Demonland

Anyone remember this game? GEELONG Backs David Wojcinski Matthew Scarlett Tom Lonergan Half backs Andrew Mackie Harry Taylor Corey Enright Centreline Cameron Ling Joel Selwood Jimmy Bartel Half forwards Travis Varcoe Tom Hawkins Mathew Stokes Forwards Allen Christensen Cameron Mooney Steve Johnson Followers Brad Ottens Paul Chapman Joel Corey Interchange Mitch Duncan James Kelly Darren Milburn Trent West Emergencies Josh Cowan Cameron Guthrie Steven Motlop In Steve Johnson Cameron Ling Cameron Mooney Brad Ottens Out Shannon Byrnes (calf) Josh Cowan (omitted) Josh Hunt (back) James Podsiadly (facial soreness) MELBOURNE Backs James Strauss James Frawley Nathan Jones Half backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Daniel Nicholson Centreline Jack Trengove Jordan Gysberts Colin Sylvia Half forwards Lynden Dunn Jack Watts Jeremy Howe Forwards Brad Green Liam Jurrah Addam Maric Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney Luke Tapscott Interchange Matthew Bate Jordie McKenzie Stef Martin Ricky Petterd, Emergencies Clint Bartram Max Gawn Tom McDonald In Liam Jurrah Out Jamie Bennell

We've done this before with some success so why not try it with the game against Geelong at Sleepy Hollow. Do your own preview of this Saturday's game and the pick of the bunch will be included in this week's match preview. Can the Demons redeem themselves at the Cattery or will it be a repeat of 186? You tell us what you think and why. Match ups, tactics and strategies - its up to the voice of the people. * we reserve the right to edit (correct spelling and grammar - not content).

HEARTSTOPPER by Ice Station For some reason it has become part of VFL folklore that its always hard for teams to come up after a bye and that's how it looked for the Casey Scorpions as they trailled by five points close on 37 minutes into the last quarter of their game against North Ballarat. The timekeeper's finger must surely have been poised on the button to sound the final siren when Rooster defender Brad McKenzie played on from deep in defence. He didn't count on the speed of Sam Blease who managed to lay the tackle and earn a free kick. The redhead quickly took off and booted a magnificent goal from the boundary with seconds to spare giving Casey its fourth win by a goal or less in its five games to date. North Ballarat had opened the game strongly kicking with the aid of a strong breeze. The Roosters scored the opening goal and maintained control throughout the first term although they would rue some missed chances in front of goal. A long goal after the siren from outside 50 metres had them chock full of confidence with a four goal lead at the first break. It was imperative for the Scorpions to fight back hard and they did so with two goals within the first five minutes of the second term. With Jamie Bennell in full flight and co-skipper Evan Panozza playing one of his best games for the club, Casey scrapped its way back into the game. By half time, scores were level. Casey coach Brett Lovett knew that his team could not afford to allow North Ballarat to draw away with the wind again and his team applied the pressure as the game turned into a dour struggle. It was goal for goal in the early going with Michael Riseley and Wade Lees scoring from frees before the Roosters scrambled their way to a 6 point lead at three quarter time. What followed was an amazing final quarter of football with exciting football and unexpected momentum shifts as first one team, then the other gained what appeared to be the ascendency. Goals to Jamie Bennell and Jack Fitzpatrick put Casey in front by a goal but with Todd Goldstein taking control in the ruck over a tiring Jake Spencer, the Roosters fought back. After some nailbiting minutes in which the game seemed in the balance, it was North Ballarat that broke through with two goals and the visitors appeared to have it in the bag. As they thwarted Casey's efforts, the minutes ticked by. Goals to Rian McGough and Tom Couch restored the Scorpions' hopes but when Goldstein marked in the goalsquare and kicked truly, the game looked over. And still the seconds passed. Casey went forward and Blease kicked his third goal three seconds before the siren blared. It was all over. Another heartstopping Casey victory. HOW THE DEMONS FARED I noticed from the Herald Sun that North Melbourne's injury list was down to just one player the other week but it's been a different story with the Demons who had 12 players at Casey (one, Lucas Cook, played in the reserves). Given that a few of those playing were coming back from injuries - some of them long layoffs - one can appreciate that the club's depth is being severely tested. In spite of the fact that North Ballarat are languishing near the bottom of the ladder, the one point win stil produced some promising signs. Jamie Bennell - a stunning improvement in just about every facet of Bennell's game, especially in his willingness to attack the football. His ballhandling and disposal were good and he was good all day picking up 23 possessions. Sam Blease - kicked three goals including the matchwinner, and like Bennell, would have come out of the game with his confidence boosted. Also laid some good tackles which was pleasing. Tom Couch - showed his usual endeavour and was particularly hard at it at the stoppages. Kicked a vital goal late in the game. Troy Davis - another good game from the young developing defender. Jack Fitzpatrick - provided a target up forward but his kicking let him. Very mobile for a tall man. Kelvin Lawrence - was prominent early in the game but faded a little. Dan Nicholson - got plenty of the football in the middle but needs to work on his disposal where he let himself down on a few occasions. Ricky Petterd - played well in patches, more so in the middle of the ground than up forward. Was good when involved in the third quarter. Jai Sheahan - the young rookie continued to impress with another polished performance down back. Will be a player. Jake Spencer - this was his third game back after a knee reconstruction and while he started strongly against Goldstein in the ruck, he tired after half time and was understandably beaten. Rory Taggart - this was the youngster's first hit out for the season after sustaining a back injury. Showed some ability but his output was understandably limited in the circumstances. ... and from Melbournefc.com.au on Lucas Cook - "Lucas played a half in the Casey reserves and finished with 5.1 in a very promising performance. His marking was strong and he pulled up well." Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 7.7.49 9.8.62 15.11.101 North Ballarat 5.8.38 6.13.49 9.14.62 14.16 100 Goals Casey Scorpions Blease Riseley 3 Smith 2 Bennell Couch Fitzpatrick Lees McGough Petterd Petropoulos North Ballarat Driscoll Micallef 3 George Goldstein 2 Black Mabon Sewell Towers Best Casey Scorpions Panozza Bennell Blease Lees Petterd Sheahan North Ballarat Searl Goldstein Delaney Sewell George Campbell 2012 AFL VIC DEVELOP MENT LEAGUE Casey Scorpions 5.2.32 11.6.72 14.12.96 15.16.106 North Ballarat 0.1.1 6.1.37 7.3.45 10.7.67 Goals Casey Scorpions Cook 5 McInnes Patti Weekes 2 Cleven Dearaugo McGillivray-Smith Page North Ballarat Austin Prato 2 Austin Conroy Hughes Graham Grigg Semmens Warren Best Casey Scorpions Patti Pollard Gent Cook Lindsay Cleven North Ballarat Mather Hughes Austin Barry Jones Struth

