News

Bombers to bulk up in 2012

Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon captain Jobe Watson believes the Bombers pre-season training program will help the team compete against the more physical sides next season.

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Watson said body strength was a key area the Bombers would be looking to improve this summer.

"We want to develop and tweak the game-plan slightly, but the program will be one that will make us … able to stand up against teams that are tough, like Geelong. Geelong defines where the game is heading," Watson said.    

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Watson said it was not about spending more time at the club, but "maximising the time we're there".

It was about developing a mental strength that would be able to withstand the pressures of finals football, something the players took away from their disappointing elimination final loss to Carlton last season.

"I think the personalities we have at the club are those that are able to absorb that development and the coaching staff and the leadership group are really confident that the people we have are going to be able to improve on those areas," Watson said.   

"That's the beauty of pre-season, and hopefully that translates into the games next year and if we are lucky enough to get the opportunity to play in another final, hopefully the work we've done over a period of time enables us to compete when things aren't going well for us."  

Hird, who said the club is yet to finalise who it hoped to select at this month's NAB AFL Draft, identified four areas that will drive Essendon's rise up the ladder next year: physical development, defence, ball movement and ability to play out full games.

Two or three-quarter efforts were central to Essendon's mid-year five-game losing streak, and is an area Hird knows needs addressing.

"We want to improve everywhere," Hird said.   

"We had a year last year which was a good year in terms of the development of the players, but in all parts of the club we're looking to develop."

That process will be ramped up at the start of next year when the club adds another development coach to its ranks, but it has settled on its match-day group of coaches, with Geelong's Matthew Egan the only inclusion.

On the track, Hird said Michael Hurley had his first run of the pre-season on Tuesday after foot stress fractures hampered his end to the season. Courtenay Dempsey and Jason Winderlich, both recovering from knee reconstructions, were also set to be available for the start of next season.

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Each week we must field 22 Incredible Hulk look-a-likes, then he have a chance to SMASH the opposition.

- Nick Tomaras (posted 8/11/2011 8:54:07 PM)

I like the focus areas listed (ball movement, defence, body strength and playing out games) but feel we need to develop better a Salmon/Daniher/Van Der Haar/Merrett/Lloyd/Lucas forward structure as well that can dominate and change a game.

- Wesley Hull (posted 8/11/2011 9:06:23 PM)

i have become a member in 2012 and wishing to sine my mum up

- MARK JONES (posted 8/11/2011 9:51:38 PM)

How about Travis Tuck as a rookie listed player? Had his very low period and has done his time, but only just 24, a midfielder and a good pedigree. Collingwhoop looked a Swan knowing his Dad was a late developer. Tuck's old man played a bit.

- Kris Bayne (posted 9/11/2011 1:09:54 AM)

A GOOD PRE SEASON AND AT LEAST 3 FROM THE MAGOOS KNOKING ON THE DOOR, AND INTRESTING WHO WE PICK PICK UP. 4 QUATERS OF HARD N FAST FOOTY YEAH.

- Stefanos Yannoukas (posted 9/11/2011 5:52:13 AM)

yeah good call Kris, might be a diamond in the rough there, not as if Swannie covered himself in glory as a young bloke, funny game footy.

- Todd Walsh (posted 9/11/2011 9:21:19 AM)

is it possible to build the intuition of knowing where your team mates are on the field, to maintain possession & reduce the amount of turnovers.Is that awareness innate in a player, can it be learnt?

- Gail Taylor (posted 9/11/2011 10:32:36 AM)

I would like to see Fletch involved in the development of Bomber players although that's not likely in the short term. He obviously has a great rapport with players, as well as their respect. Players with his CV as a defensive titan are very rare.

- Rob Carew (posted 9/11/2011 10:34:50 AM)

Kris: noticed one of your comments regarding core strength etc. are you involved in Pilates or Physiotherapy? (I am a remedial massage therapist.) If so what is your opinion of Yoga (specifically Bikram) to assist in lengthening muscles & reducing soft tissue injuries. Cheers Gail

- Gail Taylor (posted 9/11/2011 10:35:42 AM)

We have been down this path before, and players that had bulked up finished having to lose weight to avoid injuries, from memory James Hird was one of them, nice to be strong, but equally important is the hard running, and speed, wouldn't like to see Leroy with Emu legs, rather see a road runner, Wylie Coyote never caught him did he, muscles are fine where they are required, but let's keep the balance right.

