Demonland

Early this month, the Melbourne Football Club walked away from sponsorships with sports betting companies by committing to a responsible betting charter. At the time, the club's CEO Peter Jackson said it was “an important day for the club”. I was thinking about that comment when I saw the early betting for Sunday night's Anzac Eve clash between Melbourne and Richmond which had the match up listed as an even money battle. I immediately asked myself the question, "how is this so"? How is it possible that betting agencies which live or die by framing odds for sporting contests could even think of putting a team with Richmond's recent form which has been putrid, on a par with Melbourne after its last two matches? Just when I reach the point where I have decided that these people have completely taken leave of their own senses, I come to the realisation that it's the Demons we're talking about - that flakey team which hasn't won two consecutive games in a season since 2011 when they beat the Tigers in Round 14. I remember it well because about a month later it was Armageddon for the club, the coach was sacked and the team hit a brick wall causing near irreparable damage from which it is still recovering. It's not as if the opportunity to win two games on end hasn't presented itself in recent times. After beating Brisbane in Round 16 last year, the team started as favourite to beat St Kilda at the MCG the following week and they put in a stinker to lose by 37 points. They were never really in the hunt. And starting a game as favourite doesn't help the club very much at all. Take the club's last two matches against the down and almost out Bombers ... (three if you want to include the last NAB Challenge game of 2015) yes, please take them because I can barely bring myself to think of the humiliation each of those non efforts brought down on those of us who support the Dees. So I look around trying to find reasons why things will be different this time. Why Melbourne will defy history and win two in a row and why it should start as favourite? Is it the fact that the Demons have an in form ruckman capable of turning a game on its head or that they have added to their playing stocks so that they now have greater strength, skill and discipline at the stoppages? Is it a better and more cohesive forward line with more depth in terms of players who can hit the scoreboard? A tighter defence? A more attacking game plan? As much as I wrack my brain, I find myself entirely conflicted about how Melbourne will fare on Sunday night. Their recent form is better and my judgement is that the team that's in form should win but I'm afraid to place a wager on that eventuality. I therefore am left with no choice but to get with the club's responsible betting charter and decline the opportunity to gamble on the outcome of this match. In other words, as far as I'm concerned, anything can and will happen - you can bet on it! THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne on Sunday 24 April 2016 at 7.10pm at the MCG HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 103 wins Melbourne 74 wins Drawn 2 At MCG Richmond 68 wins Melbourne 62 wins Drawn 1 Past five meetings Richmond 3 wins Melbourne 2 wins The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Roos 2 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel Channel 7 live at 7.00pm Radio - Triple M 3AW SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Richmond to win - $1.92 Melbourne to win - $1.92 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 12.11.83 defeated Richmond 6.15.51 in Round 5, 2015 at the MCG After an even first half, Melbourne took control of the game kicking six goals to one with Nathan Jones the star and Jesse Hogan playing his break out game by giving a quality opponent in Rance an absolute bath. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Tomas Bugg HB: Lynden Dunn, Heritier Lumumba, Christian Salem C: Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson, Josh Wagner HF: Jack Watts, Sam Frost, James Harmes F: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Angus Brayshaw FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Jeff Garlett, Jayden Hunt, Ben Kennedy, Cameron Pedersen EMG: Colin Garland, Alex Neal-Bullen Christian Petracca IN: Jeff Garlett, Bernie Vince OUT: Matt Jones (soreness) Clayton Oliver (rested) RICHMOND B: David Astbury, Alex Rance, Brett Deledio HB: Corey Ellis, Bachar Houli, Kamdyn McIntosh C: Brandon Ellis, Shaun Grigg, Daniel Rioli HF: Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin, Ty Vickery F: Jack Riewoldt, Sam Lloyd, Connor Menadue FOLL: Ivan Maric, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin I/C: Jake Batchelor, Troy Chaplin, Anthony Miles, Steven Morris EMG: Taylor Hunt, Ben Lennon, Jacob Townsend IN: Jake Batchelor, Brett Deledio, Ivan Maric, Anthony Miles, Steven Morris OUT: Shaun Hampson (leg), Taylor Hunt (omitted), Ben Lennon (omitted), Andrew Moore (omitted), Nick Vlastuin (leg)

