Demonland

Games MFC 2012 8 MFC Total 158 Goals MFC 2012 7 MFC Total 159 Games CSFC 2012 3 Goals CSFC 2012 2 MFC 51 kicks 33 handballs 84 disposals 13 marks 37 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 82 votes

Games MFC 2012 14 MFC Total 29 Goals MFC 2012 2 MFC Total 4 Games CSFC 2012 5 Goals CSFC 2012 3 MFC 100 kicks 56 handballs 156 disposals 54 marks 48 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 142 votes

Games MFC 2012 7 MFC Total 57 Goals MFC 2012 7 MFC Total 23 Games CSFC 2012 3 Goals CSFC 2012 7 Games CSFC DL 1 2012 Goals CSFC DL 2012 0 MFC 55 kicks 42 handballs 97 disposals 31 marks 13 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 62 votes

Tom Scully Voldemort coming to take a look?

Games MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 0 Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 0 Games CSFC 2012 4 Goals CSFC 2012 3

Games MFC 2012 MFC 16 Total 16 [37] Goals MFC 2012 9 MFC Total 9 [12] Games CSFC 2012 1 Goals CSFC 2012 0 MFC 87 kicks 81 handballs 168 disposals 50 marks 27 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 197 votes

In response to that post WJ queried what were the criteria adopted in determining the compensation and whether it was primarily based on the player's contract.

I reproduce below an interesting post by Rumpole on the FAT thread:- I'm having some trouble understanding the proposition that Moloney and Byrnes cancel each other out for the purposes of determining compensation under free agency. Shannon Byrnes was born 7 April, 1984 and is 175 cm 77 kg and has played 108 senior games. For the past two seasons, he's spent most of his time in the Cats' VFL team. He managed only 5 senior games in 2011 (47 disposals) while he played only 4 in 2012 (40). Brent Moloney had a stellar season in 2011 winning the club best and fairest and polling 19 Brownlow medal votes. He was born 28 January, 1984 and is 182 cm 88 kg. He has played 145 senior games (22 with the Cats). He featured in all 22 games in 2011 (509 disposals) and in 2012 he played 15 senior games (256), a fair result seeing that he was considered well down on form. He played only 4 games in the VFL but three were at the end of the year when it was clear that he most likely wouldn't stay on at the club. Remember, his manager made it clear earlier in the season that Moloney would pursue his free agency options at the end of the year. By what measure does the author of this piece come to the conclusion that their value is at par? Melbourne must not accept such a result. It would be a complete injustice. [/ii]

Games MFC 2012 16 MFC Total 43 [123] Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 6 Games CSFC 2012 2 Goals CSFC 2012 0 MFC 140 kicks 146 handballs 286 disposals 61 marks 43 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 228 votes

In a couple of day's time this thread will be merged with the other FA thread which is pinned up at or near the top of this board. Cheers

Games MFC 2012 22 MFC Total 150 Goals MFC 2012 13 MFC Total 18 MFC 171 kicks 111 handballs 282 disposals 109 marks (3rd) 33 contested marks (2nd) 41 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 310 votes (5th)

Games MFC 2012 11 MFC Total 20 Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 2 Games CSFC 2012 3 Goals CSFC 2012 1 Games CSFC DL 2012 1 Goals CSFC Reserves 2012 0 MFC 116 kicks 87 handballs 203disposals 57 marks 27 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 166 votes

