Dogs training report today from BF that I just read (not sure if we have thread here for training reports, please move moderators if required) :-
Inside The Kennel Match Sim Report (final training session of 2023):
In blustery conditions, we played an Intra Club Match Simulation, with 3 X 15-minute periods, followed by some skills drills and running.
Those who did not play included
Timmy English who ran rapid laps, as he has done all pre-season. He looks fit and strong, but I am concerned at his lack of match-play.
Liam Jones also ran (slower) laps and I think the Christmas break will do him well.
Keathy, Bramble and
Tony Scott had their loads managed, completing interval sprints on the Hawkins Wing.
Arty Jones also joined them, his shoulders still heavily taped.
Garcia was unsighted (I saw him walking to his car on Monday as training was about to commence, so I hope there is nothing sinister).
Treloar had his second consecutive session on the e-cycle.
The match sim was fiercely contested, highly skilled and included daring dashes and some great slingshot play from half back. Our game-style appears to be more aggressive.
Ten Standouts:
1.
Daniel: Caleb played mainly midfield time and was the chief extractor in the engine room. Best on ground and creates a dilemma for
Bevo of where he is best suited.
2.
Darcy. Competed impressively in the ruck against
Lobb and an imposing
L. Smith, and then showed his dominance around the ground with several floating intercept marks in defence, plus some fierce offensive work. He was in the top three players on the field and firms for selection in Round 1.
3.
Richards. A masterclass off half back. Was exceptional with his receive and dash style. He repeatedly ran on an arc to collect a handball after a mark or free kick and his teammates dutifully dished off to him every time. His kicking is elite and metres gained easily the highest of all players. Look out, Richo is my smoky for 2024 AA.
4.
Dale. Similar to Richards, Bailey Dale used his run and long penetrating kicking to perfection. One highlight was collecting a loose ball while airborne and bouncing off the pack like a pinball before spinning out of trouble and leaving his opponents in his dust like Forrest Gump.
5.
Liberatore. Was dominant and set the tone with his tackling. Had the better of Bont when they went head-to-head in the second period. He stalks packs like a wolf, circling until the moment presents and then goes in for the kill. Uncle
Fred Liberatore has clearly taught him the sleeper-hold wrestling move, and he used it to pin his opponents repeatedly today.
6.
Clarke. One of his most impressive outings. Kicked a couple of goals. Was in the grill of the defenders and is like an annoying kid on the playground playing kiss chasey despite nobody wanting to be kissed. He may form a good partnership with Weightman.
7.
Macrae. Must have had close to 20 possessions in 45-minutes of match-play. His blocking, tackling and strength + composure in close reminds us all of why he is one of the most underrated players in the game. He's back baby!
8.
Sanders. Just like Franco Cozzo, he's instantly a fan-favorite. He was creative in close and similar to Caleb, he has an uncanny knack of finding a teammate in a better position that you least expected. In one play, he collected cleanly off the deck and stopped dead, watched as everyone ran past him and in an instant did a 180 and was off in the opposite direction.
9.
Gallagher. Is putting together a solid pre-season, and may surprise a few. He was courageous today and stood up in the tackles, took a couple of strong marks and was daring with his switches across the ground that opened up the field.
10.
Johannisen. It's like Back to the Future - he's turned back the clock and this should excite all our supporters. He broke lines again today, shimmied through traffic on a number of occasions and delivered expertly to running teammates. He has a real urgency about him and looks like Bevo has given him license to run and attack.
*Other notable moments and observations:
a)
West's forward pressure was a feature. Two massive smothers earned huge praise.
b)
Lobb played after his injury scare on Monday and was a strong contributor, and snagged a ripper from down town near the boundary.
c)
Vandermeer, two piercing runs both resulting in him scoring goals. He was ultra vocal today, demanding of his teammates and directing traffic with venom.
d)
O'Donnell had a ripping battle with
Naughton. Both players had great moments - Naughts kicked two goals (and missed another sitter), while JOD took him on in the air and used his athleticism to rebound strongly.
e)
Harmes took a one hander running backward and kept going, somehow keeping his balance and then streaming off. He was solid and will be in our best 22.
f) Wings were hotly contested -
Frejiah Vs Poulter with Poulter clearly coming out on top, despite some disposal errors.
Williams Vs Baker was pretty even, with Baker's speed and intensity standing out, but Williams just gets the points for his polish and cleanness.
g)
Bevo patrolled the boundary, relaxed and in quiet command. Back this champion man to do his thing in 2024.