EVEN MONEY by The Oracle Early this month, the Melbourne Football Club walked away from sponsorships with sports betting companies by committing to a responsible betting charter. At the time, the club's CEO Peter Jackson said it was “an important day for the club”. I was thinking about that comment when I saw the early betting for Sunday night's Anzac Eve clash between Melbourne and Richmond which had the match up listed as an even money battle. I immediately asked myself the question, "how is this so"? How is it possible that betting agencies which live or die by framing odds for sporting contests could even think of putting a team with Richmond's recent form which has been putrid, on a par with Melbourne after its last two matches? Just when I reach the point where I have decided that these people have completely taken leave of their own senses, I come to the realisation that it's the Demons we're talking about - that flakey team which hasn't won two consecutive games in a season since 2011 when they beat the Tigers in Round 14. I remember it well because about a month later it was Armageddon for the club, the coach was sacked and the team hit a brick wall causing near irreparable damage from which it is still recovering. It's not as if the opportunity to win two games on end hasn't presented itself in recent times. After beating Brisbane in Round 16 last year, the team started as favourite to beat St Kilda at the MCG the following week and they put in a stinker to lose by 37 points. They were never really in the hunt. And starting a game as favourite doesn't help the club very much at all. Take the club's last two matches against the down and almost out Bombers ... (three if you want to include the last NAB Challenge game of 2015) yes, please take them because I can barely bring myself to think of the humiliation each of those non efforts brought down on those of us who support the Dees. So I look around trying to find reasons why things will be different this time. Why Melbourne will defy history and win two in a row and why it should start as favourite? Is it the fact that the Demons have an in form ruckman capable of turning a game on its head or that they have added to their playing stocks so that they now have greater strength, skill and discipline at the stoppages? Is it a better and more cohesive forward line with more depth in terms of players who can hit the scoreboard? A tighter defence? A more attacking game plan? As much as I wrack my brain, I find myself entirely conflicted about how Melbourne will fare on Sunday night. Their recent form is better and my judgement is that the team that's in form should win but I'm afraid to place a wager on that eventuality. I therefore am left with no choice but to get with the club's responsible betting charter and decline the opportunity to gamble on the outcome of this match. In other words, as far as I'm concerned, anything can and will happen - you can bet on it! THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne on Sunday 24 April 2016 at 7.10pm at the MCG HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 103 wins Melbourne 74 wins Drawn 2 At MCG Richmond 68 wins Melbourne 62 wins Drawn 1 Past five meetings Richmond 3 wins Melbourne 2 wins The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Roos 2 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel Channel 7 live at 7.00pm Radio - Triple M 3AW SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Richmond to win - $1.92 Melbourne to win - $1.92 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 12.11.83 defeated Richmond 6.15.51 in Round 5, 2015 at the MCG After an even first half, Melbourne took control of the game kicking six goals to one with Nathan Jones the star and Jesse Hogan playing his break out game by giving a quality opponent in Rance an absolute bath. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Tomas Bugg HB: Lynden Dunn, Heritier Lumumba, Christian Salem C: Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson, Josh Wagner HF: Jack Watts, Sam Frost, James Harmes F: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Angus Brayshaw FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Jeff Garlett, Jayden Hunt, Ben Kennedy, Cameron Pedersen EMG: Colin Garland, Alex Neal-Bullen Christian Petracca IN: Jeff Garlett, Bernie Vince OUT: Matt Jones (soreness) Clayton Oliver (rested) RICHMOND B: David Astbury, Alex Rance, Brett Deledio HB: Corey Ellis, Bachar Houli, Kamdyn McIntosh C: Brandon Ellis, Shaun Grigg, Daniel Rioli HF: Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin, Ty Vickery F: Jack Riewoldt, Sam Lloyd, Connor Menadue FOLL: Ivan Maric, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin I/C: Jake Batchelor, Troy Chaplin, Anthony Miles, Steven Morris EMG: Taylor Hunt, Ben Lennon, Jacob Townsend IN: Jake Batchelor, Brett Deledio, Ivan Maric, Anthony Miles, Steven Morris OUT: Shaun Hampson (leg), Taylor Hunt (omitted), Ben Lennon (omitted), Andrew Moore (omitted), Nick Vlastuin (leg)

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/melbourne-proves-less-is-more-with-perfect-anzac-jumper-design/news-story/6077235b57ac15abdc0e094bebcdfa03 I think it looks great. Very tasteful and respectful.

That's awesome. Photos or it didn't happen. I need to see the merch in the wild.

Don't forget we have T-Shirts, Polos, Hats & Stubby Holders too. http://demonland.com/forums/store/category/3-merchandise/

Stickers are available now in the Demonland store: 1 = $4 (includes postage) 2 = $7 (includes postage) 5 = $16 (includes postage) 10 = $30 (includes postage) 20 = $50 (includes postage)

Stickers are available now in the Demonland store: 1 = $4 (includes postage) 2 = $7 (includes postage) 5 = $16 (includes postage) 10 = $30 (includes postage) 20 = $50 (includes postage)

Fixed. Thank you.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-19/team-of-the-week-round-four

AFLCA votes, round four: Perfect 10 sees young Demon move up to fourth Any chance that Viney could be a smokey for the Brownlow? Paying $67 on Sportsbet.

