WALTZING by Whispering Jack

The so-called 'match simulation' at Casey Fields today was more like a casual kickaround with the lids off. With State of Origin stars missing, injuries galore, and players coming back from rehab, the Dees even had to dig deep into their VFL squad. The result? Not exactly a thrilling high class spectacle, more like a waltz with your little sister.

But that's not the point – the focus was not about putting on a show but rather, on shaking off the rust, getting match fit and testing out the way the players were adapting to the new regime of play under new coach Steven King.

I caught the game livestreamed on the club website in three 20-minute stanzas, plus time on, but it was a bit stop-start – truncated by periods where play was halted for coaches’ instructions and, bizarrely, a power outage meant that we missed a four-goal blitz from the Blue team.

The primary discussion points of the preseason have centered on the potential impact of the departures of two key premiership midfielders, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, as well as the recent surgery for Jack Viney, on the team and the new style of rapid ball movement introduced by the coaching staff. In many ways, these factors are interconnected.

Today’s display showcased better ball movement at pace, with an emphasis on continuous play. Although the performance wasn’t spectacular in the open conditions at Casey Fields and it was still a waltz with sis, it came at a faster tempo than at any time in the days of Simon Goodwin (apart from Q4 of the 21 GF). This accords with the way the game is evolving and the full effects of the change will become apparent over time. The development appears to be a compelling shift that will undoubtedly have a profound impact in the medium to long term.

The stand out performance came from speedster Caleb Windsor in the midfield. He was fast and elusive as he cut his way through the midfield like a hot knife through butter. Former St Kilda skipper Jack Steele was his foil bringing his strength and presence into the mix, while Harvey Langford thrived as the tall body on the ball. With Kozzy and Riv back from State duty, the Demons' engine room could well become a potent weapon and might be silencing some doubters yet.

King's pace gambit also involves utilizing half-back run, exemplified by the presence of youthful, classy recent high draft picks in Xavier Taylor, Xavier Lindsay, and Koltyn Tholstrup, who were all active in spreading quickly across the field of play, facilitating numerous forward movements.

The beneficiaries were forwards like Matt Jefferson, Jacob van Rooyen and newcomers to the team in veteran Brodie Mihocek and the untried Luker Kentfield who also rucked against Max Heath who was channeling the other Max in the ruck. Jefferson was in fine fettle early and showed his growth in confidence with some big grabs before coming to grief with an injury after a big mark. Latrelle Pickett showed plenty of zip up forward and there were some promising moments from Thomas Matthews. The best of the taller defenders was the much improved Blake Howes. Paddy Cross and Tairon Ah Mu were the pick of the VFL players and were busy booting three goals each.

BLUE 8.4.52 13.8.86 16.12.108

WHITE 2.2.14 4.7.31 5.13.43

GOALS (per melbournefc.com.au)

BLUE Jefferson, van Rooyen, Langdon 2, Windsor, Fritsch, Melksham, Laurie, VFL Top Up Players 6

WHITE Sharp 2, Mihocek, Windsor, VFL Top Up Player

Spoiler alert re VFL Top Up Players who kicked goals - it’s believed that they were Cross, Ah Mu 3, Bonner (maybe 2 but … )