Bigman’s Training Reports

[SugarShane]

Keays - I’ve noticed he’s really working on his right foot to the point he barely kicked on his left today. Obviously knows he is very one sided and is trying to address it. Whilst far from perfect he was pretty good on his opposite for the most part.

This is good from the lad. Clearly his most glaring weakness is his kicking and one sidedness. If he's even serviceable on his right he becomes very dangerous given how regularly he gets in the right place at the right time.

Keane - keep singing his praises but he’s a weapon out there. Gets used a lot by his teammates and it’s not surprising as he changes the angles and takes risks. Also becoming better at leaving his man and taking the intercept rather than sitting back. Still underrated in the media but not sure that will be the case for much longer.

Media were hyped and ready to rate him to the moon but then he re-signed with us instead of going to Collingwood so he's a nobody again.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Keays is a good vice captain- you’re never going to look at him and think he’s not giving his all or he can’t talk about someone needing to work harder

The much maligned in here Keays has proven his worth

VC and maybe a DVC to come from him , Fog , ANB and maybe Hinge I reckon . I eve happy with all those in the group

Won’t be long and Max and Draper will join

 

[Jeffcrowe]

At one point I thought this but then Gold Coast gave a list spot to Jack Mahony who was a much, much worse player than Murphy

Jed McEntee is a worse player than Murphy

You’d think both would struggle to play any games next year

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Headed over to Richmond Oval, absolute peach of a day weather wise.

Won’t lie, I’m starting to get a little concerned about how many injuries we are starting to pick up. It’s not dire straits just yet as most are little niggles but it’s definitely not ideal:

Butts is still watching from the sidelines while obviously Strachan is out for a while.

Tex was solely running laps. He did look pretty fluid out there but it’s worrying that he’s now had back and hamstring issues over the last 12 months.

Ryan and Rachele did not train, instead only walking around. Ryan suffered a corkie on Monday apparently, not sure the issue with Rash. Looked in good spirits at least.

Cumming headed in early. Didn’t see the incident and seemed ok when he re-emerged from the change rooms at the end of the session, but given his recent soft tissue issues let’s hope there’s nothing in it.

Soligo, Nankervis, Pedlar and Thilthorpe did the early drills before heading over to the rehab group. All moved well besides maybe Filthy who still looks a touch stiff. Not too concerned about the other three, Pedlar seems to be recovering well from the hamstring. Not sure the problem with Nank, seems fine. Soligo is likely just management for his groins.

Peatling jolted his hamstring during match sim and came off before being assessed. Went back on and was still out there by session’s end but it looked similar to Rozee last year - I wouldn’t be shocked if there’s an issue there but will have to wait and see.

To be fair the boys are going pretty hard so injuries are inevitable but given it’s only December, this is a fairly sizeable casualty list. The positive is most of them are on the minor end though I do hold some concerns for Tex and Filthy as their issues can tend to linger and may not be resolved for some time. Let’s hope that’s not the case.

On the plus side, Hinge completed a full session and looked pretty good while Milera is basically in full training as well. Taylor also trained fully (and well) after hurting his ankle last week.

Today also saw Lachlan McAndrew join the group after being delisted by Sydney. He’s a very tall lad - put a fair gap on Baulderstone - and while not bulky he does look to be in good shape. He moved pretty well, reminded me of Hunter a bit, kicking is just ok (pretty high ball drop). Put a good chase on Sholl during match sim but gave an awkward shove in the back on his kick which received groans from the boys, thankfully Sholly didn’t rip his hamstring.

After a bit of keeping’s off style drills on both sides of the ground (with one team always defending which looked bloody tiring I must say), they then transitioned into an interesting drill where one team moved the ball from kick in while the other was focussed on intercepting at half forward and getting repeat entries. The latter team seemed to be encouraged to shift the angles and avoid just long bombing the ball back in - going sideways or even retreating a little was fine. They were however forced to play on quickly from marks so I wouldn’t say it was stodgy ball movement, more smart. Was good to see them often lowering their eyes too.

Finally the lads did a small amount of match sim minus stoppages, rotating between three groups. Unfortunately Draper and Welsh were held off from this part.