HEARTSTOPPER by Ice Station For some reason it has become part of VFL folklore that its always hard for teams to come up after a bye and that's how it looked for the Casey Scorpions as they trailled by five points close on 37 minutes into the last quarter of their game against North Ballarat. The timekeeper's finger must surely have been poised on the button to sound the final siren when Rooster defender Brad McKenzie played on from deep in defence. He didn't count on the speed of Sam Blease who managed to lay the tackle and earn a free kick. The redhead quickly took off and booted a magnificent goal from the boundary with seconds to spare giving Casey its fourth win by a goal or less in its five games to date. North Ballarat had opened the game strongly kicking with the aid of a strong breeze. The Roosters scored the opening goal and maintained control throughout the first term although they would rue some missed chances in front of goal. A long goal after the siren from outside 50 metres had them chock full of confidence with a four goal lead at the first break. It was imperative for the Scorpions to fight back hard and they did so with two goals within the first five minutes of the second term. With Jamie Bennell in full flight and co-skipper Evan Panozza playing one of his best games for the club, Casey scrapped its way back into the game. By half time, scores were level. Casey coach Brett Lovett knew that his team could not afford to allow North Ballarat to draw away with the wind again and his team applied the pressure as the game turned into a dour struggle. It was goal for goal in the early going with Michael Riseley and Wade Lees scoring from frees before the Roosters scrambled their way to a 6 point lead at three quarter time. What followed was an amazing final quarter of football with exciting football and unexpected momentum shifts as first one team, then the other gained what appeared to be the ascendency. Goals to Jamie Bennell and Jack Fitzpatrick put Casey in front by a goal but with Todd Goldstein taking control in the ruck over a tiring Jake Spencer, the Roosters fought back. After some nailbiting minutes in which the game seemed in the balance, it was North Ballarat that broke through with two goals and the visitors appeared to have it in the bag. As they thwarted Casey's efforts, the minutes ticked by. Goals to Rian McGough and Tom Couch restored the Scorpions' hopes but when Goldstein marked in the goalsquare and kicked truly, the game looked over. And still the seconds passed. Casey went forward and Blease kicked his third goal three seconds before the siren blared. It was all over. Another heartstopping Casey victory. HOW THE DEMONS FARED I noticed from the Herald Sun that North Melbourne's injury list was down to just one player the other week but it's been a different story with the Demons who had 12 players at Casey (one, Lucas Cook, played in the reserves). Given that a few of those playing were coming back from injuries - some of them long layoffs - one can appreciate that the club's depth is being severely tested. In spite of the fact that North Ballarat are languishing near the bottom of the ladder, the one point win stil produced some promising signs. Jamie Bennell - a stunning improvement in just about every facet of Bennell's game, especially in his willingness to attack the football. His ballhandling and disposal were good and he was good all day picking up 23 possessions. Sam Blease - kicked three goals including the matchwinner, and like Bennell, would have come out of the game with his confidence boosted. Also laid some good tackles which was pleasing. Tom Couch - showed his usual endeavour and was particularly hard at it at the stoppages. Kicked a vital goal late in the game. Troy Davis - another good game from the young developing defender. Jack Fitzpatrick - provided a target up forward but his kicking let him. Very mobile for a tall man. Kelvin Lawrence - was prominent early in the game but faded a little. Dan Nicholson - got plenty of the football in the middle but needs to work on his disposal where he let himself down on a few occasions. Ricky Petterd - played well in patches, more so in the middle of the ground than up forward. Was good when involved in the third quarter. Jai Sheahan - the young rookie continued to impress with another polished performance down back. Will be a player. Jake Spencer - this was his third game back after a knee reconstruction and while he started strongly against Goldstein in the ruck, he tired after half time and was understandably beaten. Rory Taggart - this was the youngster's first hit out for the season after sustaining a back injury. Showed some ability but his output was understandably limited in the circumstances. ... and from Melbournefc.com.au on Lucas Cook - "Lucas played a half in the Casey reserves and finished with 5.1 in a very promising performance. His marking was strong and he pulled up well." Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 7.7.49 9.8.62 15.11.101 North Ballarat 5.8.38 6.13.49 9.14.62 14.16 100 Goals Casey Scorpions Blease Riseley 3 Smith 2 Bennell Couch Fitzpatrick Lees McGough Petterd Petropoulos North Ballarat Driscoll Micallef 3 George Goldstein 2 Black Mabon Sewell Towers Best Casey Scorpions Panozza Bennell Blease Lees Petterd Sheahan North Ballarat Searl Goldstein Delaney Sewell George Campbell 2012 AFL VIC DEVELOP MENT LEAGUE Casey Scorpions 5.2.32 11.6.72 14.12.96 15.16.106 North Ballarat 0.1.1 6.1.37 7.3.45 10.7.67 Goals Casey Scorpions Cook 5 McInnes Patti Weekes 2 Cleven Dearaugo McGillivray-Smith Page North Ballarat Austin Prato 2 Austin Conroy Hughes Graham Grigg Semmens Warren Best Casey Scorpions Patti Pollard Gent Cook Lindsay Cleven North Ballarat Mather Hughes Austin Barry Jones Struth

TELL THEM THEY'RE NOT TRYING by Mean Gene It's the easiest thing on earth to kick a man when he's down and the pundits have certainly had their day with the Melbourne Football Club of late. That's not to say that some of the criticism hasn't been well earned based on the Demons' form so far this year but it also says a lot about those critics who are falling over suggesting things that they must surely have plucked out of their backsides. Like the superficial rubbish coming from Paul Roos who accused Melbourne players of not trying on last week's On the Couch. He claims that the playing group has already destroyed one coaching career (that of Dean Bailey) and that it is "well on the way to doing the same to Mark Neeld." I don't see it that way and I don't agree with the doomsayers. Sure, things don't appear all that flash after five games but I don't think anyone can accuse the players of not having a dip in their three goal defeat at the hands of St. Kilda. Not when the Demons went into the game minus their full back and full forward, with a key playmaker coming back from injury in a green substitute vest, their most exciting forward still a week away from his comeback game for Casey and a handful of promising younger players either injured or working away to improve their game in the VFL. Yes, their are some excuses and explanations in this paragraph but they are things that need to be considered when looking at a young team devastated by external events and injury that is adapting to a brand new game plan. In spite of all that, Melbourne was able to put in by far its strongest performance of the year for almost the full four quarters until a more experienced St. Kilda outfit rallied to score the last two goals of the game. Melbourne was well served by Nathan Jones who brushed aside criticism from some quarters of his midfield role. He collected 27 disposals, booted two important goals and added passion to the midfield. Jack Grimes heralded his comeback to the team with a great 27 possession game. Melbourne was firing early with strong play from Brent Moloney and scored the game's first two goals. It soon lost the initiative to let the Saints in for a 9 point quarter time lead but fought hard in the wet conditions in the second term. Halfway through the quarter an Aaron Davey goal gave them the lead and when Rohan Bail snapped truly it had opened up to a 10 point advantage. Although the Saints steadied to take the lead into the main break, the scrap continued through the third quarter and well into the last. Tell players like Jordie McKenzie and James Magner who hustled their opponents all night that they weren't trying. Tell it to Cale Morton and Clint Bartram who played their best games in ages or Mark Jamar who killed them in the ruck. Or try telling it to Tom McDonald, with a handful of games under his belt taking on one of the games superstars in Nick Riewoldt. The game proved there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Melbourne and that they need to continue working hard at learning the new style of play. I'm betting the improvement will continue next week when Melbourne takes on Geelong at the place which is symbolic of its current tormented state. There will be no 186 next week. Melbourne 4.1.25 8.3.51 10.6.66 10.6.66 St Kilda 5.4.34 8.5.53 10.9.69 12.12.84 Goals Melbourne Bail Jones 2 Bartram Bate Davey Dunn Moloney Watts St Kilda Wilkes 3 Milne Riewoldt Steven 2 Hayes Montagna Stanley Best Melbourne Jones Rivers Grimes Jamar McKenzie Morton St. Kilda Dal Santo Hayes Armitage Steven Fisher Wilkes Injuries Melbourne James Magner (ankle) St Kilda Jason Blake (knee) Changes Melbourne James Frawley (calf) replaced by Luke Tapscott St. Kilda Jack Newnes by Beau Wilkes Reports Melbourne Nil St. Kilda Nil Umpires Pannell Mitchell Mollison Crowd 24,798 at the MCG

