Saturday FLOW

Inclement weather had an impact upon the planned competitive nets & game simulation drills on this Saturday morning with a return to winter conditions. As the conditions did not suggest any likelihood of an improvement, surface was presentable, maximum touch drills challenging balance under pressure was decided.

A healthy number of Lions assembled at Schramms, with the Mash group at Topline finishing the last skills session for August. Cashen & Augustin demonstrated great ball handling dexterity having learned from Crosthwaite at an earlier lesson about the value in handling multiple balls efficiently, smoothly and cleanly as the warm up expanded in drill type.

Rain gone, out come the bats with fly balls belted into orbit. Varying standard of striking resulted in a minor intervention to correct with the Sheehan(s) perfectly executing the required level of contact. Shinty will need to be presented very soon for all to understand the love a bat truly needs.

Return to complete again before falling into lanework with mixed up momentum to create confusion - some finding the FLOW, others pure bewilderment.

Fly balls again to finish after which finished drill applied by Ash, while emerging quicks in Campbell, Kimberley and Ingram were taken through some technique review with run up / foot position before rain again came down.

Where Was The Storm, What Storm & G

Wild weather, horrendous storm activity - warning, warning, warning. As the local media went into white hot fear alert of massive winds to blow Melbourne closer to Auckland directing everyone to leave early for home (think about this for a moment - the warning alert tips thousands of travellers into masses of congestion across the travel network in the height of threatening weather conditions, what the?).

As the weather moved on, a group of Lions gathered at the Tan with the regular hard core track junkies who are not deterred by any conditions, for an extra running session to load the legs up before heading indoors to the MCG net session after with the purpose of testing skills under fatigue.

Panasonic, resplendent in his newly acquired full length Skins that now appear to be a permanent fixture to his torso much like the Great Greek, was bubbling with delight at the constant parade of impressive optic delights. Good to have McCormack & Heatley involved while Campbell, Almatrah and Kellar continue to add to the solid BASE foundation established.

Circuit uphill complete (the Bowl looks bigger in real life than on TV - guess who said this and confessed he is a regular Christmas Carols viewer) with stair climbs and return to Anderson Street Hill for some incline sprints then finish with a series of downhill flying sprints - return to cars and enter Gate A into the underground at the MCG, Bill Lawry Indoor Centre.

Cricket Vic Academy Group finishing (so many tracksuits of other clubs involved, increases resolve to have more Lions added by merit) and Camberwell are sharing the time slot, they take the city side. South Belgrave protege in Baker with Maxwell providing transport, been there since 6pm - will educate on time management skills. Running group emerged from change rooms with the Lions group now taking on triffid like proportions - where have they all come from.

Warm up with Storm / Brumby balls, close handling complete - Max1 introduces the new motion square drill (like this one). Opening address to reaffirm that difference is still the theme, and if starting to emerge now from the glories of second rate suburban football, recognise that standards have risen with no space for "star-f**kers" - just work, effort and then some more.

Bowling group does appear to be genuinely larger in stature, young quicks (Carey and Ingram) observing the big fellas up close to understand the need for power through the crease and follow through impress when they are given the chance. Robertson with the bat (another returning Lion) exudes a Zen like calm with respectable judgement around the off stump, Almatrah watching the ball closely and Stockdale fighting harder than a finals match - the proper standard is in place against new balls.

Kyle has the rotations in place from a hand release point that will pose challenges, fitness is getting there but still has some way to go and a left arm wrist spinner stimulates interest. Gradually able to work through the depth of numbers with some having to wait until the second hour for proper engagement, good conditions and plenty has been learnt.

The competition for positions has truly commenced.

Duckworth Judgement Skills? - "The Lions 300"

Soggy oval from a late afternoon downpour caused a change of structure but the plan to finish with "The Lions 300" , the new fitness & agility standard on a hard surface in the car park rather than on the grass.

The group split in half with a running activity to the local Doncaster Athletics Track to discuss the amazing performance by Steve Hooker in Berlin to continue his world dominance of the pole vault. The remainder completed an indoor conditioning circuit with sidelined captain for tonight reclaiming the boombox from the Jagger room for some atmosphere enhancement.

Thirty minutes elapsed, groups change over with a few stragglers in the second group on the return through the local inclines - has been noted, get it sorted.

"The Lions 300" course mapped out in the car park area, Tim Sheehan in the first group of six impressing with a rapid time of 1.06 for the ten shuttle returns. Conditions were slippery at the base but proper judgement still allowed for effort from those with balance and poise.

