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I went to the Casey game yesterday as I wanted to have a look at the new blokes. Conditions were perfect although it was quite humid and the smoke haze and smell were quite strong. It was a resounding win by Casey who completely outplayed Brisbane around the ball and of course were helped by Viney, Jones and Melksham who were just a class above. This is how I saw the Demons:- Kade Chandler:- Didn't know he was on the ground in the first quarter as I was mainly watching the big three but I certainly noticed him in the second and subsequent quarters. He's small but he looks strong and quick, not lightening, but quick and he has good hands and a good kick. He took a good contested mark at one point and kicked a couple of goals in the second. He covered the ground well and tackled. He used the ball well with several passes inside forward 50 to teammates and was the most impressive of the new blokes from my point of view. He looks like he could become a good player. Nathan Jones: Often when you see a senior player come back to a lower grade they seem a little at sea and don't dominate the way you'd expect. Jonesy didn't have that problem. From the first bounce he just kept getting the ball and managed to find space in tight and continually won the ball at stoppages. His skills were rusty as he missed several handballs and kicks I'd normally expect him to nail but it was a little like watching a year 12 boy play with the year 10's. He was just better than the rest. Seemed to run out the game well and I've no doubt he'll play round1. Jack Viney: Was pretty dominant around the stoppages and on occasions used his strength really well just bashing through tackles at stoppages and clearing the ball. Played quite some time in the forward 50 but doesn't look a natural forward at all. He got plenty of the ball and used it well. He looked pretty spent towards the end and appeared to hurt himself when he attempted a spoil from behind and may have jarred his knee/leg on landing. I watched carefully as he went to the bench where a trainer/physio (I was on the other side of the ground) talked to him for a minute or two. There didn't appear to be any testing of the leg or any ice used and he walked reasonably comfortably after the game. Like all, I'm just hoping for the best. James Jordan: Looked a class player and while he didn't get a heap of it when he did he used it well and looked confident in what he was doing. Played off half back and covered a lot of ground. He is a sure ball handler and a lovely kick and appeared to be in the right place at the right time. He's still quite slight but showed courage and a willingness to tackle. I liked what I saw. Corey Wagner: Showed some speed and footy smarts at times and if he was a first year player you'd be quite excited but he's not and if he's going to make it needs to find something more. He certainly has a go and won his fair share in the forward 50. Jake Melksham: Didn't really see him in the first quarter but started to play well in the second and was dominant in the last half. His contested ball work was great, he was strong in the air, he found space and his kicking was fantastic. He was close to BOG for me in the second half and will be a great addition with his kicking skills particularly. Sam Frost: Just a game. Always looks a class above until he fumbles the simple ones or makes a rookie mistake. He did get better as the game wore on but not one of his better games because of the mistakes. Also there wasn't a lot to do down back for Casey. Tom Sparrow: I was disappointed with his first half and can't say I really noticed him but sometimes when you're watching for the first time you don't notice players so maybe I'm being unfair. He started to get more involved in the third but I was disappointed with his disposal but as the game wore on he got better and better and displayed some really good clearance work and kicking skills. He's very much in the mould of an inside mid with a see ball get ball approach and was at the bottom of a lot of packs. I was much more confident at the end of the day than at half time with him as he definitely has some AFL attributes. Cory Maynard: Not a dominant game but maybe was pushed out of his normal role with Viney and Jones doing a lot of the centre clearance work. Just a game really and not one to get excited about. Toby Bedford: Now here is an interesting one. In one sense he's got it all. He's quick and nimble, he covers a lot of ground, he's a willing tackler and he works hard. Looks to be a sure ball handler and a good kick but reality about yesterday is he didn't get it enough to make a judgement really But every time he was around the ball or got it he caught your eye. I'm glad he's on the list but he's got to learn the best trick in footy - to get the ball. Braydon Preuss: Dominant ruck in the first half and gave silver service to the mids while he was on. As you know, he injured himself in the first minute of the third quarter and wasn't seen again. Austin Bradtke: Got Casey's first goal (I think) with a really good contested pack mark in the first few minutes of the game and followed up later in the quarter with another. He's got good hands and can kick it quite well and found a bit of it around the ground but I don't think he added to his two first quarter goals. He did quite a bit of rucking when Preuss went off and was monstered. Lots of time in the gym and a clear project player but looks a good long term prospect and although it's too early to call looks more a forward than a ruck. Jost Wagner: Not a lot to do but what he did he did well. Very brave on occasions particularly in the air and was spoiling the ball very well to the boundary on many occasions. He's a good VFL player and performs regularly at this level from what I've seen but didn't do enough to push a case for senior selection. Harry Petty: I've liked this kid from the first time I've seen him and again he looked very good yesterday. He reads the play really well, he's a very strong overhead mark and his kicking is very good. He got to the right place regularly and played a very good game. Towards the end of the game he had a couple of spells in the ruck which looked quite promising as he was okay with his tap work and agile and mobile enough around the ground to have an impact. Given our relative glut of KPD I wouldn't be surprised to see him trialled forward at some point. With his contested marking strength and kicking ability he could be a handful. I'm very confident this kid will be an excellent AFL footballer. Oscar Baker: Clearly needed a run. Looked rusty and didn't get into the game as you'd have hoped but he's had a long spell on the sidelines. He loves to get involved and he loves to take people on, not always with the desired outcome. But he has a go, he's got very good pace and he clearly believes in himself. Having said that, it wasn't a good game by his standards from my point of view.

