8 hours ago, old dee said:

JVR better put in a good game tomorrow as his spot is up for grabs.

Same with Petty!

9 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Matthew Jefferson is ready for senior footy. Loved his game and I think he is someone we just need to get games into this year.

Picket Fence on reading this

9 hours ago, Harvey Wallbanger said:

Yes, but according to my friend the BurraBurger was disappointing.....

When ordering a burger with frozen fish it’s best to set expectations very low.

K. White was encouraging. Looked lost to start with but came alive in the last quarter to have a real impact on the game. I look forward to seeing him in about +20kgs, hopefully at the Dees. While he was only rucking against a cramping first gamer in Monteith (who was also very impressive before cramping) and Jackson Shorty Hately, he looked a bit of a natural.

Laurie wasn't as impressive as last week but still solid and too good for this level.

Brown has a crack and has some speed but his kicking is horrid.

Jeffo got better as the game progressed and should earn a call-up very soon. He risks getting pummelled given his lack of physicality but he's proving smart enough to get around that. I worry he won't apply enough pressure which makes it hard to have him and Fritta in the same forward line.

Sharp was largely unsighted which was disappointing. While he buzzes around at senior level, it's largely ineffectual.

Adams was well-beaten, but took some nice marks.

Kentfield took some excellent grabs but really doesn't find much of the pill. That may come with getting comfy in the backline. He's also a little slow.

Verrall had a great game and started to dominate the ruck contest as the game progressed. I'm not convinced he has the height to ruck at AFL level or play any other position but he's improved hugely under Jamar.

Woey's looked better the last couple of weeks. Hitting more targets and playing with a bit of confidence.

Culley did some nice things but disposal was bog ordinary.

Mentha zipped in and out of the play but is definitely growing his game and has some top-notch skills. I look forward to his continued development.

9 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

He's probably your 3rd banana in line with Melksham or Fritsch.

Don't think hes physically ready to be a 2nd tall forward jn JVR or Petty.

Yeah, so we'd have to leave out Melky or Fritta. And because of the second ruck issue, you probably have to play JVR, then a more seasoned body around them in Petty, then Jeffo and Melky/Fritta.

The problem is it throws out our balance I reckon.

I also thought the tsp from white to Laurie on the boundary was fantastic Ruck work. Just loved the ability znd he is do young. Get him under the wing of Max

1 hour ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

Jeffersons game time tonight was better than his recent two 5 goal hauls. His marks were commanding and clean his attack on the ball and man was improved and his kicking well executed. More of this please El Jefo.

One of the better games I have seen Verrall play it was like watching a young Grundy. I do worry he is a touch too small to make it as a ruck and has shown little elsewhere but hope his development continues in the second half of the year.

Vefy much reflectsup my thoughts on both players.

I'd add about Jefferson that his second efforts have really improved in the last few weeks, and we're good again last night. Still dont look instinctive, perhaps because they're not, but he's clearly working hard in that area, and on his contested work, and I love that (ie players working hard to address weaknesses and making good progress)

He is a genuine old school forward who reads the ball super well, knows where the drop zone is and uses his body deftly.

It was great to hear Ben Brown's comments about Jeffo, in particular that he has been working on his aeriel contest work, the implication being he needed to, in particular halving contests and getting the ball to ground (which brown noted is critical for key forwards).

Jeffo was better in that regard, but still needs to improve. That should come though as he gets physically stronger.

On 11/06/2025 at 15:16, Sydney Pennski said:

Interesting free kick stats from the two two Kings Birthday Weekend games between the Demons and the Magpies ~

• AFL Pies 29 frees Demons 20 frees

• VFL Pies 33 frees Demons 17

• Overall Pies 62 frees Demons 37 frees

We really do play dirty, don’t we?

After watching the up to now ‘lost tapes’ of the ‘64 Grand Final. The boot was on the other foot. Comments from Ian ‘Cleo’ Cleland early in the third qt. Free kick count Melbourne 19 free kicks Collingwood 10 free kicks. By my count at the end of the GF Dees 23 free kicks Pies 19 frees.

Collingwood played dirty? Saw one push in the back not picked up. Otherwise a physical but sporting match. One quality umpire adjudicating.

Edited June 15Jun 15 by Tarax Club

26 minutes ago, Tarax Club said:

.....

. Otherwise a physical but sporting match. One quality umpire adjudicating.

And no ridiculous rules which require an on-field AI engine linked to a crystal ball to adjudicate.

