Training Preseason 22-23

Remove this Banner Ad

Awesome photo.

I think McLean can take a lot of inspiration from Libba since he also did multiple ACL’s.

He is looking big isn’t he! I think the two of them could form a great partnership in the midfield.
Ditto. Dunkley Schmunkley.
 
LOL poor. Streety he was good for some comic relief
794550486d83a3f1a9e581270d656222
 

Log in to remove this ad.

Weird article, makes it sound like he’s been constantly injured through his career. May have had a niggle or two but he’s only missed one game to injury from memory
Yeah, whenever I think of Baz's durability I think back to Darcy's comment early in the channel seven telecast of our 2021 SF. Baz has a free kick just outside fifty when Darc mentions, "He hasn't missed a game since debut."

Very durable player is young Baz.
 
Do we HAVE to fill that rookie list spot before the season starts / in the mid year draft? Or is it possible we can bank it for the next off season, and go in to it with one spot readily open?
 
And the following week, Boyd had a premiership medallion around his neck, kicked goal of the century, and narrowly missed getting the Norm Smith. It took Cameron another six years for a premiership, Patton we won't talk about, and Lobb has missed out so far but might even break through quite soon :).
Lobb quite humbly has come over to the right side.
 
I flip flop between your optimistic view and the pessimism that's more befitting of a Dogs fan.

I think frankly it is too early to tell either way. This year is going to tell us a lot - we have the second oldest list in the league and relatively close to the oft-maligned Cats. This group should be ready to contend. If we don't, something big has to change.

I don't think it's do or die this year, necessarily, just that there aren't excuses this year. If we're a middling team again, something is wrong.

Definitely no excuses this year. Unless we see an horrendous run of injuries.

I think 2021,22,23,24,25 were/are our best chances at a flag with the current best 22 we have, looking at age of list and experience typical of contenting teams. I know it’s not how our club and coach like to look at it, but history tells us there’s a window where clubs are usually at their best and ours is now.
 
I hate to say it but Pies look stronger. MCStay is a little to similar to Mihocek but will make a big difference. Wouldn’t be surprised if Schache get a big go - like Roughhead.

Some very good draft picks

Henry is a loss - not sure what was happening there. Lost Grundy but he didn’t play and no real influence.

Biggest issue is whether big for are dropping off or will be Geelong invigorates: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Adams and DeGoey but they are in a good transition with the Daicos boys, Macrae and Lipinski
 
I hate to say it but Pies look stronger. MCStay is a little to similar to Mihocek but will make a big difference. Wouldn’t be surprised if Schache get a big go - like Roughhead.

Some very good draft picks

Henry is a loss - not sure what was happening there. Lost Grundy but he didn’t play and no real influence.

Biggest issue is whether big for are dropping off or will be Geelong invigorates: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Adams and DeGoey but they are in a good transition with the Daicos boys, Macrae and Lipinski

Schache went to Melbourne.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

I hate to say it but Pies look stronger. MCStay is a little to similar to Mihocek but will make a big difference. Wouldn’t be surprised if Schache get a big go - like Roughhead.

Some very good draft picks

Henry is a loss - not sure what was happening there. Lost Grundy but he didn’t play and no real influence.

Biggest issue is whether big for are dropping off or will be Geelong invigorates: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Adams and DeGoey but they are in a good transition with the Daicos boys, Macrae and Lipinski
I think they will fight for a bottom 8 spot. All it takes is a few of those close games to go the other way and they will come back to the pack. Also their ruck situation is pretty grim, everything rests on Cameron’s shoulders. They win the prelim if Grundy played.
 
I hate to say it but Pies look stronger. MCStay is a little to similar to Mihocek but will make a big difference. Wouldn’t be surprised if Schache get a big go - like Roughhead.

Some very good draft picks

Henry is a loss - not sure what was happening there. Lost Grundy but he didn’t play and no real influence.

Biggest issue is whether big for are dropping off or will be Geelong invigorates: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Adams and DeGoey but they are in a good transition with the Daicos boys, Macrae and Lipinski
They won a bunch of games by less than 2 goals. Not a lot has to happen for them to drop off.
 
Evert time is an exaggeration.
sure he can improve nut it’s nit the issue you make it out to be and I am sure 17 other clubs would climb over broken glass to get him
Of course EVERY time is an exaggeration, but it really doesn't change much in the grand scheme of things if I say the majority of the time either, does it?

He can improve A LOT and it IS the issue I and others either willing to look or have observed themselves make it out to be, but the simple fact of the matter is a bloke getting THAT many uncontested possessions having that amount of Turnovers, Clangers and kicking efficiency is unacceptable.

Interesting that so many people on here are happy to throw Spangher and the entire forward line under the bus for being "dysfunctional" yet refuse to look at the quality of entries coming in because a bloke runs fast (despite the fact that Bailey Dale, Ed Richards, Caleb Daniel can do it at similar speeds).
 
Of course EVERY time is an exaggeration, but it really doesn't change much in the grand scheme of things if I say the majority of the time either, does it?

He can improve A LOT and it IS the issue I and others either willing to look or have observed themselves make it out to be, but the simple fact of the matter is a bloke getting THAT many uncontested possessions having that amount of Turnovers, Clangers and kicking efficiency is unacceptable.

