Demonland

Games MFC 2012 12 MFC Total 102 Goals MFC 2012 8 MFC Total 98 Games CSFC 2012 5 Goals CSFC 2012 0 MFC 109 kicks 56 handballs 165 disposals 63 marks 29 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 135 votes

Games MFC 2012 1 MFC Total 19 Goals MFC 2012 0 MFC Total 3 Games CSFC 2012 14 Goals CSFC 2012 8 MFC 5 kicks 4 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 6 votes

THE FAT CHRONICLES - FREE AGENCY by The Oracle Life was so much simpler ten years ago when we had a trade week that lasted, erm, well ... a week. Representatives of the sixteen AFL clubs would meet in the sponsors' boxes at Pricefixer Park on the Monday and that would be followed by seven days of argy bargy mixed with a little subterfuge and deception, stories would abound of players and draft picks changing places and in the end, perhaps a dozen or possibly twenty deals would get done, most of them singularly unspectacular. The result was often one of boredom mixed with disappointment met with a shrug of the shoulders and it was on to the next thing which was the national draft meeting in November. I must have missed something because, while this has been going on, those of us who have carefully watched the shenanigans of trade week have openly advocated that the entire process dragged on over too many days. Everybody was waiting for the action to hot up and reach a hectic, dramatic climax in the last day and a half. The pundits were all saying that the AFL should cut the player exchange period down to three days simply to restore some sanity into the picture. Well, the AFL, being the AFL, has suddenly taken a mysterious U turn following the introduction of free agency and has co-joined that concept with the trade period and extended it out to close on to the whole of the month of October. That's why I call it the "FAT" period, which stands for "Free Agency & Trade". The official AFL Free Agency Period runs from 1 October to 5pm on 19 October while the AFL Trade Period runs from 8 October to 2pm on 26 October. By the time we get to the end of the line on that last Friday of next month many of you will risk being left emotionally and physically wrecked by the twists and turns of the FAT period unless you are properly prepared for the ordeal. I'm here to help you get through this difficult time and to ensure that life remains as uncomplicated as possible during this time. The first thing to remember is the "much ado about nothing" rule which applies to a lot of the AFL's business. Despite the warnings of doom and all the hype about free agency, it's not really going to make a difference to most of our lives. One or two big names might change clubs, a number of hopefuls and lesser lights will get involved and a few of them could find new homes and some aging players will boost their pensions. That's it folks. No great dramas! If you don't believe me, here's the latest list of players available as free agents - Complete list of Free Agents: Restricted Free Agents Angus Monfries (Essendon); Brent Moloney (Melbourne); Troy Chaplin, Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide); Luke McGuane (Richmond); Brendon Goddard (St Kilda). Unrestricted Free Agents Chris Knights (Adel Crows); Jordan Russell, Bret Thornton (Carlton); Ben Johnson (Collingwood); Ricky Dyson, Dustin Fletcher, David Hille, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Henry Slattery (Essendon); Luke McPharlin (Fremantle); Shannon Byrnes, Josh Hunt (Geelong Cats); Thomas Murphy, Michael Osborne, Clinton Young (Hawthorn); Matthew Bate, Lynden Dunn, Jared Rivers (Melbourne); Brett Ebert, Steven Salopek, Jacob Surjan (Port Adelaide); Jason Blake, Raphael Clarke (St Kilda); Jude Bolton, Jarred Moore (Sydney Swans); Quinten Lynch, Mark Nicoski (West Coast); Will Minson (Western Bulldogs). At a guess, no more than about half of this list is likely to change clubs. The rest will either stay put or retire. With a few exceptions (Brendon Goddard mooted to go to the Bombers very early in the proceedings) the changes are unlikely to represent much more than a blip on the radar although hundreds of articles will be written and thousands of discussions and arguments started on the subject with much time of that time wasted. The rumours, innuendo and scuttlebutt have already been flying around the media and the Internet for several weeks. Fear not and remember "much ado about nothing". Now, I've gone all this way without explaining Free Agency and that is because much of the information about the topic has been released by the AFL in dribs and drabs and if I didn't know better (and I actually don't) I would be saying that they're making it all up as they go. However, for a better understanding of the process, I refer you to FA explained by Luke Holmesby of the AFL's own site. He makes a good fist of it and I'll be back from time to time on an irregular basis to discuss the latest developments of this year's FAT Period. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Games MFC 2012 15 MFC Total 55 Goals MFC 2012 5 MFC Total 38 Games CSFC 2012 3 Goals CSFC 2012 7 MFC 149 kicks 129 handballs 278 disposals 83 marks 20 contested marks (4th) 23 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 195 votes

Hawthorn $4 Sydney $6.50 West Coast Collingwood $8 Adelaide $9 Fremantle $10 Carlton Essendon $16 Geelong $18 Richmond $26 St Kilda North Melbourne $31 Brisbane $101 Port Adelaide $151 Western Bulldogs $201 Melbourne Gold Coast GWS $501 *Odds courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au

A big thank you to all those who contributed articles to Demonland during the past season and also to everyone who contributed articles and who have posted here and even to those who visit but don't post. We value your contributions and ongoing support. We're hoping for a bigger and better season in 2013 and are always looking out for new contributors who have something to say about the mighty Demons. If you want to contribute an article feel free to contact me via PM. Cheers & thanks again.

