Training 2024 training updates.

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Great stuff Jen. Re Carmichael, I saw on one of your videos that somebody looking like him had his hands up to his face…. Maybe he copped a poke in the eye?

 

[3066]

Speaking of lean, Maynard looked very lean to me. He didn't look the "brute enforcer" up close. Has anybody else noticed this?

Yeah I was there yesterday too .... I think it's because he's shedded fat, more than lost muscle. I'm sure once his shoulder gets cherry ripe and he hits the press, he'll load up on the calories. (purely just my guessing).

I love the fact that even though Bruzzy was on the bike (in the stands), he was still yelling out encouragment to some of the players during the tackling the drills.

.... and I gotta say, "Whisper" for Nick Daicos is a bit of a nuffy sounding name when yelled out loud.

 

[LuckyLee]

Training - Monday December 11th. Week 3.

Victoria Park. 9am.

One session down in the last week of training before they break for xmas. And it was a really intense session.
Wade did put them through huge running sprints to start the session off. It's clear that Reef has improved on his running since last pre-season. He's no longer one of the last ones, but more keeping up within the pack.
What did surprise me was that Hill came last. A bit of a situation to Johnson last year, where he got overlapped. Not even sure how his running was last year, because I never noticed; but a few of us noticed this morning. Apparantely he isn't a fan of running -- Mentioned being alergic to it haha Just came as a bit of a surprise, as I thought he would be a good runner. Maybe these things take time, especially if he wants to move up the ground. For the time being it doesn't matter too much, as he relies on pace rather than endurance.

The likes of Lippa, IQ, Nick didn't appear to break a sweat less alone move out of 1st gear during the whole thing. I imagine lots of players would be envy of having this kind of endurance.

Mihocek was another that struggled a bit toward the end.

Next up they split off into groups to partake in some drills at different parts of the ground. Handballing in tight situations, also kicking into what would be F50.
They came back together and split off into two groups. One group put on the vests. This was more about pressure, intensity and tackling.
It was inperative they had mouth guards in for this because there was no holding back. To the point in a rough tackle, Hill hurt his shoulder and had to get it taped up for the rest of the session; where he went joined the rehab group or those on restricted programs like Moore, DC, Jamie.

Something happened to Carmichael around this time, or a bit later, as it suddenly disappeared. Was on the bench, then must have gone inside. Unsure what the issue with him is.
Same with Dean. He did some drills, but then I didn't see him again until later, when he appeared out of his kit, walking around. There was was IQ, who I saw later like he was already dressed; as if his session was cut short. He did most of it, but not the last 15 mins or so. Not the match sim, I didn't recall seeing him. But he seemed to linger and take photos with fans, so whatever it is, I don't think its too serious.

Out of the SSP's this morning, Eye was the most eye catching. His defensive efforts, he has a nice kick, and good marking hands. Just stood out today, and I reckon he has one foot into a list spot. Certainly not doing anything wrong at all.


Sullivan and Shultz could easily be mistaken for one another, given they have similar build and height. Both hard running types as well. Good thing they play in different areas of the ground lol

Nick was profolific as usual, just gliding along the ground no matter where he is playing. Jordy was also influential as well. Sometimes you might see him up forward, sometimes in the middle.
Lippa too seemed to be roaming all over the ground. Sometimes you'd see him coming from up forward, through the middle, and down back. Part of being a mid helping out defence I suppose.

Reef looked strong up forward, making use of good hands, and its clear he is much stronger this pre-season.
Fin had quick hands and good workrate through the middle.
Noble's lightning pace and run and carry was quite notable as he runs out from defence.
Johnson's workrate is improving little by every session, but otherwise he was a bit quieter this morning

Thanks for the great update, Jen.
How is Ed Allan looking so far? What position(s) is he training in?


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[petrie pie]

Training - Monday December 11th. Week 3.

Victoria Park. 9am.

One session down in the last week of training before they break for xmas. And it was a really intense session.
Wade did put them through huge running sprints to start the session off. It's clear that Reef has improved on his running since last pre-season. He's no longer one of the last ones, but more keeping up within the pack.
What did surprise me was that Hill came last. A bit of a situation to Johnson last year, where he got overlapped. Not even sure how his running was last year, because I never noticed; but a few of us noticed this morning. Apparantely he isn't a fan of running -- Mentioned being alergic to it haha Just came as a bit of a surprise, as I thought he would be a good runner. Maybe these things take time, especially if he wants to move up the ground. For the time being it doesn't matter too much, as he relies on pace rather than endurance.

