Training Training Reports and Updates

[Magpie_96]

Jen2310 Who would you say was best on in match sim today? Who were the standouts.

 

[Masked Magician]

Thanks for the review Jen. Just a warning though.
‘I’m taking names of those writing off Johnson already.
You’re on the list Jen.
It’s hard to impress in match sim when not playing.
I think Johnson, McStay & Mihocek can work fine with Elliott, Hill & Ginnivan along side them.
‘if playing 2 rucks, then rotations with a tall forward & the bench is normal.
‘Johnson is very good on the lead. Has good hands & can kick goals from ridiculous angles.

As an unabashed Johnson fan. I’m coming for you all in the coming months.

Unfortunately Johnson, who improved our team when he was in it last year even if only structurally, has had a horrible off season. He came back in worse shape to start pre season than he finished 2022 in… and has taken 3 months to rejoin the main group and within a week or so has pinged a calf.

Additionally, there are no teams that run with a 5 ruck/Key fwd combo. The most teams go with is

4 (2 that ruck and 2 that play fwd)

He’s going to need an injury to 1 or the 4 or a dramatic drop in form from probably cox to get into the line up in 2023.

 

[live fast pieyoung]

Unless we have 1 centre ruck, 1 forward ruck, 1 defence ruck like Geelong, only then can I see Johnson playing. He's just unfortunate from Mcstay coming in. He may end the year in the team, but unlikely round 1.

Personally Id like to Johnson play as FFwd out of the square on the lead, and McStay as our CHF running up the ground for the down the line kicks. I'd like to see Brody freed up as our 3rd tall, because he works hard and tackles and chases, and so I think that way we dont lose the level of pressure in the fwd line, because AJ will be on the gorilla full back and sprinting away from them. I also think brody has a lot of nouse so hed be creative with the extra freedom

 

[76woodenspooners]

So what becomes of Johnson then,
do we play him further up the ground or does he become the perennial tatical sub this season?

Given that Johnson is 25 and has shown impressive development, and that Elliott and Mihocek are both 30 now, I would imagine Johnson will get his chances. Even best case that there are no injuries, I would imagine both Mihocek and Elliott will be given breathers at stages of the season

 

[Jen2310]

Personally Id like to Johnson play as FFwd out of the square on the lead, and McStay as our CHF running up the ground for the down the line kicks. I'd like to see Brody freed up as our 3rd tall, because he works hard and tackles and chases, and so I think that way we dont lose the level of pressure in the fwd line, because AJ will be on the gorilla full back and sprinting away from them. I also think brody has a lot of nouse so hed be creative with the extra freedom

Its good and easy to think that, but logically in terms of lists come selection I reckon its much harder. Its hard enough doing a best 23 even without him.

From what ive seen Cox will be spending time forward when not rucking. And reckon Cameron will do the same.

Those playing forward and HHF

Mctstay
Mihocek
Ginni
Elliott
Beau
Hill
Lippa

And then if Cox or Cameron plays forward too..

 

[sr36]

hahaa noted. But Just from my view in general. If we were playing the two rucks, with Mcstay coming in, Johnson was always gonna be the vulnerable one. No matter what he offers, its just a tad unlucky. Given they seem very keen on Hill to play in the B23
I just can't find a place for him even on tbe bench, given I have cox on the bench

Have we been playing talls as the deepest forward or guys like Elliott/Reef?

 

[TradeDraft]

You know, sometimes we do stuff like this so opposition clubs don't come and watch yeah?

They would know and it was not behind Closed Doors

 

[Jen2310]

Have we been playing talls as the deepest forward or guys like Elliott/Reef?

Ive definitely seen Reef FF on team B
Elliott ive seen mid and forward.