I didn't realise that the umpire called touch play on. Knowing that there is absolutely no reason for the video review. Can we now get reviews of all umpiring decisions? Sheesh.

DEMOLITION DERBY by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions were always destined to come back down to earth at some stage after last week's smashing of Frankston but it appeared that he enjoyment of the victory was going to be very much short-lived in the first half of their game against Collingwood at the Holden Centre. The VFL Magpies opened at a frenetic pace with the aid of the breeze and held a 15 point lead in the first 10 minutes of the game before the Scorps steadied to peg them back to within a few points before a late goal gave the home side a 9 point lead at the first break. It was a scrambly game at this stage, full of mistakes and turnovers but that had worked in Casey's favour. They had done well to stem the tide. However, if they expected the wind advantage to do the work for them, the Scorpions were mistaken. Collingwood came out full of intent and attacked for two valuable goals and at one stage had opened up a 22 point lead. Casey fought back but while it had most of the play in the latter part of the second term, poor kicking for goal allowed the Magpies to hold a comfortable lead at half time. Justin Plapp's address must have been the tonic needed by the visitors because they turned the tables completely on their unwitting opponents and completely dominated play for the remainder of the game. The dominance began in the middle of the ground with Viv Michie, Jack Trengove, Christian Petracca and Jack Grimes dominating. They were getting plenty of support from emerging Casey youngsters Declan Keilty and Kody Wilson. By three quarter time, the Scorpions were in front. The floodgates were about to open for the fast-finishing visitors. The Scorpions reenacted last week's final term demolition derby as they booted nine goals on end sending the large contingent of Magpie fans scurrying out of the venue in the direction of the MCG where they were about to receive some further disappointment. Many were therefore deprived of the opportunity to witness a sparkling display of forward work by the grandson of their champion skipper, Murray Weideman. Young Sam impressed with his leading and marking to kick three second half goals and was well backed up by fellow recruit Liam Hulett who booted two majors. Alex Neal-Bullen also scored two goals. The unlikely star of the game however, was unfashionable defender Dean Terlich who has been fighting for his football future. He was steady early, sparked the comeback and was in everything as the team streaked ahead in the second half in a performance that will have him pressing for AFL selection. The Scorpions are back at home next week for their evening clash with reigning premier Williamstown which will be smarting after their loss to Box Hill. This game will be a further test of just how far the team has advanced this year. Casey Scorpions 3.0.18 4.6.30 9.8.62 18.13.121 Collingwood VFL 4.3.27 7.3.45 9.5.59 10.5.65 Goals Casey Scorpions Weideman 3 Grimes Hulett Neal-Bullen 2 Ambler Newton Petracca Rutherford Scott J Smith Trengove White Wilson Collingwood Crocker 3 Broomhead Cox Collopy Golds Kelly Moloney Wills Best Casey Scorpions Terlich Keilty Grimes Michie Trengove Pattison Collingwood Wills Hellier Broomhead Crocker Kelly Viola The Development League team kicked itself out of their game against the Northern Blues with some shocking kicking for goal when they had the wind in the first quarter. The Blues quickly overtook them and ran away with the game in the end. Casey Scorpions 3.11.29 4.13.37 10.14.74 11.17.83 Northern Blues 1.1.7 7.7.49 11.7.73 18.10.118 Goals Casey Scorpions Baker Vander Haar 3 Anderson Batten Di Pasquale Mason Wyatt Northern Blues O'Leary Totevski 3 Roos Russell 2 Bolger Brown Casley Cripps Hickey Jones Le Favi Malual Best Casey Scorpions Vander Haar McInerney Hannon Briggs Machaya Gains Northern Blues Totevski Declase Jordan Brown O'Leary Casley Statistics Colin Garland 24 disposals 13 kicks 11 handballs 6 marks 81 dream team points Jack Grimes 2 goals 1 behind 27 disposals 14 kicks 13 handballs 7 marks 2 tackles 108 dream team points Liam Hulett 2 goals 8 disposals 8 kicks 3 marks 1 hit out 46 dream team points Max King 1 behind 9 disposals 5 kicks 4 handballs 3 marks 1 tackles 10 hit outs 47 dream team points Oscar McDonald [injured] Viv Michie 32 disposals 20 kicks 12 handballs 7 marks 3 tackles 118 dream team points Alex Neale-Bullen 2 goals 21 disposals 15 kicks 6 handballs 4 marks 11 tackles 124 dream team points Ben Newton 1 goal 0 15 disposals 6 kicks 9 handballs 3 marks 8 tackles 50 dream team points Christian Petracca 1 goal 1 behind 29 disposals 17 kicks 12 handballs 10 marks 3 tackles 2 hit outs 124 dream team points Joel Smith 1 goal 12 disposals 7 kicks 5 handballs 3 marks 1 tackles 48 dream team points Dean Terlich 1 behind 36 disposals 23 kicks 13 handballs 12 marks 2 tackles 139 dream team points Jack Trengove 1 goal 1 behind 20 disposals 7 kicks 13 handballs 3 marks 8 tackles 93 dream team points Sam Weideman 3 goals 9 disposals 8 kicks 1 handball 7 marks 1 tackle 69 dream team points

