Training 2025 Pre-Season - Standards are currently being driven

[Fish Sticks]

At training now…
Match simulation of sorts going on with play starting at forward pocket throw ins.
Intensity is high & they are cracking in hard.
I’m never good at telling players apart at ground level when play is on the other side of the ground, but Powelly looks very good. Getting plenty of it & even going for a run with the ball. Looks super fit.
Phillips playing a defensive mid type role on Parker & LDU.
Goad’s athleticism is amazing for a guy his size.
Goaters left leg is like a twig.

 

[The Nostradamus]

A lot of kicking drills atm , which I don’t mind seeing with emphasis on moving the ball off the line with little 20-30m kicks on the 45 . Coaches constantly telling the players faster , faster . Usual suspects looking great . Have to say Jacko is more impressive every time I watch his hands are so sticky could probably play as forward … Cooper Harvey looks super fit .

Good to hear regarding cooper

 

[Roos29]

Dog of a day for McKerchers kicking

 

[deano28]

Dog of a day for McKerchers kicking

Yeah it was odd , missed a lot of what seemed very simple kicks but also hit a couple that would be classed as difficult.

 

[ansonholt]

Training (Arden Street Oval)
Monday, January 20
9am-12pm AEDT

Training (Arden Street Oval)
Thursday, January 23
9am-12pm AEDT

Training (Arden Street Oval)
Saturday, January 25
7.30am-9.30am AEDT

Planning on being there Thursday as well. I love reporting on training and match sims for this board. Haven't seen the boys yet this pre-season.

 

[DuckYeah]

Dog of a day for McKerchers kicking

……

 

[HongKongRoo]

Dog of a day for McKerchers kicking

duckyeah just wet himself with glee

 

[franjon]

At training now…
Match simulation of sorts going on with play starting at forward pocket throw ins.
Intensity is high & they are cracking in hard.
I’m never good at telling players apart at ground level when play is on the other side of the ground, but Powelly looks very good. Getting plenty of it & even going for a run with the ball. Looks super fit.
Phillips playing a defensive mid type role on Parker & LDU.
Goad’s athleticism is amazing for a guy his size.
Goaters left leg is like a twig.

Not the first time they've lined Phillips up on Parker. Probably playing the Captain Obvious role here but you wonder if it's a bit of a schooling exercise.

 

[Chadwiko]

Not the first time they've lined Phillips up on Parker. Probably playing the Captain Obvious role here but you wonder if it's a bit of a schooling exercise.

If Parker needs schooling from Phillips, that's concerning for a veteran like him...

 

[Rick18]

Do you remember the peak of 2014/15 when they would break down great plays from the weekend before into videos?

Hopefully when we get great plays moving forward we can get these going again!

Have some of this now with the shinboner. Rick’s articles give us the good and explain the bad (sometimes).

I’m pretty sure what you’re talking about was put together by Rick18.

The shinboner is the best analytical North content anywhere.

Apologies* for bumping week-old posts but it's the first time I've hopped on this year to read about footy:

It was me who did the NMFC Playbook in 2014-15 until it became more hassle than it was worth. It started out great but eventually the football department asked to cut out certain elements because they were worried it was giving too much away (which I guess was a compliment for me), and then it got to the point where any video was a no-no, so it all got folded into a stat-based post-match thing I'd do each Monday (e.g. https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/424092/post-match-semi-final).

The part that I could never figure out: If opposition analysts are reduced to trawling club websites to learn about basic movement plays all clubs have - nowhere near the more advanced stuff on the blog now - then surely we're already five goals up.

But I was nowhere near senior enough to have that conversation at the time, so I stuck to listening and learning from Brad and co for the most part.

--

Also with the way social and digital media is trending, and how clubs (talking league wide here, not North-specific) are choosing to staff their media departments, in general I don't think we'll see too much of the analysis type work on club platforms.

Because it takes time, a specific skill set of knowledge, and in-depth relationships with the football department to pull all of it off, all while there's a really thin line between 'that's good', and 'none of that anymore please'. A successful analysis piece usually means the football department has to cede some control over how their area of expertise is perceived, which is the big key.