 

[joefootylover]

Given that Johnson is 25 and has shown impressive development, and that Elliott and Mihocek are both 30 now, I would imagine Johnson will get his chances. Even best case that there are no injuries, I would imagine both Mihocek and Elliott will be given breathers at stages of the season

Exactly! Johnson and Kreuger are the developing KPF behind McStay and Mihocke and theirs no shame in that! Johnson is in his first full preseason of AFL footy and has been unlucky with some soft tissue issues, but I reckon we need to give him plenty of time to adjust to the top level, we got a taster last year, but maybe thats made some a bit over eager for him to nail down a spot. Give the young man a minute.

 

[Jen2310]

Exactly! Johnson and Kreuger are the developing KPF behind McStay and Mihocke and theirs no shame in that! Johnson is in his first full preseason of AFL footy and has been unlucky with some soft tissue issues, but I reckon we need to give him plenty of time to adjust to the top level, we got a taster last year, but maybe thats made some a bit over eager for him to nail down a spot. Give the young man a minute.

He'll get his time, but he may have to bide his time.Just like murphy. Good to have depth though.

 

[Optimax]

They would know and it was not behind Closed Doors

Would they?
Last minute unannounced change, sure they may find out but at least it's a hindrance.

 

[watt price tully]

Thanks to City Slick, Jen and others for your reports.

How did Noble, Richards and Markov play?

 

[cityslick1]

Johnson is therefore vulnerable to being dropped. I'd imagine we'd run with Cameron and Cox with Mihcek and McStay up forward.

I’d prefer Johnson plays, as does Cameron, with Moore / Frampton pinch hitting in the ruck down back, and even ash can fly for a tap up forward. Don’t be swayed by one session of thigh tightness, as Ash is a much better footballer than Cox imo

 

[cityslick1]

Thanks to City Slick, Jen and others for your reports.

How did Noble, Richards and Markov play?

Noble good, plenty of touches. Kicking v reliable and takes the game on as much as anyone on the list. Has the pace to do it obv….

Didn’t notice Richards much at all, should’ve looked harder. Markov I noticed, and seemed amongst it, without standing out. Always has good desperation though, which is always handy to see in a backline player…

 

[TradeDraft]

Would they?
Last minute unannounced change, sure they may find out but at least it's a hindrance.

How do you know it was a Last Minute Change?

 

[Jen2310]

I’d prefer Johnson plays, as does Cameron, with Moore / Frampton pinch hitting in the ruck down back, and even ash can fly for a tap up forward. Don’t be swayed by one session of thigh tightness, as Ash is a much better footballer than Cox imo

I think the ruck structure is what may or may not get Johnson in. Depends how we use it. But Mcstay didn't ruck at CB at all today, nor have I seen it. And given the Cameron/Cox combo worked last year, I reckon they'll at least start with it.
But we may not know for sure until practice game v carlton

 

[cityslick1]

Fwiw, I agree it was kept on the hush, as they’d prefer no one was there, even us, with post game critiquing on social media. In contrast, Richmond had a proper match sim down the road in front of about 2000 people.

Some other footnotes are that Fly was out in the ground the whole time, like a runner. Looking like an extra umpire, he called shots, gave instructions, and no doubt looked at things up close.

Selwood was the coach directing things from the sideline, whilst Leppa, GW and our coaches coach looked on from the stands / sidelines and commented amongst themselves.

Wonder if wrighty still delights in stepping foot on that wing again…

 

[Jen2310]

Fwiw, I agree it was kept my in the hush, as they’d prefer no one was there, even us, with post game critiquing on social media. In contrast, Richmond had a proper match sim down the road in front of about 2000 people.

Some other footnotes are that Fly was out in the ground the whole time, like a runner. Looking like an extra umpire, he called shots, gave instructions, and no doubt looked at things up close.

Selwood was the coach directing things from the sideline, whilst Leppa, GW and our coaches coach looked on from the stands / sidelines and commented amongst themselves.

Wonder if wrighty still delights in stepping foot on that wing again…

I did notice richmond had one with quite a number of people.

I noticed Hine in the stands. Selwood was def calling the shots.

 

[TradeDraft]

Fwiw, I agree it was kept my in the hush, as they’d prefer no one was there, even us, with post game critiquing on social media. In contrast, Richmond had a proper match sim down the road in front of about 2000 people.

