Demonland

This game saw Melbourne sink to its lowest ebb in a disappointing season. It was bad enough to lose on the MCG to the newest franchise team by 64 points but to score only three goals for the day and only one (against thirteen) in the final three quarters was nothing short of humiliating. And it all happened on Members Appreciation Day! MELBOURNE B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland HB: Jeremy Howe, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes C: Bernie Vince, Jack Watts, Daniel Cross HF: Viv Michie, James Frawley, Jack Viney F: Dean Kent, Chris Dawes, Max Gawn FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Dom Barry, Matt Jones, Aidan Riley, Christian Salem EMG: Rohan Bail, Jack Fitzpatrick, Jordie McKenzie IN: Jack Grimes, Christian Salem OUT: Rohan Bail, Jay Kennedy-Harris (both omitted) GWS GIANTS B: Adam Kennedy, Lachie Plowman, Heath Shaw HB: Jono O'Rourke, Phil Davis, Matt Buntine C: Devon Smith, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene HF: Rhys Palmer, Adam Tomlinson, Will Hoskin-Elliott F: Joshua Kelly, Jonathon Patton, Tom Boyd FOLL: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel I/C: Tomas Bugg, James Stewart, Mark Whiley, Nathan Wilson EMG: Jon Giles, Tim Golds, Zac Williams IN: James Stewart, Mark Whiley, Nathan Wilson OUT: Tim Golds, Jed Lamb, Zac Williams (all omitted) NEW: James Stewart (Sandringham U18), Mark Whiley (Finley)

The totals after Round 1: 18. Tom McDonald 13. Nathan Jones 10. Colin Garland 8. Jack Viney 6. Jack Watts 5. Jeffrey Garlett 3. Aaron vandenBerg

Thanks for your suggestion and we understand where you're at but we've decided to stick with our usual format. Please feel free however, to run your own separate format and we can compare outcomes at the end of the year. Cheers, Andy

George on the Outer's match report has now been posted ~ TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUNS You can also read it in the opening post of this thread.

The Demons finally erased a whole series of undesirable and unwanted records with a 26-point opening round eclipse of the Gold Coast Suns. It was ten years since an opening round win, two seasons since the team had scored over 100 points in a game, and most importantly, the team survived a number of comebacks from the Suns during the course of the afternoon - a rare occurrence in recent times. It was a fitting performance to pay respect to the great Robbie Flower, who has now been immortalized with the Robbie Flower Wing proudly inaugurated before this game. In recent times, the Melbourne sides would have given way under pressure. Last year, numerous final quarter leads were squandered. Not any more it seems, and the addition of older heads and harder bodies is paying dividends. And wasn't it pleasing that Paul Roos was able to inject seven new players into the side for this match, most of who were not draftees. Heritier Lumumba and Jeff Garlett had a good number of games under their belts at other clubs and Sam Frost and Ben Newton also had AFL experience so when the going really got hard as the Suns relentlessly attacked, it was these same players who stood tall. And that is what the Demon fans have been longing for now for a couple of years ... leaders who will show the way when times are tough. However, the most pleasing aspect about the game is that players like Jesse Hogan, Angus Brayshaw and Aaron vandenBerg were able to be introduced without the pressures that draftees faced in previous years - all showed more than enough signs that each of them will be long-term contributors to the future of the club. Before the game there were great concerns about how Gary Ablett would be held to a tally which would keep the side in the game. Jack Viney was given the role when he played mid-field and Colin Garland took over the role when he moved forward. With only 19 possessions for the game it was a positive outcome for the Demons with Viney racking up 24 touches of his own to put the unfortunate circumstances of that NAB Challenge gaffe well behind him. Special mention goes to Tom McDonald who took 12 telling marks in the backline to turn back multiple attacks. Again his performance is a sign of positive recruiting outcomes, as Lumumba and Frost were able to add some depth to the backline meaning that McDonald could often play the loose man role. It is a real bonus for the Demons that they can afford to have such a tall, strong option to play the sweeper out of the backline. Even the forward line now looks to be blessed with an abundance of talent and options. Hogan and Garlett have filled the holes that were there last year, and not just filled them but are a potent pair in their own right. The strength of a 20 year old in Hogan provided more than just the 2 goals he registered in his first game, as he broke packs and provided contests to advantage the crumbers at his feet. And the ability of Garlett to pinch pockets and add some zip and x-factor around goals will be a delight in coming games. While it is only one game in a long season, it was a special win for the fans and the club as well. It has been a long time for that good-time feeling to be experienced so early in a season, so we should be all looking for something positive to build upon as we work into 2015. Melbourne 2.5.17 7.7.49 12.9.81 17.13.115 Gold Coast Suns 1.2.8 3.6.24 8.8.56 13.11.89 Goals Melbourne Watts 3 Garlett Hogan Newton Tyson 2 Garland Jamar N Jones Lumumba Salem vandenBerg Gold Coast Suns Ablett Day Rischitelli 2 Bennell Gorringe Harbrow Miller Saad Sexton Swallow Best Melbourne N Jones. Watts McDonald Viney Garlett Newton Howe vandenBerg Jamar Gold Coast Prestia Rischitelli Swallow Bennell Saad Changes Melbourne Nil Gold Coast Nil Injuries Melbourne Nil Gold Coast Nil Substitutions Melbourne Jimmy Toumpas replaced Angus Brayshaw in the fourth quarter Gold Coast Jarrod Garlett replaced Sam Day at three-quarter time Reports Melbourne Nil Gold Coast Matt Shaw reported for rough conduct on Dean Kent Umpires Donlon Farmer Hosking Official crowd 27,013 at the MCG http://lon-cdn220-is-3.se.bponlinewoc2264.ngcdn.telstra.com/platform_release/805/388/EDT_GAMECHANGER_NEW_DEES_0404_S_409808899.mp4 http://m.melbournefc.com.au/video/2015-04-05/rd-1-watch-all-the-goals