- Max Rodwell (posted 9/11/2011 11:04:39 AM)

I'm on board with Tucky too. In Dods we trust!

- Brad Scarr (posted 9/11/2011 1:06:19 PM)

Every year we say the same thing ,and yet we always have the most injuries and changes from all the other clubs,so how are we going to correct this it is happining to often year after year .We do hope this can be a great year for us

- John Farrugia (posted 9/11/2011 5:32:19 PM)

I hear you Max, but i'd say that sports medicine has gone a long way in the last 10 years.

- Davor Stanic (posted 9/11/2011 6:02:47 PM)

Good to hear about hurley up and running, but is there any news on the contract front??? We need to sign him up ASAP

- rhys mcconchie (posted 9/11/2011 6:26:22 PM)

Bulking up does add extra kilos, therefore it can slow you down too. I just hope to see us regain some speed thru Licka and Dempsey after the knees and retain the speed we got from the other boys like Froggy and Jetta. It was supposed to be one of our attributes last season, but it wasn't prevalent in the end. Balance in the team is always the best option. One Team, One Dream.

- Brendan Burnie (posted 9/11/2011 6:46:57 PM)

Hi Gail T. I'm flattered! No, I'm not in that line of work and I really need to pay attention to my own advice, exercise-wise. Just love watching footy and I hope notice things about players. I think others on this site have said much the same as me. As for yoga, a lot of sports teams do it. I know it is good for you and guess it breaks up the monotony a bit. I'm interested in why, which you explained a bit, thanks.

- Kris Bayne (posted 9/11/2011 7:00:56 PM)

players need to bulk up like bobby davies.

- Margaret Dickson (posted 9/11/2011 9:32:43 PM)

Like your thinking Kris. Also the boy needs the opportunity to redeem himself. Could be handy pick up if going cheap.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 9/11/2011 10:50:56 PM)

@ Gail Taylor, In my experience coaching wise it is not something that can be taught, that innate awareness of ones surroundings are the domain of the champions of the game, thats why the very good players rarely get caught or run down from behind. if we could teach that awareness St Kilda would have paid an awareness coach a small fortune to teach Justin Kozinske. cheers Paul.

- Paul Herbert (posted 9/11/2011 11:05:58 PM)

FEV !

- Sam Bates (posted 9/11/2011 11:35:25 PM)

Bombers bulk up - great stuff..... But in the final analysis, it will be the skills and the mindset of the players that will bring victory to the Red 'n Black..... There are several players in the team that still fail to deliver in the "big" games - next season will be their last if they don't produce the goods.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 10/11/2011 2:03:10 AM)

Really interesting article on the AFL website re dynasties. Ranks Melbourne (54-64 6 flags) first. Wobbles(25-30 4 flags) 2nd, Hawks (83-91 5 flags), and us fourth (41-51 4 flags). Blues (04-10 - 3 flags) are fifth. Geelong (07-11 - 3 flags) must be up there but what about a Sheedy era 83-01 4 flags 7 Grand Finals? Surely worth a place in dynasty history.

- Wesley Hull (posted 10/11/2011 9:22:00 AM)

My father's from the Pacific Islands and his people carry a fair bit of size in their fram. His tip, make the boys eat Taro and Cassava as their daily carb. Then stand back and watch...

- Johnny Utah (posted 10/11/2011 9:42:18 AM)

Honestly I think we are carrying too much weight. And I don't meant muscle or fat. I think we should have delisted 3 other players that haven't been anywhere near consistent enough over the last few years. similar styled players that seem to be stuck in round defense and don't have the skills or speed to take Essendon forward.

