Hi everyone,
Sorry this is 24 hours late – I had to finish off the Cowboys blog before 60’s and Miatch beat me to death. They are hard task masters those two.
I rocked up to Old Saleyards just after the field session started at 8:30am on Tuesday. A two hour torture test awaited the players. During the physical warmup, these were the things I noted.
- There is more high intensity movement than last year when the old Bart Cummings Melbourne Cup type preparation was in order – miles in the legs.
- There is a focus on getting on the ground and back up in the shortest possible time. I am sure this has been a goal for years, but a lot of the drills are focused on enhancing this skill. You can see some of this in the club’s video on the week’s effort on the track. I love watching them smash each other in the wrestle room.
- Gutherson is a thoroughbred. If it was Easter, you would throw the bank at him. He looks so poised, a true athlete. Always leads from the front, with IDG, Norman and Alvaro next. No one comes close to touching Clint. Alvaro has got a great attitude. I am sure all of them do but this guy tries 100% at everything he does. I reckon the bathroom at home is spotless after he cleans it.
The boys then split into forwards and backs. The forwards focused on ruck, line speed and defensive positioning. The backs worked on kick returns and the combinations of the back three. Bevan looks sharp as a tack, his passing game was on song. Apparently 2016 was only an introduction for him, like an entree at your favourite restaurant.
On to an intensive ball work session where the group again split into three for a full field workout. Teams swap out after a mistake or a few completed sets. These sessions are hard fought with the attitude of winning clearly present.
Key takeout for me was the emergence of many of the younger players. They don’t seem to be intimidated by the elder group who appear to have done a great job in making the youngsters comfortable to perform at their best. As per yesterdays report, Dane Aukafolau is a tall and powerful centre/wing who will only improve in this company. He combined well with his inside men, ran good lines and looks a good bet to play first grade at some stage in his future. Jack Morris is strong beyond his years and plays it hard in the middle. Doolan also gets his hands on the ball and has a run.
The Fog has taken to full time training with ease and his ball work and kicking game is solid. Of course these guys will be tested in their defensive duties as the pre-season wears on, but you couldn’t be happier with them at the moment.
The other interesting and probably expected item to note is the early season form of the new recruits. With something to prove, Nathan Brown, Kirosome Auva’a, George Jennings and Josh Hoffman are doing good things. They are all in great shape, look powerful and I think are ready to rock. Frank Pritchard is running hard in the middle and Vave is a vocal team member who supports the group and appears to have settled in nicely. Matagi looks mean and focused.
For me, most of it comes back to Corey and his class. He looks unreal in the middle, throwing all sorts of passes and creating space for his outside men (particularly Semi). Its beautiful to watch and I think many of us forget the first half of his year. After all, I think he threw away the Dally M in 2016. In a drill he bombed the hell out of the back three and to their credit, they handled just about everything.
On a really hot day there were a few ice packs at the end of the session including this bloke who walked around with one on top of his head! Frank is in the middle of everything and the players have quickly warmed to him.
As Mitch pointed out earlier in the week, there are about 44 players on the field, all in the same gear, usually wearing hats so sometimes you can miss things or get players confused. Sorry if I missed anything !
Go the Eels!!
Chris
Photos courtesy of Ben and the Eels.
Great stuff Chris.
Of particular interest to me is the form of our three “Number 9s”. Whenever I see a pic of King he looks focused and enthusiastic. Given he didnt get an NRL opportunity last season Im a little surprised he appears to feature strongly in pics to date. Im inclined to think it may be a breakout year for him. How have you seen his efforts by comparison to IDG and KP?
Cheers
Gaz
The 9’s have been solid without standing out yet, although I have only been to four sessions in the three weeks they have been back. Last year King just had to get some games back to back. I am sure he will feature at some stage in 2017.
The advantage of considering King is his versatility. Has been covering both halves and dummy half positions in the last year.
Great read Chris, thanks for filling us in…..I’m excited👍🏻
Me too. I really look forward to these great articles….You blokes LOVE the Club that is for sure…INSPIRATIONAL STUFF…
Thanks, Chris and crew, I get more and more excited I read about out boys. Comon down 2017
Thanks guys we love doing it !!
Chris. Thanks for the report.
I am really liking the way things are heading for next year, with each new report along with the video and photo gallery on the eels web site it really is showing the supporter base a clear view as to the way the players are gelling together as well as the intensity they are showing in what must be terrible conditions with the heat. I can almost smell the sweat and BO in them.
Its also good to read about the young players and their attitudes along with the way they are being led by the experienced players and all accepting each other. Likewise again you top up the others with the views of the 9’s, I for one are happy at the way things are working there.
Been to a couple of sessions myself and the standouts for me has been the attitudes of the entire group both players and coaching staff ,it’s infectious and frank pritchard has joined the fold in a big way ,injuries aside this could be a really astute signing for the blue and gold !!!!
Great read again Chris, and the insight to what the squad is doing is superb.
I guess it’s taking game type situations and making them do this to increase muscle memory.
I’ve been impressed with the astute purchases the club has made.
I’m not a huge fan of the nines concept, but will watch how it all goes and who plays and who does not.
I just hope we get our share of luck with injuries, and of course with the judiciary…
Thanks again TCT team.
Again, thanks guys for the effort, the passion & the sharing. Another great read.
Enjoyed the positive comments re Gutho, IDG & Alvaro. Confirms y BA places so much confidence in them. A lot of fans bag the goose as dummy half & Gutho in the halves but I think BA appreciates the hard work, the commitment & attitude. Same goes for Alvaro. I will not be surprised if Alvaro & Peni earn a FG spot early 2017.
Mike