A TOUCH OF HISTORY by Whispering Jack It turns out that Saturday 4 April, 2015 has gone down as an historic day for the Melbourne Football Club. It not only won an opening round match for the first time in a decade, introducing a bevy of first gamers for the club with an attractive new style of play, but even those on its list who didn't make it to the big stage on this day, were a part of history. Long before Eddie McGuire and his Collingwood Football Club occupied the Westpac Centre and the adjoining ground at Olympic Park, that place was known as the "Motordome"* and owned by another Collingwood identity in John Wren. Back in 1932, when Melbourne was known as the Fuschias, the team played three VFL matches there while the MCG was undergoing resurfacing works. The team was well beaten in all three contests including a 61-point hiding to the ultimate premier Richmond, coached by FV "Checker" Hughes in the first game. Melbourne moved back to its spiritual home at the MCG and late in the same year, Hughes walked out in the Tigers and joined Melbourne, turned them into "Demons" and won four premierships in the club's first golden era of the late 30s and the 40s. He remained at the club to see another six flags mentoring the great Norm Smith in the club's second golden era in the 50s and 60s. Yesterday, 16 current day Demons returned to the ground as part of their club's alignment, the Casey Scorpions to finally secure a victory after more than eight decades. They were Rohan Bail, Jack Fitzpatrick, Max Gawn, Jack Grimes, James Harmes ®, Max King ®, Oscar McDonald, Jordie McKenzie, Viv Michie, Cam Pedersen, Aidan Riley, Jake Spencer, Billy Stretch, Dean Terlich, Bernie Vince and Mitch White ®. The conditions were perfect for a practice match. I noticed Demon coach Paul Roos on the boundary fence before the start of the game, there was a good crowd in attendance and the weather was great. It was a such a pity therefore that Eddie's mob couldn't provide team sheets for the crowd or a scoreboard for that matter and it was difficult at times to pick up the Demon players let alone the Casey lads so please forgive me for any inadequacies in this report. The Magpies also fielded 13 of their AFL list and while the Demon contingent looked to have the greater experience, it was a solid workout and a close game for three quarters until the Casey team put on the afterburners and outran a tiring Magpie outfit. After conceding an early goal amid an early run of skill errors, the Scorpions controlled most of the opening term with Jake Spencer killing it in the ruck after a dreadful miskick to start proceedings. He got better and better as the game went on and it was he, and the strength of midfielders Bernie Vince and Jordie McKenzie, who kept the team on top for most of the game, the exception being in the second quarter when the Magpie runners were on top. Once the Casey forwards started presenting themselves, the goals came and the team exerted its dominance over the opposition. The team was a little on the top heavy side in the warm conditions with Max Gawn, Jack Fitzpatrick and Max King joining Spencer in the 200cm plus bracket but the height was probably an advantage as the Magpies wilted in the end. The Casey Scorpions are definitely set for a better season in 2015. They went into this game without a number of their leading lights from previous weeks and brought in a mix of experience in assistant coach Shannon Byrnes and stalwart Will Petropoulos and youth. Small man Nathan Paraedes was particularly impressive. The style of play was much more open and attacking than last year and I have little doubt that they will be a much better team to watch than they were last year when they finished second last to the now defunct Bendigo Gold. If the team stays healthy, they will most likely figure in the finals but whatever happens, they've already been a part of history. Casey Scorpions 3.5.23 5.6.36 11.10.76 15.11.101 Collingwood VFL 2.1.13 6.4.40 10.6.66 10.9.69 Goals Gawn Harmes King Paredes Petropolous 2 Riley Spencer Michie Pedersen Riley Spencer Best Michie Vince White Stretch Spencer Paredes HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rohan Bail - was in and out of the game and didn't have much impact. Jack Fitzpatrick - played a reasonable game, mainly in defence where he is learning the caper. Max Gawn - filled a number of big man roles but was best when up forward where he took some strong marks and kicked a couple of goals. Jack Grimes - generally played his role in defence well although there were one or two skill errors that he needs to iron out of his game if he is to fight his way back into the Demons' side. James Harmes ® - is really coming on as a footballer. Linked up well all day and kicked two goals for the day. Max King ® - had a minor role for the day and is very much at the back of the queue when it comes to talls at the club but he did kick two goals, one a nice running goal in the third quarter. He's a development player at the club and, at this stage, it's possible given the players available that he might spend a part of the year in Casey's Development League team. Oscar McDonald - showed some great composure in defence and should benefit from a year learning the trade at Casey where he will be under little pressure for promotion. Jordie McKenzie - showed out with his strength and experience and got lots of the football. One of Casey's best. Viv Michie - had a bright start but a bit patchy at times after that. Not as good a game as last week. Cam Pedersen - kicked a goal in the second quarter but lacked a bit of zip. Aidan Riley - hard over the ball and some strong tackling but struggled at times to compete with the pace of the Magpies. Jake Spencer - dominated the ruck and, despite the occasional Spencil glitch, he was very good on the day. He will provide ideal cover for Mark Jamar if and when required. Billy Stretch - real classy with outside run and good skills. I expect him to get a game in the seniors by the halfway mark of the season and eventually to be a long term player at the club. Dean Terlich - first game up in the preseason and was working off the cobwebs. Bernie Vince - really classy in the midfield and did enough to earn a call up for next week's game with the Demons in Canberra. Mitch White ® - a strong lad with a beautiful left foot kick. Might take time to develop but looks a handy acquisition. I heard Paul Roos saying in an interview that one of the considerations when recruiting is to look at the direction in which the game is going. I think White is somewhere in that direction. THE DEMONS WHO DIDN'T QUITE FARE Chris Dawes - suspended. I was told by a couple of people that Dawes wanted to play but did not get the necessary permission. Jayden Hunt - the speedster is still a month off but doing well in rehab after back problems ended his 2014 season. Matt Jones - sat out the weekend with emergency duty for the Demons. Alex Neal-Bullen - the midfield extractor from Glenelg is well into his recovery from a knee injury. Expect him back in a few weeks. Christian Petracca - on the long term injury list with an ACL. Jack Trengove - indefinite out with foot injury but reported to be coming along well. COMING UP Saturday 11th April - Casey Scorpions v Werribee at Casey Fields at 2.00pm (Development League at 11.00am) * For more on the Motordome, see this article in Demon Wiki

