GONE BUSH by KC from Casey

After the disappointment of the home loss to Richmond VFL, the Casey Demons’ next challenge was to take on the undefeated Box Hill Hawks in unfamiliar bush surroundings at Wonthaggi. The trip to the country did them no harm because, at the end of the game, they were well and truly back in town.

The Demons signalled their intentions early with strong attack on the football. A nice passage of play saw Ben Brown goal five minutes into the game with help from James Harmes and Tom McDonald. Despite being well beaten early in the ruck the Demons held sway for the first half of the opening term but the Tigers grabbed the momentum to boot three goals before McDonald goaled late to make the deficit five points at quarter time.

Casey came out after the break full of purpose. The instigator of the comeback was Joel Smith returning from injury. Playing in attack, he kicked his first goal to level the score and, after Taj Woewodin’s goal to put the Demons in front, Smith kicked his second. Box Hill was not to be undone and the Hawks fought back once more to reduce Casey’s lead to single figures deep into the opening half. But Smith was on fire. He scored his third goal for the day at the 32 minute mark but Jake Melksham’s remarkably slick goal from the boundary a minute later had the crowd in raptures as the team stretched the lead to 17 points at the halfway mark.

The game opened up after the break with the Hawks scoring first followed by another smart goal from Melksham. Bailey Laurie and Ollie Sestan added to Casey’s tally with Melksham chiming in with his third. By the final break Casey was 23 points in front. The Demons coasted home to a five goal victory at the end with Melksham adding two more to his tally in a best on ground performance.

The team was bolstered by the return of skipper Mitch White, as resolute as ever. It was well served in defence by the likes of Tomlinson, Daniel Turner and Blake Howes. Last week’s hero Luke Dunstan limped off in the third quarter with what appeared to be a calf injury.

Like their AFL affiliate, the Casey Demons are back in second place and have another challenge coming up when they face up to another undefeated team, the Gold Coast Suns on their home deck at Carrara next Saturday.

CASEY DEMONS 2.3.15 8.5.53 13.7.85 16.10.106

BOX HILL HAWKS 3.3.21 5.6.36 9.8.62 11.10.76

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Melksham 5 J Smith 3 McDonald Woewoedin 2 Brown Jefferson Laurie Sestan 

BOX HILL HAWKS Jeka Koschitzke 2 Bramble Butler McDonald Mascitti O’Sullivan Porter Stanley 

BEST

CASEY DEMONS Melksham White J Smith Tomlinson McDonald Harmes

BOX HILL HAWKS Brown Meek McDonald McKenzie Butler Koschitzke 

Statistics

Jed Adams 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 2 marks 19 dream team points
Jack Bell 7 kicks 1 handball 8 disposals 3 tackles 14 hit outs 51 dream team points
Ben Brown 1 goals 1 behind 7 kicks 2 handballs 9 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 48 dream team points
Matt Buntine 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 32 dream team points
Luke Dunstan 5 kicks 6 handballs 11 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 40 dream team points
Zane Duursma 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 2 tackles 29 dream team points
Kyah Ferris-White 1 handball 1 disposal 1 tackle 5 hit outs 11 dream team points
Max Gregory 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 22 dream team points
George Grey 4 kicks 5 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 33 dream team points
James Harmes 1 behind 13 kicks 12 handballs 25disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 83 dream team points
Blake Howes 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 41 dream team points
Matt Jefferson 1 goal 5 kicks 2 handballs 7 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 44 dream team points
Bailey Laurie 1 goal 6 kicks 12 handballs 18 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 65 dream team points
Tom McDonald 2 goals 1 behind 11 kicks 3 handballs 14 disposals 8 marks 2 tackles 1 hit out 85 dream team points 
Jake Melksham 5 goals 2 behinds 13 kicks 4 handballs17 disposals 6 marks 1 tackle 101 dream team points
Oliver Sestan 1 goal 8 kicks 1 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 47 dream team points
Deaykin Smith 6 kicks 6 handballs 12 disposals  4 marks 2 tackles 51 dream team points
Joel Smith 3 goals 1 behind 10 kicks 4 handballs 14 disposals 7 marks 3 tackles 91 dream team points
Roan Steele 8 kicks 1 handball 9 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 44 dream team points
Adam Tomlinson 15 kicks 6 handballs 21 disposals 8marks 1 tackle 1 hit out 86 dream team points
Daniel Turner 11 kicks 1 handballs 12 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 62 dream team points
Mitch White 18 kicks 5 handballs 23 disposals 4 marks 6 tackles 97 dream team points
Taj Woewodin 2 goals 1 behind 9 kicks 3 handballs 12 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 64 dream team points

A down game by Dunstan's standards?