Jack Viney has opened up a nice little lead. 49 Jack Viney34 Ben Kennedy28 Jack Watts 27 Bernie Vince24 Nathan Jones21 Max Gawn12 Dom Tyson10 Heritier Lumumba 9 Jeff Garlett Tom McDonald Clayton Oliver Josh Wagner4 Dean Kent3 Matt Jones Cam Pedersen2 Neville Jetta 1 Jesse Hogan

It will be 12 months to the day .,, RICHMOND B: David Astbury, Jake Batchelor, Alex Rance HB: Bachar Houli, Nick Vlastuin, Nathan Drummond C: Brandon Ellis, Trent Cotchin, Kamdyn McIntosh HF: Steven Morris, Shane Edwards, Anthony Miles F: Jack Riewoldt, Ben Griffiths, Sam Lloyd FOLL: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Taylor Hunt I/C: Matt Arnot, Nathan Gordon, Shaun Grigg, Matt McDonough EMG: Todd Elton, Ben Lennon, Ty Vickery IN: Matt Arnot, Nathan Drummond, Matt McDonough OUT: Chris Knights (hamstring), Troy Chaplin (calf), Chris Newman (back) NEW: Nathan Drummond MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Neville Jetta HB: Jeremy Howe, Tom McDonald, Christian Salem C: Daniel Cross, Nathan Jones, Heritier Lumumba HF: Ben Newton, Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett F: Dean Kent, Chris Dawes, Jack Watts FOLL: Mark Jamar, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Viv Michie, Aaron vandenBerg EMG: Jack Grimes, Cameron Pedersen, Jimmy Toumpas IN: Viv Michie OUT: Sam Frost (injured)

