Training Pre-Season 2024

[Golumless]

Yes, but he’s still shown to be somewhat raw as a F50 player when he’s had some chances

It’s all part of the development curve, though

Of course, but ultimately, McDonald is performing better as a goal kicker and forward due to a relative lack of competition. Equally, it's why TT is going to be inconsistent and likely will be until Tex falls off a cliff form wise - or until we're willing to build our forward line away from Tex. There is only so much a third tall can do in this kind of scenario.

 

[cleanhands]

Just stirring you mate

I wish I was more alert to it

 

[SmegHead]

Rach starting to look like a contender

(edit - source: reddit r/afl)

 

[Gtowncrow]

He's a baby. He's not going to physically dominate the league until he's matured playing as a key position forward.

What is it with you and hating our talented players? It's a theme at this point.

What???
#Mutineer has been consistently one of the strongest advocates on these boards for a range of players who have been regular whipping boys. Credit where it's due.

On this one.... you're completely wrong.

 

[Gtowncrow]

Logan McDonald didn't share a forward line with three players who kicked 146 goals between them + a strong support cast (which TT is a part of).

It will be interesting to see him without the Buddy Franklin distraction this year. He should get more delivery at least.

 

[Southerntakeover]

What???
#Mutineer has been consistently one of the strongest advocates on these boards for a range of players who have been regular whipping boys. Credit where it's due.

On this one.... you're completely wrong.

Yes, he loves the unpopular players he can claim some special knowledge to. Give him a second round pick who's never played a game and he'll claim he's got elite attributes.

When it comes to the high talent high upside guys like Fog and Thilthorpe? No respect, no patience.

 

[Danger in Texas]

No, I don't believe it was my posting obsession or an attempt for relevance or attention, but I recall some negative posts i made on Jones.

The Jones negativity seemed pretty memorable to me (and I wasn’t even a believer myself from 21-22)

 

[Crows I Am]

Of course, but ultimately, McDonald is performing better as a goal kicker and forward due to a relative lack of competition. Equally, it's why TT is going to be inconsistent and likely will be until Tex falls off a cliff form wise - or until we're willing to build our forward line away from Tex. There is only so much a third tall can do in this kind of scenario.

Agree that TT will still be inconsistent until Tex hangs up the boots. He always seems to play better when we only have 2 key forwards.

Looking back at his stats from last season, two of his better games of the year were in round 3 and 4 which were games that Fog missed. Against the Power in round 3 he kicked 5 and then against the Dockers in round 4 he had 18 disposals, 9 marks and kicked a goal.

His stats overall are actually really good for a 21 year old Key Forward. He has his quiet games still but that is to be expected. I have confidence that he will become one of our best and most important players in the next 5 years once he hits his peak.

 

[1990crow]

Rach starting to look like a contender

(edit - source: reddit r/afl)

I can't wait to see what level Rachele can get to. Honestly I think he's the most talented player on our list.
Said early he reminded me of GAJ. Nothing's changed except for some discipline queries and needing to get fit.

 

[baldandbroke]

Hey cleanhands, do you think RT is progressing well as a 21 year old big man?

He seems to be growing mentally and understanding the game better each year, attacking the ball harder and using his strengths of great hands and great footy instincts.

You only have to watch how Tex interacts with Riley on the field to see that there is learning to be had in the “intention” space!

Personally, I had a battle with several posters over giving Fog enough time to develop … I will give RT plenty of time to keep improving, I see good things in his close and distant future.

 

[1990crow]

Could be the next Gary Ablett junior.
Starts as a small forward then becomes the best mid in the game who regularly kicks multiple goals.

 

[Danger in Texas]

I can't wait to see what level Rachele can get to. Honestly I think he's the most talented player on our list.
Said early he reminded me of GAJ. Nothing's changed except for some discipline queries and needing to get fit.

Rankine first for mine, Rash not far behind though. I’ve said for a while now that I’m hoping he can be our Robbie Gray once those fitness levels get up, looks like he’s on schedule

Curtin the wildcard re: most talented

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Sure is the pre-season going by the past few pages...

Everyone should be chilling out over festive season.

 

[1990crow]

Rankine first for mine, Rash not far behind though. I’ve said for a while now that I’m hoping he can be our Robbie Gray once those fitness levels get up, looks like he’s on schedule

Curtin the wildcard re: most talented

I think it highlights the talent we have at our disposal that this a debate.

If Rachele becomes an elite midfielder I'd say that he becomes a more influential player than Rankine. Rankine could be an elite half forward but I'm still taking GAJ.

