Demonland

DELIVERANCE by The Oracle If there's one thing we should have all learned during the course of this season it's that when it comes to anything related to the Melbourne Football Club, there is absolutely nothing that we can take for granted. During the four week period in which the Demons were battered from pillar to post by four of the AFL's top five, the conventional wisdom was that the final three games of the home and away season would bring relief and deliverance to a stunned Demon supporter group that was still coming to grips with the rapidity of the breakdown of their team's push towards a possible finals appearance and the events that led to the dismissal of coach Dean Bailey. The theory that the club would make an easy return to the winner's list went out of the window early in last week's game against the Tigers when its resistance was so meek in the early going that it found itself more than four goals in arrears at the main break. The Demons fought back to regain the lead and go into the final term eight points in front but they faltered at the end to lose by seven points and collapse to a season low 13th place on the ladder. This week Melbourne welcomes the Gold Coast Suns to the MCG for the first time ever and the football public expects the young AFL newbies to crumble on football's biggest stage. Both sides have lost five games in a row and ironically, their last victories were achieved in the heat of the tropics in round 17. Melbourne beat Port Adelaide in the Darwin heat while Gold Coast shocked Richmond on hot and windy afternoon in Cairns. Tiger fans were literally crying their eyes out on talkback radio after the defeat. One of them even went so far as to destroy his entire family's membership cards in the micro wave. Two weeks later it was the turn of Demon fans after 186. So can Melbourne make it back to the winner's list against the Suns? Well, they better will because, if they don't, then thousands of microwaves will be moved into action and the atmosphere over this great city of ours will be filled with such a devastating carbon footprint of smouldering red and blue plastic that even Julia Gillard's new tax will never be able to recover the carbon credits lost on the day. Melbourne players - for the sake of the country, this must not be allowed to happen! THE GAME Melbourne v Gold Coast at the MCG Sunday 28 August 2011 at 2.10pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 1 win Gold Coast 0 wins MCG Melbourne 0 wins Gold Coast 0 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 1 win Gold Coast 0 wins The Coaches Viney 0 wins McKenna 0 wins MEDIA TV - Channel 7 at 3:00 pm (on delay) Radio - 3AW Triple M K-Rock THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 23.21.159 defeated Gold Coast 9.15.69 at the Gabba in Round 4, 2011 Brent Moloney was the hard body who gave Melbourne the momentum after some early stutters. He finished with 32 disposals and was the hero of the Demon victory. Although the team was in control by half time, it conceded the third quarter to the Suns to give them the first winning term in their history. An eight goal final quarter quickly blotted out all memory of this aberration as the Dees coasted to a 16 goal victory. THE BETTING Melbourne $1.10 to win Gold Coast $6.75 to win THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Colin Garland James Frawley Clint Bartram Half backs Luke Tapscott Jared Rivers Tom McDonald Centreline Sam Blease Brent Moloney Jack Trengove Half forwards Tom Scully Stef Martin Brad Green Forwards Liam Jurrah Jack Watts Jamie Bennell Followers Mark Jamar Neville Jetta Nathan Jones Interchange Jeremy Howe Jordie McKenzieTom McNamara Cale Morton Emergencies Jack Fitzpatrick Joel Macdonald Daniel Nicholson In Neville Jetta Tom McDonald Tom McNamara LukeTapscott Out Aaron Davey (suspended) Joel Macdonald Ricky Petterd (quadriceps) Colin Sylvia (suspended) New Tom McDonald (North Ballarat Rebels) GOLD COAST SUNS Backs Seb Tape Rory Thompson Karmichael Hunt Half backs Nathan Bock Jared Brennan Jarrod Harbrow Centreline Matt Shaw David Swallow Dion Prestia Half forwards Luke Russell Trent McKenzie Daniel Stanley Forwards Tom Hickey Nathan Ablett Brandon Matera Followers Zac Smith Gary Ablett Michael Rischitelli Interchange (from) Harley Bennell Josh Caddy Jacob Gillbee Jack Hutchins Sam Iles Josh Toy Maverick Weller Interchange Harley Bennell Josh Caddy Sam Iles Maverick Weller Emergencies Jacob Gillbee Jack Hutchins Josh Toy In Josh Caddy Sam Iles Brandon Matera Zac Smith Out Joseph Daye Josh Fraser (illness) Steven May Joel Tippett New Josh Caddy (Sandringham Dragons) NO COASTING So Melbourne's faint hopes of making the finals after a month of turbulence are now officially done