Demonland

At this time of the year, when the battle for the finals heats up, every game involving one or two of the contenders can be dramatic. By the time, Melbourne's turn comes to defend its current top eight placing, all five matches played either on Friday night or at some time on Saturday will have had an influence on the prospects of the teams playing for a finals finish or a top four spot (although admittedly, the Hawks' late bid may well be over before their game starts). The fact that we will have better knowledge of how the club is placed in its quest for its first finals appearance since 2006 will not however, have an effect on what it has to do against the the 18th-placed Lions. Success is never served on a platter given away by others. The challenge for Melbourne is to win this game and then the next. If it does that, it won't have to depend on others to make the finals which is what it's all about - the capacity to be responsible for one's own future. The challenge of winning this particular game also requires the team to step up in a crunch game where it starts as the favourite against a much lower ranked side. On four occasions (against Fremantle, Hawthorn and North Melbourne twice), the Demons have turned up expecting the four points to be served up on that platter only to stumble and fall by narrow margins. There is not much use in crying over spilt milk but a simple glance at the ladder will tell you that had they won half of those close games, they would have been in top four contention instead of fighting with three or four others for a place in the eight. The Brisbane Lions have hit some form recently so they can't be taken lightly. Melbourne has much more at stake and simply cannot afford to lapse in this game. If it does so this time, then a large number of its fans, including yours truly, will be cheesed off. And on that note, I hope that the players are not distracted by the fare of cheese, avocado, prosciutto which one Melbourne supporter feasted on last week at the Saints game. THE GAME Melbourne v Brisbane at MCG Sunday 19 August, 2017 at 1.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 23 wins, Brisbane 20 wins At MCG: Melbourne 13 wins, Brisbane 3 wins Last Five Meetings: Melbourne 2 wins, Brisbane 3 wins The Coaches: Goodwin 0 wins, Fagan 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel live at 1.00pm Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $1.17 to win, Brisbane $5.25 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 19.17.131 defeated Brisbane 9.14.68 at the MCG, Round 9, 2016 The Demons don't often win games by more than 10 goals but they did just that the last time the two teams met 15 months ago. Jesse Hogan booted five goals, James Harmes four and Tomas Bugg finished with 31 touches. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jordan Lewis, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Clayton Oliver HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jesse Hogan, Christian Petracca F: Jeff Garlett, Cam Pedersen, James Harmes FOLL: Max Gawn, Bernie Vince, Jake Melksham I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Mitch Hannan, Billy Stretch, Josh Wagner EMG: Ben Kennedy, Corey Maynard, Sam Weideman IN: Jesse Hogan, Billy Stretch OUT: Jack Viney (foot) Sam Weideman (omitted) BRISBANE LIONS B: Daniel McStay, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich HB: Darcy Gardiner, Josh Walker, Sam Mayes C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Ryan Bastinac HF: Lewis Taylor, Michael Close, Claye Beams F: Ryan Lester, Eric Hipwood, Jake Barrett FOLL: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams I/C: Jacob Allison, Rhys Mathieson, Nick Robertson, Alex Witherden EMG: Tom Cutler, Ben Keays, Sam Skinner IN: Alex Witherden OUT: Cedric Cox (omitted) Brisbane has a poor record against Melbourne at the MCG having won there only three times (although that figure might have looked better had the Demons not sold home games to play at the Gabba in the Lions' halcyon days). Their last win at the G was by 41 points in Round 1, 2012 which was Mark Neeld's first game as coach. Things are far different for both sides these days but a loss to the Demons on Sunday would be far more devastating than the one from 5½ years ago that marked the beginning of the former coach and his team's long ride on the "reality bus". A loss at home to the last placed team in the competition would signal that Melbourne simply does not merit a berth in the finals. Fortunately, the team does have the experienced heads who can lead it through the pressure of a must win game starting with co-skipper Nathan Jones who has dedicated his football lifetime to be in reach of the September action he last saw when his career was in its infancy. With him is Jordan Lewis who has seen it all in his time as a four-time premiership player and is now on the brink of yet another finals campaign. The Demons have won most of their games when these two have been in the team together and the leadership of the club's wise old heads will be critical over the weeks to come. And with them is a young team with a lot of talent that plays a high possession game, wins the contested ball and has an All Australian ruckman who is smart enough to learn and adapt his technique after the issues he had with the umpires in the game against the Saints. The Lions have improved greatly in the second half of the season and had a great win last week against a club in crisis after the sacking of their coach. This week they face a club with a mission and the boot will be on the other foot. Melbourne by 45 points.

