Casey Scorpions v Port Melbourne

[Nasher 33,616]

Thanks Maldonboy; great run down. These types of posts are why I read the Casey threads.

It certainly isn't to hear a few posters spew as much bile as possible over one player.

[Goodvibes 3,596]

Yes all well and good Axis and yes, he was assigned a tag and by my reckoning it was no 29 for port melb for a period of time but BUT your not going to ever ask Cale Morton to TAG someone in AFL surely?

You mean like Adam Goodes?

[Slartibartfast 17,337]

I was at Casey and often find that it's hard to see what's happening on the other side of the ground clearly as it's difficult to get any elevation for viewing. My view was from the outer.

I thought Morton was ordinary in the first half but most of Casey were. His second half was very very good. He ran hard, he linked up and was integral to Casey getting back in the game. Just watching him it's hard to believe how much ground he covers. He seems to be making better decisions and taking the first option more often and is much more direct. I'm not convinced he'll make it but he played well IMO.

Couch seemed to be played forward in the second half and did well kicking goals and finding some space. For those that haven't seen him much think of a slightly larger Valenti although I think Valenti shades him. He's a very good VFL footballer but I'm not sure it translates into AFL status although today is the most damaging game I've seen him play.

Petterd seemed to play in bursts but like so many others on our list just hasn't taken the next step. Davey will play next week, his disposal is a class above and while he is a long way from what he was at least he is an offensive threat.

I really think that Gysberts has to play the rest of our season. He's a midfielder who can at least find the ball, something we are in short supply of in the seniors. The others have been well covered.

[old dee 23,801]

I was at Casey and often find that it's hard to see what's happening on the other side of the ground clearly as it's difficult to get any elevation for viewing. My view was from the outer.

I thought Morton was ordinary in the first half but most of Casey were. His second half was very very good. He ran hard, he linked up and was integral to Casey getting back in the game. Just watching him it's hard to believe how much ground he covers. He seems to be making better decisions and taking the first option more often and is much more direct. I'm not convinced he'll make it but he played well IMO.

Couch seemed to be played forward in the second half and did well kicking goals and finding some space. For those that haven't seen him much think of a slightly larger Valenti although I think Valenti shades him. He's a very good VFL footballer but I'm not sure it translates into AFL status although today is the most damaging game I've seen him play.

Petterd seemed to play in bursts but like so many others on our list just hasn't taken the next step. Davey will play next week, his disposal is a class above and while he is a long way from what he was at least he is an offensive threat.

I really think that Gysberts has to play the rest of our season. He's a midfielder who can at least find the ball, something we are in short supply of in the seniors. The others have been well covered.

That should be enough to get him a game in front of about 6 from yesterdays game.

[jayceebee31 761]

Really interested in Tim Smith and what his prospects are for being drafted/rookie listed.

High- has tremendous talent.Another Howe.

[jayceebee31 761]

That should be enough to get him a game in front of about 6 from yesterdays game.

Thanks for your insight / report Fan.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

Gysberts, Davey, Green, Couch and Cook did enough to be considered for next week. Fitzpatrick also but I reckon that Spencer has his foot in the door at the moment.

I hope you're on the money there. Particularly with Gys, Couch and Cook.

[daisycutter 29,625]

thanks for your entertaining and informative summary maldonboy

its good to see the game was of a high standard with good skills - makes a nice change

and great to knock off top side and last years premier - congrats to scorps

[Guest KingDingAling]

As sad as it is, Cale will remain on our list SOLELY because he was a high draft pick,

guess we are hoping that he can somehow recapture the form that warranted such a high pick!

I wont say much more on Cale, but he needs to work with Nathan Jones next pre-season - work ethic, gym and motivation!

Couch comes in next week, Magner will be rested - which he has earned.

Im not too bothered if Gysberts stays in Casey to gain confidence,

we all know he can play and IMO would immediately slot into our side as the second best mid behind Jones.

I'd like to see more dominant performances in Casey perhaps.

I've been against debuting Cook this year, but after the Richmond game, its pretty obvious that Garland and Rivers

arent the answer to replacing Clark, I dont mind Garland as a forward - but Rivers is better as a backman, than forward.

I wouldnt mind if we debuted Cook, its not essential though.

Davey needs to stay into Casey and really dominate at the lower level, because lets face it, we'd love to see Aaron back at

his best and welcome him back into the side - but if he cant dominate at the lower levels, then he deserves to stay and work harder.

[dee-luded 2,959]

You're ruining the thread. I can only assume you're an 'ologist ?

How so?

[dee-luded 2,959]

As sad as it is, Cale will remain on our list SOLELY because he was a high draft pick,

guess we are hoping that he can somehow recapture the form that warranted such a high pick!