The Casey Scorpions were always destined to come back down to earth at some stage after last week's smashing of Frankston but it appeared that he enjoyment of the victory was going to be very much short-lived in the first half of their game against Collingwood at the Holden Centre. The VFL Magpies opened at a frenetic pace with the aid of the breeze and held a 15 point lead in the first 10 minutes of the game before the Scorps steadied to peg them back to within a few points before a late goal gave the home side a 9 point lead at the first break. It was a scrambly game at this stage, full of mistakes and turnovers but that had worked in Casey's favour. They had done well to stem the tide. However, if they expected the wind advantage to do the work for them, the Scorpions were mistaken. Collingwood came out full of intent and attacked for two valuable goals and at one stage had opened up a 22 point lead. Casey fought back but while it had most of the play in the latter part of the second term, poor kicking for goal allowed the Magpies to hold a comfortable lead at half time. Justin Plapp's address must have been the tonic needed by the visitors because they turned the tables completely on their unwitting opponents and completely dominated play for the remainder of the game. The dominance began in the middle of the ground with Viv Michie, Jack Trengove, Christian Petracca and Jack Grimes dominating. They were getting plenty of support from emerging Casey youngsters Declan Keilty and Kody Wilson. By three quarter time, the Scorpions were in front. The floodgates were about to open for the fast-finishing visitors. The Scorpions reenacted last week's final term demolition derby as they booted nine goals on end sending the large contingent of Magpie fans scurrying out of the venue in the direction of the MCG where they were about to receive some further disappointment. Many were therefore deprived of the opportunity to witness a sparkling display of forward work by the grandson of their champion skipper, Murray Weideman. Young Sam impressed with his leading and marking to kick three second half goals and was well backed up by fellow recruit Liam Hulett who booted two majors. Alex Neal-Bullen also scored two goals. The unlikely star of the game however, was unfashionable defender Dean Terlich who has been fighting for his football future. He was steady early, sparked the comeback and was in everything as the team streaked ahead in the second half in a performance that will have him pressing for AFL selection. The Scorpions are back at home next week for their evening clash with reigning premier Williamstown which will be smarting after their loss to Box Hill. This game will be a further test of just how far the team has advanced this year. Casey Scorpions 3.0.18 4.6.30 9.8.62 18.13.121 Collingwood VFL 4.3.27 7.3.45 9.5.59 10.5.65 Goals Casey Scorpions Weideman 3 Grimes Hulett Neal-Bullen 2 Ambler Newton Petracca Rutherford Scott J Smith Trengove White Wilson Collingwood Crocker 3 Broomhead Cox Collopy Golds Kelly Moloney Wills Best Casey Scorpions Terlich Keilty Grimes Michie Trengove Pattison Collingwood Wills Hellier Broomhead Crocker Kelly Viola The Development League team kicked itself out of their game against the Northern Blues with some shocking kicking for goal when they had the wind in the first quarter. The Blues quickly overtook them and ran away with the game in the end. Casey Scorpions 3.11.29 4.13.37 10.14.74 11.17.83 Northern Blues 1.1.7 7.7.49 11.7.73 18.10.118 Goals Casey Scorpions Baker Vander Haar 3 Anderson Batten Di Pasquale Mason Wyatt Northern Blues O'Leary Totevski 3 Roos Russell 2 Bolger Brown Casley Cripps Hickey Jones Le Favi Malual Best Casey Scorpions Vander Haar McInerney Hannon Briggs Machaya Gains Northern Blues Totevski Declase Jordan Brown O'Leary Casley Statistics Colin Garland 24 disposals 13 kicks 11 handballs 6 marks 81 dream team points Jack Grimes 2 goals 1 behind 27 disposals 14 kicks 13 handballs 7 marks 2 tackles 108 dream team points Liam Hulett 2 goals 8 disposals 8 kicks 3 marks 1 hit out 46 dream team points Max King 1 behind 9 disposals 5 kicks 4 handballs 3 marks 1 tackles 10 hit outs 47 dream team points Oscar McDonald [injured] Viv Michie 32 disposals 20 kicks 12 handballs 7 marks 3 tackles 118 dream team points Alex Neale-Bullen 2 goals 21 disposals 15 kicks 6 handballs 4 marks 11 tackles 124 dream team points Ben Newton 1 goal 0 15 disposals 6 kicks 9 handballs 3 marks 8 tackles 50 dream team points Christian Petracca 1 goal 1 behind 29 disposals 17 kicks 12 handballs 10 marks 3 tackles 2 hit outs 124 dream team points Joel Smith 1 goal 12 disposals 7 kicks 5 handballs 3 marks 1 tackles 48 dream team points Dean Terlich 1 behind 36 disposals 23 kicks 13 handballs 12 marks 2 tackles 139 dream team points Jack Trengove 1 goal 1 behind 20 disposals 7 kicks 13 handballs 3 marks 8 tackles 93 dream team points Sam Weideman 3 goals 9 disposals 8 kicks 1 handball 7 marks 1 tackle 69 dream team points

SUDDENLY, THE CUP RUNNETH OVER by George on the Outer All of a sudden the Demons are blessed with a bounty of riches! Despite the heartache of a last gasp loss to North last week, they have bounced back in an emphatic fashion to completely obliterate Collingwood, and send them spiraling toward the bottom of the ladder. Much rested upon this match for the Demons; another loss would have put them in a similar position to the Pies, with both sides having just scraped over the line for their solitary win to date. But that was not to be and a first quarter blitz of six goals to one solitary major from Collingwood, almost had the match sewn up at the first change. Another five straight in the second quarter should have sealed the game but a series of awful turnovers saw five of Collingwood's next six goals come directly from Melbourne errors. The accuracy of the Melbourne forwards put plenty of breathing space between the two sides, with Jack Watts contributing four up to the major break, including two pearlers from on the boundary line. Even though Collingwood were pressing, it was these clutch goals that just kept on putting them “back in their box”. Fortunately, they also provided some classic howlers in their backline to give easy goals to Jack Viney and Dean Kent. The second half became much of a slog with really no change to the quarter time margin, but again for the Melbourne supporters, it was comforting to see players still putting in for the whole game. No more head-dropping as we are now seeing a new confidence building among the playing group. Collingwood seem to have long passed their premiership window and are quickly heading for a long time in oblivion. Without Swan and Pendelbury injured, they lacked any real ball getting ability. Now with Cloke also injured and mostly disinterested, they don’t have too many other options up forward either. A truly delightful situation! Contrast that with the situation in which the Demons now find themselves. Despite some misgivings, the coaching staff introduced two new additions to the side in the past fortnight- Josh Wagner and Jayden Hunt. They held their spots admirably; Josh Wagner in particular with 24 possessions in defence. And the backline is looking much more solid with each of the defenders working as a team to nullify the oppositionschances. With Lynden Dunn back on the goal line the team just looks so much more stable. It gives Tom McDonald the opportunity to take those critical marks and spoils in front, and Dunn's kicking gives more options to exit the defensive zone. If Nev Jetta could switch on some time before half time, the whole unit would be even better. His position and role must be under threat from Jack Grimes next week following a good game at Casey. And after a solid win like this one, it is such a contrast with the situation we faced last year and the year before and ... boom recruit Christian Petracca is in the background steadily mounting a solid case for a senior spot with Jack Trengove doing likewise. Even more satisfying is the fact that Jeff Garlett and Aaron vandenBerg should be available for next week together with last year's best and fairest winner Bernie Vince returns from suspension ... and we have Grimes and Viv Michie named among the best at Casey also in the mix. Our cup filled up during this game. Confidence is building and the competition for places is getting seriously hot. If this translates into the ruthless game style that we saw during the first quarter of this match, then Richmond are facing another miserable result next week, to top off the shellacking they copped at the weekend against the Eagles. That would really make out cup run over ... COLLINGWOOD 1.2 6.5 8.10 9.13 (67) MELBOURNE 6.2 11.2 14.4 16.6 (102) GOALS Collingwood: Cloke 2, Sidebottom 2, Varcoe, Treloar, Sinclair, Fasolo, Moore Melbourne: Watts 4, Tyson 2, Pedersen 2, Hogan 2, Viney, Frost, Kennedy, Brayshaw, Kent, Gawn BEST Collingwood: Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom, Adams, Langdon Melbourne: Gawn, Viney, Watts, Wagner, Tyson, Jones, Bugg INJURIES Collingwood: Goldsack (illness) replaced in selected side by White, Reid (knee), Sinclair (concussion), Cloke (elbow) Melbourne: Brayshaw (concussion) Reports: Nil Umpires: O'Gorman, Meredith, Ryan Official crowd: 47,558 at the MCG