ON A PLATTER by The Oracle At this time of the year, when the battle for the finals heats up, every game involving one or two of the contenders can be dramatic. By the time, Melbourne's turn comes to defend its current top eight placing, all five matches played either on Friday night or at some time on Saturday will have had an influence on the prospects of the teams playing for a finals finish or a top four spot (although admittedly, the Hawks' late bid may well be over before their game starts). The fact that we will have better knowledge of how the club is placed in its quest for its first finals appearance since 2006 will not however, have an effect on what it has to do against the the 18th-placed Lions. Success is never served on a platter given away by others. The challenge for Melbourne is to win this game and then the next. If it does that, it won't have to depend on others to make the finals which is what it's all about - the capacity to be responsible for one's own future. The challenge of winning this particular game also requires the team to step up in a crunch game where it starts as the favourite against a much lower ranked side. On four occasions (against Fremantle, Hawthorn and North Melbourne twice), the Demons have turned up expecting the four points to be served up on that platter only to stumble and fall by narrow margins. There is not much use in crying over spilt milk but a simple glance at the ladder will tell you that had they won half of those close games, they would have been in top four contention instead of fighting with three or four others for a place in the eight. The Brisbane Lions have hit some form recently so they can't be taken lightly. Melbourne has much more at stake and simply cannot afford to lapse in this game. If it does so this time, then a large number of its fans, including yours truly, will be cheesed off. And on that note, I hope that the players are not distracted by the fare of cheese, avocado, prosciutto which one Melbourne supporter feasted on last week at the Saints game. THE GAME Melbourne v Brisbane at MCG Sunday 19 August, 2017 at 1.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 23 wins, Brisbane 20 wins At MCG: Melbourne 13 wins, Brisbane 3 wins Last Five Meetings: Melbourne 2 wins, Brisbane 3 wins The Coaches: Goodwin 0 wins, Fagan 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel live at 1.00pm Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $1.17 to win, Brisbane $5.25 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 19.17.131 defeated Brisbane 9.14.68 at the MCG, Round 9, 2016 The Demons don't often win games by more than 10 goals but they did just that the last time the two teams met 15 months ago. Jesse Hogan booted five goals, James Harmes four and Tomas Bugg finished with 31 touches. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jordan Lewis, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Clayton Oliver HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jesse Hogan, Christian Petracca F: Jeff Garlett, Cam Pedersen, James Harmes FOLL: Max Gawn, Bernie Vince, Jake Melksham I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Mitch Hannan, Billy Stretch, Josh Wagner EMG: Ben Kennedy, Corey Maynard, Sam Weideman IN: Jesse Hogan, Billy Stretch OUT: Jack Viney (foot) Sam Weideman (omitted) BRISBANE LIONS B: Daniel McStay, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich HB: Darcy Gardiner, Josh Walker, Sam Mayes C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Ryan Bastinac HF: Lewis Taylor, Michael Close, Claye Beams F: Ryan Lester, Eric Hipwood, Jake Barrett FOLL: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Beams I/C: Jacob Allison, Rhys Mathieson, Nick Robertson, Alex Witherden EMG: Tom Cutler, Ben Keays, Sam Skinner IN: Alex Witherden OUT: Cedric Cox (omitted) Brisbane has a poor record against Melbourne at the MCG having won there only three times (although that figure might have looked better had the Demons not sold home games to play at the Gabba in the Lions' halcyon days). Their last win at the G was by 41 points in Round 1, 2012 which was Mark Neeld's first game as coach. Things are far different for both sides these days but a loss to the Demons on Sunday would be far more devastating than the one from 5½ years ago that marked the beginning of the former coach and his team's long ride on the "reality bus". A loss at home to the last placed team in the competition would signal that Melbourne simply does not merit a berth in the finals. Fortunately, the team does have the experienced heads who can lead it through the pressure of a must win game starting with co-skipper Nathan Jones who has dedicated his football lifetime to be in reach of the September action he last saw when his career was in its infancy. With him is Jordan Lewis who has seen it all in his time as a four-time premiership player and is now on the brink of yet another finals campaign. The Demons have won most of their games when these two have been in the team together and the leadership of the club's wise old heads will be critical over the weeks to come. And with them is a young team with a lot of talent that plays a high possession game, wins the contested ball and has an All Australian ruckman who is smart enough to learn and adapt his technique after the issues he had with the umpires in the game against the Saints. The Lions have improved greatly in the second half of the season and had a great win last week against a club in crisis after the sacking of their coach. This week they face a club with a mission and the boot will be on the other foot. Melbourne by 45 points.

