In recent times, us Essendon supporters have had very long off and pre-seasons to endure.
Firstly, the premature end to the year of unfulfilled potential, then the anticipation, the build up, and optimism of what may be ahead.
One person who has helped through these times is X (Twitter) favourite Charlie from The Caddy Shack (nee The Wanga Hangar, nee The Franga Hangar)
He's one of a few fantastic people online who provides weekly updates from his photos, clips and information via his posts on all things training and the like at The Hangar.
I am sure, like me, you're extremely thankful for everything he shares, it's certainly helped get through the longer breaks between seasons.
Well, I'm happy to say he's taken some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions, and provide us with a detailed update on how the 2024 off season and pre-season has gone for Essendon all through his experienced eyes.
How many preseasons have you now seen at Essendon?
I started going to training sessions regularly from 2018 onward.
Currently I have more free time and try to get to training at least once a week.
The first time I attended training (with a camera) was in 2006 at Windy Hill.
What stands out this year compared to previous years?
Every year training looks more focused and professional, but what stands out the most is the number of coaches and support personnel on and around the field.
Which young player would you say has come back in even better condition?
Elijah Tsatas looks bigger, stronger and fitter than this time last year.
Sam Durham has been in beast mode all pre-season.
Wanganeen to your eyes and mine might look top heavy, unfit, and not really up to AFL standard.
I was talking with another training watcher that's into bodybuilding, boxing and footy, his opinion was that the training staff at Essendon have deliberately put Wanganeen on a program to broaden his hips and upper body before trimming him down, leaving him with a stronger core.
(Image on the left taken January 2022, middle taken December 2022, right taken January 2024)
Which player has looked the slimmest compared to previous years?
Maybe Nick Bryan looks a little leaner than what he did last year.
Which experienced player do you think can elevate again from his training this year?
I think Langford, Parish, Laverde, Setterfield and Ridley (even though he's in the rehab group) have all been very solid this pre-season.
Langford is almost unbeatable in one on one contests.
Have you noticed anything different from the coaches?
It's the number of coaches out on the field that is most noticeable.
Giansiracusa by far takes most of the workload and Stanton the most vocal.
Brad Scott is more of a spectator at training, chatting with assistant coaches, individual players, and sometimes the whole group.
Have training sessions gone longer this season compared to the past?
Yes, definitely.
In the past, most training sessions would be 1.5 to 2 hours.
Now they start earlier and sometimes go for 2 to 2.5 hours on the track.
Training looks a lot more organised and there isn't as much down time. There’s always something going on.
The coaches are quickly rotating groups of players through different drills in all areas of the ground.
Has there been more match simulation so far this year?
Not really.
In January, main match simulations of 4 x 20 minutes are on Saturdays (with 4 AFL umpires)
Monday is skill sessions.
Tuesday or Wednesday have mini match simulations of 2 x 15 minutes (2 AFL umpires)
February will be ramped up.
Has there been a repeated focus on one particular area of match simulation? (Throw ins, kick ins, attack, defending?)
There are different drills that focus on all of the above.
I had a conversation with Brad Scott in March of last year, he was telling me that every training session, every drill, everything that they were doing was focused on the defensive aspect of the game.
I just couldn't see it.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm looking at everything through the lens of a camera or I'm just thick as shit.
Has Sam Weideman been training as a forward or a defender this year?
The last two Wednesday mini match simulations he has played as a forward.
What has impressed you the most about seeing Todd Goldstein in the flesh?
I'm surprised how well Goldy moves for a 35-year-old.
Draper, Bryan, and especially Visentini will benefit from his experience and knowledge of the game.
Goldy is happy as a pig in mud at Essendon, very likeable and always smiling.
What has taken your eye the most about Jade Gresham?
The guy is a lot smaller than what I thought, but he's built like a double brick shithouse.
He's starting to get some midfield time which gives an added option.
A massive upgrade on Will Snelling.
Ben McKay's first impressions?
He has been very solid, it's great to have someone of his size to combat the gorillas like Hawkins and Lynch.
Has Xavier Duursma made an impact in training?