  On 30/04/2023 at 11:42, Glorious Day said:

What do people think about Woewodin? Out of contract at the end of the season. Seems a fair way back in terms of selection. Will he make it? Will he play any senior games this season? Will we offer him an extension?

I suspect he won't play this season, but we will offer him a one-year extension. He appears to have improved a lot, and he's much better than when we drafted him - which was a speculative pick anyway and no other club was going to draft him. Unfortunately for him, no spots have opened up.

He had a very good first season and looks stronger and even more capable on a wing in his first 2 games back this year. Played more on ball today and forward for a couple of goals. It's unlikely he's ever going to be a star and his kicking needs work but he's pretty similar to a young Eddie Langdon and I imagine he'll be seen as very solid wing depth. I'd be pretty confident he'll get a contract based on merit but also because we'll be pretty keen to keep our little WA squad from that draft year.

  On 30/04/2023 at 12:35, layzie said:

A down game by Dunstan's standards?

calf

based on watching the stream, i actually think plugger mac was quite okay - worked his way up to the wings in classique style, whereas by comparison brown looked like he could barely move, and tomlinson has the turning circle of the qe2

disco turner shows a lot of aerial and ground level ability while woey looks to be getting some touch back

  On 30/04/2023 at 09:38, Redleg said:

IMO another key forward has been and still is, our biggest priority.

Jefferson is a fair way off, Petty doesn’t seem to be a goal scoring key forward, Schache is provably a temporary fill in, Max for some reason can’t adjust his kicking for goal to the obvious kick, of aiming for the right side points, BBB and Tom appear unless a big change occurs, to be near the end and JVR is a young kid, who can’t do it on his own.

Chandler appears to have solved the needed extra small forward role.

 

I reckon by 3/4 of the way through the season JVR will have nailed down a KPF spot ... just a gut feeling

The coaches will drum into him what's required and the penny will drop.  To my way of thinking he just needs to get to the front position a bit more than what we're seeing right now. 

If he can do that he'll get more marking opportunities and put himself in line to receive the odd free kick (high contact, jumper tug, chopping of arms, in the back etc)

And Gawn will get better, he just needs more game time.  A bit rusty but he'll fire up forward soon enough

So if the above happens we will need one of Brown, T-Mac, Petty* or Schache to grab the other spot.  Surely one of them will put their hand up

*Hibberd seems to have got a new lease of life so he can take Petty's spot down back if Petty is the 3rd tall forward

 

HF   Kozzie        Petty     Fritsch

F      Chandler    JVR       Gawn

And that is the line-up we may see next Saturday up at the Gold Coast

  On 30/04/2023 at 13:10, whatwhat say what said:

calf

based on watching the stream, i actually think plugger mac was quite okay - worked his way up to the wings in classique style, whereas by comparison brown looked like he could barely move, and tomlinson has the turning circle of the qe2

disco turner shows a lot of aerial and ground level ability while woey looks to be getting some touch back

Cheers whatwhat. Makes sense. From the very limited amount I saw it did look like T-mac moved better this week. 

Woey with the 2 goals is encouraging, maybe a HBF type that can push up? 

Good that Harmsey got to play … do we assume then that if a sub plays one quarter or less in his AFL match then he can play in the VFL the next day?

Thoughts on Jefferson?

With Brown and TMAC not far from the end and I don't think Shache is ever going to be the answer, will Jefferson make it?? Anyone with any intel? Seemed to start the season well and is nicknamed the magician. We really need a KPF 

  On 01/05/2023 at 00:02, SFebes said:

Thoughts on Jefferson?

With Brown and TMAC not far from the end and I don't think Shache is ever going to be the answer, will Jefferson make it?? Anyone with any intel? Seemed to start the season well and is nicknamed the magician. We really need a KPF 

Was going to ask the same question. Have seen Jefferson on TV a few games and looks at a glance to have low intensity. Might be wrong, but to my eye he has a long way to go. 