The general Demon community. She's not an employee of this website.

Tommy Bugg is back in the mix this week so we have a new Demonland Poll. Are you ready for Tommy Bugg's return? Does he come straight back into the team or earn his keep at Casey?

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/jesse-hogan-set-to-boost-demons-finals-push/news-story/5df59ca277b3f09a0881289470e4abf7

Viney was on crutches after the Port game too. I assume he has been on them after every game since. I think this is just part of managing him through the injury he had and not putting pressure on it post game.

The Next Demonland Podcast will be LIVE Wednesday 16/8 @ 8:30pm featuring 2010 All-Australian Ruckman Mark Jamar

It's all Clarrie - 175. Clayton Oliver117. Michael Hibberd 108. Nathan Jones86. Tom McDonald74. Neville Jetta71. Jack Viney65. Jack Watts60. Jayden Hunt59. Jordan Lewis 54. Christian Petracca 51. Jeff Garlett 44. Max Gawn41. Cam Pedersen30. Dom Tyson29. Oscar McDonald 27. Sam Frost26. Christian Salem25. Bernie Vince18. Mitch Hannan Jake Melksham 17. James Harmes 13. Alex Neal-Bullen10. Jesse Hogan 6. Angus Brayshaw Billy Stretch5. Dean Kent4. Jay Kennedy-Harris Corey Maynard Josh Wagner

It was 15 months ago and a dreadful game and, despite their lowly position on the ladder, the Lions are not to be taken lightly MELBOURNE B: Billy Stretch, Tom McDonald, Tomas Bugg HB: Josh Wagner, Colin Garland, Bernie Vince C: Clayton Oliver, Dom Tyson, Viv Michie HF: Dean Kent, Jack Watts, Jeff Garlett F: Christian Petracca, Jesse Hogan, Ben Kennedy FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Alex Neal-Bullen, Oscar McDonald EMG: Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes IN: Dean Kent, Alex Neal-Bullen, Ben Newton, Oscar McDonald OUT: Neville Jetta (suspension), Cam Pedersen (illness), Christian Salem (omitted), Dom Tyson (illness) BRISBANE LIONS B: Ryan Harwood, Daniel Merrett, Jackson Paine HB: Daniel Rich, Daniel McStay, Sam Mayes C: Ryan Lester, Allen Christensen, Tom Bell HF: Pearce Hanley, Lewis Taylor, Nick Robertson F: Trent West, Josh Schache, Ryan Bastinac FOLL: Stefan Martin, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson I/C: Billy Evans, Jonathan Freeman, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson EMG: Josh Clayton, Eric Hipwood, Jarrad Jansen IN: Billy Evans, Jonathan Freeman, Daniel McStay, Rhys Mathieson, Jackson Paine, Nick Robertson, Trent West OUT: Clay Beams (groin), Dayne Beams (knee), Rohan Bewick (groin), Darcy Gardiner (finger), Josh Green (omitted), Marco Paparone (omitted), Josh Walker (omitted) NEW: Rhys Mathieson (Geelong U18