- Michael Walters (posted 10/11/2011 9:44:04 AM)

PAUL H.... thanks for reply yes I understand what you're saying regarding awareness, I agree totally about champions. however they seem to be individuals I'm referring to a group mindset which I saw in Geelong often, was like they knew where their team mates were going to be. A collective knowing of sorts. Not only acting as one but also thinking as one. Hope I'm making sense here. Cheers & thanks again Gail T

- Gail Taylor (posted 10/11/2011 12:12:18 PM)

KRIS B.... Kris thank you for your response. Bulking up is great, as strength is a huge component for power and stability on the field,however there needs to be equal bulk in opposing muscle groups e.g. quads/hamstrings. Often bulk is given preference (over lengthening of the muscle)which may create restriction in joint mobility. Yoga lengthens the muscles in a sustained stretch (Bikram is performed in a heated room, reducing the risk of tearing due to cold muscles). I often notice athletes performing stretches without a sustained lengthening of the muscle. There is a big difference in the effect. Cheers & thanks again. Gail T

- Gail Taylor (posted 10/11/2011 12:25:06 PM)

I don't know if it is fact or fiction, Johnny U, but I heard Dean Rioli, who always struggled with his weight, had a rough time at first adapting to the dietary side of AFL training. He only improved when he was allowed back on to a more 'indigenous' diet.

- Kris Bayne (posted 10/11/2011 1:03:59 PM)

Gail, Kris, Paul physical yoga would be good to reduce injuries and increase flexibility; but if synchronished with breath awareness major benefit might be increased peripheral awareness, mental toughness and team cohesion. From watching the turbulations of the mind with detachment, to gradually developing protracted one-pointed attention, and later accepting the wholeness of awareness with its dutiful preoccupations amidst present phenomena. I terms of physics, players with enhanced peripheral awareness seem to view themselves simultaneously as waves and particles.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 10/11/2011 1:18:20 PM)

Good on you MARK JONES! Fans must show their passion like this young man and become members!

- Emily Paton (posted 10/11/2011 1:30:56 PM)

Good reading guys (and gal). Goes to show we have the more intelligent 'core' supporter base. Tucky HAD a problem, Fev IS one!

- Brad Scarr (posted 10/11/2011 2:17:21 PM)

Davor Stanic, agree with your comment, but would really like to be a fly on the wall when discussing the bulking up of Dustin Fletcher, would find that beyond reality.

- Max Rodwell (posted 10/11/2011 4:03:56 PM)

Oh no,Bill is going to be in trouble again.. :-) Sir Humphrey (from "Yes,Minister" etc etc..) is really an Essendon supporter... I am now convinced... he he... :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 10/11/2011 5:21:05 PM)

Gail, you call it intuition,Paul calls it awareness,I'm not sure what Tommy calls it,I call it simply having a "footy brain" it is something intangible that separates the champs from the 'good ordinary" players and I believe those lucky enough to have it are born with it, It cannot be taught and only a small percentage of us,oops,I mean players,have it. I wonder if Bobby Davies had it.:-) Go Dons.

- Bill Carbis (posted 10/11/2011 6:33:07 PM)

Bill, I recommend Brian Greene's 'Fabric of the Cosmos'. Chapter 12 ('The sherrin-world on a string'-co-written with Matthew Lloyd) argues that the player with a 'footy brain' or peripheral awareness views the game intuitively as involving the 4 forces (electromagnetism, the strong and weak nuclear forces and gravity: picks 1-4 in the original big bang draft) and mass as outcomes of string-like oscillations beyond the tiniest subatomic (Planck) distances and durations, with the other 13 or more dimensions of a winning midfield curled up in the peculiar geometry of Calabi-Yau spaces. Whoops, that edition may be out of print in this universe.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 10/11/2011 10:21:06 PM)

if we did pick up travis tuck he would be in a better environment than some other footy clubs. we actually might be able to help the bloke (and his old man would be relieved as any parent in that situation). we actually might be the right place for him and he may even help us

- Barney Sneddon (posted 10/11/2011 11:21:41 PM)

Right on the money there Carbine. :) If we look at Dyson Heppell as an example, we see a very young player who has a natural "footy brain". He "reads" the field before every disposal and is often in the right place at the right time. He shows a combination of intuitiveness and field awareness. He also displays coolness under pressure, taking his time to choose the best option. He's also fearless, without being foolish.