Games MFC 2012 8 MFC Total 103 Goals MFC 2012 1 MFC Total 17 MFC 68 kicks 42 handballs 110 disposals 40 marks 29 tackles Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 119 votes

We start our 2012 Player Review series with the season's best (comments from the MFC website Player Reviews):- Games MFC 2012 21 MFC Total 135 Goals MFC 2012 16 MFC Total 68 MFC 265 kicks (2nd) 251 handballs (1st) 516 disposals (1st) 45 marks 95 tackles (3rd) 73 inside fifty (1st) MFC Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy Winner 368 votes

THE CHARGE OF THE OAKLEIGH BRIGADE by Stevo Last year's TAC Cup runners up, the Oakleigh Chargers carried off the 2012 TAC Cup premiership after some come-from-behind heroics which ended in the winning point being kicked in golden time by the player of the finals series, Jackson Macrae. The Chargers led the Gippsland Power narrowly at the first break and comfortably at half time. The Power surged in the third term but still trialled at the last change. Oakleigh supporters with long memories would have been wary at that stage as their team led comfortably at the same time last year only to give it all up at the end to the Dragons. Their worse fears seemed to be coming true as the country boys spurred on by a solid effort from strongly built power forward Tim Membrey saw them to a 12 point lead with only a few minutes left on the clock. It was the Chargers who steadied at the most opportune moment and big man Ned Walmsley marked a pass from Eddie Betts look-alike Jay Kennedy-Harris. He converted his shot at goal and soon after, Oakleigh under age sensation Jake Billings took a mark inside 50 and coolly passed it to Tim MacMillan who slotted through the evener. It was then up to Macrae's rapier-like left foot to finish off the game in extra time. I reported on last week's preliminary finals here and it was the usual suspects who again impressed from a draft point of view. For the losers Membrey has been compared with the likes of Jack Darling and even Barry Hall but he's under 190cm so would most likely be the third tall (but a handy one and almost ready to go) at AFL level. He kicked 4.3 for the day and could well have been the hero. Livewire Tiwi Islander Anthony “Tippa” Tipungwuti provided the highlights reel of exciting moves and I had Morrish Medallist Nick Graham with three goals and plenty of courageous acts as Gippsland’s best. The matchwinner Macrae was fully deserving of his award of the TAC Medal which went to Jack Viney of Oakleigh last year. At 188cm and 75kg the midfielder/forward has found his niche and he seems destined along with fellow Carey Grammarians Viney and Kristian Jaksch to feature prominently in November's draft. Oakleigh also have a swag of bottom agers including Billings, Aidan Franetic and Tom Cutler so they are well placed to charge again in 2013. 2012 TAC Cup Grand Final Oakleigh Chargers 3.3.21 7.5.47 9.7.61 12.10.82 Gippsland Power 3.2.20 4.3.27 8.5.53 12.9.81 Goals Oakleigh Chargers Billings Jaksch 2 Cutler Franetic Kennedy-Harris MacMillan MacRae Toohey Vearing Walmsley Gippsland Power Membrey 4 Graham 3 Scott 2 Deery Drew Hams Best Oakleigh Chargers Franetic MacRae MacMillan Cutler Collopy Kennedy-Harris Gippsland Power Graham Cashman Hams Membrey Johnstone Heppell The exciting final five minutes of the game - [media=]

THE CHARGE OF THE OAKLEIGH BRIGADE by Stevo Last year's TAC Cup runners up, the Oakleigh Chargers carried off the 2012 TAC Cup premiership after some come-from-behind heroics which ended in the winning point being kicked in golden time by the player of the finals series, Jackson Macrae. The Chargers led the Gippsland Power narrowly at the first break and comfortably at half time. The Power surged in the third term but still trialled at the last change. Oakleigh supporters with long memories would have been wary at that stage as their team led comfortably at the same time last year only to give it all up at the end to the Dragons. Their worse fears seemed to be coming true as the country boys spurred on by a solid effort from strongly built power forward Tim Membrey saw them to a 12 point lead with only a few minutes left on the clock. It was the Chargers who steadied at the most opportune moment and big man Ned Walmsley marked a pass from Eddie Betts look-alike Jay Kennedy-Harris. He converted his shot at goal and soon after, Oakleigh under age sensation Jake Billings took a mark inside 50 and coolly passed it to Tim MacMillan who slotted through the evener. It was then up to Macrae's rapier-like left foot to finish off the game in extra time. I reported on last week's preliminary finals here and it was the usual suspects who again impressed from a draft point of view. For the losers Membrey has been compared with the likes of Jack Darling and even Barry Hall but he's under 190cm so would most likely be the third tall (but a handy one and almost ready to go) at AFL level. He kicked 4.3 for the day and could well have been the hero. Livewire Tiwi Islander Anthony “Tippa” Tipungwuti provided the highlights reel of exciting moves and I had Morrish Medallist Nick Graham with three goals and plenty of courageous acts as Gippsland’s best. The matchwinner Macrae was fully deserving of his award of the TAC Medal which went to Jack Viney of Oakleigh last year. At 188cm and 75kg the midfielder/forward has found his niche and he seems destined along with fellow Carey Grammarians Viney and Kristian Jaksch to feature prominently in November's draft. Oakleigh also have a swag of bottom agers including Billings, Aidan Franetic and Tom Cutler so they are well placed to charge again in 2013. 2012 TAC Cup Grand Final Oakleigh Chargers 3.3.21 7.5.47 9.7.61 12.10.82 Gippsland Power 3.2.20 4.3.27 8.5.53 12.9.81 Goals Oakleigh Chargers Billings Jaksch 2 Cutler Franetic Kennedy-Harris MacMillan MacRae Toohey Vearing Walmsley Gippsland Power Membrey 4 Graham 3 Scott 2 Deery Drew Hams Best Oakleigh Chargers Franetic MacRae MacMillan Cutler Collopy Kennedy-Harris Gippsland Power Graham Cashman Hams Membrey Johnstone Heppell The exciting final five minutes of the game - [media=]

VFL coach of the year quits Discuss here.

Good for football!