The likes of Lippa, IQ, Nick didn't appear to break a sweat less alone move out of 1st gear during the whole thing. I imagine lots of players would be envy of having this kind of endurance.

Mihocek was another that struggled a bit toward the end.

Next up they split off into groups to partake in some drills at different parts of the ground. Handballing in tight situations, also kicking into what would be F50.
They came back together and split off into two groups. One group put on the vests. This was more about pressure, intensity and tackling.
It was inperative they had mouth guards in for this because there was no holding back. To the point in a rough tackle, Hill hurt his shoulder and had to get it taped up for the rest of the session; where he went joined the rehab group or those on restricted programs like Moore, DC, Jamie.

Something happened to Carmichael around this time, or a bit later, as it suddenly disappeared. Was on the bench, then must have gone inside. Unsure what the issue with him is.
Same with Dean. He did some drills, but then I didn't see him again until later, when he appeared out of his kit, walking around. There was was IQ, who I saw later like he was already dressed; as if his session was cut short. He did most of it, but not the last 15 mins or so. Not the match sim, I didn't recall seeing him. But he seemed to linger and take photos with fans, so whatever it is, I don't think its too serious.

Out of the SSP's this morning, Eye was the most eye catching. His defensive efforts, he has a nice kick, and good marking hands. Just stood out today, and I reckon he has one foot into a list spot. Certainly not doing anything wrong at all.


Sullivan and Shultz could easily be mistaken for one another, given they have similar build and height. Both hard running types as well. Good thing they play in different areas of the ground lol

Nick was profolific as usual, just gliding along the ground no matter where he is playing. Jordy was also influential as well. Sometimes you might see him up forward, sometimes in the middle.
Lippa too seemed to be roaming all over the ground. Sometimes you'd see him coming from up forward, through the middle, and down back. Part of being a mid helping out defence I suppose.

Reef looked strong up forward, making use of good hands, and its clear he is much stronger this pre-season.
Fin had quick hands and good workrate through the middle.
Noble's lightning pace and run and carry was quite notable as he runs out from defence.
Johnson's workrate is improving little by every session, but otherwise he was a bit quieter this morning

Great report as per usual Jen, I have been noticing quite a bit of talk around Eyre and you are correct he does seem to be putting his best foot forward. Extra work on the weekend and such we could certainly use his size down back, I thought he looked quite handy at times in the VFL before his injury.

PS I love all 3 reports from our training session each give a different perspective.

 

[Apples]

The media manager prepares the players for anticipated questions.
Suspended players, injuries, misbehaving players etc are usually the go to for media.
Thankfully we’ve only got one of those three topics to discuss.

That's true. Yesterday TJ and DiMattia were called over to the dugout and told they would be interviewed after training. When training was over, two media girls spoke with them on the ground for about 5 minutes, no doubt preparing them for questions.
I have to add that I was still surprised at their poise. Most guys their age would be a little nervous, but they appeared so nonchalant about it.

I know we all wear rose coloured glasses at times, and I know it's only December, but both these boys appear to have leadership written all over them.

 

[schmiddi18]

Training Report Monday 11th December

Overcast, cool and drizzly.

It felt like old times walking into a Victoria Park with leaden skies and persistent drizzle this morning. I realised, as I took my seat in front of the Ryder Stand, that I’d been coming here for 60 years. That’s a constant in my life like no other.

Today, despite the weather, it felt fantastic to be back. Thanks to a broken ankle and then a broken leg, it’s almost two years since I’ve ventured to training.

Pendles, Sidey, WHE and Howie weren’t present and according to Tew, probably won’t be back until after Christmas. Not sure how Tew knows this, but he said it in his interview later.

This session lasted over 2 hours and after one hour the players looked ready to drop. That’s because most took part in an exhausting series of 50 metre sprints. They’d run the 50 then line up and go again. I lost count how many times they did it, but it must have been 30 or more. Half way through the torture, a few players looked worse for wear; Brody Mihocek looked out on his feet and trailed the pack noticeably.

The front runners looked to be doing it easily: Lipinski, Jack Bytel, Q, Nick and a big bloke sporting No.32 (Teakle??) led every charge. At the end of this session, the players retired to the Ryder Stand side for drinks. One advantage of training at Vic Park is the proximity to the players it affords. I was sitting beside the old reserves bench and the waft of Voltarin and body sweat was strong.

Craig Macrae, on his first day back from Harvard, addressed the players after a few minutes. I couldn’t catch all of it, but I did hear some of his speech.
“What do we do here when it gets tough? We keep working. There’s no judgement, but we want your best. Aim for your best. We want your best. We won’t judge you.”

