Demonland

With Jack Viney out for a few weeks, the rest of the field have an opportunity to break back into the contest for the Demonland POTY. 105 Jack Viney 73 Max Gawn 69 Nathan Jones 56 Dom Tyson 55 Bernie Vince 50 Jack Watts 43 Neville Jetta 36 Jesse Hogan 34 Ben Kennedy 28 Tom McDonald 24 Tomas Bugg Billy Stretch 22 Jeff Garlett 13 Clayton Oliver 12 Josh Wagner 10 Jayden Hunt Heritier Lumumba 9 Cam Pedersen 7 James Harmes Christian Petracca 4 Dean Kent 3 Matt Jones 2 Aaron vandenBerg

SENSIBLE, SILLY, SMART, SUCKERED by George on the Outer Sensible, Silly, Smart, Suckered ... Yes that was the summation of the game in which the Demons failed to pull off what was potentially a surprise victory against one of the powerhouse sides of the competition in Hawthorn. But where the Hawks were sensible, the Demons were silly. When the Hawks played smart, the Demons were suckered and in the end it cost them the game, despite leading for a good part of the match. For the Demons fans it was heartening to see the return of Jack Trengove, and while he struggled with the pace of the game, 19 touches in your first game back after 2 years on the sidelines is highly commendable. What the Demons didn’t notice was the greasy and wet conditions on the ground. That is why the Hawks played smart. There was nothing too fancy - just get the ball moving by any means. Scramble it forward, kick it off the ground. Melbourne simply tried to play dry weather footy until they followed the example of Bernie Vince, who just kept putting the ball on his boot. His 21 touches to half time and 36 for the game was the sign of leadership that was needed around the ball. The trouble was that Melbourne squandered plenty of opportunity before it woke up to what was going on. Players like Lewis and Mitchell weren’t at the bottom of packs; they just sat outside and waited for the cake of soap to slip out of hands and then they booted the ball forwards time and time again. Not one Demon player was smart enough to stand them and they were still doing the same in the final quarter. All too often Melbourne players went up in marking contests when not needed. The smarter Hawks stayed down and accepted the ball as it inevitably spilled over the back. That’s smart football. And like the hardened team that has won multiple premiership flags, they know when to start a fight and distract younger players from playing football. It happened when Melbourne came from behind and challenged them. It is all well and good to be tough and physical, and not be intimidated, but not while the opposition have the ball and are running toward goal. The Demons were simply suckered and while we often use the excuse of being a younger side, the lesson to be clearly learned was how to conduct yourself if you want to be a premiership side. In order to do that you need contributions from all the players in the side. Sadly, there were still too many passengers in the Melbourne side. Jeff Garlett has gone missing in the weeks since signing up for an extended contract, and he hasn’t realized that there is more to a game of footy than hanging out the back and then outrunning the opposition. Only five touches again this week brings his total to 12 for the past two games. Even if you aren’t playing well you can tackle, but this has also gone missing from his game, as the ball rebounded from the Hawks defence all to easily. In contrast at the other end Neville Jetta was a standout. How many times he saved goals by simply putting everything on the line or just getting to contests was hard to remember. Unfortunately, he seemed to be playing a lone hand in the backline as Frost and Oscar McDonald simply couldn’t put a foot right for the whole game. Defenders they are not at this point in time, and playing at this level is proving to be too costly to the overall team performance. We have to hope that the return of Aaron Vandenberg, Chris Dawes and Jack Trengove enables them to get some game fitness because they have a long way to go to get back to their best. Each produced a highlight or two particularly VDB with his tackling efforts that produced a critical goal, but we simply need more output in future games. Finally, I was able to have a good look at the defensive structures this week. There was more cohesion with the set-up, and it did work this week. It was let down by some simply incompetent individual efforts. It it has been difficult to work out why we have been broken open so easily in the past weeks. It is the lack of effort from the wingers who get sucked toward the ball and fail to watch their man folding back to the middle of the ground or the forward line. It would have happened again this week, but the mids managed to contain the ball movement. Only a goal to Brad Hill was the result of poor marking. It is up to Billy Stretch, Tom Bugg, Dean Kent and James Harmes to stop being one way players and start playing smart football. Or we will just keep getting suckered by teams like Hawthorn and other serious finals contenders. Melbourne 2.0.12 7.2.44 10.2.62 10.4.64 Hawthorn 4.5.29 6.7.43 8.14.62 11.16.82 Goals Melbourne Kent Watts 2 Dawes Hogan N Jones Petracca Tyson vandenBerg Hawthorn Gunston 3 Breust O'Brien 2 Hill Puopolo Rioli Stewart Best Melbourne Tyson Vince N Jones Watts T McDonald Kent Hawthorn Mitchell Lewis Gibson Birchall Smith Frawley Gunston Changes Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Nil Injuries Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Jack Gunston (right ankle) Reports Melbourne Bernie Vince (Melbourne) for striking in the fourth quarter Hawthorn Nil Umpires Bannister, Ryan, Pannell Official crowd 41,833 at the MCG

