Demonland

great to see that propagation has reached Kenya but i am posting by remotely logging into my work PC as home internet and phone are still pointing to the old server.

Cheers. much appreciated.

for some reason www.demonland.com isn't working but demonland.com is. i will get Nasher to check it out.

My work PC (Telstra) is pointing to the right server. My phone (Telstra) is not. My home internet (Telstra) is also not pointing the the new server. The cafe next door to the office (Optus) is pointing to the right server. It seems to be taking different amounts of time depending on your ISP. A strange thing was happening at the office earlier. My iPhone was connected to the wireless and could see the new server but the computer which is wired to the same ISP was not. Not sure why that would be.

The donate page will be restored soon. It was one of the files in the root folder that did not make it over in the move. I have a copy of it and as soon as Nasher gives me FTP access I will be able to upload it. I would post a link to the paypal page but yesterday whenever I would post the direct link it didn't seem to work. Stay tuned.

Well hopefully this move to the new server goes well otherwise we might only have Big Footy in the future.

Yeah I noticed that too. Nasher didn't copy some of the files from the root folder. I have copies so as soon as I have FTP access to the files I will be able to upload them.

I just want to personally thank all of you who have taken the time and money to donate to us yesterday. It is very much appreciated and goes a long way to paying for the costs associated with running the site and keeping us afloat and reimbursing Nasher for his time. Thank you.

Post here to let us know that you've made it onto the new server.

I can't see the "new" site on my phone (Telstra) or my PC through my ISP (Telstra) but if I get on the cafe next doors free wireless internet (Optus) I can see the new site. Well done Nasher. Let's keep an eye on things and hopefully we won't need to move again.

