Essendon v Casey Scorpions

[rpfc 27,591]

You are being unfair and shortsighted. It is too early to tell whether the newly recruite players are flops.

Recruiting has been poor, development too. But we are not 148 points worse than Essendon, 94 points worse than WC, and 78 points worse than Port.

We are not getting near our, albeit limited, potential and Neeld has to reveal that or he will cast aside in short order.

[Biffen 12,387]

There are degrees of being soft, but in the main it means lacking physical intensity at contests. You even agree that he lacks physical intensity, so you agree that he's soft, but you're annoyed that I call him soft. Interesting.

The facts are that in his 5th year after a full preseason he's playing reserves footy. He's another terrible top 20 pick. But we're becoming immune to that now. He just joins the conga line.

As for Hannebery ? I love him as a footballer and reckon he's pretty well placed to judge other players intensity. His impressions of Strauss 5 years ago when playing state footy with him was that he was soft. Five years later I'd have to say he's an exceptional judge. I've watched him at AFL level, as well as Casey and it's my conclusions too. But no-one is forcing you to agree.

And fancy a 22 year old (Hannebery) having a few beers when he gets back to town. Well, I never...

So you rate the Xavier boy over the Scotch boy and the Brighton boy?

Hannebery just got lucky the Swans got him.

Jack Watts will kick his lily white god-fearing ass over their careers.

You view life through the prism of your high school and the types that attend it who are nearly always blokey, socially retarded, caflicks from Kew.

Present company included.

The world outside your network of micks is big and bold and creative.

There are women in it too!

[Whispering_Jack 28,025]

agreed, my brother was pissing around on my account. apologies to the alleged

However, under the Demonland corporate governance guidelines, you are guilty of a serious breach. Take this as a final warning that if your brother posts that sort of thing on here again under your name, you're the one who'll be held responsible and banned for some time.

Thanks

[Redleg 37,909]

I know from a close friend that at laest until recently Hogan was loving the demons. he looks up to Jones in particular. We need to keep this bloke - he looks as exciting as Scott Thompson did at the start.

He is the most exciting player I have seen at his age, with us, in years. A few of the other Dees playing at Casey also looked good. Things are not as bleak as they seem.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 10,294]

He is the most exciting player I have seen at his age, with us, in years. A few of the other Dees playing at Casey also looked good. Things are not as bleak as they seem.

It's close to impossible to keep a lid on expectations with Hogan. He has evey attribute you want, strength, speed, football smarts, a bit of mongrel and alot of swagger. Couple that with what will end up surpassing Franklin and Kennedy as the most talked about set shot routine in football.

[Arrow 1,257]

All others aside a player match report is due.

Due to the absolute belting Casey dished out to Essendon the player reports will be on the positive side because they were just far better than Essendons youth- a pleasant change.

Fitzpatrick- very frustrating but in a good way. Takes a fantastic mark than kicks it out on the full, next contest drops a chest mark wheels around bags a snap shot goal. So much potential but has always had it. Played an excellent game but still too many problems for mine to play AFL. Hope he keeps coming on.

Kent- Personally thought he was very quiet in the first half but worked hard in the second half. I incorrectly labelled him a mature age recruit because he is so body ready you just can't believe he's young. Kicked 1 and was effective going forward but when I chose to follow him individually sometimes his direct opponent did beat him running hard back.

Hogan- I'm keeping this short because it can be. He is that good. I laughed at times because as the ball came in you just knew he'd out muscle him. Standing with a big StKilda fan and a current AFL recruiter he couldn't help but notice similarities between him and Plugger at a young age. Huge wraps. Kicking action is super unusual though.

Taggert- Hadn't seen Rory play ever and I was really impressed. I had in my head that he was quite small physically but he reminds me both facially and physically of Oliver Wines. It was from a semi distance so I could be way off but ran hard both ways, kicked truly for 2 snags and had a seemingly good motor. Liked what I saw.

Rodan- was too silky for VFL. Such a big unit and very smart. He did a beautiful r50 kick that hit Hogan on the [censored] and I immediately thought experience under pressure and AFL quality posssssion. That said, I want him in the VFL for another 1-2 to get back his confidence play 3 games of footy and come into the Dees at full pace not in out in out like at the moment.

Couch and Magner, James particularly jst accumulated as usual. Magner falls to the ground far far too often. Needs to keep his feet. Couch was decent but not a stand out.

Tynan and Clisby- firstly the defense as a whole were exceptional. As a core group they played brilliantly and the only player who got an inch was Daniher but at VFL he's just too good. Clisby was better of the two played on a tall whereas Tynan played on the VFL small forward and got a bit of it according to stats but to be honest I didn't see much of him. His brother Luke impressed me far more.

