Demonland

That last goal should definitely give us some confidence going into the second half. We've been outplayed for most of the game but managed to come back with true grit. They seem to have some injury issues and wouldn't it be ironic if they ran out off puff in the second half due to an inability to rest players off the interchange as happened with us against Richmond?

The Casey Demons didn't have far to travel when they took on Richmond VFL Tigers in neighbouring Beaconsfield in a pivotal game as far as their finals aspirations were concerned. Unfortunately, they played the first half as if they had traveled thousands of kilometres and were still suffering jet lag, managing only a single point in the opening quarter against the inaccurate Tigers who were helped by a goal on the siren to 2.5.17 and a 16 point lead. For Casey the trip seemed like a journey down a road too far. The Demons were always going to be in trouble in this match given that the injuries ravaging the club at AFL level meant that only 9 of the Melbourne list were selected for the game - half that of the Richmond team. Of those, only five had any AFL experience at all and in any event, a few of the Demon listers made minimal contributions to the team effort. Matters only got worse when the home side straightened up and outscored the Demons by four goals kicking 5.1 to 1.1 in the second term to blow out to an insurmountable 40 point lead by the main break. Casey's only goal for the half came from the boot of small man Aloysio Ferreira whose spectacular scissor kick was one of the team's few highlights to that stage apart from the hard work of Jack Trengove and Ben Kennedy. That pair and rookie Corey Maynard provide the few touches of class on the visiting side for much of the match. Ruckman Jake Spencer held his own in the ruck duels but like many of his teammates achieved little with the football. With the game virtually done and dusted and rain falling, the Demons finally made a better fist of things after half time. The defence worked hard to shut down the strong Tiger attack and while the game became a scramble, the Demons managed to prevent Richmond from pushing out their lead in the third term. While the Tigers relaxed a little at the end, Casey finished strongly to keep the margin down to 28 points in the end. Corey Maynard continued to impress with his hardness at the ball while Casey's Mitch Gent, Bayley Fritsch and Angus Scott (2 goals each in the second half) and James Munro (17 tackles) in defence were the best of the VFL listed players. Casey should welcome the week's bye because it desperately needs a boost in personnel if it is to challenge for the finals. Peter Jackson VFL 2017 Casey Demons 0.1.1 1.2.8 3.3.21 7.6.48 Richmond VFL 2.5.17 7.6.48 9.8.62 11.10.76 Goals Casey Demons Fritsch Scott 2 Ferreira Kennedy Maynard Richmond VFL Bzenic 3 Elton Moore 2 Bolton Ellis Silvestro Townsend Best Casey Demons Trengove Maynard Munro Fritsch Kennedy Johnstone Richmond VFL Broad Townsend Beasley Moore Bzenic Fletcher Statistics Dion Johnstone 4 kicks 7 handballs 11 disposals 13 tackles 77 dream team points Declan Keilty 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 26 dream team points Ben Kennedy 1 goal 19 kicks 13 handballs 32 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 114 dream team points Mitch King 3 kicks 4 handballs 7 disposals 1 marks 1 tackles 14 hit outs 36 dream team points Corey Maynard 1 goal 13 kicks 12 handballs 25 disposals 3 marks 7 tackles 100 dream team points Jake Spencer 2 kicks 8 handballs 10 disposals 5 tackles 37 hit outs 77 dream team points Jack Trengove 1 behind 14 kicks 12 handballs 26 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 93 dream team points Sam Weideman 1 behind 4 kicks 3 handballs 7 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 42 dream team points Mitch White 13 kicks 5 handballs 18 disposals 5 marks 4 tackles 78 dream team points The Development League team returned to the winning list after struggling early in the game and then taking control after half time. AFL Vic Development League 2017 Casey Demons 2.0.12 5.3.33 8.3.51 11.7.73 Sandringham 2.5.17 6.7.43 7.7.49 8.10.58 Goals Casey Demons Ambler Baker Gardiner 2 Armour W Collis Freeman Gill-Renouf Rout Sandringham Rich Sakeson 2 Bailey Gregson Larkin Lopo Best Casey Demons Baker W Collis Hillard Dan Johnston Dam Johnston Byers Sandringham Laumets Bailey Grace Rich Sakeson Pavlou

A ROAD TOO FAR by KC from Casey The Casey Demons didn't have far to travel when they took on Richmond VFL Tigers in neighbouring Beaconsfield in a pivotal game as far as their finals aspirations were concerned. Unfortunately, they played the first half as if they had traveled thousands of kilometres and were still suffering jet lag, managing only a single point in the opening quarter against the inaccurate Tigers who were helped by a goal on the siren to 2.5.17 and a 16 point lead. For Casey the trip seemed like a journey down a road too far. The Demons were always going to be in trouble in this match given that the injuries ravaging the club at AFL level meant that only 9 of the Melbourne list were selected for the game - half that of the Richmond team. Of those, only five had any AFL experience at all and in any event, a few of the Demon listers made minimal contributions to the team effort. Matters only got worse when the home side straightened up and outscored the Demons by four goals kicking 5.1 to 1.1 in the second term to blow out to an insurmountable 40 point lead by the main break. Casey's only goal for the half came from the boot of small man Aloysio Ferreira whose spectacular scissor kick was one of the team's few highlights to that stage apart from the hard work of Jack Trengove and Ben Kennedy. That pair and rookie Corey Maynard provide the few touches of class on the visiting side for much of the match. Ruckman Jake Spencer held his own in the ruck duels but like many of his teammates achieved little with the football. With the game virtually done and dusted and rain falling, the Demons finally made a better fist of things after half time. The defence worked hard to shut down the strong Tiger attack and while the game became a scramble, the Demons managed to prevent Richmond from pushing out their lead in the third term. While the Tigers relaxed a little at the end, Casey finished strongly to keep the margin down to 28 points in the end. Corey Maynard continued to impress with his hardness at the ball while Casey's Mitch Gent, Bayley Fritsch and Angus Scott (2 goals each in the second half) and James Munro (17 tackles) in defence were the best of the VFL listed players. Casey should welcome the week's bye because it desperately needs a boost in personnel if it is to challenge for the finals. Peter Jackson VFL 2017 Casey Demons 0.1.1 1.2.8 3.3.21 7.6.48 Richmond VFL 2.5.17 7.6.48 9.8.62 11.10.76 Goals Casey Demons Fritsch Scott 2 Ferreira Kennedy Maynard Richmond VFL Bzenic 3 Elton Moore 2 Bolton Ellis Silvestro Townsend Best Casey Demons Trengove Maynard Munro Fritsch Kennedy Johnstone Richmond VFL Broad Townsend Beasley Moore Bzenic Fletcher Statistics Dion Johnstone 4 kicks 7 handballs 11 disposals 13 tackles 77 dream team points Declan Keilty 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 26 dream team points Ben Kennedy 1 goal 19 kicks 13 handballs 32 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 114 dream team points Mitch King 3 kicks 4 handballs 7 disposals 1 marks 1 tackles 14 hit outs 36 dream team points Corey Maynard 1 goal 13 kicks 12 handballs 25 disposals 3 marks 7 tackles 100 dream team points Jake Spencer 2 kicks 8 handballs 10 disposals 5 tackles 37 hit outs 77 dream team points Jack Trengove 1 behind 14 kicks 12 handballs 26 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 93 dream team points Sam Weideman 1 behind 4 kicks 3 handballs 7 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 42 dream team points Mitch White 13 kicks 5 handballs 18 disposals 5 marks 4 tackles 78 dream team points The Development League team returned to the winning list after struggling early in the game and then taking control after half time. AFL Vic Development League 2017 Casey Demons 2.0.12 5.3.33 8.3.51 11.7.73 Sandringham 2.5.17 6.7.43 7.7.49 8.10.58 Goals Casey Demons Ambler Baker Gardiner 2 Armour W Collis Freeman Gill-Renouf Rout Sandringham Rich Sakeson 2 Bailey Gregson Larkin Lopo Best Casey Demons Baker Collis Hillard Dan Johnston Dam Johnston Byers Sandringham Laumets Bailey Grace Rich Sakeson Pavlou