TELL THEM THEY'RE NOT TRYING by Mean Gene It's the easiest thing on earth to kick a man when he's down and the pundits have certainly had their day with the Melbourne Football Club of late. That's not to say that some of the criticism hasn't been well earned based on the Demons' form so far this year but it also says a lot about those critics who are falling over suggesting things that they must surely have plucked out of their backsides. Like the superficial rubbish coming from Paul Roos who accused Melbourne players of not trying on last week's On the Couch. He claims that the playing group has already destroyed one coaching career (that of Dean Bailey) and that it is "well on the way to doing the same to Mark Neeld." I don't see it that way and I don't agree with the doomsayers. Sure, things don't appear all that flash after five games but I don't think anyone can accuse the players of not having a dip in their three goal defeat at the hands of St. Kilda. Not when the Demons went into the game minus their full back and full forward, with a key playmaker coming back from injury in a green substitute vest, their most exciting forward still a week away from his comeback game for Casey and a handful of promising younger players either injured or working away to improve their game in the VFL. Yes, their are some excuses and explanations in this paragraph but they are things that need to be considered when looking at a young team devastated by external events and injury that is adapting to a brand new game plan. In spite of all that, Melbourne was able to put in by far its strongest performance of the year for almost the full four quarters until a more experienced St. Kilda outfit rallied to score the last two goals of the game. Melbourne was well served by Nathan Jones who brushed aside criticism from some quarters of his midfield role. He collected 27 disposals, booted two important goals and added passion to the midfield. Jack Grimes heralded his comeback to the team with a great 27 possession game. Melbourne was firing early with strong play from Brent Moloney and scored the game's first two goals. It soon lost the initiative to let the Saints in for a 9 point quarter time lead but fought hard in the wet conditions in the second term. Halfway through the quarter an Aaron Davey goal gave them the lead and when Rohan Bail snapped truly it had opened up to a 10 point advantage. Although the Saints steadied to take the lead into the main break, the scrap continued through the third quarter and well into the last. Tell players like Jordie McKenzie and James Magner who hustled their opponents all night that they weren't trying. Tell it to Cale Morton and Clint Bartram who played their best games in ages or Mark Jamar who killed them in the ruck. Or try telling it to Tom McDonald, with a handful of games under his belt taking on one of the games superstars in Nick Riewoldt. The game proved there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Melbourne and that they need to continue working hard at learning the new style of play. I'm betting the improvement will continue next week when Melbourne takes on Geelong at the place which is symbolic of its current tormented state. There will be no 186 next week. Melbourne 4.1.25 8.3.51 10.6.66 10.6.66 St Kilda 5.4.34 8.5.53 10.9.69 12.12.84 Goals Melbourne Bail Jones 2 Bartram Bate Davey Dunn Moloney Watts St Kilda Wilkes 3 Milne Riewoldt Steven 2 Hayes Montagna Stanley Best Melbourne Jones Rivers Grimes Jamar McKenzie Morton St. Kilda Dal Santo Hayes Armitage Steven Fisher Wilkes Injuries Melbourne James Magner (ankle) St Kilda Jason Blake (knee) Changes Melbourne James Frawley (calf) replaced by Luke Tapscott St. Kilda Jack Newnes by Beau Wilkes Reports Melbourne Nil St. Kilda Nil Umpires Pannell Mitchell Mollison Crowd 24,798 at the MCG

Place your votes for the Demonland Player of the Year 2012 after the final siren. Votes to be given on a 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis

There's a new leader in the standings after Round 4 40 Nathan Jones 37 James Magner 28 Mitch Clark 27 Jeremy Howe 24 Jack Watts 22 Jared Rivers 19 Matthew Bate 15 Jack Trengove 12 James Frawley 5 Cale Morton 4 Stef Martin 3 Joel Macdonald Jordie McKenzie Brent Moloney 2 Rohan Bail Lynden Dunn Jack Grimes Tom McDonald 1 Clint Bartram Aaron Davey

THE PULSE by Whispering Jack Somewhere in the twilight at the MCG last week I detected a faint pulse beating inside the Melbourne team. After taking a few poundings in the early rounds, there were glimmers of hope that there might really be something there upon which new coach Mark Neeld could work. It was Mitch Clark, proudly wearing the number 11 guernsey that was a thematic part of the day, who set the tone but he didn't get the ball delivered well enough or often enough and his kicking for goal was (like some of his fellow forwards) not good enough. In any event, he succumbed to what could have been a horrifying fate and missed the final quarter's battle. There were others who we thought might have done their collective dashes and been consigned collectively to our memories of the past but who lifted a notch to enable the pulse, albeit still a little feeble, to come to our notice. Aaron Davey, Matthew Bate and Cale Morton all lifted and were responsible for some of the team's better patches of play. We saw a little bit of run, a little improvement in hunger for the ball, a little bit of zest and passion. It wasn't enough to help record a win but it was the first sign that things are getting better. Behind that, there are injured players who have missed proceedings so far, on the comeback trail. Players with the ability of Colin Sylvia and Liam Jurrah would have been invaluable last week against the Bulldogs won't be playing against the Saints but they aren't far away. There are others whose return is imminent and will also help the cause by adding depth and skill to the mix. This is a young list which has recently been much maligned and superficially so by the pundits who have failed to adequately do their research. How many of Melbourne's early draft picks who are undergoing so much criticism have reached the desired figure of 40 to 50 games before they can pass on to the levels expected before they can rise and go forward in this industry? When these players reach that mark, things will get better. The style of play is still being drummed into the players. Disciplines are being instilled at levels that are meaningful. The young leadership is learning some tough lessons. It's a slow process and although we might not understand it and it doesn't appear to be working in terms of getting wins on the board, it's certainly not looking like a bruise-free style of game. If the pulse is getting stronger, then things will get better. THE GAME Melbourne v St. Kilda at MCG Sunday 28 April 2011 at the MCG at 7:40pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 118 wins St. Kilda 83 wins 1 drawn MCG Melbourne 58 wins St. Kilda 31 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 9 wins St. Kilda 8 wins The Coaches Neeld 0 wins Watters 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Footy Channel Live at 7:30pm RADIO 3AW Triple M THE BETTING Melbourne to win $6.50 St. Kilda to win $1.11 THE LAST TIME THEY MET St. Kilda 16.10.106 defeated Melbourne 13.8.86 Round 9, 2011 at Etihad Stadium A Melbourne team, depleted by injuries and suspensions, had every chance to win this game but allowed Steven Milne too much latitude early and then spent much of the rest of the game catching up. It almost did so but some silly errors early in the final quarter allowed St. Kilda to surge ahead and win in unconvincing fashion. Michael Evans was excellent on debut. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs James Frawley Jared Rivers Clint Bartram Half backs Cale Morton Colin Garland Jack Grimes Centreline Jordie McKenzie Brent Moloney Tom McDonald Half forwards Nathan Jones James Sellar Jeremy Howe Forwards Colin Sylvia Lynden Dunn Aaron Davey Followers Mark Jamar James Magner Jack Trengove Interchange Rohan Bail Matthew Bate Joel Macdonald Jack Watts Emergencies Jack Fitzpatrick Ricky Petterd Luke Tapscott In Jack Grimes Colin Sylvia Out Mitchell Clark (concussion) Luke Tapscott ST. KILDA Backs Jason Blake Sam Gilbert Jarryn Geary Half backs Sean Dempster Sam Fisher Tom Simpkin Centreline Brendon Goddard Lenny Hayes Nick Dal Santo Half forwards Leigh Montagna Nick Riewoldt Jack Steven Forwards Terry Milera Rhys Stanley Stephen Milne Followers Ben McEvoy Dean Polo Clinton Jones Interchange David Armitage Jamie Cripps Jason Gram Jack Newnes Emergencies Tom Ledger Arryn Siposs Beau Wilkes In Jason Gram Out Justin Koschitzke (suspended) Umpires Pannell Mitchell Mollison Given that it's the Anzac Round I thought I would keep the Irish connection to the Melbourne Football Club going with a favourite Eric Bogle song performed by the Irish band The Fureys. This is for Jimmy and Sean and all of our great fallen - WHO ARE THEY KIDDING? As St. Kilda prepares to take on its opponent for this week I'm hearing noises coming from the camp about concerns on its behalf about the improving Demons. Apparently, Scott Watters is talking them up warning that "Melbourne is on the verge of its first win of the year" ahead of its clash with St. Kilda at the MCG. The team will have to be careful not to be the first to lose points this season to the Demons. Come now. It was only a fortnight ago that the Saints kept the Demons opponent from last week to two goals in the first three quarters. Last week, St. Kilda was a tad unlucky to lose to the Dockers so it's not as if they're down on form or that they have much to worry about. Further, the Saints have all of the star quality in this game. Who does Melbourne have to match against the likes of Goddard, Riewoldt, Hayes, dal Santo, Montagna and even Milne who always seems to get his goals in the early stages of games against Melbourne? No, there might be a faint pulse but I can't see Melbourne getting within 5 goals of the talented Saints even with the inclusion of Jack Grimes and Colin Sylvia. St. Kilda by 31 points.

