I had the chance to attend the second-to-last training session for the first-to-fourth-year players. Several others outside this group were also on the track, participating in optional training.
While it’s hard to draw definitive conclusions about changes to the game style without the entire list present, there were some noticeable differences compared to the same period 12 months ago.
Here are my notes and key takeaways from the session.
Forward handball.
The ball is constantly in motion via quick hands but is moving forward instead of sideways and backward. It’s forcing players to be on the move to receive and have multiple possessions in chains rather than giving off and not following up.
I certainly hope this intent persists. It not only creates space around the players in motion but also encourages those ahead to move and anticipate where the ball is likely to go. This change will challenge decision-making on who to give it to and when to kick, while also testing the forwards’ timing in starting their leads.
Switching to the corridor.
Winger keeping his width and the corridor was left as open as possible when exiting the defensive 50, especially when hemmed in on the back flank or back pocket. The intent to look there obvious.
The ground was set up narrow, with the boundary on the opposite wing defined by the outside of the centre square, forcing the ball through the corridor.
Forward craft.
Medium to small forwards were directed to stay in constant motion, moving back and forth between 60 metres and 40 metres from goal.
Cloke highly vocal, frequently reminding these forwards of this.
A lot of players were missing from the forward structure today, with only Wright and Draper playing as key aerial targets. The challenge going forward will still be gelling together as a cohesive group, especially if ball movement has changed from further up the ground.
El Hawli.
Played on the wing and kept his width. He was looked to for a change of direction in the corridor and for his kicking skills. He always looks to take the territory in front of him via run and carry. It’s all natural to him and not forced—don’t train or change that out of him, as it’s unique to Essendon’s lineup.
Tsatas.
Displayed confidence with the ball in hand, taking the time to assess his options, decide who to give it to, and when. Previously, it seemed he felt obligated to defer to senior players like Merrett, Parish, or Caldwell, even when they weren’t in ideal positions to receive. It will be interesting to see if this decision-making continues when those players return to training.
Extras.
Duursma, Guelfi, and Jones ran laps, while Caddy and Hayes were the only first- to fourth-year players who did not train on the track.
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