Training in very hot, windy conditions at Tullamarine.
I know that everyone is anxious to know how things are going overall so I will begin by making a few comments on my perceptions of the big picture.
Firstly I think there is at least a 5% improvement in fitness due to the new training venue compared to Windy Hill. The reasons for this have been outlined in other threads so I won't repeat them but a 5% fitness improvement should be worth a goal a game hypothetically speaking.
To back this up I point to the report from the club that all but six players ran PB's in the 2k time trial and I am hearing that kpi's are up in nearly all departments.
There is a real learning environment at the club at present and I know that with the players spread out over the two ovals the line coaches can really give instant feedback to the players but what is also evident is that the line coaches are in turn getting feedback from the players while the Head coach oversees all the coaches.
I would suggest that Bomber is hard but fair and very vocal asking the players "why aren't you doing this or that etc." An example would be that today's session in the heat went for a very long time and Bomber told the black jumper group that they weren't leaving training until they kicked a goal which took about twenty minutes. The reason for this included a series of high, floating 30 to 40 metre passes in the windy conditions with the defender standing just a few metres away from the intended recipient. Good coaching in my opinion.
By contrast Hird was much closer in age to the players and may have appeared as more as one of the boys. This is speculation on my part because training was closed under Hird but what I can say for certain is that Bomber is working the players hard and with great enthusiasm which is very promising.
The evidence seems to be firming up that Steinberg may eventually play the third tall on the forward line - Bomber took him aside today at one stage and had him kicking over his head at goal. One of the things I like about Steinberg in this role is that he seems to straighten the forward line up a bit with leads at 45 degree angles rather than leading to space in the pockets which the players lapsed into today in the windy conditions.
I was pleased that Leroy did some good things today - a good run and bounce with a neat pass and he cleverly outmarked Merrett. Unfortunately he then screwed up the shot for goal and Dave who was taking the pictures today showed us how his foot at the instant of kicking was turned slicing the ball like a soccer kick. It was an astute observation and I hope he puts that picture up.
In fairness anyone would have struggled in the hot, windy conditions today but a few sensible rules need to be observed on these days particularly when moving the ball into the wind - short low passes are the most effective and there should be more running of the ball linking with handpasses which was not enough in evidence - especially as the players tired.
Hurley played full back on Daniher again - he is making progress but was struggling a bit with his running towards the end but I think he is taking the bit between his teeth and will develop quickly in this role.
A lot of players were taken out to run timed laps as the session progressed - I guess they are closely monitoring how much running they need to do which makes sense.
A hard slog in very difficult conditions but everyone stuck to their task and all the signs are that it is a good pre-season so far for everyone except Tommy who is likely to be out for 4 - 6 weeks with his ankle.