Keys
Looking for a cloud to yell at
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What it says on the box. This thread is for training reports from those who make their way down to Lathlain over the off season and choose to share their thoughts
In order to keep it as an easy way for posters to read up on training updates please keep any discussion to the TTHD thread here
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2018-pre-season-how-many-houses-will-go-down.1182029/
and leave this thread purely for reports like this excellent one from AsterixTheGaul
As someone who has gone along to the odd training session I'd encourage anyone who has a bit of spare time that coincides with an open session to go have a gander and post their views in here
In order to keep it as an easy way for posters to read up on training updates please keep any discussion to the TTHD thread here
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/2018-pre-season-how-many-houses-will-go-down.1182029/
and leave this thread purely for reports like this excellent one from AsterixTheGaul
Went to Lathlain Park and must say, I preferred Wembley. That said, the lay-out of the ovals at Lathlain were excellent. The club rooms are a long way off.
The morning started with Keys carer taking a nice photo of the two of us. Thought Dark Sharks might like to know what we really look like so he can drop in and say hello next time he attends
View attachment 442860
The club reps found a nice balcony for us close the the bathrooms since they recognised we might have a few incontinent issues. Pity Monocle was not able to get leave from Bethanie Beachside - something about Wednesday being the medication changeover day. Oh well.
The session started with a Simmo interview - explaining the number of training sessions, not the club call on when players return, need to be ready but not too early , la la la
View attachment 442880
So to the on-field bits.
JK spent the whole session away from the squad just running laps. Same thing he did last year so no issue.
NicNat was in with the main group and competed in everything. Looked strong.
Cripps and Yeo spent time away from the squad running laps. Not sure what is happening there.
Who has been doing their 45 a day?
Honourable mentions to the following:
- Jake Waterman - looking like he has beefed up and sharp ready for action
View attachment 442886
above Jake flexing bare chested
- Daniel Venables - looking much better than last year and starting to look more and more the Boots clone. DV18 is looking like he is the most skilled of his age group with bullet passes that stay low and direct to a target (JK says "yes please")
View attachment 442881
above Venables (I think)
- Rotham - he is still light but no where as light as he was this time last year and looked more at home in the squad
- Rioli - not so much that he being doing his 45 a day but more that he has resisted the turtles and looks about as lean as a Rioli will be
- M Allen looked really smooth and sleek on the track. His ball control and ball handling makes me think he is serious about the future and will be putting it out there
- Masten actually hit the contest for a couple of drills at top pace. He collected at pace, went to a sprint and then delivered. He may well have got the message that corralling is dead
- Tom Cole - he is still looking skinny but up close he is really developing great leg muscle definition. Talked with him walking back to the car park and he is aiming to get right for midfield time. Seems like a really decent guy.
- Vardy looks like a jarhead marine. Standard at the barber - high and tight, yes sir.
- Speaking of hair styles - Jackson has got rid of that bloody silly bob and looks more like a footballer
The first years
A few observations
- O Allen was included in some skills with the talls making me think he was drafted as a KPP and the talk of him being a mid is rubbish
View attachment 442885
above - Oscar saying let me play with the big boys not the mids
- Allen next to eMac makes him look like a genuine tall
- Ainsworth looks like he is serious about training. He was the one timing and pushing the quartet as to when times, break points, restarts, etc
- Hamish is only second behind Hurn with the dunny stump legs. He is thick set and parts of him look close to playing but he has some serious conditioning to get right first. Chances of playing AFL in 2018 look slim to me.
- England looks a runner and showed it in the junior tank build time.
Brander is no slouch in pace and may surprise some as a possible chance to play this year. His
body
View attachment 442882
above Hamish, Ainsworth, England and Brander
- Jack Petrucelle has the best defined calf muscles in a 1st year draftee than I could have imagined. He is also a decent size and shape. Physically he looks like he would be able to step up. Now needs to get the footy smarts right
- Tony Olango is bloody tall and skinny. He will need a few pre-seasons so be patient
View attachment 442887
I will leave it at that. There seemed to be a really good spirit at the track - even better than last year.
As someone who has gone along to the odd training session I'd encourage anyone who has a bit of spare time that coincides with an open session to go have a gander and post their views in here
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