McKenzie- another interesting one. McKenzie isn't the kind of player who should/would dominate VFL because his style is at the same at both levels. I notice he was given best on but he did butcher the ball on occasion but his in and under work was standard Jordie and very impressive. Seemed like he needed the run and I'm sure could come back into the frame next week.

Nicholson- like Fitzpatrick he kills me. More so actually. Takes a great intercept mark, takes 1 bounce and turns it over. Every time. His drive is great but his disposal is atrocious. I think he can be a player of the future but he's not good enough to play MFC this year, leave him in the Scorps to develop his skills and I'm sure by 2014 he can push up and try and win a spot.

Strauss- As stated earlier in the thread I disagree with the softness comment but irrespective of that, his game today was very good. He took Dell'olio and Jetta so the best of Essendons small forwards and truthfully absolutely killed them. Disposal was very good but he did butcher one badly in the HB line that was lucky to not be turned into a goal. His kicking style though is so good to look at, should spend some time teaching Nicholson how to kick and Nicholson can teach him how to run off his man and drive the ball forward. 2 good games in a row now though is a very good sign.

Blease- decent. I'm not a fan of his, but he gave good drive forward regularly. He is too hungry for a goal though often and it's clear the forwards already know it. They got into him. Does have certain 'Mortonisms' about him though.

Spencer- By far best on ground for the Scorps. When the game was on the line he was exceptional and his second quarter was the best I've ever seen by a ruckman at VFL level. His endeavor should be admired by all MFC players and whilst he did make the occasional mistake by foot the speed in which he chased his own error and generally made up for it was to be admired. Made Jamar's play look even worse. Hope he gets a game next week with Gawn because he showed what giving a s**t really is.

Overall, very impressed with Casey and seemingly coached very well by the new guy? (Name escapes me). All who were there would attest the way they switched, moved the ball from defence to attack with speed and precision was something I wish Melbourne could do. It was so refreshing to see quick ball movement and I left with a big smile on my face for the first time in a while from watching the Red and Blue. (and white)

[jnrmac 19,226]

I totally understand what your saying. I know we lack senior players to show the way.

I was puttinv the idea out there for the young players coming in a year for them to learn the ropes of the structures and the bodies become better prepared. Viney is a perfect example of this, as is omeara and crouch they already look comfortable at senior level

This is the nub of the problem for me. When Gutnick blabbed to the AFL we lost critical draft picks that would be the senior leadership of the club at this time. OUr on field leadership has been appalling hence the need by Neeld to select Grimes and Trengove. Two outstanding individuals. To change a poor culture sometimes you have to sacrifice a generation and the Rivers, Molony, Davey , Sylvia, Jamar generation have had their chance. They were simply not good enough

[Demonland 65,981]

THREE IN A ROW FOR THE SCORPIONS by KC from Casey

The Casey Scorpions produced one of their finest performances in recent years when they led all the way to record an 82-point win against Essendon at Windy Hill on Saturday.

Before the game, most of the experts agreed that we were in for a close, hard fought game and this was certainly the case in the entertaining opening stanza. The Scorpions kicked the first three goals, two of them to elusive young small man Nathan Page but the Bombers came back to narrow the margin to a mere four points at the first break.

With its midfield dominant, Casey bounded away in the second term as it rained goals. By half time, the visitors had opened up a 28 point lead and looked the goods. Jake Spencer (37 hitouts and six tackles) was dominant in the ruck and he was ably assisted by Jack Fitzpatrick, back from a bout of concussion, who kicked 3 goals and had 17 hitouts. Jordie McKenzie, David Rodan and James Magner were all prominent along with Rory Taggert who has missed so much football after his long layoff due to a back problem. Michael Riseley returned to the senior team with a solid four quarter performance.

After the break, Casey continued to dominate all over the ground. Young sensation, Jesse Hogan who had been impressive with his strong marking and clever play, scored two quick goals setting off the scoring avalanche. By three quarter time, the visitors had 19 goals on the board and held an unassailable 69 point lead which was stretched further into a trouncing by the end of the day.

Fans at the ground were treated to a glimpse of the future with Hogan and Essendon's Joe Daniher both demonstrating great raw potential. Both players scored four goals but Hogan is a year younger than the Bomber and cannot make his AFL debut until next year. He was excellent on the ground and in the air and finished with 19 disposals.

Casey returns to home territory with a Saturday night clash against league leaders Williamstown. The two sides featured in a memorable game under lights to kick off the season last year and next weeks clash shows all the signs of more to come.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Sam Blease - has a good turn of speed and used it to advantage on the wing for Casey. 11 kicks, 5 handballs, 16 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle.

Mitch Clisby - played well in defence and got lots of the ball. He cleared the ball out of defence crisply and mostly to the team's advantage. 11 kicks, 10 handballs, 21 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles.

