Demonland

When Max Gawn made the statement earlier this year that he wanted to be recognised among the top echelon of AFL ruckmen there were very few who would have considered him to be in contention let alone the favourite for All Australian ruck honours by the end of the season. That's exactly where he sits at the moment and his ascendency has coincided with Melbourne's rise up the ladder and its position as an outside chance for a finals berth. We've been fortunate to have such a red hot ruckman but success has not come overnight for Max Gawn who was recruited at #34 in the 2009 AFL National Draft. He had two knee reconstructions and a meniscus tear before establishing his position as the club's top big man last year. Max only had his first uninterrupted pre season this year and has gone on to play every game. But, at the same time, the club's back up ruckman Jake Spencer has had some injury problems, recruit ruckman Mitch King's season lasted about five minutes before tearing his ACL in VFL round 1 and rookie Max King, now in his third year, is languishing in the Scorpions' Development League. Luckily, the Demons haven't been placed in the position of delving into its reserve ruck depth. So despite having arguably the #1 ruckman in the competition, the paradox is that it's quite possible that the club's focus in the trade and draft period will be on locating a ruckman to add to its stocks in 2017 and beyond. With the club's first round draft pick for 2016 having been spent by way of a trade with the Gold Coast Suns last year, the Demons' first selection in the November National Draft now sits notionally at #28 (last night's win in Adelaide moved us back another two places). At that range, you are not going to get the top midfielders or key position players but, because big men generally develop late, clubs are wary of using early draft picks on young ruck prospects. And that places Melbourne in a position where it could be right in the frame to take a young big man with that selection (assuming the Demons still have that pick at the draft). The highest ranking ruckman on Knightmare's AFL August Draft-Power Rankings is South Fremantle's Tim English. Here's the BIO: "18. Tim English (VIC) Best position: Ruck Height, weight: 203cm, 86kg Recruited from: South Fremantle Plays like: Josh Fraser Projected draft range: top 10 Rated last month: 22 Rationale behind ranking/change of ranking: Has continued his improvement through July with his work around the ground getting better. Strengths: - Late growth, growing from midfield height to ruck height in the past three years, suggesting physical growth and further football improvement likely - Rate of improvement - Midfield-quality footskills with low, precise kicking to targets - Disposal numbers - Mobility - Clean below the knees Weaknesses: - Lack of size and strength - Tap work and hitout numbers behind his peers - Contested marking - Scoreboard impact - Versatility to play a second position" Knightmare's AFL August Draft-Power Rankings There aren't many highly credentialed young ruckmen around and the search might have to extend to the mature age types in the State Leagues, noting that two of the competition's most dominant big men in Dean Cox and Aaron Sandilands came from those ranks. Claremont ruckman Darcy Cameron was described on the AFL website as follows:- "Darcy Cameron Claremont 204cm/104kg 18/7/95 Cameron was overlooked at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft with a query on his pace and his consistency in competing. But he's improved those aspects of his game and presents as a mature-age tall who is able to play in the ruck and in attack. Cameron has enjoyed a solid season at WAFL level for Claremont." Mature-age talent who might have caught the eye Unfortunately, Cameron suffered a broken jaw playing in the WAFL last month - AFL draft hopeful breaks jaw in sickening WAFL hit If the club is looking for another big man, it might not have to look very far. Casey's Oscar McInerney is 22, 203cm and 100kg. He has only played two VFL Senior games but has impressed at the club and could bloom as a late developer. He and teammate Declan Keilty, a 194cm tall jack of all trades type who has played as a part timer in the ruck for the Scorpions, have both been invited to the State Combine in October. Then there are the trades and who knows whether a player like Shane Mumford might be offered up on the table this year? And so, whilst most clubs will be fighting over the best midfielders in the land, I suspect that the circumstances might place Melbourne in the hunt for another type of player - a red, hot ruckman.

Moving right along ... let's go to the post match!

Please let's not get ahead of ourselves.

First win against Port Adelaide in yonks ... three in a row ... plenty of things to discuss.

Cast your votes please folks 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

We're not going to get any free kicks tonight.

I like your enthusiasm Redleg but please start a new thread in this sub board: http://demonland.com/forums/forum/38-the-good-win-draft-and-trading-board/ This thread is just a heads up that there is a new forum to discuss the Trade and Draft Period.

All draft and trade talk should be done in the following sub board: http://demonland.com/forums/forum/38-the-good-win-draft-and-trading-board/ Any threads relating to the Draft and Trade Period will be moved there.