and dusted. They were all but snuffed out when St. Kilda gave up the ghost in the final quarter at the SCG on Sunday and were buried completely at some stage during the Melbourne v Richmond game at the MCG later on that afternoon. As for the Gold Coast, their maiden year in elite competition was never meant to be one in which the finals were part of the season's calculations. They have been looking towards 2012 and beyond for some time and one wonders whether the mystique of playing at the MCG will be enough to lift what appears to be a tiring young side. The Coasters are up against it in this fixture. Firstly, despite some barren seasons of late, Melbourne has been good in its recent games against clubs from interstate - they have won ten of their past eleven such matches. On the other hand, McKenna's men haven't won a game in Victoria with victories coming in Adelaide, at the Gabba and in Cairns. The Suns are also notoriously poor starters having lost 11 of their last 12 first quarters often finding themselves several goals in arrears at the first change of many games. The way I see it the Suns need Gary Ablett to play an absolute blinder rather than his usual common, ordinary, garden variety blinder. There isn't enough depth at the club to capitalise on Ablett's edge in skill and leadership although a good effort from Michael Rischitelli would be handy. The Demons will get the edge through Mark Jamar in the ruck. If he can recapture some of his marking ability it will be all over. I expect the hard bodied Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones with the persistent Jordie McKenzie to seal the deal. Look out for Neville Jetta whose form at VFL level has been exemplary. Melbourne by 29 points

DELIVERANCE by The Oracle If there's one thing we should have all learned during the course of this season it's that when it comes to anything related to the Melbourne Football Club, there is absolutely nothing that we can take for granted. During the four week period in which the Demons were battered from pillar to post by four of the AFL's top five, the conventional wisdom was that the final three games of the home and away season would bring relief and deliverance to a stunned Demon supporter group that was still coming to grips with the rapidity of the breakdown of their team's push towards a possible finals appearance and the events that led to the dismissal of coach Dean Bailey. The theory that the club would make an easy return to the winner's list went out of the window early in last week's game against the Tigers when its resistance was so meek in the early going that it found itself more than four goals in arrears at the main break. The Demons fought back to regain the lead and go into the final term eight points in front but they faltered at the end to lose by seven points and collapse to a season low 13th place on the ladder. This week Melbourne welcomes the Gold Coast Suns to the MCG for the first time ever and the football public expects the young AFL newbies to crumble on football's biggest stage. Both sides have lost five games in a row and ironically, their last victories were achieved in the heat of the tropics in round 17. Melbourne beat Port Adelaide in the Darwin heat while Gold Coast shocked Richmond on hot and windy afternoon in Cairns. Tiger fans were literally crying their eyes out on talkback radio after the defeat. One of them even went so far as to destroy his entire family's membership cards in the micro wave. Two weeks later it was the turn of Demon fans after 186. So can Melbourne make it back to the winner's list against the Suns? Well, they better will because, if they don't, then thousands of microwaves will be moved into action and the atmosphere over this great city of ours will be filled with such a devastating carbon footprint of smouldering red and blue plastic that even Julia Gillard's new tax will never be able to recover the carbon credits lost on the day. Melbourne players - for the sake of the country, this must not be allowed to happen! THE GAME Melbourne v Gold Coast at the MCG Sunday 28 August 2011 at 2.10pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 1 win Gold Coast 0 wins MCG Melbourne 0 wins Gold Coast 0 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 1 win Gold Coast 0 wins The Coaches Viney 0 wins McKenna 0 wins MEDIA TV - Channel 7 at 3:00 pm (on delay) Radio - 3AW Triple M K-Rock THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 23.21.159 defeated Gold Coast 9.15.69 at the Gabba in Round 4, 2011 Brent Moloney was the hard body who gave Melbourne the momentum after some early stutters. He finished with 32 disposals and was the hero of the Demon victory. Although the team was in control by half