All of a sudden the Demons are blessed with a bounty of riches! Despite the heartache of a last gasp loss to North last week, they have bounced back in an emphatic fashion to completely obliterate Collingwood, and send them spiralling toward the bottom of the ladder. Much rested upon this match for the Demons; another loss would have put them in a similar position to the Pies, with both sides having just scraped over the line for their solitary win to date. But that was not to be and a first quarter blitz of six goals to one solitary major from Collingwood, almost had the match sewn up at the first change. Another five straight in the second quarter should have sealed the game but a series of awful turnovers saw five of Collingwood's next six goals come directly from Melbourne errors. The accuracy of the Melbourne forwards put plenty of breathing space between the two sides, with Jack Watts contributing four up to the major break, including two pearlers from on the boundary line. Even though Collingwood were pressing, it was these clutch goals that just kept on putting them “back in their box”. Fortunately, they also provided some classic howlers in their backline to give easy goals to Jack Viney and Dean Kent. The second half became much of a slog with really no change to the quarter time margin, but again for the Melbourne supporters, it was comforting to see players still putting in for the whole game. No more head-dropping as we are now seeing a new confidence building among the playing group. Collingwood seem to have long passed their premiership window and are quickly heading for a long time in oblivion. Without Swan and Pendelbury injured, they lacked any real ball getting ability. Now with Cloke also injured and mostly disinterested, they don’t have too many other options up forward either. A truly delightful situation! Contrast that with the situation in which the Demons now find themselves. Despite some misgivings, the coaching staff introduced two new additions to the side in the past fortnight- Josh Wagner and Jayden Hunt. They held their spots admirably; Josh Wagner in particular with 24 possessions in defence. And the backline is looking much more solid with each of the defenders working as a team to nullify the opposition’s chances. With Lynden Dunn back on the goal line the team just looks so much more stable. It gives Tom McDonald the opportunity to take those critical marks and spoils in front, and Dunn's kicking gives more options to exit the defensive zone. If Nev Jetta could switch on some time before half time, the whole unit would be even better. His position and role must be under threat from Jack Grimes next week following a good game at Casey. And after a solid win like this one, it is such a contrast with the situation we faced last year and the year before and ... boom recruit Christian Petracca is in the background steadily mounting a solid case for a senior spot with Jack Trengove doing likewise. Even more satisfying is the fact that Jeff Garlett and Aaron vandenBerg should be available for next week together with last year's best and fairest winner Bernie Vince returns from suspension ... and we have Grimes and Viv Michie named among the best at Casey also in the mix. Our cup filled up during this game. Confidence is building and the competition for places is getting seriously hot. If this translates into the ruthless game style that we saw during the first quarter of this match, then Richmond are facing another miserable result next week, to top off the shellacking they copped at the weekend against the Eagles. That would really make out cup run over ... Melbourne 6.2.38 11.2.68 14.4.98 16.6.102 Collingwood 1.2.8 6.5.41 8.10.58 9.13.67 Goals Melbourne Watts 4 Hogan Pedersen Tyson 2 Brayshaw Frost Gawn Kennedy Kent Viney Collingwood Cloke Sidebottom 2 Fasolo Moore Sinclair Treloar Varcoe Best Melbourne Gawn Viney Watts Wagner Tyson N Jones Bugg Collingwood Pendlebury Treloar Sidebottom Adams Langdon Changes Melbourne Nil Collingwood Goldsack (illness) replaced in selected side by White Injuries Melbourne Brayshaw (concussion) Collingwood Cloke (elbow) Reid (knee) Sinclair (concussion), Reports Melbourne Nil Collingwood Nil Umpires O'Gorman Meredith Ryan Official Crowd 47,558 at the MCG