I wont say much more on Cale, but he needs to work with Nathan Jones next pre-season - work ethic, gym and motivation!

Couch comes in next week, Magner will be rested - which he has earned.

Im not too bothered if Gysberts stays in Casey to gain confidence,

we all know he can play and IMO would immediately slot into our side as the second best mid behind Jones.

I'd like to see more dominant performances in Casey perhaps.

I've been against debuting Cook this year, but after the Richmond game, its pretty obvious that Garland and Rivers

arent the answer to replacing Clark, I dont mind Garland as a forward - but Rivers is better as a backman, than forward.

I wouldnt mind if we debuted Cook, its not essential though.

Davey needs to stay into Casey and really dominate at the lower level, because lets face it, we'd love to see Aaron back at

his best and welcome him back into the side - but if he cant dominate at the lower levels, then he deserves to stay and work harder.

With Tmac still recovering, I'd give him another weeks rest,,,, let Rivers flow back down to defence, & bring in Cook to play beside Garland. Bring Tmac back thru Casey.

Replace Moloney with Gysberts, & Bennell with Jetta or Davey. If Magner is out of gas, then time for the Couch. Casey is beckoning for JMac. Strauss is getting closer.

[GRUN DEE 69]

Tim 'Ice Pick' Smith.

Sounds like we should ice him and pick him in the draft before someone else does.

Good size & ready to go....

One grab mark and nice kick for goal.

Give the bloke a go Dee's!

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Was at the game again yesterday, but haven't had a chance to post until now.  Gee Casey has given us some classics this season!

My take on the Melbourne players was:-

Jordan Gysberts: I was actually suprised with how much of the ball he got which suggests he was getting a lot of it in close which is a good thing.  I noticed him more in the second half and he really is a smooth mover.  

Could have kicked a nice goal at the end but missed.  Reckon he'd be a good show to come in next week.

Cale Morton: He was alright.  No usual shocking Morton turnovers, although he did drop a simple mark on out HF line in the 2nd term as we were moving forward which resulted in the ball running out of bounds.  He seemed to mainly be playing off half back I thought.  A good solid game.

Ricky Petterd: I was suprised Bobby wasn't in our best today.  Started the game really well and could have had 3 first quarter goals if not for inaccuracy.  Unsighted in the 2nd term but he went into the midfield in the 2nd half and had a few vital clearances.  I'm starting to wonder if he's really a midfielder?  He hasn't done his chances of a recall any harm on yesterday's game IMO.

Brad Green:  Vintage Green yesterday.  Couldn't miss, was great in the air and his leadership and direction was vital.  He's a shoe in.  Possibly as a small FF next week.

James Strauss: Was ok but I didn't notice him much.  On a  good note I think he was on Chris Cain (2nd VFL leading goal kicker) and kept him pretty quiet, only kicked one.  Still a few weeks away IMO, but will be better for the run.

Lucas Cook: Quiet first half but along with Green and Petterd I thought he was one of the major reasons for Casey's 2nd half fight back.  Didn't take any strong pack marks, but lead up really well and presented strongly and helped Casey break through Port's zone which they seemed to have locked Casey with in the first half.  No goals but an important game and he used the ball well when putting it inside F50.

Aaron Davey: One of Casey's better players in the first half but didn't seem to get as much of it in the second half as John Baird started following him around everywhere.  As you expect from Flash, he used it really well and his tackling and pressure was very good which is a positive.

Neville Jetta: One of the  players in the first half for Casey IMO and if it weren't for him they would have been down by a lot more then 34 points.  Ran hard, used the ball well and was good in congestion.  He's a good small defender in the making.  I reckon maybe another run or two and he'll be right for a recall.

Troy Davis: Struggled a bit today with Galea kicking seven on him.  Having said that he did a few nice things; took some good marks and made some vital spoils late in the game.  Seemed just a fraction slow for Galea which I found odd as Davis's pace is normally one of his better aspects.

Tom Couch: Has to paly after today's game.  Plenty of the ball, good at the stoppages and very dangerous when driffting forward booting 4 goals.  Time for a swap with Magner.

Jack Fitzpatrick: One of the best games I've seen him play and it was as the No 1 ruck when he's suppose to be a better forward.  His agility and pace were too  much for Wayde Skipper and Sam Pleming and being named BOG was more then fair enough.  Could have kicked 2 or 3 but his awkward kicking style let him down.  Could be a dark horse to come in as a stay at home forward, but with Jamar coming in that's most likely doubtful.

Leigh Williams: Only kicked 1 but the defensive side of his game for a deep forward was first class.  In the second half he made two vital smothers when Port were trying to clear the    ball which resulted in goals to Casey.  Two goals in a 9 point win were the difference.  Well done Williams, next step is to start plucking a few pack marks at FF,

On another note there were two Casey players well worth talking about.  One who's alreadys been mentioned is Tim Smith.

