Sandringham v Casey Scorpions

[old dee 23,791]

Honestly, looking at that game there weren't many who would warrant a call-up. Martin was really good, especially in the wet, and Gys did some good work in the tight spaces. Aside from that I can't see anyone knocking on the door.

Could not agree more RM.

However to give a few a small excuse it was bad weather and games at Sandy in June / July never turn into much as far as skill goes.

[leehow 303]

thought martins attack on the ball and marking were very good today. its a pity his kicking and decision making at times is terrible, because he has the potential to be a very dangerous player.

[DemonDave 1,089]

Thought Gysberts was quite good today, still rake thin but put his body into the packs, seems to read the ball really well.

Stef Martin was also good in the conditions, although the inconsistency of his disposal is frustrating. Presented well up forward playing in front, and was capable giving Spencer a chopout in the ruck.

Not much to write home about for most of the others.

Bennell while he didnt get much of it was very constructive with his disposals.

Couch apart from the winning goal was tagged extremely effectively.

Davis was solid but ultimately beaten in the air too many times by Wilkes.

Petterd very ordinary game someone of his experience needs to do more, seemed more intent on the niggle.

Tynan- how many times did his brother kick it to him today? Just OK.

Spencer tried hard ultimately beaten but was not terrible.

Strauss - Great to see him get a game under his belt. A few of his kicks were sublime.

Sheahan - fairly anonymous, moved forward to little effect later on.

Williams - Didnt get much of it in first game at senior level I've seen from him but looks like a capable forward.

Of the Scorps listed players Panozza, Riseley, Tynan and Collins the standouts.

A great win in the end in trying conditions...

[binman 42,960]

Smith for the Scorps looked a goer

[monoccular 17,428]

Very pleasing to hear that Williams was able to get out on the track,and kicked a goal.

Wasn't he BND about 6 weeks ago - a remarkable recovery, even if not a big influence on the outcome.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,177]

Aside from Gysberts who was a cut above there is nothing there that looked worthy of AFL football. Granted the conditions were poor but the standard of game was appalling. Good to see Strauss get through the game. Stef Martin is a comedy act, for every good thing he does he'll do two things poor.

[Geddy Lee 582]

Ricky P is GAWN

[Damo 3,356]

Dismayed how Petterd's career has downturned. My hopes for him have finally given way. I shouldnt be surprised but I am.

[DeeSpencer 25,708]

Spencer - Simply not AFL level, delist, the sooner the better. I'd rather Sandringham's ruckman.

Martin - the good with the bad, if he stopped running under the ball he'd still make it regardless of disposal and other issues. It must be fixed before an AFL return

Cook - some nice signs but now has to demand more ball at CHF

Williams - Looks like a footy player but probably can't judge him until next year, seems to know how to use his body one on one

Sheahan - Moves well and can kick, played like a half decent rookie, minimal impact on the game but you feel he has talent in the air

Davis - Smashed by a reasonable forward, he has to improve his defensive work, but once the ball hits the deck he's handy. Maybe he's a forward?

Gysberts - showed why he is too good for this level in a reasonable display, but now has to work very hard on his defensive game and also rounding out his game with more link up play and more versatility in his kicking.

Bennell - class player at this level but showed little to say he's fixed his deficiencies

Couch - Got shut down but still in close plays with the right attitude, hard at it and tough tackler. Nice winning goal

Petterd - Next shuffle is him to half back at VFL level, very sad.

Tynan - Not great game but hard at the contests and makes smart decisions, I think he'll be a player

Strauss - A few errors but a few lovely kicks, certainly more composed than the average player out there

In summary I wouldn't want any of the talls in the side at the moment but there is some talent there that won't mature for a few years yet. Martin was the best of them but also the most frustrating as he still has miles of work to do to become a serious AFL footballer. With the smalls I'm not sure there is much special there either, but Strauss and Tynan have traits that could see them find roles as consistent players, Couch is handy depth and Gysberts is certainly above this level. The problem with Gysberts is you can't have him as a regular player until he develops a body that allows him to bring his game from VFL level to AFL level.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Ricky P is GAWN

I seriously thought that if ONE player would embrace the Neeld culture, it would have been this bloke.

Hard to see him stay on the list.

Spencer has nothing.

Martin....enough said.

[rhaz 342]

Once Cook gets a little stronger (and gains more confidence playing 1 on 1) he will be really good at AFL level with the higher quality delivery.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,053]

Tynan- how many times did his brother kick it to him today? Just OK

Actually, I think he owes his brother a belt in the head or two. How many times did his brother sell him into trouble and get him flattened?

One thing about big Jake Spencer today. His tapwork was at times superb. He was getting the ball right to his clearance players. I was actually surprised at how good he was.

[Deestroy All 14,266]

Apart from Gysberts qtrs 2 and 3 there wasn't much that impressed me.

I still like the look of Cook, but does he just look really slow, or is he really slow?

Thought Davis was good until Wilkes turned it on.

[GRUN DEE 69]

Not ideal conditions. But I didnt think anybody stood out!