Overall the standard was pretty solid today, the dwindling numbers definitely had an impact but I saw enough to like. Friday is usually the most intense session so I look forward to seeing them again then. I just hope guys like Cumming, Rachele and Peatling are all good.

Some player thoughts:

Jones - he’s really impressed me so far this summer. He looks fit, quick and super sharp out there. He’s one of our most penetrating kicks so to see him really involved out there is great because in previous pre seasons he’s been a bit inconspicuous at times. Not so this year.

Keays - I’ve noticed he’s really working on his right foot to the point he barely kicked on his left today. Obviously knows he is very one sided and is trying to address it. Whilst far from perfect he was pretty good on his opposite for the most part.

Curtin - laid a ripping tackle on Neal-Bullen who would’ve gotten away from most players but not Dan. Is a very good tackler and is also adept at getting the ball away by hand when being tackled himself. Not particular surprising when you see him out there though, he’s a seriously big unit (whilst still having a lean and athletic build).

Murray - is clearly trying to develop more of an explosive running game coming out of defence. A number of times he looked for the handball receive and put the jets on. Isn’t afraid to use the corridor either, for good or bad - today was mostly good.

Edwards - appears to be training more with the defenders lately, I wonder if this was always planned or has only been a recent change. As I’ve said previously he is good at finding space coming out of defence. Also a bit of a super boot - not quite peak Smith but has a serious hoof on him. Would like to see more run and carry though, he’s a bit stationary at present.

Cook - better today. Still has the odd aerial contest where you’d love to see him hold the mark but was good to see him turn the jets on a couple of times and use his speed to get around opponents. Very much playing as a forward pocket so doesn’t get heaps of it but as you’d expect he rarely wastes it.

Welsh - noticed a couple times today he expressed himself a bit more and used his speed upon collecting the ball to create space. Reminded me a lot of Fog in those moments. Is looking a bit trimmer too although obviously has some ways to go yet.

Taylor - definitely appears to predominately be a forward pocket in the coaches’ eyes, for the time being at least. Not the worst thing for Taylor as he has some goal sense and is deceptively good in the air, and it’s probably his best pathway into the team given Rachele and in particular Rankine have trained a lot as mids this summer. Is it because of his running capacity? Possibly but he’s looked pretty decent in the role - had several goal assists - even though he’s a natural centre square player. Got a big applause from the boys when he sprinted 50m to chase down Cook and save a goal.

Peatling - obviously hoping there’s no issue with his hamstring but one thing you quickly notice about him is that he’s quite the contortionist. Very light on his feet and bends his body really well to allude tacklers.

Dowling - a bit of the Bizarro Dawson in that his kicking gets better and better as he gets closer to goal. Still slides on his kick but he’s great at spotting up targets inside 50 and even better in front of goal.

Fogarty - I’ve mentioned this before but he’s become a real vocal presence out there, particularly when it comes to making sure players are set up correctly. Suspect that even though the leadership group will likely be shrunk down this season, he should still be in it.

Draper - just small moments but had a nice one where he sold some candy, sped past his opponent and hit a nice short pass to Worrell on the 50m line. Still finding his feet in some of the drills in terms of positioning but after Christmas I expect him to hopefully be unshackled.

Borlase - having a sneakily good pre season and it’s a good thing too given Butts’ injury. Had some really nice intercepts today and even though he’s slow, he’s reasonably agile and a thinker with ball in hand.

Toby Murray - saw Tex go up to him after one drill to help him out with his body work and positioning. He’s a good athlete but struggling a bit in the air at present. Hopefully he can figure it out and start clunking them soon.

Keane - keep singing his praises but he’s a weapon out there. Gets used a lot by his teammates and it’s not surprising as he changes the angles and takes risks. Also becoming better at leaving his man and taking the intercept rather than sitting back. Still underrated in the media but not sure that will be the case for much longer.

Once this pre-Christmas block of training ends (I’m assuming next week) I’ll write up a list of who’s impressed the most so far.