SHINING by The Oracle I was watching the discussion on Foxtel's AFL360 programme on Monday night in which Nathan Buckley and Chris Scott were discussing Melbourne's win over defending premiers Hawthorn. They were both in heated agreement that the result should not have shocked anyone: that the Demons are a much better team than is perceived by the football world and they have been that way for some time. Scott pointed to the fact that they were unlucky against the Eagles in Perth, had stretched Adelaide a few weeks before that and earlier in the year came close to beating North Melbourne in Hobart. Buckley nodded and added they had beaten his team twice this year. We all know this, but young sides don't always shine. What is of concern is the way that the team has gone in between those better performances. There were the two bad losses at Etihad against St Kilda, the second round humiliation at home against Essendon and of course, the capitulation in the heart of the country when they went down without so much as a whimper to Port Adelaide at the end of May when the Power were struggling. Buckley and Scott said nothing about these games and the football world and euphoric Demon fans in the wake of last week's victory also appear to have forgotten. That is the problem with assessing how Melbourne will fare on Saturday night at the Adelaide Oval against a team that is similarly inconsistent. Will they be so swept up in the way in which they have basked for a week in their grand final like victory over the Hawks to fall into the all too familiar traps of the past? And which Port Adelaide side will show up on the night? The one that was completely destroyed by the Swans last week at the SCG or that which outclassed the Brisbane Lions the week before? One thing is certain - Ken Hinkley certainly knows how to beat Melbourne. His first win at the helm at Port Adelaide came in his debut match as coach when his team demolished Mark Neeld's dreams in the opening round of 2013 by 79 points at the MCG. They have since beaten Melbourne four times with three of those victories coming at TIO Traeger Park, the last of them being that 45 point drubbing in Round 10 earlier this year. Paradoxically, the Demons' best showing came two years ago at Adelaide Oval when they lost narrowly by three points in a game that could have gone either way. The Demons have come a long way since then. The make up of the side and the style of play have changed substantially. Their young team is improving in confidence and ability with each passing week. There is always the chance that they will regress on any given week but they have developed a penchant for breaking hoodoos this year and their now seven game losing streak against Port Adelaide is waiting to be broken. Their on ball division has climbed out of third world status and threatens to move into the upper echelon in the not too distant future. This is the moment for the Demons to shine and I'm predicting a 25 point win for them at the Adelaide Oval. THE GAME Port Adelaide v Melbourne on Saturday 13 August, 2016 at 7.40pm (AEST) at Adelaide Oval HEAD TO HEAD Overall Port Adelaide 19 wins Melbourne 11 wins At Adelaide Oval Port Adelaide 2 wins Melbourne 0 wins Past five meetings Port Adelaide 5 wins Melbourne 0 wins The Coaches Hinkley 4 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports3 live at 7.30pm RADIO - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Port Adelaide to win - $1.45 Melbourne to win - $2.80 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Port Adelaide 18.13.121 defeated Melbourne 10.16.76 Round 10, 2016 at TIO Traeger Park A wasteful Melbourne lost another game at one of its homes away from home, TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs. Despite an outstanding ruck performance from Max Gawn and a dominant opening term (everywhere but on the scoreboard), the errant Demons watched helplessly as its defence leaked like a sieve unforgivably leaving opposition forwards on their own. Charlie Dixon booted three goals in the second term on his way to five for the game as the "away" side ran out 45 point winners. Despite making it three defeats in a row to Port in the centre of the country, Melbourne has decided to return again next year. THE TEAMS PORT ADELAIDE B: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Logan Austin, Jasper Pittard HB: Matthew Broadbent, Jackson Trengove, Tom Clurey C: Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines, Jared Polec HF: Jarman Impey, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard F: Jesse Palmer, Charlie Dixon, Aaron Young FOLL: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray I/C: Karl Amon, Sam Gray, Nathan Krakouer EMG: Riley Bonner, Brendon Ah Chee, Jake Neade IN: Matthew Lobbe, Jesse Palmer, Cam O'Shea OUT: John Butcher (omitted), Brendon Ah Chee (Omitted), Paul Stewart (Omitted) NEW: Jesse Palmer MELBOURNE B: Sam Frost, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Tomas Bugg C: Christian Petracca, Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson HF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Aaron vandenBerg F: James Harmes, Jesse Hogan, Dean Kent FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Cameron Pedersen, Billy Stretch EMG: Chris Dawes, Colin Garland, Alex Neal-Bullen IN: Jesse Hogan OUT: Sam Weideman (quad)

I was watching the discussion on Foxtel's AFL360 programme on Monday night in which Nathan Buckley and Chris Scott were discussing Melbourne's win over defending premiers Hawthorn. They were both in heated agreement that the result should not have shocked anyone: that the Demons are a much better team than is perceived by the football world and they have been that way for some time. Scott pointed to the fact that they were unlucky against the Eagles in Perth, had stretched Adelaide a few weeks before that and earlier in the year came close to beating North Melbourne in Hobart. Buckley nodded and added they had beaten his team twice this year. We all know this, but young sides don't always shine. What is of concern is the way that the team has gone in between those better performances. There were the two bad losses at Etihad against St Kilda, the second round humiliation at home against Essendon and of course, the capitulation in the heart of the country when they went down without so much as a whimper to Port Adelaide at the end of May when the Power were struggling. Buckley and Scott said nothing about these games and the football world and euphoric Demon fans in the wake of last week's victory also appear to have forgotten. That is the problem with assessing how Melbourne will fare on Saturday night at the Adelaide Oval against a team that is similarly inconsistent. Will they be so swept up in the way in which they have basked for a week in their grand final like victory over the Hawks to fall into the all too familiar traps of the past? And which Port Adelaide side will show up on the night? The one that was completely destroyed by the Swans last week at the SCG or that which outclassed the Brisbane Lions the week before? One thing is certain - Ken Hinkley certainly knows how to beat Melbourne. His first win at the helm at Port Adelaide came in his debut match as coach when his team demolished Mark Neeld's dreams in the opening round of 2013 by 79 points at the MCG. They have since beaten Melbourne four times with three of those victories coming at TIO Traeger Park, the last of them being that 45 point drubbing in Round 10 earlier this year. Paradoxically, the Demons' best showing came two years ago at Adelaide Oval when they lost narrowly by three points in a game that could have gone either way. The Demons have come a long way since then. The make up of the side and the style of play have changed substantially. Their young team is improving in confidence and ability with each passing week. There is always the chance that they will regress on any given week but they have developed a penchant for breaking hoodoos this year and their now seven game losing streak against Port Adelaide is waiting to be broken. Their on ball division has climbed out of third world status and threatens to move into the upper echelon in the not too distant future. This is the moment for the Demons to shine and I'm predicting a 25 point win for them at the Adelaide Oval. THE GAME Port Adelaide v Melbourne on Saturday 13 August, 2016 at 7.40pm (AEST) at Adelaide Oval HEAD TO HEAD Overall Port Adelaide 19 wins Melbourne 11 wins At Adelaide Oval Port Adelaide 2 wins Melbourne 0 wins Past five meetings Port Adelaide 5 wins Melbourne 0 wins The Coaches Hinkley 4 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports3 live at 7.30pm RADIO - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Port Adelaide to win - $1.45 Melbourne to win - $2.80 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Port Adelaide 18.13.121 defeated Melbourne 10.16.76 Round 10, 2016 at TIO Traeger Park A wasteful Melbourne lost another game at one of its homes away from home, TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs. Despite an outstanding ruck performance from Max Gawn and a dominant opening term (everywhere but on the scoreboard), the errant Demons watched helplessly as its defence leaked like a sieve unforgivably leaving opposition forwards on their own. Charlie Dixon booted three goals in the second term on his way to five for the game as the "away" side ran out 45 point winners. Despite making it three defeats in a row to Port in the centre of the country, Melbourne has decided to return again next year. THE TEAMS PORT ADELAIDE B: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Logan Austin, Jasper Pittard HB: Matthew Broadbent, Jackson Trengove, Tom Clurey C: Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines, Jared Polec HF: Jarman Impey, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard F: Jesse Palmer, Charlie Dixon, Aaron Young FOLL: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray I/C: Karl Amon, Sam Gray, Nathan Krakouer EMG: Riley Bonner, Brendon Ah Chee, Jake Neade IN: Matthew Lobbe, Jesse Palmer, Cam O'Shea OUT: John Butcher (omitted), Brendon Ah Chee (Omitted), Paul Stewart (Omitted) NEW: Jesse Palmer MELBOURNE B: Sam Frost, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Tomas Bugg C: Christian Petracca, Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson HF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Aaron vandenBerg F: James Harmes, Jesse Hogan, Dean Kent FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Cameron Pedersen, Billy Stretch EMG: Chris Dawes, Colin Garland, Alex Neal-Bullen IN: Jesse Hogan OUT: Sam Weideman (quad)

