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Not much love for Tom Fullarton, 21 touches, 4 marks, 7 hit outs and kicked 2.4 racked up 102 dream points and named in Casey’s Best but hasn’t garnered a mention? Will Verral is starting to show the class of football that his former coaches said that he was capable of, he is an exciting prospect for the future. As it stands we need Tom and Will to both keep improving and hopefully force their way into the side or be ready when needed. Sounds like Disco came back with a bang, Ollie stepped up along with Bill, Pup and Lachie Hunter. A great win considering we were 26 points down at one stage.

This seems to be the development stage he is in currently: gaining enough fitness to be able to put those KMs in as a key forward. Until now he has played deep forward because he doesn't have the aerobic capacity to get all the way up the ground etc. I'm not sure it's a lack of effort/desire issue. From what I've seen Jefferson seems to have good attributes for a key forward: marking, kicking, and a knack for finding himself in goal scoring positions. I don't think anyone would be arguing he doesn't have a very high ceilings if he can realise his potential. We knew that he was a development project when we drafted him. Which is why I think a bit of patience around physical development, both strength and aerobic capacity, is probably required before any true assessment can be made regarding his likelihood of making it. He is in his second year (realistically has completed one full preseason), and is contracted until the end of 2026, meaning he has another 2 preseasons of development before his contract runs out.

Yes, Ollie Sestan was excellent and played a great second half. Sestan played in the centre at the start of the last quarter and played very well. I want Sestan to remain playing in the centre. That last quarter was great to watch. Hunter lifted in the second half as well. Daniel Turner went to the forward line at the start of the third quarter and took some great marks. Disco played well considering he was coming back from injury. But Will Verrall played his best game for the year and has a very bright AFL career.

He wasn’t the only key forward for Melbourne who didn’t turn up this week. And probably contributed more to goals than others we had. I get the frustration that he’s not involved more and that he has a timid nature off the field. I also get the frustration from people who have seen his good games and go “far out, the ceiling is so high on this kid”. We have 44 spots on the list and his ceiling is as high as any of them. What does it matter that we are giving him a base wage, getting him up to speed with the game, and see what he can do. For those “draft bust” people, we did all we could in that draft to move up. Maybe you are Josh Weddle fans, but there is no one picked after Jeffo that screams we made a mistake. Even with revisionist history. Let’s enjoy the ride and see where we are in 2026. Till then, we should have enough key forwards that are meant to be in that spot.

He is a category B rookie, meaning he had not played Australian Rules football for at least 3 years before being signed. I think he only played until he was about 12 before following the bball pathway due to his height. This is now his second year on an AFL list, similar to Jefferson he's had one true preseason. So what are we trying to achieve? We are rolling the dice on a 206 cm athletic prospect to see if he can pick up AFL football as he develops his body. We know tall players take longer. At 206 cm it's fair to expect him to take a while if at all. Basically,given the rarity of height, it's a free hit to see if something comes of it. And if it doesn't we let him go. On current situation, it doesn't seem like he is coming on or that the footy department have much faith in him. If that's correct then he'll be gone year end.

Expect to see Maynard show up then.

Getting back to yesterday's results, I see that Carlton fans were visibly rocked by that close loss.

If it was still Hardwick and not Ooze this would be more enjoyable

I get your point mate...but nothing ventured nothing gained. We've tried with him and Bradke before and so far haven't had a win. Personally I would have put more eggs into the Irish experiment where we were once leaders and came up with some real gems.

So am I to keep my opinion to myself? Or, share my opinions? Jefferson is on the end of some disrespectful comments and bullying IMO

Same here. I don’t watch any of the footy programs either. It frees up a ton of time for other things, such as sulking.