Reckon keane’s potential to be a very good player is underrated by our fans due to the odd brain fade

He’s a potential break out star this year , our best intercept player already but that could jump another level

Remarkable given where he’s come from

He won’t be happy his b1tch Dixon has retired though

 

[Betts are off]

Thanks Bigman, as always your work is grealyt appreciated.

1 things I noticed from the Insta Stories that I was wondering if you've seen is Draper's Handballing. I always thought when watching his clips that he had a bit of a wild technique. But 1 insta story might have pinpointed the issue, I saw him chose the inside out handball rather then the non preferred. Which is a bit of a junior football trait and explains the flailing arms in his highlights.

Have you seen this too?

Not a massive issue, still effective, but might need to tighten up the technique over the next year or so.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Thanks Bigman, as always your work is grealyt appreciated.

1 things I noticed from the Insta Stories that I was wondering if you've seen is Draper's Handballing. I always thought when watching his clips that he had a bit of a wild technique. But 1 insta story might have pinpointed the issue, I saw him chose the inside out handball rather then the non preferred. Which is a bit of a junior football trait and explains the flailing arms in his highlights.

Have you seen this too?

Not a massive issue, still effective, but might need to tighten up the technique over the next year or so.

I saw it - He actually used his non preferred left hand inside out if you watch it again rather than the preferred right hand when he was on the right side to use the right hand

Obviously just an instinct thing , but it was quite bizarre , no one else went on their left in same drill

Not being from a football background originally there are a few quirks in his game IMO , but there’s also probably some advantages in that too

 

[Betts are off]

I saw it - He actually used his non preferred left hand inside out if you watch it again rather than the preferred right hand when he was on the right side to use the right hand

Obviously just an instinct thing , but it was quite bizarre , no one else went on their left in same drill

Not being from a football background originally there are a few quirks in his game IMO , but there’s also probably some advantages in that too

Oh wow, you're right. That is even stranger to chose that.

Maybe he's one or those people who kick right and handball left by preference.

I'm a right hander but weirdly play pool lefty. Not sure why just always have done it that way

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Oh wow, you're right. That is even stranger to chose that.

Maybe he's one or those people who kick right and handball left by preference.

I'm a right hander but weirdly play pool lefty. Not sure why just always have done it that way

In games he’s a right hand dominant handballer

 

[Rory Walkerfield]

Bigman - do any of the key defenders ever train as forwards? If so, who of them do you think would be most adept at making the move forward? We saw Borlase play a game forward last year and I suspect we may need, or want, to use one of Murray, Worrell, Keane, Butts or Borlase forward at times this season. The first of those four mentioned are best 22 players IMO, but can't all fit in the backline if fit.

We probably have 3 AFL level key forwards in Walker, Fogarty and Thilthorpe - with Walker likely needing to be managed this season and Thilthorpe potentially used as 1st ruck if ROB goes down. We have Curtin who may be first cab off the rank or play another role. Then there is Burgess as a break glass in emergency. Then Murray and Welsh who are still raw.

I'm interested to know if they train for it, or are they pretty set in their areas and with their line coaches?

Your post makes too much sense.

Worrell played forward and back in juniors didn’t he Mutineer ?

Would make a hell of a lot more sense developing someone like him as a swing player rather than the paint by numbers that Nicks usually goes by (ie Burgess comes in as a forward rather than shifting Woz forward and playing Butts in defence if needed). This would require a modicum of flexible thinking which Nicks has demonstrated he doesn’t have.

 

[Rory Walkerfield]

The much maligned in here Keays has proven his worth

VC and maybe a DVC to come from him , Fog , ANB and maybe Hinge I reckon . I eve happy with all those in the group

Won’t be long and Max and Draper will join

Didn’t Reid let slip in the radio interview that ANB would have a leadership role?

 

[SLOWNE]

This would require a modicum of flexible thinking which Nicks has demonstrated he doesn’t have.

Nicksy lives and dies by his preseason depth chart. He is the absolute antithesis of Blighty.

 

[Golumless]

Your post makes too much sense.

Worrell played forward and back in juniors didn’t he Mutineer ?

