Newcomers Shine @ Planet Schramms

Maxwell appears and releases his version of a quality hair creation at the planet - not.
Short session for the senior group as Golden Lions event is on and some still feeling the legs from increased workload.
Captain takes the top end, Academy Phil directs others and coach takes care of the newcomers to deliver an understanding of what is expected in standards, effort and loyalty to be a Lion.
Derek Jeter and lateral movement are woven into the lesson this evening, warm up complete and groups move to position.
Jake, Josh, Jack, Darcy, G and Z - many new names, shapes and hair to become used to that is all the much easier as the movement in the handling activities allows distinguishable features to emerge for recognition.
Strong arms are common amongst the newcomers, solid body size and good level of fitness is encouraging - Phil has chosen well, there are many here who should progress.
Other groups finish drills and move into personal extras, setting the standard for what needs to be done ongoing. A couple join in the standard triangle, the only downside needing three stumps to be the target that is regularly struck - keeper Matt has worked hard, the heartbeat proves this to all.

Museum But Alas No Eric, Was He Spooked?

Late afternoon rain had stopped in time but whatever had been received in Carlton had little impact upon the surface.
The kind locals with the new lighting at the tennis courts had the surroundings wonderfully illuminated so that the catching drills were completed at optimum level.
A lap of the park to start, dynamic yoga in one section, roller blade hockey and tug of war challenge were all around the Lions and the red lights of Pompeii added further atmosphere.
Loosening up with stride throughs and a series of forwards, backwards lunges the group split in half with Ash taking the ball handling and the rest learning to appreciate the blue, inanimate bench that was to receive a pounding in step ups and tuck jumps by the energetic Lions.
The Ghasperidis memorial twang event did not eventuate this time around, saving for later.
Hill sprint repeats up Nicholson Street and plenty was gained by the group tonight - sleep well.

Moose Holds It In At The Beach, Phew!

A chilly wind sweeping across the bay with bright, blue skies greeted the small group of Lions for this exploratory session of cricket skills on the beach.
Ben in his black, lycra finest had already completed a road circuit from the north and Brem had his beat hair style in place, just in case he could indentify any beach side talent for later reference.
The wide expanse of the beach was inviting as balls of various types moved amongst the group in warm up drills, followed by some shuttle running to become familiar with the different surface.
Stretching and throwing complete, ready to move into catching - cordon and ring distance with cricket balls off the bat. Dickson cracked many a fine shot from the weathered blade that were snapped up by an eager cordon, smooth moving Stockdale with good clean hands and energetic Fagg leaping at all angles appreciated the dry, clear conditions and the joy that is felt by the securing of the leather (in July - what a wondrous feeling indeed).
Creative pair drills had the larger frames embark on some serious ruck, wrestling repeats while the excitable juniors wrestled in the sand for a water bottle at the end of consecutive sprints. Energy and enthusiasm was high, the ever moving crowd passing by not fully appreciating the unusual beach activity being played out.
Sprint races had the Moose needing to withdraw after the first heat to ensure that he contained within the need to release, the nearby bushes not inviting enough to provide privacy for the act.
Finishing drills of fatigue with clean hands to not let your mates down, established the proper group attitude that we need to progress ongoing and share with those who could not be here.

Firm Surface Greets Hair Bunch

Late afternoon rain did not make much impact upon the surface and with more new players in attendance than regulars, a bit unsure as to what to expect.
Football, soccer and rugby ball involved at the start to get things active, clean handling in basic drills and then some real effort in sequence of sprints.
Plenty of the newer lads sport generous follicular creations, dynamic in shape and structure - the bathroom mirror may get a fair work out - even moreso if we see Maxy and his new two tone do, closely followed by D Vardi with his new facial shape.
Athletic movement in the diving drills, good energy and ground coverage.
Standard maintained that accidentally caused session to go overtime, looking forward to what can be done in good conditions.
Last man standing for no fumbles sees the competitive level surge, Bremner unable to get an advantage with his earlier time wasting Cardiff style tactics in this round, gets to the last six but Fyffe wins through with hair in place.
List management discussion due soon, the influx will cause some interesting debate.