THE FAT CHRONICLES - ROLLING ALONG by The Oracle The AFL Free Agency and Trade periods became intertwined as the second week of FA was opened and the trade period officially kicked off last Monday. It turned out a reasonably hectic week with most of the focus on the trade aspects while clubs battled to get their heads around the most appropriate strategies for FA. The uncertainty regarding the actual compensation involved under the FA system wasn't helping and some clubs were clearly holding back some of their decisions for later next week and until their trade options had crystallised. The end result from a FA point of view was that only two players found new homes in the second week. Unrestricted FA Tom Murphy (Hawthorn) moved to the Gold Coast Suns while restricted FA Brent Moloney (Melbourne) found a new home with the Brisbane Lions. The list of FAs continues to dwindle with some finalising their commitments to their existing clubs. Many of the rest are not attracting a great deal of interest. In some cases, the waiting game continues. The Trade period started with the father son bidding. The result was predictable in the cases of Lachie Hunter, son of Mark, taken by the Bulldogs at #46 and Joe Daniher, son of Anthony, claimed by the Bombers with tenth pick overall. The intrigue involved Jack Viney and whether Melbourne would have to give up a first round selection for the son of former Demon skipper Todd Viney. Sanity and some behind the scenes wheeling and dealing must have prevailed and Jack managed to be taken at 26 (although that number will change when FA compensation picks are doled out next week). The Dees were thrilled and their fans, ecstatic. With all due respect to Essendon on capturing both Goddard and Daniher, to their minds, the first real "prize" of FAT was theirs! The Gold Coast Suns who had decided against nominating with their pick #2, immediately traded off that selection to Greater Western Sydney for 17 year old WA prodigy Jack Martin who will be pick 1 in the mini-draft. A day later Melbourne moved in on the other pick with a more complex trade handing over picks 3 and 13 for Claremont's Jesse Hogan, North Ballarat's Dominic Barry and pick 20. More excitement for long suffering Dees fans. Meanwhile, the real trade action kicked off with Port Adelaide getting Angus Monfries from Essendon for pick 48. The Bomber forward could have been taken as a FA but the deal was done to preserve Port Adelaide's compensation levels for Danyle Pearce and Troy Chaplin who departed the club in week one of FA. The first bombshell of FAT came when Hawthorn snared Brian Lake and pick 27 from the Western Bulldogs in return for their first and second round picks (21 and 41). The Doggies were somewhat reluctant but knew that they would have received zilch for Lake in 12 month's time when he would have become a FA. The Kurt Tippett saga ran its course through the week and remains unresolved with the Crows and Swans both playing hardball as the impasse continued to have bitter undertones. Things continued to move slowly through the week with the odd deal done here and there. The Saints picked up Claremont tall and picks 24 and 43 for their first rounder (12) which went to GWS. Lee, who had previously been on Adelaide's list but did not play a senior game for the Crows was football for the club, was pre-listed by GWS. Geelong won the battle for reluctant Gold Coast Suns midfielder. Although the final deal is yet to be worked out, it is likely to cost the Cats either a first rounder or a compensation pick received when Gary Ablett went north. West Coast and Collingwood finally came to agreement on Sharrod Wellingham who returns home to Perth in exchange for draft selection 17. Of course, the completed deals were only the tip of the iceberg as discussions on the fate of several players continued. Here is the excerpt for Melbourne from the AFL website's State of Play for week two:- Melbourne's trade strategy of bringing in a selection of players with maturity and experience to balance the loss of others who have either gone or are on the way out is interesting. Having collected their young prizes early in the week, it is becoming apparent that the national draft will not present too many difficult selection issues for the recruiting staff. The Demons should retain pick 4 which is likely to present the club with a talented young midfielder but otherwise, when the FAT is done and dusted (including possible delisted FAs in November) the actual national draft itself may not be very eventful for Melbourne. We should remember that the father son pick and rookie elevations count as part of a club's minimum allowable three draft selections. If a few other clubs follow that course (and I suspect that this will be a flow on from FAT) then the rookie draft might present some interesting choices in December. In the meantime, the FAT times just keep rolling along. Week Two - completed FATs - Trades, Week 1 ■ Gold Coast Suns trade picks 2, 63 and 2010 end-of-first-round compensation pick to GWS for selection 1 in the mini-draft (Jack Martin) and 2011 end-of-first-round compensation pick. ■ Port Adelaide trades pick 48 to Essendon for Angus Monfries. ■ St Kilda trades pick 12 to GWS for Tom Lee (Claremont), picks 24 and 43. ■ Hawthorn trades picks 21 and 41 to Western Bulldogs for Brian Lake and pick 27. ■ Melbourne trades picks 3 and 13) to GWS for Dominic Barry, selection 2 in the mini-draft (Jesse Hogan) and pick 20. ■ West Coast Eagles trade pick 17 to Collingwood for Sharrod Wellingham Free Agency Movements, Week 2 ■ Tom Murphy (Hawthorn UFA) moves to the Gold Coast Suns. ■ Brent Moloney (Melbourne RFA) moves to the Brisbane Lions.

