With the Club's first NAB Cup hit out just three days away, the players hit the track at the Ricoh Centre for a final training run in Melbourne before flying to the Gold Coast to face the Suns and Lions on Saturday night.

Players were put through their paces in a session that lasted approximately two hours, under the watchful eyes of the coaching group and fitness staff.

A number of different drills were on the training bill, with skills both in the clear and under pressure the focus.

The players were also split into two groups, with each split into two teams to participate in competitive drills against one another, in different areas of the ground.

The group also worked on their touch in tight, to ensure fumbles are kept to a minimum when the heat is on in the matches on Saturday night.


Brendan Whitecross and Max Bailey began the session with some handballing drills.


It looks like the beard is here to stay for Michael Osborne.


Midfielder Liam Shiels shows keeping your eyes on the ball is important.


Kiwi recruit Kurt Heatherley joins Brian Lake and Whitecross in a reflex drill with Adem Yze.


Recruit Matt Spangher fires a pass behind a diving Shane Savage.


Ryan Schoenmakers shows off his skills on the left boot.


And then with his right fist, cutting off a pass in front of Luke Breust.


Ruckman turned forward David Hale found something to smile about during the session.


Assistant Coach Brendon Bolton took the reins for a drill, with a selection of the playing group listening intently to Lance Franklin's input.


Franklin shows that he can mark both on his chest and in the air.


Hale flies for a mark but draftee Kaiden Brand spoils the party.


Matt Suckling and Xavier Ellis found the time for a quick chat between the various drills on the ground.


We've seen this pose before from Franklin, "kick it to me," he says.


Luke Lowden tried to show Hale he won't be pushed around in a marking contest, holding him off with one hand.


Isaac Smith wraps up Jordan Kelly during a drill.


Jarryd Roughead prefers the one handed pick up, and he perfects it before heading on to sidestepping a teammate.


Suckling prefers using the safer option, grabbing the footy with two hands.


Josh Gibson was vocal throughout the session, and took it upon himself to guide draftee Kaiden Brand. Not sure what he's showing him here, though.


Franklin took the opportunity to get in some goal kicking practice, performing his trademark routine.


"Franklin picks it up, he sidesteps his opponent and kicks the goal!"


A couple of players ended the session with goal kicking practice, with Breust one of them. He lines up and his action looks pretty good.