They aren’t due back yet, but a couple of interested spectators were at Kellyville today.
Strolling onto the training track in their civvies, Bailey Simonsson and Luca Moretti watched on from the sideline as the squad went through their paces, then joined the players as they returned to the C of E building.
It was another terrific sign of team unity, and as Luca joked with me about rarely leaving the eastern suburbs, Bailey expressed how keen he is to start ripping in.
In my last report I noted the positivity of the staff, and a unified squad of young players keen to make the best of their opportunity. As is usually the case, a number of pathways players are given a partial preseason. This typically means the period up to Christmas.
Though I haven’t got any specifics at this stage on the whom, those who finish up at Christmas return to their lower grade preseason in the new year. In this current group, there are even some who could play another season of SG Ball.
Tyrese Lokeni and Teancum Brown head onto the field
The positive vibe is tangible and feedback I’ve had is that this is a group with a mindset to learn.
A week or more of having fewer players in the squad also ensures that the coach to player ratio is around 1:4 or better. It’s not just skills being taught but some of the system basics, meaning that these younger players will be best prepared as the more experienced hands join in.
After warm ups, today began with what I consider to be running mechanics basics – short sprints finished with a change of direction.
The footy stuff commenced with forwards working with dummy halves and it looked to be about getting into position and running good lines. Simultaneously, the backs were running lines at either inside or outside shoulders. Later on the halves practised kicks to the corners for outside backs to catch.
The skills groups then increased in size with the ball players making decisions at the line with runner options. This was firstly undertaken without opposition and then with.
Building on from last season’s defensive work, a number of drills were run which seemed to focus on the agility of the defender, with their footwork being a priority. This went from a one on one drill to two on one.
Araz Nanva and Mo Alameddine
More ball work followed, with three on two drills involving quick hands and decision making, including about whether to pass or hold the ball.
At the conclusion of the morning, a period of time was spent in rapid fire 6v4 two hand touch footy. Although this was all unstructured, there was an emphasis on communication and working together in both attack and defence. The play was relentless, and similar to the last preseason, it meant a conditioning component was being run in a game context.
During extras, Ryley Smith and Lachie Coinakis worked together on their passing skills, whilst Charlie Guymer and Sam Tuivaiti seemed to be leading a group of forwards in their passing skills.
Quick Response
I’ve been sent a number of questions about Tallyn Da Silva. The former Tigers hooker has not been on the training track as yet.
However, he did return on Wednesday, a non fieldwork day, and I’m expecting to see him on field today.
Eels forever!
Sixties
💙💛