THE FAT CHRONICLES - ROLLING ALONG by The Oracle The AFL Free Agency and Trade periods became intertwined as the second week of FA was opened and the trade period officially kicked off last Monday. It turned out a reasonably hectic week with most of the focus on the trade aspects while clubs battled to get their heads around the most appropriate strategies for FA. The uncertainty regarding the actual compensation involved under the FA system wasn't helping and some clubs were clearly holding back some of their decisions for later next week and until their trade options had crystallised. The end result from a FA point of view was that only two players found new homes in the second week. Unrestricted FA Tom Murphy (Hawthorn) moved to the Gold Coast Suns while restricted FA Brent Moloney (Melbourne) found a new home with the Brisbane Lions. The list of FAs continues to dwindle with some finalising their commitments to their existing clubs. Many of the rest are not attracting a great deal of interest. In some cases, the waiting game continues. The Trade period started with the father son bidding. The result was predictable in the cases of Lachie Hunter, son of Mark, taken by the Bulldogs at #46 and Joe Daniher, son of Anthony, claimed by the Bombers with tenth pick overall. The intrigue involved Jack Viney and whether Melbourne would have to give up a first round selection for the son of former Demon skipper Todd Viney. Sanity and some behind the scenes wheeling and dealing must have prevailed and Jack managed to be taken at 26 (although that number will change when FA compensation picks are doled out next week). The Dees were thrilled and their fans, ecstatic. With all due respect to Essendon on capturing both Goddard and Daniher, to their minds, the first real "prize" of FAT was theirs! The Gold Coast Suns who had decided against nominating with their pick #2, immediately traded off that selection to Greater Western Sydney for 17 year old WA prodigy Jack Martin who will be pick 1 in the mini-draft. A day later Melbourne moved in on the other pick with a more complex trade handing over picks 3 and 13 for Claremont's Jesse Hogan, North Ballarat's Dominic Barry and pick 20. More excitement for long suffering Dees fans. Meanwhile, the real trade action kicked off with Port Adelaide getting Angus Monfries from Essendon for pick 48. The Bomber forward could have been taken as a FA but the deal was done to preserve Port Adelaide's compensation levels for Danyle Pearce and Troy Chaplin who departed the club in week one of FA. The first bombshell of FAT came when Hawthorn snared Brian Lake and pick 27 from the Western Bulldogs in return for their first and second round picks (21 and 41). The Doggies were somewhat reluctant but knew that they would have received zilch for Lake in 12 month's time when he would have become a FA. The Kurt Tippett saga ran its course through the week and remains unresolved with the Crows and Swans both playing hardball as the impasse continued to have bitter undertones. Things continued to move slowly through the week with the odd deal done here and there. The Saints picked up Claremont tall and picks 24 and 43 for their first rounder (12) which went to GWS. Lee, who had previously been on Adelaide's list but did not play a senior game for the Crows was football for the club, was pre-listed by GWS. Geelong won the battle for reluctant Gold Coast Suns midfielder. Although the final deal is yet to be worked out, it is likely to cost the Cats either a first rounder or a compensation pick received when Gary Ablett went north. West Coast and Collingwood finally came to agreement on Sharrod Wellingham who returns home to Perth in exchange for draft selection 17. Of course, the completed deals were only the tip of the iceberg as discussions on the fate of several players continued. Here is the excerpt for Melbourne from the AFL website's State of Play for week two:- Melbourne's trade strategy of bringing in a selection of players with maturity and experience to balance the loss of others who have either gone or are on the way out is interesting. Having collected their young prizes early in the week, it is becoming apparent that the national draft will not present too many difficult selection issues for the recruiting staff. The Demons should retain pick 4 which is likely to present the club with a talented young midfielder but otherwise, when the FAT is done and dusted (including possible delisted FAs in November) the actual national draft itself may not be very eventful for Melbourne. We should remember that the father son pick and rookie elevations count as part of a club's minimum allowable three draft selections. If a few other clubs follow that course (and I suspect that this will be a flow on from FAT) then the rookie draft might present some interesting choices in December. In the meantime, the FAT times just keep rolling along. Week Two - completed FATs - Trades, Week 1 ■ Gold Coast Suns trade picks 2, 63 and 2010 end-of-first-round compensation pick to GWS for selection 1 in the mini-draft (Jack Martin) and 2011 end-of-first-round compensation pick. ■ Port Adelaide trades pick 48 to Essendon for Angus Monfries. ■ St Kilda trades pick 12 to GWS for Tom Lee (Claremont), picks 24 and 43. ■ Hawthorn trades picks 21 and 41 to Western Bulldogs for Brian Lake and pick 27. ■ Melbourne trades picks 3 and 13) to GWS for Dominic Barry, selection 2 in the mini-draft (Jesse Hogan) and pick 20. ■ West Coast Eagles trade pick 17 to Collingwood for Sharrod Wellingham Free Agency Movements, Week 2 ■ Tom Murphy (Hawthorn UFA) moves to the Gold Coast Suns. ■ Brent Moloney (Melbourne RFA) moves to the Brisbane Lions.