Sensible, Silly, Smart, Suckered ... Yes that was the summation of the game in which the Demons failed to pull off what was potentially a surprise victory against one of the powerhouse sides of the competition in Hawthorn. But where the Hawks were sensible, the Demons were silly. When the Hawks played smart, the Demons were suckered and in the end it cost them the game, despite leading for a good part of the match. For the Demons fans it was heartening to see the return of Jack Trengove, and while he struggled with the pace of the game, 19 touches in your first game back after 2 years on the sidelines is highly commendable. What the Demons didn’t notice was the greasy and wet conditions on the ground. That is why the Hawks played smart. There was nothing too fancy - just get the ball moving by any means. Scramble it forward, kick it off the ground. Melbourne simply tried to play dry weather footy until they followed the example of Bernie Vince, who just kept putting the ball on his boot. His 21 touches to half time and 36 for the game was the sign of leadership that was needed around the ball. The trouble was that Melbourne squandered plenty of opportunity before it woke up to what was going on. Players like Lewis and Mitchell weren’t at the bottom of packs; they just sat outside and waited for the cake of soap to slip out of hands and then they booted the ball forwards time and time again. Not one Demon player was smart enough to stand them and they were still doing the same in the final quarter. All too often Melbourne players went up in marking contests when not needed. The smarter Hawks stayed down and accepted the ball as it inevitably spilled over the back. That’s smart football. And like the hardened team that has won multiple premiership flags, they know when to start a fight and distract younger players from playing football. It happened when Melbourne came from behind and challenged them. It is all well and good to be tough and physical, and not be intimidated, but not while the opposition have the ball and are running toward goal. The Demons were simply suckered and while we often use the excuse of being a younger side, the lesson to be clearly learned was how to conduct yourself if you want to be a premiership side. In order to do that you need contributions from all the players in the side. Sadly, there were still too many passengers in the Melbourne side. Jeff Garlett has gone missing in the weeks since signing up for an extended contract, and he hasn’t realized that there is more to a game of footy than hanging out the back and then outrunning the opposition. Only five touches again this week brings his total to 12 for the past two games. Even if you aren’t playing well you can tackle, but this has also gone missing from his game, as the ball rebounded from the Hawks defence all to easily. In contrast at the other end Neville Jetta was a standout. How many times he saved goals by simply putting everything on the line or just getting to contests was hard to remember. Unfortunately, he seemed to be playing a lone hand in the backline as Frost and Oscar McDonald simply couldn’t put a foot right for the whole game. Defenders they are not at this point in time, and playing at this level is proving to be too costly to the overall team performance. We have to hope that the return of Aaron Vandenberg, Chris Dawes and Jack Trengove enables them to get some game fitness because they have a long way to go to get back to their best. Each produced a highlight or two particularly VDB with his tackling efforts that produced a critical goal, but we simply need more output in future games. Finally, I was able to have a good look at the defensive structures this week. There was more cohesion with the set-up, and it did work this week. It was let down by some simply incompetent individual efforts. It it has been difficult to work out why we have been broken open so easily in the past weeks. It is the lack of effort from the wingers who get sucked toward the ball and fail to watch their man folding back to the middle of the ground or the forward line. It would have happened again this week, but the mids managed to contain the ball movement. Only a goal to Brad Hill was the result of poor marking. It is up to Billy Stretch, Tom Bugg, Dean Kent and James Harmes to stop being one way players and start playing smart football. Or we will just keep getting suckered by teams like Hawthorn and other serious finals contenders. Melbourne 2.0.12 7.2.44 10.2.62 10.4.64 Hawthorn 4.5.29 6.7.43 8.14.62 11.16.82 Goals Melbourne Kent Watts 2 Dawes Hogan N Jones Petracca Tyson vandenBerg Hawthorn Gunston 3 Breust O'Brien 2 Hill Puopolo Rioli Stewart Best Melbourne Tyson Vince N Jones Watts T McDonald Kent Hawthorn Mitchell Lewis Gibson Birchall Smith Frawley Gunston Changes Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Nil Injuries Melbourne Nil Hawthorn Jack Gunston (right ankle) Reports Melbourne Bernie Vince (Melbourne) for striking in the fourth quarter Hawthorn Nil Umpires Bannister, Ryan, Pannell Official crowd 41,833 at the MCG

We gave it a crack but ...

Votes please ... 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

TWELVE AND A HALF MONTHS by The Oracle It has been twelve and a half months since Melbourne fans have had to experience watching their team suffer humiliation at the hands of Hawthorn in an AFL game. This annual ritual of the Hawks flogging the Demons has been going on for a decade now since Al Clarkson's young team was beaten by an experienced side coached by Neale Daniher way back in 2006 on a wet night. Back in those days, the AFL was generous enough to gift games on Friday night to then lowly clubs like the Hawks but not so now. Soon after that game, Hawthorn commenced its ascendency while Melbourne's fortunes nose dived. Melbourne opened the 2007 season as the highest ranked of the Victorian clubs and lost their first match against St Kilda at the MCG marking the first of a series of 13 consecutive losses to the Saints. The following week saw the Hawks start their run of 12 wins on end against the Demons and it seems a near certainty that the number will stretch to an unlucky 13 by late Saturday afternoon. This season started as one of promise for the Demons and they certainly have had their moments with a 50/50 record of wins in the bag to date. But they have failed to reproduce the three victories scored in the pre season against Port Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda and they lost to the AFL's punching bag, Essendon. They are in danger of being overtaken on the ladder this weekend by Carlton who were expected to challenge the Bombers for the wooden spoon. Melbourne has failed to come up to the challenge in quite a few winnable games already this year. It has lost it's best player this year to suspension and one of its' few functioning defenders in an inexplicably feeble defence to injury. The deck chairs on the Titanic will no doubt be rotated around this week in an effort to turn things around but it was last week when the selectors should have been brave and bold with the team coming off a six day break. One wonders what the team can do this week in the face of a Hawthorn which most of the time manages to hold firm even without such vital team members as Luke Hodge and Jarryd Roughead. Pray that it will be another twelve and a half months before they meet again, I suppose. Hawthorn by a lot. THE GAME Hawthorn v Melbourne at the MCG Saturday 4 June 2016 at 1.45pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Hawthorn 84 wins Melbourne 74 wins At MCG Hawthorn 43 wins Melbourne 35 wins Last 5 meetings Hawthorn 5 wins Melbourne 0 wins The Coaches Clarkson 2 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Footy Channel at 1.45pm (live) Channel 7 3.15pm (delayed) RADIO - Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Hawthorn $1.24 to win Melbourne $4.15 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Hawthorn 24.11.155 defeated Melbourne 7.8.50 in Round 7, 2015 at the MCG Six minutes into the game, Melbourne had the only two goals on the board and Hawthorn was scoreless. Those minutes provided the only joy for the day for Demon fans who had to endure two hours of hell before the final siren revealed their team had just succumbed to another 100 point defeat. THE TEAMS 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)

It has been twelve and a half months since Melbourne fans have had to experience watching their team suffer humiliation at the hands of Hawthorn in an AFL game. This annual ritual of the Hawks flogging the Demons has been going on for a decade now since Al Clarkson's young team was beaten by an experienced side coached by Neale Daniher way back in 2006 on a wet night. Back in those days, the AFL was generous enough to gift games on Friday night to then lowly clubs like the Hawks but not so now. Soon after that game, Hawthorn commenced its ascendency while Melbourne's fortunes nose dived. Melbourne opened the 2007 season as the highest ranked of the Victorian clubs and lost their first match against St Kilda at the MCG marking the first of a series of 13 consecutive losses to the Saints. The following week saw the Hawks start their run of 12 wins on end against the Demons and it seems a near certainty that the number will stretch to an unlucky 13 by late Saturday afternoon. This season started as one of promise for the Demons and they certainly have had their moments with a 50/50 record of wins in the bag to date. But they have failed to reproduce the three victories scored in the pre season against Port Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda and they lost to the AFL's punching bag, Essendon. They are in danger of being overtaken on the ladder this weekend by Carlton who were expected to challenge the Bombers for the wooden spoon. Melbourne has failed to come up to the challenge in quite a few winnable games already this year. It has lost it's best player this year to suspension and one of its' few functioning defenders in an inexplicably feeble defence to injury. The deck chairs on the Titanic will no doubt be rotated around this week in an effort to turn things around but it was last week when the selectors should have been brave and bold with the team coming off a six day break. One wonders what the team can do this week in the face of a Hawthorn which most of the time manages to hold firm even without such vital team members as Luke Hodge and Jarryd Roughead. Pray that it will be another twelve and a half months before they meet again, I suppose. Hawthorn by a lot. THE GAME Hawthorn v Melbourne at the MCG Saturday 4 June 2016 at 1.45pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Hawthorn 84 wins Melbourne 74 wins At MCG Hawthorn 43 wins Melbourne 35 wins Last 5 meetings Hawthorn 5 wins Melbourne 0 wins The Coaches Clarkson 2 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Footy Channel at 1.45pm (live) Channel 7 3.15pm (delayed) RADIO - Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Hawthorn $1.24 to win Melbourne $4.15 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Hawthorn 24.11.155 defeated Melbourne 7.8.50 in Round 7, 2015 at the MCG Six minutes into the game, Melbourne had the only two goals on the board and Hawthorn was scoreless. Those minutes provided the only joy for the day for Demon fans who had to endure two hours of hell before the final siren revealed their team had just succumbed to another 100 point defeat. THE TEAMS 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)

