Casey Scorpions v Northern Bullants

[dee-luded 2,959]

Once again KC thanks for great report today and during the year.

It is probably way to early but does anyone know which MFC players are able to play for Casey during the finals?

Our usual form is at finals times to strip Casey of it's better players.

I hope we do not take 2 or 3 to SA next week for their first games and weaken Casey as a result.

Surely a partnership in the current situation means helping Casey do the best they can.

Absolutely it does!

If Melbourne 'Pulls It's Players' again,,,, Then I will not follow them again.

It's time to stand for something real, 'To do the Right Thing'! I've followed for 55 Years through thick and thin and done my bit here and there. If they Do the Selfish thing again, I'm OUT.

To become a great Club you have to stand on your principles. Without Principles 'One' is Nought.

[dee-luded 2,959]

God how I have missed Rohan Bail.

Bate doing his standard VFL thing. What an enigma.

NO! GL, Your wrong. You don't know whats changed with him.

[old dee 23,782]

Absolutely it does!

If Melbourne 'Pulls It's Players' again,,,, Then I will not follow them again.

It's time to stand for something real, 'To do the Right Thing'! I've followed for 55 Years through thick and thin and done my bit here and there. If they Do the Selfish thing again, I'm OUT.

To become a great Club you have to stand on your principles. Without Principles 'One' is Nought.

Not sure I would go that far

But it will be a very ordinary lookif we do not provide max. help.

[DeeSpencer 25,511]

What position did Bate play today?

He's never looked fit enough or good at clearances so I'd never take him as a midfielder, but sometimes looks are deceiving - ie. Jobe Watson.

Same for backline, I'd think he'd be too slow for the backline, but maybe if you put him there he wouldn't be too bad.

38 touches in his usual half forward position would be outstanding.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Not sure I would go that far

But it will be a very ordinary lookif we do not provide max. help.

We have to stop that Us & Them Viewpoint. It's WE, or it's nothing at all! There Is NO I, in any Real Team ! Or Club !

[old dee 23,782]

We have to stop that Us & Them Viewpoint. It's WE, or it's nothing at all! There Is NO I, in any Real Team ! Or Club !

I agree with you dee-luded.

If we are going to partner Casey it has to be a two way street.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

We have to stop that Us & Them Viewpoint. It's WE, or it's nothing at all! There Is NO I, in any Real Team ! Or Club !

Agree 100% dee-luded.

We had a really good relationship with Sandringham and we never seemed to pull our players on them. I clearly remember players like Sylvia, Bell, Armstrong etc playing in winning grand finals with the Zebras.

Since our first year of the alignment we've been pulling players on Casey once finals come around. I remember German cracking it big time when we only made 3 players available for the 2009 elimination final v The Filth.

We've got about 16 players eligable to play finals with Casey this year. I'd only expect about 12 to play next week due to Melbourne playing interstate, but after that I'd like to see all eligable players being made available for Casey.

[Liverpool 0]

Can someone tell me how Tyson Thomas went for northern bullants? Any chance of getting drafted?

[dee-luded 2,959]

Agree 100% dee-luded.

We had a really good relationship with Sandringham and we never seemed to pull our players on them. I clearly remember players like Sylvia, Bell, Armstrong etc playing in winning grand finals with the Zebras.

Since our first year of the alignment we've been pulling players on Casey once finals come around. I remember German cracking it big time when we only made 3 players available for the 2009 elimination final v The Filth.

We've got about 16 players eligable to play finals with Casey this year. I'd only expect about 12 to play next week due to Melbourne playing interstate, but after that I'd like to see all eligable players being made available for Casey.

Yep, absolutely. Actually we 'Pulled' the players from Sandy in I think our last year with them too. A very bad taste from that sour grape.

And then as you say, we pulled them again, from Casey. German left !

Fast tracked List building is not distasteful, because we were in such a poor state we had to. And as we saw recently, if we didn't, it would have been Us in Ports shoes Now.

But distasteful is pulling the plug on people who have invested their time and emotions on a whole season of Playing/watching/supporting a side, hope - ing to get through to what we're all trying to achieve, FINALS FOOTY.

Pull the plug on all this effort and hope and Goodwill, and you pull the plug on the people.

[Chicken Deelicious 0]

It is incredibly inspirational of Matthews, but would we really look at drafting him with his injury history and the recommendation from doctors that he doesn't play the game??

[Deeoldfart 8,005]

...................... So, either of you, is Fitzy the real thing or has the opposition been really bad? From some of KC's descriptions he sounds really agile as well as very tall.

Is he being groomed as a tall deep forward of the Paul Salmon (early version) type?

................

Thanks again.

KC has seen a great deal more of Fitz than I have monoccular, although its fair to say that none of us have seen as much as we would have liked, because he hasn't had many injury free runs in his short career. My 2c worth from the bits I have seen are that he is very quick and agile for someone around the 200cm mark. He seems to be a reasonable mark, but like most young talls, he needs to develop strength to hold his own in marking contests, especially against the big boys in the AFL. A full pre-season could work wonders. I think he will end up as a tall forward who does a bit of ruckwork within the fwd 50, and IIRC, that was Schwabby's view when I chatted to him. I'll be very interested in KC's view.