We started the game played in Alice Springs well but kicked poorly for goal. Jack Viney was a little too aggressive and got reported (and was injured). The team blew up. MELBOURNE B: Josh Wagner, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Tomas Bugg, Oscar McDonald, Colin Garland C: Billy Stretch, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince 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, Ben Newton EMG: Chris Dawes, Jack Grimes, Viv Michie IN: Neville Jetta, Dom Tyson OUT: Viv Michie (omitted), Clayton Oliver (quad) PORT ADELAIDE B: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jack Hombsch, Jasper Pittard HB: Nathan Krakouer, Cam O'Shea, Matthew Broadbent C: Jared Polec, Ollie Wines, Brad Ebert HF: Jake Neade, Justin Westhoff, Hamish Hartlett F: Aaron Young, Charlie Dixon, Chad Wingard FOLL: Jackson Trengove, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray I/C: Karl Amon, Dougal Howard, Jarman Impey, Paul Stewart EMG: Brendon Ah Chee, Logan Austin, Sam Gray IN: Dougal Howard OUT: Tom Jonas (suspended)

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2016-08-08/rd-20-all-the-goals Enjoy

SCORPIONS ON TOP by Ice Station The Casey Scorpions had little trouble in disposing of Essendon VFL at Casey Fields on Saturday night after leading from go to whoa and finishing up scoring a mammoth 20.9.129 to 6.7.43. The Scorpions boosted their percentage and the win saw them return to the top of the VFL ladder where they are locked together on 12 wins with Williamstown and Collingwood VFL in the fight for a top two spot. One of the most pleasing aspects for Coach Justin Plapp would have been the evenness of his team with significant contributions from his AFL and VFL listed players. They were in control from the very beginning and were relentless all night with their strong pressure around the ball. Forward Liam Hulett kicked the first of his three goals early in the match and was followed by Tim Smith and later in the term by Christian Salem. The Bombers were kept goalless and were 22 points in arrears by the first break. Midfielder Alex Neal-Bullen was busy early with 13 touches in the opening term on his way to a match total of 37. Hulett was in the action again with another goal early in the second term before the Bombers broke through for their first but the Casey onslaught continued. The Scorps were winning well at the stoppages even in the absence of Jake Spencer with second gamer Oscar McInerney getting his share of hit outs as well as possession of the ball around the ground. The Scorpion utility players were running riot with Viv Michie and Ben Kennedy picking up a swag of disposals, as did Matt Jones. The third quarter belonged to Jay Kennedy-Harris who was in everything and booted three goals for the term. Both he and Salem, who have had injury interrupted seasons returned to their best form and more of the same will have them knocking on the doors of the Demon selectors. By three quarter time, the lead had been stretched to 70 points and the team coasted in the final term but still threatened to win by over 100 points before settling on an emphatic 86 point win. The Scorpions are being well served by some of the more established Demon listers who are finding it hard to break back into the side. They include veteran defenders in Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland and Dean Terlich and former co-captains Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove who have been prolific ball gatherers. Mitch White and Joel Smith were both solid while Hulett finished with three goals but it could have been more. The Casey recruiters should be congratulated for their judgement in the past few seasons. Skipper Jack Hutchins and Jim Munro were solid. McInerney and Declan Keilty held the rucks together and small men Ed Morris and Angus Scott were pressing and Dylan Collis continued to impress notching up 29 possessions. The Scorpions gave highly rated Gippsland Power prospect Ben Ainsworth an opportunity to show his wares and he did not let the team down. He displayed great pace and booted two goals from limited opportunities which demonstrated why he is expected to be selected in the top five in November's draft. Casey next meets Werribee who still harbour hopes of making the finals in what looms as a tough contest. Casey Scorpions 3.5.23 8.6.54 15.7.97 20.9.129 Essendon VFL 0.1.1 2.3.15 4.3.27 6.7.43 Goals Casey Scorpions Kennedy-Harris 4 Hulett 3 Ainsworth Salem T Smith 2 Grimes McInerney Morris Neal-Bullen Scott Terlich White Essendon VFL Coghlan Eades Heppell Holmes Redman Stokes Best Casey Scorpions Kennedy-Harris Salem Grimes Hutchins Neal-Bullen McInerney Essendon VFL Carboni Holmes Heppell Simpkin Langford Statistics Lynden Dunn 15 disposals10 kicks 5 handballs 6 marks 3 tackles 71 dream team points Colin Garland 17 disposals 12 kicks 5 handballs 2 marks 3 tackles 65 dream team points Jack Grimes 1 goal 1 behind 34 disposals 16 kicks 18 handballs 8 marks 3 tackles 128 dream team points Liam Hulett 3 goals 2 behinds 11 disposals 9 kicks 2 handballs 4 marks 1 tackles 68 dream team points Matt Jones 31 disposals 17 kicks 14 handballs 8 marks 103 dream team points Ben Kennedy 27 disposals 16 kicks 11 handballs 6 marks 4 tackles 105 dream team points Jay Kennedy-Harris 4 goals 24 disposals 17 kicks 7 handballs 7 marks 2 tackles 119 dream team points Viv Michie 33 disposals 20 kicks 13 handballs 4 marks 4 tackles 115 dream team points Alex Neal-Bullen 1 goal 37 disposals 15 kicks 22 handballs 3 marks 7 tackles 133 dream team points Christian Salem 2 goals 23 disposals 14 kicks 9 handballs 4 marks 6 tackles 105 dream team points Joel Smith 21 disposals 6 kicks 15 handballs 5 marks 4 tackles 79 dream team points Dean Terlich 1 goal 1 behind 16 disposals 7 kicks 9 handballs 4 marks 5 tackles 75 dream team points Jack Trengove 1 behind 32 disposals 8 kicks 24 handballs 5 marks 14 tackles 143 dream team points Mitch White 1 goal 21 disposals 13 kicks 8 handballs 8 marks 3 tackles 97 dream team points The Development League team had an excellent win over the Northern Blues with Max King returning to form with three goals. Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 6.6.42 9.7.61 11.9.75 Northern Blues 1.1.7 1.2.8 2.6.18 4.8.32 Goals Casey Scorpions Max King 3 Freeman 2 Anderson Baker Ferreira Hannon Stockdale Northern Blues Corboy 2 Bolger Peet Best Casey Scorpions Moncrieff Briggs Hillard Gordon Max King Wyatt Northern Blues Stevens Declase Aujla Roos Cripps Barrettu