SOMETHING IN THE AIR by George on the Outer Walking away from the MCG after a good win against a challenging St Kilda, there was a smell that Melbourne supporters have not experienced for over ten years. It is the smell of September; that smell of spring in the air as the days get longer and the promise of something better to come. But in recognition of the evenness of the competition there were so many times that the Demons needed to dig deep, and none more so than in the final quarter when the Saints had whittled away at an over seven goal lead, to get within four points. In the past, a Melbourne side would have folded. In the past a Melbourne side would not have won a game like this. In the past the Melbourne sides haven’t experienced that smell of September. And in that critical last quarter when it was all on the line, a few standout performances were in evidence. Jordan Lewis and a St. Kilda player had the free bouncing ball to go for in the St. Kilda forward line. No quarter asked and none given as Lewis never flinched and he caused the opportunity for the Saints to be killed. Mitch Hannan, outnumbered by the Saints defenders took two telling marks and then converted truly to put a dagger through the St. Kilda fans hearts and their finals hopes. Jake Melksham never looked for the easy option or any option as he saw the chance to put the game away beyond any doubt and nailed yet another long distance goal to see the Demons run out winners by 24 points. It was all so close, and could have just as easily gone the other way, but the older wiser heads prevailed, which justified the recruitment of Melksham, Lewis and Hannan to add that very valuable experience when it was all on the line. The Demons came right out of the blocks and in the first quarter played exactly as the coach wanted them to. Hard, aggressive and relentless they overwhelmed the Saints to lead by five goals at the first change, with James Harmes picking up three majors alone. It was helped by the Saints playing some appalling football and turning the ball over consistently, and by Jack Steven suffering a hit to the head early which saw him only touching the ball eight times in the first half, including a solitary kick. His return to form after the main break was one of the reasons for the Saints revival, along with a series of inexplicable decisions from the umpires especially Stephens who needs to work out how far 15 metres is and how a player's head sits on his shoulders. It was good to see the return of Angus Brayshaw, who after a long period of recovery from concussion injuries and an equally long time to get his confidence back to play AFL level football, and that he could rack up 26 disposals including 11 contested possessions in his first game back. It will be nice in the coming weeks to have a player of his quality in the side. Unfortunately, Max Gawn had a shocker of a day and was soundly beaten by Billy Longer both in the ruck and around the ground. Cam Pedersen in contrast was superb as fill in ruck, and in that last quarter when Max was forced from the ground with blood rule, Pedersen ensured the next two clearances went Melbourne’s way. Then he chipped in with two goals when he ventured forward. Leading into the finals he should have cemented that role in the side, because we have seen how no-one else seems to be able to do the job so well, as his 26 touches today showed. And with Pedersen holding down that role, it released Tom McDonald back to the defence, and he stood up strongly with brother Oscar just getting better and better as the season has worn on. The fact that the Saints two main forward targets in Bruce and Membrey could only score three goals between them was a good outcome for the day. In the past this pair have ripped us apart, so hopefully the injury to Oscar’s ribs that happened late in the game will not see him out of action for too long. The smell of September beckons with this win, but it cannot be squandered now by thinking Brisbane and Collingwood in coming weeks are certainties. Brisbane demolished Gold Coast in the second half of their game, after an even contest to half time. Collingwood would only relish the opportunity to deny the Demons a finals appearance if given the chance. The coach has sought to instil that winning character into the young side. The opportunities for finals action don’t come all that often. It is now that we need to flare the nostrils and drink in the sweet smell of what is on offer. P.S What a great initiative by the club to develop the Welcome Game. A crowd of 53K may not have improved the financial position all that much, as loads of free tickets were given away, but it gave the club the opportunity to showcase themselves, and with the extra numbers be able to impress sponsors and the AFL alike. How many times can we marvel at what Peter Jackson has done to turn the fortunes of this club around? Melbourne 6.3.39 9.6.60 10.9.69 14.12 96 St Kilda 1.1.7 4.4.28 8.11.59 10.12.72 Goals Melbourne Harmes 3 Hannan Melksham Pedersen 2 Garlett Gawn Neal-Bullen Tyson Viney St Kilda Dunstan Membrey Sinclair 2 Billings Bruce Webster Weller Best Melbourne Jones Pedersen Oliver Harmes Brayshaw Lewis St Kilda Steven Dunstan Billings Ross Steele Longer Carlisle Geary Changes Melbourne Nil St Kilda Nil Injuries Melbourne O McDonald (ribs) St Kilda Stevens (concussion/ear) Billings (left eye) Reports Melbourne Nil St Kilda Nil Umpires Stephen Chamberlain Ryan Official crowd 53,115 at the MCG