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The usual outcome last time after we gained some early false hope kicking away with the first couple of goals. HAWTHORN B: Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Ben Stratton HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Taylor Duryea C: Bradley Hill, Sam Mitchell, Matthew Suckling HF: Isaac Smith, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli F: Ben McEvoy, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust FOLL: Jonathon Ceglar, Paul Puopolo, Liam Shiels I/C: Ryan Schoenmakers, Will Langford, Angus Litherland, Billy Hartung EMG: Daniel Howe, Jonathan Simpkin, Tim O'Brien IN: James Frawley, Angus Litherland OUT: Jed Anderson, Brendan Whitecross MELBOURNE B: Christian Salem, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland HB: Jack Grimes, Lynden Dunn, Jeremy Howe C: Daniel Cross, Nathan Jones, Heritier Lumumba HF: Angus Brayshaw, Jesse Hogan, Rohan Bail F: Jeff Garlett, Chris Dawes, Aaron Vandenberg FOLL: Jake Spencer, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince I/C: Matt Jones, Viv Michie, Billy Stretch, Jimmy Toumpas EMG: Max Gawn, Ben Newton, Cameron Pedersen IN: Rohan Bail, Jack Grimes, Matt Jones, Viv Michie OUT: Jay Kennedy-Harris (groin), Ben Newton, Cam Pedersen, Jack Watts

Jack Viney still holds a handy lead - 105 Jack Viney 73 Max Gawn 61 Nathan Jones 41 Jack Watts 40 Dom Tyson 39 Neville Jetta 38 Bernie Vince 36 Jesse Hogan 34 Ben Kennedy 28 Tom McDonald 24 Tomas Bugg Billy Stretch 22 Jeff Garlett 12 Clayton Oliver 11 Josh Wagner 10 Heritier Lumumba 9 Cam Pedersen 7 James Harmes 6 Jayden Hunt Christian Petracca 4 Dean Kent 3 Matt Jones

TRAEGER TRAGEDY by George on the Outer Another venture into the Red Centre for the Demons, and another defeat. Just when the opportunity was there to put some space between themselves and their nearest opponent on the ladder it was once again tragically squandered. The equation was simple ... beat Port Adelaide and you set yourselves up for a promising second half of the season ... lose the game and it all looks rather tragic. Apart from the financial bonus of playing in the Northern Territory, it has been a disappointing destination for the Demons for some years now. We simply are unable to put in a creditable performance at either the Alice Springs or Darwin venues. Melbourne was never in the game, despite a slender lead at quarter time, as it was never able to contain the likes of Boak, Wingard, R Gray, Hartlett and Westhoff. Then their new arrival Charlie Dixon turned on a blinder and produced 5 goals to continuously beat down the chances that the Demons struggled to achieve. Worst of all was the simply porous defensive structures that we have employed since the St. Kilda game. There were at least 7 goals from this match that came from a free Port player either running into an open goal or marking uncontested 20 or 30 metres out. And each and every time it was a player running in behind the defenders without a Melbourne player in sight. The structure isn’t working, and we cannot keep hoping to win shootouts against the better sides. Our mids refuse to get back to assist, and the wingers don’t help out either. Thank goodness for Jayden Hunt and Josh Wagner who continue to show promise and a hardness that is required to play at AFL level. Oscar Mac has now had his chance and is simply out of his depth at the moment. There were plenty of other non-shows again this week. Ben Kennedy could only produce 7 disposals for the match and Jeff Garlett didn’t produce anything other than a single goal, until the coach threw him into the middle to force him do something. Even then he only touched the ball nine times for the whole game. And it was in the middle where once again we were soundly beaten. Nathan Jones produced yet another sterling performance, but Jack Viney has dropped off from his best and Dom Tyson was also not as effective as he was before last week's illness. Jesse Hogan and Jack Watts did the best they could, given the lack of opportunity and some simply poor delivery into the forward line. Whhen hitting a target was critical, we simply couldn’t do it. And that was the nature of the game. It was a tragedy at Traeger Park. Tragically, Port was the better side and tragically, after traveling to the Red Centre, Melbourne comes up against Hawthorn next week. Well may we hope that the outcome is not as tragic against them as it has been in recent years. Melbourne 2.7.19 4.9.33 9.12.66 10.16.76 Port Adelaide 2.4.16 8.6.54 12.11.83 18.13.121 Goals Melbourne Hogan 3 Gawn Watts 2 Garlett Kent Neal-Bullen Port Adelaide Dixon 5 Impey Wingard Young 2 Boak Byrne-Jones R Gray Hartlett Howard Krakouer Neade Best Melbourne Gawn Jones Watts Hogan Wagner T McDonald Port Adelaide Wingard R Gray Ebert Dixon Westhoff Boak Changes Melbourne Nil Port Adelaide Broadbent (gastro) replaced by S Gray Injuries Melbourne Garland (cheekbone) Port Adelaide Hombsch (hamstring) P Stewart (concussion) Reports Melbourne Nil Port Adelaide Nil Umpires Hay Findlay Mollison Official crowd 5,146 at Traeger Park