The Casey Scorpions had little trouble in disposing of Essendon VFL at Casey Fields on Saturday night after leading from go to whoa and finishing up scoring a mammoth 20.9.129 to 6.7.43. The Scorpions boosted their percentage and the win saw them return to the top of the VFL ladder where they are locked together on 12 wins with Williamstown and Collingwood VFL in the fight for a top two spot. One of the most pleasing aspects for Coach Justin Plapp would have been the evenness of his team with significant contributions from his AFL and VFL listed players. They were in control from the very beginning and were relentless all night with their strong pressure around the ball. Forward Liam Hulett kicked the first of his three goals early in the match and was followed by Tim Smith and later in the term by Christian Salem. The Bombers were kept goalless and were 22 points in arrears by the first break. Midfielder Alex Neal-Bullen was busy early with 13 touches in the opening term on his way to a match total of 37. Hulett was in the action again with another goal early in the second term before the Bombers broke through for their first but the Casey onslaught continued. The Scorps were winning well at the stoppages even in the absence of Jake Spencer with second gamer Oscar McInerney getting his share of hit outs as well as possession of the ball around the ground. The Scorpion utility players were running riot with Viv Michie and Ben Kennedy picking up a swag of disposals, as did Matt Jones. The third quarter belonged to Jay Kennedy-Harris who was in everything and booted three goals for the term. Both he and Salem, who have had injury interrupted seasons returned to their best form and more of the same will have them knocking on the doors of the Demon selectors. By three quarter time, the lead had been stretched to 70 points and the team coasted in the final term but still threatened to win by over 100 points before settling on an emphatic 86 point win. The Scorpions are being well served by some of the more established Demon listers who are finding it hard to break back into the side. They include veteran defenders in Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland and Dean Terlich and former co-captains Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove who have been prolific ball gatherers. Mitch White and Joel Smith were both solid while Hulett finished with three goals but it could have been more. The Casey recruiters should be congratulated for their judgement in the past few seasons. Skipper Jack Hutchins and Jim Munro were solid. McInerney and Declan Keilty held the rucks together and small men Ed Morris and Angus Scott were pressing and Dylan Collis continued to impress notching up 29 possessions. The Scorpions gave highly rated Gippsland Power prospect Ben Ainsworth an opportunity to show his wares and he did not let the team down. He displayed great pace and booted two goals from limited opportunities which demonstrated why he is expected to be selected in the top five in November's draft. Casey next meets Werribee who still harbour hopes of making the finals in what looms as a tough contest. Casey Scorpions 3.5.23 8.6.54 15.7.97 20.9.129 Essendon VFL 0.1.1 2.3.15 4.3.27 6.7.43 Goals Casey Scorpions Kennedy-Harris 4 Hulett 3 Ainsworth Salem T Smith 2 Grimes McInerney Morris Neal-Bullen Scott Terlich White Essendon VFL Coghlan Eades Heppell Holmes Redman Stokes Best Casey Scorpions Kennedy-Harris Salem Grimes Hutchins Neal-Bullen McInerney Essendon VFL Carboni Holmes Heppell Simpkin Langford Statistics Lynden Dunn 15 disposals10 kicks 5 handballs 6 marks 3 tackles 71 dream team points Colin Garland 17 disposals 12 kicks 5 handballs 2 marks 3 tackles 65 dream team points Jack Grimes 1 goal 1 behind 34 disposals 16 kicks 18 handballs 8 marks 3 tackles 128 dream team points Liam Hulett 3 goals 2 behinds 11 disposals 9 kicks 2 handballs 4 marks 1 tackles 68 dream team points Matt Jones 31 disposals 17 kicks 14 handballs 8 marks 103 dream team points Ben Kennedy 27 disposals 16 kicks 11 handballs 6 marks 4 tackles 105 dream team points Jay Kennedy-Harris 4 goals 24 disposals 17 kicks 7 handballs 7 marks 2 tackles 119 dream team points Viv Michie 33 disposals 20 kicks 13 handballs 4 marks 4 tackles 115 dream team points Alex Neal-Bullen 1 goal 37 disposals 15 kicks 22 handballs 3 marks 7 tackles 133 dream team points Christian Salem 2 goals 23 disposals 14 kicks 9 handballs 4 marks 6 tackles 105 dream team points Joel Smith 21 disposals 6 kicks 15 handballs 5 marks 4 tackles 79 dream team points Dean Terlich 1 goal 1 behind 16 disposals 7 kicks 9 handballs 4 marks 5 tackles 75 dream team points Jack Trengove 1 behind 32 disposals 8 kicks 24 handballs 5 marks 14 tackles 143 dream team points Mitch White 1 goal 21 disposals 13 kicks 8 handballs 8 marks 3 tackles 97 dream team points The Development League team had an excellent win over the Northern Blues with Max King returning to form with three goals. Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 6.6.42 9.7.61 11.9.75 Northern Blues 1.1.7 1.2.8 2.6.18 4.8.32 Goals Casey Scorpions Max King 3 Freeman 2 Anderson Baker Ferreira Hannon Stockdale Wilson Northern Blues Corboy 2 Bolger Peet Best Casey Scorpions Moncrieff Briggs Hillard Gordon Max King Wyatt Northern Blues Stevens Declase Aujla Roos Cripps Barrettu