Management Structure Official - The Dawn Of Chairman Tim

Lions AGM at the Manningham (new sponsor, support with kindness) last night with a healthy attendance from all sectors of the club.
New members elected to the board were Leigh Watts and Chris Orgill, further strengthening the range of skills and expertise. With the absence of Maurie overseas, Chris ably deputised to manage the minutes of the meeting.
Acting Chairman Mal Smith then called for nominations following the retirment of Ron Kelly at which point Tim Considine was elected unopposed as the new Chairman - a decision well received by the entire club with wholehearted support.
It is also needed to record the appreciation from all for the tremendous contribution that Ron and Margaret have made to the Lions in so many ways that see the club in a solid position.
Frank delivered an overview of an improved financial performance that again gives validation to the strength in management, but with confidence that we can improve further.

Return To The Surface Of Planet Schramms

A listed optional session on the schedule always determines who is serious at this time of year, or is it a small gathering of tragics that are unable to remove the need to be involved from the bloodstream, who share a yearning desire for non-stop Ashes contests?
Punching Peter Dickson resplendent in non-matching beanie was belting the tripe out of some vinyl pads being held by one of the newcomers with an exotic hair creation - Dicko playing the senior card perfectly for assisance here.
No Sam Goodchap tonight - must be back at school - Lions set foot on Planet Schramms surface for the first time as a group amidst the junior footballers.
Dynamic running drills that included direction and motion changes completed, balls out for some handling. Throwing, catching, moving, clean hands - energy levels and effort was impressive for a small group.
Almatrah the early sweet mover with the lowest, balanced position that made clean hand drills appear effortless.
Duckworth has a crack, moves with purpose and haste - lad is fitting in very well in maroon colors (need to see him and the whole Considine family together to check they are not sharing Lions uniform at this stage).
Kellar managed the indoor conditioning drills testing the core strength levels, all good and done by 7.30pm - and pleasingly a few stayed back for extras.

Wet Start Does Not Deter

As expected, once the training calendar is published and released, the weather decides to have an impact. The Lions being blessed with an abundance of activity options for any condition that occur, even a deluge on short notice, decided to manage indoors at Planet Schramms.
Under the watchful eyes of Captain Dickson with support from Kellar and Waterman, an enthusiastic group donned the boxing equipment for a workout. Gym equipment, running drills in the car park and the thigh burning short catching drills were completed with effort.

Lions Sizzle Despite Drizzle

The interesting site of the opposition wildlife ending an early morning session in the expanses of Princess Park that greeted the Lions, gives a glimpse of future contest possibilities. Pleasantries exchanged in the car park, now it is down to business.
A pair of Vardi's joined Ghas, Spoon & Motsch for this Saturday time trial session around the 3.2km circuit. A stiff and gusty breeze was felt down the back straight during the warm up, causing some to comment about the preferred direction.
Ready and go, the spandex clad Eric scorched around the track to match the Bremner performance in 12.37. Validated evidence of the effort submitted in preparation to date with all players completing the task in great spirit.
Two more sleeps until the balls come out, the hands are getting itchy for action.

What To Expect Apart From Excited Sam

The first gathering of any season is always a blend of curiousness in ones self and the new starters. A pleasing twenty three Lions showed promising condition as three circuits of the 3.2km track around Princess Park were completed, two of the laps under time trial conditions.
As expected Augustin set the best pace (in the absence of noted rabbit Maxwell) but it was Bremner, Waterman & Sanderson that impressed with quality times.
Returning from injury, captain Dickson and striker Fagg were also advanced in their output.
No early distress victims yet of being poorly prepared, Lovell getting around the track in a tight tussle with Goodchap, the most excitable Lion on Facebook at this point (wonder if he has seen the Ghasperidis Mantrip pictures yet).
The direction to complete a second circuit brought more of a determined effort with no complaint, a good sign that the heart of the Lion is accepting of the hard work ahead.