What a learning curve these young Eels players are experiencing. As I mentioned in yesterday’s report, the pathways fellas are being given every opportunity to succeed.
When I arrived at Kellyville this morning, the field markers told the story of the numerous drills planned for the session. Given the number of stations, it promised to keep the players engaged.
Before the players hit the training track, new Athletic Performance staff member Jack McLean introduced himself and had a bit of a chat about his role. Jack will be working alongside the Head of Athletic Performance, Blair Mills. His focus area will be speed and agility, as well as working with the rehab team in managing the return to the field of injured players.
One of the drills about to start
As usual, I won’t describe each of the drills and their elements in great detail in this report. Instead I’ll offer my general observation of the type of drills that the session entailed. Incidentally, the players seem to be loving it. Well, they’ve said so, but you’d expect that. More importantly it looks that way too.
Today’s defence drills focussed on movement, not tackle technique. Speed, energy, and plenty of talk featured. The marker/AB defenders drill was particularly high energy.
A drill which was equal parts attack and defence involved competing for the high ball. The attacking team looked to convert winning possession into a try, whilst the defending team attempted to advance the ball away from the line.
Ryley Smith
Once more there was time spent on dummy half service and pass reception. Again, communication was emphasised, and the pace of the play was changed up to reflect different game scenarios.
Passing skills continue to be developed, and the squad worked through draw and pass techniques as well as completing three on two and four on four drills. It culminated in drills that focussed on support play.
Saxon Pryke
At the end of the session Sam Moa (defence coach) spent time with us discussing the goal of the defensive drills during this first week. When we asked how he was settling in to his role at the Eels, he mentioned that he has been stunned by the number of Parra supporters who have introduced themselves to him since he was appointed.
There you have it. We know that the Eels boast a vast army of supporters, unrivalled by any Sydney club. Sam Moa has discovered that very quickly.
Arthur Miller-Stephen
Finally, another note of thanks to the players who have taken the time to say g’day too. Much appreciated. I’m now adding the Eels media photos of the players so that you can identify them when you watch them play, or when you see them in other photos.
Don’t forget that you’ll have the opportunity to watch the squad train, and to meet and greet the players and staff at the Open Training Session Event on November 30 at Fairfield Showground.
There will be more exciting supporter news from the Eels coming your way in the lead up to Christmas. Stand by.
Eels forever!
Sixties
This quote of the reflection tells us so much.
“ More importantly it looks that way too.”
Indeed Martin. Thanks
Always enjoy reading these reports, appreciate the dedication and the insight given to us Parra fans.
Eels forever!
You’re welcome BP.
You guys are absolute legends, us Eels fans are so lucky to have the Cumberland Throw
Appreciate that James. We are simply Eels to the core like you and over half a million other supporters. Thanks.
Great to read abt the new types of drills / sessions the players have.
What I also find fascinating is the addition to the staff as in someone on speed / agility. We can only hope this transfers well across the squad.
We should be at Fairfield day Sixties – albeit the Markets are also on which will make for interesting parking…
Get there early mate, you’re close enough for a head start right?
Haha not with a few biters in tow…hope to be there early! Grab a bargain from the markets
Thank you for sharing. As an Eels supporter since the immortal Arthur Beetson played for them, I’ve seen ups and downs. Clearly not all Eels supporters can be at these sessions so we really appreciate your efforts. I dare to hope for a good season in 2025.
Cheers
Cheers S.Sage. I might have more company when the C of E is complete and the site is no longer a construction zone.
As I’ve said for the last couple of years. Really appreciate and look forward to your preseason reports 60s .hope it’s not too personal mate but how do you get the time are you retired or just have a job that links in well ?
Thanks Sixties,
My second preseason reading your updates and as I said last preseason they are great for those of us who live interstate. Really enjoy reading about the young fellas coming through.
Kellyville looks a lot different than when I was a wee nipper back in the early 1970s I have to say!
Thanks Namrebo. It’s very different since I played touch footy on the same field back in the 80s.