Tom Couch - had his usual busy day in and under the packs in the midfield and kicked two goals. 13 kicks, 10 handballs, 23 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 2 goals, 0 behinds.

Troy Davis - did all the right things you want from a defender. Safe in the air and knows when and how to spoil. 5 kicks, 10 handballs, 15 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle.

Jack Fitzpatrick - first game coming back from a bout of concussion and, with Jake Spencer, played his role in a dominant ruck combination and also kicked a few goals. 8 kicks, 4 handballs, 12 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 14 hit outs, 3 goals, 1 behind.

Jesse Hogan - a key position player with great potential. Can't wait to see him, Clark, Howe and Dawes in the same forward line. Unfortunately, that won't be until 2014. Jesse Hogan 12 kicks, 7 handballs, 19 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 4 goals, 1 behind.

Dean Kent - very quiet in the first half but worked hard in the second and also kicked a nice goal. 6 kicks, 5 handballs, 11 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 1 goal, 0 behinds.

James Magner - his usual hard at it game in which he amassed possessions and was very good at the coal face in the packs.19 kicks, 14 handballs, 33 disposals, 7 marks, 8 tackles, 1 goal, 0 behinds.

Jordie McKenzie - timely return from injury and worked hard all day showing terrific desperation although he still needs to improve his disposal. 14 kicks, 15 handballs, 29 disposals, 0 marks, 6 tackles.

Daniel Nicholson - a solid game full of run. 11 kicks, 7 handballs, 18 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hit out.

David Rodan - the consummate professional did everything that was expected of him. Kicked three goals and is too good for this level but one wonders whether he can still cut it regularly at the level above. 9 kicks, 14 handballs, 23 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 3 goals, 0 behinds.

Jake Spencer - Casey's best player. Dominated the ruck and worked hard around the ground chasing, spoiling and following up the play. 10 kicks, 9 handballs, 19 disposals, 3 marks, 7 tackles, 36 hit outs, 0 goals, 1 behind.

James Strauss - an excellent game in defence and likely to travel to Brisbane to replace the suspended Neville Jetta. 9 kicks, 10 handballs, 19 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 1 goal, 0 behinds.

Rory Taggert - coming back from a debilitating back injury, Taggert is shoeing slow but definite signs of improvement every week and made an impact up forward with two goals. 10 kicks, 7 handballs, 17 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 goals, 2 behinds.

Josh Tynan - another improver who signified his presence in defence. 14 kicks, 6 handballs, 20 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 1 goal, 0 behinds.

Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 11.6.72 19.9.123 25.12.162

Essendon 3.4.22 6.8.44 7.12.54 11.13.79

Goals

Casey Scorpions Hogan 4 Fitzpatrick Page Rodan 3 Best Couch Kearns Taggert 2 Kent Magner Strauss Tynan

Essendon Daniher 4 Bate Duscher 2 Hams Jetta Thompson

Best

Casey Scorpions Rodan Spencer Hogan Riseley McKenzie Magner

Essendon Daniher Hams Hardingham Steinberg Tipungwuti Coghlan

The Casey AFL Development League team overturned their first round defeat to Frankston in a night game at Casey Fields by 52 points with Michael Boland starring.

Casey Scorpions 0.1.1 1.2.8 8.6.54 12.11.83

Frankston 2.3.15 3.5.23 3.5.23 4.7.31

Goals

Casey Scorpions Smith 3 Drew 2 Hughes Jackson McInnes Matthews Meadows Pollard Troutman

Frankston Rennie 2 Farmer Forato

Best

Casey Scorpions Boland Waters Irwin Lindsay Corry Drew

Frankston Cunningham Rennie Jennings Newman Farmer Forato

[KC from Casey 6,618]

Before the start of the season, many so-called "experts" had written Casey off due to its well documented off field problems, the late appointment of the coach and some pretty average practice match form.

Back in February, the Scorps were tenth in the VFL Premiership betting (at $34.00) and even now, after three undefeated games to start the season, the odds are more realistic but they're still not well fancied. The latest Sportsbet VFL premiership odds are out and incredibly, Casey are on the same line of betting as Essendon who they beat by 82 points at the weekend:

$3.70 Williamstown

$4.00 Geelong

$5.00 Werribee

$8.00 Port Melbourne

$11.00 Northern Blues

$16.00 Box Hill Hawks Casey Scorpions Essendon

$34.00 Coburg

$41.00 Collingwood

$67.00 Frankston

$101.00 North Ballarat Sandringham

$2,001.00 Bendigo Gold

I suppose the bookies have yet to catch up with the Hogan factor.

[rumpole 480]

Good to see the return of HOW THE DEMONS FARED KC.

Is that young NZ kid eligible to play for Casey this year?