DARKEST HOURS: 1953 by Whispering Jack So you think it’s tough out there in the AFL and your team is going through some dark hours? Well, it’s happened before and being down doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever. It was just before my time that the Melbourne Football Club was down and seemingly out but times change quickly as we found out in the early 1950’s. Melbourne won its sixth premiership in 1948 with an upset win over hot favourite Essendon in the Grand Final replay. The emotionally spent Bombers had kicked away a certain victory in the drawn Grand Final the week before and an experienced Demons side took full advantage to win the decider by 39 points. However, the triumph of the club's fourth flag in a decade under Frank V "Checker" Hughes quickly dissipated with several key retirements including Hughes himself. Brownlow Medallist Don Cordner, Norm Smith, Jack Mueller and Shane McGrath all followed him out of the door and the club went into freefall. The darkest hour came in 1951 when the club captured the wooden spoon - its first in 28 years. By then the club, coached by former great and four time Bluey Truscott trophy winner Allan La Fontaine, had lost all but six of the 1948 premiership team. The Demons won only one game (against Carlton in Round 6) and finished three wins behind the next to last Hawthorn. In Round 9 they lost to Footscray by 103 points - the club's worst defeat in 32 years. Secretary Jim Cardwell made a mid-season approach to Norm Smith asking him to return to the club as coach but Smith declined. Smith had applied to replace Checker Hughes in 1949 but was beaten to the job then by La Fontaine by a single vote and went on to captain coach Fitzroy. At the end of the 1951 season, the tables were turned and Smith received the nod by a solitary committee vote. Smith had an immediate impact as a coach and the team won six of the first ten games of the 1952 season. It also won the lightning premiership against South Melbourne in May but ran out of steam in the latter half and ultimately finished sixth. The club lost three more 1948 premiership veterans at the end of the year in George Bickford, Geoff Collins and Eddie Jackson who all retired. Despite the improved form, the writing was on the wall. There were to be more hard times and more dark hours to come. The emphasis in 1953 was on youth. The club blooded 19 new players, many of whom went on to be part of a successful era that was just around the corner. One of the first year players introduced during the season was Ken Melville who won the "Bluey" Truscott Trophy. Bob McKenzie was leading goal kicker with 38 goals and Denis Cordner captained the side which dropped to 11th on the ladder, heading only Hawthorn and escaping another wooden spoon only thanks to a late season win over Fitzroy in Round 17. The following is a snapshot of the 1953 season (with thanks to information from that invaluable resource Demonwiki):- Round 1, 1953 Richmond v Melbourne Saturday, 18 April Venue: Punt Road Attendance: 18,000 Richmond 3.2.0 4.4.28 9.6.60 11.7.73 Melbourne 1.3.9 3.8.26 5.8.38 9.13.67 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 3, Bob McKenzie, Jack Thomson 2*, Alan Krause, Jim Wilson Dale Anderson, Leigh Gloury, Peter Marquis(P) and Ken Melville(P) were the debutants in this game with Anderson scoring a goal on debut. Geoff McGivern and Jack Thomson played their 50th games. Round 2 1953 Melbourne v Carlton Saturday, 2 May Venue: MCG Attendance: 29,204 Melbourne 2.4.16 3.4.22 5.7.37 8.11.59 Carlton 2.2.14 8.4.52 11.9.75 13.12.90 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 4, Geoff McGivern 2, Dale Anderson, Don Cameron Don Cameron, Bill Morrow and Maurie Reeves made their debuts with Cameron goaling in his first game. It was the last game for Ballarat footballer Max Orr who returned home at the end of the season but was tragically killed in a car accident in September, 1955. Round 3, 1953 North Melbourne v Melbourne Saturday, 9 May Venue: Arden Street Attendance: 12,000 North Melbourne 2.4.16 6.6.42 9.8.62 12.12.84 Melbourne 2.3.15 7.6.48 9.11.65 11.17.83 Goal kickers: Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie, Bill Morrow, Maurie Reeves 2, Noel Clarke, Leigh Gloury, Jack Thomson Don Williams (P) made his debut in this game that went right down the wire with the home side winning by the narrowest of margins. Round 4 1953 Melbourne v Footscray Saturday, 16 May Venue: MCG Attendance: 23,727 Melbourne 0.1.1 0.3.3 1.4.10 4.6.30 Footscray 2.5.17 6.15.51 8.17.55 9.21.75 Goal kickers: Ken Christie, Geoff McGivern, Bob McKenzie, Bill Morrow The Demons were mercilessly thrashed on their home turf by the up and coming Bulldogs, failing to score a goal in the first half. Despite the humiliation, a young Ronald Dale Barassi(P) sat out the whole day as a reserve on the bench in what was his first official match as a senior player for the Melbourne Football Club. He was dropped the following week. "From little things, big things grow!" Round 5, 1953 Essendon v Melbourne Saturday, 23 May Venue: Windy Hill Attendance: 9,500 Essendon 2.3.15 4.5.29 5.7.37 6.10.46 Melbourne 2.2.14 5.2.32 6.3.39 9.3.57 Goal kickers: Denis Cordner 3, Bob McKenzie 2, Ken Albiston, Geoff McGivern, Bill Morrow, Mike Woods The eleven point victory over the Bombers broke a seven game losing streak dating back to Round 16 of the previous year. Noel Baker and Geoff Case(P) played their first games. Round 6 1953 Melbourne v Fitzroy Saturday, 30 May Venue: MCG Attendance: 21,205 Melbourne 2.5.17 3.6.24 6.10.46 10.11.71 Fitzroy 3.1.19 7.4.46 10.6.66 12.9.81 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 4, Geoff McGivern 2, Ken Albiston, Denis Cordner, Maurie Reeves, Mike Woods Round 7 1953 Melbourne v Geelong Saturday, 6 June Venue: MCG Attendance: 26,254 Melbourne 3.2.20 6.4.40 7.6.48 8.10.58 Geelong 5.3.33 7.6.48 9.12.66 11.16.82 Goal kickers: Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie, Stuart Spencer 2, Ken Albiston, Mike Woods The Cats were reigning premiers and on their way to another top of the ladder finish but the Demons fought the game out well. Round 8, 1953 South Melbourne v Melbourne Saturday, 13 June Venue: Lake Oval Attendance: 22,565 South Melbourne 1.3.9 5.6.36 7.8.50 11.11.77 Melbourne 1.5.11 2.8.20 4.15.39 9.17.71 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 3, Noel Clarke, Geoff McGivern 2, Denis Cordner, Mike Woods The Demons again paid dearly for their poor kicking for goal in a game in which Lance Arnold was reported for kicking but subsequently cleared by the Tribunal. Round 9, 1953 Melbourne v Collingwood Saturday, 20 June Venue: MCG Attendance: 27,175 Melbourne 0.0.0 3.0.18 