Training at Tullamarine in cool conditions with a strong wind blowing down the ground from the airport end.
Hibberd ran laps and looks unlikely and Joe a bit of running at the end of training. Dempsey suffered some minor discomfort during the session but should be ok.
It was pleasing to see Watson, Bellchambers and Gleeson join in the main training.
Watson didn't do much kicking and was proppy when kicking on his left but he was moving pretty well and looks like he is not too far aware.
Bellchambers and Gleeson both trained strongly and could be ready to resume in the VFL.
The atmosphere at training was excellent - what we are seeing at the moment is very polished and professional sessions and you can see the value of the excellent training facilities making themselves felt. Looking back at the old sessions at Windy Hill some of the humour and lightheartedness has disappeared and I mourn the passing of the kicking into the wheelie bin for instance but the focused concentration of the training here is probably what is needed in the current environment. However a little bit of the fun of past days remains: Bomber was walking off the oval and casually kicked an impossible bouncing goal from the pocket and after he got over his surprise he pumped his fist in the air and shouted "goal" looking straight at me so I took this as an indication that it should be immortalised in my report.
Some of the most interesting training took place on the smaller Clarke Oval (preparation for the SCG?) where the forwards practised their running patterns and leads. It was significant that Carlisle appeared full of confidence and was directing operations very strongly and enthusiastically between Ambrose, Paddy and himself making sure that players were leading in different directions and doubling back for multiple leads.
Many of the defenders were from the VFL side but Fletcher was spending time with them explaining the nuances of the game and training strongly himself with pacy runs and good handball. Particular attention was paid to Edwards who made an exciting run down the ground with five or six handballs in a row. At the same time it was pleasing to see the forwards being urged to pressure the defenders to create a turnover
I left training with the impression that everything is starting to come together for the implementation of Bomber's strategy of a strong finish to the season and I think that the team rates itself a chance to beat Sydney and I do too.Sent a tingle down my spine :)
My Doona rose like a circus tent.
