more psycho than others.
Apex36
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I used to post on Nicks a lot (most decent posters migrated over here when Nicks mods (and a few posters) turned the place in to a dumpster fire, and I was thrilled when WL started doing his reports here. I hope he’s ok, he was always the ultimate gentleman.
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Gone Critical
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Not sure thats really true in their 4th year in the system. They have both been slow to find their feet and are on the clock. Lots of kids form the 2020 class have played more senior footy that either of them and if you look at the year after, 2021, 27 who were drafted as 18 yos and have 1 less year in the system have payed more senior footy, even 12 of the kids who were 1st years in 2023 have.
Wishing Finn and Reef all the best, Reef more likely to make it for mine. Still if Ed Allen and a Harry D or HH are the kids who get 10-15 games this year, which they should be aiming at, Reef and Finn probably miss out. It's a really tough business. Reef and Fin should be pre season stars this year cause they should be going at 100% in the pre season and have pre seasons behind them. Still it will mean diddly squat if they dont bring it when the real stuff begins in March. Good luck boys
Apex36
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I think 10-15 games this year for any let alone all of them is going to be a stretch. Reef has the best shot with McStay out, along with Fin joining the mid rotations, but those other boys aren't going to get games without injuries or absolutely elite performances at VFL level. I view our list much like the Hawthorn 3 peat side right now. Not in that were the same league as that neccessarily, but I think that those guys you’ve listed who all show promise will be given slightly more time to play senio footy than recruits of past years simply because spots are so hard to come by right now, and we’ll inevitably have some retirements in the next couple of years too. There were a lot of players at the Hawks in that period who had to bide their time longer than kids at other clubs too.
Gone Critical
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Agree that in a good list it will take longer but what I am really interested in the next Tay, Sidey or Elliott. Because none of that level of player generally has to wait long to play. They are just better than the soldiers on the list so go straight past them. I doubt either Finn or Reef have that in them but there are some hopes for Allen, Tew or Harry D. I mean I want them all to be stars but you have to be realistic. Cause I am bullish on Allen I think it will be a worry if he doesn't score 10 games this year at least.
P.S I didnt mean 10 to 15 for all I just meant 10-15 for 1 or 2 of them who therefore show they are higher level AFL players.
PPS Out of interest who were the Hawks players who had to bide their time. Just looked at the 2015 list and cant see anyone other than Sicily who didn't play in the flag team but then went on to become a serious player. Sicily from 2014-16, his 1st 3 season went 0, 3, 22 games so didnt wait very long but they didnt have anyone else waiting who ended up any good as far as i can see. Kinda makes sense cause they had not much access to the good kids in those years. We are similar.
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