Just came from the Sponsor’s Function. - We will go in with one ruckman against Port. - The players are not massive fans of the 6-6-6. - Joel Smith and AvB were not there as they were getting scans. No JKH or Harmes either. - One player said that the current group of young players that came into the club were the most exciting group in a long time. In particular, he said Austin Bradkte could be anything. - Jake Lever back in full training. He said he’s honestly got no idea when he’ll be back, so people should stop asking him! - There will be match simulation next Saturday. Players, in particular the defenders, were not happy with the lack of pressure on the Lion’s midfield yesterday. Delivery inside 50 will continue to be a focus. - Losing two players early really hurt us yesterday. Especially against a team with extra players. One player felt like he just went into survival mode after half time. We played 23. Keilty was supposed to come on later than he did.

I was at the family day at Yarra park and had a yarn to Oscar Baker. Played 3 Quarters of the game in the 2s and was happy with the outcome . He pulled up well after the game and he certainly tested his hammies. He was chasing all day but loved being back blew all the cobwebs away. Oscar said that it was good to be back and will be better for the run. He certainly had a gleam in his eye.

Great post B Bob.... up there with the best we see on Demonland well done

So the skills overall aren’t up to the men’s game but check out the vid below and tell me how many of the blokes would have kicked that goal Zanker did or would taken that mark in front of the pack and calmly slot the winning goal like Cunningham did. But most of all check out the unadulterated joy and passion for the victory at the end of the game. Leaves the blokes for dead. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2019-03-10/aflw-behind-the-win

I'm checking out for 10 days... The overreacting on here is embarrassing. JLT means nothing, I have no less confidence in us then I did 2 weeks ago. We'll romp Port in 14 days time

Hibberd has WAY more runs on the board than those two. Anyone who thinks he's past his prime knows zilch about the game and deserves nothing short of ridicule

So no chance that Hibberd is just right at the beginning of the season and is just yet to find some form?

Zanker's goal is one for the ages. She could easily win GOTY. It wasn't flashy like some contenders will be but she kicked true from 40m out, on the boundary line where not much daylight was visible between the goal posts. She will be a champ.

A lot of people wanting to put things into perspective from my readings.... ...so here's my perspective. We're not good enough to cruise through preseason games just yet...if these games are meant to tweak the game plan and fine tune for the first game then heaven help us. That was a dogs breakfast. No amount of perspective can change that.

It's the blokes first hit out for the year, but let's write him off anyway. It's BPP, he's prone to making statements like that.

Massive lines out there today for some players. Preuss had some sort of bandage underneath his shorts. One of the organisers had instructions for him to keep seated during photos and signatures but he was having none of it. The plastic chair given to him was tiny, no way he was getting his rump on that.

No contact to the head. May braces but doesn’t fully bring the arm up to lock the shoulder. May is nearly stationary at collision as other player is running forward. Umpires were there and no concern. Mummy puts forearm into players face a week before and is fined. This not suspension worthy or IMO even reportable.

anyone who leaves lewis out of round 1 needs their head read

Werridee?