BURRAS COOKED BY CASEY by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions shrugged off last weekend's disappointing loss at the hands of Werribee and returned to form in their top of the ladder clash with Port Melbourne by recording a stunning come-from-behind 9 point victory at Casey Fields on Sunday. The game against the Borough who are the reigning premiers as well as ladder leaders was played in perfect conditions and the home team's last half comeback produced an exceptionally high standard football as the teams traded goal for goal in a high scoring encounter. Early in the game however, it was all Port Melbourne as the visitors piled on the first six goals straight with quick ball movement and precise disposal while Casey struggled in front of goal managing only four behinds before former Demon skipper Brad Green scored their first major late in the term. Fellow veteran Aaron Davey added another before the quarter time siren but Casey was still in arrears by 20 points. The Scorpions were quick out of the blocks with the first two goals after the break to get them back into the game but Port regained the momentum with a chain of four unanswered goals to go into the sheds at the main break with what appeared to be an unassailable lead of 34 points. Defenders Luke Tynan and Evan Panozza were working hard down back while Matt Fieldsend was getting a lot of the ball. The third quarter fight back by Casey was immediate and dramatic with three early goals from Jack Fitzpatrick, Neville Jetta and Green who was starting to do damage on the Scorps' forward line. The Borough tried to fight back but Couch and Green were on target and, despite a shocking double fifty metre penalty that resulted in a goal to the Borough, one had the sense by orange time that Casey was well placed to come over the top of the visitors who still led by 10 points. The Scorpions have become accustomed to close finishes throughout the 2012 season and this game was to prove no exception although the visitors started the final term off with a goal from a free kick to extend their lead to 16 points. Fortunately, they couldn't counter Brad Green's dominance in the air or on the ground and he set up the victory with his first two goals of the quarter to peg back the lead. Both teams were scoring freely as the lead changed hands in a quarter where the talents of Casey first year players Tim Smith and Nathan Page were well and truly showcased with two goals each. Smith took a couple of great grabs while Page, at one stage scooted out of a pack at great pace to slam through a vital goal. Green and Couch were there to see the Scorpions safely home in a great eight goal winning quarter and it was fitting that Jack Fitzpatrick took the last shot at goal in the dying stages. His kick registered a point but the big man's 31 hit outs and 16 touches were instrumental in giving his team a well earned victory and equal top place on the VFL Peter Jackson ladder. Casey's tough stretch of matches continues with an away clash against Bendigo Gold at Windy Hill in the ABC televised match. The team will have to work hard again this week as their opponents inflicted a heavy loss on them when they met earlier in the season. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Unlike last week, this game resulted in several players putting their hands up for AFL promotion. The Demons are out of contention this season and one expects there to be some movement between the AFL and VFL teams starting with next weekend. Lucas Cook - 9 disposals, 7 kicks, 2 handballs, 7 marks, 1 tackle. The young developing key position forward presented strongly in the air and was a useful contributor on the day. Tom Couch - 25 disposals, 15 kicks, 10 handballs, 6 marks, 4 goals, 1 tackle. The hard working on baller produced the goods at just the right time with James Magner appearing to tire in recent games with the Demons. Couch looms as a likely replacement after complementing his excellent performance around the ground with four valuable goals when he went forward. Aaron Davey - 22 disposals, 13 kicks, 9 handballs, 3 marks, 1 goal, 5 tackles. The Flash put in a classical Aaron Davey performance with precision delivery of the ball in what must have been a big confidence boost for him. Now to translate that in the AFL. Troy Davis - 10 disposals, 6 kicks, 4 handballs, 5 marks. Davis was beaten on the day by one of the AFL's stronger forwards who was well serviced down the ground for most of the day. Nevertheless, he plugged away for the four quarters and did some nice things. Jack Fitzpatrick - 16 disposals, 8 kicks, 8 handballs, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 31 hit outs, 1 goal. The best ruckman on the ground and possibly his best performance since joining the club. Needs to improve his disposal, particularly kicking for goal. Brad Green - 21 disposals, 18 kicks, 3 handballs, 9 marks, 3 tackles, 6 goals. A welcome return to the form of old. His kicking for goal was great and in stark contrast to his last game at Melbourne prior to his injury. Will be back in the red and blue next weekend. Jordan Gysberts - 24 disposals, 9 kicks, 15 handballs, 2 marks, 4 tackles. A ball magnet inside who deserves a break and hopefully will get one in the next week or so. Neville Jetta - 14 disposals, 10 kicks, 4 handballs, 7 marks, 1 goal. Jetta worked hard in his second game since returning from a long term injury and possibly ran out of steam at the end. Will be better for the game time and if he keeps up that effort, Jetta should get his opportunity at the higher level very soon. Cale Morton - 15 disposals, 8 kicks, 7 handballs, 5 marks, 1 tackle. Had a run with role and did it well. Late in the game, he was instrumental in setting up the win with some creative play. Ricky Petterd - 19 disposals, 14 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 marks, 4 tackles. Had a number of different roles and had a quiet first half before working his way back into the game in the second. James Strauss - 11 disposals, 10 kicks, 1 handball, 3 marks, 2 tackles. Unobtrusively did his job in defence. Leigh Williams - 8 disposals, 8 kicks, 5 marks, 1 goal. Showed some very good play in flashes and did well keeping the ball in the forward line with some strong tackling. Casey Scorpions 2.3.15 4.5.29 10.8.68 18.10.118 Port Melbourne 6.1.37 10.3.63 12.6.78 17.7.109 Goals Casey Scorpions Green 6 Couch 4 Page Smith 2 Davey Fitzpatrick Jetta Williams Port Melbourne Galea 7 Burstin Dwyer Hinkley 2 Bonaddio Cain Pleming Valenti Best Casey Scorpions Fitzpatrick Green Couch Morton L Tynan Port Melbourne Galea Valenti Pleming Pinwill Baird Dillon Casey's Development League team had an even battle with Port Melbourne for the first three quarters before taking control in the final quarter and running away to win by 40 points. The Scorpions are now equal second on the ladder. Casey Scorpions 2.4.16 6.11.47 10.14.74 16.18.114 Port Melbourne 3.5.23 6.6.42 10.8.68 11.8.74 Goals Casey Scorpions Galvin 4 McGough 3 Lang 2 Corry Eddy Johnston Lindsay Petropoulos Roberts Troutman Port Melbourne Weightman 3 Allan Edmondson 2 Bentick Larsen Musso Scipione Best Casey Scorpions Gent Collins Corry Galvin Allen McGough Port Melbourne Bentick Purcell Scipione Gordon Edmondson Weightman