Games MFC 2012 20 MFC Total 22 Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 0 Games CSFC 2012 2 Goals CSFC 2012 4 MFC 161 kicks 171 handballs (4th) 332 disposals 94 marks 40 tackles 68 rebounds from fifty (2nd) Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 314 votes (3rd)

2012 Player Review - # 24 Liam Jurrah Games MFC 2012 1 MFC Total 36 Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 81 Games CSFC 2012 3 Goals CSFC 2012 3 MFC 5 kicks 7 handballs 12 disposals 3 marks 1 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 8 votes

INDIGINE - THE POSTSCRIPT by Whispering Jack The recruitment of young indigenous footballer Dominic Barry as part of the deal that brought seventeen year old future star Jesse Hogan to the Melbourne Football Club might appear to some as a mere postscript to a piece of complex trading but, to me, it comes as a revelation. In many ways, Barry's story echoes that of Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli who left his native Northern Territory as a fourteen year old and came to Victoria to study and to play sport. Barry ended up at St. Pats College Ballarat and developed a reputation as an exciting footballer possessing pace and smooth skills despite his light frame. He represented the Territory in this year's National Under 18s and was also a member of the North Ballarat Rebels who were TAC Cup minor premiers but fell out of the premiership race in the preliminary final. More recently, his stocks soared after some stunning results in the AFL Draft Combine. He speaks well and looks to have a strong, intelligent mind. Dominic Barry's transition from a young Alice Springs teenager to playing member of the country's oldest football club has already been one to marvel about given the circumstances and the age at which he embarked upon his personal journey. The next stage will be even more daunting as he faces a long, hard development period during which he will be prepared to become a senior AFL footballer. Barry will be doing all of this under a shadow that now hangs over the brotherhood of the indigenous players within the environment of the game at the elite level. I recently came across this article in the Northern Territory News - Why NT players don't last in AFL. It discusses the difficulties that many indigenous Territorians have in adapting to life in the big smoke. It also evokes thoughts of the controversies that saw Matt Rendell's sacking from his recruiting job at Adelaide and the unseemly false slurs of racism directed at Melbourne coach Mark Neeld earlier in the year. To be sure, there have been many success stories like Maurice Rioli and his nephew Cyril, Michael Long, Andrew McLeod, our own Matthew Whelan and Aaron Davey but the stories of those who did not succeed got me wondering. This is due to the sad fact that one of the list of "failures" is someone who I always believed had the strength to reach the greatest of heights in our game. So what is it that can explain why the bookmark in my copy of Bruce Hearn Mackinnon's book The Liam Jurrah Story: From Yuendumu to the MCG lies unmoved since early September when the news headline read Jurrah quits Demons? Where did it all go wrong? After all, this was a story that had provided so much inspiration before the book was even conceived. In 2009, l heard it direct from the author's mouth at a small gathering of Demon fans at the Richmond Hotel that was once owned by Demon great Ron Barassi. Liam was already an elder among his people in his early twenties and was set to act as an example to the desert inhabitants from the centre of Australia who suffered poverty and whose youth were exposed to alcohol, drugs, petrol sniffing and rampant crime. The Warlpiri Wizard's journey to Melbourne and his role as an athlete was already creating excitement in AFL circles. The story of that journey from Yuendumu to the MCG was meant to establish a new pathway out of hell for some of these kids but none of us could have predicted the intensity of the raging storm about to envelope the remote desert community of Yuendumu. The feud within Liam's community is well documented hereand here. It lingered and festered and ultimately led to the events at an Alice Springs encampment which resulted in criminal charges being laid against Jurrah and others within his family. The repercussions appear to have rendered shut many of the doors to the pathway out of hell. Even in the likely event (based on what I have read in the media of the evidence from the committal hearing) that Liam is exonerated in the eyes of white man's law at the trial set to take place next March in Darwin, those doors will not reopen without the intervention of a great deal of tribal wisdom that is beyond our reach and understanding. We can only pray that peace return to their homes. Meanwhile, these events were taking place many light years away from the Melbourne Football Club which had its own problems throughout the year in other areas. The reality in the case of Liam Jurrah was that despite the support of the club and its members and fans, it was becoming impossible for him to remain a part of that other world with its own heavy commitments and workload while he and his community occupied such a dark space. There are some who feel animosity because Jurrah left the club and headed towards the sanctuary of his family without a word of thanks or without seeking a way out that would have left his club with compensation for an exciting young player whose career had stalled. Others blame it all on his heritage. Those views are uncharitable and selfish. He gave us enjoyment and he provided us with thrills every time he took the field in his short career. He has fulfilled his obligations to us as ours have been satisfied with him but it’s over now, If we must talk in terms of compensation, then I am grateful with the realisation that the Melbourne Football Club has not shunned the Aboriginal footballer as a result of this year's experiences with Liam Jurrah and to a lesser extent with Kelvin Lawrence and with Austin Wonaeamirri before him. That is our compensation - the fact that we continue to openly embrace the talents of our indigenous players after such a difficult year enriches us as a football club. It is what elevates Dominic Barry's arrival this week from a mere footnote to a revelation.

