Other ponts of note;
Myers didn’t train - knee in a compression bandage. Interesting to see that he is working closely with Langford around stoppage craft.
Langford did some very good things, lifting his arms at stoppages and moving through traffic on
a few occasions in the sim was great .Not by any means dominant though and much quieter than the other mids (as had been the case all week) In a possession drill inside 50 (cafe side) he was as quiet as a mouse when requesting the footy… Just put his hand in the air… I get the feeling that he doesn’t believe that he can change the course of a game yet which means he’s reluctant to scream for the footy, and is awfully ‘nice’ at stoppages. The irony is that he has the gifts… Showed in a number of drills what a great kick he is, and he looks quicker… Leaves me wondering if he really wants it…
Laverde on the other hand looks revved up… In match simulation was constantly on the move. A highlight being a sidestep around BJ on the wing. Looks on awesome condition. In one drill took a super mark sliding on the deck at pace which showed his athleticism… Looking forward to what he can bring this year with a full pre season
Saad looked to take the game on at almost every opportunity… My reflection was that he needs stronger support from defenders to block and shepherd. Very close to getting pinged on a few occasions… He’s going to excite us this year running off half back…
Gleeson was rock solid and composed down back… Looks bigger thankfully. Good again overhead and delivery pretty good.
McGrath looked super in the match simulation… Seriously cut through congestion to create space on a number of occasions… Looks a class above…
Guelfi could be the surprise packet of this years draft. I think he’s gotten better over the course of the last week if that’s possible… Looks a balanced inside/outside player… The highlight was during the stoppage craft where he beat all comers (including Zac Merrett!) Looks to have great agility and some tricks… When he beat Merrett he showed great balance to get in front and then dragged the ball in one handed which was dare I say it Hird like… In match sim was able to find space, although missed JD on two occasions having given the ball too much air. A good looking kick though and I like the way he moves…
Smith was awesome… Took a ripping overhead mark at one point, has serious zip away from stoppages and looks and stronger and more explosive then Id remembered him to be . Just a very sharp footballer
Redman was better today. Did some nice things in the back half… Had one on one skills session where it looked as though he was trying to improve his contested marking ability… Makes sense given that he was struggling in a one on one drill with Parish on Wednesday… Nedds to get stronger and more explosive… At the moment he’s a poor mans Gleeson without the marking ability. I’ve got doubts around him.
Lavender was quiet today… Looked and played tired… Skipworth yelled at him and Houlahan to get up the ground at one point when the opposing team had it in their forward 50. Looked as though he needec a rest. Got some medical attention late in the piece at the tent.
Francis was involved with the drills and later spent some time with the rehab group and doing some running by himself… I zeroed in on him having a chat with Harvs and one of the other coaches as they were determining whether he would run out the match sim… Harvs was animated in his engagement and I got the feeling that he is getting served up a dose of tough love at the moment. Despite losing weight, I’ve got massive question marks over his commitment. In a drill today missed a 30m pass under limited pressure (bounced in front of his man), which was only significant because it’s happened once too often this week and because let’s be frank he’s actually a beautiful kick of the football… Aside from that, I followed him closely at the beginning of the session and the one thing that stood out was that he is a bit of a Lone Ranger… Stood by himself with ball in hand as they were about to commence and whilst waiting in line was somewhat detached… Keen to understand does he have some close mates at the club?
Hurls - was exited from the match simulation after half time (I think) after being as solid and impactful as ever, to undertake light skills and running along with a few other senior players (JD, Fantasia)… What I loved was that he was begging to stay! Can I just stay for this next contest?! Lol! Was told that he couldn’t, after which he trudged off… What a competitor. We love you Hurls…
Tippa had padding on his thigh for the session and was being out run by Kelly in a repeat running drill. Clearly wasnt 100%.
Hooker is ripped… Very well defined calf muscles, particularly when compared to Mitch Brown who is if annular age, height etc but nowhere as sculpted
The girl with Aqua shorts and her little dog weren’t there today…