BURRAS COOKED BY CASEY by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions shrugged off last weekend's disappointing loss at the hands of Werribee and returned to form in their top of the ladder clash with Port Melbourne by recording a stunning come-from-behind 9 point victory at Casey Fields on Sunday. The game against the Borough who are the reigning premiers as well as ladder leaders was played in perfect conditions and the home team's last half comeback produced an exceptionally high standard football as the teams traded goal for goal in a high scoring encounter. Early in the game however, it was all Port Melbourne as the visitors piled on the first six goals straight with quick ball movement and precise disposal while Casey struggled in front of goal managing only four behinds before former Demon skipper Brad Green scored their first major late in the term. Fellow veteran Aaron Davey added another before the quarter time siren but Casey was still in arrears by 20 points. The Scorpions were quick out of the blocks with the first two goals after the break to get them back into the game but Port regained the momentum with a chain of four unanswered goals to go into the sheds at the main break with what appeared to be an unassailable lead of 34 points. Defenders Luke Tynan and Evan Panozza were working hard down back while Matt Fieldsend was getting a lot of the ball. The third quarter fight back by Casey was immediate and dramatic with three early goals from Jack Fitzpatrick, Neville Jetta and Green who was starting to do damage on the Scorps' forward line. The Borough tried to fight back but Couch and Green were on target and, despite a shocking double fifty metre penalty that resulted in a goal to the Borough, one had the sense by orange time that Casey was well placed to come over the top of the visitors who still led by 10 points. The Scorpions have become accustomed to close finishes throughout the 2012 season and this game was to prove no exception although the visitors started the final term off with a goal from a free kick to extend their lead to 16 points. Fortunately, they couldn't counter Brad Green's dominance in the air or on the ground and he set up the victory with his first two goals of the quarter to peg back the lead. Both teams were scoring freely as the lead changed hands in a quarter where the talents of Casey first year players Tim Smith and Nathan Page were well and truly showcased with two goals each. Smith took a couple of great grabs while Page, at one stage scooted out of a pack at great pace to slam through a vital goal. Green and Couch were there to see the Scorpions safely home in a great eight goal winning quarter and it was fitting that Jack Fitzpatrick took the last shot at goal in the dying stages. His kick registered a point but the big man's 31 hit outs and 16 touches were instrumental in giving his team a well earned victory and equal top place on the VFL Peter Jackson ladder. Casey's tough stretch of matches continues with an away clash against Bendigo Gold at Windy Hill in the ABC televised match. The team will have to work hard again this week as their opponents inflicted a heavy loss on them when they met earlier in the season. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Unlike last week, this game resulted in several players putting their hands up for AFL promotion. The Demons are out of contention this season and one expects there to be some movement between the AFL and VFL teams starting with next weekend. Lucas Cook - 9 disposals, 7 kicks, 2 handballs, 7 marks, 1 tackle. The young developing key position forward presented strongly in the air and was a useful contributor on the day. Tom Couch - 25 disposals, 15 kicks, 10 handballs, 6 marks, 4 goals, 1 tackle. The hard working on baller produced the goods at just the right time with James Magner appearing to tire in recent games with the Demons. Couch looms as a likely replacement after complementing his excellent performance around the ground with four valuable goals when he went forward. Aaron Davey - 22 disposals, 13 kicks, 9 handballs, 3 marks, 1 goal, 5 tackles. The Flash put in a classical Aaron Davey performance with precision delivery of the ball in what must have been a big confidence boost for him. Now to translate that in the AFL. Troy Davis - 10 disposals, 6 kicks, 4 handballs, 5 marks. Davis was beaten on the day by one of the AFL's stronger forwards who was well serviced down the ground for most of the day. Nevertheless, he plugged away for the four quarters and did some nice things. Jack Fitzpatrick - 16 disposals, 8 kicks, 8 handballs, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 31 hit outs, 1 goal. The best ruckman on the ground and possibly his best performance since joining the club. Needs to improve his disposal, particularly kicking for goal. Brad Green - 21 disposals, 18 kicks, 3 handballs, 9 marks, 3 tackles, 6 goals. A welcome return to the form of old. His kicking for goal was great and in stark contrast to his last game at Melbourne prior to his injury. Will be back in the red and blue next weekend. Jordan Gysberts - 24 disposals, 9 kicks, 15 handballs, 2 marks, 4 tackles. A ball magnet inside who deserves a break and hopefully will get one in the next week or so. Neville Jetta - 14 disposals, 10 kicks, 4 handballs, 7 marks, 1 goal. Jetta worked hard in his second game since returning from a long term injury and possibly ran out of steam at the end. Will be better for the game time and if he keeps up that effort, Jetta should get his opportunity at the higher level very soon. Cale Morton - 15 disposals, 8 kicks, 7 handballs, 5 marks, 1 tackle. Had a run with role and did it well. Late in the game, he was instrumental in setting up the win with some creative play. Ricky Petterd - 19 disposals, 14 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 marks, 4 tackles. Had a number of different roles and had a quiet first half before working his way back into the game in the second. James Strauss - 11 disposals, 10 kicks, 1 handball, 3 marks, 2 tackles. Unobtrusively did his job in defence. Leigh Williams - 8 disposals, 8 kicks, 5 marks, 1 goal. Showed some very good play in flashes and did well keeping the ball in the forward line with some strong tackling. Casey Scorpions 2.3.15 4.5.29 10.8.68 18.10.118 Port Melbourne 6.1.37 10.3.63 12.6.78 17.7.109 Goals Casey Scorpions Green 6 Couch 4 Page Smith 2 Davey Fitzpatrick Jetta Williams Port Melbourne Galea 7 Burstin Dwyer Hinkley 2 Bonaddio Cain Pleming Valenti Best Casey Scorpions Fitzpatrick Green Couch Morton L Tynan Port Melbourne Galea Valenti Pleming Pinwill Baird Dillon Casey's Development League team had an even battle with Port Melbourne for the first three quarters before taking control in the final quarter and running away to win by 40 points. The Scorpions are now equal second on the ladder. Casey Scorpions 2.4.16 6.11.47 10.14.74 16.18.114 Port Melbourne 3.5.23 6.6.42 10.8.68 11.8.74 Goals Casey Scorpions Galvin 4 McGough 3 Lang 2 Corry Eddy Johnston Lindsay Petropoulos Roberts Troutman Port Melbourne Weightman 3 Allan Edmondson 2 Bentick Larsen Musso Scipione Best Casey Scorpions Gent Collins Corry Galvin Allen McGough Port Melbourne Bentick Purcell Scipione Gordon Edmondson Weightman