Walking away from the MCG after a good win against a challenging St Kilda, there was a smell that Melbourne supporters have not experienced for over ten years. It is the smell of September; that smell of spring in the air as the days get longer and the promise of something better to come. But in recognition of the evenness of the competition there were so many times that the Demons needed to dig deep, and none more so than in the final quarter when the Saints had whittled away at an over seven goal lead, to get within four points. In the past, a Melbourne side would have folded. In the past a Melbourne side would not have won a game like this. In the past the Melbourne sides haven’t experienced that smell of September. And in that critical last quarter when it was all on the line, a few standout performances were in evidence. Jordan Lewis and a St. Kilda player had the free bouncing ball to go for in the St. Kilda forward line. No quarter asked and none given as Lewis never flinched and he caused the opportunity for the Saints to be killed. Mitch Hannan, outnumbered by the Saints defenders took two telling marks and then converted truly to put a dagger through the St. Kilda fans hearts and their finals hopes. Jake Melksham never looked for the easy option or any option as he saw the chance to put the game away beyond any doubt and nailed yet another long distance goal to see the Demons run out winners by 24 points. It was all so close, and could have just as easily gone the other way, but the older wiser heads prevailed, which justified the recruitment of Melksham, Lewis and Hannan to add that very valuable experience when it was all on the line. The Demons came right out of the blocks and in the first quarter played exactly as the coach wanted them to. Hard, aggressive and relentless they overwhelmed the Saints to lead by five goals at the first change, with James Harmes picking up three majors alone. It was helped by the Saints playing some appalling football and turning the ball over consistently, and by Jack Steven suffering a hit to the head early which saw him only touching the ball eight times in the first half, including a solitary kick. His return to form after the main break was one of the reasons for the Saints revival, along with a series of inexplicable decisions from the umpires especially Stephens who needs to work out how far 15 metres is and how a player's head sits on his shoulders. It was good to see the return of Angus Brayshaw, who after a long period of recovery from concussion injuries and an equally long time to get his confidence back to play AFL level football, and that he could rack up 26 disposals including 11 contested possessions in his first game back. It will be nice in the coming weeks to have a player of his quality in the side. Unfortunately, Max Gawn had a shocker of a day and was soundly beaten by Billy Longer both in the ruck and around the ground. Cam Pedersen in contrast was superb as fill in ruck, and in that last quarter when Max was forced from the ground with blood rule, Pedersen ensured the next two clearances went Melbourne’s way. Then he chipped in with two goals when he ventured forward. Leading into the finals he should have cemented that role in the side, because we have seen how no-one else seems to be able to do the job so well, as his 26 touches today showed. And with Pedersen holding down that role, it released Tom McDonald back to the defence, and he stood up strongly with brother Oscar just getting better and better as the season has worn on. The fact that the Saints two main forward targets in Bruce and Membrey could only score three goals between them was a good outcome for the day. In the past this pair have ripped us apart, so hopefully the injury to Oscar’s ribs that happened late in the game will not see him out of action for too long. The smell of September beckons with this win, but it cannot be squandered now by thinking Brisbane and Collingwood in coming weeks are certainties. Brisbane demolished Gold Coast in the second half of their game, after an even contest to half time. Collingwood would only relish the opportunity to deny the Demons a finals appearance if given the chance. The coach has sought to instil that winning character into the young side. The opportunities for finals action don’t come all that often. It is now that we need to flare the nostrils and drink in the sweet smell of what is on offer. P.S What a great initiative by the club to develop the Welcome Game. A crowd of 53K may not have improved the financial position all that much, as loads of free tickets were given away, but it gave the club the opportunity to showcase themselves, and with the extra numbers be able to impress sponsors and the AFL alike. How many times can we marvel at what Peter Jackson has done to turn the fortunes of this club around? Melbourne 6.3.39 9.6.60 10.9.69 14.12 96 St Kilda 1.1.7 4.4.28 8.11.59 10.12 72 Goals Melbourne Harmes 3 Hannan Melksham Pedersen 2 Garlett Gawn Neal-Bullen Tyson Viney St Kilda Dunstan Membrey Sinclair 2 Billings Bruce Webster Weller Best Melbourne Jones Pedersen Oliver Harmes Brayshaw Lewis St Kilda Steven Dunstan Billings Ross Steele Longer Carlisle Geary Changes Melbourne Nil St Kilda Nil Injuries Melbourne O McDonald (ribs) St Kilda Stevens (concussion/ear) Billings (left eye) Reports Melbourne Nil St Kilda Nil Umpires Stephen Chamberlain Ryan Official crowd 53,115 at the MCG