3.4.22 7.6.48 Collingwood 3.2.20 4.3.27 8.5.53 9.9.63 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 3, Noel Clarke, Ralph Lane, Geoff McGivern, Stuart Spencer Despite a goalless opening term, the Demons pushed their traditional rivals and the ultimate premiers to 15th points. Ralph Lane, who later made a name for himself as an administrator with the VFL, kicked his first goal. Round 10, 1953 Melbourne v Hawthorn Saturday, 27 June Venue: MCG Attendance: 11,993 Melbourne 1.0.6 5.5.35 8.8.56 10.14.74 Hawthorn 8.2.50 10.3.63 12.6.78 16.6.102 Goal kickers: Stuart Spencer 6, Peter Schofield 2, Ken Albiston Bob McKenzie Despite Stuart Spencer's six goal heroics, the Demons were unable to overcome their fellow cellar dwellers, the Hawks, who overran them with a brilliant opening term on the MCG. Melbourne struck back and got to within a goal in the final quarter but Hawthorn booted the last four goals of the game to win comfortably. It was Terry Gleeson(P)'s first game while former Tiger Peter Schofield made his debut for the club. Schofield's stay at the club was brief but he went on to become a very good player at North Melbourne. Gleeson, the brother of Brownlow Medallist Brian Gleeson (St. Kilda) played in the club's 1956 premiership team. Round 11, 1953 St. Kilda v Melbourne Saturday, 4 July Venue: Junction Oval Attendance: 12,000 St. Kilda 6.2.38 7.4.46 9.6.60 11.7.73 Melbourne 2.2.14 4.10.34 5.14.44 8.21.69 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 3, Ken Albiston 2, Geoff McGivern, Maurie Reeves, Peter Schofield Ron Barassi finally got his chance to play and even had the opportunity to win the game for his club with a clutch goal in the final term but, like many of his teammates on the day, he was off target. Bob Constable made his debut. Round 12, 1953 Melbourne v Richmond Saturday, 11 July Venue: MCG Attendance: 19,402 Melbourne 6.3.39 7.6.48 8.8.56 11.9.75 Richmond 1.1.7 6.3.39 8.9.57 11.9.75 Goal kickers: Peter Schofield 5, Ken Albiston 3, Denis Cordner, Jack Thomson, Jim Wilson The Demons blew away a good start to scrape up two points for a draw against Richmond. Ron McKenzie played his only game for the club. Round 13, 1953 Carlton v Melbourne Saturday, 25 July Venue: Princes Park Attendance: 16,367 Carlton 0.5.5 4.13.37 8.17.65 12.24.96 Melbourne 4.4.28 5.6.36 8.7.55 10.10.70 Goal kickers: Geoff McGivern, Bob McKenzie, Peter Schofield 2, Tony Bull, Ken Christie, Bob Constable, Denis Cordner The Blues overcame a slow start to demolish the Demons in the final term. It was Tony Bull's first game and he scored a goal on debut. Round 14, 1953 Melbourne v North Melbourne Saturday, 1 August Venue: MCG Attendance: 13,768 Melbourne 2.4.16 6.6.42 6.7.43 9.13.67 North Melbourne 2.6.18 3.9.27 6.1652 8.16.64 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 4, Peter Schofield 2, Frank Adams, Denis Cordner, Jack Thomson The Demons avenged their narrow Round 2 loss to North Melbourne by turning the tables on the Kangaroos and winning by three points at the MCG. It was the first game for red-headed speedster Frank "Bluey" Adams(P) who goaled on debut. Round 15, 1953 Footscray v Melbourne Saturday, 8 August Venue: Western Oval Attendance: 18,075 Footscray 3.2.20 7.3.45 12.6.78 14.14.98 Melbourne 4.1.25 4.3.27 5.7.37 9.7.61 Goal kickers: Frank Adams 3, Peter Schofield 2, Ralph Lane, Geoff McGivern, Bob McKenzie, Jack Thomson After an even first quarter, the Bulldogs held sway but the young Demons were starting to show signs of promise for the future. Adams with three goals was impressive. Round 16, 1953 Melbourne v Essendon Saturday, 15 August Venue: MCG Attendance: 25,543 Melbourne 0.4.4 3.6.24 7.8.50 8.9.57 Essendon 4.6.30 5.7.37 9.9.63 12.10.82 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 3, Noel Clarke 2, Frank Adams, Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie The Demons were unable to replicate their early season form against the Bombers who kicked 3 goals 4 behinds before Melbourne even scored. They did show some resistance to close to within seven points in the third quarter but the Bombers kicked away to win by 25 points. The great John Coleman kicked five for Essendon despite a creditable performance from Demon full back Lance Arnold. Round 17, 1953 Fitzroy v Melbourne Saturday, 22 August Venue: Brunswick Street Attendance: 7,500 Fitzroy 2.4.16 2.7.19 6.10.46 6.13.49 Melbourne 3.3.21 5.8.38 6.8.44 9.10.64 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 4, Bob McKenzie 2, Denis Cordner, Peter Marquis, Jack Thomson Melbourne came from behind at three quarter time to overrun Fitzroy in the final term and record a 15 point victory which enabled it to avoid a second wooden spoon in three years. Round 18, 1953 Geelong v Melbourne Saturday, 29 August Venue: Kardinia Park Attendance: 18,124 Geelong 4.4.28 6.8.44 11.11.77 16.14.110 Melbourne 1.3.9 4.4.28 5.6.36 8.8.56 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 3, Ken Albiston 2, Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie, Stuart Spencer Geelong secured top spot with an easy win over the Demons who showed little resistance. Despite their top place finish, the Cats were only weeks away from losing their crown to Collingwood and within a few years of ending their dynasty. It was hard to believe that of the two combatants on the day, it would be Melbourne that would not only make the following year's grand final but would also play off in another six after that and become the most dominant force in the game's history. (P) denotes the player subsequently played in a Melbourne premiership team. Ladder W L D % Pts Geelong 15 3 0 143.3 60 Collingwood 14 4 0 123.5 56 Footscray 13 5 0 136.5 52 Essendon 13 5 0 129.9 52 ------------------------------ Carlton 10 8 0 107.6 40 Fitzroy 10 8 0 85.0 40 North Melbourne 9 9 0 107.8 36 South Melbourne 9 9 0 104.7 36 St. Kilda 5 13 0 68.2 20 Richmond 3 14 1 81.3 14 Melbourne 3 14 1 80.1 14 Hawthorn 3 15 0 68.5 12 Lightning Premiership - South Melbourne 1.2.8 defeated Melbourne 1.1.7 Best and Fairest 1st Ken Melville 2nd Denis Cordner 3rd Stuart Spencer Other Awards Consistent Player - John Beckwith and Stuart Spencer (shared) Under 19's Leading Goal kicker - (Jeff Crouch** 42 goals) The Under 19's won their premiership. * No, not the famous actor. ** Yes – that was Jeff Crouch who later became a famous VFL field umpire. POSTSCRIPT How bleak were things for Demon fans at the end of season 1953? They had changed their coach and were well into a rebuilding process at the end of 1951, had shown signs of progress the following year but now were on the bottom of the heap. It was surely the darkest hour and yet, as we were soon to discover, it was also close to the dawn.