Another venture into the Red Centre for the Demons, and another defeat. Just when the opportunity was there to put some space between themselves and their nearest opponent on the ladder it was once again tragically squandered. The equation was simple ... beat Port Adelaide and you set yourselves up for a promising second half of the season ... lose the game and it all looks rather tragic. Apart from the financial bonus of playing in the Northern Territory, it has been a disappointing destination for the Demons for some years now. We simply are unable to put in a creditable performance at either the Alice Springs or Darwin venues. Melbourne was never in the game, despite a slender lead at quarter time, as it was never able to contain the likes of Boak, Wingard, R Gray, Hartlett and Westhoff. Then their new arrival Charlie Dixon turned on a blinder and produced 5 goals to continuously beat down the chances that the Demons struggled to achieve. Worst of all was the simply porous defensive structures that we have employed since the St. Kilda game. There were at least 7 goals from this match that came from a free Port player either running into an open goal or marking uncontested 20 or 30 metres out. And each and every time it was a player running in behind the defenders without a Melbourne player in sight. The structure isn’t working, and we cannot keep hoping to win shootouts against the better sides. Our mids refuse to get back to assist, and the wingers don’t help out either. Thank goodness for Jayden Hunt and Josh Wagner who continue to show promise and a hardness that is required to play at AFL level. Oscar Mac has now had his chance and is simply out of his depth at the moment. There were plenty of other non-shows again this week. Ben Kennedy could only produce 7 disposals for the match and Jeff Garlett didn’t produce anything other than a single goal, until the coach threw him into the middle to force him do something. Even then he only touched the ball nine times for the whole game. And it was in the middle where once again we were soundly beaten. Nathan Jones produced yet another sterling performance, but Jack Viney has dropped off from his best and Dom Tyson was also not as effective as he was before last week's illness. Jesse Hogan and Jack Watts did the best they could, given the lack of opportunity and some simply poor delivery into the forward line. Whhen hitting a target was critical, we simply couldn’t do it. And that was the nature of the game. It was a tragedy at Traeger Park. Tragically, Port was the better side and tragically, after traveling to the Red Centre, Melbourne comes up against Hawthorn next week. Well may we hope that the outcome is not as tragic against them as it has been in recent years. Melbourne 2.7.19 4.9.33 9.12.66 10.16.76 Port Adelaide 2.4.16 8.6.54 12.11.83 18.13.121 Goals Melbourne Hogan 3 Gawn Watts 2 Garlett Kent Neal-Bullen Port Adelaide Dixon 5 Impey Wingard Young 2 Boak Byrne-Jones R Gray Hartlett Howard Krakouer Neade Best Melbourne Gawn Jones Watts Hogan Wagner T McDonald Port Adelaide Wingard R Gray Ebert Dixon Westhoff Boak Changes Melbourne Nil Port Adelaide Broadbent (gastro) replaced by S Gray Injuries Melbourne Garland (cheekbone) Port Adelaide Hombsch (hamstring) P Stewart (concussion) Reports Melbourne Nil Port Adelaide Nil Umpires Hay Findlay Mollison Official crowd 5,146 at Traeger Park

Vote now 6,5,4,3,2,1 If applicable, specify your McDonald.

DEFYING HISTORY by Whispering Jack I was surprised to read that Melbourne started the week as a firm favourite to beat Port Adelaide in this Saturday's indigenous round game at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs. The Demons might have a slight edge on Port in terms of recent form but both clubs are close in ladder terms and are equally motivated to win in order to stay in touch with the top eight. While the Demons are nominally the home team, the visiting side is domiciled closer to its own home base, therefore having less travel to get to the venue and it also has history on its side. The Power have won at both of their meetings at this ground and beaten the Demons on all three occasions since Paul Roos became coach at Melbourne. In addition, despite its last start win at the MCG against the Brisbane Lions, the "home" team has such an abysmal record when starting as favourite that it cannot be said with confidence that it is a sure thing to beat a team containing the likes of Robbie Gray, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett, Chad Wingard and Ollie Wines. I heard somewhere that the latter player apparently originally wanted to be drafted to Melbourne to join his mate Jack Viney so every time he plays against them, he likes to really turn it on. The ruck battles will be interesting with the Demons holding the edge through 208cm Max Gawn who should be too good for the Port ruckmen although some are calling for the overworked Gawn to be rested in the light of the fact that Port have been relying on an undersized Jackson Trengove in that department. In recent weeks, Max has been pushed from pillar to post and double teamed in an attempt to rough him up. Last week, the umpires didn't seem to notice and the opposition will continue to try as long as they can get away with the tactic. Gawn doesn't need a rest - he needs assistance. The big man has been a vital cog in the team's resurgence and leaving him out of a game that's important as this one should not even be considered. Port Adelaide also goes into the game with the edge in experience which can be a double edged sword when both teams are traveling away from the comfort of their own home. It's always good to have cool, seasoned heads but the young Melbourne team these days (nine of its players last week had not played more than 20 AFL games) is so compelling and so full of enthusiasm when it gets going. Of course, that doesn't always help but I'm tipping Melbourne to defy history and win its first game ever at Traeger Park. THE GAME Melbourne v Port Adelaide on Saturday 28 May, 2015 at 1.10pm (AEST) at TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 11 wins Port Adelaide 18 wins At TIO Traeger Park Melbourne 0 wins Port Adelaide 2 wins Past five meetings Melbourne 0 wins Port Adelaide 5 wins The Coaches Roos 0 wins Hinkley 3 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports 3 live at 2.00pm RADIO - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne to win - $1.70 Port Adelaide to win - $2.15 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Port Adelaide 18.7.115 defeated Melbourne 8.6.54 Round 9 at TIO Traeger Park Melbourne started like a house on fire and held a four goal lead at one stage during the second quarter. At that point however, the house burned down. THE TEAMS 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)