Very happy they got the win.

[Pates 9,660]

Went down and was very happy to see the Scorps get the win (especially since a mate was playing his first game in the seniors), but I couldn't see anyone who demanded a call up. Gys was good, but still needs match conditioning and I reckon Bennell showed good signs as well as bad signs.

[Maldonboy38 6,403]

It was a great, tight, game of pressure footy with a full press on from both sides for most of the game.

Therefore, a lot to look at in terms of how players will handle AFL pressure, even though at a lower level.

Cook - work rate was first class but he hasn't yet learned to demand the ball  by leading at the right time into the right space.  Really good hands and defencive efforts.

Bennell. Gone

Petterd. Some class but even more blunders. Probably won't make it back into the Dees this year.

Couch. Tagged heavily today. However, a fair few of his handball disposals from in close went straight to the opposition.

Davis. Got beaten today but a huge upside is his reading of the game and his aggression. Hopefully gets a go in Dees 22 some time this year.

Tynan. No great possession count but he has poise, good skills and seems unaffected by the rough stuff. Really like this kid.

Strauss. Good to see him back. Not a great game but his kicking is badly needed in Dees 22.

Gysberts. If his fitness is OK, get him into Dees 22. His understanding of stoppages is top class and his disposal to those players 5 - 7 metres away from the pack was excellent. Still fairly skinny but a touch of class.

Williams. Lost for most of the day.

Martin. Big, strong but so unco. His lack of knowing what to do sometimes will always limit his effectiveness.

Sheahan. Looks good and strong.

Spencer. We need him as a back up ruckman but seriously ...

[Hannibal 5,814]

I thought Gysberts got a lot of "Dane Swan" type quick kicks forward that easily go unnoticed. His core strength is fine, it's just that he has spaghetti arms, which makes supporters think he's too light. He has developed legs. Btw, he was on 19 disposals at 3/4 time and I saw him have at least 5 in the last, but they had him finished on 20.

I reckon Strauss has the class to be better at AFL level. I reckon he'd fit in perfectly in our back-line.

I love Josh Tynan's desperation and reckon he'll be a very good AFL player.

Jai Sheehan was terrible today. I've seen him live a few times and like him, but his ground work got shown up when he lost his feet and reacted really slowly. It may be why he was surprisingly overlooked in the ND.

Williams is a mile off.

Couch was quiet, but he had 10 more disposals than he was credited for.

If Beau Wilkes was on Melbourne's list he'd be playing in the forward-line every week. Mitch Clark would love him there.

[DeeSpencer 25,708]

Actually, I think he owes his brother a belt in the head or two. How many times did his brother sell him into trouble and get him flattened?

One thing about big Jake Spencer today. His tapwork was at times superb. He was getting the ball right to his clearance players. I was actually surprised at how good he was.

His centre bounce ruck work isn't horrible but it's his strength and it still isn't elite for VFL yet alone AFL level. If he won every hitout and dominated then I'd see the positives but he doesn't do that and his work around the ground and even at boundary throw ins is really poor for a guy who's been on an AFL list for years.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

The tap out is not the only requirement to play AFL.

Jake Spencer is a very, very limited footballer.

[Demanding Success 298]

Anyone would think some of you guys were awesome footballers the way you critique some players. Conditions were not great. I've played at that ground a few times and it can be very windy, not like playing at the G or most of the other pristine AFL grounds. I agree most of the game, especially the first 1/4, was not pretty but the effort was good.

I loved tynan's game. Yes he made some mistakes but he has a real crack and I'm sure neeld would love that. He at least is playing some games in his first year, which is a real luxury for us compared to our recent past.

I thought Strauss was terrific in his first real game for a while. His kicking in those conditions was awesome and he tackled and competed well when he had too. I'm sure he would have had close to 20 possessions, which would have been at a high efficiency.

Martin was everywhere, but I agree you never knew what was going to happen when he got it. Sometimes I'm not sure he knows.

Gysberts got better and better as the game went on. He has missed a lot of footy in the last couple of years and his lack of fitness showed late in the game. I hope he gets to play the rest of the year and build some confidence. Hopefully at AFL level as well because in my opinion our midfield is our biggest weakness.

I didn't mind cook's game today. Was it great, no, but he worked hard all over the ground, even helping out with possessions across half back. The kicking into the forward line was not great and didn't really help his cause but as I said earlier conditions weren't great. He did alot of really good things to build on his previous 2 games.

I have enjoyed watching Casey play this year and I think the coach has a lot to do with it. Players that come back are normally put in a place that helps improve them and increase their confidence.

There will be quite a few changes at the end of the season I believe but I think it's heading in the right direction. I do hate losing and have found the last 6 seasons the hardest in the last 30 odd years.

Remember casey won another close game and i know its not melbourne but Please try not to be so completely negative.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Anyone would think some of you guys were awesome footballers the way you critique some players. Conditions were not great. I've played at that ground a few times and it can be very windy, not like playing at the G or most of the other pristine AFL grounds. I agree most of the game, especially the first 1/4, was not pretty but the effort was good.