DARKEST HOURS: 1953 by Whispering Jack So you think it’s tough out there in the AFL and your team is going through some dark hours? Well, it’s happened before and being down doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever. It was just before my time that the Melbourne Football Club was down and seemingly out but times change quickly as we found out in the early 1950’s. Melbourne won its sixth premiership in 1948 with an upset win over hot favourite Essendon in the Grand Final replay. The emotionally spent Bombers had kicked away a certain victory in the drawn Grand Final the week before and an experienced Demons side took full advantage to win the decider by 39 points. However, the triumph of the club's fourth flag in a decade under Frank V "Checker" Hughes quickly dissipated with several key retirements including Hughes himself. Brownlow Medallist Don Cordner, Norm Smith, Jack Mueller and Shane McGrath all followed him out of the door and the club went into freefall. The darkest hour came in 1951 when the club captured the wooden spoon - its first in 28 years. By then the club, coached by former great and four time Bluey Truscott trophy winner Allan La Fontaine, had lost all but six of the 1948 premiership team. The Demons won only one game (against Carlton in Round 6) and finished three wins behind the next to last Hawthorn. In Round 9 they lost to Footscray by 103 points - the club's worst defeat in 32 years. Secretary Jim Cardwell made a mid-season approach to Norm Smith asking him to return to the club as coach but Smith declined. Smith had applied to replace Checker Hughes in 1949 but was beaten to the job then by La Fontaine by a single vote and went on to captain coach Fitzroy. At the end of the 1951 season, the tables were turned and Smith received the nod by a solitary committee vote. Smith had an immediate impact as a coach and the team won six of the first ten games of the 1952 season. It also won the lightning premiership against South Melbourne in May but ran out of steam in the latter half and ultimately finished sixth. The club lost three more 1948 premiership veterans at the end of the year in George Bickford, Geoff Collins and Eddie Jackson who all retired. Despite the improved form, the writing was on the wall. There were to be more hard times and more dark hours to come. The emphasis in 1953 was on youth. The club blooded 19 new players, many of whom went on to be part of a successful era that was just around the corner. One of the first year players introduced during the season was Ken Melville who won the "Bluey" Truscott Trophy. Bob McKenzie was leading goal kicker with 38 goals and Denis Cordner captained the side which dropped to 11th on the ladder, heading only Hawthorn and escaping another wooden spoon only thanks to a late season win over Fitzroy in Round 17. The following is a snapshot of the 1953 season (with thanks to information from that invaluable resource Demonwiki):- Round 1, 1953 Richmond v Melbourne Saturday, 18 April Venue: Punt Road Attendance: 18,000 Richmond 3.2.0 4.4.28 9.6.60 11.7.73 Melbourne 1.3.9 3.8.26 5.8.38 9.13.67 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 3, Bob McKenzie, Jack Thomson 2*, Alan Krause, Jim Wilson Dale Anderson, Leigh Gloury, Peter Marquis(P) and Ken Melville(P) were the debutants in this game with Anderson scoring a goal on debut. Geoff McGivern and Jack Thomson played their 50th games. Round 2 1953 Melbourne v Carlton Saturday, 2 May Venue: MCG Attendance: 29,204 Melbourne 2.4.16 3.4.22 5.7.37 8.11.59 Carlton 2.2.14 8.4.52 11.9.75 13.12.90 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 4, Geoff McGivern 2, Dale Anderson, Don Cameron Don Cameron, Bill Morrow and Maurie Reeves made their debuts with Cameron goaling in his first game. It was the last game for Ballarat footballer Max Orr who returned home at the end of the season but was tragically killed in a car accident in September, 1955. Round 3, 1953 North Melbourne v Melbourne Saturday, 9 May Venue: Arden Street Attendance: 12,000 North Melbourne 2.4.16 6.6.42 9.8.62 12.12.84 Melbourne 2.3.15 7.6.48 9.11.65 11.17.83 Goal kickers: Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie, Bill Morrow, Maurie Reeves 2, Noel Clarke, Leigh Gloury, Jack Thomson Don Williams (P) made his debut in this game that went right down the wire with the home side winning by the narrowest of margins. Round 4 1953 Melbourne v Footscray Saturday, 16 May Venue: MCG Attendance: 23,727 Melbourne 0.1.1 0.3.3 1.4.10 4.6.30 Footscray 2.5.17 6.15.51 8.17.55 9.21.75 Goal kickers: Ken Christie, Geoff McGivern, Bob McKenzie, Bill Morrow The Demons were mercilessly thrashed on their home turf by the up and coming Bulldogs, failing to score a goal in the first half. Despite the humiliation, a young Ronald Dale Barassi(P) sat out the whole day as a reserve on the bench in what was his first official match as a senior player for the Melbourne Football Club. He was dropped the following week. "From little things, big things grow!" Round 5, 1953 Essendon v Melbourne Saturday, 23 May Venue: Windy Hill Attendance: 9,500 Essendon 2.3.15 4.5.29 5.7.37 6.10.46 Melbourne 2.2.14 5.2.32 6.3.39 9.3.57 Goal kickers: Denis Cordner 3, Bob McKenzie 2, Ken Albiston, Geoff McGivern, Bill Morrow, Mike Woods The eleven point victory over the Bombers broke a seven game losing streak dating back to Round 16 of the previous year. Noel Baker and Geoff Case(P) played their first games. Round 6 1953 Melbourne v Fitzroy Saturday, 30 May Venue: MCG Attendance: 21,205 Melbourne 2.5.17 3.6.24 6.10.46 10.11.71 Fitzroy 3.1.19 7.4.46 10.6.66 12.9.81 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 4, Geoff McGivern 2, Ken Albiston, Denis Cordner, Maurie Reeves, Mike Woods Round 7 1953 Melbourne v Geelong Saturday, 6 June Venue: MCG Attendance: 26,254 Melbourne 3.2.20 6.4.40 7.6.48 8.10.58 Geelong 5.3.33 7.6.48 9.12.66 11.16.82 Goal kickers: Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie, Stuart Spencer 2, Ken Albiston, Mike Woods The Cats were reigning premiers and on their way to another top of the ladder finish but the Demons fought the game out well. Round 8, 1953 South Melbourne v Melbourne Saturday, 13 June Venue: Lake Oval Attendance: 22,565 South Melbourne 1.3.9 5.6.36 7.8.50 11.11.77 Melbourne 1.5.11 2.8.20 4.15.39 9.17.71 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 3, Noel Clarke, Geoff McGivern 2, Denis Cordner, Mike Woods The Demons again paid dearly for their poor kicking for goal in a game in which Lance Arnold was reported for kicking but subsequently cleared by the Tribunal. Round 9, 1953 Melbourne v Collingwood Saturday, 20 June Venue: MCG Attendance: 27,175 