The latest podcast which was recorded live on Saturday can be streamed or downloaded here. You can download and subscribe to the Demonland Podcast on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/demonland-podcast/id1220844996?mt=2 You can search Demonland Podcast on any other Podcast catching apps on iOs or Android devices.

There are two ways that things can go for the Melbourne Football Club in the wake of last Friday’s embarrassing loss to Sydney, the Tomas Bugg punch and suspension, the continuing injury crisis and revelations about sanctions against four players after they ignored a directive not to drink alcohol after a Casey match. Up or down. The club was on a ten year high less than a week ago and then it hit the wall against the Swans with its insipid performance. Simon Goodwin's job of orchestrating the club's fifth winning game on end and thereby securing it a top four position was made so much more difficult for being hamstrung by the unavailability of the four players suspended from playing in the AFL on Friday night. Three of them had strong credentials for selection in team that was obviously weary in the face of their fourth game in 18 days. Dean Kent would have made the perfect fill-in for the injured Jeff Garlett but in his absence, the decision was made to replace him up forward with Jayden Hunt. Although Hunt managed to mark and goal in the first quarter, his game tally of seven possessions was the lowest of his 33-game career and only the second time he has failed to reach double figures. His presence in the backline was sorely missed. Jay Kennedy-Harris and Ben Kennedy were both in scintillating form for Casey and the presence of at least one of them would have been a boon for a team labouring under the strain of a succession of six day breaks and an interstate trip. And one cannot estimate the effect of all this on the psyche of the remaining players knowing that the stupidity of their teammates had left them in a position where the best team could not be selected for an important game. So now Melbourne faces Carlton for the second time this year - the third if you count JLT pre season games. If the team had available to it the personnel of those earlier games, my prediction about the outcome of this match would have been a no-brainer. The Demons by the length of Bourke Street. Now I'm not so sure. In truth, even the 22-point victory scored by Melbourne when the two sides met in Round 2 this season unimpressive. The young Blues have been inconsistent but have acquitted themselves admirably at times. They beat Adelaide and GWS Giants earlier in the season and gave Adelaide a run for their money last week. On that basis, their current form is much better than that of the embattled Demons who are moving in a retrograde motion for what is the Retro Round. I'll give them one chance and once chance only. Melbourne by 1 point. THE GAME Melbourne v Carlton at MCG Sunday 9th July, 2017 at 3.20pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Carlton 117 wins Melbourne 90 wins Drawn 2 At MCG Carlton 50 wins Melbourne 50 wins Past five meetings Carlton 3 wins Melbourne 2 wins The Coaches Bolton 0 wins Goodwin 1 win MEDIA TV - Channel 7, Fox Sports 503 live at 3.00pm RADIO - TBA THE BETTING Carlton $2.30 to win - Melbourne to win $1.63 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 13.10.88 defeated Carlton 9.12.66 at the MCG Round 2, 2017 The Demons looked in control early but seemed to stop midway through the second quarter and some undisciplined acts and poor play saw them hand the lead over during the third quarter. The team regrouped in the last but the 22 point win flattered them. Clayton Oliver and Dom Tyson were the team's best. THE TEAMS CARLTON B: Sam Docherty, Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman HB: Simon White, Jacob Weitering, Dale Thomas C: Kade Simpson, Patrick Cripps, David Cuningham HF: Jack Silvagni, Levi Casboult, Sam Kerridge F: Zac Fisher, Charlie Curnow, Matthew Wright FOLL: Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy I/C: Jed Lamb, Harrison Macreadie, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Ciaran Sheehan EMG: Ciaran Byrne, Nick Graham, Harry McKay IN: Jed Lamb, Harrison Macreadie, Sam Petrevski-Seton OUT: Ciaran Byrne (omitted), Caleb Marchbank (shoulder), Liam Sumner (omitted) MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jordan Lewis, Sam Frost, Bernie Vince C: Jayden Hunt, Christian Petracca, Mitch Hannan HF: James Harmes, Cameron Pedersen, Alex Neal-Bullen F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Tom McDonald FOLL: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jake Melksham I/C: Dean Kent, Joel Smith, Billy Stretch, Josh Wagner, EMG: Jay Kennedy-Harris, Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman IN: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Dean Kent, Joel Smith OUT: Tomas Bugg (suspended), Dom Tyson (knee), Jack Viney (foot), Mitch White (omitted) I HAVE YOUR NUMBER by Sam the Stats Man They talk about lies and damn statistics but the analysis below tells us that the Demons have been hit hard to both key and depth players this season. 1. Jesse Hogan MFC games 4, goals 9 This hasn't been his year. Suspended for two matches in Round 2, then missed a week mourning the loss of his father and then diagnosed with cancer. 2. Nathan Jones MFC games 12, goals 10 The tough skipper led from the front but is now out for a month with a groin. 3. Christian Salem MFC games 12, goals 5 Has raised his game a level whether playing in midfield or defence but is currently out with a hamstring injury. 4. Jack Watts MFC games 12, goals 20 After a less than encouraging pre season period, Watts hardly put a foot wrong as a forward or back up ruckman until he injured his hamstring against the Bulldogs. 5. Christian Petracca MFC games 14, goals 20 Has made good progress and is living up to his high draft selection. 6. Jordan Lewis MFC games 11, goals 4 A great acquisition for the club, providing inspiration and leadership but with one major blemish being his suspension for 3 matches after a brain fade in Round 2. 7. Jack Viney MFC games 15, goals 5 Made a slow start to the season and was coming back to his damaging best when injured against the Swans. Now expected to be out for a month. 8. Heritier Lumumba Retired without making a start to the pre season. 9. Jack Trengove CD games 11, goals 2 The question all year has been whether he will ever get another opportunity to play at the highest level? 10. Angus Brayshaw MFC games 2, goals 1, CD games 3, goals 1 Troubled by concussion issues and his short term future remains in doubt. 11. Max Gawn MFC games 5, goals 1 Injured in Round 3 and underwent hamstring surgery after the game, the All Australian ruckman's presence in the ruck was sorely missed. Will be an important player now that he's back. 12. Dom Tyson MFC games 7, goals 1 Form was a little inconsistent but he's been really important when up and running. Another of the currently injured brigade. 13. Clayton Oliver MFC games 14, goals 2 The young midfielder is having an outstanding second season. Is probably leading the club's best and fairest and even spoken of as a possible All Australian but super important now that the midfield has been decimated. 14. Michael Hibberd MFC games 10, goals 1, CD games 2, goals 0 A prolific ball winner with great delivery skills and a good stopper in defence. Already an important player with the Demons after missing the early games with injury. 15. Billy Stretch MFC games 7, goals 3, CD games 6, goals 2 After a good start, his form dropped off ever so slightly and he found himself out of the side. Seems to be struggling at the moment. 16. Dean Kent MFC games 4, goals 6, CD games 8, goals 6 Has paid the price for poor form and an off field misdemeanour and must now wait for his next chance. 17. Sam Frost MFC games 11, goals 1 Came back from some pre season injury worries as a much improved player in defence. 18. Jake Melksham MFC games 11, goals 4, CD games 2, goals 4 Had some good moments and has shaken off a suspension incurred at Casey to become a regular in the AFL team. 19. Mitch Hannan MFC games 13, goals 18 Has been good in his debut year at the club and well and truly earned his spot in the side. 20. Colin Garland Suffered an ACL injury before the start of the season. Sidelined for 2017. 21. Cameron Pedersen MFC games 9, goals 9, CD games 2, goals 3 Has worked hard against tough odds and taller opposition as a fill in ruckman/forward. 22. Aaron Vandenberg Yet to take the field during the regular season due to a heel injury. 23. Bernie Vince MFC games 13, goals 1 Played some great tagging roles and was terrific on Rory Sloane. Needs to take a further step up this week. 24. Jay Kennedy-Harris MFC games 3, goals 0, CD games 8, goals 4 Had an unimpressive three match stint after a long period out through injuries and found himself back at Casey where he's starred. Drinks with the boys cost him a return last week. 25. Tom McDonald MFC games 14, goals 14 Strong leader in defence who has also gone forward and played on the ball during the club's ruck crisis. Kicked a match winning 5 goals at Domain Stadium recently against the Eagles. 26. Sam Weideman MFC games 6, goals 3, CD games 6, goals 9 Dropped from the team after the club's loss to North Melbourne and has been unable to fight back in despite a six goal haul at Box Hill a fortnight ago. 27. Liam Hulett CD games 9, goals 5, CD DL game 1, goals 0 Struggling in the Development League at the moment - sure sign that his future at the club is doubtful. 28. Oscar McDonald MFC games 12, goals 0, CD games 2, goals 0 His form was patchy early but has shown great improvement after a brief stint in the VFL. 29. Jayden Hunt MFC games 14, goals 5 Having a wonderful season highlighted by his blistering pace, adventurous running and athleticism. 30. Alex Neal-Bullen MFC games 11, goals 7, CD games 2, goals 2 Had is moments this year and starting to establish his place in the team. 32. Tomas Bugg MFC games 10, goals 7, CD games 1, goals 5 His career is on the brink after a reckless punch against the Swans saw him suspended for 6 matches. 33. Jake Spencer MFC games 2, goals 0, CD games 4, goals 0 Waited a long time to get an opportunity at AFL level but suffered a shoulder injury in just his second game. Now back at Casey. 34. Mitch King CD games 8, goals 0, CD DL games 1, goals 1 King is a developing player coming back from an ACL and is being given time at Casey. 35. Ben Kennedy CD games 10, goals 6 Struggling to gain a spot at Melbourne, Kennedy has been working on his game down at Casey and was close to MFC selection before his involvement in the after-game drinks. 36. Jeff Garlett MFC games 13, goals 29 Dangerous forward having a terrific season and finally gaining recognition for the value of his role to the team. 37. Dion Johnstone CD games 11, goals 3 Speedy forward who can lay a tackle is learning the trade in the VFL. 38. Tim Smith ® MFC games 2, goals 1, CD games 3 goals 1 Unlucky to suffer a broken rib in his second game which was followed by a navicular bone injury just as he returned. 39. Neville Jetta MFC games 14, goals 3 Steady as a rock playing the small defender's role. 40. Patrick McKenna A hamstring tear has prevented him from playing at either AFL or VFL level. 41. Mitchell White ® MFC game 1, goals 0 CD games 9, goals 2 Rewarded for his hard work as a defender at Casey with promotion off the rookie list and a game v the Swans. 42. Josh Wagner MFC games 5, goals 0, CD games 3, goals 1 Had some injury woes in the pre season and his form has been up and down ever since. 43. James Harmes MFC games 9, goals 9, CD games 3, goals 0 Lost his place in the Melbourne team but bounced back with a strong performance at Casey last week. 44. Joel Smith ® MFC games 1, goals 0 CD games 1, goals 0 Was going along nicely in defence on debut when he suffered an injured shoulder and missed most of the first half of the season. Made a strong first up return at Casey last week. 45. Declan Keilty ® CD games 11, goals 3 Rookie spare parts man getting experience as a back up ruckman with key position roles in the VFL. 47. Lachlan Filipovic ® CD DL games 5, goals 0 Project ruckman was getting game time in the Development League with the Casey Demons but has been out recently with a hip flexor injury. 48. Corey Maynard ® CD games 9, goals 2 Apart from a fortnight off after concussion has been doing well and performing better than expected in the Casey midfield.

