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Date Posted: 15:39 19/02/25 Wed
Author: norman bone
Author Host/IP: otn-121-50-199-50.broadband.onthenet.net / 121.50.199.50
Subject: Monday training at Fankhauser reserve Southport ...

Ventured down to the home of the Southport Sharks to watch the boys go through their training routine. The last time I watched a training session was when living in Melbourne back in the 70's although with the brilliant coverage by Jen, Swoop Luke and Pies Footy I knew what to expect in terms of format.

The weather was cloudy around 29 degrees with a south easterley blowing which made it comfortable for players, coaches and spectators alike.The ground was in very good condition with the crowd building up as the afternoon progressed and an estimation of approximately 300 - 400 of the army there viewing around the boundary ,in the clubhouse and from their vehicles parked around the ground.
I arrived at about 1:50 and the boys were already out with the standard kick to kick prior to the mandatory stretching and agility exercises we have seen on Jen's videos.

There were a few absentees on Monday namely Fly , Moore, JDG , Sidey , Crispy, Howey , McStay , Cox , Bruzzy , with Bobby and Ash in recovery from their Perth trip.

I initially thought they may have stayed in Melbourne to finalise the leadership group for this season prior to all flying up to the Coast on Tuesday in preparation for the hitout on Thursday.

In rehab were HH and HDM with Big Roo joining them when the circuit work started.

They broke into groups around the ground focusing on different set routines at each station for a few minutes before moving onto the next activity after a piercing sound of a whistle.
At my vantage point Murph had set up kicking high drop punts for the talls to practise their marking and spoiling in 1 v 1 and 1 v 2 battles.
After every group had rotated through each station a sustained whistle would signify a hydration break with all players instructed to sprint to the Gatorade parked on the boundary. The one player that showed he took that instruction to the utmost was Q who went full boar for about 50 metres in much the same way he showed us his determination in the beep test earlier this pre-season. He has slimmed down and we can only hope he returns to the form he showed in 23.

I also observed drones flying around the ground capturing vision at each skill station and later following the play when moving the ball from backline to forwardline.

The mini match sim from backs to forwards going full length of the ground went for about 30 minutes and then after the next hydration break they played in a compressed area of the ground with constant movement of the ball to advantage for a clear shot on goal.

The last activity was fortunately set up in front of my viewing spot and revolved around keepings off where players would handpass to teammates in the same colours but if caught would hold the ball to create a stoppage.

This was the last organised drill and more or less signified the end of training with some players having shots on goal at the northern end which wasn't made easy with the swirling breeze.
Charlie West was having trouble allowing for the wind but finally got it right. He certainly has a bigger frame than you would see on most recruits and once he gets the art of body positioning worked out he should have a good career in the black and white because he takes a good one grab of the ball.

A few player observations in no particular order --
TJ -- the guy floats across the ground and has good skills below his knees with good penetrating kicks and once he develops his upper body will be a weapon off the backline.

Titch -- did all the drills and was good to see him running around not holding back. Seemed he was putting his name forward for Round 0 but the club might play him in gradually.

Houston and JD -- these two were prominent in bringing the ball out of the backline and looked to be eyeing each others location to make sure one or the other was delivering.
We should see more opportunity for the forwards this season with Dan and Josh's delivery.

Lippa -- he is certainly the linkman when the ball is in a congested area down back who can kick to position and is keen to put his name on the scoreboard. He has surprised me the most as I didn't think he would make it with his slow movememt and fumbling at the contest.

Tim Membrey -- very good hands with one grab marks and fairly accurate when shooting at goal. Lets see how he melds with Dan and Checkers but an astute recruiting coup.

Shooter -- he appears to have slimmed down but that manic tackling mindset is still there even against his teammates. Expecting a productive season 2025 if he can straighten his shots on goal.

Reef -- Well here is a chap that has jumped out of the box and said I want 1st grade action. He now has a solid build and less likely to be pushed off the ball. With the pace marking , spoiling ability it's his for the taking.
I didn't think he was going to make it after viewing some of his VFL games last year as he appeared to have a less than committed attitude to wanting the ball. He may play round 0 but Houston will replace him when available.

Leggy -- seems to have that desire to make the play like he did in 23. Perhaps fatherhood sapped his energy last year which is understandable condsidering new challenges ahead.

Long -- Another player that surprised me with more agility than was evidenced last year. Certainly has the build for the contested game but pace may still find him out. However there are many examples of players making it long time without that commodity and he is still quite young.

Big Roo -- taller than I expected and very mobile for his size. Trust he has a good learning curve in the VFL this year with a better list to benefit from his aerial work.

Oscar -- he and DC were opposed in ruck contests and displayed good agility for a chap that has had an interrupted start to his career. Takes a good grab in marking contests and learning to spoil when required. He was one of those having shots on goal after training finished.

Will Hayes -- can now see what all the excitement is about this young lad. Whilst lightly framed he doesn't mind mixing it up with the bigger bodies when there is a ball to be won.
He exhibits the one ingredient I see necessary after 65 years of observation of VFL/AFL that is " I want the ball to create " Will have a good year in the VFL and maybe sneak a senior appearance if his form holds.

Trust this report gives an idea of what I observed at Fankhauser Reserve on Monday.

Regrettably I won't be able to see the practice games on Thursday as my wife has relatives arriving that day from England but will certainly watch the replay on Kayo that night.

Looking forward to this season with the addition of the new recruits , the revitalised fitness levels of the regulars and no repeat of the horrendous run of injuries we suffered last season.

As always GO PIES !!

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