Training Report. Friday 10th January.

[warburton lad]

With some hesitation, I bid farewell to my refuge in Melbourne’s far outer-east: its been a rough summer around our beautiful nation and Warburton, despite its unique micro-climate is as likely as any place in Victoria to become prey to the uncompromising beast that bushfires are. Again, my prayers are with the courageous individuals who are often all that stands between this fiery foe and the homes, businesses and the many good people of Terra Australis.

I near the Holden Centre and I consider the proliferation of unique structures that abound in this sporting hub of Melbourne. I wonder, if humanity were wiped out by a pandemic, what aliens would think of the arenas left behind? An enormous stadium with near on 100,000 seats; a rectangular patch of grass surrounded by a beehive like structure; the uniquely-shaped Holden Centre with a statue of a (great) man carrying an unusually shaped object and Gosch’s Paddock, overgrown now with great self-sown Elms with only traces of cut up, faded, season’s tickets the only relic left behind by Melbourne supporters, embittered by decades of failure and derision. And, in amongst all that lot, the rusting remains of the Jolimont Railyards, stretching and fading into the distance like the veins of an octogenarian Olympic weightlifter.

Reality returns as I am served my traditional muffin with Hot Chocolate chaser in the Cafe adjacent our training track. I’m truly excited to be here to witness the return of the senior squad from their Christmas break my excitement heightened by the peak condition of so many of our stars as they hit the track.

Absent today are: Beams, Langdon,

Whilst the following players appear to be on restricted/light duties and were mostly jogging laps: Stephenson, & Dunn,


It is hard to imagine Grundy getting better, but his endurance and capacity to cover the ground is breathtaking. He gets from contest to contest and, in contrast to other seasons, seems to have a much more consistent connection with those on his team who are the beficiaries of the ‘silver-service’ he provides.

Jake Kelly and Tyler Brown continue to impress and push their claims for senior honours in 2020. ‘Son of Cement-Head’ is quite a different style of player to his flag-winning father- he is taller, quick, highly-skilled and looks to be quite capable in the high-marking stakes. Tyler Brown has ‘excitement’ written all over him, although not in the indelible ink favoured by Beams, Swan, De Goey and 1970’s cult-figure Kevin ‘Disneyland’ Grose. His attack on the ball is ferocious (family trait) and he sells candy like a store holder at Queen Victoria Market on a busy Sunday. Much to like about this young fellow.

Bosenavulagi and Quaynor have both added muscle to their frames; each look stronger in their upper body than 2019 and neither lack pace- it’s encouraging to see each ‘take the game on’- such an integral element of the modern game. Our forward line is infinitely more potent when we can isolate targets (Elliot, Hoskin-Elliott, De Goey, Stephenson, Cox) one-on-one). These two lads offer the quick ball movement that makes things happen.

The development of Tom Phillips as a young leader is impressive- he has always been strong on the track, but he has added the dimension of ‘voice’ to his repertoire as he moves about the group encouraging his teammates. In turn, they respond to his positive affirmations with enhanced efforts in drills. iT was a shame that Phillips could not participate in the post-Christmas time trial due to a niggle. Rantall smashed it again and was followed home by the Man of Steele; interestingly, the next three in order of finishing were Max Lynch, Murphy and Kelly- big improvements in the fitness of these three big units.

We are blessed with a solid coaching group. The loss of Longmuir from the defensive end was inevitable; he is too good a football mind to not be snapped up, but we have some excellent men in Hocking, Harvey and the under-rated Sanderson.

I had to leave training early as I am still struggling after a New Year’s Eve fall in which I broke two bones in my wrist and three ribs as well as a big toe. I see a surgeon next Friday- If I get the all-clear, I may well make it back to report on training in the near future..

Floreat Pica and a Happy New Year to all Nicksters...

[Pies2016]

Much appreciated W L and also to all the other training day contributions from fellow Nicksters.
Agree that Murphy and Kelly’s finishes in the time trial shouldn’t be understated ( my words ) First and foremost, you don’t get a regular senior gig if you can’t run the game out. It’s not everything but it means the fitness base is there and that’s a good start. Good signs.

More importantly, may you enjoy a speedy recovery.
As any doctor will tell you, the best way to maintain good health in an ageing body is to ..... “ not fall “

[Albert Parker]

Thanks Lad. Sounds like a bigger battle than usual to have attended. Wishing you a speedy recovery accordingly.

You've lost none of your sharp wit, even if your body is less willing. Loved the manner in which you contrast Tyler Brown with Beams/De Goey et alia.

I am pleased to read about Quaynor. He's essentially only been doing run throughs pre Christmas. Did he do the time trial or any kicking work today?

[watt price tully]

Thanks again for your insighful report WL

Hope you'r e OK with your injuries making your travels from The Outer East of Mlbourne all the way to the 'Holden Centre impressive: I dips me lid. Thanks and well done

[neil]

hope your better soon

[Cam]

Epic wordsmithery, one of your finest compositions WL. But mate, no more falls... look after yourself.

[winpies]

Thanks for the report Lad. Appreciated.

[simon tonna]

Great stuff Laddy.
Q. From your observations from the past to the now, do you consider our pies to be in a better place (list management) wise now or were you more upbeat a few years ago because stars like SP, Howe, Moore and TA to name a few had more up side because of thier age say 3 year ago?

[BazBoy]

With 7 weeks till March 1st game all the current fit players and the ones working thru injuries hopefully should give us a close to full list

No more injuries pleeeeeese

[warburton lad]

[Jezza]

Thank you for the report, Lad.

Speedy recovery on the health front.

[MatthewBoydFanClub]

Totally agree with your comments about Bianco, Warburton Lad. All the attention has been on Rantall winning time trials. Time trials don't account for a lot in actual games of footy. Good things come in small packages and Bianco is a complete package. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people this year who are assuming our first pick in Rantall is going to be the first to debut.

[simon tonna]

[Harrysz]

Wonderful report Warburton Lad. Eloquent AND informative. Lots of information presented in such an interesting way!

Sorry to read about your injury woes. Get well soon and look after yourself.

Please comment on what you've seen of Nathan Murphy and Trey Ruscoe. Thanks.

[BazBoy]

Trey Ruscoe I find an interesting person and by that he seems unfrazed with the hype that goes with being picked by the biggest club in the land

Can he play and has he the temperament that he displayed at interviews

I feel I will follow his career with some interest