Would make a hell of a lot more sense developing someone like him as a swing player rather than the paint by numbers that Nicks usually goes by (ie Burgess comes in as a forward rather than shifting Woz forward and playing Butts in defence if needed). This would require a modicum of flexible thinking which Nicks has demonstrated he doesn’t have.

Swing talls are a complete waste of time. Why sacrifice some extra time developing as a defender just so you can have a medicore key forward. Especially if you have a capable interceptor in a game where intercepting power is uber important.

Talls aren't like smalls (where the optimal path is to develop everyone like an inside midfielder). It's better to specialise and it's much better to run a Burgess as a third tall (who cares) and keep your best defenders in defense.

 

[Slime Roy]

Reckon keane’s potential to be a very good player is underrated by our fans due to the odd brain fade

He’s a potential break out star this year , our best intercept player already but that could jump another level

Remarkable given where he’s come from

He won’t be happy his b1tch Dixon has retired though

Especially as it's his first full pre-season.
Sky's the limit!

 

[Mostyn]

Your post makes too much sense.

Worrell played forward and back in juniors didn’t he Mutineer ?

Would make a hell of a lot more sense developing someone like him as a swing player rather than the paint by numbers that Nicks usually goes by (ie Burgess comes in as a forward rather than shifting Woz forward and playing Butts in defence if needed). This would require a modicum of flexible thinking which Nicks has demonstrated he doesn’t have.

So ruin the defensive structure instead of just bringing in a replacement who's already playing that role?

 

[Pugsley]

Nicksy lives and dies by his preseason depth chart. He is the absolute antithesis of Blighty.

There won't be anyone like Blighty.

 

[1970crow]

At one point I thought this but then Gold Coast gave a list spot to Jack Mahony who was a much, much worse player than Murphy

The difference is that when Suns picked him up he had just turned 22 years old with only 44 games under the belt, off an injury cruelled season and output near enough to identical to Murphy. Bit different when there's a 115 game history of being not a liability about 1 in every 6 weeks.

 

[Coopers]

Reckon keane’s potential to be a very good player is underrated by our fans due to the odd brain fade

He’s a potential break out star this year , our best intercept player already but that could jump another level

Remarkable given where he’s come from

He won’t be happy his b1tch Dixon has retired though

Well there was also that game where that human potato from Sydney kicked 85000 goals on him

 

[WheresGroomgone]

Bigman can you tell me where and when Friday’s training will be held? Cheers


*edit just saw all the previous posts - I won’t be heading out to Elizabeth!

 

[Pugsley]

Well there was also that game where that human potato from Sydney kicked 85000 goals on him

Joel Amartey. At least he will have a story to tell his grandkids.

 

[Cromulant]

Joel Amartey. At least he will have a story to tell his grandkids.

He was in decent form before that game IIRC, but he really dined out that night.

 

[SugarShane]

He was in decent form before that game IIRC, but he really dined out that night.

Just had a look, not wrong. Looks like we played him out of form though.

Before our game he only kicked less than 2 goals twice (if he wasn't sub).
Immediately after our game he kicked 0, 1, 0, 2, 1, 0, 0.

 

[Slime Roy]

Well there was also that game where that human potato from Sydney kicked 85000 goals on him

Yet somehow he still rated higher than Murray or Butts for the match?!
I had to look it up coz I thought Keane must have been or only tall defender or something. But no, just an absolute shocker!

 

[Floating Doughnut]

Yet somehow he still rated higher than Murray or Butts for the match?!
I had to look it up coz I thought Keane must have been or only tall defender or something. But no, just an absolute shocker!

In an ideal world Keane never plays lockdown but as our premier interceptor .

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Well there was also that game where that human potato from Sydney kicked 85000 goals on him

Yep for sure

Was he in the right role that game would be my question

Do you put your most prolific intercept marker on the hot hand

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Yet somehow he still rated higher than Murray or Butts for the match?!
I had to look it up coz I thought Keane must have been or only tall defender or something. But no, just an absolute shocker!

I do remember 2 of those goals being on butts and maybe one on another player

But Keane certainly got flogged that night