I loved tynan's game. Yes he made some mistakes but he has a real crack and I'm sure neeld would love that. He at least is playing some games in his first year, which is a real luxury for us compared to our recent past.

I thought Strauss was terrific in his first real game for a while. His kicking in those conditions was awesome and he tackled and competed well when he had too. I'm sure he would have had close to 20 possessions, which would have been at a high efficiency.

Martin was everywhere, but I agree you never knew what was going to happen when he got it. Sometimes I'm not sure he knows.

Gysberts got better and better as the game went on. He has missed a lot of footy in the last couple of years and his lack of fitness showed late in the game. I hope he gets to play the rest of the year and build some confidence. Hopefully at AFL level as well because in my opinion our midfield is our biggest weakness.

I didn't mind cook's game today. Was it great, no, but he worked hard all over the ground, even helping out with possessions across half back. The kicking into the forward line was not great and didn't really help his cause but as I said earlier conditions weren't great. He did alot of really good things to build on his previous 2 games.

I have enjoyed watching Casey play this year and I think the coach has a lot to do with it. Players that come back are normally put in a place that helps improve them and increase their confidence.

There will be quite a few changes at the end of the season I believe but I think it's heading in the right direction. I do hate losing and have found the last 6 seasons the hardest in the last 30 odd years.

Remember casey won another close game and i know its not melbourne but Please try not to be so completely negative.

Can't comment on observations?

[mauriesy 7,296]

Thought Gysberts was quite good today, still rake thin

Gysberts. Still fairly skinny

His core strength is fine, it's just that he has spaghetti arms, which makes supporters think he's too light.

Thanks Ben. Glad you see it. Gysberts is the same height as Jeremy Howe (190) but a kilo heavier!

[Whispering_Jack 30,118]

Ben-Hur has it right. Gysberts generally keeps his feet well even in poor conditions for football which is one of the things that suggests he has good core strength. Another game or two and he should be right to go and this time, hopefully, his place in the Melbourne team will be permanent.

Similarly with Strauss although he needs more time at this level. I thought he was on his way to being one of our big improvers before he broke his leg last year and he's doubly important now that Clint Bartram is out for the year. He wasn't as effective as he can be with his disposal but I'm sure he will be once he's fully into the swing of things. A place in our defence should ensure that Jack Grimes can develop in the midfield so his presence in the team will add that dimension as well.

I think Josh Tynan is underrated by many and I expect him to get some more opportunities before the year is out.

Troy Davis had one of those days a backman has but I must say he wasn't a good match up for Wilkes. I'm not sure who else could have gone on him - Panozza was doing well further afield.

Stefan Martin is going to have to work hard for opportunities while the rest are still very early in their development or will struggle to make it.

And I wouldn't worry too much about the stats - the real ones are due to come out on the VFL site through Sporting Pulse in the middle of the week.

[Dockett 32 1,239]

Ben-Hur has it right. Gysberts generally keeps his feet well even in poor conditions for football which is one of the things that suggests he has good core strength. Another game or two and he should be right to go and this time, hopefully, his place in the Melbourne team will be permanent.

Similarly with Strauss although he needs more time at this level. I thought he was on his way to being one of our big improvers before he broke his leg last year and he's doubly important now that Clint Bartram is out for the year. He wasn't as effective as he can be with his disposal but I'm sure he will be once he's fully into the swing of things. A place in our defence should ensure that Jack Grimes can develop in the midfield so his presence in the team will add that dimension as well.

I think Josh Tynan is underrated by many and I expect him to get some more opportunities before the year is out.

Troy Davis had one of those days a backman has but I must say he wasn't a good match up for Wilkes. I'm not sure who else could have gone on him - Panozza was doing well further afield.

Stefan Martin is going to have to work hard for opportunities while the rest are still very early in their development or will struggle to make it.

And I wouldn't worry too much about the stats - the real ones are due to come out on the VFL site through Sporting Pulse in the middle of the week.

Don't want to make excuses, but I thought Davis only went to Wilkes in the second half by which time he had his tail well and truly up. Further, a couple of times some of his fellow Casey team mates increased the degree of difficulty for him in contests. Prior to that I thought Troy did very well and was very clean and composed with his ball handling ( ex kicking it out of bounds on the full, but he had a few mates doing the same in the difficult conditions). Wilkes played very well and is quite a seasoned player so thats the sort of outing is the sort of stuff that he would only learn from. I continue to see his development as very positive. On a similar note I was pleased with Gysberts and Tynan. Both have the right attitude to take on the contest and have a crack. They all have still further to go, but all three have strong heartbeats and are not being thrown to the wolves too early.

[JJJ 1,285]

I've played at TBO 6-7 times and it is never easy. It's a Scully of a ground and I hated playing there. Especially as tall. Windy, narrow and the surface is usually less than awe inspiring. Cook, Davis, Spencer etc are lucky that they only play there once a year. Imagine having an affiliation with Sandy..... oh.