Conversely, you get much more return on investment from fun TikToks like Hawthorn do where they stitch up the players with funny questions as they walk past, or like North's videos with Clarko talking to the squad early last season. It's all for a fraction of the work compared to analysis pieces, and by and large you're not infringing into the coaches' domain.

(*Not a genuine apology, it's the middle of January and not much else happening)

 

[roos_tt29]

Apologies* for bumping week-old posts but it's the first time I've hopped on this year to read about footy:

It was me who did the NMFC Playbook in 2014-15 until it became more hassle than it was worth. It started out great but eventually the football department asked to cut out certain elements because they were worried it was giving too much away (which I guess was a compliment for me), and then it got to the point where any video was a no-no, so it all got folded into a stat-based post-match thing I'd do each Monday (e.g. https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/424092/post-match-semi-final).

The part that I could never figure out: If opposition analysts are reduced to trawling club websites to learn about basic movement plays all clubs have - nowhere near the more advanced stuff on the blog now - then surely we're already five goals up.

But I was nowhere near senior enough to have that conversation at the time, so I stuck to listening and learning from Brad and co for the most part.

--

Also with the way social and digital media is trending, and how clubs (talking league wide here, not North-specific) are choosing to staff their media departments, in general I don't think we'll see too much of the analysis type work on club platforms.

Because it takes time, a specific skill set of knowledge, and in-depth relationships with the football department to pull all of it off, all while there's a really thin line between 'that's good', and 'none of that anymore please'. A successful analysis piece usually means the football department has to cede some control over how their area of expertise is perceived, which is the big key.

Conversely, you get much more return on investment from fun TikToks like Hawthorn do where they stitch up the players with funny questions as they walk past, or like North's videos with Clarko talking to the squad early last season. It's all for a fraction of the work compared to analysis pieces, and by and large you're not infringing into the coaches' domain.

(*Not a genuine apology, it's the middle of January and not much else happening)

Good to get an insight Rick. It's a pity because your work was amazing considering the limited info you had to work with.

Still enjoy reading all your stuff through the year - keep it up!

 

[giantroo]

 

[Waynesworld]

Anyone able to post the content of this article please? I can't get past the firewall

 

[chubbspeterson]

The level of player bashing this forum stoops too is embarrassing. I think we should save that for opposition club and players. Let other clubs eat their own.

Might want to check yourself then. Pretty good at bashing them yourself.

 

[The Dark]

Colby McKercher enjoyed a highlight with a strong tackle deep in the forward pocket but blew the resulting free kick across the face of goal, to the delight and dismay of teammates.

The diligent second-year Roo then spent several minutes practicing set shots from that exact spot.

I love this sooooooo much.

 

[Gasometer]

Apologies* for bumping week-old posts but it's the first time I've hopped on this year to read about footy:

It was me who did the NMFC Playbook in 2014-15 until it became more hassle than it was worth. It started out great but eventually the football department asked to cut out certain elements because they were worried it was giving too much away (which I guess was a compliment for me), and then it got to the point where any video was a no-no, so it all got folded into a stat-based post-match thing I'd do each Monday (e.g. https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/424092/post-match-semi-final).

The part that I could never figure out: If opposition analysts are reduced to trawling club websites to learn about basic movement plays all clubs have - nowhere near the more advanced stuff on the blog now - then surely we're already five goals up.

But I was nowhere near senior enough to have that conversation at the time, so I stuck to listening and learning from Brad and co for the most part.

--

Also with the way social and digital media is trending, and how clubs (talking league wide here, not North-specific) are choosing to staff their media departments, in general I don't think we'll see too much of the analysis type work on club platforms.

Because it takes time, a specific skill set of knowledge, and in-depth relationships with the football department to pull all of it off, all while there's a really thin line between 'that's good', and 'none of that anymore please'. A successful analysis piece usually means the football department has to cede some control over how their area of expertise is perceived, which is the big key.

Conversely, you get much more return on investment from fun TikToks like Hawthorn do where they stitch up the players with funny questions as they walk past, or like North's videos with Clarko talking to the squad early last season. It's all for a fraction of the work compared to analysis pieces, and by and large you're not infringing into the coaches' domain.

