Summary
* Stitched up a bit by Dimma about his weight. Over in Ireland enjoyed him self too much not doing much for 2 weeks and he put on a couple of kgs so it was more getting fit. He's back now to just under his playing weight. It wasn't a consicous decision to lose weight and become more mobile. It's just getting use to your body and it'll probably happen again next year. You see guys who have been around 8 years and they finally have their bodies the way they want to.
* Enthusiasm has carried through from 2010. Natural when you have such a young group. 25-30 guys under 21-22. Exciting, training's upbeat and been great. Guys making strides. Hopefully exciting for fans in the future to see some good footy out of Punt Rd.
* Started noticing how big a sleeping giant when we had those wins towards the end of last year. People his age don't realise how big the club is and successful it was in the 70s/80s and how many great players - Hart, KB, Roach and how much a cult following it has. Once we start winning they'll all be coming out of the woodwork and we'll start to show how big a force we are.
* Hardwick's nickname is "Stiffy". Timmy Watson gave it away 3 months ago so Jack texted him and Dimma wasn't happy lol.
* Dimma is a father figure and has such a good relationship with the players. Even the asssistant coaches. They all come from successful backgrounds. They know what they are talking about. They treat the players well and guys listen to them.
* Dimma started coaching from the bench in round 2. Prides himself on showing initiative and setting new trends. A bit scary coming off as you know you've done something wrong when he pulls you off. You have you're head down and you don't look at the bench lol.
* Gaze noticed some of the Richmond boys down at MSAC shooting some hoops with all the proper NBA gear, names and shoes on. Jack said it started 6 months ago with a few Vic country boys Lids and Connors right into their basketball. They made rules you needed proper kits to turn up or you can't play. Newy got turned away wearing a Jordan t-shirt and Nike pumpers as it wasn't a proper kit lol.
* Hasn't seen or heard from Cuz in a while. Still working on making the transition post-footy. In Perth with his family to continue to have his life on track and find things to do.
* Nick Riewoldt saga - From a family perspective - disappointing for all parties. Jack said he likes a joke and stirred Nick up over Christmas down in Tassie. Disappointing, unfortunate, regrettable for everyone involved and great it's now been resolved. Just shows the dangers of social media and you just can't put anything on the net as it can come back and bite you on the bum.
* Jack said he won't be niggling Nick about it as first he's at opposite ends of the ground but mainly as you don't wind up and fire up one of the best 3 players and top forward in the comp. Some guys will target him though as Boomer Harvey has said.
* They replayed Bruce McAveney's "Roaring now the Tigers...... ROAR!!!" commentary. Jack and all had a laugh and said that's some good work from the little master. Gaze said it does get you going though doesn't it.