Kellar had the massive pegs pumping hard through the incline section to record a 1.07 but the highlight came in the third group when Duckworth self inflicted a myriad of nickname opportunities from making an error in counting to five.

Flying on the fourth leg with String in hot pursuit, crossing the line in 52 seconds, they both looked behind to see the remainder of their group hard at the task. Then the realisation came that one short was the situation and admirably they turned to complete with an overall time of 1.15, respectable and sure to improve.

Dry conditions will be the order next time we perform this fitness test standard, bats to be carried as well.

Glorious Sunshine, Outdoor Nets, The Sounds Of Cricket & Some Punches Thrown

The perfect conditions in August continued (makes one recall that it does seem many years now when we could probably be playing by now) for the first proper outdoor net session for the Lions at Schramms. The hard wicket section having been tidied with recent mowing and edge trimming greeted the early arrivals, Kimberley and Jayasinghe self activating while Sando explained to the newcomers that standing around does not accelerate improvement.

While setting up equipment for a circuit of warm up drills - Little Guus, Spoon and T Mac had the ground fielding triangle in motion at quality intensity. The group of around twenty assembled (senior group were at a boxing session in Preston with Panasonic Bremner keen to show his pugilistic skills) and embarked upon a fielding circuit to cover many of the one day skills that will soon be called upon. The coach is also quickly adapting to the behaviour change in that if the Storm, Brumbies and Sherrin balls are part of the start then the energy, motion and talking levels are enhanced rather quickly. Some sprint circuits of the centre square are also included, designed to introduce fatigue, that did have an effect as some of the ball handling was sloppy at times.

Moving into the nets with everybody padded up to rotate through the four with different throw downs in each, most interest centred around the short pitched at the body with the end count being of physical strikes including helmet, shoulder, stomach, forearm and back. Must get better at playing the short ball in closed situation to then take into battle as a weapon of choice.

The senior group arrived, thankfully with no physical damage and healthy spirits in place - amazing what some vigorous combat can produce. Fly balls, reflex catches and throwing completed saw the groups change over. Duckworth displaying sharp release with a fluent action, Fagg removing the stumps of Stockdale (an impersonation of recent MEK Hussey efforts) and Campbell attacking with more purpose compared to this time last year. Each of the quicks seemingly having taken notice of a recent session with Saints warrior Adrian Jones, learning more about delivering in the big moments.

The Xpanses @ Xavier

Another session at a different venue to see if the option could be worthwhile ongoing - Xavier College in Barkers Road, Kew - regal learning institution of many a Lion including one son of current Present, recently graduated.

However instead of using the indoor cricket nets where we conducted most of the Harvey - Watts Development Squad sessions, we elected to experience the tennis court facility with all six courts made available. Lighting was excellent, surface dry and flat. With only a small group involved we were able to make use of the vast expanses and complete many throw down drills hitting into the nets at all angles from short and full length after completing the straight hitting first.

Target stumps were able to rest in the tennis post plugs allowing throwing drills from ring distance, Ghasperidis delivering with accuracy upon being questioned of his performance.

Duckworth mixed in some seaming roll throughs between hitting drills, getting the ball to kick from landing the red & white technique ball on the seam.

Left handers aplenty in Mohandas, Mitchell, Clements and Robertson were striking the ball with purpose from various lengths, relishing the open space and ability to view the true direction of stroke play. The only blemish (slight) occurred when Mitchell enthusiastically clubbed a sweep shot away into the next group of tennis courts (locked).

Several hundred balls struck each, another good effort of skills in the bank, Saturday is looming as a big day of effort that will present a challenge.

New Balls Are Out - The Kooka Sniff

There is always something alluring about the lustre of a brand new Kookaburra that elevates the competitive juices which is difficult to explain. In a skills and exploration session at Topline tonight, the purpose was for captain Dickson to have a first hand view at some bowlers that can deliver some interesting options regarding our quality depth if they are able to continue working hard and getting it right.

David Saker, a wholehearted, resilient cricketer with 247 first class wickets and Bushrangers assistant coach, was on hand to provide guidance. Sakes did not find it hard to share his appreciation of the finer skills when he saw the dimensions of Winton, Watson and Ingram along with the intent they displayed for the battle ahead.

New balls out with bowlers delivering 12 balls maximum in a rotating period while one rested ensured that Dickson first partnered by Vardi (Chelsea won again overnight & are on the way 2-0 overall) and then a well organised Chris Barry (thanks MCC) were given no respite.