Interesting that so many people on here are happy to throw Spangher and the entire forward line under the bus for being "dysfunctional" yet refuse to look at the quality of entries coming in because a bloke runs fast (despite the fact that Bailey Dale, Ed Richards, Caleb Daniel can do it at similar speeds).
There is no comparison between disposing of the footy off the half back line and inside 50. Ed struggled badly with his disposal in the forward half of the ground and has only improved when shifted back, Dale & Daniel aren’t even comparable in the way they use the footy, rarely at speed or in heavy congestion - their half back general types. Look at Matty Boyd’s career to see what a difference that can make.

Also you’re only using two of the best kicks in the whole AFL as a comparison? High bar you’ve set, if there was a line breaking midfielder who used the ball to the standard of Daniel & Dale they’d be the best player in the comp.

Apples & oranges
 
What I find encouraging is how quickly new players from other clubs seem to display enjoyment and affection for our club and it’s environment. Despite all the innuendo that pops up about our ‘culture’, seems like it’s always very strong and welcoming.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

They're paid to say that shit mate. No one is gonna say that their current employer/colleagues aren't that great in public, are they?

I don't think we have culture issues or anything like that. Just saying that you shouldn't put too much weight in what is said to journalists.
 
Training Report, Monday 16th January

Another slick and fast session at Skinner Reserve. Bevo and the coaches have the boys bouncing and energised, completing another two-hour hit-out in mild conditions.

Here are my notes:

1. The players were split into various sized groups (12 on 12, 7 on 7 and some smaller groups, plus revised and rehab programs). Drills included the following:

a) Condensed ground match play, with a focus on one team starting with control and running the ball out of defence to hit a target on the wing. If a turnover was achieved, the 'offensive' team's objective was to score. The pressure and intensity was electric, with some great pressure acts and intercepts from the forwards, matched only by the equally impressive kicks out of the backline and the workrate of players to find space to present a target.

b) I enjoyed an up-close look at players practicing the action of collecting the ball close to the boundary and then turning sharply to hit a target on both the preferred and then opposite foot. Rohan Smith was vocal about his expectations and eaves the troops in no doubt of what they need to do.

c) The third extended drill involved players releasing from deep in defence to a running target out wide at half back. That player then cut back on diagonals through the centre square to a target at the opposite point of the square at half forward. This was as sharp as I have seen, with Dale, Daniel, Bont, Macrae, JJ and Williams standing out.

2. Bontempelli continues to shine with his class and faultless use of the footy. He was striking the ball with such authority and precision, one 55-metre rocket out of defence to Dale was pure poetry. Surely its not possible to go up a level when you are The Bont?

3. Bedendo was at the front of the packs in sprint drills and he has clearly worked on his acceleration and speed, as he is moving like a jet. Considering his aerial ability, he is going to be incredibly difficult to match up on. He has a noticeable rise in confidence and it is paying dividends. He plays Round One.

4. English completed defensive marking drills post training and was the last to leave the track along with Libba and Caleb who worked together on low laser passes from ground ball receives, simulating fast movement and vision from a centre scrimmage. Some of Caleb's hits should be preserved to be viewed in wonderment at ACMI. He is a weapon.

5. Garcia is just so clean off the deck. He is firming as one of the big improvers over the summer. He is composed and field kicking has been impressive.

6. Arty Jones worked with Travis Varcoe on forward craft again. He strikes me as a kid willing to learn and his focus today was body work in the marking contest to protect the ball drop for a long ball over the back, which he could then run onto and mark or use his pace to then run to goal. Varcoe has a great rapport with him and Arty's development is obvious.

7. Our tall defenders continue to look in great shape. Keath has slimmed considerably and has shown his mobility and intercept ability is back to where it was in 2021. His partners in crime - Jones and Gardner - look strong and fit, while Bruce is plying his craft to push those three for selection. Tim O'Brien returned to training with the main group today and also worked hard.

8. Lobb and English had outstanding sessions. Lobb's long kicking continues to be a feature and accuracy on set shots will bring supporters much joy, while Tim's ground coverage was exceptional. Sweet looked mobile around the ground and offers good back-up.

9. Weightman has bulked up and looks to have add strength to his frame. His energy was infectious and constantly encouraging his teammates. JJ was another who continues to be very instructional on the track off the ball and directing a lot of the positional set ups from our forwards when the opposition have the ball.
10. Bailey Smith ran lengths before leaving the track early (planned). He has been feeling sore but will be back in full action next week. Similarly, Charlie Clarke is a little tender with some lower back soreness and ran lengths and laps with West, who continues to build from knee soreness also. Treloar trained away from the main group and continues to have lingering soreness on his ankle that required surgery. Conditioning staff said it will not hinder his selection for the start of the season. Crozier was also on light duties, walking laps. He told me he was on "old man duties" and that this was the fastest he has moved all summer. Given the firmness of the surface, any tightness or tenderness has a no-risk policy. Busslinger participated in some ballwork, but was mainly operating separately with running exercises. Finally, Roarke Smith has had gastro and has "lost a couple of kegs", but seemed in good spirits and participating only in some limited running.

*Next training sessions this week are at 9:30 at Skinner Reserve, Braybrook. Wednesday will be a shorter session, Friday a big one. Players will head to Portsea for their camp in the first week of Feb.
 

Remove this Banner Ad

Training Preseason 22-23

Remove this Banner Ad

Back
Top