The players then broke up through various drills for the next hour or so. At one stage, the drizzle became heavier and we retreated upstairs into the Ryder stand. For a while the players broke up into four groups, each overseen by coaches. The drills were all based on quick ball movement by hand and foot.

Then a match sim of sorts took place in the centre of the ground. This was run by Leppitsch. Basically the players worked within a small square of space where they moved the ball at lightning speed. The tackling was ferocious. I had never seen this drill before, but the overwhelming impression was of controlled chaos. It was exciting to watch. Beau McCreery loved this drill – he was everywhere and his tackling was bruising.

After another break, the players worked in black, white and yellow teams, with two playing at any one time. I noticed that Justin Leppitsch and Hayden Skipworth were now upstairs, standing near me. Leppa held a walkie talkie communicating with somebody on the ground.

Then the players went into what I can only describe as modified match-simulation.

The walkie-talkie was working overtime here. At one stage Leppa lost his cool as a player did not stand the mark well enough. A few expletives were directed toward Joe Richards. Then the players were called in and after a chat, went back to match-sim work. Skipworth suddenly shouted to another coach on the boundary, “Tell them now….go now.”
I presume this is a cue to begin some set-play. He then ran down to the field to oversee this drill.

Later during this sim, Macrae blew the whistle as a player marked and readied to kick for goal.
“Shot after the siren. This is an after-siren kick.” The player took stock, breathed heavily, and took the shot. It might have been Ed Allen, but I’m not sure.

After the session had finished DeMattia and Tew did an interview with a pack of journos, one of whom was Xander McGuire. They were thrown the usual general questions and did their best to answer them. Both seemed media savvy already. Both confident young men.

A few players received treatment during the morning. Bobby Hill looked a bit ‘wingy’ at one stage and left the track. He returned later. Charlie Dean started OK, but then came and spoke to a few trainers near me. He’d been inside and showered already. Not sure what happened to him.

An hour into training, Quaynor walked towards the physios clutching at his hamstring. He then received heavy duty thumb treatment to the upper hammy/buttock region before walking off for the day.

A few players stood out to me this morning; admittedly I went with the idea of watching them closely. One was Jack Bytel, who worked hard, and possesses speed and skill. He appears strong close-in and has a tank. Today he looked as if he could turn around and do it all again. I can see why we have given him a shot.

I kept an eye on McInnes also. Every time I see him I wonder why he isn’t a regular. He’s got the pace, the physique and the height. Then I realise why. He just doesn’t make an impact. Ditto Macrae – I really want him to succeed, but he just seems to be pretty vanilla in just about every area.

Kreuger looks so impressive; a man mountain. Surely he could replace McStay? Then in match play, the ball is kicked long. Kreuger is in perfect position against Nathan Murphy. Kreuger slips, Murphy marks and runs away. I thought he trained pretty well and told Mr Apples so. “You always like him and then he does that. He falls over or gets injured.”
I’m not giving up on him just yet.

Beau McCreery, Markov, DeGoey, Mitchell and Nick were super. At one stage today I watched a drill with a player running toward a pack. Suddenly he kicked sideways without missing a beat and hit McInnes on the chest. “Who’s number 45? He did that like Daicos!” I said to Mr Apples. ‘It is Daicos….he‘s changed jumpers.” So tricky picking up some of them today. There were two players wearing 14 and Nick wore number 2 and then number 45.

The players were all heading off to Coffee Club whatever and wherever that is, with somebody in the group picking up the tab from what I could gather – there was plenty of good natured ribbing over this.

And another thing: little things that you don’t see unless you’re there and they happen in front of you.
Jamie Elliott making the newbies feel at home, slapping hands encouraging and acknowledging them.
Nathan Kreuger getting so angry with himself after stuffing up.
Macrae seeking even more info from the trainers.
Players and coaches yelling “Help him up, help him up,” after a player hits the deck following a McCreery bone-cruncher.
Two, yes two drones hovering overhead!
And Nick Daicos - sublime always and apparently he’s organising a pair of black boots for Jarrod Wade. Is there anything he cannot do?

Everything seemed sweet today at Vic Park; it’s December and we’re Premiers.

Not too worried about McInnes or Macrae. They’ll be ready this year. Johnson has some flashy highlights over McInnes but I’d be selecting McInnes for his work. At some point have to let them fly. It’s all early, players are still experimenting. Same with Macrae.

