Preseason Training - 2020

[GVGjr]

Bontempelli and Macrae are here. English will play but is doing some specialised training away from the drills

[GVGjr]

This is the most impressive training session I have see in years, if ever. So many of the players look sharp and the ball use has been excellent. Hopefully they will start the practice game now.

I'm talking to myself here so will wrap things up at the end of the game

[MrMahatma]

This is the most impressive training session I have see in years, if ever. So many of the players look sharp and the ball use has been excellent. Hopefully they will start the practice game now.

I'm talking to myself here so will wrap things up at the end of the game
Might be the most intelligent conversation you’ll have in a while! :D

[Happy Days]

I took in the first half but they took too long with drills at half time and I had places to be. I’d agree with Gary in that the skill level and overall work of the players was very high standard.

Suprisingly, I was most impressed with Mitch Wallis, who played pretty much full time forward and had 4 goals at half time. His body work was impressive as always and he really dominated Suckling one on one.

English too looked fantastic. He’s a really big unit now but hasn’t lost any speed or skill. Looked far improved in the ruck but I’ll reserve judgement there until I see him against some better rucks.

Weightman tried to take mark of the century and almost did, and was generally pretty impressive when he did get it.

Not so good were Bruce and Suckling. Bruce dropped several marks and generally looked rusty, and Suckling as mentioned got bodied by Wallis and was pretty poor by foot.

Special mention to Lachy Hunter playing in a forwards facing cap.

I also noticed Schache go to the rooms with a slight limp, but he came back out not much later looking totally fine and laughing with the doctor, so no real concern.

[Hotdog60]

Young Dog dominates intraclub, can 'without a doubt' join elite pair

https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2020/02/29/cee9c439-d2c1-46ad-abe8-8373250c0c00/E2GWWB19MKP967662985.JPG?width=952&height=592

TIM English can "without a doubt" join the likes of Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn in the elite ruckman category, according to teammate Sam Lloyd.

The young ruckman missed the first Marsh Community Series game with a concussion last week, but was dominant in the Western Bulldogs' intraclub match on Saturday.

The West Australian took several strong contested marks around the ground and kicked a goal as he led the light blue team to a 11.4 (70) to 4.9 (30) win over a slightly weaker dark blue side.

The highlight of his day was sidestepping through traffic to nail a quaint 15m pass to set up Bailey Dale for one of his three goals.

Lloyd signed a one-year contract extension on Saturday morning and was quick to praise the work English has put in over the summer.

"He's had one of the best pre-seasons you'll ever see," Lloyd told reporters post-match.

Mitch Wallis kicked four goals for the light blue side, with some strong work on the lead and crafty finishing around his body.

The veteran forward also volunteered for boundary umpire duties when he spent some time on the bench early in the game.

Josh Bruce kicked a couple of goals for the dark blue team after missing last Friday's game against North Melbourne with a back spasm.

Draftee Louis Butler cut through three opponents off half-back and managed to hit a beautiful pass through the corridor to set up a run.

Fellow first-year player Cody Weightman attempted a huge hanger in the goalsquare, but didn't quite come down with it.

"Cody Weightman is going really well," Lloyd said.

Young defender Buku Khamis impressed with a huge tackle early on, before going back with the flight to take a strong mark one on one.

Matthew Suckling (managed) and Easton Wood (hamstring) both played, but Ed Richards (concussion) was held out.

Tom Liberatore (knee) did not play in the game, but completed all the non-contact work in the training session beforehand.

The club expects him to return to full training soon to be in the mix within the first month of the home and away season.

LINK (https://www.afl.com.au/news/379454/young-dog-dominates-intraclub-can-without-a-doubt-join-elite-pair)

[bornadog]

Thanks for the updates GVGjr and HD, couldn't get there myself due to family commitments in Shepparton.

[GVGjr]

Thanks Happy Days

Even with 3 of our better players missing because they played last night and with Naughton injured and a number of others on restricted duties the training session in particular and then the practice game were a strong indicator that we are in for a very good season. It's a shame that we didn't have a bigger attendance to the session as it was well catered for and the ground and weather conditions were perfect.