Perferably not. If you want to direct debit then PM me and I will give you payment details.

No need to apologise Vagg. Without your help at the time Demonland might not even exist today.

Try the link now. It should bring you to our old Donation page which provides a button at the top that should link you to the right page.

I think I fixed the link. It's working for me. Could someone else try it to confirm.

The End of Demonland ...... Almost The other day we were given the boot by our current hosting provider. They informed us that our arrangement was no longer financially viable to them and that we had a week to find a new home. After 12 years of running and paying for this site I felt that it was a good time to end it all. We had a very good arrangement with our hosting provider (basically free) and I did not want to have to look for a new home and feared that the expenses would again begin to mount. It's not only the financially side that I did not want to contend with but the countless hours of work involved in running the site and making sure that it runs smoothly. The last time we paid for hosting it was a nightmare and the site had many problems. It was slow and could not handle the volume of traffic that occurs post match. I was ready to throw in the towel then. Fortunately we were thrown a lifeline by Vagg and given free hosting on a server that was very quick and hassel free. All good things must come to an end. Vagg's association with the company ended and we were very lucky to continue on there unnoticed for a very long time. Unfortunately our arrangement has been discovered and we are being forced to vacate and the prospect daunts me for many of the reasons listed above. Being a father with a growing family I simply do not have the time or the funds to continue unless we find a solution that is stable, hassle free and financially viable. Luckily Nasher has agree once again to take up the hosting reigns and we are hoping that the costs will stay down. However, Nasher has already spent a lot of time on the move and being a father like myself that time is very precious. No doubt his time over the next few weeks will be used up making sure the site is running smoothly. So with all that said I thought it was a good time to ask the good people of Demonland to put their money where their mouth is and helps us out here. Below is a link to donations where you can contribute as much or as little as you want. I will be passing the majority of it on to Nasher for his time and efforts in running and maintaining the site. The rest will be going towards the message board software license fees, domain registration and other associated costs with the hosting of the site including extra bandwidth if needed. Currently all these cost either come out of my pocket, through subscriptions to Demonland (which isn't much) and through revenue from advertisements clicks on the site (which also isn't much). Any assistance the community members of Demonland could contribute is always greatly appreciated. To donate any amount to Demonland please follow this link: DONATE TO DEMONLAND If you would like to subscribe to Demonland for either 1 year ($20) or Lifetime ($50) please follow this link: SUBSCRIBE TO DEMONLAND Taking out a Demonland subcriptions will remove the Advertisements from the site as well as offer you a mobile skin for viewing the site on a smartphone. Obviously none of these options are mandatory but please be reminded that a lot of hard work and time goes in to bringing you this forum for free. Also just a reminder that we will be moving to our new home tonight, Monday 9th of July (around 8pm AEST). More information here. Please be patient whilst we iron out any bugs.