[KC from Casey 7,061]

There were so many highlights for the Melbourne/Casey alignment that one hardly knows where to start. The media will undoubtedly focus on Brendan Fevola and full marks to him because he came to the club as an overweight tormented soul, missed the early part of the season, struggled for form and finally hit his straps with two double figure totals on the run home to finish four goals shy of the Frosty Miller trophy for the VFL's top goalkicker. Moreover, he's been a model citizen on and off the field while at Casey and has well and truly justified the faith put into him by the club. He seems contented in his life and his work and I would be surprised if a club didn't draft him. As far as the MFC is concerned nobody would know as the decision would ultimately depend at least in part on the new coaching hierarchy.

Overshadowed by the Fev story was the remarkable comeback game of Kyle Matthews. The guy was lucky to survive the attack which affected his brain functions and could have taken his life. He subsequently endured injury after injury on the comeback trail and spent several weeks in the reserves before earning his spot back in the team. He looks like a kid with his slight build and the helmet but his second, third and fourth efforts today were sublime. If the senior Melbourne players watched his attack on the football and the way he throws his body into the contest and strove to emulate his sheer determination, they would win many more games. Before the game I would have looked at you in disbelief if you suggested Matthews as a possible draft pick. I'm not so sure now. With the compromised draft and the multitude of GWS concessions, a couple more performances like that and the draft Kyle movement could easily gather momentum. However, you would have to say at this stage that it's a long shot.

Then there's the young talls at the club like Gawn, Fitzpatrick and Davis who were all superb today.As these players mature they are going to become potent weapons in the club's armoury. Kelvin Lawrence and Dan Nicholson are a pacy duo each with a big future.

There's lots more but I'll keep it for my report apart from my comment about televising finals. Casey featured only twice during the season in ABC telecasts - the least of all clubs. It would be very disappointing if the game v undefeated Port Melbourne wasn't covered by the ABC next week.

[Damo 3,347]

Thanks KC. Your reports are most appreciated.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

The media will undoubtedly focus on Brendan Fevola He seems contented in his life and his work and I would be surprised if a club didn't draft him. As far as the MFC is concerned nobody would know as the decision would ultimately depend at least in part on the new coaching hierarchy.

Someone might wish to mention that to Garry.

Was adamant that the MFC wouldn't be picking up Fev. When asked why, stated we were very comfortable with our forward stocks atm or something to that effect. I'm not sure how he arrives at that given the debacle this year. Maybe he was referring to what's to come eg., boys at Casey, development of Watts, Howe etc. Probably a throw away line anyway as Garry wont have to worry about any decisions or non-decisions on such matters once he's finished his short stint.

Either way, if Garry (and possibly others) get their way, which they no doubt will, then no Fev at Demonland regardless of who the coach and hierarchy are.

Watching him against Chip next year would be an interesting dual though. That's if he gets a gig somewhere which is looking more likely each week as you stated.

Thanks for the great coverage this year btw.

[Axis of Bob 11,750]

Aside from Bate, who was excellent, I thought that Casey's best was Bail. We have missed his ultra hard running and you could see this today as he turned the ball over many times and used it well. He looks a class above VFL now, which is a great sign. His hard running is sensational and should be a starting 18 player next year, if he isn't already. I'd be surprised if he didn't play AFL next week.

Fitzy was pretty good, but tended to flash in and out of the play. When he did get involved he was excellent, taking some good marks and using his speed. At one point a Bullants player corralled him, thinking that someone of his size would prop and look to handball. Instead he just took off, burned his man, took a bounce and goaled from about 20 out.

Gawn was easily the best ruck on the ground. He'll be a damn good player, Max. He took some good marks, controlled the taps, but his running and follow up work was great for a man his size. He isn't just Peter Street, he's a very good ruckman who just happens to be 6'9.

I liked Davis down back. It looked like he started to tire later in the game, but when the heat was on he was one of our best. Played half back and played a dual role of shutting down an opponent but also zoning back to help out and give real drive from defence. He's very powerful, not just strong, but strong and quick. Won some excellent contests on different sized opponents. Very good signs.

I would be more than a little surprised if Matthews was drafted, given his deficiencies. But he is a great player to watch because he is so competitive. Throws himself around, competes for every ball and is a super team player. Deserved every one of his goals.

I honestly thought Casey would get done today, given that Carlton had the bye and the number of MFC players out of the side, especially through the midfield. But Casey's pressure today was brilliant. They turned the ball over repeatedly and moved it crisply when they did. Bail, Nicholson and Lawrence did this very well (from MFC) but also Casey players like Matthews, Collins, Petropoulos etc applied pressure. But it was all over the field too, with Fitzy doing a great chase down tackle too. The pressure caused turnovers, but also allowed the defence to pick off the kicks easily, with Warnock, Mohr, and Davis especially good.