A TOUCH OF HISTORY by Whispering Jack It turns out that Saturday 4 April, 2015 has gone down as an historic day for the Melbourne Football Club. It not only won an opening round match for the first time in a decade, introducing a bevy of first gamers for the club with an attractive new style of play, but even those on its list who didn't make it to the big stage on this day, were a part of history. Long before Eddie McGuire and his Collingwood Football Club occupied the Westpac Centre and the adjoining ground at Olympic Park, that place was known as the "Motordome"* and owned by another Collingwood identity in John Wren. Back in 1932, when Melbourne was known as the Fuschias, the team played three VFL matches there while the MCG was undergoing resurfacing works. The team was well beaten in all three contests including a 61-point hiding to the ultimate premier Richmond, coached by FV "Checker" Hughes in the first game. Melbourne moved back to its spiritual home at the MCG and late in the same year, Hughes walked out in the Tigers and joined Melbourne, turned them into "Demons" and won four premierships in the club's first golden era of the late 30s and the 40s. He remained at the club to see another six flags mentoring the great Norm Smith in the club's second golden era in the 50s and 60s. Yesterday, 16 current day Demons returned to the ground as part of their club's alignment, the Casey Scorpions to finally secure a victory after more than eight decades. They were Rohan Bail, Jack Fitzpatrick, Max Gawn, Jack Grimes, James Harmes ®, Max King ®, Oscar McDonald, Jordie McKenzie, Viv Michie, Cam Pedersen, Aidan Riley, Jake Spencer, Billy Stretch, Dean Terlich, Bernie Vince and Mitch White ®. The conditions were perfect for a practice match. I noticed Demon coach Paul Roos on the boundary fence before the start of the game, there was a good crowd in attendance and the weather was great. It was a such a pity therefore that Eddie's mob couldn't provide team sheets for the crowd or a scoreboard for that matter and it was difficult at times to pick up the Demon players let alone the Casey lads so please forgive me for any inadequacies in this report. The Magpies also fielded 13 of their AFL list and while the Demon contingent looked to have the greater experience, it was a solid workout and a close game for three quarters until the Casey team put on the afterburners and outran a tiring Magpie outfit. After conceding an early goal amid an early run of skill errors, the Scorpions controlled most of the opening term with Jake Spencer killing it in the ruck after a dreadful miskick to start proceedings. He got better and better as the game went on and it was he, and the strength of midfielders Bernie Vince and Jordie McKenzie, who kept the team on top for most of the game, the exception being in the second quarter when the Magpie runners were on top. Once the Casey forwards started presenting themselves, the goals came and the team exerted its dominance over the opposition. The team was a little on the top heavy side in the warm conditions with Max Gawn, Jack Fitzpatrick and Max King joining Spencer in the 200cm plus bracket but the height was probably an advantage as the Magpies wilted in the end. The Casey Scorpions are definitely set for a better season in 2015. They went into this game without a number of their leading lights from previous weeks and brought in a mix of experience in assistant coach Shannon Byrnes and stalwart Will Petropoulos and youth. Small man Nathan Paraedes was particularly impressive. The style of play was much more open and attacking than last year and I have little doubt that they will be a much better team to watch than they were last year when they finished second last to the now defunct Bendigo Gold. If the team stays healthy, they will most likely figure in the finals but whatever happens, they've already been a part of history. Casey Scorpions 3.5.23 5.6.36 11.10.76 15.11.101 Collingwood VFL 2.1.13 6.4.40 10.6.66 10.9.69 Goals Gawn Harmes King Paredes Petropolous 2 Riley Spencer Michie Pedersen Riley Spencer Best Michie Vince White Stretch Spencer Paredes HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rohan Bail - was in and out of the game and didn't have much impact. Jack Fitzpatrick - played a reasonable game, mainly in defence where he is learning the caper. Max Gawn - filled a number of big man roles but was best when up forward where he took some strong marks and kicked a couple of goals. Jack Grimes - generally played his role in defence well although there were one or two skill errors that he needs to iron out of his game if he is to fight his way back into the Demons' side. James Harmes ® - is really coming on as a footballer. Linked up well all day and kicked two goals for the day. Max King ® - had a minor role for the day and is very much at the back of the queue when it comes to talls at the club but he did kick two goals, one a nice running goal in the third quarter. He's a development player at the club and, at this stage, it's possible given the players available that he might spend a part of the year in Casey's Development League team. Oscar McDonald - showed some great composure in defence and should benefit from a year learning the trade at Casey where he will be under little pressure for promotion. Jordie McKenzie - showed out with his strength and experience and got lots of the football. One of Casey's best. Viv Michie - had a bright start but a bit patchy at times after that. Not as good a game as last week. Cam Pedersen - kicked a goal in the second quarter but lacked a bit of zip. Aidan Riley - hard over the ball and some strong tackling but struggled at times to compete with the pace of the Magpies. Jake Spencer - dominated the ruck and, despite the occasional Spencil glitch, he was very good on the day. He will provide ideal cover for Mark Jamar if and when required. Billy Stretch - real classy with outside run and good skills. I expect him to get a game in the seniors by the halfway mark of the season and eventually to be a long term player at the club. Dean Terlich - first game up in the preseason and was working off the cobwebs. Bernie Vince - really classy in the midfield and did enough to earn a call up for next week's game with the Demons in Canberra. Mitch White ® - a strong lad with a beautiful left foot kick. Might take time to develop but looks a handy acquisition. I heard Paul Roos saying in an interview that one of the considerations when recruiting is to look at the direction in which the game is going. I think White is somewhere in that direction. THE DEMONS WHO DIDN'T QUITE FARE Chris Dawes - suspended. I was told by a couple of people that Dawes wanted to play but did not get the necessary permission. Jayden Hunt - the speedster is still a month off but doing well in rehab after back problems ended his 2014 season. Matt Jones - sat out the weekend with emergency duty for the Demons. Alex Neal-Bullen - the midfield extractor from Glenelg is well into his recovery from a knee injury. Expect him back in a few weeks. Christian Petracca - on the long term injury list with an ACL. Jack Trengove - indefinite out with foot injury but reported to be coming along well. COMING UP Saturday 11th April - Casey Scorpions v Werribee at Casey Fields at 2.00pm (Development League at 11.00am) * For more on the Motordome, see this article in Demon Wiki