Get a photo of him in a Dees jumper with the gold medal ASAP.

THE BREAKOUT by George on the Outer At some point, as an upcoming side moves upwards from the lower reaches of the League ladder, there comes a defining moment. It is that moment that causes others to take notice, to admit that there is something genuine about the team's progress and to recognise that for the future they will have to be taken seriously. All that occurred in one afternoon in August 2016 when 11th placed Melbourne defeated the top of the ladder Hawthorn by nearly five goals. Paul Roos promised to re-build the playing list during his reign as coach, while off-field leader Peter Jackson has at the same time rebuilt the club. As we approach the end of the 2016 season, Melbourne supporters can finally see that those promises are being delivered. We have seen the steady progression of the side under Roos' tutelage but this game was the breakout that signified the step necessary to be a genuine future contender in the competition. Before the match, there were few who regarded Melbourne's prospects for success on the day. Hawthorn had a nine game winning streak, had won the last three premierships, and were fielding most of their well-credentialed list. Their battle hardened warriors in Hodge, Lewis, Mitchell, Burgoyne, Gibson and Rioli were all there. It had been ten years since a Demons side had beaten Hawthorn. It was a big task for the youngest AFL team to take to the field since the introduction of GWS –Gold Coast to provide even a meaningful contest, especially as it followed a 6 day break and two recent long interstate trips to Perth and Darwin. With everything pointing to an easy Hawthorn victory, the result and the size of the win was particularly notable. The young Demons got off to a flyer of a start with an early goal to Jayden Hunt when on the run, and then Sam Weideman, in his debut game, joined that elite group of AFL players to have kicked a goal with his first touch. But Hawthorn returned the fire and for the majority of the match the scoreboard showed barely a two goal difference between the two sides. That in itself was remarkable, because Hawthon with their skills, experience and stronger bodies should have been making a greater mark. However, the mark was being made by the Melbourne players instead. Max Gawn dominated the Hawthorn duo of McEvoy and Ceglar in the ruck contests with 41 hit-outs. Not only that but he took 11 marks around the ground, with some particularly telling contested ones both in offence and defence. His performances in this match and during the season have surely marked him as a certainty for AA selection this year. The game was almost a repeat of that when the teams last met. Melbourne close, sometimes in front, but eventually losing it in the last quarter. This time the roles were reversed as the Demons played with the same level of intensity, right up to the final siren. What was also different from the last was the output from the younger players. Christian Petracca may not have had spectacular statistics with only 12 touches, but seven of those were contested, and what was not reflected on the stats sheet was his new found ability to break tackles. He now knows his own strength and will use it more and more as he matures from his ripe old age of 20! Once again, it was Jack Viney leading the charge. 39 touches, 16 contested and 7 clearances. He is only 22! Clayton Oliver rejoined the mids after his further development in the VFL to record 23 disposals, 11 contested, 8 clearances. He just turned 19 a fortnight ago! Angus Brayshaw 16 disposals, 6 contested and he is just 20! Complementing them were Dom Tyson and Nathan Jones with their usual output of 30 touches each, and the injection of this talented youth made all the difference to the end result. Despite Jesse Hogan not playing, he was not missed because Weideman, Cameron Pedersen and Jack Watts stood up to more than adequately provide a target when the ball moved forward. Watts was once again unstoppable. With three telling goals, his turnaround from bit player to damaging pivot is yet another example of what Roos has achieved. He might have scored three on his own, but his pin-point passing and willingness to get involved provided others scoring opportunities that were manufactured from nothing. Troubling for the AFL was again the appalling display from the umpiring department. Calls which were just best guesses, or made on the assumption that the Hawthorn player could not possibly do wrong were rife throughout the game. How Rioli was gifted a free 15 metres out after a high bump to Oliver, which will surely be reviewed by the MRC was simply incomprehensible. Six Hawthorn goals came from free kicks. Without this one-sided interpretation, a rout in favour of the Demons would have happened. This was the breakout game. If there was ever any doubt in Hogan and Tom McDonald’s mind about where this club is heading, then this match would have settled it well and truly. The next step is the break-in that will see us vault into the finals. It probably won’t happen this year, but with the surfeit of talent that Roos and his team have accumulated, 2017 is a certainty. Melbourne 5.2.32 9.2.56 12.6.78 17.8.110 Hawthorn 3.3.21 7.9.51 10.12.72 11.15.81 Goals Melbourne Watts 3 Bugg Tyson Weideman 2 Brayshaw Gawn Hunt Pedersen Petracca Stretch vandenBerg Hawthorn Rioli 4 Ceglar Gunston Smith 2 O'Brien Best Melbourne N Jones Gawn Viney Tyson Watts Vince T McDonald Oliver Hawthorn Rioli Smith Hodge Lewis Mitchell Changes Melbourne Jesse Hogan (bruised knee) replaced by Cameron Pedersen Hawthorn James Frawley (shoulder) replaced by Injuries Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Stratton (pectoral muscle) replaced by Reports Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Nil Umpires Farmer, Rosebury, Wallace Official crowd 38,818 at the MCG