The LiSTNR article on Eels in the news. Seems to be throwing a bit of shade over the JAC to Eels story. It is not saying that it is dead in the water however it seems that the Board is having second thoughts. JR welcome to BA’s world.
There is a lot of off field risk involved in this signing. Based on rumour it is $1.5mil over 3 years. I am not saying they shouldn’t go ahead with the signing. However they need to think it through.
I guess we will know by the weekend.
John, I reckon you’ll find the previous media over his imminent arrival was being fuelled by his agent. Has it cooled off or is it a report of where things were at to begin with?
Your probably correct Sixties. My only point is given the circumstances surrounding this signing. Due diligence is important.
As you point out it is likely his manager pushing to get the deal done.
If it’s 1.5 over 3 years it’s not a good deal – which is why it’s reported parra has gone quiet.
The reality is us fans (and those in charge of the decisions) will only want ado car with us if we are getting a great deal due to his history of issues.
Ado car was on around 550k it’s reported with dogs. Parra needs to pay under 500k per year ideally (or) the risk outweighs the rewards at age 29 and being convicted of drug driving.
I don’t want him but if we do no more than 350k
How is Addo Carr in a position to bargain? And we should be holding firm to ensure contract is in our favour. Two yrs with conditions for under what he’s reportedly on now.
Exactly Tanky & milo. agreed. IMO 350-400k
My initial reaction o JAC was no, no thanks, he is a problem child. Then reflecting back on his past relationship with Ryles allow fresh thinking. Whoever gets him will get a very determined footballer with speed to burn the grass. I believe Ryles will think long and hard about this and whatever he decides will be the best for the team. What next? We wait and see!
For Mr Sixties when the big boys return I am hoping for more expansive reports particularly with individual efforts. I am too far away to ever get to the training paddock, you are my eyes.
So when there are around 40 players you want me to provide more expansive reports on individuals?
Would that be in order or am I asking too much?
I do the best I can Zero. Here is my disclaimer for not giving enough credit to some players. When there are close to 40 players on the field and they are wearing identical gear, sometimes hats, and are spread over two fields, it’s challenging. Big plays, big hits, big conditioning efforts are easier to identify and I usually write them up as highlights. When they are in specific positions in full field games it’s easier. Some can be spotted from anywhere – eg Lane due to his height. When it’s mixed up in other drills or modified games I have to decide to watch a particular player or two in a session and track their work to best assess how someone is going.
Mr Sixties, you do more than your best. I was just a little excited about the new changes. Certainly I would like to know how our new signings are progressing. Being so far away in Qld it’s my only source of training news.
Take care Mr Sixties.
Yes (joking)
Ryley Smith looks like he has been hitting the gym.
Some (butthurt?) dogs fans claim Jpap is too small for any position bar fullback.
He looks pretty stocky to me.
How does he look in real life?
Apart from his running he looks to potentially be a highly skilled ball player in the few clips Ive seen of him.
I’d describe him as having the size to play dummy half. He’s fast!
Good to hear on both accounts. I think he shows a lot of promise.
Seems a confident player too
The eels have just updated the 2025 team roster on their webpage, this group of young men that are training, especially in the backs may get themselves a debut in 2025, looking very short in the backline at the moment,
Wiremu Greig is not on the list. Has he lost his top 30 contract?
Scroll down just a tiny bit more Kenny. He’s on the page.
Oh good, I’m glad, I think there’s a player there and with Ryles guidance hopefully he can grow into the enforcer we need
The roster is not complete. Still spots to be filled but it could be a season of opportunity.
Believe so sixties, if rumours are to be believed with JAC added, but with him missing the first 4 rounds and Bailey not returning until est round 10, will be a different looking backline those first few weeks, hoping we don’t get struck down the injuries in the pre-season
Adam, we’ve had more than our share of bad luck with injuries to key players over the last two seasons. Time for that type of luck to find another club.
I don’t want him but if we do no more than 350k
Tanky, I’m certain that it’s viewed by the club that the price must be right.
Defence defence defence it’s music to my ears
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