My my, the NAB cup just keeps getting closer, doesnt it!

But until then, lets keep looking around the training reports to see what we can gleen.

Up today is the Bombers, who have been doing their darndest to keep info inside the club, Fremantle, who for mine will be very fantasy relevant this year, Geelong whos first open session will be in a few days, and the GC boys who were oh so delicious last year.

<!--more-->

Essendon

9/1

The players have been doing a lot of strength training up to this point in the season.
Jobe and Stanton are looking very fit (as youd expect!)
Hurley suffered from some minor hammy tightness, but shouldnt be affected.

14/1

Melksham, Heppell and Colyer are all looking noticeably stronger in the upper half.
Watson reckons that Kavanagh and Obrien are on track to play the NAB.

15/1

Crameri is still on track of a round 1 birth, keeping up his fitness base after shoulder surgery last year.

Fremantle

9/1

A bit of an injury scare for Mzungu, was crunched in a contest and grabbed his ankle, limped off but was later seen walking.
Michie, Morabito, Mundy and Fyfe still not at training.
Suban, Roberts, Broughton and McPharlin were all noticeably good.
DeBoers kicking was very good, (while one session doesnt make a trend, if his kicking does improve, hell be excellent value).

10/1

Lyon was on the radio and said that Balantyne "will play midfield at times this year". Thats a little less promising than it has been.
Mentioned that Crichton and Pitt have been standouts this preseason and will get opportunity through the midfield.
That Anthony was likely to play up forward.

11/1

Mzungu didnt train, but word is that its "nothing to worry about".
Also missing were Mundy, Morabito, Fyfe, Michie, Roberton and Forster.
Foster, Ibbotson, Mayne and Walters were in the rehab group.
Roberts was again looking good, while Barlow has come a long way.

14/1

Word is that Griffin destroyed Kepler in the rucking drills.
Clarke was playing deep up forward, while Michael Johnson as training in defence, and I reckon is begin to get another pre-season bandwagon up and running.
Morabito and Fyfe were out on the track!

Geelong

First open session on 20/1

Dawson Simpson will be out for 3 months after back surgery. Huge news for the big O.
That said though, Menzel is running but still a fair ways off.
Smedts is apparently doing well.

Gold Coast

9/1

Its hot hot stuff for the Suns (as with the Lions).
Prestia and Matera will be joining the main squad soon.
Lynch is moving well.

11/1

Wilkinson is in excellent condition, though is earmarked as a negating defender.

From the members email:
Josh Caddy – Hip – has had an excellent pre-season however is currently completing a running program.
Michael Coad – Hamstring – continuing his rehabilitation program after surgery on his hamstring.
Sam Day – Knee – currently completing a running program.
Charlie Dixon – Thigh – on a training modified program.
Piers Flanagan – Hip – recovering from surgery and is completing a running program.
Brandon Matera – Groin – on a modified program following surgery pre-Christmas.
Trent McKenzie – Knee inflammation – completing a rehab program.
Dion Prestia – Hand – returning from a broken hand and is expected to return to full training shortly.
Danny Stanley – ankle – on a restricted training program after ankle surgery.
Seb Tape – Ankle – currently completing a running program.
Josh Toy – Ankle – currently completing a rehabilitation program.

15/1

Swallow, Ablett and Russell all training the house down.