 

[manicpie]

Not too worried about McInnes or Macrae. They’ll be ready this year. Johnson has some flashy highlights over McInnes but I’d be selecting McInnes for his work. At some point have to let them fly. It’s all early, players are still experimenting. Same with Macrae.

I know it's been asked, but are you Kindersmok? It's ok if you are, I have 3 personalties most days, it's why they call me manic

 

[schmiddi18]

I know it's been asked, but are you Kindersmok? It's ok if you are, I have 3 personalties most days, it's why they call me manic

Nope, not at all. It’s possible for two people to have similar ideas and thoughts.

But I am mates with the poster behind Kinder fwiw.

 

[Markfs]

Nope, not at all. It’s possible for two people to have similar ideas and thoughts.

i'm thinking of changing my name so I can be better liked. Has it worked for you?

 

[The Phantom]

i'm thinking of changing my name so I can be better liked. Has it worked for you?

Past performance is not a guaranteed indicator of future outcomes.

 

[schmiddi18]

i'm thinking of changing my name so I can be better liked. Has it worked for you?

I haven’t. Kinder and myself know each other via a pretty common way (three guesses what) but we are different people. I don’t live in the same state as Kinder anymore, hence how I bumped into Macrae, Ryan, Steene, Harrison, Hustwaite, Jordan Roughead and Cox yesterday (and a handful of others).

 

[Soups]

I haven’t. Kinder and myself know each other via a pretty common way (three guesses what) but we are different people. I don’t live in the same state as Kinder anymore, hence how I bumped into Macrae, Ryan, Steene, Harrison, Hustwaite, Jordan Roughead and Cox yesterday (and a handful of others).

You’re both Scientologists?

 

[Couch Coach]

You’re both Scientologists?

Both being from Tasmania they would have to be related.

• They share the same body (two heads jokes)
• They are cousins and brothers (in-breading jokes)

 

[Markfs]

I haven’t. Kinder and myself know each other via a pretty common way (three guesses what) but we are different people. I don’t live in the same state as Kinder anymore, hence how I bumped into Macrae, Ryan, Steene, Harrison, Hustwaite, Jordan Roughead and Cox yesterday (and a handful of others).

nice cover story.....good luck with it.

 

[Apples]

It's perfectly reasonable that family members can develop a similar style - twins especially. I highly doubt that friends would develop a similar voice or style in their writing - unless they are very special friends

 

[Markfs]

It's perfectly reasonable that family members can develop a similar style - twins especially. I highly doubt that friends would develop a similar voice or style in their writing - unless they are very special friends

I think we need some romance on BF...

 

[loki04]

When have we ever been a perennial mid ranked team though? Feels like you’re creating a problem that hasn’t happened yet tbh.

Essendon other teams have had that happen prior to then bottoming out after a massive run of mid table finished topping up through late 2000s.
Richmond, North and Dogs also had their time doing it. Richmond then went tankville to build the core of the next 3 flag team before then topping up with rookies and mature recruits for filling wholes.


My point is no team has done it by neglecting the draft for mature vfl players and at some point we are in for a proper rebuild.

 

[loki04]

Perennial mid ranked team?
That's St Kilda.

Richmond wasn't called 9thmond for nothing.

 

[manicpie]

Nope, not at all. It’s possible for two people to have similar ideas and thoughts.

But I am mates with the poster behind Kinder fwiw.

Really/, that's cool. Where is kinda, I kinda miss him

 

[ElliottsMaggies]

I know it's been asked, but are you Kindersmok? It's ok if you are, I have 3 personalties most days, it's why they call me manic

Lol. It absolutely is.

 

[manicpie]

Lol. It absolutely is.

Is it really? If so, I don't know why he changed. I liked kinda's posts and nearly had him off the smok and onto biro's

 

[ElliottsMaggies]

Nope, not at all. It’s possible for two people to have similar ideas and thoughts.

But I am mates with the poster behind Kinder fwiw.

Such a coincidence you joined up the same time Kinder stopped posting ..

 

[ElliottsMaggies]

Is it really? If so, I don't know why he changed. I liked kinda's posts and nearly had him off the smok and onto biro's

Yes. It is. Kinder had previously said he was coming over to Victoria to do some study/work type thing at the club. I think schmiddi18 said he was at the club yesterday

 

[Pragmatic Shill]

i'm thinking of changing my name so I can be better liked. Has it worked for you?

I'm curious to know this too.

 

[Markfs]

Yes. It is. Kinder had previously said he was coming over to Victoria to do some study/work type thing at the club. I think schmiddi18 said he was at the club yesterday

You might be having fun now, but do you want us to be easy on you when you become a new person?