HITTING TARGETS by KC from Casey

 

The 2017 Casey Demons season ended on a somber note at North Port Oval yesterday when they were shunted out of the VFL finals series on the back of a lacklustre second quarter in their semi final game against Richmond VFL.

 

The Tigers were always going to be a hard nut to crack at this time of year. With just one injured player on their entire list and their senior side riding on the crest of a wave in the AFL, they were well placed in a game played on a ground not dissimilar to their own and with everything going their way for the first two and a half quarters.

 

Casey fielded 13 AFL listed players against 19 AFL Tigers and sorely missed the services of one of their most seasoned VFL players in James Munro who injured his back early in the qualifying final at Williamstown. To compound matters, it lost Angus Brayshaw who was its best player last week to a neck injury sustained early in this game.

 

To make matters worse, their rucks were monstered for the second week in a row. This time it was Shaun Hampson and Ivan Soldo who dominated the lacklustre Demon rucks with double their number of hit outs and performing better around the ground and in the air.

 

The match started at frenetic pace but it was Casey that dominated much of the first quarter after Richmond scored the first goal. With Corey Maynard dominating at the stoppages, the ball spent most of the quarter in the Demons' half of the ground and they peppered the goals for far too little reward. 

 

By contrast, the Tigers seemed to have the right man in the right place for a goal on the rare occasion in which they made a foray into attack. At the 25 minute mark, Casey led by two goals but in the course of two minutes, Richmond small man Tyson Stengle got away from his opponent twice to level the scores. The Demons spent the last few minutes atttacking to establish a two point lead at the first break.

 

Tomas Bugg kicked the first goal of the second term but after that, the Tiger floodgates opened. Despite Maynard's heroic on ball efforts for Casey, he was let down badly by teammates who constantly turned the ball over with poor disposal and decision making and their failure to cover dangerous opposition players. In a repeat of last week at Williamstown, Richmond simply ran them off their feet with a seven goal spree that had them reeling with a deficit of 39 points at half time. 

 

The presence of Munro as a stopper would have been invaluable. Despite the discrepancy in scores, the Demons held the advantage in inside 50s at this stage and throughout most of the match finishing with a 59 to 50 lead in this area.

 

The Tiger onslaught continued until well into the third term when they led by as much as 61 points as the time on period approached. It was at this point that the Tigers relaxed, the Demons lifted and they started hitting targets. Ben Kennedy and Billy Stretch lifted with their hard running and some clever play and six goals flowed to bring the team within range if a repeat of their new found form could be performed in the final quarter. They certainly tried as they narrowed the deficit to 19 points at one stage and had their opportunities to close the gap further but Richmond steadied and time ran out.

 

While it cannot be content with going out of the finals in straight sets for the fifth time in a decade, the club can reflect with some satisfaction on the way Justin Plapp has rebuilt the team after the exodus of so much experience at the end of last year. He managed to blend a younger AFL group with a developing group of VFL players limited this year by Melbourne's long injury list.

 

The value of Corey Maynard's 35 disposal performance cannot be underestimated. The late bloomer converted from basketball has been a consistent performer throughout the year and with a solid pre season should progress into a regular at AFL ranks.  Ironically, the only teammate who was close to him in producing a consistency four quarter game was the indefatigable warrior Jack Trengove who is only a couple of years older but whose AFL career hangs on a thread.

 

As with every season, a number of players will not return next year. Although he was subdued yesterday, Bayley Fritsch is one who might well not be back at Casey next year but he has a definite future in the big time.

 

Peter Jackson AFL

 

Casey Demons 3.8.26 5.8.38 12.8.80 15.11.101

 

Richmond VFL 4.0.24 12.5.77 16.10.106 19.14.128

 

Goals

 

Casey Demons Bugg 3 Fritsch Keilty Stretch 2 Cox Kennedy Maynard Morris Wagner Zijai 

 

Richmond VFL Stengle 4  Lloyd 3 Bolton Griffiths  Lennon Menadue Mannagh 2 Morris  Short 

 

Best 

 

Casey Demons Maynard Kennedy Stretch Trengove Wagner Gordon

 

Richmond VFL Ellis Stengle Miles Hampson Bolton Darley

 

Statistics 

 

Angus Brayshaw 1 tackle 4 dream team points (injured) 

Tomas Bugg 3 goals 9 kicks 7 handballs 16 disposals 6 marks 7 tackles 106 dream team points 

Dion Johnstone 1 behind 11 kicks 3 handballs 14 disposals 1 marks 3 tackles 49 dream team points 

Declan Keilty 2 goals 1 behind 7 kicks 5 handballs 12 disposals 6 marks 1 tackle 65 dream team points 

Ben Kennedy 1 goal 14 kicks 10 handballs 24 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 91 dream team points

Jay Kennedy-Harris 14 kicks 8 handballs 22 disposals 5 marks 7 tackles 99 dream team points