Melbourne 0.0.0 3.0.18 3.4.22 7.6.48 Collingwood 3.2.20 4.3.27 8.5.53 9.9.63 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 3, Noel Clarke, Ralph Lane, Geoff McGivern, Stuart Spencer Despite a goalless opening term, the Demons pushed their traditional rivals and the ultimate premiers to 15th points. Ralph Lane, who later made a name for himself as an administrator with the VFL, kicked his first goal. Round 10, 1953 Melbourne v Hawthorn Saturday, 27 June Venue: MCG Attendance: 11,993 Melbourne 1.0.6 5.5.35 8.8.56 10.14.74 Hawthorn 8.2.50 10.3.63 12.6.78 16.6.102 Goal kickers: Stuart Spencer 6, Peter Schofield 2, Ken Albiston Bob McKenzie Despite Stuart Spencer's six goal heroics, the Demons were unable to overcome their fellow cellar dwellers, the Hawks, who overran them with a brilliant opening term on the MCG. Melbourne struck back and got to within a goal in the final quarter but Hawthorn booted the last four goals of the game to win comfortably. It was Terry Gleeson(P)'s first game while former Tiger Peter Schofield made his debut for the club. Schofield's stay at the club was brief but he went on to become a very good player at North Melbourne. Gleeson, the brother of Brownlow Medallist Brian Gleeson (St. Kilda) played in the club's 1956 premiership team. Round 11, 1953 St. Kilda v Melbourne Saturday, 4 July Venue: Junction Oval Attendance: 12,000 St. Kilda 6.2.38 7.4.46 9.6.60 11.7.73 Melbourne 2.2.14 4.10.34 5.14.44 8.21.69 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 3, Ken Albiston 2, Geoff McGivern, Maurie Reeves, Peter Schofield Ron Barassi finally got his chance to play and even had the opportunity to win the game for his club with a clutch goal in the final term but, like many of his teammates on the day, he was off target. Bob Constable made his debut. Round 12, 1953 Melbourne v Richmond Saturday, 11 July Venue: MCG Attendance: 19,402 Melbourne 6.3.39 7.6.48 8.8.56 11.9.75 Richmond 1.1.7 6.3.39 8.9.57 11.9.75 Goal kickers: Peter Schofield 5, Ken Albiston 3, Denis Cordner, Jack Thomson, Jim Wilson The Demons blew away a good start to scrape up two points for a draw against Richmond. Ron McKenzie played his only game for the club. Round 13, 1953 Carlton v Melbourne Saturday, 25 July Venue: Princes Park Attendance: 16,367 Carlton 0.5.5 4.13.37 8.17.65 12.24.96 Melbourne 4.4.28 5.6.36 8.7.55 10.10.70 Goal kickers: Geoff McGivern, Bob McKenzie, Peter Schofield 2, Tony Bull, Ken Christie, Bob Constable, Denis Cordner The Blues overcame a slow start to demolish the Demons in the final term. It was Tony Bull's first game and he scored a goal on debut. Round 14, 1953 Melbourne v North Melbourne Saturday, 1 August Venue: MCG Attendance: 13,768 Melbourne 2.4.16 6.6.42 6.7.43 9.13.67 North Melbourne 2.6.18 3.9.27 6.1652 8.16.64 Goal kickers: Bob McKenzie 4, Peter Schofield 2, Frank Adams, Denis Cordner, Jack Thomson The Demons avenged their narrow Round 2 loss to North Melbourne by turning the tables on the Kangaroos and winning by three points at the MCG. It was the first game for red-headed speedster Frank "Bluey" Adams(P) who goaled on debut. Round 15, 1953 Footscray v Melbourne Saturday, 8 August Venue: Western Oval Attendance: 18,075 Footscray 3.2.20 7.3.45 12.6.78 14.14.98 Melbourne 4.1.25 4.3.27 5.7.37 9.7.61 Goal kickers: Frank Adams 3, Peter Schofield 2, Ralph Lane, Geoff McGivern, Bob McKenzie, Jack Thomson After an even first quarter, the Bulldogs held sway but the young Demons were starting to show signs of promise for the future. Adams with three goals was impressive. Round 16, 1953 Melbourne v Essendon Saturday, 15 August Venue: MCG Attendance: 25,543 Melbourne 0.4.4 3.6.24 7.8.50 8.9.57 Essendon 4.6.30 5.7.37 9.9.63 12.10.82 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 3, Noel Clarke 2, Frank Adams, Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie The Demons were unable to replicate their early season form against the Bombers who kicked 3 goals 4 behinds before Melbourne even scored. They did show some resistance to close to within seven points in the third quarter but the Bombers kicked away to win by 25 points. The great John Coleman kicked five for Essendon despite a creditable performance from Demon full back Lance Arnold. Round 17, 1953 Fitzroy v Melbourne Saturday, 22 August Venue: Brunswick Street Attendance: 7,500 Fitzroy 2.4.16 2.7.19 6.10.46 6.13.49 Melbourne 3.3.21 5.8.38 6.8.44 9.10.64 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 4, Bob McKenzie 2, Denis Cordner, Peter Marquis, Jack Thomson Melbourne came from behind at three quarter time to overrun Fitzroy in the final term and record a 15 point victory which enabled it to avoid a second wooden spoon in three years. Round 18, 1953 Geelong v Melbourne Saturday, 29 August Venue: Kardinia Park Attendance: 18,124 Geelong 4.4.28 6.8.44 11.11.77 16.14.110 Melbourne 1.3.9 4.4.28 5.6.36 8.8.56 Goal kickers: Dale Anderson 3, Ken Albiston 2, Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie, Stuart Spencer Geelong secured top spot with an easy win over the Demons who showed little resistance. Despite their top place finish, the Cats were only weeks away from losing their crown to Collingwood and within a few years of ending their dynasty. It was hard to believe that of the two combatants on the day, it would be Melbourne that would not only make the following year's grand final but would also play off in another six after that and become the most dominant force in the game's history. (P) denotes the player subsequently played in a Melbourne premiership team. Ladder W L D % Pts Geelong 15 3 0 143.3 60 Collingwood 14 4 0 123.5 56 Footscray 13 5 0 136.5 52 Essendon 13 5 0 129.9 52 ------------------------------ Carlton 10 8 0 107.6 40 Fitzroy 10 8 0 85.0 40 North Melbourne 9 9 0 107.8 36 South Melbourne 9 9 0 104.7 36 St. Kilda 5 13 0 68.2 20 Richmond 3 14 1 81.3 14 Melbourne 3 14 1 80.1 14 Hawthorn 3 15 0 68.5 12 Lightning Premiership - South Melbourne 1.2.8 defeated Melbourne 1.1.7 Best and Fairest 1st Ken Melville 2nd Denis Cordner 3rd Stuart Spencer Other Awards Consistent Player - John Beckwith and Stuart Spencer (shared) Under 19's Leading Goal kicker - (Jeff Crouch** 42 goals) The Under 19's won their premiership. * No, not the famous actor. ** Yes – that was Jeff Crouch who later became a famous VFL field umpire. POSTSCRIPT How bleak were things for Demon fans at the end of season 1953? They had changed their coach and were well into a rebuilding process at the end of 1951, had shown signs of progress the following year but now were on the bottom of the heap. It was surely the darkest hour and yet, as we were soon to discover, it was also close to the dawn.