Some other footnotes are that Fly was out in the ground the whole time, like a runner. Looking like an extra umpire, he called shots, gave instructions, and no doubt looked at things up close.

Selwood was the coach directing things from the sideline, whilst Leppa, GW and our coaches coach looked on from the stands / sidelines and commented amongst themselves.

Wonder if wrighty still delights in stepping foot on that wing again…

Then why did not find another Place then Vic Park as people will Notice?

 

[Gaspard]

I can't see Johnson starting off the year in the seniors. What I can see is Johnson as the replacement for Mihocek when he starts to fade, which realistically will be quite soon. His playing style is brutal on his body, and not conducive to an extended career. While he plays differently to Mihocek, he fulfills the same role, and so is a future bet.

 

[Jen2310]

I can't see Johnson starting off the year in the seniors. What I can see is Johnson as the replacement for Mihocek when he starts to fade, which realistically will be quite soon. His playing style is brutal on his body, and not conducive to an extended career. While he plays differently to Mihocek, he fulfills the same role, and so is a future bet.

Yeah I reckon you are spot on. Vying for that checkers role. Similar type.


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[JuniorB]

Yep, similar thoughts. Caught the match sim and the first thing that has been affirmed for me is… get ready for the Nick and jordy show this year. Nick was silk, slotted a nice long range goal, JDG is just pure brute force. Still a loose cannon and looks like he could blow at any stage, but he’s invested and all impact. Nick made me laugh.. was told to have a rest and directed a winded Murley to go off instead.

The other combinations to look for are McStay and Brodie. Big Mac played v well and dominated his opponents, whilst Brodie created and got on the end of a few goals in 2 quarters. Impressive. A minor indictment on our recruiting and list managers of the past ten years that we’ve finally got a nice tall attacking combination. Just a head shaker that it’s come from a VFL backman, and a free agent trade. Stay fit and they will cause headaches this year.

Down back and the Billy / Darcy combo should also bear some tasty, ripened fruit. Darcy still on sidelines building his agility, movement and tank, though still seems a bit off. I don’t expect any practice match action at all. Billy not perfect, but imposing and solid.

Arlo was also good in the middle. Looks to have earned the right, with Carmy a shock omission on the sidelines. In the stands with Krueger and Dean, so here’s hoping it isn’t much.

Mitchell was racking up some touches, reminding that his work around the ground and experience to be in the right position in link up play is another major string to his bow. Most have focussed on his centre work to date, and how that will benefit the pies midfield.

Lipinski was also solid, again showing a cool and experienced head.

Howe was good down back, looking like he hasn’t lost much.

Maynard had a shocker, two shitty kicks to turnover, then a 50m penalty to gift a goal, to……

The smoky. Tom Wilson I thought was good, with v nice disposal, and the ability to get forward and score. 2 goals by my calcs. Adds flexibility, needs to be a bit more physical / intense, and he could land a few games.

Josh D also good, as you’d expect. If everyone could kick under pressure like him, we’d be a shoe-in. Facing 3 options from the wing with defenders approaching, he was able to split the defenders with a 45m pass, straight to McCreery - I think - who goaled.

McCreery - also good… big bodied running forward who can kick a goal from long range, and find space with his pace. Like. Not to mention his defensive pressure. Best 22 for me, and scope for more upside as still partially on the mend.

Hill - did his bit, got free then marked with incoming pressure, to hand Brodie an easy goal. Ginni with the assist to Hill, after again getting free and delivering beautifully. Dangerous.

Allen - did well, got involved, but imo is still lacking that extra split second re decision making or quickness to dispose etc, which is always the case with first year players imo. Eg caught while running into goal, causing a shank. Better for the run and has all the tools, just not fully ready yet.

Rucks - an area of concern, with Darcy C running sideline drills. Cox not imposing, with Begg actually standing out a bit more. Still lumbering for me and v much a VFL player at this stage, so we are v reliant on Darcy. Oscar hardly sighted and coughed it up on wing, with clear options, so he is v much a work in progress for me.