There has been some subtle changes in the way we move the ball and the skill execution was impressive

Restricted duties players included: Vandermeer, Garcia, Liberatore, Cordy, Duryea, Richards and Jong with Wood joining in a bit later but still playing in the practice match and of course Naughton wasn't out there.
English also joined the group before during the extended warm up and was working closely with Chris Bell. I suspect there might have been doing some work to minimise some hamstring tightness

There were also a number of VFL listed players that were helping make up the numbers. Josh Kellett was playing and I think Siversen, McComb, Trusler, Short and Drummond might have been in the mix. I think I've missed a couple of other names as well

We used 4 ruckman which is no surprise, English and Sweet were the main rucks with Trengove and Lewis Young also given a decent go.

A lot of the younger players caught the eye with West and B.Smith impressive and Lachie Young playing on the likes of Bruce and Weightman proving he is one of the more versatile options and that he can play on a wide range of opponents.

Forgotten men like Lynch, who played off a HBF, Greene who played forward did some nice things although Greene missed an easy enough goal early in the game. Cavarra was impressive at times and has really lifted his work rate.

As Happy Days mentioned, Wallis was in tip top form, kicked goals and performed well in the midfield. Schache has gone to another level and I hope he can go on with it. Happy Days also mentioned that Bruce spilled marks he should have taken and English has filled out well so we can't hide behind the "wait until he needs to fill out" tag anymore.

Suckling played off the back line and took a few of the kick-ins. For a practice game he really gets stuck into himself when Wallis kicked a goal on him.

Gowers work hard and I sense the penny has dropped that he needs to kick it up a notch to earn his way into the senior side.
Keath uses the ball very well and McLean popped up here and there and Daniel played without his helmet.

Butler is a composed user of the ball and reads the play very well while Weightman fumbled the ball a few times but does catch the eye especially when he just missed that huge grab. Bailey Williams appeared to start on a HBF but might have moved onto a wing. He kicked the ball into the forward 50 a couple of times.

I think we are primed for a good season so strap yourself in and enjoy the ride.

[Rocket Science]

If Wallis can consistently gives us a bit of what Clay Smith delivered in the '16 finals series we'll be very well served.

That he's worked so hard to diversify what he brings to the table for the good of the team - and frankly his survival in it - says plenty.

Hope he bobs up with a lazy thirty or so this year.

[GVGjr]

If Wallis can consistently gives us a bit of what Clay Smith delivered in the '16 finals series we'll be very well served.

That he's worked so hard to diversify what he brings to the table for the good of the team - and frankly his survival in it - says plenty.

Hope he bobs up with a lazy thirty or so this year.

Excellent observation. I like the Clay Smith comparison if he can match his intensity.

[Happy Days]

If Wallis can consistently gives us a bit of what Clay Smith delivered in the '16 finals series we'll be very well served.

That he's worked so hard to diversify what he brings to the table for the good of the team - and frankly his survival in it - says plenty.

Hope he bobs up with a lazy thirty or so this year.

He’s a different sort of player to Clay. His forward work reminds me more of Gia in the way he always takes better position with the ball in the air. He isn’t as clean when the ball hits the ground, but if he was as good as Gia at that then he would have been a forward the whole time and we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

I don’t think him, Lloyd and McLean can all play together.

[kruder]

If Wallis can consistently gives us a bit of what Clay Smith delivered in the '16 finals series we'll be very well served.

That he's worked so hard to diversify what he brings to the table for the good of the team - and frankly his survival in it - says plenty.

Hope he bobs up with a lazy thirty or so this year.

Yeah agree. The challenge for Wallis is once the rage is over and he gets comfortable IMO. With his skill set he needs to accept that he has to play on edge week in and week out then he will become a legit best 22 player. From the outside he looks a real leader love to see him succeed.

[Eastdog]

Thanks for the reports GVGjr and Happy Days. Much appreciated.

[Twodogs]

I had to work so thanks for the reports.

Sam Lloyd is really a Tim English fan isn't he?

[choconmientay]

Many thanks to Gary and Happy Days for the reports. I took some photos for people who could not attend to have a glance.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xnexPb9vBseoYVjn7

Richard, Cordy and Jong did the early running along the boundary line.
Few guys including Libba are doing work as a group (rehab group?!). They also did a bit of 4 vs 2 (soccer style) but with kicking the footy.

9:40 the main group came out. Warm up, Skills practice and on the move. Like Gary mentioned, the drill was impressive.
10:10 they completed the training and started with the Intra match.

Love Wallis and English today. Both were great.

It was a really enjoyable Saturday morning and yeah, we should have marketed this better and the gate should have been wide open for every fans to join.

[Eastdog]

Great photos choc. Much appreciated.

[jeemak]

Thanks for the pics choc, great work.