[Rich Demon 5]

ABC will televise all games at North Port, so Casey will be on next week.

Saw snippets of Fev on the news, looked to be a fairly decent crowd at Casey today.

[Dockett 32 1,239]

Yep, absolutely. Actually we 'Pulled' the players from Sandy in I think our last year with them too. A very bad taste from that sour grape.

And then as you say, we pulled them again, from Casey. German left !

Fast tracked List building is not distasteful, because we were in such a poor state we had to. And as we saw recently, if we didn't, it would have been Us in Ports shoes Now.

But distasteful is pulling the plug on people who have invested their time and emotions on a whole season of Playing/watching/supporting a side, hope - ing to get through to what we're all trying to achieve, FINALS FOOTY.

Pull the plug on all this effort and hope and Goodwill, and you pull the plug on the people.

Spot on. If you want a real partnership to work you have to support your partner and not be selfish. I hope we have learnt a few things and do it better this year. Other than the normal slight chance of injury which the players have 6 months to get over, why wouldn't you want to have some of the younger players the chance to play finals football and accept the additional pressure that goes along with that?Isn't that part of the learning process? Seems very precious and uncooperative to do otherwise.

[Grandson of a gun 276]

Spot on. If you want a real partnership to work you have to support your partner and not be selfish. I hope we have learnt a few things and do it better this year. Other than the normal slight chance of injury which the players have 6 months to get over, why wouldn't you want to have some of the younger players the chance to play finals football and accept the additional pressure that goes along with that?Isn't that part of the learning process? Seems very precious and uncooperative to do otherwise.

Before everyone gets on their high horse about the alignment and Melbournes moral obligations remember back to the start of the year when Casey recruited a player expressly against Melbournes wishes because it was in the best interests of Casey, not the best interests of the alignment.

I'm not for one minute suggesting that Melbourne shafts Casey, but people have very short memories round here and this "one club" talk is a two way street, and the moral police around here would do well to remember that.

[Dockett 32 1,239]

Before everyone gets on their high horse about the alignment and Melbournes moral obligations remember back to the start of the year when Casey recruited a player expressly against Melbournes wishes because it was in the best interests of Casey, not the best interests of the alignment.

I'm not for one minute suggesting that Melbourne shafts Casey, but people have very short memories round here and this "one club" talk is a two way street, and the moral police around here would do well to remember that.

Totally agree and not on any high horse.

In most partnerships there are issues that must be worked through and rules of engagement established.

But point scoring and re opening old wounds may not be a particularly smart way to go about it IMO.

[Grandson of a gun 276]

Totally agree and not on any high horse.

In most partnerships there are issues that must be worked through and rules of engagement established.

But point scoring and re opening old wounds may not be a particularly smart way to go about it IMO.

Yep I agree and I wasn't necessarily directing my post at you.

Once Melbournes season is over I hope Casey gets to field as strong a team as possible as I think it will also benefit the young Melbourne players.

But bottom line Fev is there against Melbournes wishes and it was Casey who took the selfish approach at the start of the year.

[tonatopia 278]

Yep I agree and I wasn't necessarily directing my post at you.

Once Melbournes season is over I hope Casey gets to field as strong a team as possible as I think it will also benefit the young Melbourne players.

But bottom line Fev is there against Melbournes wishes and it was Casey who took the selfish approach at the start of the year.

Seems like Casey was right and MFC wrong. Fevola has been very good.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Spot on. If you want a real partnership to work you have to support your partner and not be selfish. I hope we have learnt a few things and do it better this year. Other than the normal slight chance of injury which the players have 6 months to get over, why wouldn't you want to have some of the younger players the chance to play finals football and accept the additional pressure that goes along with that?Isn't that part of the learning process? Seems very precious and uncooperative to do otherwise.

It also starts buildinf Both the bonds between young players and builds respect for one another and the game. Doing the right thing, and Proud of it. In rare commodity in todays materialism.

[Slartibartfast 17,222]

I'd be surprised if he didn't play AFL next week.

If he plays AFL next week he can't play Casey finals AFAIK.

I agree he is in our best 22 so it will be interesting to see what they do.

For the future Fitzy, Gawn, Davis and Lawrence showed some great signs yesterday. Casey were really good and it was great to see Kyle Matthews back, he brings so much to the team.

[Grandson of a gun 276]

Seems like Casey was right and MFC wrong. Fevola has been very good.

Yep he has been. How is Melbourne wrong though? The reason they didn't want him was because he would tale the spot of a young key forward Melbourne were trying to develop. How would Fitzy have gone as the go to full forward? Or Cook? Or McDonald?

Casey made the best decision for their own interest. It was the right decision from that perspective and that perspective alone.

I have got nothing against Casey and hope they do well in the finals with as many MFC players available to them as possible. I'm just highlighting what many seem to have forgotten in regards to partnership- it's a two way street.

[old dee 23,782]

Seems like Casey was right and MFC wrong. Fevola has been very good.

Gee there is a surprise the MFC getting something wrong!