The other day we were given the boot by our current hosting provider. They informed us that our arrangement was no longer financially viable to them and that we had a week to find a new home. After 12 years of running and paying for this site I felt that it was a good time to end it all. We had a very good arrangement with our hosting provider (basically free) and I did not want to have to look for a new home and feared that the expenses would again begin to mount. It's not only the financially side that I did not want to contend with but the countless hours of work involved in running the site and making sure that it runs smoothly. The last time we paid for hosting it was a nightmare and the site had many problems. It was slow and could not handle the volume of traffic that occurs post match. I was ready to throw in the towel then. Fortunately we were thrown a lifeline by Vagg and given free hosting on a server that was very quick and hassel free. All good things must come to an end. Vagg's association with the company ended and we were very lucky to continue on there unnoticed for a very long time. Unfortunately our arrangement has been discovered and we are being forced to vacate and the prospect daunts me for many of the reasons listed above. Being a father with a growing family I simply do not have the time or the funds to continue unless we find a solution that is stable, hassle free and financially viable. Luckily Nasher has agree once again to take up the hosting reigns and we are hoping that the costs will stay down. However, Nasher has already spent a lot of time on the move and being a father like myself that time is very precious. No doubt his time over the next few weeks will be used up making sure the site is running smoothly. So with all that said I thought it was a good time to ask the good people of Demonland to put their money where their mouth is and helps us out here. Below is a link to donations where you can contribute as much or as little as you want. I will be passing the majority of it on to Nasher for his time and efforts in running and maintaining the site. The rest will be going towards the message board software license fees, domain registration and other associated costs with the hosting of the site including extra bandwidth if needed. Currently all these cost either come out of my pocket, through subscriptions to Demonland (which isn't much) and through revenue from advertisements clicks on the site (which also isn't much). Any assistance the community members of Demonland could contribute is always greatly appreciated. To donate any amount to Demonland please follow this link: DONATE TO DEMONLAND If you would like to subscribe to Demonland for either 1 year ($20) or Lifetime ($50) please follow this link: SUBSCRIBE TO DEMONLAND Taking out a Demonland subcriptions will remove the Advertisements from the site as well as offer you a mobile skin for viewing the site on a smartphone. Obviously none of these options are mandatory but please be reminded that a lot of hard work and time goes in to bringing you this forum for free. Also just a reminder that we will be moving to our new home tonight, Monday 9th of July (around 8pm AEST). More information here. Please be patient whilst we iron out any bugs.

Ho hum 159 Nathan Jones 81 Mitch Clark 75 Jack Watts 69 Jared Rivers 63 Jeremy Howe 62 James Magner 41 Jordie McKenzie 38 James Frawley 32 Jack Grimes 30 Tom McDonald 29 Colin Sylvia 27 Sam Blease 26 Matthew Bate 20 Colin Garland 19 Cale Morton 15 Clint Bartram Joel Macdonald Jack Trengove 13 Stef Martin 9 Rohan Bail Dan Nicholson 8 James Sellar 7 Lynden Dunn 3 Brent Moloney Jake Spencer 1 Aaron Davey Luke Tapscott

SLEEPERS by The Oracle You could easily be forgiven for thinking that it was the entire Melbourne Football Club and not Dan Connors and Dustin Martin who had a big night out, decided to take some sleeping pills and turned up late for their assignation. That's how it appeared in the opening quarter of their game against the Tigers as the Demons put on a convincing portrayal of a team in a stupor desperately imitating the mannerisms of the Keystone Cops on its way to a football belting. They made the mistakes of a tired side lacking in skills, unable to make the correct decisions and appearing decidedly out of position and out of place. You just knew from the moment Lynden Dunn gave that nudge in the back for Richmond's first goal early in the game that things weren't going to go well and it was only for the fact that the Tigers had the kicking yips in front of goal that prevented them from setting up a huge percentage booster as they push