Hawks and North have Tasmanian focused membership packages, why don’t we have one for the NT? Why, if you buy a package that only gets you into one home game does it have to be at the MCG and not Alice Springs or Darwin? Sure the numbers won’t be large but every member counts and the club is neglecting an opportunity in the NT.

It was a practice match...the players got some k’s into the legs and a bit of conditioning. The rest is all fugazi, clearly saving something special for round 1.

Pretty poor form here considering he went down today and if it's a serious injury could really jeopardize a young guys career.

Goody mingled with the fans and was very accommodating. Down to earth and happy to talk about his "boys". He has always been this way, he hasn't changed. When asked about the injuries, Garlett and JKH are touch and go, but as far as he knows the rest will be in line for round 1. Yes, the lines for Maxy and Viney were a long wait, but all us girls formed our own line for Robbo24! More photos for the collection!

That was the couple of players I spoke to said. Found it hard starting inside forward 50, charging at the centre bounce, only for the ball to go sailing over their head anyway. The players enjoyed starting at the back of the square as a means of getting themselves into the game. Will take some adjustment.

Kyle Chandler a wildcard selection. Excellent yesterday. Kicked two, gave away three, hit the post twice. Quick, aggressive tackler and lovely left foot. What we need.

I have no idea what you're talking about Deemania . . . but I think you're probably right.

We had a great couple of hours, players friendly and happy for photo ops, etc.grandkids lapped it up. Said. Hello to all the new players caught up with a couple of family friends who are also die hards so good to see so many kids on the Dee’s colours. Couldn’t get near Max & Jack Viney lines to long. Go Dee’s...!!!!!!!

AVB could be as simple as sore arms from laying 16 tackles

P l e a s e . Play it at normal speed and the Brisbane player was watching the flight of the ball, did not see May standing directly in front of him and basically ran into May. Was May meant to tip toe out of the way? Remember he would have had a split second to decide to tip toe away and get branded a shirker or simply stand his ground. He did no more than brace himself for a collision caused by the lack of awareness of the Brisbane player. Had it been a road accident the Brisbane player would have copped a fine for taking his eyes off the traffic in front of him. It happened in front of umpires, commentators had no problem with it until it was replayed in slow motion. No free kick was awarded and only two Brisbane players made very belated attempts to tick May off. Like I say, p l e a s e, if you don't mind...

Just about choked on my morning coffee while in. A cafe this morning reading the Herald Scum. Sam Edmund has potted that Vandenberg tummy tap that was awarded a fifty as likely to land him in trouble. Neale should be fined for staging. These journos are beating up both incidents.

May won't be lucky if he gets off as it's not reportable. Melbourne like the fact that May plays on the edge and won't be encouraging him to change. If he cops a week here and there so be it. It was a trial match and clearly there are things that need to be improved. That's what you want from a trial match. I prefer a tough hit out like that game than the game Port had where North only had 20 odd tackles for the entire game. Naturally, the usual nuffies will vent and carry on. They know no other way.

Haven’t read all above posts so excuse me if mentioned before but I thought Steven May was fantastic in the last quarter and showed exactly why we chased him. I can’t wait to see him and Lever in the same backline. As an aside Neville Jetta is the best small defender in the comp...by a long way!

Best case scenario with injuries and suspensions. FB: Jetta May Hibberd HB: Lewis Frost Salem Centre: Brayshaw Oliver Jones HF: Petracca Weideman Fritsch FF: Melksham T. McDonald vandenBerg Foll: Gawn Viney Harmes Int: Hunt J. Smith Stretch Spargo Overall a pretty strong side on paper, but can’t afford any more injuries. The coaches will probably go with O. McDonald over Frost, I’d go with Frost because we are a slow team and need all the pace we can get. ANB will also probably play even though he shouldn’t. No crumbing forwards is a huge issue, Spargo on a bench even though yesterday he was awful we have no other options with Garlett injured.

Having spent the last couple of weeks in Hanoi I can relate to that !! Hope all the youngsters have a wonderful day

Very sorry to hear about this. My condolences.