RETROMANIA by JVM There are two ways that things can go for the Melbourne Football Club in the wake of last Friday’s embarrassing loss to Sydney, the Tomas Bugg punch and suspension, the continuing injury crisis and revelations about sanctions against four players after they ignored a directive not to drink alcohol after a Casey match. Up or down. The club was on a ten year high less than a week ago and then it hit the wall against the Swans with its insipid performance. Simon Goodwin's job of orchestrating the club's fifth winning game on end and thereby securing it a top four position was made so much more difficult for being hamstrung by the unavailability of the four players suspended from playing in the AFL on Friday night. Three of them had strong credentials for selection in team that was obviously weary in the face of their fourth game in 18 days. Dean Kent would have made the perfect fill-in for the injured Jeff Garlett but in his absence, the decision was made to replace him up forward with Jayden Hunt. Although Hunt managed to mark and goal in the first quarter, his game tally of seven possessions was the lowest of his 33-game career and only the second time he has failed to reach double figures. His presence in the backline was sorely missed. Jay Kennedy-Harris and Ben Kennedy were both in scintillating form for Casey and the presence of at least one of them would have been a boon for a team labouring under the strain of a succession of six day breaks and an interstate trip. And one cannot estimate the effect of all this on the psyche of the remaining players knowing that the stupidity of their teammates had left them in a position where the best team could not be selected for an important game. So now Melbourne faces Carlton for the second time this year - the third if you count JLT pre season games. If the team had available to it the personnel of those earlier games, my prediction about the outcome of this match would have been a no-brainer. The Demons by the length of Bourke Street. Now I'm not so sure. In truth, even the 22-point victory scored by Melbourne when the two sides met in Round 2 this season unimpressive. The young Blues have been inconsistent but have acquitted themselves admirably at times. They beat Adelaide and GWS Giants earlier in the season and gave Adelaide a run for their money last week. On that basis, their current form is much better than that of the embattled Demons who are moving in a retrograde motion for what is the Retro Round. I'll give them one chance and once chance only. Melbourne by 1 point. THE GAME Melbourne v Carlton at MCG Sunday 9th July, 2017 at 3.20pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Carlton 117 wins Melbourne 90 wins Drawn 2 At MCG Carlton 50 wins Melbourne 50 wins Past five meetings Carlton 3 wins Melbourne 2 wins The Coaches Bolton 0 wins Goodwin 1 win MEDIA TV - Channel 7, Fox Sports 503 live at 3.00pm RADIO - TBA THE BETTING Carlton $2.30 to win - Melbourne to win $1.63 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 13.10.88 defeated Carlton 9.12.66 at the MCG Round 2, 2017 The Demons looked in control early but seemed to stop midway through the second quarter and some undisciplined acts and poor play saw them hand the lead over during the third quarter. The team regrouped in the last but the 22 point win flattered them. Clayton Oliver and Dom Tyson were the team's best. THE TEAMS CARLTON B: Sam Docherty, Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman HB: Simon White, Jacob Weitering, Dale Thomas C: Kade Simpson, Patrick Cripps, David Cuningham HF: Jack Silvagni, Levi Casboult, Sam Kerridge F: Zac Fisher, Charlie Curnow, Matthew Wright FOLL: Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy I/C: Jed Lamb, Harrison Macreadie, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Ciaran Sheehan EMG: Ciaran Byrne, Nick Graham, Harry McKay IN: Jed Lamb, Harrison Macreadie, Sam Petrevski-Seton OUT: Ciaran Byrne (omitted), Caleb Marchbank (shoulder), Liam Sumner (omitted) MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jordan Lewis, Sam Frost, Bernie Vince C: Jayden Hunt, Christian Petracca, Mitch Hannan HF: James Harmes, Cameron Pedersen, Alex Neal-Bullen F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Tom McDonald FOLL: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jake Melksham I/C: Dean Kent, Joel Smith, Billy Stretch, Josh Wagner, EMG: Jay Kennedy-Harris, Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman IN: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Dean Kent, Joel Smith OUT: Tomas Bugg (suspended), Dom Tyson (knee), Jack Viney (foot), Mitch White (omitted) I HAVE YOUR NUMBER by Sam the Stats Man They talk about lies and damn statistics but the analysis below tells us that the Demons have been hit hard to both key and depth players this season. 1. Jesse Hogan MFC games 4, goals 9 This hasn't been his year. Suspended for two matches in Round 2, then missed a week mourning the loss of his father and then diagnosed with cancer. 2. Nathan Jones MFC games 12, goals 10 The tough skipper led from the front but is now out for a month with a groin. 3. Christian Salem MFC games 12, goals 5 Has raised his game a level whether playing in midfield or defence but is currently out with a hamstring injury. 4. Jack Watts MFC games 12, goals 20 After a less than encouraging pre season period, Watts hardly put a foot wrong as a forward or back up ruckman until he injured his hamstring against the Bulldogs. 5. Christian Petracca MFC games 14, goals 20 Has made good progress and is living up to his high draft selection. 6. Jordan Lewis MFC games 11, goals 4 A great acquisition for the club, providing inspiration and leadership but with one major blemish being his suspension for 3 matches after a brain fade in Round 2. 7. Jack Viney MFC games 15, goals 5 Made a slow start to the season and was coming back to his damaging best when injured against the Swans. Now expected to be out for a month. 8. Heritier Lumumba Retired without making a start to the pre season. 9. Jack Trengove CD games 11, goals 2 The question all year has been whether he will ever get another opportunity to play at the highest level? 10. Angus Brayshaw MFC games 2, goals 1, CD games 3, goals 1 Troubled by concussion issues and his short term future remains in doubt. 11. Max Gawn MFC games 5, goals 1 Injured in Round 3 and underwent hamstring surgery after the game, the All Australian ruckman's presence in the ruck was sorely missed. Will be an important player now that he's back. 12. Dom Tyson MFC games 7, goals 1 Form was a little inconsistent but he's been really important when up and running. Another of the currently injured brigade. 13. Clayton Oliver MFC games 14, goals 2 The young midfielder is having an outstanding second season. Is probably leading the club's best and fairest and even spoken of as a possible All Australian but super important now that the midfield has been decimated. 14. Michael Hibberd MFC games 10, goals 1, CD games 2, goals 0 A prolific ball winner with great delivery skills and a good stopper in defence. Already an important player with the Demons after missing the early games with injury. 15. Billy Stretch MFC games 7, goals 3, CD games 6, goals 2 After a good start, his form dropped off ever so slightly and he found himself out of the side. Seems to be struggling at the moment. 16. Dean Kent MFC games 4, goals 6, CD games 8, goals 6 Has paid the price for poor form and an off field misdemeanour and must now wait for his next chance. 17. Sam Frost MFC games 11, goals 1 Came back from some pre season injury worries as a much improved player in defence. 18. Jake Melksham MFC games 11, goals 4, CD games 2, goals 4 Had some good moments and has shaken off a suspension incurred at Casey to become a regular in the AFL team. 19. Mitch Hannan MFC games 13, goals 18 Has been good in his debut year at the club and well and truly earned his spot in the side. 20. Colin Garland Suffered an ACL injury before the start of the season. Sidelined for 2017. 21. Cameron Pedersen MFC games 9, goals 9, CD games 2, goals 3 Has worked hard against tough odds and taller opposition as a fill in ruckman/forward. 22. Aaron Vandenberg Yet to take the field during the regular season due to a heel injury. 23. Bernie Vince MFC games 13, goals 1 Played some great tagging roles and was terrific on Rory Sloane. Needs to take a further step up this week. 24. Jay Kennedy-Harris MFC games 3, goals 0, CD games 8, goals 4 Had an unimpressive three match stint after a long period out through injuries and found himself back at Casey where he's starred. Drinks with the boys cost him a return last week. 25. Tom McDonald MFC games 14, goals 14 Strong leader in defence who has also gone forward and played on the ball during the club's ruck crisis. Kicked a match winning 5 goals at Domain Stadium recently against the Eagles. 26. Sam Weideman MFC games 6, goals 3, CD games 6, goals 9 Dropped from the team after the club's loss to North Melbourne and has been unable to fight back in despite a six goal haul at Box Hill a fortnight ago. 27. Liam Hulett CD games 9, goals 5, CD DL game 1, goals 0 Struggling in the Development League at the moment - sure sign that his future at the club is doubtful. 28. Oscar McDonald MFC games 12, goals 0, CD games 2, goals 0 His form was patchy early but has shown great improvement after a brief stint in the VFL. 29. Jayden Hunt MFC games 14, goals 5 Having a wonderful season highlighted by his blistering pace, adventurous running and athleticism. 30. Alex Neal-Bullen MFC games 11, goals 7, CD games 2, goals 2 Had is moments this year and starting to establish his place in the team. 32. Tomas Bugg MFC games 10, goals 7, CD games 1, goals 5 His career is on the brink after a reckless punch against the Swans saw him suspended for 6 matches. 33. Jake Spencer MFC games 2, goals 0, CD games 4, goals 0 Waited a long time to get an opportunity at AFL level but suffered a shoulder injury in just his second game. Now back at Casey. 34. Mitch King CD games 8, goals 0, CD DL games 1, goals 1 King is a developing player coming back from an ACL and is being given time at Casey. 35. Ben Kennedy CD games 10, goals 6 Struggling to gain a spot at Melbourne, Kennedy has been working on his game down at Casey and was close to MFC selection before his involvement in the after-game drinks. 36. Jeff Garlett MFC games 13, goals 29 Dangerous forward having a terrific season and finally gaining recognition for the value of his role to the team. 37. Dion Johnstone CD games 11, goals 3 Speedy forward who can lay a tackle is learning the trade in the VFL. 38. Tim Smith ® MFC games 2, goals 1, CD games 3 goals 1 Unlucky to suffer a broken rib in his second game which was followed by a navicular bone injury just as he returned. 39. Neville Jetta MFC games 14, goals 3 Steady as a rock playing the small defender's role. 40. Patrick McKenna A hamstring tear has prevented him from playing at either AFL or VFL level. 41. Mitchell White ® MFC game 1, goals 0 CD games 9, goals 2 Rewarded for his hard work as a defender at Casey with promotion off the rookie list and a game v the Swans. 42. Josh Wagner MFC games 5, goals 0, CD games 3, goals 1 Had some injury woes in the pre season and his form has been up and down ever since. 43. James Harmes MFC games 9, goals 9, CD games 3, goals 0 Lost his place in the Melbourne team but bounced back with a strong performance at Casey last week. 44. Joel Smith ® MFC games 1, goals 0 CD games 1, goals 0 Was going along nicely in defence on debut when he suffered an injured shoulder and missed most of the first half of the season. Made a strong first up return at Casey last week. 45. Declan Keilty ® CD games 11, goals 3 Rookie spare parts man getting experience as a back up ruckman with key position roles in the VFL. 47. Lachlan Filipovic ® CD DL games 5, goals 0 Project ruckman was getting game time in the Development League with the Casey Demons but has been out recently with a hip flexor injury. 48. Corey Maynard ® CD games 9, goals 2 Apart from a fortnight off after concussion has been doing well and performing better than expected in the Casey midfield.