END OF THE LINE by KC from Casey One of the fast-growing City of Casey's finest showpieces is the sporting precinct known as Casey Fields, which one day will be the last destination on the train line that today ends at Cranbourne. On Saturday, it was on the windswept expanses of the main oval there that the Casey Scorpions' 2012 season came to an end after two fruitless finals games against Werribee and Williamstown respectively. The story of Casey's demise was best told in the pressure cooker opening quarter scramble in the blustery conditions of the VFL First Semi Final when Williamstown, kicking towards the end favoured by the strong cross breeze, defended brilliantly and attacked relentlessly. The Seagulls shut Casey out of the game and forced them to cede three goals in the opening half hour. They maintained their stranglehold throughout a dour second term when both teams had difficulty posting a score and the Scorpions missed the goalkicking prowess of Jack Fitzpatrick. Only a handful of Demons was available (a season low six in number) for what turned out to be their last game of the season. The pressure finally took its toll when one of Casey's best on the day in Luke Tynan passed backward 30 metres to skipper Evan Panozza who kicked across goals to Willy's attacking side for an opposition goal. The first and only Scorpion goal for the half came soon after when Jai Sheahan accepted a handpass and snapped truly at 26 minutes. If the game was not over at the long break when Casey with still only a single goal to its name was down by 20 points, then it was certainly done and dusted when the Seagulls swooped to score two goals in the first three and a half minutes of the third term. By that time, courageous veteran Kyle Matthews was off the ground concussed after becoming a victim of friendly fire and later in the term, the final body blow was delivered when young ruckman Luke Hill turned an ankle to end his day. The deficit at the final break was out to 40 points and any hope of a miraculous Casey revival was snuffed out as a driving rain squall hit the ground making the ball harder to handle even as conditions improved later in the day when the sun broke out. The young team fought it out to the end and, although outclassed on the day, never gave in and managed to reduce the deficit marginally to 37 points at the bitter end. The minor premiers had finished the final series once again out in straight sets and with a combined effort of only eight goals in two matches and eight consecutive finals defeats going back to 2008. In a game in which many players were down on their form, the club had significant input from last year's reserves club best and fairest Luke Tynan, a much improved player who was named this week in the VFL team of the year with Panozza. Diminutive Jordan Pollard who came up from the development league team after winning the A. Todd Medal for best player in that competition, also worked hard and won many hard balls. Jai Sheahan fulfilled a number of roles admirably on the day, playing strongly in defence and when moved to attack and the odd run in the ruck while Jordan Gysberts was a prolific ball winner with 26 disposals, 2 marks and a goal. The season was not a total loss for Casey which achieved some outstanding results in its first year under Brett Lovett. The club which lost several of its VFA stalwarts at the start of the year including the game's best on ground James Wall, who dominated the ruck for Williamstown, particularly after Hill's departure from the ground, GWS recruit Tim Mohr, former state rep Michael Stockdale as well as goalkicker Brendan Fevola. They were replaced in the main by young unsung local talent like Hill, Michael Riseley, Luke Tynan, Mitch Gent and Tim Smith who combined with mature players in Panozza and Matthews, Danny Nicholls (the latter two late in the year), Dave Collins and Rian McGough. There were many others who received their introductions to the VFL this year and the groundwork laid in 2012 by Lovett, who has been reappointed coach for next year, will ultimately assure the club of a better future in the years to come. Casey Scorpions 0.0.0 1.4.10 3.4.22 5.8.38 Williamstown 3.3.21 4.6.30 9.8.62 11.9.75 Goals Casey Scorpions Gysberts Nicholls Sheahan Smith Thompson Williamstown Panos Veszpremi 3 Hill 2 Carr Conway Roberts Best Casey Scorpions L Tynan Pollard Smith Sheahan Nicholls Gysberts Williamstown Wall Jolley McNamara Goodes Carr Lockwood