  On 30/04/2023 at 09:38, Redleg said:

IMO another key forward has been and still is, our biggest priority.

Jefferson is a fair way off, Petty doesn’t seem to be a goal scoring key forward, Schache is provably a temporary fill in, Max for some reason can’t adjust his kicking for goal to the obvious kick, of aiming for the right side points, BBB and Tom appear unless a big change occurs, to be near the end and JVR is a young kid, who can’t do it on his own.

Chandler appears to have solved the needed extra small forward role.

 

About two years ago with the arrival of Bbb  we were salivating at the prospect of a killer forward line wo during how to accommodate all our fwds including Weid. And Tmac and Bbb helped us win a flag. Now we have a 5 gamer carrying the load. It's of significant concern and I hope we find a solution fast. 

  On 01/05/2023 at 00:55, leave it to deever said:

About two years ago with the arrival of Bbb  we were salivating at the prospect of a killer forward line wo during how to accommodate all our fwds including Weid. And Tmac and Bbb helped us win a flag. Now we have a 5 gamer carrying the load. It's of significant concern and I hope we find a solution fast. 

I don’t believe it’s of significant concern and I don’t think JVR is carrying the load deever. We do average 110 points a game.This assessment on the AFL site is accurate as of now imo. Also posted this in post-match.

Dangerous Dees have forward options to spare

Most clubs dream of having a pair of key forwards to build an attack around, but Melbourne is taking a different approach this season. The Dees have featured a different combination of talls almost every week, with fourth-gamer Jacob van Rooyen joined by Dee debutant Josh Schache on Saturday, the pair managing two goals between them in Melbourne's highest score of the season. But the actual 'key' to the Dees' forwards is an unpredictable gaggle of smalls and goalkicking midfielders as well as ventures forward from their two-pronged ruck pairing, which makes them incredibly difficult to defend against. And with Ben Brown, Tom McDonald and Jake Melksham stuck in the VFL, there are even more options waiting in the wings. - Howard Kimber

Edited May 1, 20231 yr by Dee Zephyr

  On 01/05/2023 at 00:50, SPC said:

Was going to ask the same question. Have seen Jefferson on TV a few games and looks at a glance to have low intensity. Might be wrong, but to my eye he has a long way to go. 

Fans have queried Fritta's "level of intensity" since he joined the Deesmostly because of his extremely smooth and graceful style plus as a general rule is not as strong tackling or involve pressure in his game. For better or worse players like Fritta are singled out as not competitive and even play in a soft manner.

I do not think there are any true Demon fans that NOW subscribe to that especially after Fritta's superb starring 6 goal effort in our fantastic drought breaking 2021 Flag triumph. 

Now another youngster who is highly skilled and not necessarily physical is being questioned by "armchair experts" many of whom have probably never pulled on a guersey let alone competed at an AFL Club level. 

Six games in and MJ is on the same journey as JVR and Judd McVee so  let him be developed under our very successful system in his own time. 

Draft recruits are NOT the finished product so let  these kids learn and develop at Casey and then we will reap the rewards in the future. 

Patience is a virtue Trac took a little time,  Clarry was ready from Day 1 really and Gawny took an eternity with darts and pizzas the highlights while he rehabilitated from his multiple knee operations.

One thing I believe we will be quite happy with MJ when gets his confidence and starts marking (and  kicking goals) continually his image will basically change forever. 
 

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:15, 58er said:

Fans have queried Fritta's "level of intensity" since he joined the Deesmostly because of his extremely smooth and graceful style plus as a general rule is not as strong tackling or involve pressure in his game. For better or worse players like Fritta are singled out as not competitive and even play in a soft manner.

I do not think there are any true Demon fans that NOW subscribe to that especially after Fritta's superb starring 6 goal effort in our fantastic drought breaking 2021 Flag triumph. 

Now another youngster who is highly skilled and not necessarily physical is being questioned by "armchair experts" many of whom have probably never pulled on a guersey let alone competed at an AFL Club level. 

Six games in and MJ is on the same journey as JVR and Judd McVee so  let him be developed under our very successful system in his own time. 

Draft recruits are NOT the finished product so let  these kids learn and develop at Casey and then we will reap the rewards in the future. 

Patience is a virtue Trac took a little time,  Clarry was ready from Day 1 really and Gawny took an eternity with darts and pizzas the highlights while he rehabilitated from his multiple knee operations.