Cast your votes please 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 And remember the Jones Rule. You must specify your Jones or your votes won't be considered. PS: When Oscar and Tom are in the team, the Jones Rule applies to them as well.

Turnovers are killing us.

Was Jesse limping?

COMING SOON by Whispering Jack I have lost count of the number of times the old adage about the need to ignore pre season form has been proven to be correct and this year's AFL NAB Challenge is yet another case in point. Fremantle, Melbourne and Collingwood were the only undefeated teams in that series but the former has yet to record a win in the opening three rounds of AFL competition while the other two have managed only one win each and in both cases, they fell in by a solitary point. This week those other two front runners and old time traditional Victorian rivals meet in what will be a do or die struggle at the MCG. The loser of the Magpies v Demons clash will be sitting in tatters close to the foot of the table while the winner will have some hope restored for the season ahead. Strangely enough for the AFL and despite the early disappointing form of their respective teams' performances, both coaches can rest comfortably in the knowledge that their positions are safe for this year at least. Paul Roos is departing anyway as part of the succession plan he set up which has installed Simon Goodwin as coach in waiting. Nathan Buckley was reappointed to his position just three weeks ago and whilst three weeks is a long time in football, Eddie McGuire keeps on insisting that his man is safe. There's been little to differentiate the two teams' performances to date this season so, in determining the final outcome of this battle, little things can mean a lot. As between these competitors, Collingwood will gain the advantage of Tribunal outcomes because it stands to benefit from the return of Steele Sidebottom from suspension while Melbourne's Bernie Vince who was good last week against North Melbourne is out this week. Last year's best and fairest winner Vince, starred when these teams last met and he will be sorely missed this weekend. On the other side of "little" things are the ruck battles. Melbourne has been getting great value from Max Gawn who comprehensively beat the AFL's number one in this area last week but for the second week in a row, the opposition exposed the Demons' weakness in back up tall timber in the last line of defence. Two weeks ago, they couldn't counter Joe Daniher's height at full forward and in Hobart, it was Goldstein who was the destroyer with five goals. Melbourne has not been as dangerous up forward with its own talls despite the fact that for the first time in ages, it is regularly getting the ball inside its own forward 50 more times than the opposition. That statistic is the diametrically opposite to what was taking place with this team only two years ago and it is what contributes to my belief that there will be major improvements to the team's overall performances coming soon. Perhaps, even as soon as this Sunday. Melbourne to win by 15 points. THE GAME Melbourne v Collingwood at MCG Sunday 17 April 2016 at 3.20pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Collingwood 146 wins Melbourne 80 wins 5 drawn At the MCG Collingwood 79 wins Melbourne 55 wins 3 drawn Last Five Meetings Collingwood 4 wins Melbourne 1 win The Coaches: Buckley 2 wins Roos 1 win MEDIA TV - Fox Sports 3, Channel 7 live at 3.00pm Radio - Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Collingwood $1.53 to win Melbourne $2.50 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 13.13.91 defeated Collingwood 7.12.54 at MCG in Round 18, 2015 The Demons shrugged off some indifferent form to record their first win over the Magpies in seven years - a comprehensive 37-point victory that had many supporters scratching their heads over why the team was unable to consistently produce such form on a regular basis. Jesse Hogan and Bernie Vince kicked two goals each and the latter was best on the ground. THE TEAMS COLLINGWOOD B: Ben Sinclair, Nathan Brown, Tom Langdon HB: Goldsack, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey C: Adam Oxley, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom HF: Travis Varcoe, Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey F: Alex Fasolo, Travis Cloke, Jeremy Howe FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams I/C: James Aish, Jarryd Blair, Jack Crisp, Levi Greenwood EMG: Mason Cox, Matthew Goodyear, Brent Macaffer, IN: Steele Sidebottom, Alan Toovey, Travis Varcoe OUT: Matthew Goodyear (omitted), Brayden Maynard (hamstring), Marley Williams (foot) MELBOURNE B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Tomas Bugg HB: Lynden Dunn, Heritier Lumumba, Christian Salem C: James Harmes, Dom Tyson, Clayton Oliver HF: Jack Watts, Sam Frost, Matt Jones F: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Ben Kennedy FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Jayden Hunt, Cameron Pedersen, Josh Wagner EMG: Jack Grimes, Alex Neal-Bullen, Billy Stretch In: Angus Brayshaw, Jayden Hunt, Cam Pedersen Out: Aaron vandenBerg (ankle), Bernie Vince (suspension), Billy Stretch (omitted) New: Jayden Hunt (21, Brighton Grammar)