time, it conceded the third quarter to the Suns to give them the first winning term in their history. An eight goal final quarter quickly blotted out all memory of this aberration as the Dees coasted to a 16 goal victory. THE BETTING Melbourne $1.10 to win Gold Coast $6.75 to win THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Colin Garland James Frawley Clint Bartram Half backs Luke Tapscott Jared Rivers Tom McDonald Centreline Sam Blease Brent Moloney Jack Trengove Half forwards Tom Scully Stef Martin Brad Green Forwards Liam Jurrah Jack Watts Jamie Bennell Followers Mark Jamar Neville Jetta Nathan Jones Interchange Jeremy Howe Jordie McKenzieTom McNamara Cale Morton Emergencies Jack Fitzpatrick Joel Macdonald Daniel Nicholson In Neville Jetta Tom McDonald Tom McNamara LukeTapscott Out Aaron Davey (suspended) Joel Macdonald Ricky Petterd (quadriceps) Colin Sylvia (suspended) New Tom McDonald (North Ballarat Rebels) GOLD COAST SUNS Backs Seb Tape Rory Thompson Karmichael Hunt Half backs Nathan Bock Jared Brennan Jarrod Harbrow Centreline Matt Shaw David Swallow Dion Prestia Half forwards Luke Russell Trent McKenzie Daniel Stanley Forwards Tom Hickey Nathan Ablett Brandon Matera Followers Zac Smith Gary Ablett Michael Rischitelli Interchange (from) Harley Bennell Josh Caddy Jacob Gillbee Jack Hutchins Sam Iles Josh Toy Maverick Weller Interchange Harley Bennell Josh Caddy Sam Iles Maverick Weller Emergencies Jacob Gillbee Jack Hutchins Josh Toy In Josh Caddy Sam Iles Brandon Matera Zac Smith Out Joseph Daye Josh Fraser (illness) Steven May Joel Tippett New Josh Caddy (Sandringham Dragons) NO COASTING So Melbourne's faint hopes of making the finals after a month of turbulence are now officially done and dusted. They were all but snuffed out when St. Kilda gave up the ghost in the final quarter at the SCG on Sunday and were buried completely at some stage during the Melbourne v Richmond game at the MCG later on that afternoon. As for the Gold Coast, their maiden year in elite competition was never meant to be one in which the finals were part of the season's calculations. They have been looking towards 2012 and beyond for some time and one wonders whether the mystique of playing at the MCG will be enough to lift what appears to be a tiring young side. The Coasters are up against it in this fixture. Firstly, despite some barren seasons of late, Melbourne has been good in its recent games against clubs from interstate - they have won ten of their past eleven such matches. On the other hand, McKenna's men haven't won a game in Victoria with victories coming in Adelaide, at the Gabba and in Cairns. The Suns are also notoriously poor starters having lost 11 of their last 12 first quarters often finding themselves several goals in arrears at the first change of many games. The way I see it the Suns need Gary Ablett to play an absolute blinder rather than his usual common, ordinary, garden variety blinder. There isn't enough depth at the club to capitalise on Ablett's edge in skill and leadership although a good effort from Michael Rischitelli would be handy. The Demons will get the edge through Mark Jamar in the ruck. If he can recapture some of his marking ability it will be all over. I expect the hard bodied Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones with the persistent Jordie McKenzie to seal the deal. Look out for Neville Jetta whose form at VFL level has been exemplary. Melbourne by 29 points

Here's the FIXTURE: France v Peace Team is on at 11:00 am but there are lots of other games on and I'm sure you can find a winner somewhere!

GOLD COAST Backs Nathan Bock Karmichael Hunt Seb Tape Half backs Josh Toy Michael Coad Jarrod Harbrow Centreline Michael Rischitelli Garry Ablett Matt Shaw Half forwards Luke Russell Charlie Dixon Daniel Stanley Forwards Josh Fraser Daniel Gorringe Brandon Matera Followers Zac Smith Daniel Harris David Swallow Interchange Jared Brennan, Trent McKenzie Dion Prestia Maverick Weller Emergencies Hayden Jolly Jack Hutchins Alik Magin In Josh Fraser Luke Russell Matt Shaw Josh Toy Out Harley Bennell Campbell Brown (suspended) Nathan Krakouer Alik Magin New Luke Russell (Burnie Dockers) Matt Shaw (Dandenong Stingrays) MELBOURNE Backs Clint Bartram James Frawley Luke Tapscott Half backs Jack Trengove Colin Garland Jared Rivers Centreline Rohan Bail Jack Grimes Jordan Gysberts Half forwards Jamie Bennell Brad Green Austin Wonaeamirri Forwards Aaron Davey Lynden Dunn Liam Jurrah Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney Colin Sylvia Interchange Nathan Jones Stef Martin Cale Morton Jack Watts Emergencies Addam Maric Ricky Petterd James Strauss NO CHANGE

Could some of the posters here stop the abuse and stick to the topic. Thanks.