I was surprised to read that Melbourne started the week as a firm favourite to beat Port Adelaide in this Saturday's indigenous round game at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs. The Demons might have a slight edge on Port in terms of recent form but both clubs are close in ladder terms and are equally motivated to win in order to stay in touch with the top eight. While the Demons are nominally the home team, the visiting side is domiciled closer to its own home base, therefore having less travel to get to the venue and it also has history on its side. The Power have won at both of their meetings at this ground and beaten the Demons on all three occasions since Paul Roos became coach at Melbourne. In addition, despite its last start win at the MCG against the Brisbane Lions, the "home" team has such an abysmal record when starting as favourite that it cannot be said with confidence that it is a sure thing to beat a team containing the likes of Robbie Gray, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett, Chad Wingard and Ollie Wines. I heard somewhere that the latter player apparently originally wanted to be drafted to Melbourne to join his mate Jack Viney so every time he plays against them, he likes to really turn it on. The ruck battles will be interesting with the Demons holding the edge through 208cm Max Gawn who should be too good for the Port ruckmen although some are calling for the overworked Gawn to be rested in the light of the fact that Port have been relying on an undersized Jackson Trengove in that department. In recent weeks, Max has been pushed from pillar to post and double teamed in an attempt to rough him up. Last week, the umpires didn't seem to notice and the opposition will continue to try as long as they can get away with the tactic. Gawn doesn't need a rest - he needs assistance. The big man has been a vital cog in the team's resurgence and leaving him out of a game that's important as this one should not even be considered. Port Adelaide also goes into the game with the edge in experience which can be a double edged sword when both teams are traveling away from the comfort of their own home. It's always good to have cool, seasoned heads but the young Melbourne team these days (nine of its players last week had not played more than 20 AFL games) is so compelling and so full of enthusiasm when it gets going. Of course, that doesn't always help but I'm tipping Melbourne to defy history and win its first game ever at Traeger Park. THE GAME Melbourne v Port Adelaide on Saturday 28 May, 2015 at 1.10pm (AEST) at TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 11 wins Port Adelaide 18 wins At TIO Traeger Park Melbourne 0 wins Port Adelaide 2 wins Past five meetings Melbourne 0 wins Port Adelaide 5 wins The Coaches Roos 0 wins Hinkley 3 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports 3 live at 2.00pm RADIO - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne to win - $1.70 Port Adelaide to win - $2.15 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Port Adelaide 18.7.115 defeated Melbourne 8.6.54 Round 9 at TIO Traeger Park Melbourne started like a house on fire and held a four goal lead at one stage during the second quarter. At that point however, the house burned down. THE TEAMS 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)

The stuff of which nightmares are made for Demon fans. This "home" game was played in Alice Springs which is a lot closer to Adelaide than Melbourne. The Demons were seemingly in control for most of the first half. They led by a couple of goals at quarter time, kicked away to lead by four midway through the second and then fell into the abyss. Port kicked six in a row before half time and won the game by 61 points. The Dees were woeful. MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Jack Grimes HB: Jeremy Howe, Lynden Dunn, Neville Jetta C: Daniel Cross, Aaron vandenBerg, Heritier Lumumba HF: Rohan Bail, Cameron Pedersen, Jack Watts F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jack Fitzpatrick FOLL: Jake Spencer, Nathan Jones, Bernie Vince I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Matt Jones, Jimmy Toumpas, Jack Viney EMG: Max Gawn, Ben Newton, Aidan Riley IN: Jack Viney, Neville Jetta OUT: Ben Newton (omitted), Aidan Riley (omitted) PORT ADELAIDE B: Jack Hombsch, Alipate Carlile, Jarman Impey HB: Nathan Krakouer, Tom Jonas, Jasper Pittard C: Matt White, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert HF: Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard F: Karl Amon, Jay Schulz, Angus Monfries FOLL: Matthew Lobbe, Hamish Hartlett, Ollie Wines I/C: Matthew Broadbent, Tom Clurey, Sam Gray, Paul Stewart EMG: Andrew Moore, Cam O'Shea, Aaron Young IN: Matthew Broadbent, Tom Clurey, Paul Stewart OUT: Jackson Trengove (ankle), Patrick Ryder (Achilles), Kane Cornes (retired)

Not a great deal of change at the top of the leaderboard - 104. Jack Viney 56 Max Gawn 46 Nathan Jones 40 Dom Tyson Jack Watts 38 Bernie Vince 34 Ben Kennedy 30 Jesse Hogan 27 Neville Jetta 26 Tom McDonald 24 Tomas Bugg 22 Jeff Garlett 20 Billy Stretch 12 Clayton Oliver 11 Josh Wagner 10 Heritier Lumumba 9 Cam Pedersen 7 James Harmes 6 Christian Petracca 4 Dean Kent 3 Matt Jones 2 Jayden Hunt

After seven years in the wilderness, the Fans in the Outer may have reason to overcome their MFCSS (Melbourne Football Club Supporter Syndrome). A game against Brisbane who sat in 16th place with a solitary win for the season, against the Demons having four wins under their belt, and sitting just outside the 8 was a cause for angst. In the past going into the game as favourites, home at the MCG, on a fine day with nearly a full side to select from and wanting to stay in finals contention was a sure recipe for completely stuffing up the opportunity sitting before them. So to come out of the game with a ten goal win might finally see the end of the MFCSS, and a march toward something completely different from the last seven years of anguish. The match was previewed by an exhibition match between the Melbourne and Brisbane Lions’ women’s’ sides. It was a sheer delight to watch the skills of AFL on display without the rolling mauls and scrambling play and continuous ball-ups that blights the male version today. Make no mistake - the girls play it hard and tough as well, but if you want to see some real football talent on display, make sure you get along to the next game, and watch Daisy Pearce and her team in action. The girls set the tone for the day with an over 10 goal win of their own. The dominance of the MFC players was marked, and the game effectively was over by ¼ time. Let us see more of them in the coming years. Melbourne 6.4.40 8.5.53 10.7.67 14.7.91 Brisbane Lions 0.0.0 1.0.6 1.1.7 3.2.20 Goals Melbourne Cameron 6 Boyd 3 Eva Foley Kemp D Pearce L Pearce Brisbane Lions McCarthy 2 Law Best Melbourne Cameron Blackburn Hardiman Hosking Lockland D Pearce Boyd Brisbane Lions Hunt Virgo Zieke Anderson And now, onto the boys … like the girls, the direction of the game was set by quarter time, with the Demons putting through five majors and then another five to make it ten by half time. The Lions squandered chances in the third quarter with multiple set shots going wide of the mark. Strangely, the wind affected the kicking for goal for both sides, when the MCG is usually devoid of any real wind advantage. It just swirled around and was fluky, making the shots for goal a hit and miss scenario. Still, the Demons did it better and finished by nearly doubling the Lions score. It’s a long time since we have witnessed such high scores from Melbourne sides and it makes for some interesting exhibitions of football. With a last minute withdrawal of Dom Tyson, the midfield just wasn’t as dominant as it can be, and this demonstrates Tyson’s influence on the team’s performance this year. Without his partner in crime, Jack Viney was unusually quiet with only 19 touches (still can’t complain about that, can we?). But the slack was picked up by Christian Petracca and Billy Stretch. Billy ran riot on the flanks and had 31 touches. The old heads among the fan base will remember and be able to compare his skills with that of his father. If he keeps performing in this manner, we are in for some wonderful displays in the future. Max Gawn was targeted again this week, and got little help from the umpires as third man up and opposition rucks just jump into him while the first ruckman simply held onto him. He could barely walk at the end of the game, and next week it is essential that he get some relief from a second ruck. Jack Watts provided the relief this week, and did a simply superb job and the hit outs with eight of his own. It was a brilliant move by the coaches, and forced Watts into the game a lot more than he has been in the past couple of weeks. But he is not the solution, as Max needs help around the ground and shouldn’t have to run to each and every contest. We simply cannot afford from him to break down this season. The backline unfortunately leaked like a sieve again this week. The current game plan or failure to execute the game plan sees the opposition getting easy goals and marks from inside the defensive 50. Colin Garland provides a big body in contested situations but simply stands off or loses his man too easily. Viv Michie was horrible at HBF and only two possessions to half time hopefully has marked his cards for next week. There are too many pushing for senior selection to carry passengers. Oscar McDonald was way out of his depth this week, but he needs the experience for the future. We simply cannot afford too many NQR players against better opposition. Yes, a 10 goal win is something delightful after the years of pain we have suffered. Now if the side really wants to bury the MFCSS, a win in Alice Springs against a side, which like us is challenging for a finals spot and only one place below us on the ladder, is essential. Let’s do it! Melbourne 5.6.36 10.7.67 13.10.88 19.17.131 Brisbane Lions 2.3.15 5.5.35 6.10.46 9.14.68 Goals Melbourne Hogan 5 Harmes 4 Garlett 2 Jones Kennedy Kent Michie Newton Stretch Viney Watts Brisbane Lions Bell 3 Lester 2 Freeman Keays Taylor Zorko Best Melbourne Hogan Bugg Petracca Garlett Oliver Watts Brisbane Lions Zorko Robinson Bell Rich Changes Melbourne Tyson (ill) replaced by Newton Brisbane Lions Nil Injuries Melbourne Clayton Oliver (corked thigh) Brisbane Lions Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Nil Umpires Deboy Findlay Harris Official crowd 26,892 at the MCG