(*Not a genuine apology, it's the middle of January and not much else happening)

Well there you go

Thanks for the reply Rick18

I anticipated them greatly at the time; it was a dopamine rush seeing it unpacked

 

[Waynesworld]

I love this sooooooo much.

C'mon man, don't tease - please paste the whole article!!

 

[The Dark]

C'mon man, don't tease - please paste the whole article!!

Pretty sure is not allowed.

 

[franjon]

If Parker needs schooling from Phillips, that's concerning for a veteran like him...

mmkay.

 

[franjon]

Apologies* for bumping week-old posts but it's the first time I've hopped on this year to read about footy:

It was me who did the NMFC Playbook in 2014-15 until it became more hassle than it was worth. It started out great but eventually the football department asked to cut out certain elements because they were worried it was giving too much away (which I guess was a compliment for me), and then it got to the point where any video was a no-no, so it all got folded into a stat-based post-match thing I'd do each Monday (e.g. https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/424092/post-match-semi-final).

The part that I could never figure out: If opposition analysts are reduced to trawling club websites to learn about basic movement plays all clubs have - nowhere near the more advanced stuff on the blog now - then surely we're already five goals up.

But I was nowhere near senior enough to have that conversation at the time, so I stuck to listening and learning from Brad and co for the most part.

--

Also with the way social and digital media is trending, and how clubs (talking league wide here, not North-specific) are choosing to staff their media departments, in general I don't think we'll see too much of the analysis type work on club platforms.

Because it takes time, a specific skill set of knowledge, and in-depth relationships with the football department to pull all of it off, all while there's a really thin line between 'that's good', and 'none of that anymore please'. A successful analysis piece usually means the football department has to cede some control over how their area of expertise is perceived, which is the big key.

Conversely, you get much more return on investment from fun TikToks like Hawthorn do where they stitch up the players with funny questions as they walk past, or like North's videos with Clarko talking to the squad early last season. It's all for a fraction of the work compared to analysis pieces, and by and large you're not infringing into the coaches' domain.

(*Not a genuine apology, it's the middle of January and not much else happening)

You could have just said that my man. Foxtel is proving it's the non-rating period. I've found myself taking an interest in the New Zealand womens T20 series and I think I've watched Kindergarten Cop 3 times, even after seeing it when it came out.

 

[the big lebowski]

Pretty sure is not allowed.

Exerts are ok from a copyright point of view in the context of a review of the article………….

 

[The Dark]

Exerts are ok from a copyright point of view in the context of a review of the article………….

Yeah, just not the whole article.

 

[the big lebowski]

Yeah, just not the whole article.

So can someone please post a whole bunch of exerts?

 

[Makeshift Park]

Hey ChatGPT, can you please provide review and criticism of a news article for me.

ChatGPT: Sure! Please provide the article you'd like me to review and critique.

Recruit Caleb Daniel is on track to play in North Melbourne’s practice matches as he works through a hamstring setback.
The ex-Dog suffered a minor strain on the Roos’ first day back for 2025 but showed little signs of worry as he powered through a lengthy running session at training on Monday.

Daniel joined in some drills at the start of the session then stepped out with the rehab group but ran freely, with the rebounding defender expected back into full training in the next couple of weeks.

North Melbourne will hold match simulation against Melbourne on the weekend of February 22 and 23, before an official match against West Coast in Bunbury on March 1.

The Kangaroos had one of the longest rehab groups in the competition before Christmas but that has thinned down somewhat, with Zac Fisher (foot) and Griffin Logue (wrist) in full training on Monday.

Defender Charlie Comben, recruit Jacob Konstanty and Zane Duursma all joined some drills before setting off for running, while Harry Sheezel took part in the full session after having a slightly modified program before Christmas.

Defender Josh Goater is on the edge of joining full training proper and had a good moment in defence as he works back from an achilles rupture.

The Roos took part in a lengthy full-ground drill, practicing forward stoppages during the Monday session, with Luke Parker and Luke Davies-Uniacke strong at the contest.

No.2 draft pick Finn O’Sullivan worked with the midfield group during the exercise.