VAN GOGH MOMENT by KC from Casey There is not much that can be said about the capitulation of the Casey Demons against Port Melbourne at North Port Oval. The Borough lost to the Demons six weeks ago by 43 points in a game that saw Casey begin the five-match winning streak that catapulted the team into premiership contention and a top eight position. This week's turnaround was emphatic as Port Melbourne made the visitors look embarrassingly weak with its foot on their throats from the word go as it booted the first four goals of the match against the wind to secure a handy quarter time lead. Then, from the mid point of the second quarter and we into the third, they produced an onslaught of nine unanswered goals and ran away to win by 65 points. The turnaround was an outstanding 108 points from their Round 6 encounter. The lack of any pressure acts, the drop in enthusiasm and endeavour and the falling away in skills was dramatic . The Demons had 11 AFL listed players on the ground (Liam Hulett was selected for the game but was a last minute inclusion in the Development League team) and given the injuries and a lilkely suspension from the previous night's AFL clash one would have expected a lot more. Instead, the Casey fans who had witnesses their recent dominant performances were puzzled and searching for answers to explain the sudden form slump. It looked as if the entire side was undergoing a Van Gogh moment - a complete meltdown complete with self-mutilation. Yes, it was that bad. It was only later that it emerged that four members of the team has played up and broken team rules and gone drinking after the Box Hill game (ironical because that part of town was once known as an alcohol free zone). Three of the players in question had all been on the cusp of selection for Melbourne - a very important consideration in view of the need for freshness after three six day breaks. However, the players, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Ben Kennedy, Dean Kent and Jake Spencer were all told they would not be picked on Friday's starry night against the Swans. However, they did play in the VFL game leaving one to wonder what impact the whole sad and sorry saga had on both their Demons' AFL and VFL teammates. There is no excuse for the conduct and the losses but it couldn't have come at a worse time for Melbourne and Casey. In the event, the three K's played well enough, while Spencer was subdued and beaten by a rookie ruckman. Two former basketballers and Category B rookies were Casey's best. Corey Maynard continues to impress in the Demon midfield and Joel Smith was strong after a long lay off with injury. Peter Jackson VFL 2017 Casey Demons 1.2.8 2.4.16 4.8.32 5.7.37 Port Melbourne 4.0.24 9.4.58 14.5.89 16.9.105 Goals Casey Demons Fritsch Giobbi Kennedy-Harris Kent Morris Port Melbourne Conway 4 Nahas 3 Cain Searle 2 Arnot Lisle Pearson Pinwill Sandilands Best Casey Demons Maynard Smith Kennedy-Harris Kent Kennedy Trengove Port Melbourne Carey Viojo-Rainbow Cook Conway Templeton Clarke Statistics Dion Johnstone 5 kicks 10 handballs 15 disposals 6 tackles 56 dream team points Declan Keilty 6 kicks 4 handballs 10 disposals 4 tackles 41 dream team points Jay Kennedy-Harris 1 goal 15 kicks 10 handballs 25 disposals 2 marks 8 tackles 107 dream team points Ben Kennedy 1 behind 11 kicks 19 handballs 30 disposals 12 tackles 119 dream team points Dean Kent 1 goals 1 behind 18 kicks 9 handballs 27 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 104 dream team points Mitch King 1 behind 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 2 marks 1 tackles 16 hit outs 50 dream team points Corey Maynard 1 behind 12 kicks 20 handballs 32 disposals 4 marks 16 tackles 145 dream team points Joel Smith 9 kicks 12 handballs 21 disposals 8 marks 3 tackles 83 dream team points Jake Spencer 1 behind 2 kicks 6 handballs 8 disposals 1 marks 6 tackles 37 hit outs 83 dream team points Jack Trengove 7 kicks 13 handballs 20 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 60 dream team points Sam Weideman 2 behinds 4 kicks 11 handballs 15 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 14 hit outs 75 dream team points In the Development League game, Port Melbourne overpowered Casey by 14 points. Nathan Gardiner continued his strong goal kicking vein of goal kicking form with five goals. Perry Lewis-Smith was best on ground. AFL Vic Development League 2017 Casey Demons 5.1.31 7.1.43 11.3.69 12.5.77 Port Melbourne 1.2.8 7.5.47 9.6.60 13.13.91 Goals Casey Demons Gardiner 5 Vander Haar 2 Armour Baker Ferreira Foote Hillard Port Melbourne Hogan 3 Golby Kelso Renooy 2 De Soysa Hayes Houghton Treverton Best Casey Demons Lewis-Smith Lovett Machaya Hillard Gains Baker Port Melbourne Golby Treverton Hooper Wenn Jaffer-Williams Atkins