This was another game that got away during the time the club was badly hit by injuries and suspension. ST. KILDA Backs Sam Gilbert Zac Dawson Farren Ray Half backs Sean Dempster Sam Fisher James Gwilt Centreline Brendon Goddard David Armitage Dean Polo Half forwards Brett Peake Nick Riewoldt Adam Schneider Forwards Stephen Milne Justin Koschitzke Arryn Siposs Followers Jason Blake Nick Dal Santo Leigh Montagna Interchange Jamie Cripps Clinton Jones Jack Steven Nicholas Winmar Emergencies Ryan Gamble Ben McEvoy Andrew McQualter In Jason Blake Leigh Montagna Brett Peake Nicholas Winmar Out Steven Baker (suspended) Jason Gram Ben McEvoy Andrew McQualter New Nicholas Winmar (Scarborough) MELBOURNE Backs Joel Macdonald Matthew Warnock Jared Rivers Half backs Nathan Jones James Frawley Jack Watts Centreline Addam Maric Aaron Davey Luke Tapscott Half forwards Jordan Gysberts Michael Newton Colin Sylvia Forwards Ricky Petterd Brad Green Liam Jurrah Followers Stefan Martin Brent Moloney Clint Bartram Interchange Matthew Bate Michael Evans Neville Jetta Jordie McKenzie Emergencies Jamie Bennell Max Gawn Jeremy Howe In Matthew Bate Michael Evans Joel Macdonald Jordie McKenzie Jared Rivers Out Rohan Bail (knee) Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn (suspended) Colin Garland (ankle) Austin Wonaeamirri (knee)

THE SPIRIT WAS THERE, BUT ... by The Oracle For once, things were going well for the Melbourne Football Club. A major announcement was made at the President's luncheon - another sponsorship (German car manufacturer Opel) to help fill the retinue of sponsors after Webjet and Hertz jumped on board to more than fill the void left by the dismissal of a previously disgraced company which apparently still owes the club money. Then, a moving tribute to the legendary Jim Stynes so that when it was over the majority crowd of Demon fans was thirsting for not just a better performance from their team but a win. Only a victory could do justice for this day. There was one man who typified Melbourne on the day and fittingly, he wore the number of the crowd's hero for the day. Big, strong and solid at full forward Mitch Clark marked and goaled for the Demons but he was also part of a procession of players whose shots at goal from straight in front missed their mark. You don't expect Clark, Jeremy Howe and Jack Watts to all miss from dead in front. At the other end, the Western Bulldogs made the most of the opportunities that presented themselves. A couple of snaps from angles, a gimme free and lo and behold, they led at the first break by nine points even though they had one shot less. It's useless to bemoan bad fortune when you fail in the game's most fundamental of skills but, when the final result is a 21-point defeat, then the poor conversion rate really hurts. The trend really did continue throughout the game although when the team momentarily straightened up for a few third quarter goals, the difference in conversion was no more pronounced. Melbourne had inched its way back to trail by a solitary point and the scoreboard read - Melbourne 7.10.52 to Western Bulldogs 8.5.53. The Dogs steadied at that point - thanks to errors committed by both Demon players, some inexperienced umpiring and some great snap shots at goal. It all came back to haunt Melbourne late in the third term and it could have been much worse when Mitch Clark crashed to the earth neck first. Fortunately, he must have had Jimmy and those magnificent recuperative powers smiling down on him because, to the relief and amazement of the crowd, he got up, walked off the ground and was later cleared after scans taken in hospital. This was the epitome of what generations of Demon fans had come to know as the Stynes spirit but the current number 11 was still subbed off and the team's balance was awry for the remainder of the game. The spirit might have been there but it was not enough. The Dogs managed enough successful snaps at goal to make it their day while misses from Colin Garland and Lynden Dunn in the middle of the final term put paid to any chances of a late game resurgence. But it wasn't just the poor conversion rate in front of goal that proved damaging for the Demons. They were at times painfully excruciating to watch as they botched up straight forward kicks and handballs, often gifting away possession to the opposition and sometimes when not under the slightest amount of pressure. These gifts were enough to allow the Western Bulldogs their maiden victory. At least there was a turnaround in effort which was maintained for close on the full four quarters and with a few handy players due to return from injury and suspension, perhaps things might continue to improve for the otherwise hapless Demons. Melbourne 1.5.11 3.8.26 7.10.52 9.13.67 Western Bulldogs 3.2.20 6.5.41 10.7.67 13.10.88 Goals Melbourne Bate Davey 2 Bail Clark Moloney Morton Watts Western Bulldogs Cooney Giansiracusa Grant 2 Dahlhaus Djerrkura Griffen Jones Roughead Sherman Wallis Best Melbourne Rivers Bate Moloney Jones Magner Jamar Western Bulldogs Dahlhaus Murphy Cooney Cross, Wallis Djerrkura Injuries Melbourne Mitch Clark (head/neck) Western Bulldogs Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Western Bulldogs Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Western Bulldogs Nil Umpires Wenn Bannister and some other joker Crowd 33,565 at MCG

Apologies for the delay but here are the standings after the Round 3 game v Richmond. 32. James Magner 31 Nthan Jones 26 Mitch Clark Jeremy Howe 22. Jack Watts 15. Jack Trengove 9 James Frawley 6. Jared Rivers 4. Stef Martin 3. Joel Macdonald Jordie McKenzie 2. Rohan Bail Matthew Bate Lynden Dunn Jack Grimes Tom McDonald 1. Clint Bartram Aaron Davey I ho pe to have the Round 4 standings up in the next day or so.