towards the finals. The problem for Melbourne was that it had the yips all over the ground and not just in front of goal so we were treated to the now routine abysmal start involving errant handpasses (usually the one in the chain too many), kicks to teammates that float over their heads and end safely in the hands of an opponent or out of bounds on the full and the gift of stupid free kicks that inevitably result in cheap opposition scores. The spectre of a shameful scoreless first quarter was definitely on the cards when Stef Martin missed one from an angle but Sam Blease stepped in with one of his now typical ripping left foot goals. When they woke up and the dust had settled, the Demons found themselved trailing by 1.0.6 to 4.6.30. Sure, it could have (and perhaps should have) been worse but it could also have been so much better had the team come into the game more organised and wide awake. From that point, the result was never in doubt but at least Melbourne fought its way through the game and even narrowly outscored Richmond in the final three quarters, helped by the Tigers poor kicking for goal, some abysmal and inconsistent field umpiring, and a great solo performance from Nathan Jones who has been a shining light at the club this season. The main thrust of any Demon fightback was effectively stilled by the comedy of errors that ended with a video review that disallowed what appeared to be a flaky goal off the boot of James Magner. It started when Magner intercepted a mark that appeared headed for the safe hands of Jared Rivers. The shot was taken from only 35 metres out but it disappeared into a crowd of players with legs and arms apparently flailing around an untouched ball. The goal umpire looked ready to pay the goal but then every official on the ground had a say and it went to the video review which was said to have proved inconclusive. A goal to Melbourne would have meant it was game on but it was not to be. Melbourne had a few other triers but there simply weren't enough of them. Colin Sylvia is regaining some form, James Frawley did his best in curtailing Jack Riewoldt and Jack Watts showed his undoubted class. Regrettably, the team is still hopelessly undermanned, under strength and simply doesn't have the experienced cool heads at this stage to lead the way in times of crisis. There are too many of the best 22 out of the side and the slack is not being taken up by young blood as it should when you're sitting forlornly near the basement at 2 and 12. Chris Connolly once said that if you made five or more changes to the side then you had little chance of winning. But that is exactly what Richmond did after a horror week when it lost players to suspension and injury. The Tigers changed their team because of circumstance and still won - even if it was a case of winning ugly. It's time for Melbourne to ring in the changes this week. There were enough passengers who slept on the job against Richmond to warrant changes to the team. Hopefully, Mark Jamar will be back in the side from injury but he should be joined by a combination of youth and experience to replace the sleepers. It would also assist if the team if Mark Neeld reconsidered his decision to play so many of his charges out of their normal positions. That sort of experimentation often proves successful on a one out basis but in the long run, simply doesn't work. The team is floundering and the forward line is a shambles in the absence of Mitch Clark and Liam Jurrah. Colin Garland, Jared Rivers and Magner never looked like kicking multiple numbers of goals up there while Lynden Dunn and Watts need a change back to the forward line. Melbourne has a former under 18 All Australian key position player running around at Casey. Another young key defender has been on the cusp of selection and named emergency a few times this year. A few others have been battling on their way back from injury. It's time to see what they're made of and put them on the big stage for next week's game against the Dockers, failing which many supporters might well take the easy option and simply sleep in on Saturday. Melbourne 1.06 4.4.28 5.6.36 11.12.78 Richmond 4.6.30 6.1248 9.20.74 13.23.101 Goals Melbourne Martin 2 Bail Bennell Blease Garland Jones McKenzie Rivers Sylvia Tapscott Richmond Nahas 4 Deledio McGuane 2 Edwards Grigg Riewoldt Tuck White Best Melbourne Jones Martin Frawley Sylvia Bail Watts Richmond Tuck Grigg Deledio Houli Cotchin Nahas Injuries Melbourne Frawley (concussion) Richmond Griffiths (calf tightness) Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Umpires Wenn Armstrong Foot Official Crowd 46,773 at MCG

