stretford blue wrote:
Marc Murphy has been terrific. First time he has done full preseason because of his cricket commitments. Questions over Hawks assessment of him "good pace, silky skills" WH says he has improved aerobically. Hawks said he was one sided but WH deflected that by saying Richmond's assessment would have been he didn't handball enough. ....
Moved on to others in the draft. WH happy with all of them. Kennedy 3 weeks off full training. Repeated Mt Buller walk story and has impressed the coach on day 1. Paul Bower "terrific couldn't be happier" happy with Edwards and the 2 rookies. Not sure on Denis selections for the NAB cup but Hartlett and Blackers will be in the mix. Should be 3 - 4 new players in the team on the weekend. Moved on to Saddo. Minor op to clean up scar tissue. Did well in match in Newcastle. Dylan McLaren will play and make it easier on Banaby.
Talk about the pressure of expectations on Murphy. WH says he was well aware of it and it was discussed with Murph in the lead up to the draft. Quality young fellow and will acquite himself well. John Murphy comes to training and all of the parents are being flown in on the weekend for an orientation with the club and the family day.
WH hands off the draftees to the coach and he has moved onto to look at the next group of players. Will look after the parents this weekend but Shane O takes an active role in looking after the new kids.
Has already had some AIS guys downs to training. KB raised next year as the next "super draft". WH mentioned Ross (corrected to Bryce later) Gibbs and understands why Adelaide are fighting to get himas a father son. WH saw him this year and very impressed. Bit of contention with Adelaide. Did n't name any others when asked. Lots of them. Some good Queeenslanders. There will be a whole host of them. Asked about us missing out on the #1 because Essendon* claimed that Ryder was the best. WH countered that when he was watching the finals he was impressed with the ability of the good midfielders to stamp their authority on the game. KB raised the former importance of the KPP but now it seems to be the midfielders. WH countered with the Paganism, it's a pretty simple game and you have to have the footy and the midfielders get it. Discussion about Ross Gibbs the father and a plug for the family day this weekend.
Was Jordan Russell mentioned? I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't make the grade.