ICEBREAKER by KC from Casey The Casey Demons have broken the ice for season 2024 with a pulsating come-from-behind victory over Port Melbourne in which it took the lead for the first time at the halfway mark of the final quarter. The game played in mild Autumn conditions in neutral territory at Kinetic Park, Frankston, never reached great heights in standard but it proved gripping in character at the end at the Casey Demons overcame the Borough to win by 15 points after trailing badly early in the second half. Port scored the opening two goals and maintained the ascendency throughout the opening term despite a late goal to Casey’s Ollie Sestan. The second term was a seesaw battle in which Port Melbourne managed to hold sway through the brilliance of ex-Bulldog Billy Gowers who had five goals till half time. His former teammate Josh Schache chimed in with a couple of goals of his own. Another late-term goal to the Demons saw them draw to within 15 points at the main break. Port Melbourne dominated proceedings in the early part of the second half kicking 4.1 to a single point to the 13 minute mark, skipping away to a 26 point lead. Their two man ruck was getting on top of Casey’s Will Verrall who was playing a lone hand in the ruck. Bailey Laurie was manfully holding the depleted midfield together seemingly on a thread, when the game took a turn for the better. Another former Dog in Lachie Hunter who had been held to five touches in the opening half, came alive and began to dictate the play. Daniel Turner, in his return match after injury, was moved forward and suddenly, the team clicked into action. Casey kicked eight of the last nine goals of the match, including six to one in the final quarter and notched up its first victory for the season. There were some good signs from a Melbourne perspective. The roles of Hunter and Laurie were instrumental in the fightback, Verrall is starting to really blossom as a ruckman and Kynan Brown and Ollie Sestan are rapidly developing their craft. Turner played a significant role when he went forward and Andy Moniz-Wakefield continues to make progress in his role in defence. Of the VFL-listed players Paddy Cross put in his best yet performance for the club. The icebreaking victory has provided a fillip for the club after two defeats at home to open the season. Unfortunately, the opportunity to build momentum from the win has been stifled by next weekend’s bye. CASEY DEMONS 2.4.16 5.8.38 7.11.53 13.12.90 PORT MELBOURNE 4.2.26 6.4.40 10.7.67 11.9.75 GOALS CASEY DEMONS K Brown Sestan Schache 3 Fullarton 2 Turner K Windsor PORT MELBOURNE Gowers 5 Conlan 2 Barnes Curry Miller Signorello BEST CASEY DEMONS Laurie Schache Hunter Sestan Fullarton K Brown PORT MELBOURNE Gowers Green Hird Hooper Flockart Rankin Statistics Jed Adams 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 38 dream team points Kynan Brown 3 goals 7 kicks 8 handballs 15 disposals 3 marks 8 tackles 96 dream team points Leo Connolly 7 kicks 4 handballs 11 disposals 2 marks 35 dream team points. Paddy Cross 1 behind 16 kicks 3 handballs 19 disposals 8 marks 2 tackles 89 dream team points Tyler Edwards 1 behind 5 kicks 1 handball 6 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 1 hitout 48 dream team points. Kyah Farris-White 1 behind 1 kicks 1 disposal 1 mark 7 dream team points Tom Freeman 7 kicks 7 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 39 dream team points Tom Fullarton 2 goals 4 behinds 14 kicks 7 handballs 21 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 7 hitouts 101 dream team points. Lachie Hunter 16 kicks 6 handballs 22 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 87 dream team points Matt Jefferson 2 kicks 2 handballs 4 disposals marks 1 tackle 16 dream team points Brayden Laplanche 7 kicks 2 handballs 9 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 47 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 behind 11 kicks 13 handballs 24 disposals 1 mark 17 tackles 122 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 12 kicks 4 handballs 16 disposals 7 marks 6 tackles 81 dream team points Ned Moodie 6 kicks 7 handballs 13 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 53 dream team points Josh Schache 3 goals 1 behind 9 kicks 6 handballs 15 disposals 7 marks 2 tackles 84 dream team points Ollie Sestan 3 goals 12 kicks 8 handballs 20 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 78 dream team points Ryan Steele 6 kicks 7 handballs 13 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 49 dream team points Mitch Szybkowski 7 kicks 4 handballs 11 disposals 2 marks 5 tackles 56 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 15 kicks 1 handballs 16 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 57 dream team points
 Daniel Turner 1 goal 11 kicks 3 handballs 14 disposals 9 marks 3 tackles 82 dream team points Will Verrall 1 behind 17 kicks 4 handballs 21 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 31 hitouts 115 dream team points Mitch White 1 behind 7 kicks 4 handballs 11 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 52 dream team points Kai Windsor 1 goal 5 kicks 1 handballs 6 disposals 2 tackles 29 dream team points

I hope Disco Turner will play get an opportunity to play in the forward line in the AFL. Honestly, Disco was presenting strongly and crashing the packs. He looked a natural playing in the forward line and got a goal as well. I'm still trying to get my head around Andy Moniz-Wakefield playing in the backline. But he played well, just needs to work on his disposal efficiency.

Petty’s played 2.5 very decent CHF games. Then one stinker against great opposition. Was ok but not great in his half a game down back. Got beat deep a couple of times. (One on one defending was always his weakness though, just like Lever, better when in position to intercept.) Honestly I think he just needs the freshen up from the bye and will come out and be very good. And he needs some sports psychology against Brisbane because he’s been awful the last 2 times he’s played them and clearly they are in his head. Needs to find a way to get through that.