Place your votes for the Demonland Player of the Year 2012 after the final siren. Votes to be given on a 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis

THE SPIRIT WAS THERE, BUT ... by The Oracle For once, things were going well for the Melbourne Football Club. A major announcement was made at the President's luncheon - another sponsorship (German car manufacturer Opel) to help fill the retinue of sponsors after Webjet and Hertz jumped on board to more than fill the void left by the dismissal of a previously disgraced company which apparently still owes the club money. Then, a moving tribute to the legendary Jim Stynes so that when it was over the majority crowd of Demon fans was thirsting for not just a better performance from their team but a win. Only a victory could do justice for this day. There was one man who typified Melbourne on the day and fittingly, he wore the number of the crowd's hero for the day. Big, strong and solid at full forward Mitch Clark marked and goaled for the Demons but he was also part of a procession of players whose shots at goal from straight in front missed their mark. You don't expect Clark, Jeremy Howe and Jack Watts to all miss from dead in front. At the other end, the Western Bulldogs made the most of the opportunities that presented themselves. A couple of snaps from angles, a gimme free and lo and behold, they led at the first break by nine points even though they had one shot less. It's useless to bemoan bad fortune when you fail in the game's most fundamental of skills but, when the final result is a 21-point defeat, then the poor conversion rate really hurts. The trend really did continue throughout the game although when the team momentarily straightened up for a few third quarter goals, the difference in conversion was no more pronounced. Melbourne had inched its way back to trail by a solitary point and the scoreboard read - Melbourne 7.10.52 to Western Bulldogs 8.5.53. The Dogs steadied at that point - thanks to errors committed by both Demon players, some inexperienced umpiring and some great snap shots at goal. It all came back to haunt Melbourne late in the third term and it could have been much worse when Mitch Clark crashed to the earth neck first. Fortunately, he must have had Jimmy and those magnificent recuperative powers smiling down on him because, to the relief and amazement of the crowd, he got up, walked off the ground and was later cleared after scans taken in hospital. This was the epitome of what generations of Demon fans had come to know as the Stynes spirit but the current number 11 was still subbed off and the team's balance was awry for the remainder of the game. The spirit might have been there but it was not enough. The Dogs managed enough successful snaps at goal to make it their day while misses from Colin Garland and Lynden Dunn in the middle of the final term put paid to any chances of a late game resurgence. But it wasn't just the poor conversion rate in front of goal that proved damaging for the Demons. They were at times painfully excruciating to watch as they botched up straight forward kicks and handballs, often gifting away possession to the opposition and sometimes when not under the slightest amount of pressure. These gifts were enough to allow the Western Bulldogs their maiden victory. At least there was a turnaround in effort which was maintained for close on the full four quarters and with a few handy players due to return from injury and suspension, perhaps things might continue to improve for the otherwise hapless Demons. Melbourne 1.5.11 3.8.26 7.10.52 9.13.67 Western Bulldogs 3.2.20 6.5.41 10.7.67 13.10.88 Goals Melbourne Bate Davey 2 Bail Clark Moloney Morton Watts Western Bulldogs Cooney Giansiracusa Grant 2 Dahlhaus Djerrkura Griffen Jones Roughead Sherman Wallis Best Melbourne Rivers Bate Moloney Jone Magner Jamar Western Bulldogs Dahlhaus Murphy Cooney Cross, Wallis Djerrkura Injuries Melbourne Mitch Clark (head/neck) Western Bulldogs Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Western Bulldogs Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Western Bulldogs Nil Umpires Wenn Bannister and some other joker Crowd 33,565 at MCG

From Melbourne Football Club Supporters Facebook page: Couldn't find anything else on this on either the club's website, facebook or twitter, nor any of the major newspapers. Any thoughts? Hopefully it is the BOJ sponsorship.

SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS by Whispering Jack Looking ahead at Melbourne's draw beyond this week's game against the Western Bulldogs does not exactly fill one with any great confidence. The rest of the first half of the season promises to be an even greater nightmare than what has transpired over the past three weeks. The potential weekly fare of games against top eight contenders from rounds five through to eleven (all inclusive) reads like this - St Kilda, Geelong, Hawthorn, Sydney, Carlton, Essendon, and Collingwood. This scenario makes a win this week against fellow cellar dwellers, the Western Bulldogs, absolutely an imperative. As if it wasn't imperative anyway in view of the fact that the club has designated this match to commemorate one of its great heroes - a man recently acknowledged as its most popular former players ahead of such greats as Ron Barassi, Robert Flower and its many other heroes of the past. The sad thing for Melbourne is that both on and off the field, things have not been good. The off field dramas, injury and now the suspension of one of its captains has been mirrored by its performances on the ground. The loss at the hands of the West Coast Eagles in Perth might have been expected (if not its size) but the performances against both Brisbane (by 41 points) and Richmond (by 59 points) were unacceptable. In those cases it wasn't the size of the defeats alone that made them so remarkably disappointing but the shameful way in which the team capitualted in the second half of each game. To be blown off the park in such a mistake-riddled and passionless way is unacceptable. They are being run off their feet and look tired and supporters ask what has been done to prepare the players in terms of their skills and their fitness to take on the rest of the competition? We are searching for answers. THE GAME Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at MCG Sunday 22 April 2012 at 4.40pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 83 wins Western Bulldogs 70 wins 1 draw At MCG: Melbourne 43 wins Western Bulldogs 25 wins Since 2000: Melbourne 10 wins Western Bulldogs 10 wins The Coaches: Neeld 0 wins McCartney 0 wins MEDIA TV Foxtel Footy Channel (live at 4.30pm) Radio SEN ABC774 3AW Triple M THE BETTING Melbourne to win $3.00 Western Bulldogs $1.40 LAST TIME THEY MET Western Bulldogs 19.13.127 defeated Melbourne 8.15.63 in Round 15, 2011 at Etihad Stadium This was a vital must win game for the Demons which at that stage of the season was considered a chance to figure in the finals. Against the then out of form Bulldogs they meekly capitualted in what was to become a forerunner of a number of disappointing efforts that have since dogged the club. Apart from Ricky Petterd's hanger early in the game, it was a night to forget. TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs James Frawley Jared Rivers Clint Bartram Half backs Rohan Bail Colin Garland Luke Tapscott Centreline Matthew Bate Brent Moloney Nathan Jones Half forwards Jordie McKenzie Jack Watts Jeremy Howe Forwards Tom McDonald Mitchell Clark Aaron Davey Followers Mark Jamar James Magner Jack Trengove Interchange Lynden Dunn Joel Macdonald Cale Morton James Sellar Emergencies Thomas Couch Jack Fitzpatrick Ricky Petterd In Joel Macdonald Brent Moloney Out Jack Grimes (suspended) Stef Martin WESTERN BULLDOGS Backs Dylan Addison Lukas Markovic Robert Murphy Half backs Easton Wood Ryan Hargrave Patrick Veszpremi Centreline Luke Dahlhaus Matthew Boyd Daniel Cross Half forwards Adam Cooney Liam Jones Daniel Giansiracusa Forwards Justin Sherman Ayce Cordy Nathan Djerrkura Followers William Minson Ryan Griffen Liam Picken Interchange Jarrad Grant Shaun Higgins Jordan Roughead Mitchell Wallis Emergencies Mark Austin Tory Dickson Thomas Liberatore In Justin Sherman Patrick Veszpremi Mitchell Wallis Out Brian Lake (suspension) Thomas Liberatore Clay Smith (soreness) Umpires Wenn Armstrong Bannister EXPOSED FORM I would really like to say that Melbourne has a chance to win against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday but there's no evidence available anywhere that could convince me that we're in for a sudden turn around of form. That's how bad things have been at Melbourne lately. I can't point to the emotion of the day on which the Melbourne Football Club and the community in general celebrates the life of a club hero and iconic figure in the late Jim Stynes. A few weeks ago, the Demon faithful lined up and clapped their hands in appreciation of the man and his achievements. The team responded by giving very little on their home ground against lowly opposition. Their form since has given not a glimmer of hope or even some emotion to enthuse us about. They have been exposed as playing without soul. They make errors, they fail to tackle when tackles should be laid, they commit skill errors that indicate a lack of concentration. If all this is attributed to a change in style of play, then their rate of progress is at snail's pace. We might expect some improvement later this year or in the next. Not this week. I can't point to the changes in the make up of the side to inspire a turn around from a 10 goal defeat at the hands of Richmond. The team lacked run last week. Brent Moloney and Joel Macdonald are experienced campaigners and while the former is reigning club champion, the exposed form of this duo is not going to make much difference in the run of a team that's been hitting the wall halfway through a marathon. I can't point to the fact that this week's opposition is winless, lacking in confidence, also struck down by injury and suspension and had only two goals on the board deep into their last game. The Doggies always seem to come up with a hero to inspire them - even if it's a once a year performance from someone like Adam Cooney who did the job last year. The only thing I can point to is divine providence inspired by Jimmy using some influence upstairs but since my brief in previewing games is to stick purely with logic, facts and exposed form and I have yet to find the answers I'm searching for, then it will be the Western Bulldogs by a fair margin.