I have lost count of the number of times the old adage about the need to ignore pre season form has been proven to be correct and this year's AFL NAB Challenge is yet another case in point. Fremantle, Melbourne and Collingwood were the only undefeated teams in that series but the former has yet to record a win in the opening three rounds of AFL competition while the other two have managed only one win each and in both cases, they fell in by a solitary point. This week those other two front runners and old time traditional Victorian rivals meet in what will be a do or die struggle at the MCG. The loser of the Magpies v Demons clash will be sitting in tatters close to the foot of the table while the winner will have some hope restored for the season ahead. Strangely enough for the AFL and despite the early disappointing form of their respective teams' performances, both coaches can rest comfortably in the knowledge that their positions are safe for this year at least. Paul Roos is departing anyway as part of the succession plan he set up which has installed Simon Goodwin as coach in waiting. Nathan Buckley was reappointed to his position just three weeks ago and whilst three weeks is a long time in football, Eddie McGuire keeps on insisting that his man is safe. There's been little to differentiate the two teams' performances to date this season so, in determining the final outcome of this battle, little things can mean a lot. As between these competitors, Collingwood will gain the advantage of Tribunal outcomes because it stands to benefit from the return of Steele Sidebottom from suspension while Melbourne's Bernie Vince who was good last week against North Melbourne is out this week. Last year's best and fairest winner Vince, starred when these teams last met and he will be sorely missed this weekend. On the other side of "little" things are the ruck battles. Melbourne has been getting great value from Max Gawn who comprehensively beat the AFL's number one in this area last week but for the second week in a row, the opposition exposed the Demons' weakness in back up tall timber in the last line of defence. Two weeks ago, they couldn't counter Joe Daniher's height at full forward and in Hobart, it was Goldstein who was the destroyer with five goals. Melbourne has not been as dangerous up forward with its own talls despite the fact that for the first time in ages, it is regularly getting the ball inside its own forward 50 more times than the opposition. That statistic is the diametrically opposite to what was taking place with this team only two years ago and it is what contributes to my belief that there will be major improvements to the team's overall performances coming soon. Perhaps, even as soon as this Sunday. Melbourne to win by 15 points. THE GAME Melbourne v Collingwood at MCG Sunday 17 April 2016 at 3.20pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Collingwood 146 wins Melbourne 80 wins 5 drawn At the MCG Collingwood 79 wins Melbourne 55 wins 3 drawn Last Five Meetings Collingwood 4 wins Melbourne 1 win The Coaches: Buckley 2 wins Roos 1 win MEDIA TV - Fox Sports 3, Channel 7 live at 3.00pm Radio - Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Collingwood $1.53 to win Melbourne $2.50 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 13.13.91 defeated Collingwood 7.12.54 at MCG in Round 18, 2015 The Demons shrugged off some indifferent form to record their first win over the Magpies in seven years - a comprehensive 37-point victory that had many supporters scratching their heads over why the team was unable to consistently produce such form on a regular basis. Jesse Hogan and Bernie Vince kicked two goals each and the latter was best on the ground. THE TEAMS COLLINGWOOD B: Ben Sinclair, Nathan Brown, Tom Langdon HB: Goldsack, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey C: Adam Oxley, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom HF: Travis Varcoe, Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey F: Alex Fasolo, Travis Cloke, Jeremy Howe FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams I/C: James Aish, Jarryd Blair, Jack Crisp, Levi Greenwood EMG: Mason Cox, Matthew Goodyear, Brent Macaffer, IN: Steele Sidebottom, Alan Toovey, Travis Varcoe OUT: Matthew Goodyear (omitted), Brayden Maynard (hamstring), Marley Williams (foot) MELBOURNE B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Tomas Bugg HB: Lynden Dunn, Heritier Lumumba, Christian Salem C: James Harmes, Dom Tyson, Clayton Oliver HF: Jack Watts, Sam Frost, Matt Jones F: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Ben Kennedy FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Jayden Hunt, Cameron Pedersen, Josh Wagner EMG: Jack Grimes, Alex Neal-Bullen, Billy Stretch In: Angus Brayshaw, Jayden Hunt, Cam Pedersen Out: Aaron vandenBerg (ankle), Bernie Vince (suspension), Billy Stretch (omitted) New: Jayden Hunt (21, Brighton Grammar)