I just got back from a scorching
Punt Rd Oval. Training began at 9.30am and went for about an hour and a half.
Off the top of my head most of the squad was present although I'll have to recheck my photos as I don't recall Foley, Tucky or Meyer. The rehab group consisted of Cogs, Hyde, JON, Knobel and Petersen. Hartigan was also with them . Knobel and Cogs were doing kick to kick while Hyde, Petersen and JON did 100m and boundary runs. First time I've seen JON do some running this preseason so hopefully his shin splint problem is on the mend although he was still wearing that brace around his lower leg. Richo only joined in on the running. It was good to see Newy and Thursty do the whole session with the main squad.
Krak was there by the way and had a good session. No visible signs of any mental distraction that detracted from his training. Newy put his arm around him at one stage as they were coming back onto the ground after they had gone off to change from boots to runners but then again it was probably me noticing something that was nothing.
Given the cricket pitch in the middle of the ground there was no practice match. Just mainly foot passing drills whereby the squad would split in to four smaller groups and run, pass and mark to each other. I was chatting to another Tiger supporter so wasn't paying heavy attention but it looked clean and crisply done. The boys as did some short passing where you have have someone in the middle of two groups to simulate a short option. Once again cleanly done and lots of talk and enthusiasm which was good to see especially in the heat.
The session was finished with some pacey 200m runs. Basically 30 secs to run it then 30 secs rest. From memory there were 10-15 repetitions. The whole group did the first half dozen or so then about half pulled out (Polo, Krak, Blingers were in that group) and stretched while encouraging the remaining others. Jacko, Casserly and Tivs were in the front group so I noticed them the most. Jacko was the quickest. Did one run in 29secs and with Cass no too far behind they left poor Tivs in his wake. The very next run David King was pushing Cass and Cass finished level with Jacko. Most of the squad did the 200m in 30-31 secs each time. Terry gave Gas some praise when he lead his threesome.
That was about it. They all looked totally buggered by the end not surprisingly. Browny, Newy and Graham stayed on the ground to do some extra work. Browny practiced his marking on the lead with one of coaches putting on some minor pressure. He then joined the others for some reflex marking work.
Photos to come later tonight when I get home. Certain OER perverts lol would have enjoyed today.