There is not much that can be said about the capitulation of the Casey Demons against Port Melbourne at North Port Oval. The Borough lost to the Demons six weeks ago by 43 points in a game that saw Casey begin the five-match winning streak that catapulted the team into premiership contention and a top eight position. This week's turnaround was emphatic as Port Melbourne made the visitors look embarrassingly weak with its foot on their throats from the word go as it booted the first four goals of the match against the wind to secure a handy quarter time lead. Then, from the mid point of the second quarter and we into the third, they produced an onslaught of nine unanswered goals and ran away to win by 65 points. The turnaround was an outstanding 108 points from their Round 6 encounter. The lack of any pressure acts, the drop in enthusiasm and endeavour and the falling away in skills was dramatic . The Demons had 11 AFL listed players on the ground (Liam Hulett was selected for the game but was a last minute inclusion in the Development League team) and given the injuries and a lilkely suspension from the previous night's AFL clash one would have expected a lot more. Instead, the Casey fans who had witnesses their recent dominant performances were puzzled and searching for answers to explain the sudden form slump. It looked as if the entire side was undergoing a Van Gogh moment - a complete meltdown complete with self-mutilation. Yes, it was that bad. It was only later that it emerged that four members of the team has played up and broken team rules and gone drinking after the Box Hill game (ironical because that part of town was once known as an alcohol free zone). Three of the players in question had all been on the cusp of selection for Melbourne - a very important consideration in view of the need for freshness after three six day breaks. However, the players, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Ben Kennedy, Dean Kent and Jake Spencer were all told they would not be picked on Friday's starry night against the Swans. However, they did play in the VFL game leaving one to wonder what impact the whole sad and sorry saga had on both their Demons' AFL and VFL teammates. There is no excuse for the conduct and the losses but it couldn't have come at a worse time for Melbourne and Casey. In the event, the three K's played well enough, while Spencer was subdued and beaten by a rookie ruckman. Two former basketballers and Category B rookies were Casey's best. Corey Maynard continues to impress in the Demon midfield and Joel Smith was strong after a long lay off with injury. Peter Jackson VFL 2017 Casey Demons 1.2.8 2.4.16 4.8.32 5.7.37 Port Melbourne 4.0.24 9.4.58 14.5.89 16.9.105 Goals Casey Demons Fritsch Giobbi Kennedy-Harris Kent Morris Port Melbourne Conway 4 Nahas 3 Cain Searle 2 Arnot Lisle Pearson Pinwill Sandilands Best Casey Demons Maynard Smith Kennedy-Harris Kent Kennedy Trengove Port Melbourne Carey Viojo-Rainbow Cook Conway Templeton Clarke Statistics Dion Johnstone 5 kicks 10 handballs 15 disposals 6 tackles 56 dream team points Declan Keilty 6 kicks 4 handballs 10 disposals 4 tackles 41 dream team points Jay Kennedy-Harris 1 goal 15 kicks 10 handballs 25 disposals 2 marks 8 tackles 107 dream team points Ben Kennedy 1 behind 11 kicks 19 handballs 30 disposals 12 tackles 119 dream team points Dean Kent 1 goals 1 behind 18 kicks 9 handballs 27 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 104 dream team points Mitch King 1 behind 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 2 marks 1 tackles 16 hit outs 50 dream team points Corey Maynard 1 behind 12 kicks 20 handballs 32 disposals 4 marks 16 tackles 145 dream team points Joel Smith 9 kicks 12 handballs 21 disposals 8 marks 3 tackles 83 dream team points Jake Spencer 1 behind 2 kicks 6 handballs 8 disposals 1 marks 6 tackles 37 hit outs 83 dream team points Jack Trengove 7 kicks 13 handballs 20 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 60 dream team points Sam Weideman 2 behinds 4 kicks 11 handballs 15 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 14 hit outs 75 dream team points In the Development League game, Port Melbourne overpowered Casey by 14 points. Nathan Gardiner continued his strong goal kicking vein of goal kicking form with five goals. Perry Lewis-Smith was best on ground. AFL Vic Development League 2017 Casey Demons 5.1.31 7.1.43 11.3.69 12.5.77 Port Melbourne 1.2.8 7.5.47 9.6.60 13.13.91 Goals Casey Demons Gardiner 5 Vander Haar 2 Armour Baker Ferreira Foote Hillard Port Melbourne Hogan 3 Golby Kelso Renooy 2 De Soysa Hayes Houghton Treverton Best Casey Demons Lewis-Smith Lovett Machaya Hillard Gains Baker Port Melbourne Golby Treverton Hooper Wenn Jaffer-Williams Atkins