INDIGINE - THE POSTSCRIPT by Whispering Jack The recruitment of young indigenous footballer Dominic Barry as part of the deal that brought seventeen year old future star Jesse Hogan to the Melbourne Football Club might appear to some as a mere postscript to a piece of complex trading but, to me, it comes as a revelation. In many ways, Barry's story echoes that of Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli who left his native Northern Territory as a fourteen year old and came to Victoria to study and to play sport. Barry ended up at St. Pats College Ballarat and developed a reputation as an exciting footballer possessing pace and smooth skills despite his light frame. He represented the Territory in this year's National Under 18s and was also a member of the North Ballarat Rebels who were TAC Cup minor premiers but fell out of the premiership race in the preliminary final. More recently, his stocks soared after some stunning results in the AFL Draft Combine. He speaks well and looks to have a strong, intelligent mind. Dominic Barry's transition from a young Alice Springs teenager to playing member of the country's oldest football club has already been one to marvel about given the circumstances and the age at which he embarked upon his personal journey. The next stage will be even more daunting as he faces a long, hard development period during which he will be prepared to become a senior AFL footballer. Barry will be doing all of this under a shadow that now hangs over the brotherhood of the indigenous players within the environment of the game at the elite level. I recently came across this article in the Northern Territory News - Why NT players don't last in AFL. It discusses the difficulties that many indigenous Territorians have in adapting to life in the big smoke. It also evokes thoughts of the controversies that saw Matt Rendell's sacking from his recruiting job at Adelaide and the unseemly false slurs of racism directed at Melbourne coach Mark Neeld earlier in the year. To be sure, there have been many success stories like Maurice Rioli and his nephew Cyril, Michael Long, Andrew McLeod, our own Matthew Whelan and Aaron Davey but the stories of those who did not succeed got me wondering. This is due to the sad fact that one of the list of "failures" is someone who I always believed had the strength to reach the greatest of heights in our game. So what is it that can explain why the bookmark in my copy of Bruce Hearn Mackinnon's book The Liam Jurrah Story: From Yuendumu to the MCG lies unmoved since early September when the news headline read Jurrah quits Demons? Where did it all go wrong? After all, this was a story that had provided so much inspiration before the book was even conceived. In 2009, l heard it direct from the author's mouth at a small gathering of Demon fans at the Richmond Hotel that was once owned by Demon great Ron Barassi. Liam was already an elder among his people in his early twenties and was set to act as an example to the desert inhabitants from the centre of Australia who suffered poverty and whose youth were exposed to alcohol, drugs, petrol sniffing and rampant crime. The Warlpiri Wizard's journey to Melbourne and his role as an athlete was already creating excitement in AFL circles. The story of that journey from Yuendumu to the MCG was meant to establish a new pathway out of hell for some of these kids but none of us could have predicted the intensity of the raging storm about to envelope the remote desert community of Yuendumu. The feud within Liam's community is well documented hereand here. It lingered and festered and ultimately led to the events at an Alice Springs encampment which resulted in criminal charges being laid against Jurrah and others within his family. The repercussions appear to have rendered shut many of the doors to the pathway out of hell. Even in the likely event (based on what I have read in the media of the evidence from the committal hearing) that Liam is exonerated in the eyes of white man's law at the trial set to take place next March in Darwin, those doors will not reopen without the intervention of a great deal of tribal wisdom that is beyond our reach and understanding. We can only pray that peace return to their homes. Meanwhile, these events were taking place many light years away from the Melbourne Football Club which had its own problems throughout the year in other areas. The reality in the case of Liam Jurrah was that despite the support of the club and its members and fans, it was becoming impossible for him to remain a part of that other world with its own heavy commitments and workload while he and his community occupied such a dark space. There are some who feel animosity because Jurrah left the club and headed towards the sanctuary of his family without a word of thanks or without seeking a way out that would have left his club with compensation for an exciting young player whose career had stalled. Others blame it all on his heritage. Those views are uncharitable and selfish. He gave us enjoyment and he provided us with thrills every time he took the field in his short career. He has fulfilled his obligations to us as ours have been satisfied with him but it’s over now, If we must talk in terms of compensation, then I am grateful with the realisation that the Melbourne Football Club has not shunned the Aboriginal footballer as a result of this year's experiences with Liam Jurrah and to a lesser extent with Kelvin Lawrence and with Austin Wonaeamirri before him. That is our compensation - the fact that we continue to openly embrace the talents of our indigenous players after such a difficult year enriches us as a football club. It is what elevates Dominic Barry's arrival this week from a mere footnote to a revelation.