Not to put a dampener on the Casey performance but Essendon have been hard hit by injuries and that was most likely an understrength VFL side. The Dons presently sit 17th with three wins for the season.

Our next scheduled match is against another cellar dweller (the Suns) on the Gold Coast. Suns presently 18th.

You can only beat the team you're playing against but we're not destroying anyone

2 hours ago, Roost it far said:

When ordering a burger with frozen fish it’s best to set expectations very low.

It's a "Burra Burger" not a "Barra Burger"

Their attraction is their size and composition. Think Burger with the lot.

Need to be hot which can be a challenge as they are cooked in advance

15 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Not to put a dampener on the Casey performance but Essendon have been hard hit by injuries and that was most likely an understrength VFL side. The Dons presently sit 17th with three wins for the season.

Agreed but Bombers have relegated a few senior players recently like Shiel, Hobbs, Menzie plus added mid season draftees like McMahon who’s unlucky not to get an AFL game. Bombers upgraded their youth v Cats yesterday (although some of their youth like May and Blakiston were not quite ready) yet still has Tsatas running around. It was a good win by Casey after being challenged.

Watched the game in its entirety last evening. Casey’s AFL listed and VFL listed players are now combining well.

Great first qt. followed by a massive momentum swing to the junior dons. Finally arrested late in the third qt. Super last qt as the fitter Casey team dominated.

Watched the Dons bench with interest as the attrition index spiked. Young tall in a sling, Dylan Sheil spent all his gas tickets and favouring his shoulder.

Meanwhile the well managed Demons bench kept the rotations flowing and enabled the fitter team to take ascendancy in the last term.

Overall a very even team performance by Casey with some individuals stand outs.

Will Verrall hit his straps in the ruck, with Bailey Laurie the pick of the on ball brigade. Taj Woewodin now playing consistent footy in support. A promising cameo from Kalani White in the fourth. Matthew Jefferson best all round game so far with some real physicality. Ricky Mentha started like a house on fire, exhibited some superb ball handling skills and loves a goal.

Of the Casey listed players; Paddy Cross exhilarating around the goals🤫. Riley Bonner continues to rack up copious possessions from quarterback. Deakin Smith best performance as captain, goal kicks like a defender. Finally the Mitch’s, Hardy not as prolific as recent outings but nonetheless a quality player. Young Kirkwood-Scott tough in the clinches with some solid footy skills.

Kudos to the 7 commentary team. Ben Brown being an absolute breath of fresh air, terrific special comments. Informed, articulate and adds a Joie de Vivre to proceedings.

Edited June 15Jun 15 by Tarax Club
Sent from up high. Going bush NT.

2 hours ago, Roger Mellie said:

K. White was encouraging. Looked lost to start with but came alive in the last quarter to have a real impact on the game. I look forward to seeing him in about +20kgs, hopefully at the Dees. While he was only rucking against a cramping first gamer in Monteith (who was also very impressive before cramping) and Jackson Shorty Hately, he looked a bit of a natural.

Laurie wasn't as impressive as last week but still solid and too good for this level.

Brown has a crack and has some speed but his kicking is horrid.

Jeffo got better as the game progressed and should earn a call-up very soon. He risks getting pummelled given his lack of physicality but he's proving smart enough to get around that. I worry he won't apply enough pressure which makes it hard to have him and Fritta in the same forward line.

Sharp was largely unsighted which was disappointing. While he buzzes around at senior level, it's largely ineffectual.

Adams was well-beaten, but took some nice marks.

Kentfield took some excellent grabs but really doesn't find much of the pill. That may come with getting comfy in the backline. He's also a little slow.

Verrall had a great game and started to dominate the ruck contest as the game progressed. I'm not convinced he has the height to ruck at AFL level or play any other position but he's improved hugely under Jamar.

Woey's looked better the last couple of weeks. Hitting more targets and playing with a bit of confidence.

Culley did some nice things but disposal was bog ordinary.

Mentha zipped in and out of the play but is definitely growing his game and has some top-notch skills. I look forward to his continued development.

You were obviously at the game which is infinitely better than watching on tv … I was on a plane so saw very little …what position did they have Jeffo mainly playing ?

49 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Not to put a dampener on the Casey performance but Essendon have been hard hit by injuries and that was most likely an understrength VFL side. The Dons presently sit 17th with three wins for the season.

Our next scheduled match is against another cellar dweller (the Suns) on the Gold Coast. Suns presently 18th.