I thought he looked a bit like Jeff Hilton.

6dff10d4d0cbe656734a38496aebf05c "> Watch the boys singing the song after today's win HERE: http://mfcde.es/1Hv6XgH Posted by Melbourne Football Club on Friday, April 3, 2015

Talk about it on the Post Match Thread

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUNS by George on the Outer The Demons finally erased a whole series of undesirable and unwanted records with a 26-point opening round eclipse of the Gold Coast Suns. It was ten years since an opening round win, two seasons since the team had scored over 100 points in a game, and most importantly, the team survived a number of comebacks from the Suns during the course of the afternoon - a rare occurrence in recent times. It was a fitting performance to pay respect to the great Robbie Flower, who has now been immortalized with the Robbie Flower Wing proudly inaugurated before this game. In recent times, the Melbourne sides would have given way under pressure. Last year, numerous final quarter leads were squandered. Not any more it seems, and the addition of older heads and harder bodies is paying dividends. And wasn't it pleasing that Paul Roos was able to inject seven new players into the side for this match, most of who were not draftees. Heritier Lumumba and Jeff Garlett had a good number of games under their belts at other clubs and Sam Frost and Ben Newton also had AFL experience so when the going really got hard as the Suns relentlessly attacked, it was these same players who stood tall. And that is what the Demon fans have been longing for now for a couple of years ... leaders who will show the way when times are tough. However, the most pleasing aspect about the game is that players like Jesse Hogan, Angus Brayshaw and Aaron vandenBerg were able to be introduced without the pressures that draftees faced in previous years - all showed more than enough signs that each of them will be long-term contributors to the future of the club. Before the game there were great concerns about how Gary Ablett would be held to a tally which would keep the side in the game. Jack Viney was given the role when he played mid-field and Colin Garland took over the role when he moved forward. With only 19 possessions for the game it was a positive outcome for the Demons with Viney racking up 24 touches of his own to put the unfortunate circumstances of that NAB Challenge gaffe well behind him. Special mention goes to Tom McDonald who took 12 telling marks in the backline to turn back multiple attacks. Again his performance is a sign of positive recruiting outcomes, as Lumumba and Frost were able to add some depth to the backline meaning that McDonald could often play the loose man role. It is a real bonus for the Demons that they can afford to have such a tall, strong option to play the sweeper out of the backline. Even the forward line now looks to be blessed with an abundance of talent and options. Hogan and Garlett have filled the holes that were there last year, and not just filled them but are a potent pair in their own right. The strength of a 20 year old in Hogan provided more than just the 2 goals he registered in his first game, as he broke packs and provided contests to advantage the crumbers at his feet. And the ability of Garlett to pinch pockets and add some zip and x-factor around goals will be a delight in coming games. While it is only one game in a long season, it was a special win for the fans and the club as well. It has been a long time for that good-time feeling to be experienced so early in a season, so we should be all looking for something positive to build upon as we work into 2015. Melbourne 2.5.17 7.7.49 12.9.81 17.13.115 Gold Coast Suns 1.2.8 3.6.24 8.8.56 13.11.89 Goals Melbourne Watts 3 Garlett Hogan Newton Tyson 2 Garland Jamar N Jones Lumumba Salem vandenBerg Gold Coast Suns Ablett Day Rischitelli 2 Bennell Gorringe Harbrow Miller Saad Sexton Swallow Best Melbourne N Jones. Watts McDonald Viney Garlett Newton Howe vandenBerg Jamar Gold Coast Prestia Rischitelli Swallow Bennell Saad Changes Melbourne Nil Gold Coast Nil Injuries Melbourne Nil Gold Coast Nil Substitutions Melbourne Jimmy Toumpas replaced Angus Brayshaw in the fourth quarter Gold Coast Jarrod Garlett replaced Sam Day at three-quarter time Reports Melbourne Nil Gold Coast Matt Shaw reported for rough conduct on Dean Kent Umpires Donlon Farmer Hosking Official crowd 27,013 at the MCG http://lon-cdn220-is-3.se.bponlinewoc2264.ngcdn.telstra.com/platform_release/805/388/EDT_GAMECHANGER_NEW_DEES_0404_S_409808899.mp4 http://m.melbournefc.com.au/video/2015-04-05/rd-1-watch-all-the-goals

I've posted The Oracle's updated match preview. You can read the full version here.