Mitch King 1 kick 3 handballs 10 hit outs 16 dream team points

Corey Maynard 1 goal 1 behind 14 kicks 21 handballs 35 disposals 5 marks 5 tackles 126 dream team points

Jake Spencer 2 kicks 2 handballs 4 disposals 1 tackle 20 hit outs 33 dream team points 

Billy Stretch 2 goals 1 behinds 14 kicks 11 handballs 25 disposals 3 marks 6 tackles 110 dream team points 

Jack Trengove 13 kicks 17 handballs 30 disposals 3 marks 7 tackles 112 dream team points 

Josh Wagner 1 goal 12 kicks 8 handballs 20 disposals 1 marks 6 tackles 82 dream team points 

Sam Weideman 4 kicks 6 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 1 tackles 2 hit outs 40 dream team points

 

2 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Weideman' biggest problem is that Charlie Curnow will be so good.

This may be Jason Taylor's first black mark.

Yes, Curnow will make most taken before him look 'inferior'.  He should have gone higher but his indiscretion a few days before the draft saw him slide to pick 12.  He was certainly on our radar for an earlier pick. 

As an aside it is worth noting that several clubs bypassed him as a tall forward/utillity.

• Essendon took Aaron Francis @ pick 6 who hasn't worked hard enough to be fit.  Has played 5 games for 2 goals. 
• Carlton took Harry McKay @ pick 10 (ie before Curnow).  Has played 2 games for 2 goals.
• Brisbane took Josh Schache @ pick 2.  Has played 27 games for 10 goals but is really struggling.

Weideman compares very well to all three, especially in attitude and committment.  Has played 10 games for 7 goals.  He is showing the most progress and the best signs of succeeding.  He may not become a star but I doubt he will be the dud of the talls in the top 10 of his year.

I am confident we will look back on that draft and will be very happy with the players available at our picks:  Oliver over Parish and Weideman over Francis and McKay.

Edited September 9, 20178 yr by Lucifer's Hero

Still bloody young for KPF, is the Weid.

I'm more worried about Billy Stretch and Wagner....

10 minutes ago, Mach5 said:

Still bloody young for KPF, is the Weid.

Yeah he is but you want to see more signs. 

I don't think he has the athleticism or strength to be a damaging key forward at senior level.   Been saying it for a while. 

Love to be wrong about it. 

3 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Weideman' biggest problem is that Charlie Curnow will be so good.

This may be Jason Taylor's first black mark.

Explain how that is Weidemans problem

The Weed will not improve until he's in black and white. McChins and the Weed family has had it planned since we recruited him. This is just so Melbourne its not even funny. 

Kinda glad the season is over so we can focus now on 2018.

 

 

24 minutes ago, Flemo56 said:

The Weed will not improve until he's in black and white. McChins and the Weed family has had it planned since we recruited him. This is just so Melbourne its not even funny. 

He's only 20 and shown glimpses of being a good grab. I'd like to see him tried back for a while, while he develops (can always go forward again).

If McChins did want the Weed - he's a contracted top 10 pick - Pick 6 would work!!!!

But in all seriousness - the kid deserves a little bit longer to develop... KPPs are bloody frustrating.... Look at Darcy Moore as an example - clearly a class A talent - Can struggle as a KPP forward. Played his best footy this year as a mobile CHF/Ruck - not a KPP.... let's give the kid a chance

Edited September 9, 20178 yr by Unleash Hell

If you would like to watch more semi-finals the VFLW semi's are on today. 

We have the following players in the semi's.

• Meg Downie and Kate Hore (St Kilda Sharks) in the elimination final.
• Mel Hickey, Elise O’Dea, Karen Paxman, Daisy Pearce and Lauren Pearce (Darebin) and Laura Duryea (Diamond Creek) will play in the qualifying final.

@Dees_In_Octoberhas posted a link to the live stream here: 

 

1 hour ago, Vineytime said:

Explain how that is Weidemans problem

It's what the hindsight people do here with regards to drafting.

They rarely, if ever, say anything at at the time and even if they do say anything at the time, they never bother to tell us about the numerous times they get things horribly wrong. 

Then when things go pear-shaped they'll blame the club, the recruiter responsible, the player himself and then they start banging on about who we should have picked instead.

Rinse & repeat.

Where people should apportion blame is the system itself ... plucking high school age would-be talent in a numbering system that is obviously not accurate. 

In the USA baseball drafts kids at the same sort of age (17, 18) and it has always been known as a crap-shoot. 

Spencer, 8 years in the system and 4 disposals, no marks and dominated in the tap outs in the VFL. it's not as if it's an isolated performance. FMD he has to go.

Agree Jake Spencer needs finally to be delisted. We need to bring in another capable back up ruckman.  Jack Hannath had a great year back in SANFL as ruck and rotating forward. 

51 minutes ago, Macca said:

It's what the hindsight people do here with regards to drafting.