- Angeline Baron (posted 10/11/2011 11:36:54 PM)

As for bulking up, I think that's more of an aesthetic improvement, meant to generate confidence in both players and supporters. I don't think for a moment that it will bring us a flag. Instead, bulk up that WILL TO WIN. That's what will bring success: a bitter disatisfaction with second best.

- Angeline Baron (posted 10/11/2011 11:47:44 PM)

Another thing needing bulking up is that barometer up there! :) Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 10/11/2011 11:49:59 PM)

Atta girl Angie,you understand what I was trying to say. Thomas,thanks for your recommendation,if I could understand it I would certainly try it.You mention the "world on a string" thing by Brian Greene & Matty Lloyd but may I recommend to you the 1932 song by Harold Arlen & Ted Koehler,"I've got the world on a string" performed by the one and only Frank Sinatra and also by Louis Armstrong,Luis Prima,Jo Stafford,Ella Fitzgerald,Peggy Lee,Diana Krall,Barry Manilow,Celine Dion, Tony Bennett,Michael Buble and Rod Stewart. I love this universe Tommy and I also love the way you are playing with my head.

- Bill Carbis (posted 11/11/2011 10:37:21 AM)

So, then, Thomas F, basically what you are saying, with a nod to Isaac, Max and Albert, is that good players have the ball on a string and know to be where other players ain't!

- Kris Bayne (posted 11/11/2011 10:57:46 AM)

Angie, we probably don't fully appreciate what a fantastic year Heppell had. You clearly pointed out his footy attributes, but what also amazed me was he survived unscathed. Now, THAT takes another, but maybe related, skill! Teams or individual opponents must have has 'designs' to literally knock him around/intimidate him, and we have no 'enforcer' to protect our younger players. I cannot recall him getting into that kind of 'difficulty' in 23 games. And it was not as if he avoided traffic. It speaks even more highly of what a great player he will be for this club.

- Kris Bayne (posted 11/11/2011 11:29:17 AM)

- Ian Barker (posted 11/11/2011 11:53:25 AM)

Keeping self discipline to remain out of the media spotlight should be number 5 on the list.

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 11/11/2011 1:12:50 PM)

Bill,did you leave a cue there for me to fill in another name..nudge nudge...? Before Francis Albert,there was a lad by the name of Harry Lillis in there before the lot of them..even ole "satchelmouth.. a-k-a Satchmo".. You've turned the tables on Sir Humphrey by mentioning a 1932 song... he he... now that's "got 'em speechless"... :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 11/11/2011 2:08:17 PM)

true Max, Dustin Fletcher bulking up...hehehe...not a chance

- Davor Stanic (posted 11/11/2011 3:11:14 PM)

Bingo Noel, and there was probably one even before Bing, Cab Calloway.

- Bill Carbis (posted 11/11/2011 6:31:51 PM)

Travis Tuck well worth a try,think he could be something.Also would look at Jaryd Morton and Paul Bevan.Bevan ALWAYS played well against and is in and under.Morton has a mature body and played plenty of senior footy,has good run and carry.

- Mark Elze (posted 11/11/2011 9:23:14 PM)

Can you change the photo to this story any more times?

- Michael Walters (posted 12/11/2011 3:30:40 AM)

Winderlich must have had the weight of the world on his shoulders after he did he knee. It looks like he's been bench pressing it!! Impressive!

- Kris Bayne (posted 12/11/2011 8:50:33 PM)

Kris and Adrian, spot on! :)

- Angeline Baron (posted 13/11/2011 1:53:54 AM)

Wow, good to see Winderlich finally put on some size!

- Nathan Bloomfield (posted 13/11/2011 8:48:33 AM)

Reading your post Angie.Could easily have taken out the name Heppell and put the name Hird in there.You have just described Hird as a player.We have a lot to look forward too with this young kid.Most are set on everyone bulking up,yes it is a good thing but would Fletcher have had a career this long,if he had bulked up.Think there are some that are best left alone.Could not imagine Fletch a Brown size.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 13/11/2011 11:31:18 AM)

Reading such sensible and informative posts is such a pleasure. Thank you to all of you that have contributed on this forum. Not much one can add after this. Keep up the good work fellow posters.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 13/11/2011 10:21:50 PM)