At some point, as an upcoming side moves upwards from the lower reaches of the League ladder, there comes a defining moment. It is that moment that causes others to take notice, to admit that there is something genuine about the team's progress and to recognise that for the future they will have to be taken seriously. All that occurred in one afternoon in August 2016 when 11th placed Melbourne defeated the top of the ladder Hawthorn by nearly five goals. Paul Roos promised to re-build the playing list during his reign as coach, while off-field leader Peter Jackson has at the same time rebuilt the club. As we approach the end of the 2016 season, Melbourne supporters can finally see that those promises are being delivered. We have seen the steady progression of the side under Roos' tutelage but this game was the breakout that signified the step necessary to be a genuine future contender in the competition. Before the match, there were few who regarded Melbourne's prospects for success on the day. Hawthorn had a nine game winning streak, had won the last three premierships, and were fielding most of their well-credentialed list. Their battle hardened warriors in Hodge, Lewis, Mitchell, Burgoyne, Gibson and Rioli were all there. It had been ten years since a Demons side had beaten Hawthorn. It was a big task for the youngest AFL team to take to the field since the introduction of GWS –Gold Coast to provide even a meaningful contest, especially as it followed a 6 day break and two recent long interstate trips to Perth and Darwin. With everything pointing to an easy Hawthorn victory, the result and the size of the win was particularly notable. The young Demons got off to a flyer of a start with an early goal to Jayden Hunt when on the run, and then Sam Weideman, in his debut game, joined that elite group of AFL players to have kicked a goal with his first touch. But Hawthorn returned the fire and for the majority of the match the scoreboard showed barely a two goal difference between the two sides. That in itself was remarkable, because Hawthon with their skills, experience and stronger bodies should have been making a greater mark. However, the mark was being made by the Melbourne players instead. Max Gawn dominated the Hawthorn duo of McEvoy and Ceglar in the ruck contests with 41 hit-outs. Not only that but he took 11 marks around the ground, with some particularly telling contested ones both in offence and defence. His performances in this match and during the season have surely marked him as a certainty for AA selection this year. The game was almost a repeat of that when the teams last met. Melbourne close, sometimes in front, but eventually losing it in the last quarter. This time the roles were reversed as the Demons played with the same level of intensity, right up to the final siren. What was also different from the last was the output from the younger players. Christian Petracca may not have had spectacular statistics with only 12 touches, but seven of those were contested, and what was not reflected on the stats sheet was his new found ability to break tackles. He now knows his own strength and will use it more and more as he matures from his ripe old age of 20! Once again, it was Jack Viney leading the charge. 39 touches, 16 contested and 7 clearances. He is only 22! Clayton Oliver rejoined the mids after his further development in the VFL to record 23 disposals, 11 contested, 8 clearances. He just turned 19 a fortnight ago! Angus Brayshaw 16 disposals, 6 contested and he is just 20! Complementing them were Dom Tyson and Nathan Jones with their usual output of 30 touches each, and the injection of this talented youth made all the difference to the end result. Despite Jesse Hogan not playing, he was not missed because Weideman, Cameron Pedersen and Jack Watts stood up to more than adequately provide a target when the ball moved forward. Watts was once again unstoppable. With three telling goals, his turnaround from bit player to damaging pivot is yet another example of what Roos has achieved. He might have scored three on his own, but his pin-point passing and willingness to get involved provided others scoring opportunities that were manufactured from nothing. Troubling for the AFL was again the appalling display from the umpiring department. Calls which were just best guesses, or made on the assumption that the Hawthorn player could not possibly do wrong were rife throughout the game. How Rioli was gifted a free 15 metres out after a high bump to Oliver, which will surely be reviewed by the MRC was simply incomprehensible. Six Hawthorn goals came from free kicks. Without this one-sided interpretation, a rout in favour of the Demons would have happened. This was the breakout game. If there was ever any doubt in Hogan and Tom McDonald’s mind about where this club is heading, then this match would have settled it well and truly. The next step is the break-in that will see us vault into the finals. It probably won’t happen this year, but with the surfeit of talent that Roos and his team have accumulated, 2017 is a certainty. Melbourne 5.2.32 9.2.56 12.6.78 17.8.110 Hawthorn 3.3.21 7.9.51 10.12.72 11.15.81 Goals Melbourne Watts 3 Bugg Tyson Weideman 2 Brayshaw Gawn Hunt Pedersen Petracca Stretch vandenBerg Hawthorn Rioli 4 Ceglar Gunston Smith 2 O'Brien Best Melbourne N Jones Gawn Viney Tyson Watts Vince T McDonald Oliver Hawthorn Rioli Smith Hodge Lewis Mitchell Changes Melbourne Jesse Hogan (bruised knee) replaced by Cameron Pedersen Hawthorn James Frawley (shoulder) replaced by Injuries Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Stratton (pectoral muscle) replaced by Reports Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Nil Umpires Farmer, Rosebury, Wallace Official crowd 38,818 at the MCG