You can only beat the team you're playing against but we're not destroying anyone

At either end of the ground yes but their starting midfield was Hobbs, Tstatas and Shiel.

16 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

I wonder how Luker would go playing forward 🤔

I’d like to see all of our prospective forwards, including Jefferson and Van Rooyen, spend time playing back at Casey… if they can learn how defenders think, that would be very advantageous. Neitz started as a defender, TMac showed a lot when he was moved forward, Petty and now Disco have unfortunately not been settled in one position for any great length of time, which could explain their inconsistency when sent forward.

Just a thought.

13 hours ago, DiscoStu17 said:

Yes, I think Jeff is a very clever footballer. One Mark in particular in front of the goal Square where he out Marked 2 defenders was particularly good.

Was probably taking a bit more heat tonight as well, considering that JVR is still in The 1s. I think we only had 5x tall forwards tonight.

Verrall did stand up when he needed to be counted on – particularly in that last quarter. I still think it’s a good thing having TC at the club as backup for Max, another playing coach, and an all round good guy.

But I don’t think he needs to be leading the ruck in the VFL– half is plenty. He has nothing to prove. If Verrall or AJ are getting slaughtered, then he can step in and carry more, but it’s not doing their development any good by having them at CB for five minutes per quarter.

And what a nice little cameo from Kalarney in the last quarter. You could see his confidence grow as soon as he marked that little chip kick from Verrall, and then goaled it. No stopping him after that. I thought the coach did well sticking him in the ruck for the last few minutes once we were four goals up. He’ll carry that confidence into his next game.

JVR should be given every opportunity to emulate his role last week for more games. If he gets three or more this week I will be satisfied.

1 hour ago, Willmoy1947 said:

JVR should be given every opportunity to emulate his role last week for more games. If he gets three or more this week I will be satisfied.

Um three or more possesions, goals, marks??

4 hours ago, picket fence said:

Um three or more possesions, goals, marks??

Picket, for your info, every player who comes to MFC and pulls on a boot must know that he is to be prepared for no fairness during games from ANYONE who wears yellow or maggot .

Opposition players are the enemy, but Umpires are just bad sports and a disgrace to their profession, err pasttime.

On 14/06/2025 at 22:02, jaydenh10 said:

bonner stated in the post game interview that he is the manager of our nga, maybe thats why he didn't get picked up in the mid season draft and likes what he is doing now.

Id say thats why he signed for casey, the job and the extra $$$$ outside of playing

On 15/06/2025 at 08:05, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

Jeffersons game time tonight was better than his recent two 5 goal hauls. His marks were commanding and clean his attack on the ball and man was improved and his kicking well executed. More of this please El Jefo.

One of the better games I have seen Verrall play it was like watching a young Grundy. I do worry he is a touch too small to make it as a ruck and has shown little elsewhere but hope his development continues in the second half of the year.

Verrall was OK, but lets not forget his opposite ruck was an undersize first gamer out of 2nd Div EFL footy who had 29 disposals and was a clear BOG to 3/4 time before cramp got him the in the last Q.

On 15/06/2025 at 15:09, picket fence said:

Um three or more possesions, goals, marks??

Grabs at the mark

Edited June 18Jun 18 by redandbluemakepurple

On 15/06/2025 at 09:02, Adam The God said:

Yeah, so we'd have to leave out Melky or Fritta. And because of the second ruck issue, you probably have to play JVR, then a more seasoned body around them in Petty, then Jeffo and Melky/Fritta.

The problem is it throws out our balance I reckon.

I think the casualty may have to be Melksham unfortunately.

Our season is shot and whilst hes been a great servant, similar to McDonald, we may need to look past him towards the future. Jefferson is part of our future moving forward, Melksham isn't.

I think Fritsch form has been fine for now is starting to find his groove, so he stays in for me.

16 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Our season is shot and whilst hes been a great servant, similar to McDonald, we may need to look past him towards the future. Jefferson is part of our future moving forward, Melksham isn't.

Some unfortunate truth in that.

I'm not adverse to rotating large numbers of the top ten players if it keeps them fresher for 2026 and aids in development and gameplan improvement/experimentation.

At least the AFL can't accuse us of tanking this year

21 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I think the casualty may have to be Melksham unfortunately.

If we're going to be bringing in younger players, good to have old man Melksham out there for his guidance and leadership. Makes a difference. Forward line is VERY inexperienced without him.