We were a lot closer to full strength in Round 2 than we are now:- MELBOURNE B: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Jake Melksham HB: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Nathan Jones C: Christian Salem, Jordan Lewis, Billy Stretch HF: Clayton Oliver, Sam Weideman, Jack Watts F: Christian Petracca, Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett FOLL: Max Gawn, Angus Brayshaw, Jack Viney I/C: Mitch Hannan, James Harmes, Alex Neal-Bullen, Dom Tyson EMG: Ben Kennedy, Dean Kent, Jake Spencer IN: James Harmes, Ben Kennedy, Dom Tyson OUT: Joel Smith (shoulder), Bernie Vince (suspended) CARLTON B: Jarrod Pickett, Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Plowman HB: Harrison Macreadie, Sam Rowe, Sam Docherty C: Matthew Wright, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson HF: Jack Silvagni, Levi Casboult, Charlie Curnow F: Simon White, Jacob Weitering, Sam Petrevski-Seton FOLL: Matthew Kreuzer, Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy I/C: Dennis Armfield, Ed Curnow, Nick Graham, Sam Kerridge, Harry McKay, Billie Smedts, Dale Thomas EMG: Nick Graham, Sam Kerridge, Harry McKay NO CHANGE

Don't expect too much movement at the top because a quite a few won't be polling. Clarrie and Hibbo exceptions. Progressive - 115. Clayton Oliver 92. Nathan Jones 90. Michael Hibberd 67. Jack Viney 65. Jack Watts 48. Tom McDonald Christian Petracca 45. Jeff Garlett 37. Jayden Hunt 31. Neville Jetta 26. Jordan Lewis Cam Pedersen Christian Salem 25. Oscar McDonald 23. Dom Tyson 20. Sam Frost 19. Max Gawn 18. Mitch Hannan 13. Bernie Vince 8. Alex Neal-Bullen 7. Jake Melksham 6. Jesse Hogan Billy Stretch 5. Dean Kent 3. James Harmes

I'll post today's show re: the Sydney Loss during the week. The next LIVE show will be Wednesday 12/7 @ 8:30pm

The Demonland Podcast will be LIVE in 5 mins. http://demonland.com/Podcast

As I'm going away tomorrow, Grapeviney and I will record the podcast LIVE today at 1:30pm. I'll post the show on Tuesday but if you want to hear us LIVE and call in you can listen and chat here: http://demonland.com/Podcast 03 9016 3666 or Skype: Demonland31