The latest news about our 47th player: Jack attack

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/tabid/7415/default.aspx?newsid=133545 Great news for the club.

SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS by Whispering Jack Looking ahead at Melbourne's draw beyond this week's game against the Western Bulldogs does not exactly fill one with any great confidence. The rest of the first half of the season promises to be an even greater nightmare than what has transpired over the past three weeks. The potential weekly fare of games against top eight contenders from rounds five through to eleven (all inclusive) reads like this - St Kilda, Geelong, Hawthorn, Sydney, Carlton, Essendon, and Collingwood. This scenario makes a win this week against fellow cellar dwellers, the Western Bulldogs, absolutely an imperative. As if it wasn't imperative anyway in view of the fact that the club has designated this match to commemorate one of its great heroes - a man recently acknowledged as its most popular former players ahead of such greats as Ron Barassi, Robert Flower and its many other heroes of the past. The sad thing for Melbourne is that both on and off the field, things have not been good. The off field dramas, injury and now the suspension of one of its captains has been mirrored by its performances on the ground. The loss at the hands of the West Coast Eagles in Perth might have been expected (if not its size) but the performances against both Brisbane (by 41 points) and Richmond (by 59 points) were unacceptable. In those cases it wasn't the size of the defeats alone that made them so remarkably disappointing but the shameful way in which the team capitualted in the second half of each game. To be blown off the park in such a mistake-riddled and passionless way is unacceptable. They are being run off their feet and look tired and supporters ask what has been done to prepare the players in terms of their skills and their fitness to take on the rest of the competition? We are searching for answers. THE GAME Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at MCG – Sunday 22 April 2012 at 4.40pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 83 wins Western Bulldogs 70 wins 1 draw At MCG: Melbourne 43 wins Western Bulldogs 25 wins Since 2000: Melbourne 10 wins Western Bulldogs 10 wins The Coaches: Neeld 0 wins McCartney 0 wins MEDIA TV Foxtel Footy Channel (live at 4.30pm) Radio SEN ABC774 3AW Triple M THE BETTING Melbourne to win $3.00 Western Bulldogs $1.40 LAST TIME THEY MET Western Bulldogs 19.13.127 defeated Melbourne 8.15.63 in Round 15, 2011 at Etihad Stadium This was a vital must win game for the Demons which at that stage of the season was considered a chance to figure in the finals. Against the then out of form Bulldogs they meekly capitualted in what was to become a forerunner of a number of disappointing efforts that have since dogged the club. Apart from Ricky Petterd's hanger early in the game, it was a night to forget. TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs James Frawley Jared Rivers Clint Bartram Half backs Rohan Bail Colin Garland Luke Tapscott Centreline Matthew Bate Brent Moloney Nathan Jones Half forwards Jordie McKenzie Jack Watts Jeremy Howe Forwards Tom McDonald Mitchell Clark Aaron Davey Followers Mark Jamar James Magner Jack Trengove Interchange Lynden Dunn Joel Macdonald Cale Morton James Sellar Emergencies Thomas Couch Jack Fitzpatrick Ricky Petterd In Joel Macdonald Brent Moloney Out Jack Grimes (suspended) Stef Martin WESTERN BULLDOGS Backs Dylan Addison Lukas Markovic Robert Murphy Half backs Easton Wood Ryan Hargrave Patrick Veszpremi Centreline Luke Dahlhaus Matthew Boyd Daniel Cross Half forwards Adam Cooney Liam Jones Daniel Giansiracusa Forwards Justin Sherman Ayce Cordy Nathan Djerrkura Followers William Minson Ryan Griffen Liam Picken Interchange Jarrad Grant Shaun Higgins Jordan Roughead Mitchell Wallis Emergencies Mark Austin Tory Dickson Thomas Liberatore In Justin Sherman Patrick Veszpremi Mitchell Wallis Out Brian Lake (suspension) Thomas Liberatore Clay Smith (soreness) Umpires Wenn Armstrong Bannister EXPOSED FORM I would really like to say that Melbourne has a chance to win against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday but there's no evidence available anywhere that could convince me that we're in for a sudden turn around of form. That's how bad things have been at Melbourne lately. I can't point to the emotion of the day on which the Melbourne Football Club and the community in general celebrates the life of a club hero and iconic figure in the late Jim Stynes. A few weeks ago, the Demon faithful lined up and clapped their hands in appreciation of the man and his achievements. The team responded by giving very little on their home ground against lowly opposition. Their form since has given not a glimmer of hope or even some emotion to enthuse us about. They have been exposed as playing without soul. They make errors, they fail to tackle when tackles should be laid, they commit skill errors that indicate a lack of concentration. If all this is attributed to a change in style of play, then their rate of progress is at snail's pace. We might expect some improvement later this year or in the next. Not this week. I can't point to the changes in the make up of the side to inspire a turn around from a 10 goal defeat at the hands of Richmond. The team lacked run last week. Brent Moloney and Joel Macdonald are experienced campaigners and while the former is reigning club champion, the exposed form of this duo is not going to make much difference in the run of a team that's been hitting the wall halfway through a marathon. I can't point to the fact that this week's opposition is winless, lacking in confidence, also struck down by injury and suspension and had only two goals on the board deep into their last game. The Doggies always seem to come up with a hero to inspire them - even if it's a once a year performance from someone like Adam Cooney who did the job last year. The only thing I can point to is divine providence inspired by Jimmy using some influence upstairs but since my brief in previewing games is to stick purely with logic, facts and exposed form and I have yet to find the answers I'm searching for, then it will be the Western Bulldogs by a fair margin.