I have no idea why considering we were the very first clubs ever in the AFL to pioneer the Irish experiment, we are realistically the only club now not willing to explore this as an option.

After missing half a year injured Verrall was very quickly playing solid VFL footy last year. Finding the ball and halving ruck contests despite low game time and clearly underdone fitness. Not sure which 3 games you saw but he showed more than enough for a first year rookie ruck. Hunter exceptional? Probably just a pass mark in the second half for a player of his pedigree. Still huge concerns about his kicking and his ability to win the ball in congestion.

He's a beautiful set shot but is lacking confidence this season, you can see it in his approach. I just think he is lacking confidence in his body at the moment. Get that right and he will be good to go, forward or back...

Isn't that a Bull Terrior, not a Pit Bull? Totally different dogs.

Wandered down today to sunny Franga, quickly inserting myself into the quarter time huddle and congratulating the Kolt on playing his first game. Max, JVR were there also. Very small crowd and found myself standing next to Alan Richardson, McWalter? and Goody. What I can say is that, through a little subtle eaves dropping, (I.e. reading a newspaper with two eye holes for visibility) the following definitely impressed Goody and Richo: Sestan Lachie Hunter - particularly second half. Verall Choco Williams is a great clubman. Gets around players. A master of instilling belief.

It was pick 13 + Mcadam. 13 pushed out to pick 19 on the night. Was not some monster offer that seems to be insinuated. Petty has already proven himself to be a fantastic backman, if he’s not a forward that’s where he will play for us for the rest of his career and he’ll be a brilliant Steven May replacement.

Gotta feel sorry for Richmond. Said nobody ever.

I’m loving Jayden Hunt is getting a win tonight. Poor guy has had too many loses in his career

...and, I like the idea of trialing Disco forward. We nearly pulled the trigger on that move in finals last year when the cupboard was bare. Now is the time to build our options.

North wearing black armbands in memory of the mum who died yesterday in the Bondi stabbing attack, Ashlee Good, who was the daughter of former North player, Kerry Good. Tragic.

He's hit a rough patch for sure, but this is his strong suit usually. Think our expectations are high considering what he achieved last year in his second season where he was clunking nearly everything. I'm confident it will turn back that way. He just needs confidence and better service from our mids.

1. Petty has shown he is an A grade key defender. No doubt. Alongside May and Lever, he was a key part of our 2021 Premiership winning tall defence. 2. Petty played his junior footy as a key defender. That is his place. Where he can use his judgement, height and strength. 3. May won’t play forever. He has 2-3 years left at best. Petty is only 24, with 10 years of footy ahead. I’d like to see him re-establish as a key defender. 4. The forward swap should be seen as a make shift option. I know Petty can mark but he is not a natural forward. His kicking is ok but sometimes lacks the real confidence of a key forward. I think he’s being “tried” due to deficiencies of alternatives like Schache. 5. We can’t judge Petty based on Thursday night. Heavens. I’d trade out 12 players if Thursday night was as the normal standard they were capable of. Petty will be better than that match.

I’m not worried about Petty’s form. He’s barely had a preseason, didn’t play for large chunks of last season and will take awhile to find his feet. I also don’t think you can have a forward line of Brown, JVR, Petty and Fritsch. That’s basically pulling the band on the slingshot for the opposition. For mine once Petty finds form we send BBB to a paddock, hopefully McAdam can string 15 games together and our forward half will then become quite dynamic and unpredictable. Fritsch JVR Pickett ANB Petty McAdam interchange Chandler The way we’re headed it’s going to take a Herculean second half of the season.

I don't get to watch Casey much so I rely heavily on Demonland to help me with our VFL performances. It's hard, therefore, when I come on here after what I assume was a gritty win and the thread is substantially posters taking pot-shots at Jefferson. Just on a rudimentary reading of the stats, I'd have hoped to see healthy discussion about what Disco offers as a forward, whether Laurie showed enough to suggest he might add to our AFL midfield mix, and whether Schache did anything different in taking 7 marks and kicking 3.1.

I find this sort of reaction to our losses funny. Each time it's "we've been worked out", "this is the blueprint". Most of the time the result was brought about by something different anyway. We haven't been beaten this badly in the middle in 5+ years. At any rate, the idea that smashing us in the middle puts you in a good place to beat us is hardly earth-shattering, is it? It's almost akin to saying "the blueprint to beating Melbourne is to play really well".