Standing at the brink of success for the first time in a decade, in the top eight, and with September action a strong possibility, the Demons finally realised that the brink was, in fact, a cliff ... The tough, aggressive role played by the Demons has taken its toll with injuries mounting to the point that the club cannot field a side capable of winning. Up against the Swans without Jesse Hogan, Nathan Jones, Jeff Garlett, and Jack Watts simply meant it had no forwards capable of kicking any semblance of a winning score. Tom McDonald performs admirably and topped the goal-kickers for the second week running, but with the rest of the forward line populated by small running types, it was easy pickings for the Sydney defenders. In the first quarter Melbourne barely entered the forward 50, yet scored four majors. Sydney relentlessly attacked with nine scoring opportunities and trailed as a result of their inaccuracy. While leading after ¼ time, it soon became a thing of the past as the trend continued and the Demons could register only a solitary point for the second quarter while Sydney added 4.7. By half time it was obvious that the game was over, for if the Swans had even kicked half accurately they would have been at least six goals in front. The Demons found a little to capture some pride in the remaining half, but the truth was that the selection barrel had been well and truly scraped for talent, and found little of value. The “depth” of the list had been tried and the cliff of capable talent reached. Unfortunately a whole raft of players were and maybe are not up to AFL standard, and against a side like Sydney they get found out. This was only compounded by three consecutive six-day breaks, combined with travel to Perth and back, so a whole raft of players just looked tired. White was an inexplicable selection, as he had played Casey as a backman, yet we needed a suitable replacement for Jeff Garlett up forward. His 11 touches with 4 clangers, and plodding ways were exposed. Equally, Tom Bugg, Billy Stretch, Alex Neal-Bullen and James Harmes produced statistics which were even more mediocre, totally a number of disposals equivalent to Luke Parker’s output. Adding to that were Jake Melksham, Josh Wagner and even Tom McDonald with 16 clangers between them and you get a picture of the wide spread malaise throughout the ground. The backs were under constant pressure, and to be honest they held up really well. Neville Jetta was a stalwart, yet again, and Michael Hibberd continued his fine form with 33 touches while Oscar McDonald grew in capability with 28 touches and 8 telling and strong marks. Sam Frost really held Franklin to a draw as he forced him beyond the 50 where he could do a lot less damage. Tom Bugg will face a certain bungee jump from the cliff this week when he meets the Tribunal facing a multiple week suspension following his strike on Callum Mills. The injury pool at the bottom of the cliff will be further enlarged as Jack Viney suffered a foot injury and made no more than a brief appearance after ½ time. While the Demons still sit within the eight, it may not be for long as they teeter at the precipice. Their opponents next week in Carlton accounted for Sydney earlier in the season, and while we know of the change in fortunes since, they will still be a challenge. Without a viable forward, and without the two best mids available, the prospects of a dramatic fall is staring the MFC in the face. We have stared these challenges in the face before, none more so than last week against the Eagles, but it is more and more likely that the task will be too great without the foot soldiers to hold the line. Melbourne 4.0.24 4.1.25 5.4.34 7.8.50 Sydney Swans 1.8.14 5.15.45 8.16.64 11.19.85 Goals Melbourne Petracca T McDonald 2 Hannan Hunt Melksham Sydney Swans Franklin 4 Papley 2 Jack Heeney Lloyd Parker Reid Best Melbourne Hibberd Vince T McDonald Tyson Jetta Sydney Swans Parker Kennedy Lloyd Jones Franklin Newman Changes Melbourne Nil Sydney Swans Nil Injuries Melbourne Viney (foot) Sydney Swans Jones (cut head) Mills (concussion) Reports Melbourne T Bugg reported in the first quarter for striking C Mills Sydney Swans Sydney Swans Nil Umpires Fisher, Stevic, McInerney Official crowd 47,464 at the MCG

THE CLIFF by George on the Outer Standing at the brink of success for the first time in a decade, in the top eight, and with September action a strong possibility, the Demons finally realised that the brink was, in fact, a cliff ... The tough, aggressive role played by the Demons has taken its toll with injuries mounting to the point that the club cannot field a side capable of winning. Up against the Swans without Jesse Hogan, Nathan Jones, Jeff Garlett, and Jack Watts simply meant it had no forwards capable of kicking any semblance of a winning score. Tom McDonald performs admirably and topped the goal-kickers for the second week running, but with the rest of the forward line populated by small running types, it was easy pickings for the Sydney defenders. In the first quarter Melbourne barely entered the forward 50, yet scored four majors. Sydney relentlessly attacked with nine scoring opportunities and trailed as a result of their inaccuracy. While leading after ¼ time, it soon became a thing of the past as the trend continued and the Demons could register only a solitary point for the second quarter while Sydney added 4.7. By half time it was obvious that the game was over, for if the Swans had even kicked half accurately they would have been at least six goals in front. The Demons found a little to capture some pride in the remaining half, but the truth was that the selection barrel had been well and truly scraped for talent, and found little of value. The “depth” of the list had been tried and the cliff of capable talent reached. Unfortunately a whole raft of players were and maybe are not up to AFL standard, and against a side like Sydney they get found out. This was only compounded by three consecutive six-day breaks, combined with travel to Perth and back, so a whole raft of players just looked tired. White was an inexplicable selection, as he had played Casey as a backman, yet we needed a suitable replacement for Jeff Garlett up forward. His 11 touches with 4 clangers, and plodding ways were exposed. Equally, Tom Bugg, Billy Stretch, Alex Neal-Bullen and James Harmes produced statistics which were even more mediocre, totally a number of disposals equivalent to Luke Parker’s output. Adding to that were Jake Melksham, Josh Wagner and even Tom McDonald with 16 clangers between them and you get a picture of the wide spread malaise throughout the ground. The backs were under constant pressure, and to be honest they held up really well. Neville Jetta was a stalwart, yet again, and Michael Hibberd continued his fine form with 33 touches while Oscar McDonald grew in capability with 28 touches and 8 telling and strong marks. Sam Frost really held Franklin to a draw as he forced him beyond the 50 where he could do a lot less damage. Tom Bugg will face a certain bungee jump from the cliff this week when he meets the Tribunal facing a multiple week suspension following his strike on Callum Mills. The injury pool at the bottom of the cliff will be further enlarged as Jack Viney suffered a foot injury and made no more than a brief appearance after ½ time. While the Demons still sit within the eight, it may not be for long as they teeter at the precipice. Their opponents next week in Carlton accounted for Sydney earlier in the season, and while we know of the change in fortunes since, they will still be a challenge. Without a viable forward, and without the two best mids available, the prospects of a dramatic fall is staring the MFC in the face. We have stared these challenges in the face before, none more so than last week against the Eagles, but it is more and more likely that the task will be too great without the foot soldiers to hold the line. Melbourne 4.0.24 4.1.25 5.4.34 7.8.50 Sydney Swans 1.8.14 5.15.45 8.16.64 11.19.85 Goals Melbourne Petracca T McDonald 2 Hannan Hunt Melksham Sydney Swans Franklin 4 Papley 2 Jack Heeney Lloyd Parker Reid Best Melbourne Hibberd Vince T McDonald Tyson Jetta Sydney Swans Parker Kennedy Lloyd Jones Franklin Newman Changes Melbourne Nil Sydney Swans Nil Injuries Melbourne Viney (foot) Sydney Swans Jones (cut head) Mills (concussion) Reports Melbourne T Bugg reported in the first quarter for striking C Mills Sydney Swans Sydney Swans Nil Umpires Fisher, Stevic, McInerney Official crowd 47,464 at the MCG

Can we play on Thursday night next week?