This. Robbo audio is coming out of the left speaker and Dom's audio is coming out of the right.

3fc1a61c3e2e9b173eed3ac2935e76dc "> We're proud to announce we'll be unveiling The Robert Flower Wing at Saturday's game.Starting from approximately... Posted by Melbourne Football Club on Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Gary Ablett's shoulder popped out of its socket early in the third quarter of the Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood game in Round 16 last year and with it went his team's prospects of a finals appearance. The Suns finished 12th, just a game out of the top eight with ten wins and a percentage of 93.7. Melbourne also struggled at the end of 2014 losing its last 10 games and finishing in 17th position on four wins, ahead only of St. Kilda on percentage. Fast forward six months to the pre season competition of 2015 and even without Ablett and a handful of other regulars, the Suns managed 1½ wins as against Melbourne's solitary victory and a record that included a loss to a half-baked Essendon in its final NAB Challenge hit out. We don't take much notice of practice matches but has anything changed? The Demons have recruited well with Heritier Lumumba (Collingwood), Jeff Garlett (Carlton), Sam Frost (GWS Giants) and Ben Newton (Port Adelaide) crossing from other AFL clubs inclusions for Saturday's season opener against the Suns along with the long-awaited debut of boom youngster Jesse Hogan, the inclusion of young draftee Angus Brayshaw and mature age Canberran rookie upgrade Aaron vandenBerg. The Suns have recruited Nick Malceski (Sydney) and Mitch Hallahan (Hawthorn) and have also introduced some fresh young faces but they will be relying mainly on their bevy of runners like Harley Bennell and Dion Prestia and, of course, Ablett himself to press home the advantage. The key to this game remains the man who hasn't played a game since 5 July and has yet to take part in even a practice match this year. However, my rule of thumb is to always take note of those who frame the odds and once it became clear that Ablett was definitely in the mix to play this weekend, the Suns' firmed with the betting agencies. According to the Official AFL Player Ratings, Ablett starts the season as the No. 1 ranked player on 723.4 player ratings points, nearly 30 points ahead of second placed Scott Pendlebury on 692.9. The leading Demon, skipper Nathan Jones, sits just outside the top 100 in 101th place with 405.5 points. If there really was such a thing as a one man team, then the writing would be well and truly on the wall. THE GAME Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns at the MCG Saturday 4 April, 2015 at 1.40 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 3 wins Gold Coast Suns 3 wins At MCG Melbourne 2 wins Gold Coast Suns 2 wins Past five years Melbourne 3 wins Gold Coast Suns 3 wins The Coaches Roos 0 wins Eade 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel - 1.30pm (live) RADIO - Triple M 3AW SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne to win - $2.95 Gold Coast Suns to win - $1.40 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Gold Coast Suns 11.20.86 defeated Melbourne 11.12.78 Round 5, 2014 at the MCG It was close on 12 months ago when the teams faced off at the MCG. It was a close game although the Suns took the lead in the second quarter despite their inaccuracy in front of goal and held on to it for the remainder of the game. A costly but questionable free given away to Gary Ablett Junior for interference in the last quarter gave the visitors the breathing room necessary to take away the points. Ablett had 32 touches and a goal while Nathan Jones was the Demons' star with 30 disposals and 5 tackles. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Neville Jetta HB: Christian Salem, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe C: Heritier Lumumba, Daniel Cross, Ben Newton HF: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Jimmy Toumpas F: Jeff Garlett, Sam Frost, Jack Watts FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Aaron vandenBerg EMG: Max Gawn, Jack Grimes, Matt Jones NEW: Angus Brayshaw, Sam Frost, Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Heritier Lumumba, Ben Newton, Aaron vandenBerg GOLD COAST SUNS B: Jarrod B: Harbrow, Rory Thompson, Kade Kolodjashnij HB: Trent McKenzie, Steven May, Nick Malceski C: Jack Martin, Dion Prestia, Alex Sexton HF: Michael Rischitelli, Sam Day, Matt Shaw F: Harley Bennell, Daniel Gorringe, Touk Miller FOLL: Zac Smith, Gary Ablett, David Swallow I/C: Mitch Hallahan, Jarrod Garlett, Adam Saad, Greg Broughton EMG: Tom Nicholls, Brandon Matera, Seb Tape NEW: Jarrod Garlett, Mitch Hallahan, Nick Malceski, Touk Miller, Adam Saad OFF THE WALL The reality is that it will be the best team that wins this game and for Melbourne, I suspect that we have seen in the selection of its team a pointer to the area of its likely improvement over its abysmal record of recent years. One half of the selected 22 were yet to play an AFL game for the Demons when Paul Roos arrived at the club 18 months ago. Seven are making their debut with the club in Saturday's game while four others - Dom Tyson (GWS Giants), Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs) and draftees Christian Salem and Jay Kennedy-Harris came to the club last year. The Demons worked hard at improving the defensive aspect of their game in 2014 and appear to be settled in this area of the ground. There was also an improvement in the midfield which has again been bolstered by the recruiters. Lumumba and Newton have been named on the wings and it will be interesting to see which of them takes his place as the first Demon to line up on the newly named Robbie Flower Wing. It's hard to believe that the Prince was just a toddler when Robbie last graced this ground with his magical presence: Newton wasn't even born. We all know that Melbourne's 2015 nemesis was its attack where it averaged a little under an appalling 61 points per game, more than 50 points behind the premiers, Hawthorn. This is the area where team selection is indicating significant change. Hogan and Frost are the two new key position players, Garlett the pacy crumber with two partners in crime in Kent and Kennedy-Harris and more outsiders in Watts and Toumpas. The overall picture is an almost complete transition from the one-paced predictability of last year's forward line which was blamed for the team's penchant for slow sideways movement into attack. With these players up forward, there is less reason for the players further downfield not to show the enterprise necessary to take the game on when the opportunities present. This is of course, placing great responsibility on the inexperienced shoulders of Frost and Hogan but these two have already shown glimpses of their physical attributes as athletes. Hogan makes his long-awaited debut, delayed by nearly a year because of injury interruptions but he has already shown that he has the strength, endurance and skills to make the wait worthwhile. Frost has pace to burn and I expect his combination with the three crumbing amigos will make for interesting viewing for Demon fans for a while to come. I'm excited! What reinforces my view is the fact that there are a few who would once have been considered regulars who missed selection for various reasons. If it's true that the strength of a team is measured by its depth then this is indicative of a great leap forward and suggests we are about to witness a significant improvement in all round skills at Melbourne. I'm even more excited! But what about the Suns? They're expected to give the finals a shake and, after all, they are the firm favourite to win but I'm going against the grain. They certainly have been gifted with a talented bunch of players but when their lynchpin is one whose shoulder hasn't been tested in the field of battle, it's a worry. He might be superhuman and he will probably touch the ball thirty times but if the Demons stick to the task and put the right amount of pressure on the man, they can nullify his influence and knock the favourites off the wall. Melbourne by 10 points.

