Absolutely north wind gale blowing today which meant marking players struggled and I struggled to keep my cap on.
Short session too, players went into the Hangar just after 11.
I don’t think Crow et al wanted to push the guys too hard in the heat.
There were VFL players making up the numbers today, notably Heath Hocking and Daniel Hanna. I think Hanna impressed some of the coaches.
Rehab group: Daniher, Draper, Begley, Smith, McKenna, Gleeson. All doing running.
Second rehab group (not running): Dea, Heppell, Redman, Bellchambers. Doing boxing and ropes.
Some things I noticed:
Hurley - took part in match sim and looked fine.
Mozzie - smooth mover. One time in defence he gave it off then ran hard and got it back.
Stringer - used in centre stoppages. One stage he got the ball from the ruck and was off in a flash, running past blokes before kicking a beautiful 40m pass on his left foot.
Saad - moved well in match sim. Showed his explosiveness a couple of times, taking on guys. But no long runs.
Mckenna - was running and kicking at reasonable pace in a drill. Granted I’ve only been to 10 sessions in January, but it’s the first time I have seen him run.
Overall I think our injury list is looking good. Only Merrett, Redman and Hooker look a little away from full training.
And it’s the best preseason ever for likes of Myers, Laverde and Fantasia. Fantasia had his hand problem but has lots of miles in his legs and is running out sessions well.
Two pics are Stewart just after taking mark against Long then drilling the shot from the boundary.