BREAKING THE ICE

[Demonland 71,667]

BREAKING THE ICE by KC from Casey

The Casey Scorpions literally broke the ice on Sunday with a 39 point victory over the Dolphins at Frankston City Oval.

There was a cold, howling westerly whipping up the white caps on nearby Port Phillip Bay and skipper Kyle Matthews had no hesitation on winning the toss in kicking to the Young Street end which was aided by a stiff 6 goal breeze. The winning of the toss ultimately to prove significant because it was well nigh impossible to score into the teeth of the wind for most of the day.

Casey made a number of changes to last week's team bringing in newcomers Glen Chivers and Augustine Patti along with four Demon listed players in Daniel Bell, Kyle Cheney, Danny Hughes and Austin Wonaeamirri who had yet to represent the club in senior matches. Patti is an over age player from the Gippsland Falcons who is eligible to play as the 23rd man under the VFL's new rules encouraging participation of TAC Cup players at VFL clubs.

The opening quarter belonged to Russell Robertson on the comeback trail after being out for some 10 months with a torn Achilles. The wily forward opened proceedings with a goal in the first minute and by quarter time had snagged two more helping the Scorpions to lead by the total of their score of 5.3.33. Defender Alex Silvagni was moved forward and had a goal to his name while Hughes was the other goal scorer.

Things were altogether different after the teams changed ends. The home side wasted no time in its quest to bridge the gap and, despite the efforts of the Casey backline, the home team managed to take the lead. A desperate last five minutes of strong defensive football managed to limit the visitors' deficit to just three points at half time.

The wind was still having an effect on the game in the third term as Casey swept ahead thanks to its hardworking midfield led by Matthews and the busy Shane Valenti who were getting the ball forward with regularity to Robertson and Silvagni until some slip ups in defence late in the quarter gave the Dolphins the first score against the wind and the tide - a goal. At the final break it was Casey holding an identical lead to the one it held at quarter time and it was still anybody's game at this stage.

The Scorpions dug deep in the early moments of the final term and it was here that the game was won. Robertson kicked his team's first goal (and his own fifth) at the "non-scoring" end with a magnificent kick that seemed to somehow defy the elements. The defence of the Scorpions led by James Wall held the Dolphins out for long enough to knock the wind out of their sails and it was the Scorpions who were now in attacking mode. Two more goals - one each to youngster Beau Vernon in only his second senior game and Hughes saw Casey run out easy winners in the end.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED (comments from Casey coach Peter German on the melbournefc.com.au site)

Daniel Bell – He only played a half. He took a heavy knock, so he was rested up in the second half. He played in the midfield and got his hands on the ball a bit, so hopefully he'll be OK to play this week.

Kyle Cheney – Kyle played in the backline. He did a solid job, gave us that run, and gave us good composure. He was quite serviceable.

Jack Grimes – He played wing/half-back and was good. Jack used the ball well and without being outstanding, (and) was a solid contributor.

Daniel Hughes – Daniel was very good. He got a bit of a knock early, but pushed through it and kicked a couple of goals. He kicked the most outstanding goal of the day, from the boundary and into the breeze about 40 metres out – it was almost from an impossible angle. He came up from the reserves to show some of the class he's got. Daniel also took some fine marks as a hit-up forward. It was a really solid game from him.

Jordie McKenzie – Jordie played onball and on the wing and was probably one of our better players. He also pushed back. He also took some fine marks and was prepared to run hard. In the last quarter, he took some strong marks, which we hadn't seen before, so there is a lot of upside with him.

Tom McNamara – Tom played at half-back and was in our top four players. He restricted his opponent and also got his hands on the ball. He read the ball really well in the windy conditions.

Russell Robertson – Russell did a terrific job. He could only score in two of the quarters, because of the conditions. He made the most of his opportunities, but the last couple of weeks he's been showing good signs, kicking 3.5 last week and five goals this week.

Shane Valenti – Shane was given close attention again. He did a lot of the grunt work and a lot of the team things. He was outstanding in doing that and he helped his teammates out. Shane was one of our really strong team players on the day.

Austin Wonaeamirri – Aussie played in bursts in his first game back. He had about 13 disposals as a forward pocket. We pushed him up onto the wing in the last quarter and he had an opportunity to run around a bit more. It was good for him to get a run under his belt. He showed some good zip and explosiveness at ground level.

Casey Scorpions 5.3.33 5.3.33 11.9.75 14.12.96

Frankston 0.0.0 5.6.36 6.6.42 8.9.57

Goals

Casey Scorpions Robertson 5 Silvagni 3 Hughes 2 McNamara Vernon Wall Wonaeamirri

Frankston Berry Dickson Lourey 2 Magner Pollard

Best

Casey Scorpions Matthews Wall Robertson Valenti Silvagni Stockdale

Frankston Ablett Casboult Baguley Lombardozzi Dickson Ongarello

The day began on a good footing for the alignment when the Casey Reserves scored their first win for 2009 after heading the home side from start to finish and keeping them down to just four goals for the day. Rohan Bail was outstanding in the midfield.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED (comments from Casey coach Peter German on the melbournefc.com.au site)

Rohan Bail – Rohan was the best player in the seconds. He got through the game and will almost certainly be called up for senior duties for us next week. Rohan played half-back and on the ball, using it really well. He's a good young talent we have high expectations for.

Simon Buckley – Simon only played a half. It was about him getting a run. He did that OK and actually wanted to play a bit more. Next week, he should be able to play a full game.

Rhys Healey – Rhys knows how to get the ball – he's a magnet. He worked hard to win the ball, but he needs to tidy up his disposal at times. He gained 20-odd possessions.

Jack Watts – He played a bit onball and down back as well. Jack's showed clean ball-handling skills and decision-making ability and his class in tough conditions.

Matthew Whelan – Matty got a bit more game time in. He's played at 50 or 60 per cent, but was up to 80 this week. He was solid and strong in the backline and should be getting close to playing senior footy for us.

Trent Zomer – Trent worked hard in the ruck. We didn't want to go too tall in the seniors, so it was a good opportunity for him to have a run around in the seconds. He did a really good job.

Casey Scorpions 2.5.17 4.5.29 8.11.59 8.12 60

Frankston 0.2.2 2.5.17 3.5.23 4.7 31

Goals

Casey Scorpions Zomer 2 Oldmeadow 2 Blaser Scanlon Snow Bolton

Frankston Potts 2 Morris 2

Best

Casey Scorpions Bail Blaser Williams Zomer Watts Oldmeadow

Frankston Hibberd Potts Bosward Rogasch Hobbs Sienkiewicz

[alpha33 311]

Good read and tends to support the rumour going around that Tom McNamara is in line to make his AFL debut soon.

Menawhile Robbo would be a must and Maric surely ...

[H_T 3,043]

I am particularly impressed with Rohan Bail's report.

[Guest digga]

Tom Mcnamara? WHY? why do we needs ANOTHER TALL DEFENDER AROUND 190CM? He can push up into the wing but atm is just isnt needed.