THE WRITING ON THE WALL by The Oracle Gary Ablett's shoulder popped out of its socket early in the third quarter of the Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood game in Round 16 last year and with it went his team's prospects of a finals appearance. The Suns finished 12th, just a game out of the top eight with ten wins and a percentage of 93.7. Melbourne also struggled at the end of 2014 losing its last 10 games and finishing in 17th position on four wins, ahead only of St. Kilda on percentage. Fast forward six months to the pre season competition of 2015 and even without Ablett and a handful of other regulars, the Suns managed 1½ wins as against Melbourne's solitary victory and a record that included a loss to a half-baked Essendon in its final NAB Challenge hit out. We don't take much notice of practice matches but has anything changed? The Demons have recruited well with Heritier Lumumba (Collingwood), Jeff Garlett (Carlton), Sam Frost (GWS Giants) and Ben Newton (Port Adelaide) crossing from other AFL clubs inclusions for Saturday's season opener against the Suns along with the long-awaited debut of boom youngster Jesse Hogan, the inclusion of young draftee Angus Brayshaw and mature age Canberran rookie upgrade Aaron vandenBerg. The Suns have recruited Nick Malceski (Sydney) and Mitch Hallahan (Hawthorn) and have also introduced some fresh young faces but they will be relying mainly on their bevy of runners like Harley Bennell and Dion Prestia and, of course, Ablett himself to press home the advantage. The key to this game remains the man who hasn't played a game since 5 July and has yet to take part in even a practice match this year. However, my rule of thumb is to always take note of those who frame the odds and once it became clear that Ablett was definitely in the mix to play this weekend, the Suns' firmed with the betting agencies. According to the Official AFL Player Ratings, Ablett starts the season as the No. 1 ranked player on 723.4 player ratings points, nearly 30 points ahead of second placed Scott Pendlebury on 692.9. The leading Demon, skipper Nathan Jones, sits just outside the top 100 in 101th place with 405.5 points. If there really was such a thing as a one man team, then the writing would be well and truly on the wall. THE GAME Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns at the MCG Saturday 4 April, 2015 at 1.40 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 3 wins Gold Coast Suns 3 wins At MCG Melbourne 2 wins Gold Coast Suns 2 wins Past five years Melbourne 3 wins Gold Coast Suns 3 wins The Coaches Roos 0 wins Eade 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel - 1.30pm (live) RADIO - Triple M 3AW SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne to win - $2.95 Gold Coast Suns to win - $1.40 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Gold Coast Suns 11.20.86 defeated Melbourne 11.12.78 Round 5, 2014 at the MCG It was close on 12 months ago when the teams faced off at the MCG. It was a close game although the Suns took the lead in the second quarter despite their inaccuracy in front of goal and held on to it for the remainder of the game. A costly but questionable free given away to Gary Ablett Junior for interference in the last quarter gave the visitors the breathing room necessary to take away the points. Ablett had 32 touches and a goal while Nathan Jones was the Demons' star with 30 disposals and 5 tackles. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Neville Jetta HB: Christian Salem, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe C: Heritier Lumumba, Daniel Cross, Ben Newton HF: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Jimmy Toumpas F: Jeff Garlett, Sam Frost, Jack Watts FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Aaron vandenBerg EMG: Max Gawn, Jack Grimes, Matt Jones NEW: Angus Brayshaw, Sam Frost, Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Heritier Lumumba, Ben Newton, Aaron vandenBerg GOLD COAST SUNS B: Jarrod B: Harbrow, Rory Thompson, Kade Kolodjashnij HB: Trent McKenzie, Steven May, Nick Malceski C: Jack Martin, Dion Prestia, Alex Sexton HF: Michael Rischitelli, Sam Day, Matt Shaw F: Harley Bennell, Daniel Gorringe, Touk Miller FOLL: Zac Smith, Gary Ablett, David Swallow I/C: Mitch Hallahan, Jarrod Garlett, Adam Saad, Greg Broughton EMG: Tom Nicholls, Brandon Matera, Seb Tape NEW: Jarrod Garlett, Mitch Hallahan, Nick Malceski, Touk Miller, Adam Saad OFF THE WALL The reality is that it will be the best team that wins this game and for Melbourne, I suspect that we have seen in the selection of its team a pointer to the area of its likely improvement over its abysmal record of recent years. One half of the selected 22 were yet to play an AFL game for the Demons when Paul Roos arrived at the club 18 months ago. Seven are making their debut with the club in Saturday's game while four others - Dom Tyson (GWS Giants), Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs) and draftees Christian Salem and Jay Kennedy-Harris came to the club last year. The Demons worked hard at improving the defensive aspect of their game in 2014 and appear to be settled in this area of the ground. There was also an improvement in the midfield which has again been bolstered by the recruiters. Lumumba and Newton have been named on the wings and it will be interesting to see which of them takes his place as the first Demon to line up on the newly named Robbie Flower Wing. It's hard to believe that the Prince was just a toddler when Robbie last graced this ground with his magical presence: Newton wasn't even born. We all know that Melbourne's 2015 nemesis was its attack where it averaged a little under an appalling 61 points per game, more than 50 points behind the premiers, Hawthorn. This is the area where team selection is indicating significant change. Hogan and Frost are the two new key position players, Garlett the pacy crumber with two partners in crime in Kent and Kennedy-Harris and more outsiders in Watts and Toumpas. The overall picture is an almost complete transition from the one-paced predictability of last year's forward line which was blamed for the team's penchant for slow sideways movement into attack. With these players up forward, there is less reason for the players further downfield not to show the enterprise necessary to take the game on when the opportunities present. This is of course, placing great responsibility on the inexperienced shoulders of Frost and Hogan but these two have already shown glimpses of their physical attributes as athletes. Hogan makes his long-awaited debut, delayed by nearly a year because of injury interruptions but he has already shown that he has the strength, endurance and skills to make the wait worthwhile. Frost has pace to burn and I expect his combination with the three crumbing amigos will make for interesting viewing for Demon fans for a while to come. I'm excited! What reinforces my view is the fact that there are a few who would once have been considered regulars who missed selection for various reasons. If it's true that the strength of a team is measured by its depth then this is indicative of a great leap forward and suggests we are about to witness a significant improvement in all round skills at Melbourne. I'm even more excited! But what about the Suns? They're expected to give the finals a shake and, after all, they are the firm favourite to win but I'm going against the grain. They certainly have been gifted with a talented bunch of players but when their lynchpin is one whose shoulder hasn't been tested in the field of battle, it's a worry. He might be superhuman and he will probably touch the ball thirty times but if the Demons stick to the task and put the right amount of pressure on the man, they can nullify his influence and knock the favourites off the wall. Melbourne by 10 points.

