Just finished watching a replay of the game. The umpiring was fine, and apart from the odd bewildering decision, they played no part in the result. Just reread Plapp's player assessment, and would treat it with a grain of salt. He was way too diplomatic with some of the senior players, and overly critical of Harmes. Now in order of players pushing for selection:

Grimes - Did most things well, and showed the courage of old taking a mark going with the flight of the ball. Would have liked to see him used as an onballer, especially at the centre bounces.

Harmes - Really surprised me, and doesn't look far off a senior player. Has clean hands and was excellent at the stoppages. Not sure if Plapp's criticism was in reference to a couple of times he was caught out of position when he was deep forward. He's also got a bit of mongrel about him. Loved his game.

Riley - Quiet in the 1st half, but probably Casey's best player in the 2nd. Good at the stoppages, but I'm unconvinced on how he'll impact at AFL level.

Stretch - Didn't get a lot of it, but has clean hands, and a quick 5 metre burst when he gets possession. I can see him thriving at senior level with better players around him. Don't worry about his size. He's got the heart for the contest.

Spencer - Was ok in the ruck and better than usual around the ground. Will only come in if Jamar's out.

Bail - Thought he was looking ok in the 1st half, but obviously suffered a concussion, and wasn't seen much in the 2nd.

Terlich - Quiet 1st half, better in the 2nd, but nothing special.

Toumpas - I'm starting to wonder what tricks he has to become an AFL footballer. His awareness and disposal in a contested situation is woeful. He can run and spread and find the ball, and doesn't lack heart for the contest, but just doesn't impact the game. I think I counted 3 kicks that were smothered by the opposition when he had some clearance, and 2 out on the fulls with little pressure.

Jones - Hardly sighted for 3 quarters, but got a bit of it in the last. Miles off senior selection.

Pedersen - Didn't see him move outside the forward 50. Only looks interested when the ball's in his vicinity.

Fitzpatrick - Dogs resting ruckmen kicked 5 goals on him. Did a couple of nice things in the last, but is miles off being an AFL backman.

McKenzie - Why Plapp had him at the centre bounces is beyond me. Tried to run with Goodes but to no effect. Won't play senior football this year.

Gawn - In the words of Malcolm Blight, he was pathetic. Enough said.

Plapp's coaching was questionable. At the start of the 3rd, he had McKenzie and Bail hard tagging Goodes and Greenwood at the centre bounces. Footscray cleared the ball with ease, because neither player was interested in the ball. I would have liked to have seen Stretch and Grimes given some time in the middle because both have more to offer at the next level than McKenzie and Bail.

I think that is a pretty good assessment.

Very classy response deluded..

such a campaigner.

First of all i dont give two shits about his speed and run. Im yet to see this real speed Bail possess.. His pathetic chase in the Nab cup against Essendon when a player waltzed straight past him proved he is not as quick as people make out for him.

he is nothing but an average footballer with shocking kicking skills. Plus he hasn't been banging down the door at VFL level at all like a Michie who 5 weeks in a row was in the best.

Get a clue FMD

Get off his back FCS. He has been passed by many, he's not in the team, he's put his body and head on the line for this club almost to a fault.

You're acting like a pathetic stalker on a number of issues. Move on.

Just finished watching a replay of the game.

.

McKenzie - Why Plapp had him at the centre bounces is beyond me. Tried to run with Goodes but to no effect. Won't play senior football this year.

Hello.

And the very next week.