A few early deliveries testing the off width to start with the new rock before lines were tightened forced questions that needed answers from the bats. Winton building into a good rhythm from a shortened run did express reasonable pace and movement. Further modification in body dimensions where he is working hard to control, may result in the big fellow not being far off the mark in being a genuine contender.

Josh Ingram was able to give evidence that he is ready to step up the Grade cricket level and with his body type should relish the work load expected to be more than 80 overs this season.

Angus has gained considerable size and remained stream lined in shape, inner city living has had a positive effect so far, his natural ability to move the ball still in hand.

Fletcher finished a session on the machine with Bremner (thanks to Greg Vardi for feeding) and delivered a few overs of leg spin with the technical consistency starting to appear with good delivery form at the crease.

A quiet word today with Blackers, decks are starting to look good, should be on turf down the bottom ground very soon with no sport played there this winter.

Museum Return, Pompeii Bowling

Decided upon a return to the museum and surrounds as a venue again, seem to time this well when some dampness is in the air. Smallish group with illness striking down Bremner & Duckworth, good to see Cashen improving health along with Robertson and Stockdale making the effort to attend from Gippsland on a Monday.

Dickson directed group through warm up around the circuit with group breaking in two. Ash enjoys the quality of lights and the added bonus of tennis activity in the background that keeps the optics engaged. Plenty of ball handling drills with the players who have been at these on a regular basis with N Vardi consistent in his determination to improve with effort.

The new bowlers to the group move to the roofed area next to Pompeii to complete a series of technique bowling drills with the dinosaurs watching. Step ups onto the vast blocks with load up process continuous, walk through action using alignment markers on the ground to check feet position and some shuttle runs thrown in. Balance in general is in check, left arm wrist spinner Robertson has solid mechanics with natural power over front leg. Balls held in correct seam position with wrist behind the ball for the entire workout.

Return to see the Moose charging up the incline, Vardi and Cashen in pursuit at speed.

Hitting, Hitting & More Hitting

The skills sessions are now in full operation, five completed to date with not much encouragement needed for players when the activities move indoors (have a few treats planned for the casual starters coming soon).

Topline Sports in Bayswater have been very generous in their sponsorship and involvement with the Lions this year - many thanks to Jim Ahon & Richard Clifton - as well as employing many of our own (Maxwell, Kellar, Cook) in coaching and assisting roles.
Friday night in Bayswater, thought we would try a different time slot to allow the footballers to engage and it worked in some cases. Also provided value as an overflow for players that had missed during the week.

Augustin with bruised ribs that have progressed from a corked back, still sports an exceptionally exotic upper lip growth, S Sheehan with an arm injury unable to bowl and a few no shows from bowling options meant that it would be a batting focus. Maxwell with the South Belgrave Academy in full swing was the master of ceremonies in the bowling machine area with new kit bag (massive / Newbery) and black bat on display to the adoring throng that stretched out the front door to Croydon at one stage.

The extra head in Winton, trimming down nicely after many weekend 1000 steps circuits but still with a little bit to go, paired with Fyfe of shorn head to handle one of the nets as bowlers. Bowling machine and throw downs in the other allowed us to work through shot variations. S Sheehan, when applying concentration, delivering many crisp and controlled shots. Eric the professional focusing hard to keep technique simple and efficient, pressing forward with purpose at every opportunity. New player Ashton, another of Phil's emerging talent, looks to have promise when attacking off the back foot.

To finish an extended work out, all players padded up and worked through two nets in one ball impact sets to improve composure and directional striking through the off side - Fyfe proving ability to hit long with power.

Burning Around The Park Of Blues

The morning after the Blues stunned the heavily favoured Cats, the early group of Lions gathered at the starting point for the time trial event at Carlton, exactly one month since the first giving us a reasonable indication as to where our fitness levels are at. Reflecting back to the 8th of July, to have six players in the 12 minute range was enouraging, as the senior group prepared the sense of competitiveness amongst some was evident.

The thoughts from Fagg questioning the suitability of a milk based breafast already consumed began to fade as the group took off in the Brunswick direction, Stockdale presenting himself in slim line attire and Duckworth resorting to the iPod for extra motivation.

As expected, Mash would deliver something special (11.49) around the 3.2km circuit, an early suprise though was that Dickson not far behind (12.18) in a remarkable effort that shaved nearly 4 minutes from the previous attempt that was shortly after back surgery. Stockdale, Sheehan and Bremner were also in the 12 minute range with Duckworth (13.05) just over but a reduction of more than one minute. This group then moved onto a beach catching session as the exotic Mauritian arrived with the Whitefriars master realising that they had made an error on time judgement.