It was close on 12 months ago when the teams faced off at the MCG. It was a close game although the Suns took the lead in the second quarter and held on to it for the remainder of the game. A costly but questionable free given away to Gary Ablett Junior for interference in the last quarter gave the visitors the breathing room necessary to take away the points. MELBOURNE B: Alex Georgiou, Tom McDonald, Lynden Dunn HB: Dean Terlich, James Frawley, Jack Grimes C: Jack Viney, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince HF: Jack Watts, Cam Pedersen, Jordie McKenzie F: Jeremy Howe, Chris Dawes, Rohan Bail FOLL: Jake Spencer, Nathan Jones, Daniel Cross I/C: Jay Kennedy-Harris, Matt Jones, Neville Jetta, Michael Evans EMG: Shannon Byrnes, Jack Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Toumpas IN: Neville Jetta OUT: Dean Kent (calf) GOLD COAST SUNS B: Matthew Warnock, Steven May, Greg Broughton HB: Sean Lemmens, Rory Thompson, Trent McKenzie C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow HF: Aaron Hall, Tom Lynch, Danny Stanley F: Luke Russell, Sam Day, Brandon Matera Fol: Tom Nicholls, Jaeger O'Meara, David Swallow I/C: Jack Hutchins, Kade Kolodjashnij, Michael Rischitelli, Dion Prestia EMG: Tom Murphy, Timmy Sumner, Jeremy Taylor IN: Brandon Matera Out: Clay Cameron (shoulder)

Why blame the AFL?Three wise men on the Tribunal made the decision.

8e24db8bca265abbec8b01eb38dadda2 "> NEWS: We've signed Haymes Paint as our ball sponsor for the next three years.As part of the arrangement, the Haymes... Posted by Melbourne Football Club on Sunday, March 29, 2015

The 2015 Footy Tipping season is upon us. Below is the URL to sign up to the Demonland Footy Tipping Competition. The password is demons. Let us know if you are joining. http://www.footytips.com.au/comps/Demonland&p=demons