I haven't seen a lot of Xavier and from what little I have seen, he looks very rusty and hasn't had any impact in any of the match simulations yet.
Have you seen any players in different positions than usual this year? If so, are they thriving in your eyes?
Initially I wasn't a big fan of Martin playing across half back, but in a match simulations he's looked great.
He has been used by defenders as an exit kick.
I think it will work for us.
Gresham playing midfield has been good, and
Hind forward has kicked a couple of goals here and there.
Archie Roberts was very good playing forward and took a great pack mark on Saturday (February 3rd)
Aside from Captain Zach, which players are most vocal on the track?
There's a lot more chatter on the field, especially from defenders.
Example.
There was a free kick paid on the wing, Laverde was the defender closest to the goals and could view the field ahead, he was yelling instructions to both Baldwin and Hayes on their positioning.
What is Brad Scott’s demeanour like at training?
Brad sits in the back seat and watches training while the assistants take care of the drills.
I've never heard his voice at training.
What have you seen of David Rath?
At training he is mainly an observer, spends a lot of time talking with Brad Scott.
I think he works on strategy and biomechanics.
I've seen him work with Tsatas and Parish and mainly concentrated on their kicking.
What impresses you the most about Nate Caddy?
Everything.
He has great second and third efforts that come naturally to him, excellent mark and kick, very athletic and has a fantastic attitude.
He will be a valuable asset for the club over the next 10 plus years.
Which teammate has taken Caddy “under his wing”?
I haven't really noticed, maybe Kyle Langford.
What round would you safely say Sam Draper will be ready by?
Hard to answer, what I can tell you is he looks better and is doing more training every week.
What percentage would Nick Bryan be playing in the forward line in match simulation?
With Bryan and Goldy being the only 2 fit ruckmen, Bryan has been a full time ruck drifting into the forward line occasionally.
Visentini playing as a full time forward.
Which match ups during training have been the most competitive between 2 players?
Throughout the pre-season, I've kept a close eye on Baldwin, he's played on so many different forwards that it's only Peter Wright that has given him any grief in a marking situation.
Sam Durham taking on the experienced midfielders has been fantastic, he's been one of the stars this pre-season.
Lewis Hayes is underrated as a young defender
How have the players with past pre-season injuries trained?
Both Jones and Reid haven't missed a session. I'm really keen to see how they go this year.
The sooner Reid gets 50 games under his belt, the better our backline will be.
Weideman has been out of the rehab group and into full training for 2 weeks or so, playing as forward...nothing special.
What is Zach Merrett like at training?
Zach is one of the hardest workers at the club, he can definitely be heard on the track.
I think he leaves a lot of the instructions to the coaching group.
What glimpses of Jayden Davey do you like?
I haven't seen enough of Jayden to make comments.
He played back pocket in a match simulation but with limited minutes, he was clean with the ball but also very rusty.
He probably needs 12 months of VFL footy to get confidence in his body before we see the real Jayden Davey.
He's a little broader in the body compared to Alwyn.
Do you have any insights on players coming through the James Hird academy?
I've heard that Darren Bewick's son will be something special though not available until the 2027 draft.
Do you see Dale Tapping at training?
Yes, every session.
Really nice guy. (photo from August 2023)
Of the assistant coaches, who directs training the most?
Giansiracusa by a mile. I think he is the unofficial head of the assistant coaches.
Stanton would be a close second with Ben Jacobs.
Hurley and Cloke have been working mainly with the younger guys.
Is the David Barham stand complete?
Ha ha ha. The David Barham Stand = half a dozen benches and 4 umbrellas.
In all seriousness, it's a cover for us training watchers, it provides shade on hot days and protects us from the rain.
I very much appreciate it.
And finally, your predicted finish for Essendon and how many wins?
I want us to improve our list and ladder position every year.
Realistically, with a full list (minimal injuries) we should be playing and winning finals.
But we are Essendon.
8th to 12th ladder position.
13 wins at best.
Thank you Charlie for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a host of questions, and keep the Bombers faithful up to date on your vision over training.
Let's bring on 2024.
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