THE SEVEN YEAR SWITCH by George on the Outer After seven years in the wilderness, the Fans in the Outer may have reason to overcome their MFCSS (Melbourne Football Club Supporter Syndrome). A game against Brisbane who sat in 16th place with a solitary win for the season, against the Demons having four wins under their belt, and sitting just outside the 8 was a cause for angst. In the past going into the game as favourites, home at the MCG, on a fine day with nearly a full side to select from and wanting to stay in finals contention was a sure recipe for completely stuffing up the opportunity sitting before them. So to come out of the game with a ten goal win might finally see the end of the MFCSS, and a march toward something completely different from the last seven years of anguish. The match was previewed by an exhibition match between the Melbourne and Brisbane Lions’ women’s’ sides. It was a sheer delight to watch the skills of AFL on display without the rolling mauls and scrambling play and continuous ball-ups that blights the male version today. Make no mistake - the girls play it hard and tough as well, but if you want to see some real football talent on display, make sure you get along to the next game, and watch Daisy Pearce and her team in action. The girls set the tone for the day with an over 10 goal win of their own. The dominance of the MFC players was marked, and the game effectively was over by ¼ time. Let us see more of them in the coming years. Melbourne 6.4.40 8.5.53 10.7.67 14.7.91 Brisbane Lions 0.0.0 1.0.6 1.1.7 3.2.20 Goals Melbourne Cameron 6 Boyd 3 Eva Foley Kemp D Pearce L Pearce Brisbane Lions McCarthy 2 Law Best Melbourne Cameron Blackburn Hardiman Hosking Lockland D Pearce Boyd Brisbane Lions Hunt Virgo Zieke Anderson And now, onto the boys … like the girls, the direction of the game was set by quarter time, with the Demons putting through five majors and then another five to make it ten by half time. The Lions squandered chances in the third quarter with multiple set shots going wide of the mark. Strangely, the wind affected the kicking for goal for both sides, when the MCG is usually devoid of any real wind advantage. It just swirled around and was fluky, making the shots for goal a hit and miss scenario. Still, the Demons did it better and finished by nearly doubling the Lions score. It’s a long time since we have witnessed such high scores from Melbourne sides and it makes for some interesting exhibitions of football. With a last minute withdrawal of Dom Tyson, the midfield just wasn’t as dominant as it can be, and this demonstrates Tyson’s influence on the team’s performance this year. Without his partner in crime, Jack Viney was unusually quiet with only 19 touches (still can’t complain about that, can we?). But the slack was picked up by Christian Petracca and Billy Stretch. Billy ran riot on the flanks and had 31 touches. The old heads among the fan base will remember and be able to compare his skills with that of his father. If he keeps performing in this manner, we are in for some wonderful displays in the future. Max Gawn was targeted again this week, and got little help from the umpires as third man up and opposition rucks just jump into him while the first ruckman simply held onto him. He could barely walk at the end of the game, and next week it is essential that he get some relief from a second ruck. Jack Watts provided the relief this week, and did a simply superb job and the hit outs with eight of his own. It was a brilliant move by the coaches, and forced Watts into the game a lot more than he has been in the past couple of weeks. But he is not the solution, as Max needs help around the ground and shouldn’t have to run to each and every contest. We simply cannot afford from him to break down this season. The backline unfortunately leaked like a sieve again this week. The current game plan or failure to execute the game plan sees the opposition getting easy goals and marks from inside the defensive 50. Colin Garland provides a big body in contested situations but simply stands off or loses his man too easily. Viv Michie was horrible at HBF and only two possessions to half time hopefully has marked his cards for next week. There are too many pushing for senior selection to carry passengers. Oscar McDonald was way out of his depth this week, but he needs the experience for the future. We simply cannot afford too many NQR players against better opposition. Yes, a 10 goal win is something delightful after the years of pain we have suffered. Now if the side really wants to bury the MFCSS, a win in Alice Springs against a side, which like us is challenging for a finals spot and only one place below us on the ladder, is essential. Let’s do it! Melbourne 5.6.36 10.7.67 13.10.88 19.17.131 Brisbane Lions 2.3.15 5.5.35 6.10.46 9.14.68 Goals Melbourne Hogan 5 Harmes 4 Garlett 2 Jones Kennedy Kent Michie Newton Stretch Viney Watts Brisbane Lions Bell 3 Lester 2 Freeman Keays Taylor Zorko Best Melbourne Hogan Bugg Petracca Garlett Oliver Watts Brisbane Lions Zorko Robinson Bell Rich Changes Melbourne Tyson (ill) replaced by Newton Brisbane Lions Nil Injuries Melbourne Clayton Oliver (corked thigh) Brisbane Lions Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Nil Umpires Deboy Findlay Harris Official crowd 26,892 at the MCG