One thing I believe we will be quite happy with MJ when gets his confidence and starts marking (and  kicking goals) continually his image will basically change forever. 
 

I think Fritta has always shown intensity. Maybe not manic chasing and tackling- but when the ball is in his area he is on the move, creates space and hit the packs when the ball is kicked in long. 
Maybe what I have seen from Jefferson is he appears a bystander. Didn’t say he won’t make it, but when his forward craft looks to be lacking and his willingness to be involved isn’t there, he looks a way off.

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:15, 58er said:

Fans have queried Fritta's "level of intensity" since he joined the Deesmostly because of his extremely smooth and graceful style plus as a general rule is not as strong tackling or involve pressure in his game. For better or worse players like Fritta are singled out as not competitive and even play in a soft manner.

I do not think there are any true Demon fans that NOW subscribe to that especially after Fritta's superb starring 6 goal effort in our fantastic drought breaking 2021 Flag triumph. 

I wouldn’t say he’s soft or not a competitor but the reality is Fritsch is still below what he could be as player when the ball is in dispute on the ground or defensively. And if he could add more crash and bash he could play as the second key forward, allowing us to use another medium rather than hunt for 2 big keys. But we aren’t exactly loaded with medium options either.

I also think he could and should be used in short bursts on the wing to round out his game and give us a different attacking path. But that’s even more of an aside.

Either way, Jefferson is definitely low intensity but there have been some signs with his tackling and pack marking efforts that he’s working on it. For the first year you just want to see a players strengths look like strengths. I’ve seen enough to say Jeffo’s class is absolutely as advertised. 

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:41, DeeSpencer said:

I wouldn’t say he’s soft or not a competitor but the reality is Fritsch is still below what he could be as player when the ball is in dispute on the ground or defensively. And if he could add more crash and bash he could play as the second key forward, allowing us to use another medium rather than hunt for 2 big keys. But we aren’t exactly loaded with medium options either.

I also think he could and should be used in short bursts on the wing to round out his game and give us a different attacking path. But that’s even more of an aside.

Either way, Jefferson is definitely low intensity but there have been some signs with his tackling and pack marking efforts that he’s working on it. For the first year you just want to see a players strengths look like strengths. I’ve seen enough to say Jeffo’s class is absolutely as advertised. 

Not sure about this D Spencer! Fritsch isn't a big bodied bloke and trying to bash and crash could end badly.

He is a very smart footballer - let him play to his strengths.

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:12, Dee Zephyr said:

I don’t believe it’s of significant concern and I don’t think JVR is carrying the load deever. We do average 110 points a game.This assessment on the AFL site is accurate as of now imo. Also posted this in post-match.

Dangerous Dees have forward options to spare

Most clubs dream of having a pair of key forwards to build an attack around, but Melbourne is taking a different approach this season. The Dees have featured a different combination of talls almost every week, with fourth-gamer Jacob van Rooyen joined by Dee debutant Josh Schache on Saturday, the pair managing two goals between them in Melbourne's highest score of the season. But the actual 'key' to the Dees' forwards is an unpredictable gaggle of smalls and goalkicking midfielders as well as ventures forward from their two-pronged ruck pairing, which makes them incredibly difficult to defend against. And with Ben Brown, Tom McDonald and Jake Melksham stuck in the VFL, there are even more options waiting in the wings. - Howard Kimber

I think our are small brigade is great but I still think we could use a big body like Curnow or Hawkins against the top sides simply because the ones suggested above ie Bbb and Tmac are struggling.

Edited May 1, 20231 yr by leave it to deever

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:12, Dee Zephyr said:

I don’t believe it’s of significant concern and I don’t think JVR is carrying the load deever. We do average 110 points a game.This assessment on the AFL site is accurate as of now imo. Also posted this in post-match.

Dangerous Dees have forward options to spare

It’s definite a concern and I don’t think having a variety of options - whilst important for health - really means we have a solution.

Fritsch and Gawn means we don’t need consistent 60+ goal kickers, but we need a pair of talls who can bob up and kick 2 or 3 when it’s their week. Just as JVR did against Richmond.