If those two develop AND Thilthorpe becomes an elite forward then flags become a real possibility.
Supplemented by Dawson, Curtin, Pedlar, Murray, Fogarty, Soligo, Hinge and potential like Dowling, Edwards, Ryan, Nankervis, Welsh (FS) and 2024/2025 trade acqustions..

Reason to be optimistic.

 

[cleanhands]

Hey cleanhands, do you think RT is progressing well as a 21 year old big man?

He seems to be growing mentally and understanding the game better each year, attacking the ball harder and using his strengths of great hands and great footy instincts.

You only have to watch how Tex interacts with Riley on the field to see that there is learning to be had in the “intention” space!

Personally, I had a battle with several posters over giving Fog enough time to develop … I will give RT plenty of time to keep improving, I see good things in his close and distant future.

I have said all along he should be persisted with in the seniors even when his form wasn’t good, and the talent is certainly there.
I have pointed out things that concern me, which others like to put their own spin on, and I’m hoping for a bigger jump in improvement this season

 

[cleanhands]

I did and I do comprehend. You seem obsessed with making negative criticisms of Thilthorpe. Go check your posting history. It obviously eventually gets you the online attention you seek to compenstate for what ever voids you have in your real life, you fool.

Don’t brush over the credit I give him or does that escape your reading ability

 

[Bearded Clam]

That's precisely the connotation, and you know it.

I wouldnt go that far..

i’d use the “hears footsteps” more in terms of the lad being too concerned with the players around him instead of simply worrying solely about the bloody football.

Not so much in terms of being a coward.

If he doesnt worry about what his opponent(s) is doing and just focuses solely on attacking the footy at its highest point where, with his height and reach, he’s gonna get first hands on it then he’s gonna be a much more effective player.

The other way we see him worry far too much about his opponent is when he tries to get into a wrestle.. he’s gotta stop worryning about getting into a wrestle.. his greatest strength is leading at the footy and also grabbing it above everyone else in pack marks. We’ve all seen him do it.

He’s 2 metres plus and nearly 100ks of muscle..

He needs to start throwing that at the footy and not caring about who’s in front, either side or coming up behind him.

He did it in his very first AFL match…



The marks he took and the way he attacked the footy in that game should’ve been his blueprint for the last 3 years.. attack the footy and not worry about those around him.

But he’s barely repeated it since.. just the odd glimpse here and there.

 

[Head Selector]

He is well on his way to being A Grade .
Been super consistent when playing the last 2 seasons and improving in nice increments.

Might well push for AA squad from 2025 onwards .

 

[cleanhands]

I wouldnt go that far..

i’d use the “hears footsteps” more in terms of the lad being too concerned with the players around him instead of simply worrying solely about the bloody football.

Not so much in terms of being a coward.

If he doesnt worry about what his opponent(s) is doing and just focuses solely on attacking the footy at its highest point where, with his height and reach, he’s gonna get first hands on it then he’s gonna be a much more effective player.

The other way we see him worry far too much about his opponent is when he tries to get into a wrestle.. he’s gotta stop worryning about getting into a wrestle.. his greatest strength is leading at the footy and also grabbing it above everyone else in pack marks. We’ve all seen him do it.

He’s 2 metres plus and nearly 100ks of muscle..

He needs to start throwing that at the footy and not caring about who’s in front, either side or coming up behind him.

He did it in his very first AFL match…



The marks he took and the way he attacked the footy in that game should’ve been his blueprint for the last 3 years.. attack the footy and not worry about those around him.

But he’s barely repeated it since.. just the odd glimpse here and there.

He’s not a coward that was a p155 poor reply

 

[Faaarrk]

He is well on his way to being A Grade .
Been super consistent when playing the last 2 seasons and improving in nice increments.

Might well push for AA squad from 2025 onwards .

Another favourite of mine. A real team man this one, one of the first to defend a team mate when the opponent is trying to harass them.

 

[cleanhands]

Another favourite of mine. A real team man this one, one of the first to defend a team mate when the opponent is trying to harass them.

I think he’s going to have a massive improvement this season

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Two years is a football life time. If we're smart he'll have doubled his current games tally in that time.

Wuh oh

 

[WaynesWorld19]

OK I have a negative post about Rachele .....just need to prove to Scorpus that you can always lower the bar further

What's with his shorts ....why are they longer than every other players shorts .....it's almost like he's wearing boardies

 

[1990crow]

OK I have a negative post about Rachele .....just need to prove to Scorpus that you can always lower the bar further

What's with his shorts ....why are they longer than every other players shorts .....it's almost like he's wearing boardies

View attachment 1874919

Eddie Betts really struggled hey

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Eddie Betts really struggled hey

His were oversized shorts on a munchkin .....Rachele's actually fits