The Western Australia based website Footygoss has a "where are they now" series which currently features a former Demon great, Harold "Hassa" Mann -Where are they now - Hassa Mann.

Games MFC 2012 15 MFC Total 122 [145] Goals MFC 2012 3 MFC Total 31 [37] Games CSFC 2012 4 Goals CSFC 2012 0 MFC 136 kicks 120 handballs 256 disposals 26 marks 52 tackles 60 inside fifty (2nd) Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 153 votes Brent Moloney joins the Brisbane Lions after eight seasons as a Demon having opted to leave the club as a free agent and to further his career under Michael Voss. Demonland thanks him for his service to the club and wishes him well at his new home.

Games MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 0 Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 0 Games CSFC 2012 14 Goals CSFC 2012 16 Games CSFC DL 2012 2 Goals CSFC DL 2012 5

COUCH WINS CASEY'S BEST AND FAIREST by KC from Casey Melbourne rookie Tom Couch performed many heroic feats for the Casey Scorpions during the 2012 season and he was well rewarded last Friday night when he became the convincing winner of this year’s Gardner-Clark Medal for the club’s best and fairest player ahead of youngster Luke Tynan and Demon-listed tall Jack Fitzpatrick. Couch, a hard working on baller is the son of 1989 Brownlow Medallist, Paul Couch, and had an outstanding season for the Scorpions. Despite missing games through AFL appearances and one due to injury, Couch was also a close runner up in last month’s JJ Liston Medal to Werribee’s Ben Ross. His tough approach to the game both physically and mentally and his team oriented play was instrumental in many of his team’s triumphs during the season. One of the highlights of Couch’s year came ironically in a game where he was well covered by a Zebra tagger out at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval and his possession rate was down on his normal standards. To make up for it he kicked a 50m goal from a free in the final 30 seconds to give the Scorpions the four points and ultimately, the top spot on the ladder and the minor premiership. He made his AFL debut against Fremantle in Round 16 and has played three senior games and had a NAB Cup outing for the Demons. Tynan, whose brother Josh was drafted by Melbourne this time last year, improved from reserves best and fairest to this year’s senior runner up and his efforts have raised some hope of joining him on an AFL list. Jack Fitzpatrick has overcome injury and his third place finish and exploits as the club’s leading goal kicker while often also playing long stretches in the ruck was an outstanding effort. The Steve Harrison Rising Star Award was taken out by high flyer Tim Smith while rising ruckman Luke Hill won the most improved award. The Seniors Respect Earner Award went to Demon-listed defender Troy Davis. The senior coaches and captains awards went to Chris Clay. The Development League Best and Fairest award named after club legend Edward "Snowy" Fenton was shared by Gus Patti and Jordan Pollard, the latter of who also won the competition’s award. Casey's popular coach Brett Lovett who worked wonders with his young list has resigned to concentrate on work and family. At this stage, his replacement for 2013 is yet to be announced. 2012 CASEY SCORPIONS PRESENTATION NIGHT AWARDS Seniors Best and Fairest Winner - Seniors Thomas Couch Seniors Runner Up Best & Fairest – Seniors Luke Tynan Seniors 3rd Place Best & Fairest – Seniors Jack Fitzpatrick Seniors Coaches Award – Chris Clay Seniors Captains Award - Chris Clay Seniors Most Improved Award – Luke Hill Seniors Respect Earner Award - Troy Davis Seniors Goal Kicking Award - Jack Fitzpatrick Seniors Steven Harrison Rising Star Award - Tim Smith Club person award 2012 - Chris James Development League Edward "Snowy" Fenton Best & Fairest – Gus Patti and Jordan Pollard Development League Coaches Award – Nick Lang Development League Most Improved Award – David DeAraugo Development League Respect Earner Award - Aiden Lindsay