They rarely, if ever, say anything at at the time and even if they do say anything at the time, they never bother to tell us about the numerous times they get things horribly wrong. 

Then when things go pear-shaped they'll blame the club, the recruiter responsible, the player himself and then they start banging on about who we should have picked instead.

Rinse & repeat.

Where people should apportion blame is the system itself ... plucking high school age would-be talent in a numbering system that is obviously not accurate. 

In the USA baseball drafts kids at the same sort of age (17, 18) and it has always been known as a crap-shoot. 

I'm a big supporter of increasing the draft age up to 19 or 20.

Could be done over a period of years... say 3 months at a time.. and thus not dramatically affect the available talent.

As to the "under age comps" I'm flexible but you could simply introduce a new tier of say "under 20's".

Perhaps this discussion is worth a new thread

15 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

I'm a big supporter of increasing the draft age up to 19 or 20.

Could be done over a period of years... say 3 months at a time.. and thus not dramatically affect the available talent.

As to the "under age comps" I'm flexible but you could simply introduce a new tier of say "under 20's".

Perhaps this discussion is worth a new thread

We've talked about it ad nauseum over the years here DJ ... some terrific suggestions have been put forward too.  I'm in favour of lifting the age and at the same time having an Australia-wide under 20 or under 21 competition.

That Australia wide competition could or would have widespread appeal too.  The players would need to be paid to stave off losing those players to other sports.  8 teams would be enough.

But here's the thing, what do we do about those 18 year old's who are ready to play in the big time? (Clayton Oliver) 

But I'm not expecting any change so the discussion is mostly academic.  It's like the congestion issue in the AFL - it could be addressed but it almost certainly won't be addressed.

I reckon it's too early to tell with Weideman ... he is not a natural though and will need to be taught how to play football.  I feel the same way about Frost now and he's a bit older.  Big blokes often take more time.  Fingers crossed with the Weed.

Edited September 10, 20178 yr by Macca

12 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

I'm a big supporter of increasing the draft age up to 19 or 20.

Could be done over a period of years... say 3 months at a time.. and thus not dramatically affect the available talent.

As to the "under age comps" I'm flexible but you could simply introduce a new tier of say "under 20's".

Perhaps this discussion is worth a new thread

It'll never happen, so probably better to put energy & thought into something that's actually achievable.

1 hour ago, Macca said:

It's what the hindsight people do here with regards to drafting.

They rarely, if ever, say anything at at the time and even if they do say anything at the time, they never bother to tell us about the numerous times they get things horribly wrong. 

Then when things go pear-shaped they'll blame the club, the recruiter responsible, the player himself and then they start banging on about who we should have picked instead.

Rinse & repeat.

Where people should apportion blame is the system itself ... plucking high school age would-be talent in a numbering system that is obviously not accurate. 

In the USA baseball drafts kids at the same sort of age (17, 18) and it has always been known as a crap-shoot. 

That's not Weideman's problem Macca.  It's the "hindsight peoples problem" and yours if you get upset about their comments.

 

1 hour ago, Vogon Poetry said:

That's not Weideman's problem Macca.  It's the "hindsight peoples problem" and yours if you get upset about their comments.

 

I agree ... but it won't stop the angst that could come Weideman's way if he doesn't make it.

We've seen it happen here with Morton,  Sylvia,  Toumpas,  Watts,  Cook and various others. 

They turned out to be the footballers they turned out to be but many judge them by a draft pick number - under 18 form quite often doesn't measure up at league level. 

For many of these teenagers, they reach their peak early and never get any better.  Of course, we don't know which ones can carry that form through so the draft can therefore be described as a crap-shoot.

 

 

Edited September 10, 20178 yr by Macca

1 hour ago, chook fowler said:

Spencer, 8 years in the system and 4 disposals, no marks and dominated in the tap outs in the VFL. it's not as if it's an isolated performance. FMD he has to go.

 

most uncoordinated mfc player in history? how the hell did he get drafted 

Spencer is by far the biggest waste of space on a AFL list I can ever remember. And to think we've already offered him a 1 year deal shows we still have issues managing our list.

Another blinder by the weid I notice. If he was not an early start pick on an AFL list he would be in the development league. 

5 hours ago, Macca said:

I reckon it's too early to tell with Weideman ... he is not a natural though and will need to be taught how to play football.  I feel the same way about Frost now and he's a bit older.  Big blokes often take more time.  Fingers crossed with the Weed.

its funny you should say that Macca. When he was drafted my recollection is that many on here said that in fact was his greatest attribute - ie a natural footballer who leads well, attacks the ball in the air and can take a good pack mark. this was seen to be mitigation against the fact he din't play much (any?) TAC because of his ankle injury  

Weed is a spud

2 minutes ago, Skin Deeamond said:

Weed is a spud

Wouldn't say that just yet. JKH is a certified spud though.

2 minutes ago, Skin Deeamond said:

Weed is a spud

I like you calling a spade a spade