Just now, Roger Mellie said:

Laurie

Thx, We are crying out for leadership so i would give him a very extended time in seniors in midfield. Gawn guarantees a midfielders 10 or more touches so I’ve always suspected our stars were overrated to that degree.

I was reading this thread, and golly, there is some misinformation here! It seems that Lever had. a shocker yet I see on the AFL website that he took 13(!!!!!) marks.

I would like to get good info from Demonland but all I see is how terrible Goody is, how all our players are spuds, how dreadful our administration is, etc etc etc

Campbell over Verral sadly highlights where our position with Casey sits. There is no interest in player development at the Casey end.

47 minutes ago, Ugottobekidding said:

Campbell over Verral sadly highlights where our position with Casey sits. There is no interest in player development at the Casey end.

We're developing Campbell! (so we can trade him to Collingwood when Cameron retires!)

SUNSTROKE by KC from Casey

Coming off four consecutive victories and with a team filled with 17 AFL listed players, the Casey Demons took to their early morning encounter with the lowly Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium with the swagger of a team that thought a win was inevitable.

They were smashing it for the first twenty minutes of the game after Tom Fullarton booted the first two goals but they then descended into an abyss of frustrating poor form and lackadaisical effort that saw the swagger and the early arrogance disappear by quarter time when their lead was overtaken by a more intense and committed opponent.

The Suns continued to apply the pressure in the second quarter and got out to a three goal lead in mid term before the Demons fought back. A late goal to the home side before the half time bell saw them ten points up at the break and another surge in the third quarter saw them comfortably up with a 23 point lead at the final break.

The Demons mounted a few spirited attacks in the final quarter, getting tantalizingly close before blowing some late chances that left them lamenting a nine point loss.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will kick things off by saying again that imports in Mitch Hardie (28 possessions, 6 tackles and a goal), Riley Bonner (34 touches) and Riley Baldi (19 disposals) were outstanding again but the team missed the goal sense of Paddy Cross who is out with a hamstring injury.

Apart from Tom Campbell who had a great battle in the ruck with his Suns counterpart in Ned Moyle, the AFL listed players were not consistently in the play throughout the morning.

The best you could say was that Jack Billings was solid with 23 disposals and three handy goals that almost got the team to victory and Jai Culley was strong with his 17 disposals, eight tackles and a goal late in the match. Ricky Mentha showed some spark, particularly early in the game and looks a player worth persevering with for the future. He and Caleb Windsor each picked up 17 touches and added some much needed toe when it was needed. Another who showed promise was Luker Kentfield with three goals from some solid marking. Jacob van Rooyen flashed in with some smart play in the forward line.

For the life of me, I don’t understand how or why Will Verrall was sparingly used after his improved form before the bye. He appeared to be doing some work after the game with the training staff but his story remains a mystery.

The team had a great defence on paper but it was not enough to put sufficient pressure on an inexperienced looking Gold Coast attack and hence the locals were victorious with a 15 goal 7 behind score line.

It’s a must win next week against Coburg when the team finally returns to Casey Fields on Sunday afternoon at roughly the same time when the AFL Demons play in Adelaide.

CASEY DEMONS 2.2.14 4.5.29 8.6.54 13.10.88

GOLD COAST SUNS VFL 3.1.19 6.3.39 12.5.77 15.7.97

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Billings Kentfield 3 Fullarton 2 Craven Culley Hardie Laurie van Rooyen

GOLD COAST SUNS VFL Evans 3 Jepson Moyle 2 Beikoff-Smart Davies Enders Gulbin Harris O'Brien Rosas Swallow

BEST

CASEY DEMONS Billings Culley Hardie van Rooyen Mentha Henderson

GOLD COAST SUNS VFL Moyle Lemmens Swallow Beikoff-Smart Davies Evans

On 28/06/2025 at 16:12, Cranky Franky said:

Come on get serious - after 3 years Verrall is still clueless against any decent VFL standard ruckman. He is a total bust. Barely better than Fullerton. Anyone with any nous can see that.

I don’t agree.

He has been competitive this season against some good opponents in the ruck. He’s built his body up considerably, and is not so easy to shove aside now. He doesn’t take enough marks at this stage, but handles the ball and kicks well, and is very mobile. I hope we don’t let him go to another club who , in a year or two, would benefit from the schooling he’s had at the Dees .