I don't think it's appropriate for me to rock back and forth in the fetal position whilst sucking my thumb and mumbling something about Neeld or Prentagast whilst at work.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-30/demons-get-creative-and-get-some-stars Give this guy a LIKE. Some of Jason Taylor's greatest hits Jayden Hunt (2013, fourth round, No.57 overall) Alex Neal-Bullen (2014, second round, No.40 overall) Billy Stretch (2014, third round, No.42 overall) Oscar McDonald (2014, third round, No.53 overall) James Harmes (2014 rookie draft, No.2 overall) Aaron vandenBerg (2015 rookie draft, No.2 overall) Mitch White (2015 rookie draft, No.20 overall) Mitch Hannan (2016, third round, No.46 overall) Josh Wagner (2016 rookie draft, No.6 overall) Joel Smith (2016 rookie draft, three-year non-registered selection) Tim Smith (2017 rookie draft, No.25 overall)

I've been trying to get WJ to join us on the podcast all year. Perhaps if more people encourage him he'll make it a regular thing.

You can download and subscribe to the Demonland Podcast on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/demonland-podcast/id1220844996?mt=2 You can search Demonland Podcast on any other Podcast catching apps on iOs or Android devices.

The chat room is now open. http://demonland.com/Podcast

@Whispering_Jack and I will be LIVE at 8:30pm http://demonland.com/Podcast

The Demonland Podcast is LIVE tonight with special guest star Whispering Jack.

Apart from the AFL Tribunal side show, all of the talk this week has been about injuries and how the Demons are going to deal with their third successive six day break. The theory is that things might not work out so well in the light of the absence of a significant number of their more valuable players and the weight of fatigue as a consequence of the team's recent heavy workload. But I'm not worried in the slightest. You see, I follow the patterns and rhythms of life and Melbourne's form line is pointing extraordinarily more towards an upswing this week. The Demons had an ordinary game last week by most measures but they disguised it well with that magnificent, withering finish capped off by Tom McDonald's great goal that gave them their last-minute victory. The rare win out west was one for the ages because behind the victory stood the fact that the team lost in many key performance areas and yet, it was still ahead on the scoreboard that mattered at the end of the night. The Demons did not dominate as they did the week before against the Bulldogs. They did they win the possession count but only barely won the clearances (even with the return of Max Gawn) and they had less inside fifties than the Eagles. What they did do is the thing they are now very good at - they imposed great pressure through strong football. We all know that fortune favours the brave and it was thanks to the bravery of the team led by Jack Viney that the team got over the line against the Eagles and I expect them to end the financial year in the same vein on Friday night against the Swans. THE GAME Melbourne v Sydney Swans at the MCG Friday 30 June 2017 at 7.50pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 92 wins Sydney Swans 111 wins 2 drawn At MCG Melbourne 49 wins Sydney Swans 42 wins 2 drawn Last 5 meetings Melbourne 0 wins Sydney Swans 5 wins The Coaches Goodwin 0 wins Longmire 0 wins MEDIA TV - Channel 7 Fox Footy Channel Live at 7.30pm RADIO - SEN THE BETTING Melbourne $2.08 to win Sydney Swans $1.78 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Sydney Swans 12.14.86 defeated Melbourne 4.7.31 in Round 13, 2016 at the SCG The stronger-bodied Sydney Swans strangled a young Demon team that couldn't handle the conditions when torrential rain hit the harbour city. The Swans applied an AFL-record 155 tackles, kicked eight goals to two in the second half and Lance Franklin's four goals matched the Demons' entire tally for the game. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jordan Lewis, Sam Frost, Jayden Hunt C: James Harmes, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince HF: Billy Stretch, Cameron Pedersen, Christian Petracca F: Clayton Oliver, Tom McDonald, Alex Neal-Bullen FOLL: Max Gawn, Jake Melksham, Jack Viney I/C: Tomas Bugg , Mitch Hannan, Josh Wagner, Mitch White EMG: Dion Johnstone, Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman IN: Josh Wagner, Mitch White OUT: Jeff Garlett (hamstring), Christian Salem (hamstring) SYDNEY B: Nic Newman, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith HB: Zak Jones, Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd C: Isaac Heeney, Josh P. Kennedy, Callum Mills HF: George Hewett, Lance Franklin, Kieren Jack F: Gary Rohan, Sam Reid, Tom Papley FOLL: Sam Naismith, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker I/C: Oliver Florent, Jarrad McVeigh, Lewis Melican, Dean Towers EMG: Jordan Foote, Jeremy Laidler, Callum Sinclair IN: Zak Jones, Jarrad McVeigh OUT: Will Hayward (foot), Callum Sinclair (omitted) FRIDAY OFF OUR MINDS Melbourne has been a stranger to Friday night football for far too long, having been completely deprived of the lucrative prime time home fixture for five years - and for the good reason that the team was simply not good enough to showcase its wares in front of national television audiences on the sport's biggest night of the week. The most recent Friday night games have generally turned into disasters for Melbourne like the "bruise-free" match against Carlton or the time the Hawks crushed an embarrassing, lifeless Demon combination into complete submission. That effort was probably the last straw that caused their banishment from the Friday scene by the AFL from 2012 until now. The Friday night wins have been few and far between, the most recent being the time they got their act together against the Bombers in 2011 under Dean Bailey but that was an Essendon home game. You have to go back a lot further to the last Friday night MCG home win which came in round six, 2006 when Melbourne scraped home by a goal in the rain against an inaccurate Geelong. A fortnight later that Demons beat Hawthorn there by 75 points as the "visiting" side. Ironically, the Hawks' list at the time included two youngsters in the early stages of their careers - Buddy Franklin and Jordan Lewis. Both were missing through injury that night and both returned the following week. The rest is history for them and the Hawks but coincidentally they will line up on Friday night in opposing teams. Both sides pinched narrow victories in their last up starts and both have strong midfields (Demons are ranked equal third in the competition for clearances: the Swans are ninth). Franklin is the one true game-breaker among the two sides and he will be extra dangerous for fact that last Friday night he was held goalless. That doesn't happen very often. But Melbourne doesn't rely on any one individual. The strength of the team comes from its evenness and a statistic that does not lie - Demons are the AFL's highest disposal team in 2017, averaging 412.3 per game. They have won the disposal count in 12 of their 13 games while the Swans are ranked 13th in this area. The consequence is that for the long-awaited return to the game's centre stage on Friday night, the world is going to see plenty of the red and blue on the wide expanses of the MCG. With Max Gawn back to start the dominance from stoppages, I'm tipping a Demon win by 10 points.