It looks like going right down to the wire between the two Jacks although Stef Martin and Nathan Jones are still "mathematical possibilities". 130 . Jack Watts 122 . Jack Trengove 103 . Stefan Martin 102 . Nathan Jones 92 . Jared Rivers 85 . Brent Moloney 78 . Colin Sylvia 58 . Ricky Petterd 54 . Jordie McKenzie 50 . James Frawley 47 . Jeremy Howe 39 . Mark Jamar 35 . Rohan Bail 34 . Colin Garland 32 . Brad Green 29 . Jordan Gysberts 28 . Luke Tapscott 26 . Joel Macdonald 16 . Liam Jurrah 15 . Tom Scully 13 . Jamie Bennell Neville Jetta 12 . Cale Morton 11 . Addam Maric 8 . Aaron Davey 7 . Michael Evans 6 Sam Blease 4 . Lynden Dunn 3 . Clint Bartram Michael Newton 2 . Jack Grimes Dan Nicholson 1 . Matthew Warnock

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT by The Oracle The season is wearing heavily on the Melbourne Football Club. So much so that it was reduced to almost rabble status by Richmond in the first half of their Round 22 game at the MCG and even a spirited third quarter fight back was insufficient to help it win what was in many respects a meaningless fixture. The game was lost before it started, first at selection when players who are hopelessly out of form and confidence were selected to play. Whatever the problem is with Aaron Davey, it was clear last week against West Coast that his head is not in the right space to be playing the game at the moment. He has endured a poor season, had a lengthy lay off with a knee injury and clearly came back way too soon. It's possible now that the AFL's Match Review Panel will give him the rest he needs for the remainder of the season that the selectors did not afford him. One possession in the first half is not what a player of his stature deserves to celebrate his 150th game. Then there was the matter of the captain and the decision to hand him the green substitute's vest. This was pure folly. If he was unable to see through a game of 100 minutes then he had no business being in the selected side. Earlier this year, Jack Grimes was substituted off after 4 minutes when he suffered his foot injury. Green might have been called upon to play for 96 minutes in those circumstances had someone suffered a similar injury against the Tigers. The move did advertise to the world was how critical the club's leadership crisis has been in its demise over the past month or so and how that weak attitude permeates the club. The game started with Richmond showing greater intensity, tackling harder and winning the contested possessions, particularly out of the stoppages despite the fact that Mark Jamar was getting the hit outs. The opening contest was indicative of how most of the first half went for the two teams. A Demon possession smothered, a pack, a scrimmage and a holding the ball decision against the player at the base of the pack. Fifty metre penalty (a real one where the Tiger player took his kick fifty metres from where the initial infringement occurred). Goal in 1:02. Five minutes later, Richmond had three goals on the board, two from free kicks, at which point some of the Melbourne players decided that it might be a good idea to start the game. And so it was that they regathered their composure and fought back, inspired by Colin Sylvia to get to within five points after Liam Jurrah kicked his third at the halfway mark of the second term. Things could have been even better if one of the field umpires would have managed to get his measurements right on a fifty metre penalty awarded to Clint Bartram. If that was more than twenty metres then I'll bare the proverbial in Bourke Street. Put it in the "it can only happen to Melbourne category" and weep. A travesty like that can only be followed by more disappointment and, right on cue, we were subjected to another fifteen minutes of shambolic football, poor disposal and weak decision making that saw the Tigers back on top with a well deserved 26-point lead by half time. However, the game was far from over as Melbourne came out fired up to ram home seven goals to one in the third quarter to turn the game on its head and take an eight-point lead into the last quarter. The main question now was whether the team had spent its petrol tickets just getting into that position. The Demons had their chances to take firm control early in the final quarter but their accuracy in front of goal which had kept them in the game for three quarters deserted them in the last. As they did in the second term, the Tigers grabbed the ascendancy at the midpoint in the quarter and kicked the goals that counted finishing the last stanza with 6.3 to 3.6 to run out winners by seven points. Melbourne was well served by Nathan Jones who burrowed in and never stopped trying. He might not be the most skilled but he did show endeavour and leadership throughout the game. Colin Garland, James Frawley and Jared Rivers were good down back despite the Tiger onslaught and, of course, Sylvia was the star. Shame about the rough conduct charge although one hopes that, in considering this, the AFL Match Review Panel remembers that even when West