The Mauritian (Augustin) put the head down and blasted out his annoyance (11.20) but was just pipped by Jack Blyth - a Lovell discovery - at the very end (11.17). Credibly overall, ten players are now in the 12 minute range or less, with twelve players recording an improvement.

Moving onto the vast expanses of Royal Parade ovals, more in kind with a space known as a common in London, the introduction of the football for lane work allowed the energy to emerge with nary a skill error as handballs flew amongst the vocal group.

Fielding circuit to warm up completed before moving into dynamic, attack drill that did take some time to arrive at a standard of intent under the blue skies with the outfield now dry. Agressive diving by Kimberley, Court and Almatrah lifted the level as a halt was called with the stumps hit. Extra running around the park was a notable choice by some, others worked on target throwing while the new lads were given the chance to expand their learning as to what is expected of a Lion.

A Visit To The G & Dr Phil

Another venue of difference with the surrounds of the MCG being the choice of location this evening with the gathering assembling at Punt Road and enjoying a kick of the footy at the northern end without having to battle through the Ben Cousins entourage.

A lap of the G to start, improve our sense of Lions history by learning that Bill Ponsford grew up in Newry Street spending his junior years at Brunswick Street. Due to his father working for the GPO and being transferred to Elsternwick, Ponsford ended up playing for St Kilda (117 games) and Melbourne (56 games) scoring 8561 runs at 54.

Group then separated with Ash taking the ball handling activities and the others enjoying the incline of the Anderson Street Hill with a series of sprints.

While stretching on the river bridge, James was able to educate us all that the Governor was home as the lights were on and the flag was up. Arriving at the Tan, plenty of local talent heightened the Lions senses creating an impossibility of engaging in eye contact when issuing instructions. Therefore keep it simple - run hard, straight up the hill and avoid the dogs.

During the activity we learnt from a lone female that 26 seconds from the base to the first distance marker, about 130 metres overall was her effort over 6 sets. Thankfully on our last crack nearly all were able to achieve this time, although Kyle discivered that he still has a few seconds to gain.

Groups changed over, the second group using the footbbridge across Brunton Avenue as the incline challenge. Splendid views of the city through to Fed Square provided distraction to the hurt coming from effort. Sando was able to confirm the Governor was in without hesitation proving that not all the academic genius comes from Xavier and that Gavin is having an impact on the quality of learning. Although young Michael did lose a few points by stating that John Buchanan was still in charge of Cricket Australia before we charged up the concourse to finish beneath the monument to DK.

The volume of people who spend too much time watching daytime television was increasing in the path to the Dr Phil show, many being unfamiliar with the location having to ask the Lions for directions to Rod Laver arena. A good thing that Maxwell and Bremner are men of the world and can always assist with their vast experience. Next time we will schedule in sync with a Pink show to check the difference.

Wounded Lions, rather than view the activities, all stripped into training kit and completed circuit work at the Tan - good effort by them as we all accept that even if partially damaged it is better to do something than nothing (embrace the pain).

Time trial number two is only a few sleeps away!

Attitude Right, The Boundary Awaits

Violent storms lashed Melbourne overnight at a time when Freddie the dragon slayer decided he had enough of the middle at Edgbaston, the surface at Planet Schramms though was barely noticeable of any effects. Brilliant conditons for some high level, rapid motion boundary fielding drills.
Good sign tonight that fifteen minutes before start, plenty of activity and motion with competitive handling drills that started from within. Energy level set to 10, tennis balls smashed into orbit as early fly testers for randomly selected catchers - Stockdale so cool at the end of a tough RDO, Duckworth measured and balanced, Bremner bouncing around like a labrador and the most improved, beautiful Lion (D Vardi) moving stealthily with grace in his new stream lined skin resembling a controversial FINA approved swimsuit.
Warm up includes throwing with reverse and forward return motion, sounds complicated but looked good and seemed to be relevant, might need further refining.
Arms warmed up with throwing to then move into the first of three phase boundary skills, surface is good, pairs communication has purpose, just need to get the flick and handling sorted. Phase two with outriding cut across seems to be an improvement followed by the cut off - feeder working hard round the cones and calling colours for stumps to receive.
August - the sense of the imminent draws ever closer, anticipation and excitement obvious, Lions start hitting tomorrow night.
Senior group break away for finishing drill, maybe fatigue has had an impact as we cannot nail the quality we expect - but this is acknowledged and we will fix.
As one group finish some lapwork, another ambitious young Lion continues his desire for extra, "please hit me ten more balls to finish", it is 7.50pm and we are now finished as Mike Hussey faces his future from 22 yards on foreign soil.