[Eastdog]

Thanks for the pics choc, great work.

It is so great that we have WOOF.

[AshMac]

Thanks a lot for the updates guys! Really interesting reading and news/updates we can’t get anywhere else. Appreciated

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Thanks for the reports greatly appreciated.

[bornadog]

I wonder when the next open training is on.

[Hotdog60]

Beat you to it BAD :)
https://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?19297-Preseason-Training-2020&p=670484#post670484

[bornadog]

Beat you to it BAD :)
https://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?19297-Preseason-Training-2020&p=670484#post670484

Sorry I missed that, being away yesterday. Have deleted mine now.:o

[Twodogs]

Sorry I missed that, being away yesterday. Have deleted mine now.:o

No you haven't

[Eastdog]

I wonder when the next open training is on.

That would be listed in the events thread BAD but check the club website as well.

[bornadog]

No you haven't

Not sure what you mean

[Eastdog]

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/events/open-training

Upcoming open training sessions at Victoria University Whitten Oval are:

Monday March 2 - AFL Training 3:00pm–4:00pm

Tuesday March 3 - AFL Training 9:45am–11:00am

Friday March 6 - AFL Training 2:30pm–4:00pm Whyalla Captains Run Open

Monday March 9 - AFL Training 3:00pm–4:00pm conditioning only

Thursday March 19 - AFL Training 9:45am–11:00am

Monday March 23 - AFL Training 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Tuesday March 24 - AFL Training 9:00am – 11:00am

Friday March 27 - AFL Training 9:45am – 11:00am

Monday March 30 - AFL Training 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Thursday April 2 - AFL Training 3:30pm – 5:00pm Canberra Captains Run Open

Monday April 6 - AFL Training 9:45am – 11:00am

Thursday April 9 - AFL Training 9:45am – 11:00am

Please note, all times published are approximate and subject to change at late notice. All training sessions are at VU Whitten Oval unless otherwise stated.

[The Pie Man]

I went along with my son who I had to run around with a bit so only really focused on the first quarter of the 'match' but Wallis looked very, very good - one goal he caught Suckling out the back following a Sweet turnover in the middle so he was stiff there, thought Suckling looked ok in patches though.

English really stood out - sells candy like a midfielder and is a very accurate kick...those kicks occasionally hang in the air a little too long, but he looks primed for a very good year also.

Khamis had some good moments - Dale looked lively as well. Bailey Smith kept getting involved.

My son met Bont, Lippa, Wallis (who I had a quick chat to - really nice fella) Khamis, Hunter & McLean - and they were all lovely with my boy. Bont joked with a few near me that the SOR game was pretty high intensity 'which isn't my go'

[bornadog]

I went along with my son who I had to run around with a bit so only really focused on the first quarter of the 'match' but Wallis looked very, very good - one goal he caught Suckling out the back following a Sweet turnover in the middle so he was stiff there, thought Suckling looked ok in patches though.

English really stood out - sells candy like a midfielder and is a very accurate kick...those kicks occasionally hang in the air a little too long, but he looks primed for a very good year also.

Khamis had some good moments - Dale looked lively as well. Bailey Smith kept getting involved.

My son met Bont, Lippa, Wallis (who I had a quick chat to - really nice fella) Khamis, Hunter & McLean - and they were all lovely with my boy. Bont joked with a few near me that the SOR game was pretty high intensity 'which isn't my go'

Does your son have a favourite?

[The Pie Man]

Does your son have a favourite?

That changes a bit - 6 YO kid logic.

I bought him a Bob 300 top at his first game - so once he retired, he started liking Lewis Young.

Liked Hunter for a while after his banana against Melbourne last season.

On Saturday, he liked Wallis cos he high fived him...but then he surprised me by remembering he'd out injured a lot of last year. Didn't hurt he kicked a few early on Saturday.

Will be an interesting looking forward line come round 1 - Wallis & Dale will play.

[Twodogs]

That changes a bit - 6 YO kid logic.

I bought him a Bob 300 top at his first game - so once he retired, he started liking Lewis Young.

Liked Hunter for a while after his banana against Melbourne last season.

On Saturday, he liked Wallis cos he high fived him...but then he surprised me by remembering he'd out injured a lot of last year. Didn't hurt he kicked a few early on Saturday.

Will be an interesting looking forward line come round 1 - Wallis & Dale will play.