END OF THE LINE by KC from Casey One of the fast-growing City of Casey's finest showpieces is the sporting precinct known as Casey Fields, which one day will be the last destination on the train line that today ends at Cranbourne. On Saturday, it was on the windswept expanses of the main oval there that the Casey Scorpions' 2012 season came to an end after two fruitless finals games against Werribee and Williamstown respectively. The story of Casey's demise was best told in the pressure cooker opening quarter scramble in the blustery conditions of the VFL First Semi Final when Williamstown, kicking towards the end favoured by the strong cross breeze, defended brilliantly and attacked relentlessly. The Seagulls shut Casey out of the game and forced them to cede three goals in the opening half hour. They maintained their stranglehold throughout a dour second term when both teams had difficulty posting a score and the Scorpions missed the goalkicking prowess of Jack Fitzpatrick. Only a handful of Demons was available (a season low six in number) for what turned out to be their last game of the season. The pressure finally took its toll when one of Casey's best on the day in Luke Tynan passed backward 30 metres to skipper Evan Panozza who kicked across goals to Willy's attacking side for an opposition goal. The first and only Scorpion goal for the half came soon after when Jai Sheahan accepted a handpass and snapped truly at 26 minutes. If the game was not over at the long break when Casey with still only a single goal to its name was down by 20 points, then it was certainly done and dusted when the Seagulls swooped to score two goals in the first three and a half minutes of the third term. By that time, courageous veteran Kyle Matthews was off the ground concussed after becoming a victim of friendly fire and later in the term, the final body blow was delivered when young ruckman Luke Hill turned an ankle to end his day. The deficit at the final break was out to 40 points and any hope of a miraculous Casey revival was snuffed out as a driving rain squall hit the ground making the ball harder to handle even as conditions improved later in the day when the sun broke out. The young team fought it out to the end and, although outclassed on the day, never gave in and managed to reduce the deficit marginally to 37 points at the bitter end. The minor premiers had finished the final series once again out in straight sets and with a combined effort of only eight goals in two matches and eight consecutive finals defeats going back to 2008. In a game in which many players were down on their form, the club had significant input from last year's reserves club best and fairest Luke Tynan, a much improved player who was named this week in the VFL team of the year with Panozza. Diminutive Jordan Pollard who came up from the development league team after winning the A. Todd Medal for best player in that competition, also worked hard and won many hard balls. Jai Sheahan fulfilled a number of roles admirably on the day, playing strongly in defence and when moved to attack and the odd run in the ruck while Jordan Gysberts was a prolific ball winner with 26 disposals, 2 marks and a goal. The season was not a total loss for Casey which achieved some outstanding results in its first year under Brett Lovett. The club which lost several of its VFA stalwarts at the start of the year including the game's best on ground James Wall, who dominated the ruck for Williamstown, particularly after Hill's departure from the ground, GWS recruit Tim Mohr, former state rep Michael Stockdale as well as goalkicker Brendan Fevola. They were replaced in the main by young unsung local talent like Hill, Michael Riseley, Luke Tynan, Mitch Gent and Tim Smith who combined with mature players in Panozza and Matthews, Danny Nicholls (the latter two late in the year), Dave Collins and Rian McGough. There were many others who received their introductions to the VFL this year and the groundwork laid in 2012 by Lovett, who has been reappointed coach for next year, will ultimately assure the club of a better future in the years to come. Casey Scorpions 0.0.0 1.4.10 3.4.22 5.8.38 Williamstown 3.3.21 4.6.30 9.8.62 11.9.75 Goals Casey Scorpions Gysberts Nicholls Sheahan Smith Thompson Williamstown Panos Veszpremi 3 Hill 2 Carr Conway Roberts Best Casey Scorpions L Tynan Pollard Smith Sheahan Nicholls Gysberts Williamstown Wall Jolley McNamara Goodes Carr Lockwood

I think I may go down the route of using past champions. Anyone have any hi-res photos of Robbie, Garry and Neita. The internet isn't helping with Robbie and Garry. PM me if you do.

I've put most of these dates on the homepage for quick reference.