Tweet
I've just returned from the players sponsors night and it was a terrific evening. A real credit to the club. The turnout was huge requiring another venue with an improved capacity to be found early last week.
All players there except Clay Smith which was understandable.
Had the pleasure of sitting at a table with both Lukas Webb and Jack Macrae. Both are exceptional young men in fact having a quick chat to some of the other players before the evening officially got underway highlighted to me what a great job we have done in both recruiting players with good social skills and of course great players on the ground.
I spent a fair portion of the night talking to Lukas and a nicer young man you will never meet.
- He had no idea that he was in the mix for the Dogs during the draft.
- Somewhat surprised to hear they club had him pegged as a defender on draft night as he hadn't really played that role before.
- He has really learned a lot about the game in a short space in time and talked about the way they defend is very different to just a man on man approach.
- He mentioned that you switch opponents throughout the game and you might need to cover someone for just 10 seconds or so before moving back on to someone else.
- Likes all aspects of the training but is obviously having his sessions well managed to not be overloaded.
- Was keen to come to Melbourne and play in the VFL if he wasn't drafted.
- He is hoping for a recall this week but admits the fitness team made the right call in giving him the week off.
- I talked to him a bit about his journey to the AFL and about some of his games with Vic Country.
- He lives with the same host family as Caleb Daniel and spends a bit of time with Koby Stevens. I gather Koby is popular with the players.
Kevin Hillier was the host of the night and as always did a fine job.
Webb and Wood were the first players up for Kevin to grill along with Luke Beveridge. Luke is exceptionally calm and measured but with a dry sense of humour. Bevo pointed out that Wood leads the league in intercept marks by a fair way and he seems to regard intercept marks as a health check on how the defensive structure is working. Earlier in the evening I mentioned to Lukas that I had been impressed with his intercept marking and he was able to give some rough numbers on a couple of the games he has played so it's obvious that the players are backing themselves.
Both players spoke very well and are humble types.
Bevo was superb with the way he relates to the players and the demand of being the senior coach and while he feels comfortable with the coaching aspects of the game he still finds some of the media requirements a bit of a challenge. He talked about the clubs online content he is doing with Robert Murphy and is becoming more comfortable with it.
Next up were Liam Picken, Tom Boyd and Lin Jong. Picken is obviously enjoying some more freedom. Tom Boyd is a natural in front of the mike and really gave detailed answers to the questions. Jong talked about his form and is playing style.
All in all another well run night by the club.
By the way the men of mayhem got a mention as well. I'll think of some more and add what I can.
Go doggies.
All players there except Clay Smith which was understandable.
Had the pleasure of sitting at a table with both Lukas Webb and Jack Macrae. Both are exceptional young men in fact having a quick chat to some of the other players before the evening officially got underway highlighted to me what a great job we have done in both recruiting players with good social skills and of course great players on the ground.
I spent a fair portion of the night talking to Lukas and a nicer young man you will never meet.
- He had no idea that he was in the mix for the Dogs during the draft.
- Somewhat surprised to hear they club had him pegged as a defender on draft night as he hadn't really played that role before.
- He has really learned a lot about the game in a short space in time and talked about the way they defend is very different to just a man on man approach.
- He mentioned that you switch opponents throughout the game and you might need to cover someone for just 10 seconds or so before moving back on to someone else.
- Likes all aspects of the training but is obviously having his sessions well managed to not be overloaded.
- Was keen to come to Melbourne and play in the VFL if he wasn't drafted.
- He is hoping for a recall this week but admits the fitness team made the right call in giving him the week off.
- I talked to him a bit about his journey to the AFL and about some of his games with Vic Country.
- He lives with the same host family as Caleb Daniel and spends a bit of time with Koby Stevens. I gather Koby is popular with the players.
Kevin Hillier was the host of the night and as always did a fine job.
Webb and Wood were the first players up for Kevin to grill along with Luke Beveridge. Luke is exceptionally calm and measured but with a dry sense of humour. Bevo pointed out that Wood leads the league in intercept marks by a fair way and he seems to regard intercept marks as a health check on how the defensive structure is working. Earlier in the evening I mentioned to Lukas that I had been impressed with his intercept marking and he was able to give some rough numbers on a couple of the games he has played so it's obvious that the players are backing themselves.
Both players spoke very well and are humble types.
Bevo was superb with the way he relates to the players and the demand of being the senior coach and while he feels comfortable with the coaching aspects of the game he still finds some of the media requirements a bit of a challenge. He talked about the clubs online content he is doing with Robert Murphy and is becoming more comfortable with it.
Next up were Liam Picken, Tom Boyd and Lin Jong. Picken is obviously enjoying some more freedom. Tom Boyd is a natural in front of the mike and really gave detailed answers to the questions. Jong talked about his form and is playing style.
All in all another well run night by the club.
By the way the men of mayhem got a mention as well. I'll think of some more and add what I can.
Go doggies.
Comment