Training in mild overcast conditions on the McCracken Oval.
Top up players present but no Tippa who is off the Christmas card list after putting Zaka into the modified group with his (fair) strong tackle last week. As well as Zaka and the usual suspects Hams, Bellchambers, Fantasia, LaVerde and Myers were modified or missing today.
As the preseason edges towards its conclusion training lightened off today following a very solid three week block. Less match play and heavy tackling and no punishing 500 metre runs. The merits of the Colorado experiment have been much debated in the past and I would have to say that they don’t seem any less fit this year from not going and the four who did attend - Hurley, Hooker, Hibberd and Watson don’t seem any fitter or less fit than the others. Whether this definitively answers the question of the value of Colorado you can judge for yourself. Certainly the club is better off financially.
The coach’s emphasis today was on quick decision making, quick ball movement and running to out number with the goal of the “extra” player at the contest getting possession and using it effectively. This was further emphasised by drills at the end of the day where 5 forwards competed with 6 defenders. At times this worked well but it is very dependent on good talking and accurate disposal. At times I thought the players were a bit quiet today and the ball hit the ground a bit too often. In particular I feel that the handball needs to be faster and crisper.
Some good positive news is that Hurley and Carlisle completed quite a lot of the main training today and Jake looks like he really needs the run after such a long lay off.
One of the best players today was Alex Browne who returned to full training and he was brimming with enthusiasm and was salt and pepper all over the ground making good decisions and using the ball well. I’m sure you’re all pleased at this good news after his long road back.
People often ask me if anyone has emerged from the pack over the preseason and while it hasn’t been dramatic mark down Dalgleish as the preseason dark horse. Two examples today were a good arm in to spoil a Daniher mark and get the ball over the boundary and his run down of Goddard on the wing to win the ball with a strong tackle. He has always had pace and is going nicely in defence - often at full back.lll
Highlight of the day though was to see grandpa Tim Watson and Terry Daniher in the Sheedy Cafe before training. Brought back the best of the eighties straight away.