Very Melbourne conditions today.
Thunderstorms followed by sun followed by rain, all morning.
Just a few observations from me.
Hird - is a long way from what he might be but you can see some signs. His hands in tight, decision-making and left foot are all nice. His fitness is also good. I have no idea what he has done in last year but he keeps up and runs hard.
There was a one-on-one with Langford when the ground and ball were wet. I expected Langers to win but he didn’t, Hird broke even then I think a third bloke came in and cleared the ball.
I’ll try and link to a Hirdy vid I put on twitter.
Daniher - this guy is tracking superbly. There is no other way to put it. Was doing sideways movement drills then 100m sprints. Did a heap of running on rehab oval before moving to the main oval for first time I’ve seen this summer. He was in a group of five - Laverde, Stewart, Brown and McKernan - doing a kind of beep test. He finished last most of time but didn’t disgrace himself.
Then Joey went back to other oval for more running and some hard leading with Rutten his opponent. Was kicking the wet ball 50 metres.
Then a heap more running.
The guy is getting through consecutive tough sessions. Jack Viney running 8ks at training? Joe Daniher says hold my beer.
Quick one on Hurley. He was in a group with Ambrose, Zerk and Harts doing more beep type running.
Ambrose predictably won. But I read Hurley is hitting good levels with his running and it showed as he was pushing Ambrose. Zerk was good too.
Rehab group: Redman, Gleeson, Daniher, Begley, Hooker, Laverde. Fletcher too, he was only doing very slow short runs.
Not on track: McKenna.
Unseen: Saad.
PS: I was too far from where Merrett went down to offer anything. Others say it’s an ankle problem.