With three rounds to go before the finals, Max has taken a good lead over Jack. 165 Max Gawn 150 Jack Viney 132 Nathan Jones 121 Jack Watts 88 Bernie Vince 86 Dom Tyson 63 Tom McDonald 53 Jesse Hogan 51 Neville Jetta 36 Jeff Garlett 34 Ben Kennedy 33 Billy Stretch 32 Jayden Hunt 29 Christian Petracca 24 Tomas Bugg 21 Dean Kent 14 Clayton Oliver 12 Josh Wagner 11 Sam Frost James Harmes 10 Heritier Lumumba 9 Cam Pedersen 7 Aaron vandenBerg 4 Matt Jones 2 Angus Brayshaw Oscar McDonald

Well, tell us what you think of that.

Please cast your votes folks ... 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...

PERFECTION by Whispering Jack I was thinking the other day about world affairs and politics and it occurred to me that, given the calibre of the major candidates in the coming elections for the president of the leading country of the so called "free world", we might be in a bit of trouble. Then I looked at who was leading the other "developed" nations across the western world, including our own, and a spot of panic set in. I understand completely that there are many countries across the globe that lack democratic values and are ruled by corrupt, incompetent or plain evil tyrants (and most of them will be on show over the coming weeks at the Olympic Games) but when the calibre of leadership in our democracies is weak and pathetic, I wonder whether mankind has lost its desire to achieve perfection. Of course, philosophers will argue that the question of perfection concerns not whether man is perfect, but whether he should be perfect and if that is true, then how is perfection to be attained? I wonder about this in many spheres of life but last week at roughly 3.30pm last Sunday afternoon, as I sat in the stand at the MCG watching players committing the most basic skill errors such as miskicks and handballs to teammates with their backs to the play, I was confronted with the thought that perhaps the search for perfection in our game is beyond reach. However, it was after the game, when I had time to collect my thoughts and notice who Melbourne was drawn to play against in six days’ time, that I changed my mind. If there is perfection in our game then the current Hawthorn team must be close. The Hawks have won the last three AFL premierships and they currently sit on top of the ladder, two games clear of their nearest rivals and well on their way to achieving a rare fourth successive premiership. I used to think that the Demons of the fifties and sixties were the perfect team but even they fell at the final hurdle in 1958 when their time came to emulate the Magpies' record from three decades earlier. Melbourne's recent record against Hawthorn has been embarrassing. They haven't beaten them since Alistair Clarkson's early days of a decade ago when the young Hawks were like the Demons of today - inexperienced and wet behind the ears. Two months ago, an enthusiastic young Melbourne team took it right up to them for three quarters but they were overwhelmed in the final term. This week, they face a ruthless foe that has its eyes firmly set on winning the flag in September and it will give others no favours in that quest. The Hawks' game against Carlton was by no means perfect but they were fielding a side that was nowhere near to their best. They are expected to bring in Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo and possibly Liam Shiels this week and against the tiring young Demons, I fear that we might finally see a team achieve perfection. THE GAME Melbourne v Hawthorn at the MCG Saturday 6 August 2016 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 74 wins Hawthorn 85 wins At MCG Melbourne 35 wins Hawthorn 44 wins Last 5 meetings Melbourne 0 wins Hawthorn 5 wins The Coaches Roos 0 wins Clarkson 3 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports 3 Live at 2.00pm RADIO - Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Melbourne $5.75 to win Hawthorn $1.14 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Hawthorn 11.16.82 defeated Melbourne 10.4.64 in Round 11, 2016 at the MCG The Demons lasted for three quarters before the weight of experience and talent started taking its toll. The Hawks' 18 point win in the wet gloomy conditions was their 13th win in a row in a streak that goes all the way back to 2006. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Sam Frost, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Billy Stretch C: Christian Petracca, Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson HF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Clayton Oliver F: Sam Weideman, Cameron Pedersen, Dean Kent FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Tomas Bugg, James Harmes, Aaron Vandenberg EMG: Colin Garland, Matt Jones IN: Tomas Bugg, Clayton Oliver, Cameron Pedersen, Sam Weideman OUT: Chris Dawes (omitted), Jesse Hogan (knee), Matt Jones (omitted), Josh Wagner (omitted) NEW: Sam Weideman HAWTHORN B: Taylor Duryea, Ben Stratton, Brendan Whitecross HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill HF: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Will Langford F: Tim O'Brien, Ben McEvoy, Cyril Rioli FOLL: Jonathon Ceglar, Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge I/C: Kaiden Brand, Kurt Heatherley, Jonathan O'Rourke, James Sicily EMG: Blake Hardwick, Dallas Willsmore IN: Kurt Heatherley, Cyril Rioli OUT: James Frawley (shoulder), Blake Hardwick (omitted)