This was a night of pain in early July for the Melbourne Football Club which was thrashed in a must win game. It was an ominous sign for the future that came to well and truly haunt the club later that month. MELBOURNE Backs James Strauss James Frawley Daniel Nicholson Half backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Nathan Jones Centreline Jack Trengove Colin Sylvia Brad Green Half forwards Tom Scully Liam Jurrah Cale Morton Forwards Ricky Petterd Jack Watts Stefan Martin Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney Jordie McKenzie Interchange Jamie Bennell Sam Blease Jordie Gysberts Jeremy Howe Emergencies Clint Bartram Matthew Bate Lynden Dunn In Sam Blease Out Joel Macdonald (Knee) WESTERN BULLDOGS Backs Robert Murphy Lukas Markovic Easton Wood Half backs Dale Morris Tom Williams Lindsay Gilbee Centreline Daniel Cross Matthew Boyd Liam Picken Half forwards Shaun Higgins Liam Jones Luke Dahlhaus Forwards Jarrad Grant Barry Hall Daniel Giansiracusa Followers Ben Hudson Griffen Adam Cooney Interchange Ed Barlow Andrew Hooper Sam Reid Callan Ward Emergencies William Minson Christian Howard Jayden Schofield

THE CRASH by KC from Casey There was always an element of doubt as to how well the Casey Scorpions were going even after three wins in the preseason and a further three in the opening rounds of the real thing. After all, the victories had all been by narrow margins and the last, against perennial cellar dwellar Frankston who had been beaten a week earlier by Bendigo to the tune of points. And the inevitable crash happened. It was already on the cards in the first quarter when Casey struggled with the aid of the breeze to trail by two points. The floodgates opened in the second term when the visitors applied tremendous pressure forcing errors and taking the game completely away from a bewildered Casey outfit scoring seven goals to nil. The half time margin was 45 points and the game was effectively over. Bendigo maintained control in a relatively even third quarter in which it extended its lead by one point and before running away to an easy 71-point victory. It was a poor result for the Scorpions who came into the game with a baker's dozen of AFL listed players who were expected to perform at their top with the prospect of gaining promotion into a disappointing Melbourne side ahead of this week's Jim Stynes tribute game against the Western Bulldogs. An angry Casey coach Brett Lovett felt his team didn't have "a fair dinkum crack" and told the media after the game, "I just thought we sat back a bit and it showed when we were second to the footy." The defeat pushed Casey to third on the ladder but with a poor percentage and facing a bye this weekend, it is likely to fall further by the end of the next round and will need to regroup for the game against North Ballarat in a fortnight's time. Very few players covered themselves in glory but former Collingwood VFL player Tom Couch with 27 touches worked hard all day and put his hand up for promotion next week with a solid four quarter performance. Rick Petterd was a livewire but let his team and himself down with some poor disposal. 
David Collins and Wade Lees ‏ worked hard to each collect 23 possessions while Will Petropoulos pushed hard at times. All in all, a disappointing effort after a promising start to the season and, with the week's bye, the team will have to work hard on the track to help find form for the weeks to come. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Most of the thirteen Melbourne-listed players missed the perfect opportunity to put the case for promotion after the AFL team's disappointing 59 point loss to Richmond a day earlier and, with one or two exceptions, they gave the match committee very little room for thought in their deliberations for Sunday's game against the Western Bulldogs. Jamie Bennell - has pace and is creative but doesn't do enough over the course of a game. Sam Blease - showed his trademark speed at various times but didn't take on the game enough. Tom Couch - the former Collingwood VFL player had another high possession game (27 disposals) and must be a contender for promotion this week. Troy Davis - had a torrid time in defence when the team was under siege in the first half. Then went forward and kicked a couple of goals. Jack Fitzpatrick - like many of his teammates, he was patchy in a beaten side. At times, showed a bit of pace and took some nice strong marks but it was just an average performance. Brad Green - was tagged for most of the game and got away for a couple of goals. Sustained a finger injury and will miss a month. Joel Macdonald - picked up 16 possessions, mainly on a defensive flank but had little impact for all of his work. Daniel Nicholson - back after an injury and club imposed suspension, he showed he was keen to atone for his missed opportunities. Worked hard for his 18 touches and a goal. Ricky Petterd - always looked dangerous up forward but often failed to finish off his work with goals. Jai Sheahan - another of the defenders who was under pressure but again showed promise with his composure. Jake Spencer - coming back after missing the better part of a year with an ACL, Spencer picked up 26 hit outs in the ruck in a good first up effort. Josh Tynan - showed some good run but generally subdued after a week off as emergency for the Demons in Perth. Leigh Williams - kicked a goal but was generally quiet and is still learning to keep up with the tempo at VFL level. Casey Scorpions 4.3.27 4.6.30 6.10.46 9.12.66 Bendigo 4.5.29 11.9.75 13.14.92 20.17.137 Goals Casey Scorpions Davis Green 2 Fitzpatrick Gent Nicholson Smith Williams Bendigo Little 4 Ladson Maddern Schultz Steinberg 2 Crow Davis Duscher Freezer Lee Martin Peoples Putt Best Casey Scorpions Couch Lees Nicholson Petterd Petropoulos Davis Bendigo Davis Lee Slattery Schultz Putt Thompson