COUCH WINS CASEY'S BEST AND FAIREST by KC from Casey Melbourne rookie Tom Couch performed many heroic feats for the Casey Scorpions during the 2012 season and he was well rewarded last Friday night when he became the convincing winner of this year’s Gardner-Clark Medal for the club’s best and fairest player ahead of youngster Luke Tynan and Demon-listed tall Jack Fitzpatrick. Couch, a hard working on baller is the son of 1989 Brownlow Medallist, Paul Couch, and had an outstanding season for the Scorpions. Despite missing games through AFL appearances and one due to injury, Couch was also a close runner up in last month’s JJ Liston Medal to Werribee’s Ben Ross. His tough approach to the game both physically and mentally and his team oriented play was instrumental in many of his team’s triumphs during the season. One of the highlights of Couch’s year came ironically in a game where he was well covered by a Zebra tagger out at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval and his possession rate was down on his normal standards. To make up for it he kicked a 50m goal from a free in the final 30 seconds to give the Scorpions the four points and ultimately, the top spot on the ladder and the minor premiership. He made his AFL debut against Fremantle in Round 16 and has played three senior games and had a NAB Cup outing for the Demons. Tynan, whose brother Josh was drafted by Melbourne this time last year, improved from reserves best and fairest to this year’s senior runner up and his efforts have raised some hope of joining him on an AFL list. Jack Fitzpatrick has overcome injury and his third place finish and exploits as the club’s leading goal kicker while often also playing long stretches in the ruck was an outstanding effort. The Steve Harrison Rising Star Award was taken out by high flyer Tim Smith while rising ruckman Luke Hill won the most improved award. The Seniors Respect Earner Award went to Demon-listed defender Troy Davis. The senior coaches and captains awards went to Chris Clay. The Development League Best and Fairest award named after club legend Edward "Snowy" Fenton was shared by Gus Patti and Jordan Pollard, the latter of who also won the competition’s award. Casey's popular coach Brett Lovett who worked wonders with his young list has resigned to concentrate on work and family. At this stage, his replacement for 2013 is yet to be announced. 2012 CASEY SCORPIONS PRESENTATION NIGHT AWARDS Seniors Best and Fairest Winner - Seniors Thomas Couch Seniors Runner Up Best & Fairest – Seniors Luke Tynan Seniors 3rd Place Best & Fairest – Seniors Jack Fitzpatrick Seniors Coaches Award – Chris Clay Seniors Captains Award - Chris Clay Seniors Most Improved Award – Luke Hill Seniors Respect Earner Award - Troy Davis Seniors Goal Kicking Award - Jack Fitzpatrick Seniors Steven Harrison Rising Star Award - Tim Smith Club person award 2012 - Chris James Development League Edward "Snowy" Fenton Best & Fairest – Gus Patti and Jordan Pollard Development League Coaches Award – Nick Lang Development League Most Improved Award – David DeAraugo Development League Respect Earner Award - Aiden Lindsay

Games MFC 2012 22 MFC Total 80 Goals MFC 2012 8 MFC Total 12 Games CSFC 2012 1 Goals CSFC 2012 0 MFC 203 kicks (5th) 78 handballs 281 disposals 98 marks 73 (4th) tackles 47 rebounds from fifty (5th) Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 297 votes (6th)

Games MFC 2012 7 MFC Total 18 Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 0 Games CSFC 2012 4 Goals CSFC 2012 0 Games CSFC DL 2012 2 Goals CSFC DL 2012 0 MFC 30 kicks 47 handballs 77 disposals 14 marks 19 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 69 votes