When my son was a couple of weeks old I took him to Highpoint to meet Chris Grant at his AFL shop. Chris makes a fuss of him, asks his name and gives him a hug and a little bulldog doll. I walk off into the distance ecstatically happy with what a wonderful job I am doing as a parent.

Anyway fast forward about a year or so and I am at the club to buy finals tickets (Harvey was born in July '98 so this would have been about 14 months.) Chris is getting out of his car when I walked past and he gave me the "Oh yeah, giddaye, ummm, errr, mate" that you say to someone when you can't remember their name but then he pointed to the baby and said "and this is Harvey, isn't it?"

I didn't care that he couldn't remember my name but I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day because Chris Grant marched up to my son and remembered his name! :cool:


What a guy!!!!

[Eastdog]

Great story Twodogs! Chris is a legend of our club.

I very much enjoy your stories Twodogs.

[bornadog]

When I first started taking my daughter to the Footy, we stuck number 3 on her back, so no choice. But when she got a bit older, she liked Hargrave. I asked her why and she said because he is hot. :D, so her next jumper came with his number and a signature on the back at the family day. He was wrapped because not many kids had his number.

[Jeanette54]

Great story Twodogs! Chris is a legend of our club.

I very much enjoy your stories Twodogs.

I well remember my Grandfather (mid eighties at the time) meeting Chris Grant at an Eastern Bulldogs dinner, and he was most impressed by Chris. He didn't talk about Chris's ability, or man mountain size, what he talked about was the quality of the man. His manners, and genuine interest in the people he was there to meet. Not much impressed him at that age, but Chris certainly did.

[Twodogs]

When I first started taking my daughter to the Footy, we stuck number 3 on her back, so no choice. But when she got a bit older, she liked Hargrave. I asked her why and she said because he is hot. :D, so her next jumper came with his number and a signature on the back at the family day. He was wrapped because not many kids had his number.

When she was about 8 or 9 my daughter saw Adam Cooney at Sims. She said "dad. One day I am going to marry him!" I'm not holding my breath...

[Bulldog4life]

When I first started taking my daughter to the Footy, we stuck number 3 on her back, so no choice. But when she got a bit older, she liked Hargrave. I asked her why and she said because he is hot. :D, so her next jumper came with his number and a signature on the back at the family day. He was wrapped because not many kids had his number.


Ditto BAD. My daughter is 28 now and she wore the number 25 with pride....because of Hargrave's looks and his legs.:)She had the number at aged 13 when those pesky hormones kick in. Even wanted to marry him. :D

[bornadog]

I well remember my Grandfather (mid eighties at the time) meeting Chris Grant at an Eastern Bulldogs dinner, and he was most impressed by Chris. He didn't talk about Chris's ability, or man mountain size, what he talked about was the quality of the man. His manners, and genuine interest in the people he was there to meet. Not much impressed him at that age, but Chris certainly did.

I met Chris at the club recently at a Business group get together and he showed us around the training centre etc. Such a nice bloke to talk to and very friendly with the whole group.

[Axe Man]

When my son was a couple of weeks old I took him to Highpoint to meet Chris Grant at his AFL shop. Chris makes a fuss of him, asks his name and gives him a hug and a little bulldog doll. I walk off into the distance ecstatically happy with what a wonderful job I am doing as a parent.

Anyway fast forward about a year or so and I am at the club to buy finals tickets (Harvey was born in July '98 so this would have been about 14 months.) Chris is getting out of his car when I walked past and he gave me the "Oh yeah, giddaye, ummm, errr, mate" that you say to someone when you can't remember their name but then he pointed to the baby and said "and this is Harvey, isn't it?"

I didn't care that he couldn't remember my name but I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day because Chris Grant marched up to my son and remembered his name! :cool:


What a guy!!!!

After the 1997 Brownlow I'm not surprised he remembered the name Harvey!

[bornadog]

Tory Dickson (adductor), Tom Liberatore (knee) and Aaron Naughton (knee) look to be moving well and training with the main group.

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ESyhuY3U0AMHPT7?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ESyhuY4UUAANJi6?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ESyhuY8U4AA7jBp?format=jpg&name=large

[Twodogs]

After the 1997 Brownlow I'm not surprised he remembered the name Harvey!

Good point although he didn't say "and that's that little *!*!*!*!ing mongrel Harvey isn't it? See how far you can run before I catch you"

[bornadog]

Looks like he is running well.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ES9JnFKUcAUbycW?format=jpg&name=4096x4096