21 years of age, 192cm, 90kg, has a strong pair of hands and took an absolute screamer in the final term to go with his 2 goals.  Every time I see him play I'm more and more impressed.  Seems to have the ability to play high HF or closer to goal and we really need key forwards.  He's be well worth a rookie selection IMO.

And another player, today being the first time I've seen him play was Nathan Page.  12 years of age, 177cm, 75 kg. Getting a game ahead of Casey veteran Rian McGough and William Petropoulos as the small crumbing forward.  His disposal was good, his pressure and chasing were top notch and kicked 2 traditional small forward goals in the last.  The first of which I could have sworn was Stepehn Milne hitting a pack at pace from a stoppage and streaming into goal to put the Scorpions in front for the first time in the match.  Another player who'd be a rookie roughie as we're crying out for a small forward.

[Hells Gates 505]

Excellent write up Maldonboy38, it's refreshing to hear positive & informing comments about the Casey games.

Great to see Lucas Cook play his role well, my mate described his game just as you have. Even Paul Couch said to me the other day that Lucas is going to be a real talent & from what I've seen of him I agree. Must be close to consideration with no Clark surely. Its not as if were going to play finals so put the kid in and let him grow.

Great to see Green, Davey, Couch, Gysberts all doing well & well done Scorps!!

[btdemon 482]

Really interested in Tim Smith and what his prospects are for being drafted/rookie listed.

Looks great but can't kick. We can't have any more super-unco kicks. We have too many already.

[TheoX 1,222]

And another player, today being the first time I've seen him play was Nathan Page. 12 years of age, 177cm, 75 kg.

Getting a game ahead of Casey veteran Rian McGough and William Petropoulos as the small crumbing forward. His disposal was good, his pressure and chasing were top notch and kicked 2 traditional small forward goals in the last. The first of which I could have sworn was Stepehn Milne hitting a pack at pace from a stoppage and streaming into goal to put the Scorpions in front for the first time in the match. Another player who'd be a rookie roughie as we're crying out for a small forward.

Wow, that's one large 12 year old! Sign him up.

[Hells Gates 505]

Wow, that's one large 12 year old! Sign him up.

Hilarious!!!

[jnrmac 20,109]

As sad as it is, Cale will remain on our list SOLELY because he was a high draft pick,

guess we are hoping that he can somehow recapture the form that warranted such a high pick!

I wont say much more on Cale, but he needs to work with Nathan Jones next pre-season - work ethic, gym and motivation!

Really???? I love this forum sometimes . The sweeping statements are hilarious. I am probably Cale's biggest critic but sadly he is contracted for next year.

[Outside fifty 967]

It was so good to hear that Jack Fitzpatrick was adjudged to be B.O.G yesterday. Just over three weeks ago the kid was diagnosed with Diabetes. An outstanding effort in anybodies eyes. I recently read where one poster considered him deadwood. Given his illnesses and injuries his development will take time but I suspect we might have uncovered a good one in Big Fitzy.

[John Dee 445]

The only area where I have to disagree with you Fence. It was a tough day at the office for Davis and I thought he was beaten again today for the second week in a row after several good games which had him on the brink of selection for Melbourne.

I thought Davis played pretty well. He was at full-back all the match when he has been playing centre-half-back for most of the year. The Port full-forward, Galea?, was always on the lead and the Port were kicking to him every chance they had. Allied with this, he did not seem to be able to miss with his kicks at goal. Davis stuck to his task all day, particularly in the last quarter. Yes he was beaten on the day but there was no one else who was going to do any better.

[H_T 3,049]

It was so good to hear that Jack Fitzpatrick was adjudged to be B.O.G yesterday. Just over three weeks ago the kid was diagnosed with Diabetes. An outstanding effort in anybodies eyes. I recently read where one poster considered him deadwood. Given his illnesses and injuries his development will take time but I suspect we might have uncovered a good one in Big Fitzy.

Fitzy is worth persisting with IMO, he is a mobile big man who can compete in the ruck and covers ground well. He can also play as a key forward, leads well with good speed and can kick goals. Still learning to use his body in the ruck, but I think he is progressing and gaining confidence at VFL level.

[John Dee 445]

I was on the outer side amongst a few Port supporters. They were impressed with Cook, mainly with his lead up play and disposal. They also were showing a great deal of angst over the ruck work of Fitzpatrick, particularly as the match wore on. Green was annoying them as well.

Fitzy was clearly BOG, Green excellent, but Fitzy's work in the middle and around the ground was more valuable.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Wow, that's one large 12 year old! Sign him up.

Haha, woops. 21 year old should I say.