Coast's Josh Kennedy broke Sylvia's jaw last year, it was insufficient to sustain a charge against that player. At least Sylvia has learned his lesson after earning heavy criticism for selfish play last week. His 29 possessions and 5.0 surely earned him best on ground status. Sam Blease was again a shining light, Jordie McKenzie worked his butt off and Jack Trengove continued to impress but too many players put in subdued performances. All Australian ruckman Jamar was good in the ruck but he failed to take a mark. The lack of marking in contested situations by the tall timber has been a lowlight for much of the season. When there are no consistently safe marking targets up forward either in the air or on a lead, the groundwork is laid for indecisiveness and an unreliable short game and turnovers. What the club needs now is a quality coach to instill tactics and strategies that work rather than what has been served up as passing for a game plan this year. In the meantime, the team's development has not only slowed down - it's been totally arrested! Melbourne 4.0.24 7.1.43 14.2.86 17.8.110 Richmond 6.2.38 10.9.69 11.12.78 17.15.117 Goals Melbourne Sylvia 5 Jones Jurrah 3 Trengove 2 Bennell Green Petterd Watts Richmond Martin Miller 3 Foley Riewoldt 2 Cotchin Edwards Graham Jackson King Nahas Webberley Best Melbourne Jones Sylvia Garland Frawley Jamar McKenzie. Richmond Foley Martin Deledio Grigg Tuck Vickery Injuries Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Sylvia for high contact on Post in first quarter Richmond Nil Umpires McBurney Ryan Hay Crowd 36,321 at the MCG

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT by The Oracle The season is wearing heavily on the Melbourne Football Club. So much so that it was reduced to almost rabble status by Richmond in the first half of their Round 22 game at the MCG and even a spirited third quarter fight back was insufficient to help it win what was in many respects a meaningless fixture. The game was lost before it started, first at selection when players who are hopelessly out of form and confidence were selected to play. Whatever the problem is with Aaron Davey, it was clear last week against West Coast that his head is not in the right space to be playing the game at the moment. He has endured a poor season, had a lengthy lay off with a knee injury and clearly came back way too soon. It's possible now that the AFL's Match Review Panel will give him the rest he needs for the remainder of the season that the selectors did not afford him. One possession in the first half is not what a player of his stature deserves to celebrate his 150th game. Then there was the matter of the captain and the decision to hand him the green substitute's vest. This was pure folly. If he was unable to see through a game of 100 minutes then he had no business being in the selected side. Earlier this year, Jack Grimes was substituted off after 4 minutes when he suffered his foot injury. Green might have been called upon to play for 96 minutes in those circumstances had someone suffered a similar injury against the Tigers. The move did advertise to the world was how critical the club's leadership crisis has been in its demise over the past month or so and how that weak attitude permeates the club. The game started with Richmond showing greater intensity, tackling harder and winning the contested possessions, particularly out of the stoppages despite the fact that Mark Jamar was getting the hit outs. The opening contest was indicative of how most of the first half went for the two teams. A Demon possession smothered, a pack, a scrimmage and a holding the ball decision against the player at the base of the pack. Fifty metre penalty (a real one where the Tiger player took his kick fifty metres from where the initial infringement occurred). Goal in 1:02. Five minutes later, Richmond had three goals on the board, two from free kicks, at which point some of the Melbourne players decided that it might be a good idea to start the game. And so it was that they regathered their composure and fought back, inspired by Colin Sylvia to get to within five points after Liam Jurrah kicked his third at the halfway mark of the second term. Things could have been even better if one of the field umpires would have managed to get his measurements right on a fifty metre penalty awarded to Clint Bartram. If that was more than twenty metres then I'll bare the proverbial in Bourke Street. Put it in the "it can only happen to Melbourne category" and weep. A travesty like that can only be followed by more disappointment and, right on cue, we were subjected to another fifteen minutes of shambolic football, poor disposal and weak decision making that saw the Tigers back on top with a well deserved 26-point lead by half time. However, the game was far from over as Melbourne came out fired up to ram home seven goals to one in the third quarter to turn the game on its head and take an eight-point lead into the last quarter. The main question now was whether the team had spent its petrol tickets