The Casey Scorpions will go into next week's break in top position on the ladder with the best percentage and a game clear of the rest of the pack after a strongly fought 7 point win over the highly fancied Box Hill Hawks at Casey Fields. Saturday's home game was the third night match of the season for the Casey Scorpions and with conditions perfect for football, the teams produced a cracking match for the ages with the lead changing often during the evening making excitement the order of the evening. High flying forward Tim Smith celebrated his selection in the VFL representative team to play the SANFL at Adelaide Oval next week with the opening goal of the match. The Scorps maintained the early ascendancy when Chris Dawes goaled at the 10 minute mark. However, from there it was all the Hawks who held a lead of 16 points in the shadows of quarter time until Dawes added another to his tally just before the siren sounded. After the first break, a Box Hill goal restored that 16 point margin in their favour but, as it had done a week ago against Sandringham, Casey then grabbed the momentum and kicked six of the next seven goals to head into the rooms at half time with a 16 point lead of their own. Conditions were perfect on the night and the Scorpions were winning in the ruck through Jake Spencer who was giving the likes of Jack Grimes, Jack Trengove and Christian Salem an armchair ride. The ascendency continued into the third term when Smith's third goal gave the home team a 24 point lead but the momentum turned again for the last 20 minutes of the quarter and Box Hill booted the next four goals to momentarily draw level. In a nerve wracking final quarter, the teams traded goals but the Scorpions were able to shut down the Hawks' dangerous forwards and were able to withstand the onslaught with Dawes' third goal in an impressive 22 disposal performance. Grimes had a tremendous game with his 35 touches as did his former co-captain Trengove. Defender Mitch White continued to impress with his strong play. Aside from Tim Smith, Angus Scott was the best of the Casey players wth 27 disposals. James Munro and Paul Pattison also made valuable contributions. Both teams are to be complemented for the high standard of the game. Most judges agreed at the end that it was one out of the box. The Scorpions are well placed for the remainder of the season and will relish the week's rest before fronting up to Port Melbourne in a fortnight's time. Casey Scorpions 3.1.19 9.4.58 10.9.69 12.11.83 Box Hill Hawks 4.5.29 6.6.42 10.8.68 11.10.76 Goals Casey Scorpions Dawes T Smith 3 Glen Hulett Max King Scott Spencer Terlich Box Hill Hawks Miles 4 Summers 2 Lawlor O'Rourke Schoenmakers Whitecross Willsmore Best Casey Scorpions Grimes Dawes T Smith White Scott Trengove Box Hill Hawks Miles Litherland O'Rourke Mirra Spangher Whitecross The Development League team conceded a start in the early game and in the end gave the Hawks a fright before a couple of late goals saw them lose what was a close game in the end. Casey Scorpions 2.0.12 5.0.30 7.4.46 10.5.65 Box Hill Hawks 5.1.31 7.3.45 9.7.61 11.11.77 Goals Casey Scorpions Baker Ferrera Wilson 2 Cox Damien Johnston Machaya Vander Haar Box Hill Hawks Hehir 4 Dimasi Surman 2 Smith Tobin Traynor Best Casey Scorpions McInerney Vander Haar Wyatt Daniel Johnston Gains Moncrieff Box Hill Hawks Switkowski Firns Dimasi Walker Kidd Hehir Statistics Chris Dawes 3 goals 2 behinds 22 disposals 12 kicks 10 handballs 5 marks 1 tackle 90 dream team points Sam Frost 14 disposals 10 kicks 4 handballs 4 marks 3 tackles 62 dream team points Jack Grimes 35 disposals 16 kicks 19 handballs 7 marks 11 tackles dream 149 team points Liam Hulett 1 goal 1 behind 9 disposals 6 kicks 3 handballs 3 marks 1 tackle 41 dream team points Max King 1 goal 8 disposals 4 kicks 4 handballs 4 marks 2 tackles 14 hit outs 58 dream team points Christian Salem 28 disposals 20 kicks 8 handballs 7 marks 3 tackles 106 dream team points Joel Smith 11 disposals 2 kicks 9 handballs 1 marks 4 tackles 43 dream team points Jake Spencer 1 goal 1 behind 8 disposals 3 kicks 5 handballs 7 tackles 32 hit outs 85 dream team points Dean Terlich 1 goal 3 behinds 15 disposals 11 kicks 4 handballs 5 marks 5 tackles 82 dream team points Jack Trengove 30 disposals 11 kicks 19 handballs 3 marks 5 tackles 98 dream team points Aaron vandenBerg 18 disposals 7 kicks 11 handballs 1 marks 6 tackles 1 hit out 63 dream team points Sam Weideman 4 disposals 3 kicks 1 handballs 2 marks 11 dream team points Mitch White 26 disposals 18 kicks 8 handballs 6 marks 4 tackles 103 dream team points