The Casey Demons all but booked their berth in the Peter Jackson VFL finals series for 2017 and kept their top four aspirations well and truly alive with an emphatic 37-point victory over the Northern Blues at Casey Fields. On a blustery wind affected day, the Demons were quick out of the blocks and virtually sealed the game with five goals to a couple of points in the opening term. They continued to dominate in the second and at one stage had kicked the game's opening seven goals. By half time they held a commanding 46 point lead at half time. The Demons tapered off after half time as the Blues rallied in the third quarter but they remained well in control of the match right until the final siren thanks in part to the visitors' poor kicking for goal. Casey's tenth win for the season must have been highly satisfying for senior coach Justin Plapp after starting the season with only one win in the first five games before winning nine of the next 11. The victory was even more meritorious because it was set up by the goal kicking exploits of two dangerous forwards in Casey-listers Bayley Fritsch and Yilber Zijai who, between them, booted seven goals and they way in which the young VFL players have blended in with the AFL contingent is a credit to his coaching. On Saturday he also got good service from Mitch Gent and Ben Giobbi, both more mature players who help make it all work. This was just as well because Plapp only had ten Melbourne list members at his disposal with Sam Frost and Corey Maynard held over for the game against St Kilda. One of his best was a player who started as a Casey player before his drafting to the Melbourne Football Club. Declan Keilty's season to date has not been as good as last year but his form has been building lately and against the Blues he was in outstanding form as the intercepting defender picking up 22 disposals and taking 11 marks. He was capably backed up in defence by Jack Trengove who had 31 touches for the day. Plapp also had some potency in the midfield with Ben Kennedy, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Billy Stretch and Christian Salem whose outstanding form was overshadowed by a clash with the Blues' Liam Sumner that saw his name entered in the report book. The Blues' player left the ground with concussion. With injuries mounting the Demons simply cannot afford to lose more players, especially with a big game coming up against top-of-the-ladder Williamstown. Peter Jackson VFL 2017 Casey Demons 5.1.31 9.3.57 11.4.70 16.6.102 Northern Blues 0.2.2 1.5.11 4.9.33 8.17.65 Goals Casey Demons Fritsch 4 Kennedy Zijai 3 Ferreira Hulett Kennedy-Harris Morris Salem Watts Northern Blues Palmer Wilson 2 Declase Gallucci Korcheck Thorpe Best Casey Demons Keilty Kennedy Trengove Salem Stretch Zijai Northern Blues Russell Palmer Stevens Byrne O'Shea Korcheck Statistics Liam Hulett 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 2 handballs 12 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 58 dream team points Dion Johnstone 5 kicks 6 handballs 11 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 44 dream team points Declan Keilty 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 11 marks 1 tackle dream 89 team points Benjamin Kennedy 3 goals 2 behinds 17 kicks 18 handballs 35 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 122 dream team points Jay Kennedy-Harris 1 goal 11 kicks 16 handballs 27 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 110 dream team points Mitch King 2 kicks 2 handballs 4 disposals tackles 26 hit outs 51 dream team points Christian Salem 1 goal 1 behind 17 kicks 11 handballs 28 disposals 4 marks 9 tackles 117 dream team points Billy Stretch 11 kicks 18 handballs 29 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 99 dream team points Jack Trengove 26 kicks 6 handballs 32 disposals marks tackles 112 dream team points Jack Watts 1 goal 2 behinds 8 kicks 14 handballs 22 disposals 6 marks 6 hit outs 86 dream team points The Development League team suffered a setback when they narrowly went down to the Blues - an unexpected result on their home turf. AFL Vic Development League 2017 Casey Demons 2.0.12 4.3.27 4.8.32 5.9.39 Northern Blues 3.2.20 5.4.34 6.6.42 7.7.49 Goals Casey Demons Allsop Di Pasquale Gardiner Lefau Vander Haar Northern Blues Corboy 4 Maibaum 2 Walson Best Casey Demons Cox Hillard Freeman Collis Byers Allsop Northern Blues Jones Costigan Glover Strachan Corboy Adam