THE CRASH by KC from Casey There was always an element of doubt as to how well the Casey Scorpions were going even after three wins in the preseason and a further three in the opening rounds of the real thing. After all, the victories had all been by narrow margins and the last, against perennial cellar dwellar Frankston who had been beaten a week earlier by Bendigo to the tune of points. And the inevitable crash happened. It was already on the cards in the first quarter when Casey struggled with the aid of the breeze to trail by two points. The floodgates opened in the second term when the visitors applied tremendous pressure forcing errors and taking the game completely away from a bewildered Casey outfit scoring seven goals to nil. The half time margin was 45 points and the game was effectively over. Bendigo maintained control in a relatively even third quarter in which it extended its lead by one point and before running away to an easy 71-point victory. It was a poor result for the Scorpions who came into the game with a baker's dozen of AFL listed players who were expected to perform at their top with the prospect of gaining promotion into a disappointing Melbourne side ahead of this week's Jim Stynes tribute game against the Western Bulldogs. An angry Casey coach Brett Lovett felt his team didn't have "a fair dinkum crack" and told the media after the game, "I just thought we sat back a bit and it showed when we were second to the footy." The defeat pushed Casey to third on the ladder but with a poor percentage and facing a bye this weekend, it is likely to fall further by the end of the next round and will need to regroup for the game against North Ballarat in a fortnight's time. Very few players covered themselves in glory but former Collingwood VFL player Tom Couch with 27 touches worked hard all day and put his hand up for promotion next week with a solid four quarter performance. Rick Petterd was a livewire but let his team and himself down with some poor disposal. 
David Collins and Wade Lees ‏ worked hard to each collect 23 possessions while Will Petropoulos pushed hard at times. All in all, a disappointing effort after a promising start to the season and, with the week's bye, the team will have to work hard on the track to help find form for the weeks to come. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Most of the thirteen Melbourne-listed players missed the perfect opportunity to put the case for promotion after the AFL team's disappointing 59 point loss to Richmond a day earlier and, with one or two exceptions, they gave the match committee very little room for thought in their deliberations for Sunday's game against the Western Bulldogs. Jamie Bennell - has pace and is creative but doesn't do enough over the course of a game. Sam Blease - showed his trademark speed at various times but didn't take on the game enough. Tom Couch - the former Collingwood VFL player had another high possession game (27 disposals) and must be a contender for promotion this week. Troy Davis - had a torrid time in defence when the team was under siege in the first half. Then went forward and kicked a couple of goals. Jack Fitzpatrick - like many of his teammates, he was patchy in a beaten side. At times, showed a bit of pace and took some nice strong marks but it was just an average performance. Brad Green - was tagged for most of the game and got away for a couple of goals. Sustained a finger injury and will miss a month. Joel Macdonald - picked up 16 possessions, mainly on a defensive flank but had little impact for all of his work. Daniel Nicholson - back after an injury and club imposed suspension, he showed he was keen to atone for his missed opportunities. Worked hard for his 18 touches and a goal. Ricky Petterd - always looked dangerous up forward but often failed to finish off his work with goals. Jai Sheahan - another of the defenders who was under pressure but again showed promise with his composure. Jake Spencer - coming back after missing the better part of a year with an ACL, Spencer picked up 26 hit outs in the ruck in a good first up effort. Josh Tynan - showed some good run but generally subdued after a week off as emergency for the Demons in Perth. Leigh Williams - kicked a goal but was generally quiet and is still learning to keep up with the tempo at VFL level. Casey Scorpions 4.3.27 4.6.30 6.10.46 9.12.66 Bendigo 4.5.29 11.9.75 13.14.92 20.17.137 Goals Casey Scorpions Davis Green 2 Fitzpatrick Gent Nicholson Smith Williams Bendigo Little 4 Ladson Maddern Schultz Steinberg 2 Crow Davis Duscher Freezer Lee Martin Peoples Putt Best Casey Scorpions Couch Lees Nicholson Petterd Petropoulos Davis Bendigo Davis Lee Slattery Schultz Putt Thompson

DERAILED by Whispering Jack There's a certain sameness creeping into Melbourne's 2012 campaign. It starts with the team striving hard but playing patchy football punctuated by some glaring mistakes for one and a half quarters. Then the wheels fall off for the next one and a half quarters so that by three quarter time, we've all given up the ghost and might as well head homewards because the game's over. And when it's really over the statistics tell a lamentable tale. The Tigers ran all over the Demons from the midpoint of term two when the scoreboard had Melbourne up by a goal. This was the pivotal time in the game when the Richmond midfield really took over, lifted a notch and ran over a soft languid opposition. Whereas hitherto the Demons were in the game despite multiple skill and decision-making errors, suddenly it was the superiority of the Tiger on ball division that allowed them to change the dynamics of the game and to turn it into a one horse race. Melbourne looked a spent force and played that way until the final siren sounded to end another tragic day's play. The statistics that mattered overwhelmingly favoured Richmond which led disposals 427-268, inside 50's by 65-30 and tackles 75-53. Melbourne came close in contested ball but the remaining statistics indicate deep seated problems in the way the team is structured and that virtually nothing is being done during game day when the wheels start falling off to turn the game back into the team's favour. That happened predictably at the mid point of the second quarter when the Richmond midfield simply took over and ran their Melbourne counterparts off their feet. I have been watching the midfields of the other clubs in various matches over the early rounds and even the new franchises are already superior to that which is being presented by the Demons which is nothing short of shambolic. Even in the days of tanking, things were not so bad there and, unless some run can be introduced to help Nathan Jones, things will only get worse. It's a major worry that the club's season has effectively been derailed after just three rounds. I have nothing more to add. Melbourne 2.3.15 5.6.36 6.6.42 11.8.74 Richmond 4.4.28 6.8.44 15.11.101 20.13.133 Goals Melbourne Clark Dunn Howe Trengove 2 Jones Sellar Watts Richmond Cotchin Miller 3 Conca Deledio Nahas 2 Grigg Houli Jackson I Maric Martin Riewoldt Tuck Vickery Best Melbourne Howe Frawley Jones Watts Richmond Grigg Tuck Conca Foley Nahas Cotchin Injuries Melbourne Jack Grimes (concussion) Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Jack Grimes for rough conduct on Daniel Jackson Richmond Nil Umpires Schmitt Armstrong Mitchell Crowd 49,826 at the MCG

DERAILED by Whispering Jack There's a certain sameness creeping into Melbourne's 2012 campaign. It starts with the team striving hard but playing patchy football punctuated by some glaring mistakes for one and a half quarters. Then the wheels fall off for the next one and a half quarters so that by three quarter time, we've all given up the ghost and might as well head homewards because the game's over. And when it's really over the statistics tell a lamentable tale. The Tigers ran all over the Demons from the midpoint of term two when the scoreboard had Melbourne up by a goal. This was the pivotal time in the game when the Richmond midfield really took over, lifted a notch and ran over a soft languid opposition. Whereas hitherto the Demons were in the game despite multiple skill and decision-making errors, suddenly it was the superiority of the Tiger on ball division that allowed them to change the dynamics of the game and to turn it into a one horse race. Melbourne looked a spent force and played that way until the final siren sounded to end another tragic day's play. The statistics that mattered overwhelmingly favoured Richmond which led disposals 427-268, inside 50's by 65-30 and tackles 75-53. Melbourne came close in contested ball but the remaining statistics indicate deep seated problems in the way the team is structured and that virtually nothing is being done during game day when the wheels start falling off to turn the game back into the team's favour. That happened predictably at the mid point of the second quarter when the Richmond midfield simply took over and ran their Melbourne counterparts off their feet. I have been watching the midfields of the other clubs in various matches over the early rounds and even the new franchises are already superior to that which is being presented by the Demons which is nothing short of shambolic. Even in the days of tanking, things were not so bad there and, unless some run can be introduced to help Nathan Jones, things will only get worse. It's a major worry that the club's season has effectively been derailed after just three rounds. I have nothing more to add. Melbourne 2.3.15 5.6.36 6.6.42 11.8.74 Richmond 4.4.28 6.8.44 15.11.101 20.13.133 Goals Melbourne Clark Dunn Howe Trengove 2 Jones Sellar Watts Richmond Cotchin Miller 3 Conca Deledio Nahas 2 Grigg Houli Jackson I Maric Martin Riewoldt Tuck Vickery Best Melbourne Howe Frawley Jones Watts Richmond Grigg Tuck Conca Foley Nahas Cotchin Injuries Melbourne Jack Grimes (concussion) Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Jack Grimes for rough conduct on Daniel Jackson Richmond Nil Umpires Schmitt Armstrong Mitchell Crowd 49,826 at the MCG