There’s 2 big issues;

1. At least one of those guys is likely 30+ and not healthy in BBB, McDonald or even Melk OR is JVR who’s a kid.

2. There’s every chance one of them is Petty who is probably still a vital part of our backline if we could spare him.

If JVR was 23 and Petty wasn’t our premiership CHB I’d actually be ok with them as a combination. They have the right traits.

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:49, Bitter but optimistic said:

Not sure about this D Spencer! Fritsch isn't a big bodied bloke and trying to bash and crash could end badly.

He is a very smart footballer - let him play to his strengths.

Couldn't think of anything worse trying to turn Fritsch into and 2nd key forward. He doesn't have the physical capabilities snd height of doing that and never will. 

As you put perfectly, play him to his strengths which he's doing exactly that and that's playing as that floating 3rd/4th forward.

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:49, Bitter but optimistic said:

Not sure about this D Spencer! Fritsch isn't a big bodied bloke and trying to bash and crash could end badly.

He is a very smart footballer - let him play to his strengths.

I’m thinking more just little improvements without completely changing his game style. More to do with beating his direct opponent and halving a contest than the idea he’ll ever be a physical presence. 

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:41, DeeSpencer said:

........And if he could add more crash and bash he could play as the second key forward, allowing us to use another medium rather than hunt for 2 big keys. But we aren’t exactly loaded with medium options either.

I also think he could and should be used in short bursts on the wing to round out his game and give us a different attacking path. But that’s even more of an aside.

Either way, Jefferson is definitely low intensity but there have been some signs with his tackling and pack marking efforts that he’s working on it. For the first year you just want to see a players strengths look like strengths. I’ve seen enough to say Jeffo’s class is absolutely as advertised. 

And if your Auntie had balls she'd be your uncle. The reality is that Fritsch doesn't have the physical attributes to play the crash and bash KPF role.  Go and stand next to him and you'll see.  While he's strengthened over the course of his AFL career,  he'd still be able to sleep in the shade of a crowbar. 

I'm of the view that his commitment to pressure and tackling has improved this season. 

Agree on Jefferson.  Young players making their way will have their ups and downs but if doubters have a look at VFL round 1, I reckon they will see that Jeffo’s got a lot to offer and is made of the right stuff. 

6 Melksham 

5 White 

4 Harmes 

3 Tomlinson 

2 Joel Smith

1 Turner 

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:55, dazzledavey36 said:

Couldn't think of anything worse trying to turn Fritsch into and 2nd key forward. He doesn't have the physical capabilities snd height of doing that and never will. 

As you put perfectly, play him to his strengths which he's doing exactly that and that's playing as that floating 3rd/4th forward.

We got vintage Tommy Mc and Jackson’s best forward work but we did go 6-0 with Fritsch as the second tall to start 2021. Not like it’s never worked. Heck we beat Sydney this year with 1 ruck and BBB subbed off for Melk and a smaller line up. 

Again, not saying it’s the perfect outcome for Fritsch but if Toby Greene or Ollie Henry or some other medium gun suddenly turned up we could go smaller. Fritsch would lose a few contests but win plenty on the deck or on the lead against a key defender too. 

We’ve been flexible in trying to solve it this year. Petty forward, Schache a run, trying to get the last drop from Melk. I doubt it will work but Joel Smith just about has to be next in line. It’s all hands (and shapes and sizes) on deck. 

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:55, dazzledavey36 said:

Couldn't think of anything worse trying to turn Fritsch into and 2nd key forward. He doesn't have the physical capabilities snd height of doing that and never will. 

As you put perfectly, play him to his strengths which he's doing exactly that and that's playing as that floating 3rd/4th forward.

And kicking 50+ goals a year consistently, which most key forwards would be thrilled about. 
He is the best medium forward in the game. Period. Don’t change who he is or what he is. 

  On 01/05/2023 at 01:35, SPC said:

I think Fritta has always shown intensity. Maybe not manic chasing and tackling- but when the ball is in his area he is on the move, creates space and hit the packs when the ball is kicked in long. 
Maybe what I have seen from Jefferson is he appears a bystander. Didn’t say he won’t make it, but when his forward craft looks to be lacking and his willingness to be involved isn’t there, he looks a way off.

Jefferson is in his first season and will take time.  I don’t think JVR had everyone on board at this time last year.  
Patience.   

Fingers crossed Smith can get his fitness going and string games together. Would add another option/ dimension for us.