I have a lot of respect for Campbell, who I think we should have used a bit in the Seniors to give Max a break(far preferable to having Jeffo, Petty or JVR as 2nd ruck).

BUT… I think Casey’s use of Campbell is retarding Will Verrall’s development.

4 hours ago, Demonland said:

SUNSTROKE by KC from Casey

Coming off four consecutive victories and with a team filled with 17 AFL listed players, the Casey Demons took to their early morning encounter with the lowly Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium with the swagger of a team that thought a win was inevitable.

They were smashing it for the first twenty minutes of the game after Tom Fullarton booted the first two goals but they then descended into an abyss of frustrating poor form and lackadaisical effort that saw the swagger and the early arrogance disappear by quarter time when their lead was overtaken by a more intense and committed opponent.

The Suns continued to apply the pressure in the second quarter and got out to a three goal lead in mid term before the Demons fought back. A late goal to the home side before the half time bell saw them ten points up at the break and another surge in the third quarter saw them comfortably up with a 23 point lead at the final break.

The Demons mounted a few spirited attacks in the final quarter, getting tantalizingly close before blowing some late chances that left them lamenting a nine point loss.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will kick things off by saying again that imports in Mitch Hardie (28 possessions, 6 tackles and a goal), Riley Bonner (34 touches) and Riley Baldi (19 disposals) were outstanding again but the team missed the goal sense of Paddy Cross who is out with a hamstring injury.

Apart from Tom Campbell who had a great battle in the ruck with his Suns counterpart in Ned Moyle, the AFL listed players were not consistently in the play throughout the morning.

The best you could say was that Jack Billings was solid with 23 disposals and three handy goals that almost got the team to victory and Jai Culley was strong with his 17 disposals, eight tackles and a goal late in the match. Ricky Mentha showed some spark, particularly early in the game and looks a player worth persevering with for the future. He and Caleb Windsor each picked up 17 touches and added some much needed toe when it was needed. Another who showed promise was Luker Kentfield with three goals from some solid marking. Jacob van Rooyen flashed in with some smart play in the forward line.

For the life of me, I don’t understand how or why Will Verrall was sparingly used after his improved form before the bye. He appeared to be doing some work after the game with the training staff but his story remains a mystery.

The team had a great defence on paper but it was not enough to put sufficient pressure on an inexperienced looking Gold Coast attack and hence the locals were victorious with a 15 goal 7 behind score line.

It’s a must win next week against Coburg when the team finally returns to Casey Fields on Sunday afternoon at roughly the same time when the AFL Demons play in Adelaide.

CASEY DEMONS 2.2.14 4.5.29 8.6.54 13.10.88

GOLD COAST SUNS VFL 3.1.19 6.3.39 12.5.77 15.7.97

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Billings Kentfield 3 Fullarton 2 Craven Culley Hardie Laurie van Rooyen

GOLD COAST SUNS VFL Evans 3 Jepson Moyle 2 Beikoff-Smart Davies Enders Gulbin Harris O'Brien Rosas Swallow

BEST

CASEY DEMONS Billings Culley Hardie van Rooyen Mentha Henderson

GOLD COAST SUNS VFL Moyle Lemmens Swallow Beikoff-Smart Davies Evans

I don’t think I’m alone here, when I say that I would like to see the Casey side not only used for development of players, but also for winning the VFL, and assisting with creating a winning culture.

Part of the reason why they lost yesterday was the over-reliance of half the side, and leaving the other half to play 20–40 minutes.

It looks like it could’ve been a good chance to play JVR and Verrall in the back line, while pushing Adams and Hore to the wings. Maybe Woey could have more time in the centre?

6 minutes ago, DiscoStu17 said:

I don’t think I’m alone here, when I say that I would like to see the Casey side not only used for development of players, but also for winning the VFL, and assisting with creating a winning culture.

Part of the reason why they lost yesterday was the over-reliance of half the side, and leaving the other half to play 20–40 minutes.

It looks like it could’ve been a good chance to play JVR and Verrall in the back line, while pushing Adams and Hore to the wings. Maybe Woey could have more time in the centre?