OUT OF THE BOX by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions will go into next week's break in top position on the ladder with the best percentage and a game clear of the rest of the pack after a strongly fought 7 point win over the highly fancied Box Hill Hawks at Casey Fields. Saturday's home game was the third night match of the season for the Casey Scorpions and with conditions perfect for football, the teams produced a cracking match for the ages with the lead changing often during the evening making excitement the order of the evening. High flying forward Tim Smith celebrated his selection in the VFL representative team to play the SANFL at Adelaide Oval next week with the opening goal of the match. The Scorps maintained the early ascendancy when Chris Dawes goaled at the 10 minute mark. However, from there it was all the Hawks who held a lead of 16 points in the shadows of quarter time until Dawes added another to his tally just before the siren sounded. After the first break, a Box Hill goal restored that 16 point margin in their favour but, as it had done a week ago against Sandringham, Casey then grabbed the momentum and kicked six of the next seven goals to head into the rooms at half time with a 16 point lead of their own. Conditions were perfect on the night and the Scorpions were winning in the ruck through Jake Spencer who was giving the likes of Jack Grimes, Jack Trengove and Christian Salem an armchair ride. The ascendency continued into the third term when Smith's third goal gave the home team a 24 point lead but the momentum turned again for the last 20 minutes of the quarter and Box Hill booted the next four goals to momentarily draw level. In a nerve wracking final quarter, the teams traded goals but the Scorpions were able to shut down the Hawks' dangerous forwards and were able to withstand the onslaught with Dawes' third goal in an impressive 22 disposal performance. Grimes had a tremendous game with his 35 touches as did his former co-captain Trengove. Defender Mitch White continued to impress with his strong play. Aside from Tim Smith, Angus Scott was the best of the Casey players wth 27 disposals. James Munro and Paul Pattison also made valuable contributions. Both teams are to be complemented for the high standard of the game. Most judges agreed at the end that it was one out of the box. The Scorpions are well placed for the remainder of the season and will relish the week's rest before fronting up to Port Melbourne in a fortnight's time. Casey Scorpions 3.1.19 9.4.58 10.9.69 12.11.83 Box Hill Hawks 4.5.29 6.6.42 10.8.68 11.10.76 Goals Casey Scorpions Dawes T Smith 3 Glen Hulett Max King Scott Spencer Terlich Box Hill Hawks Miles 4 Summers 2 Lawlor O'Rourke Schoenmakers Whitecross Willsmore Best Casey Scorpions Grimes Dawes T Smith White Scott Trengove Box Hill Hawks Miles Litherland O'Rourke Mirra Spangher Whitecross The Development League team conceded a start in the early game and in the end gave the Hawks a fright before a couple of late goals saw them lose what was a close game in the end. Casey Scorpions 2.0.12 5.0.30 7.4.46 10.5.65 Box Hill Hawks 5.1.31 7.3.45 9.7.61 11.11.77 Goals Casey Scorpions Baker Ferrera Wilson 2 Cox Damien Johnston Machaya Vander Haar Box Hill Hawks Hehir 4 Dimasi Surman 2 Smith Tobin Traynor Best Casey Scorpions McInerney Vander Haar Wyatt Daniel Johnston Gains Moncrieff Box Hill Hawks Switkowski Firns Dimasi Walker Kidd Hehir Statistics Chris Dawes 3 goals 2 behinds 22 disposals 12 kicks 10 handballs 5 marks 1 tackle 90 dream team points Sam Frost 14 disposals 10 kicks 4 handballs 4 marks 3 tackles 62 dream team points Jack Grimes 35 disposals 16 kicks 19 handballs 7 marks 11 tackles dream 149 team points Liam Hulett 1 goal 1 behind 9 disposals 6 kicks 3 handballs 3 marks 1 tackle 41 dream team points Max King 1 goal 8 disposals 4 kicks 4 handballs 4 marks 2 tackles 14 hit outs 58 dream team points Christian Salem 28 disposals 20 kicks 8 handballs 7 marks 3 tackles 106 dream team points Joel Smith 11 disposals 2 kicks 9 handballs 1 marks 4 tackles 43 dream team points Jake Spencer 1 goal 1 behind 8 disposals 3 kicks 5 handballs 7 tackles 32 hit outs 85 dream team points Dean Terlich 1 goal 3 behinds 15 disposals 11 kicks 4 handballs 5 marks 5 tackles 82 dream team points Jack Trengove 30 disposals 11 kicks 19 handballs 3 marks 5 tackles 98 dream team points Aaron vandenBerg 18 disposals 7 kicks 11 handballs 1 marks 6 tackles 1 hit out 63 dream team points Sam Weideman 4 disposals 3 kicks 1 handballs 2 marks 11 dream team points Mitch White 26 disposals 18 kicks 8 handballs 6 marks 4 tackles 103 dream team points

Ho hum ...

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

This week sees the Demons face yet another club in crisis, one which has progressively over a number of years transferred its identity from becoming the Brisbane Lions at the turn of the century back into the Brisbane Bears. The irony of course is that while Melbourne has already had its share of contests against clubs in strife during the season, the club itself has lurched through the past decade as the epitome of a club in crisis. While we have watched the young Demon side show us some positive, exciting glimpses to hold out some promise that it will step out of the mire at some time very soon, it continues to give fans its moments of despair so that a home ground contest against an ailing Bears club that was thrashed a week ago by Collingwood at the Gabba can be looked upon them as problematic - even when they are raging favourites to win. The game looks winnable from every aspect. Max Gawn is coming along nicely in his rucking role and he continues to give teammates at his feet a good ride at stoppages. The Melbourne midfield is improving in quality and depth. For the first time in living memory the Dees were credited with employing an innovative tactic. The only problem is that the "Diamond Pattern" or "Diamond Defence" didn't quite work when employed against the Bulldogs and if it was employed when they played the Bombers and the Saints, then it was an abject failure. Hopefully, it will be a case of back to the drawing board this week when the team faces the Bears because it really can't afford to lose another game to a club in crisis. It's not that last week's loss to the Bulldogs was comparable to the losses to Essendon and St Kilda. The Doggies are a competent well drilled outfit that more the ball quickly with precision. They have managed to get themselves out of "crisis mode" in quick time and based upon what we saw last week, they are definite contenders this year. Many of us hoped that Melbourne would follow a similar path this year but unless it can shake off the inconsistent tag, it will languish between the middle and lower half of the table. Winning against Brisbane at home on Sunday will help but it will remain one small step in the process necessary to avert the next crisis. THE GAME Melbourne v Brisbane at MCG Sunday 22 May, 2016 at 1.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 22 wins Brisbane 20 wins At MCG: Melbourne 12 wins Brisbane 3 wins Last Five Meetings: Melbourne 1 win Brisbane 4 win The Coaches: Roos 1 win Leppitsch 1 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel live at 1.00pm Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $1.18 to win Brisbane $4.75 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 8.12.60 defeated Brisbane 4.12.36 at the MCG, Round 16, 2015. The Lions kicked only one goal for the entire first half while the Demons managed only one in the second half in a putrid skill free exhibition of ineptitude. Jesse Hogan was the shining light with four goals. TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Billy Stretch, Tom McDonald, Tomas Bugg HB: Josh Wagner, Colin Garland, Bernie Vince C: Clayton Oliver, Dom Tyson, Viv Michie HF: Dean Kent, Jack Watts, Jeff Garlett F: Christian Petracca, Jesse Hogan, Ben Kennedy FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Alex Neal-Bullen, Oscar McDonald EMG: Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes IN: Dean Kent, Alex Neal-Bullen, Ben Newton, Oscar McDonald OUT: Neville Jetta (suspension), Cam Pedersen (illness), Christian Salem (omitted), Dom Tyson (illness) BRISBANE LIONS B: Ryan Harwood, Daniel Merrett, Jackson Paine HB: Daniel Rich, Daniel McStay, Sam Mayes C: Ryan Lester, Allen Christensen, Tom Bell HF: Pearce Hanley, Lewis Taylor, Nick Robertson F: Trent West, Josh Schache, Ryan Bastinac FOLL: Stefan Martin, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson I/C: Billy Evans, Jonathan Freeman, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson EMG: Josh Clayton, Eric Hipwood, Jarrad Jansen IN: Billy Evans, Jonathan Freeman, Daniel McStay, Rhys Mathieson, Jackson Paine, Nick Robertson, Trent West OUT: Clay Beams (groin), Dayne Beams (knee), Rohan Bewick (groin), Darcy Gardiner (finger), Josh Green (omitted), Marco Paparone (omitted), Josh Walker (omitted) NEW: Rhys Mathieson (Geelong U18)