No Harmes, AVB, JKH or Joel Smith in attendance Big bandage on Viney’s thigh

Tom sparrow will need time at Casey. Probably wont see him until 2nd half of the year.

Onyer, Vanders. Rock of Gibraltar wherever and whenever he plays.

And this surprises you?? ?

My concern is that we look slow - getting caught with the ball too often and have trouble breaking free to allow good ball movement

People need to stop hitting the panic button. Melbourne lost to the hawks by 70 in an official home and away match last season and our season turned out well. So a bit of perspective is needed. We beat a pretty strongly fielded Collingwood team in the praccy, then lost to probably the best team in the afl with half of our team out and yday we lost by a goal despite not playing too well. Joel Smith has shown great form. And the best part is that he is kicking straight. Must stay forward. Melksham, Viney, Jones are big losses and Hannans injury cant be understated. Hannan is a great player.

I was pleased to see the coaching staff tried something different with Hunt. Pace is something we lack and if he can nail a role in the front half he could cause some headaches for opposition defenders. Weeds is also not a complete waste as a second ruck, his ruck work isn't world beating but he is improving and looking like an option for us if we decide not to play gawn and preuss in the same side. Don't panic yet, our list is better than most lists in the comp.

It was JLT, a practice match. Basically a joint training session between two sides. We had stars missing, injuries during the game & the Bears had 3 extra players. They are a young side trying to impress in March. I'm happy for us to leave that for September. How many pre season games did Sydney win under Roos? One I believe. They were a handy side, right? Dees by 60+ round 1

Is it true that Brissy played 3 extra players than us? Commentators are talking about Brisbane blokes coming on for the 2nd half only. Example, Lewis Taylor, who was full of run. If that is the case and the fact we lost 2 blokes from the game before half time, probably tells you why they were full of running in the 3rd. Perspective and actually knowing what we out to achieve from this game is all important

It hurts looking at the ladder(s), Dogs should be relegated to Division B and they can play for promotion, while the top 4 in Division A play for the flag. Thoroughly deserved win by the ladies today. Gutsy!

ANB is absolute rubbish, it was him that caused the injury to Fritsch by shoving Daniel Rich towards his lower legs. I dont care about his stupid pressure acts he fumbles and goes to ground far too often. I would rather put time into Corey Wagner who is cleaner and adds a bit more zip. I am also perplexed what the coaches see in Oscar McDonald. Harry Petty played a better gane last week and he was left out of the side for some unkown reason. The quicker Petty develops the sooner that pushes Oscar out hopefully.

Having watched the replay after seeing the game live, a few of my casual observations:- — Hunt, while his disposal is still a concern, was best used as a forward. In fact he was the best of the small forwards we trialled today. He is ahead of spargo in that position at the moment in my view. - We were trialling players in numerous positions all day, while Brisbane played to their structure and their set up remained consistent - our kicking inside 50 is a concern still. We must lead at the ball and lower the eyes. Too many bombs to the ‘hot spot’, despite being outnumbered ahead of the ball. - ANB is a complete scrubber and shirks contests but loves cheap goals from inside 15metres - Oliver had the fumbles. He wasn’t on his Pat Malone. - Joel Smith offers plenty. Versatile and has a go. - Billy Stretch offers nothing at the moment. Extremely disappointing. - the new rules have actually hurt our game plan. We relied on guys coming off the back of the square to create contested ball. Our strength has been impeded by the new rules.

That escalated quickly.

Keilty got found out a bit today, did a couple of nice things but was otherwise quiet. In his defence the rotations were screwed up. It was supposed to be him and Max rotating between forward and ruck but that didn’t happen as well as it should have. As such he wasn’t able to get settled and found himself out of position a lot. Was pretty awesome seeing him line up on Hodge though.

Anb can not play round 1 Joel Smith has to play round 1

no limb?!?? that's even worse than a sore groin!!

Going by the second photo: Clockwise from Brian Dixon (checkered shirt), Noel McMahon, Clyde Laidlaw, Ian Thorogood, John Lord, Frank Davis, [censored] Fenton-Smith, Ron Barrassi, John Beckwith and Hassa Mann. Can the mods uncensor Fenton-Smiths first name?