Game's over now folks. Let's move on to post match discussion.

SLEEPERS by The Oracle You could easily be forgiven for thinking that it was the entire Melbourne Football Club and not Dan Connors and Dustin Martin who had a big night out, decided to take some sleeping pills and turned up late for their assignation. That's how it appeared in the opening quarter of their game against the Tigers as the Demons put on a convincing portrayal of a team in a stupor desperately imitating the mannerisms of the Keystone Cops on its way to a football belting. They made the mistakes of a tired side lacking in skills, unable to make the correct decisions and appearing decidedly out of position and out of place. You just knew from the moment Lynden Dunn gave that nudge in the back for Richmond's first goal early in the game that things weren't going to go well and it was only for the fact that the Tigers had the kicking yips in front of goal that prevented them from setting up a huge percentage booster as they push towards the finals. The problem for Melbourne was that it had the yips all over the ground and not just in front of goal so we were treated to the now routine abysmal start involving errant handpasses (usually the one in the chain too many), kicks to teammates that float over their heads and end safely in the hands of an opponent or out of bounds on the full and the gift of stupid free kicks that inevitably result in cheap opposition scores. The spectre of a shameful scoreless first quarter was definitely on the cards when Stef Martin missed one from an angle but Sam Blease stepped in with one of his now typical ripping left foot goals. When they woke up and the dust had settled, the Demons found themselved trailing by 1.0.6 to 4.6.30. Sure, it could have (and perhaps should have) been worse but it could also have been so much better had the team come into the game more organised and wide awake. From that point, the result was never in doubt but at least Melbourne fought its way through the game and even narrowly outscored Richmond in the final three quarters, helped by the Tigers poor kicking for goal, some abysmal and inconsistent field umpiring, and a great solo performance from Nathan Jones who has been a shining light at the club this season. The main thrust of any Demon fightback was effectively stilled by the comedy of errors that ended with a video review that disallowed what appeared to be a flaky goal off the boot of James Magner. It started when Magner intercepted a mark that appeared headed for the safe hands of Jared Rivers. The shot was taken from only 35 metres out but it disappeared into a crowd of players with legs and arms apparently flailing around an untouched ball. The goal umpire looked ready to pay the goal but then every official on the ground had a say and it went to the video review which was said to have proved inconclusive. A goal to Melbourne would have meant it was game on but it was not to be. Melbourne had a few other triers but there simply weren't enough of them. Colin Sylvia is regaining some form, James Frawley did his best in curtailing Jack Riewoldt and Jack Watts showed his undoubted class. Regrettably, the team is still hopelessly undermanned, under strength and simply doesn't have the experienced cool heads at this stage to lead the way in times of crisis. There are too many of the best 22 out of the side and the slack is not being taken up by young blood as it should when you're sitting forlornly near the basement at 2 and 12. Chris Connolly once said that if you made five or more changes to the side then you had little chance of winning. But that is exactly what Richmond did after a horror week when it lost players to suspension and injury. The Tigers changed their team because of circumstance and still won - even if it was a case of winning ugly. It's time for Melbourne to ring in the changes this week. There were enough passengers who slept on the job against Richmond to warrant changes to the team. Hopefully, Mark Jamar will be back in the side from injury but he should be joined by a combination of youth and experience to replace the sleepers. It would also assist if the team if Mark Neeld reconsidered his decision to play so many of his charges out of their normal positions. That sort of experimentation often proves successful on a one out basis but in the long run, simply doesn't work. The team is floundering and the forward line is a shambles in the absence of Mitch Clark and Liam Jurrah. Colin Garland, Jared Rivers and Magner never looked like kicking multiple numbers of goals up there while Lynden Dunn and Watts need a change back to the forward line. Melbourne has a former under 18 All Australian key position player running around at Casey. Another young key defender has been on the cusp of selection and named emergency a few times this year. A few others have been battling on their way back from injury. It's time to see what they're made of and put them on the big stage for next week's game against the Dockers, failing which many supporters might well take the easy option and simply sleep in on Saturday. Melbourne 1.06 4.4.28 5.6.36 11.12.78 Richmond 4.6.30 6.1248 9.20.74 13.23.101 Goals Melbourne Martin 2 Bail Bennell Blease Garland Jones McKenzie Rivers Sylvia Tapscott Richmond Nahas 4 Deledio McGuane 2 Edwards Grigg Riewoldt Tuck White Best Melbourne Jones Martin Frawley Sylvia Bail Watts Richmond Tuck Grigg Deledio Houli Cotchin Nahas Injuries Melbourne Frawley (concussion) Richmond Griffiths (calf tightness) Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Umpires Wenn Armstrong Foot Official Crowd 46,773 at MCG