SCORPIONS v SEAGULLS by KC from Casey After a bright start in their third practice match for the season, Casey Scorpions fell away badly in the face of a withering six-goal final quarter by stand alone Williamstown to lose by 25 points at Casey Fields. Conditions were perfect for football. The skies were cloudy but it was a windless day (an unusual feature out at Casey) but both clubs struggled to hit the scoreboard. It was the visitors who drew first blood but the Scorpions with 19-year-old Melbourne recruit Angus Brayshaw a standout in the midfield, were playing the better football and took the initiative to lead by seven points at the first break. Their first goal came from the youngster's boot after a great smother and the second from centre half forward Tim Smith. Casey continued to dominate, scoring the opening goal of the second term before giving one away courtesy of a 50 metre penalty. Jay Kennedy-Harris was playing well on a wing and when he snapped truly the home side looked well in control. Skipper Evan Panozza was strong in defence and he had a handy ally back there in Jake Fitzpatrick. Bernie Vince was solid in his comeback game after shoulder and hamstring problems and Aidan Riley, another player in comeback mode, was playing strongly. Melbourne's Canberra recruit Aaron vandenBerg is a big unit and was showing out with some good team play. A change came over the game late in the quarter with the Seagulls peppering the goals but only scoring points until a breakthrough saw them head into the rooms at half time only two points in arrears. The Scorpions went into the game without a much ruck strength and were undone in this area after half time. Their opponents got on top through more direct play, better run and carry and good delivery to their tall players who held front position to good effect. However, just as the Seagulls threatened to take the game apart, some individual brilliance from Brayshaw and Kennedy-Harris saw the Scorps retake the lead by a solitary point at the final break. It was all Casey when the final quarter started with a Smith goal and a miss to Dean Kent who had been lively up to that point. At the five minute mark of the term, a Williamstown goal heralded the game's final turn - it was the first of four consecutive Seagull majors and suddenly, the game was all over as a contest. Fitzpatrick, who had started the term in the forward line was despatched back but it was too late. Brayshaw continued to show his class all day whether in midfield or up forward and gathered 26 disposals for the day. Fellow midfielder Viv Michie started slowly but finished with 21 possessions and six tackles in a solid display. It was also a good hit out for the many inexperienced newcomers at Casey this year with Berwick recruit Jake Gains and up and comer Bryce Rutherford showing out. Assistant coach Shannon Byrnes is yet to play a practice match and another experienced VFL small man Will Petropoulos was listed in the development league team. The Casey Scorpions play Collingwood VFL next Saturday at Olympic Park at 10:30am leaving enough time for Demon fans to cross the bridge to watch the AFL season opener against the Gold Coast Suns. Casey Scorpions 2.4.16 4.4.28 6.7.43 8.8.56 Williamstown 1.3.9 3.8.26 5.12.42 11.15.81 Goals Brayshaw Kennedy-Harris Smith 2 Gawley King Best Brayshaw Kennedy-Harris Michie Kent Gains Rutherford The Development League team had a solid win over Williamstown, 12.4.76 to 5.10.40.

After a bright start in their third practice match for the season, Casey Scorpions fell away badly in the face of a withering six-goal final quarter by stand alone Williamstown to lose by 25 points at Casey Fields. Conditions were perfect for football. The skies were cloudy but it was a windless day (an unusual feature out at Casey) but both clubs struggled to hit the scoreboard. It was the visitors who drew first blood but the Scorpions with 19-year-old Melbourne recruit Angus Brayshaw a standout in the midfield, were playing the better football and took the initiative to lead by seven points at the first break. Their first goal came from the youngster's boot after a great smother and the second from centre half forward Tim Smith. Casey continued to dominate, scoring the opening goal of the second term before giving one away courtesy of a 50 metre penalty. Jay Kennedy-Harris was playing well on a wing and when he snapped truly the home side looked well in control. Skipper Evan Panozza was strong in defence and he had a handy ally back there in Jake Fitzpatrick. Bernie Vince was solid in his comeback game after shoulder and hamstring problems and Aidan Riley, another player in comeback mode, was playing strongly. Melbourne's Canberra recruit Aaron vandenBerg is a big unit and was showing out with some good team play. A change came over the game late in the quarter with the Seagulls peppering the goals but only scoring points until a breakthrough saw them head into the rooms at half time only two points in arrears. The Scorpions went into the game without a much ruck strength and were undone in this area after half time. Their opponents got on top through more direct play, better run and carry and good delivery to their tall players who held front position to good effect. However, just as the Seagulls threatened to take the game apart, some individual brilliance from Brayshaw and Kennedy-Harris saw the Scorps retake the lead by a solitary point at the final break. It was all Casey when the final quarter started with a Smith goal and a miss to Dean Kent who had been lively up to that point. At the five minute mark of the term, a Williamstown goal heralded the game's final turn - it was the first of four consecutive Seagull majors and suddenly, the game was all over as a contest. Fitzpatrick, who had started the term in the forward line was despatched down back but it was too late. Brayshaw continued to show his class all day whether in midfield or up forward and gathered 26 disposals for the day. Fellow midfielder Viv Michie started slowly but finished with 21 possessions and six tackles in a solid display. It was also a good hit out for the many inexperienced newcomers at Casey this year with Berwick recruit Jake Gains and up and comer Bryce Rutherford showing out. Assistant coach Shannon Byrnes is yet to play a practice match and another experienced VFL small man Will Petropoulos was listed in the development league team. The Casey Scorpions play Collingwood VFL next Saturday at Olympic Park at 10:30am leaving enough time for Demon fans to cross the bridge to watch the AFL season opener against the Gold Coast Suns. Casey Scorpions 2.4.16 4.4.28 6.7.43 8.8.56 Williamstown 1.3.9 3.8.26 5.12.42 11.15.81 Goals Brayshaw Kennedy-Harris Smith 2 Gawley King Best Brayshaw Kennedy-Harris Michie Kent Gains Rutherford The Development League team had a solid win over Williamstown, 12.4.76 to 5.10.40.

NO report from KC but for the sake of continuity, here's a link to the Casey Scorpions article from the club website.

I've been trying to organise a Demonland Podcast. Good luck guys. If you need any help with promotion then let me know.

Moving on to the MATCH REVIEW THREAD - Here (includes The Oracle's match report).