I was thinking the other day about world affairs and politics and it occurred to me that, given the calibre of the major candidates in the coming elections for the president of the leading country of the so called "free world", we might be in a bit of trouble. Then I looked at who was leading the other "developed" nations across the western world, including our own, and a spot of panic set in. I understand completely that there are many countries across the globe that lack democratic values and are ruled by corrupt, incompetent or plain evil tyrants (and most of them will be on show over the coming weeks at the Olympic Games) but when the calibre of leadership in our democracies is weak and pathetic, I wonder whether mankind has lost its desire to achieve perfection. Of course, philosophers will argue that the question of perfection concerns not whether man is perfect, but whether he should be perfect and if that is true, then how is perfection to be attained? I wonder about this in many spheres of life but last week at roughly 3.30pm last Sunday afternoon, as I sat in the stand at the MCG watching players committing the most basic skill errors such as miskicks and handballs to teammates with their backs to the play, I was confronted with the thought that perhaps the search for perfection in our game is beyond reach. However, it was after the game, when I had time to collect my thoughts and notice who Melbourne was drawn to play against in six days’ time, that I changed my mind. If there is perfection in our game then the current Hawthorn team must be close. The Hawks have won the last three AFL premierships and they currently sit on top of the ladder, two games clear of their nearest rivals and well on their way to achieving a rare fourth successive premiership. I used to think that the Demons of the fifties and sixties were the perfect team but even they fell at the final hurdle in 1958 when their time came to emulate the Magpies' record from three decades earlier. Melbourne's recent record against Hawthorn has been embarrassing. They haven't beaten them since Alistair Clarkson's early days of a decade ago when the young Hawks were like the Demons of today - inexperienced and wet behind the ears. Two months ago, an enthusiastic young Melbourne team took it right up to them for three quarters but they were overwhelmed in the final term. This week, they face a ruthless foe that has its eyes firmly set on winning the flag in September and it will give others no favours in that quest. The Hawks' game against Carlton was by no means perfect but they were fielding a side that was nowhere near to their best. They are expected to bring in Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo and possibly Liam Shiels this week and against the tiring young Demons, I fear that we might finally see a team achieve perfection. THE GAME Melbourne v Hawthorn at the MCG Saturday 6 August 2016 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 74 wins Hawthorn 85 wins At MCG Melbourne 35 wins Hawthorn 44 wins Last 5 meetings Melbourne 0 wins Hawthorn 5 wins The Coaches Roos 0 wins Clarkson 3 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports 3 Live at 2.00pm RADIO - Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Melbourne $5.75 to win Hawthorn $1.14 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Hawthorn 11.16.82 defeated Melbourne 10.4.64 in Round 11, 2016 at the MCG The Demons lasted for three quarters before the weight of experience and talent started taking its toll. The Hawks' 18 point win in the wet gloomy conditions was their 13th win in a row in a streak that goes all the way back to 2006. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Sam Frost, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Billy Stretch C: Christian Petracca, Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson HF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Clayton Oliver F: Sam Weideman, Cameron Pedersen, Dean Kent FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Tomas Bugg, James Harmes, Aaron Vandenberg EMG: Colin Garland, Matt Jones IN: Tomas Bugg, Clayton Oliver, Cameron Pedersen, Sam Weideman OUT: Chris Dawes (omitted), Jesse Hogan (knee), Matt Jones (omitted), Josh Wagner (omitted) NEW: Sam Weideman HAWTHORN B: Taylor Duryea, Ben Stratton, Brendan Whitecross HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill HF: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Will Langford F: Tim O'Brien, Ben McEvoy, Cyril Rioli FOLL: Jonathon Ceglar, Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge I/C: Kaiden Brand, Kurt Heatherley, Jonathan O'Rourke, James Sicily EMG: Blake Hardwick, Dallas Willsmore IN: Kurt Heatherley, Cyril Rioli OUT: James Frawley (shoulder), Blake Hardwick (omitted)

Russell ”Robbo” Robertson, along with past staff/ current Coterie members - Kelley Gillespie-Jones and Liz Coningsby, are participating in this year’s Daniher Drive. The drive is over 4 days from 13-16 October and is all about fundraising for MND research. Each team participating is required to raise at least $4000. Click here for more info on the Daniher Drive. We hope that you may be able to spare a few dollars for this wonderful cause. Neale is a dear friend who is going through a really tough time and his passion to help others is amazing. Already there has been significant progress in scientific research of a cure for MND as a result of fundraising from the Big Freeze event at our Queens Birthday game. To make a donation click on this link – every amount is truly appreciated. https://curemnd.kindful.com/danihersdrive/danihers-angels-and-robbo Our team is also joining other Daniher Drive team members David Neitz, Paul Hopgood, Clint Bizzell, Ben Holland, John Ahern, Stephen Powell, Guy Rigoni, Anthony Ingerson and Andrew Leoncelli at a combined fundraising event on Saturday 13 August – the Freeze MND Snow party. So, for those not making the trip to Adelaide for our game against Port, show your support come along to what will be a great night . The game will be telecast on the big screen and a great night of entertainment has been lined up including a live performance from Darren Middleton from Powderfinger! A flyer is attached or simply click here to purchase a ticket. We hope to see you there!

Great news. We get to see Hawthorn twice this year and this time it's in Member Appreciation Week. As a member, I appreciate the opportunity very much. HAWTHORN B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Ben Stratton HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Grant Burchill C: Isaac Smith, Jordan Lewis, Brad Hill HF: Luke Breust, Tim O'Brien, Jack Gunston F: Paul Puopolo, James Sicily, Cyril Rioli FOLL: Jonathon Ceglar, Sam Mitchell, Liam Shiels I/C: Billy Hartung, Daniel Howe, Ben McEvoy, Kade Stewart EMG: Kaiden Brand, Teia Miles, Angus Litherland IN: Daniel Howe, Kade Stewart OUT: Will Langford (managed), Matt Spangher (hamstring) NEW: Kade Stewart (19, South Fremantle) MELBOURNE B: Jayden Hunt, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Tom Bugg, Oscar McDonald, Josh Wagner C: Dean Kent, Jack Trengove, Bernie Vince HF: Billy Stretch, Jack Watts, Jeff Garlett F: Christian Petracca, Jesse Hogan, Chris Dawes FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Sam Frost, James Harmes, Clayton Oliver, Aaron vandenBerg EMG: Jack Grimes, Viv Michie, Cam Pedersen IN: Chris Dawes, Sam Frost, Clayton Oliver, Jack Trengove, Aaron vandenBerg OUT: Colin Garland (cheekbone), Ben Kennedy (omitted), Alex Neal-Bullen (omitted), Ben Newton (omitted), Jack Viney (suspended)