Go!

Thanks everybody for you input. The pre match thread is up and running. We're done here!

RUDE AWAKENING by the Demonland Crew and hosted by JVM The Round 14 fixture between Melbourne and Richmond has assumed a greater measure of significance in the scheme of things as a result of the week's happenings at Tigerland. Our correspondents have looked at the game from different perspectives, starting with Demon Head who looks at the recent history of games between these clubs:- Melbourne and Richmond have an interesting recent history. Who could ever forget the "Jordan McMahon" game which was decided when that player goaled after the siren to secure victory for the Tigers and a priority draft pick for the Demons? In recent seasons Melbourne had the ascendency but all that has changed as Richmond continued their upward surge of improvement late last season to atone for the result when the teams met earlier in the season. This year, it was Richmond easily after an even first half and I can't see the result being overturned this week. It's a little unfortunate for the fans that injuries have hit Melbourne where it hurt the most at this stage of the season. You just can't afford to lose the likes of Mitch Clark, Aaron Davey, Mark Jamar and Nathan Jones in one week as happened against the Lions. Then to lose the most recent NAB Rising Star nominee in Tom McDonald five minutes into the next game is nothing short of frustrating. Some of those players might be back this week but the task of winning will be tough, such has been the disruption to the team's structure. Richmond has all the incentive to win. A loss to a team placed 16th would just about destroy their finals hopes. They can't afford to lose and they won't! premiers13 disagrees. Even before the news broke about the events at football's new "Sleepy Hollow", this correspondent believed in the Dees:- While Melbourne has been injury depleted, there awaits a massive opportunity this week against Richmond. Let's face it. No King, no Vickery, no Jackson, Morris doubtful - this must upset the Tiger balance. Hopefully back for Melbourne will be Jones, Jamar and Davey. Possible debuts from Couch or Cook or both and we have an interesting contest. While Sellar is 50/50, Richmond will be nervous of the improving Dees. Melbourne have absolutely nothing to lose. Rivers will probably venture back , while Garland will remain in the a key forward post. One gets the feeling that Garland is a 6 goal game, waiting to happen. Shutting down Deledio, Martin and Crotchin will determine the outcome. Jamar or Martin will have to give Maric a bath. Sylvia is getting better each week and I think Howe is about to take mark of the century. The game might be won at the selection table. If the Dees win, it will be wonderful, if they lose, then picks 3+4 seem assured. Melbourne may well surprise, as some of their middle of the road players will be starting to second guess their futures. They all need good performances from hereon in. Melbourne supporters will sleep well at either outcome. My pick Dees by 17 mrtwister missed the gaffe about the misspelling of Richmond's Trent Cotchin's name (a Freudian slip?) but he did note some problems with the way the afl.com preview expressed the scenario in the event that Cotchin "goes forward" then ... "Daniel Nicholson can sit on him and rotate Trengove through the back half as a spare." Yep. Go figure? THE GAME Melbourne v Richmond at the MCG Saturday 7 July 2012 at 2.10pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 79 wins Richmond 101 wins 2 draws At MCG Melbourne 60 wins Richmond 66 wins 1 draw Since 2000 Melbourne 9 wins Richmond 12 wins The Coaches Neeld 0 wins Hardwick 1 win MEDIA TV – Fox Footy Channel Live at 2.00pm RADIO -3AW Triple M THE BETTING Melbourne $5.00 to win Richmond $1.17 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Richmond 20.13.133 defeated Melbourne 11.8.74 at the MCG, Round 3, 2012 The Tigers were on top from the beginning but the Demons worked hard and had their moments in the first half. After the main break, the wheels fell off for Melbourne which simply couldn't muster up any run in the midfield. Richmond scored 9.3.57 to a solitary goal and finished with an emphatic 59 point win. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Daniel Nicholson James Frawley Jared Rivers Half backs Joel Macdonald Jack Watts Jack Grimes Centreline Jack Trengove Jordie McKenzie Jeremy Howe Half forwards Colin Sylvia, Stef Martin, Sam Blease Forwards James Magner Colin Garland Luke Tapscott Followers Jake Spencer Brent Moloney Nathan Jones Interchange Rohan Bail Matthew Bate Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn Emergencies Lucas Cook Ricky Petterd James Strauss In Jamie Bennell Nathan Jones Out Tom McDonald (lung) James Sellar (thigh) RICHMOND Backs Chris Newman Alex Rance Steven Morris Half backs Matt Dea Ben Griffiths Bachar Houli Centreline Brandon Ellis Trent Cotchin Shaun Grigg Half forwards Shane Edwards Brett Deledio Matthew White Forwards Robin Nahas Jack Riewoldt Addam Maric Followers Ivan Maric Reece Conca Shane Tuck Interchange Jake Batchelor Tom Derickx Luke McGuane Brett O'Hanlon Emergencies Matthew Arnot Todd Elton Brad Miller In Jake Batchelor Reece Conca Tom Derickx Luke McGuane Addam Maric Brett O’Hanlon Matthew White Out Dan Connors (Khyber Pass) Todd Elton (omitted) Dylan Grimes (hamstring) Daniel Jackson (hamstring) Jake King (knee) Dustin Martin (club suspension) Brad Miller (omitted) New Tom Derickx (Claremont) Then the news came on Wednesday that Richmond had given the sack to one player and banned another for two weeks after both had dozed off and missed a training session the day before. It was certainly a rude awakening for the fighting fury from Tigerland. Legal Eagle Rumpole offered the lads some free advice:- I believe the time has come to offer the Richmond Football Club and its players some wisdom and legal counsel in preparation for the coming game and the rest of the season. 1. Never plead guilty; 2. Deny everything and 3. Play the game in good spirit. It is my considered opinion that the events of the week, the injuries and the disruption to your focus (and I can understand there might be problems with focussing when players undertake the activities that are alleged against them) will make it difficult for you to perform at your best when you face your Demons. Verdict: Melbourne Magistrates Court by 25 Penalty Points. SidViscious (no relation to another individual who might have had problems in the past with the use of certain substances) took a different approach but came down on the side of the Demons:- The events of July 4, 2012 have swung the momentum of the game dramatically. The Tigers would have been strong favourites before the sanctions against Dustin Martin (who averages 20 possessions and a goal a game against the Dees) and Daniel Connors who learned everything he knew about etiquette and behaviour on interstate trips from former teammate Ben Cousins but now it's not such a sure thing. As it is, Richmond reserves some of its best football for the elite teams whilst it hasn't really been that flash when taking on some of the others. It lost to Fremantle in Melbourne recently after beating Sydney and Hawthorn and it was rubbish against GWS a couple of weeks ago before losing to Adelaide after an eight goal first quarter. This suggests that Damien Hardwick's boys have some weaknesses that can be exploited. Their midfield is decidedly weaker although it still has the likes of Cotchin and Delidio but the Tigers are iffy in other positions so if James Frawley can do a number on Jack Riewoldt, it will definitely be game on. I'm tipping Melbourne by 12 points. Thanks to the Demonland crew for your input. I hope the foregoing hasn't put anyone to sleep!