Floreat pica

I thought Wilson was starting to show a bit last year until he hurt his back.

 

[JuniorB]

Thoughts:

Ed Allan was quite impressive for his size. The coaches thought too, as they were apparantely talking about him on the other side of the stand I was sitting in.
Draper played a fair bit of midfield, some bit down half back when they were rotating players. Allan had some CB minutes too, but mainly on the wing where he does look at home.

Nick, lock it in at full time midfield.
Jordy was dominating through the middle as well.

I agree that Wilson looked pretty good up forward, getting into the right spots and slot a couple goals. Definitely one you don't notice him until you do.
As for the other forward, Ginni definitely is not moving from the best 22. Beau as well. Where does Hill fit? Gonna be a tight squeeze, but he was on Team A.

Mcstay, worth every cent from what he brings. You don't realise it until you see him train and match sim. Just too big, too strong for any of our defemders. We haven't had someone his size, imposing up forward in years. He definitely helps out checkers by miles, takes a big load off him and will allow him to move a bit more free and get on the end of some goals.

Frampton is 100% our FB. AT 200cm just towers over most of our forwards, knows how to play. With work with Darcy nicely, and Howe. Will absolutely help those around him.

It's becoming clear we will go with the 2 rucks. While Mcstay did some forward rucking, he did not attend any centre bounces, so think we'll use both Cox and Cameron like we did last year. Which means, unfortunate for Johnson, Mcstay takes his spot.

Pendles spent time down back and rotated a little through CB. They rolled a number of players through there, getting different looks at what works. Jamie was another that played a bit of midfield, but this isn't new, as its something he has done before.

Lippa just continues to do what he does best. Work through the midfield and forward. He got a free for a high, and I called him Ginni for a moment when I was talking to a friend, as I was thinking how Ginni was teaching him tricks haha.

Carmichael they were just resting. He was sitting near me, with Dean (in training t-shirt and thongs -- no moon boot.. for someone thats fractured his foot) Kreuger and Harrison.

Harrison did some rehab work, along with Macrae. Lots of running and agility.
Moore did some rehab, but was on managed minutes in the match sim. So easing him in little by little. He'll probably do a bit more of it next week during the intraclub game.

Thought Reef performed well, pressured strongly, lead and marked quite well.

Maynard did have a shocked, some of his kicks weren't fantastic. But its their real first match sim game, so just easing some cobwebs.

Rucks: I thought Beggy looks more stronger and conifident in the ruck, he probably dominated Cox a little in some aspects. His follow up ground work we know is exceptional.
Oscar used his time up forward and in the ruck, got a couple hitouts. But his too ground level work is good, he is a fighter thats for sure. Just needs to build up physically but we know he is a long term investment.
He got a knock and had to get treatment on his leg, get it strapped up, but then he went back out there.


Johnson looked to have calf soreness or something minor to his leg from the warm up. When I arrived he was just on the boundary, then later on did some boxing work, but mainly sat on the bench.

Mihocek has been our go to forward for a few years now and has been banged up at times because he is undersized for the role he's been playing.
He's been great, but I think McStay will take pressure off him & they'll both benefit.
If they both kick 40+ goals this season, it will be a big plus for our scoring power.
McStay will also bring players like Ginni, McCreery, Hill & Elliott into the game.

 

[Jen2310]

Mihocek has been our go to forward for a few years now and has been banged up at times because he is undersized for the role he's been playing.
He's been great, but I think McStay will take pressure off him & they'll both benefit.
If they both kick 40+ goals this season, it will be a big plus for our scoring power.
McStay will also bring players like Ginni, McCreery, Hill & Elliott into the game.

We had mihocek playing that key forward role as we had nobody else. Which is why his body has been banged up. Mcstay gonna help him a great deal


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[Jen2310]

The forward line structure today in Team A was;

Two key fwd (checkers, mcstay)
Two HHF who play mid and forward ( Lippa. Elliott)
Three medium- smalls (ginni. Beau. Hill)


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