Agree DiscoStu17 I’d also like to see a bit more lateral thinking, we were getting beaten down back and even though Rooey was doing Ok at CHF why not try him down back and Verrall as well and send Adam’s fwd to see what he has. Woey needs a role just as Tholstrup needs a specific role in the 1’s, they are both team first players, it will help their confidence and improve us as a team.

6 hours ago, waynewussell said:

We're developing Campbell! (so we can trade him to Collingwood when Cameron retires!)

It seems weird, but I think he’s the same draft class as half of their team. Not that that’s stopping them, dammit.

1 hour ago, DiscoStu17 said:

I don’t think I’m alone here, when I say that I would like to see the Casey side not only used for development of players, but also for winning the VFL, and assisting with creating a winning culture.

Part of the reason why they lost yesterday was the over-reliance of half the side, and leaving the other half to play 20–40 minutes.

It looks like it could’ve been a good chance to play JVR and Verrall in the back line, while pushing Adams and Hore to the wings. Maybe Woey could have more time in the centre?

I really like the Casey listed players and what they have provided. They have done a fantastic job this season. But, they are the main act and our AFL listed players are the cameo roles.

I’m not fussed with Campbell being the main man in the ruck. He is on standby for Max if needed. Verrall should be played as a hybrid ruck/forward whilst he develops. I’ve watched many games and he spends too much time on the bench imo.

13 hours ago, Nietaphart said:

I really like the Casey listed players and what they have provided. They have done a fantastic job this season. But, they are the main act and our AFL listed players are the cameo roles.

I’m not fussed with Campbell being the main man in the ruck. He is on standby for Max if needed. Verrall should be played as a hybrid ruck/forward whilst he develops. I’ve watched many games and he spends too much time on the bench imo.

Yes, the Casey listed players have been doing a lot of the heavy lifting this year. Sometimes I get the feeling that the AFL players have been given conflicting roles which has led to some confused performances.

Play the kids scream the @Deebrief podcasters. Play Adams. Play Kynan. Play Woey. Play Luker. Play Henderson. Play Verrall. Whilst I understand the thinking, it’s not that easy. I think they might have not seen Casey play enough.

By the way, they also cry out for Tom Campbell to get a game so it’s often confusing irrational rhetoric in most pods. (Also “Scotty” saying let’s see Fullerton again is just unbelievable).

JVR. Showed ability to get up the ground as a marking CHF. Appears still uncertain in marking but we have to give him a go. I believe we need to give him the next batch of senior games and see the JVR and Jeffo combo. In a way they compliment each other in style.

Windsor. I think we get more games into both Kolt & Windsor (Windsor though needs another week at Casey , not in the guts but running on the wing where he belongs and push forward to kick goals )

Verrall had reduced game time with TC back in. He’s developing slowly but will improve with another preseason. A debut is unlikely at this stage

Henderson is a good VFL player yet I am in doubt whether he is able to be an AFL player He has moments but then seemingly gets lost in the game Still has to step up alot to be considered

Kentfield is a forward, not a CHB (may that experiment end) and should be given more games at the key forward post I am hopeful he becomes a player

Ricky Mentha has had two good weeks. I like his style but this year is development and then we get to see him in 2026 as a potential debut game

Woey jnr has been up and down all year. He’s got injured so will have to see hon the fringe and is disappointingly one who may not stay on the list

Kynan Brown is 100% heart but he butchers the footy It would be a big problem at AFL level He needs to fix his kicking asap to be considered

Adams is ok and might see AFL debut shortly He needs to be tested at the higher level and next week might be that chance v crows

Culley is a watch for me. He picks his moments and often is too casual or misses his targets to step up to AFL (probably why the Eagles moved him out)

Others …

Fullerton, Billings and Hore (unfortunately injured again) will be probably delisted at years end.

Tmcd likely to retire at seasons end

Lever is not fully right and he needs to get his aerobic level up I think his ankle/leg issues are hampering him

I don't watch a lot of VFL these days but I'm wondering if some regulars here know much about the defensive structure that Casey plays? Do they work with zones like the seniors or is it more man on man based due to the nature of the side changing so much and being difficult to form the cohesion necessary for zoning.

Lever being dropped last week got me thinking about this. Could the structure have been different to what he was used to?