Draftee Matt Whitlock played as a defender and is expected to start his career there.

Toby Pink and Charlie Comben both played in defence after swinging forward at times last year.

Ruck Tristan Xerri spent some time forward of the ball and in his stead, Taylor Goad flashed promising signs in the ruck.

The athletic, but raw, big man, who stands at 207cm, has been touted as the quickest player on the North Melbourne list and he showed off his agility by winning a pair of groundballs when following up from throw-ins.

Colby McKercher enjoyed a highlight with a strong tackle deep in the forward pocket but blew the resulting free kick across the face of goal, to the delight and dismay of teammates.

The diligent second-year Roo then spent several minutes practicing set shots from that exact spot.

This article provides a detailed overview of the North Melbourne Kangaroos’ recent training session, with a particular focus on the rehabilitation of injured players and the development of new recruits. It highlights key individuals such as Caleb Daniel, Josh Goater, Zac Fisher, and others, offering insights into their performance during training. The writing is straightforward, offering enough technical details to be informative to fans and readers with a keen interest in the team's progress.

Strengths:

1. Comprehensive Coverage of Key Players: The article covers a wide range of players, both established and new, from Caleb Daniel recovering from a hamstring issue to newcomers like Finn O’Sullivan and Matt Whitlock. This gives the reader a broad sense of the team's current state and individual performances.
2. Positive Tone and Optimism: The tone is generally positive, especially in the way it highlights the recovery and improvement of injured players. Caleb Daniel’s and Josh Goater’s progress is noted with optimism, reinforcing the hope that these players will be fit for the upcoming season.
3. Clear Structure: The article is well-structured, with distinct sections that highlight the rehab group, individual performances, and notable moments during the training session. This makes it easy for readers to follow and digest the information.
4. Visual and Contextual Details: Including images of key players, such as Caleb Daniel and Josh Goater, provides a more dynamic and engaging touch. The mention of specific drills, such as "forward stoppages" and "set shots," adds further context to the training session.

Weaknesses & Criticism:

1. Limited Depth on Tactical Insights: While the article gives a good overview of player performances, it could delve deeper into the tactical aspects of the training session. For example, the mention of "forward stoppages" and other drills could be expanded to discuss how these practices might specifically address areas of need for North Melbourne. There is little context provided about the overall goals of the session in terms of team strategy or what areas the team is specifically focusing on for improvement.
2. Minimal Analysis of Player Impact: The article mentions individual performances but lacks a deeper analysis of how these performances could impact the team in the upcoming season. For example, while it's noted that Zac Fisher "bounced off half-back several times," there's no commentary on how this could help his role within the team or what it means for North Melbourne’s defensive setup.
3. Surface-Level Criticism: Although the article offers a positive tone, there is little room for critical evaluation of the team’s progress or the challenges they may face. For instance, while Caleb Daniel appears to be progressing well, it would be useful to address how a "minor hamstring strain" might affect his fitness in the long term and whether it could lead to further injury setbacks.
4. Lack of Player Context: Some players, such as Finn O'Sullivan and Matt Whitlock, are briefly mentioned but without much background information. Providing more insight into their playing styles or expectations for the upcoming season would help give these mentions more substance and allow readers to connect with the players on a deeper level.
5. Over-Reliance on Player Quotes or External Opinions:The article predominantly focuses on what the author has observed at training and provides no outside perspective or quotes from coaches, players, or experts. Including these elements would have offered greater depth and authority to the coverage. It would be interesting to hear from head coach Alastair Clarkson or other key figures on how they assess the team’s progress.

Conclusion:​

The article does a good job of providing an update on North Melbourne’s training session and player progress, especially in terms of injury recovery and new player development. However, it could benefit from more analysis on the tactical direction of the team, as well as deeper insights into how these individual performances will impact the team's upcoming season. Additionally, a more critical and contextual approach to some of the team's struggles or questions would add a layer of depth that would appeal to a broader audience

 

[the big lebowski]

Hey ChatGPT, can you please provide review and criticism of a news article for me.

Gives me the urge to subscribe to the herald sun

Thanks