BLUE ON BLUES by KC from Casey The Casey Demons all but booked their berth in the Peter Jackson VFL finals series for 2017 and kept their top four aspirations well and truly alive with an emphatic 37-point victory over the Northern Blues at Casey Fields. On a blustery wind affected day, the Demons were quick out of the blocks and virtually sealed the game with five goals to a couple of points in the opening term. They continued to dominate in the second and at one stage had kicked the game's opening seven goals. By half time they held a commanding 46 point lead at half time. The Demons tapered off after half time as the Blues rallied in the third quarter but they remained well in control of the match right until the final siren thanks in part to the visitors' poor kicking for goal. Casey's tenth win for the season must have been highly satisfying for senior coach Justin Plapp after starting the season with only one win in the first five games before winning nine of the next 11. The victory was even more meritorious because it was set up by the goal kicking exploits of two dangerous forwards in Casey-listers Bayley Fritsch and Yilber Zijai who, between them, booted seven goals and they way in which the young VFL players have blended in with the AFL contingent is a credit to his coaching. On Saturday he also got good service from Mitch Gent and Ben Giobbi, both more mature players who help make it all work. This was just as well because Plapp only had ten Melbourne list members at his disposal with Sam Frost and Corey Maynard held over for the game against St Kilda. One of his best was a player who started as a Casey player before his drafting to the Melbourne Football Club. Declan Keilty's season to date has not been as good as last year but his form has been building lately and against the Blues he was in outstanding form as the intercepting defender picking up 22 disposals and taking 11 marks. He was capably backed up in defence by Jack Trengove who had 31 touches for the day. Plapp also had some potency in the midfield with Ben Kennedy, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Billy Stretch and Christian Salem whose outstanding form was overshadowed by a clash with the Blues' Liam Sumner that saw his name entered in the report book. The Blues' player left the ground with concussion. With injuries mounting the Demons simply cannot afford to lose more players, especially with a big game coming up against top-of-the-ladder Williamstown. Peter Jackson VFL 2017 Casey Demons 5.1.31 9.3.57 11.4.70 16.6.102 Northern Blues 0.2.2 1.5.11 4.9.33 8.17.65 Goals Casey Demons Fritsch 4 Kennedy Zijai 3 Ferreira Hulett Kennedy-Harris Morris Salem Watts Northern Blues Palmer Wilson 2 Declase Gallucci Korcheck Thorpe Best Casey Demons Keilty Kennedy Trengove Salem Stretch Zijai Northern Blues Russell Palmer Stevens Byrne O'Shea Korcheck Statistics Liam Hulett 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 2 handballs 12 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 58 dream team points Dion Johnstone 5 kicks 6 handballs 11 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 44 dream team points Declan Keilty 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 11 marks 1 tackle dream 89 team points Benjamin Kennedy 3 goals 2 behinds 17 kicks 18 handballs 35 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 122 dream team points Jay Kennedy-Harris 1 goal 11 kicks 16 handballs 27 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 110 dream team points Mitch King 2 kicks 2 handballs 4 disposals tackles 26 hit outs 51 dream team points Christian Salem 1 goal 1 behind 17 kicks 11 handballs 28 disposals 4 marks 9 tackles 117 dream team points Billy Stretch 11 kicks 18 handballs 29 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 99 dream team points Jack Trengove 26 kicks 6 handballs 32 disposals marks tackles 112 dream team points Jack Watts 1 goal 2 behinds 8 kicks 14 handballs 22 disposals 6 marks 6 hit outs 86 dream team points The Development League team suffered a setback when they narrowly went down to the Blues - an unexpected result on their home turf. AFL Vic Development League 2017 Casey Demons 2.0.12 4.3.27 4.8.32 5.9.39 Northern Blues 3.2.20 5.4.34 6.6.42 7.7.49 Goals Casey Demons Allsop Di Pasquale Gardiner Lefau Vander Haar Northern Blues Corboy 4 Maibaum 2 Walson Best Casey Demons Cox Hillard Freeman Collis Byers Allsop Northern Blues Jones Costigan Glover Strachan Corboy Adam

Shorty killed us today. Baldy always kills us. Are they Razor and Nicholls?

Votes please ...

I think the software gives you a certain amount to time to edit your posts. I'll look into the deleting aspect after the game. Send me a pm if I forget.

Round 17 2015. They won by 37 points.

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Will he know who you are?

The Chat Room is now open. We will be LIVE at 8:30pm with very special guest Demons Assistant Coach Troy Chaplin. http://demonland.com/Podcast

If anyone else has a question for Troy then let us know and we'll ask if we get the chance.

Our very special guest on Thursday night's Demonland Podcast @ 8: 30pm is Assistant Coach Troy Chaplin.