I’ve owned Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Tibetan Terriers. All loving, all very well behaved - because I trained them. The most lethal? The Frenchies. The farts. Unbelievable.

Keep the faith, folks. Lisfranc injuries can be career ending. You don't come back at your best after a month. He needs patience.

It took Gawn 4 or 5 years make it consistently at AFL level. Tom Hawkins similar. Point is with younger players its more about the future than now or last year. A few thought Gawn was mediocre at best. You just have to trust the club and its processes. The players will get all they need from the club to eventually make the grade . If they don't the club will let them go.

After one win - The Eagles fans are already giving me the [censored] that was quick!

Yeah he needs to be playing full games at a suitable local level. That's how you develop. He's long odds to make it but at least he'd be a chance if he could play at the right level, get 40+ ruck contests a game and a bunch of marking contests too. Right now it's like he's trying to learn a language and getting 1 word a week.

Absolutely. Strength development for some people takes until mid/late 20s. I'm sure we've all known some pretty weedy 20 something's who go to the gym regularly but just don't seem to put on mass. I don't think he is going to be a bullocking strength based KPF in the early part of his career at least. I personally think the aerobic capacity allowing him to run up the wing and then double back deep etc. it means His numbers haven't been that bad either. He's kicked 25.20 in 20 games (including a couple down back I think). In 8 of those games he has registered 3 or more scoring shots.

fingers crossed he shows something after another pre season in the gym

I said in the pre season will verral was a spud and showed me nothing in the 3 games i saw live, even the first game this year i was so disappointed. But yesterday he was fantastic and the week be fore he was building into this game. I am hoping he can take this confidence and run with it. Disco and Sestan were fantastic, Hunters 2nd half was exceptional.

Don't know whether it was televised or not SNS. At the ground because I wanted to watch Jefferson specifically. My observations re his performance: Was certainly not helped by very slow ball movement into the 50 and mis-directed kicks. It was brought up pre game that our midfield was weakened and that played out in terms of delivery. Could have, as someone has just suggested, got on his bike a little more. However, he did this a couple of times and leads/positioning wasn't honoured. There was only one contested mark opportunity where I thought he could have been more full chested. Hoping he was near ready but not yet. Feel like, initially, he'd be suited to a bigger ground.

Tracca, the kid hasn’t fully developed physically or emotionally. Scientific fact. I am not saying baby Jeffo, but at least be respectful. It’s not hard really!

I happy for you to live in your truth RiF, but your projection of this truth is way too much. Leave the kid alone and keep your opinion to yourself. Or, at least tone it down 10 notches

I feel like calling him a dog is incredibly offensive to dogs, who are after all, the most wonderful creatures on earth.

I think a real factor in the decision to trade or not was "Petty's importance to our premiership tilt in 2024 and a lesser extent 2035". Even if the deal was a good one on an assets basis, we didn't have a replacement tall forward lined up for this year and had (have) questions over BBB and TMac. Draft picks last year were nice but that trade would need to have been serious overs to take that hit to our 2024 list. Edit: especially with question marks over Brayshaw and Oliver at that time as well.

Further to my post re Nathan Murphy’s forced retirement, Shaun told me in January that Nathan’s contract had been extended by three years. It means we may have the Pies in our corner when it comes to negotiating with the AFL re ‘compensation’ as regards the salary cap.

Petty is clearly trying to make up for an interrupted pre season, which isn't helping his form. As he gets more match fitness across the year, providing he doesn't get injured again, I expect him to start owning the forward 50.

Agree 100 % He is still learning. The club signed him on a contract extention, he will be alright, just had an off day yesterday by the sound of it! Give him some time!

Don’t let’s be rude to dogs by comparing them to Maynard. I quite like the sobriquet “skunkhead”. Do other Demonlanders think it’s not inappropriate? Or is it offensive to skunks?

That's incorrect. The MCG belongs to the Victorian Government through the MCG Trust. It is managed through an agreement with the MCC

There are no bad dogs, only bad owners And there are plenty of trash humans who are just that, trash. Just look at the news from today as further proof.

Yes. I keep hearing he is a wonderful mark of the football. Except today he didn't take any. But on a positive note, his 4 disposals is 3 more than he had in the last final Casey played in. I don't think I have ever seen a player with less presence, at any level. Someone has to take this kid aside and tell him the facts of life.

Wait, which one is it?