just getting into that position. The Demons had their chances to take firm control early in the final quarter but their accuracy in front of goal which had kept them in the game for three quarters deserted them in the last. As they did in the second term, the Tigers grabbed the ascendancy at the midpoint in the quarter and kicked the goals that counted finishing the last stanza with 6.3 to 3.6 to run out winners by seven points. Melbourne was well served by Nathan Jones who burrowed in and never stopped trying. He might not be the most skilled but he did show endeavour and leadership throughout the game. Colin Garland, James Frawley and Jared Rivers were good down back despite the Tiger onslaught and, of course, Sylvia was the star. Shame about the rough conduct charge although one hopes that, in considering this, the AFL Match Review Panel remembers that even when West Coast's Josh Kennedy broke Sylvia's jaw last year, it was insufficient to sustain a charge against that player. At least Sylvia has learned his lesson after earning heavy criticism for selfish play last week. His 29 possessions and 5.0 surely earned him best on ground status. Sam Blease was again a shining light, Jordie McKenzie worked his butt off and Jack Trengove continued to impress but too many players put in subdued performances. All Australian ruckman Jamar was good in the ruck but he failed to take a mark. The lack of marking in contested situations by the tall timber has been a lowlight for much of the season. When there are no consistently safe marking targets up forward either in the air or on a lead, the groundwork is laid for indecisiveness and an unreliable short game and turnovers. What the club needs now is a quality coach to instill tactics and strategies that work rather than what has been served up as passing for a game plan this year. In the meantime, the team's development has not only slowed down - it's been totally arrested! Melbourne 4.0.24 7.1.43 14.2.86 17.8.110 Richmond 6.2.38 10.9.69 11.12.78 17.15.117 Goals Melbourne Sylvia 5 Jones Jurrah 3 Trengove 2 Bennell Green Petterd Watts Richmond Martin Miller 3 Foley Riewoldt 2 Cotchin Edwards Graham Jackson King Nahas Webberley Best Melbourne Jones Sylvia Garland Frawley Jamar McKenzie. Richmond Foley Martin Deledio Grigg Tuck Vickery Injuries Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Sylvia for high contact on Post in first quarter Richmond Nil Umpires McBurney Ryan Hay Crowd 36,321 at the MCG

Your votes please ... 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,1 ...

Is it true that Brad Green is the sub?

CASEY EYES THE FOUR by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions moved a step closer to making the VFL top four with an emphatic 44-point win over the Werribee Tigers at Casey Fields on Saturday. The home side relished the sunny skies and the near perfect conditions for football as they led from go to whoa to leapfrog both the Tigers and the Northern Bullants to retake fourth place with just one round left before the finals. The win was the perfect response to a week of soul searching in the wake of the team's second defeat for the season at the hands of the lowly Coburg Tigers in a performance that threatened to derail Casey's 2011 finals campaign. The Scorpions must now repeat the dose at home against the fifth placed Northern Bullants to book an appointment in the first qualifying final with undefeated ladder leader Port Melbourne. The Tigers set out to emulate their success of earlier in the year when they won a spiteful encounter at Chirnside Park but after booting the game's first goal, they succumbed to the combined special talents of West Australian indigenous duo Neville Jetta and Kelvin Lawrence who displayed some electric form in the first quarter after Evan Pannoza kicked the team's opening goal. The much improved Lawrence booted two goals for the term and together with Jetta, started many forward thrusts to help the home side open up a 20 point lead by quarter time. Matthew Bate continued his rich vein of form for the Scorpions with a great goal just before the break and with both he and Fevola (who passed 50 goals for the season during the second term) dominating up forward, Casey stretched its lead to 33 points at half time. The intensity dropped a little in the second half but Casey maintained control throughout and was rarely troubled by the Tigers. The dual ruck combination of Robbie Campbell and Max Gawn had an absorbing duel with Werribee's McIntosh but it was the likes of Jetta (29 touches) and Tom McNamara (27 disposals) who were dominant in the middle. Dave Collins and Wade Lees proved to be excellent back ups and co-skipper James Wall was back to his best with 23 possessions. Meanwhile, back in defence, Matthew Warnock was steady as a rock and Tim Mohr, bound for the AFL draft combine at season's end, again did his future prospects no harm, this time under the watchful eyes of a bevy of Collingwood scouts. Jetta was easily best on ground and was unrelenting with his attack on the football right to the end, combining brilliantly with Bate and Fevola in many attacking moves. The latter copped plenty from some of the Tiger fans near the boundary but answered them definitively by kicking six goals from 11 kicks and eight marks to set up his team' win and a meeting with some of his old Carlton team mates when the Scorpions battle the Bullants at Casey Fields next Saturday for the coveted fourth place on the final ladder. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Melon22's review of the Melbourne listed players' performances:- Matthew Bate – too strong and quick for his opponent all day and dominated across half forward for Casey. Has been very consistent for Casey and he has been playing with a great attitude all year. Rohan Bail – a good comeback from injury. Was a good contributor for most of the day but slowed down a little in the last quarter. He added some class and speed to the Casey midfield which was sorely missed from the team last week. Robert Campbell – had a lot more game time than he has in previous weeks as he looks to build his fitness levels coming in to the finals. He got the best of Hamish McIntosh when matched up in the ruck and gave Casey first use of the ball for most of the day. With a return of Robbie’s fitness he is starting to get more involved with the play around the ground and showing he still has a future at AFL level. Troy Davis – played across half back and was very good all day; he is a super competitor and shows great desperation playing in the backline. Could be in line for an AFL debut as he has been very consistent after missing most of the early part of the year with a thyroid problem. Max Gawn – with Campbell playing more time in the ruck, it meant Max was pushed forward a little more than he has in the past games. Managed to kick one, could have a snagged a couple more and was a matchup nightmare for Werribee’s defence. Neville Jetta – hardly put a foot wrong all day in a best on ground performance which adds to a good run of form since coming back from injury a few weeks ago. Neville is winning a lot of his own ball in the midfield and has been damaging for Casey with his foot skills going forward. He is surely front and centre for a recall this week to the AFL. Jack Fitzpatrick – while he didn’t have a lot of impact up forward when he did get his opportunities he was good. He is absurdly fast for a big man and watching him run around midfielders would bring a smile to any Melbourne supporter's face. While he still needs to work on his kicking, an AFL debut in the last two weeks would not be out of the question. Kelvin Lawrence – great all day. Played more in the midfield where he didn’t look out of place, managed to kick two very nice goals and could be in line for a breakout finals series with Casey. The last few weeks for Kelvin has been brilliant as he is starting to show real signs that he has a future in the AFL. He has a great attack on the ball and his hunger for the tackle is very impressive. Addam Maric – played up forward and was mostly quiet, when he did have the ball he was effective. Tom McDonald – player on Hamish McIntosh for most of the game and did a good job even though he was outsized. He used his body well and didn’t look out of place on his more celebrated opponent. Probably the most deserving player this year yet to make his AFL debut, has been the most impressive of the youngsters to come in this year and AFL game would be nice reward for a great year from Tom. Tom McNamara – has found some form playing in the midfield in the last few weeks; he always competes but he just probably needs to bit tidier in his disposal if he wants to stay in the midfield long term. Daniel Nicholson – displayed his usual dash off half back and was very good in his defensive work. He just needs to tidy up his kicking a little bit, made a couple of bad turnovers which hurt Casey. Matthew Warnock – was back to his normal outstanding play after a bad week last week, he continues to be the rock in Casey’s defence. Casey Scorpions 5.0.30 10.4.64 13.9.87 17.11.113 Werribee Tigers 1.4.10 4.7.31 7.8.50 10.9.69 Casey Scorpions Fevola 6 Bate Jetta Lawrence 2 Fitzpatrick Gawn McGough Nicholls Panozza Werribee Tigers McIntosh 3 McKinley 2 Daw Harding Mangan Rockefeller Warren Best Casey Scorpions Jetta Warnock Lees Campbell Bate McNamara Werribee Tigers McIntosh Ross Mather O'Dwyer Tighe Hartigan Casey's rising reserves team made it nine wins in a row when they were untroubled in notching a solid 43-point win over Werribee. It was a great team effort with Jess Bolton, who continues to improve with every game, David Bell and Cameron Johnston featuring among the best players and Will Petropoulos booting three goals. The return of Austin Wonaeamirri struck a snag when he hurt his ankle in the first half of the game and the nuggety forward will undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury. Casey Scorpions 3.2.20 7.3.45 9.7.61 13.13.91 Werribee Tigers 3.1.19 3.3.21 5.6.36 7.6.48 Goals Casey Scorpions Petropoulos 3 Bell Purves Waite 2 Purves 2 Baumgartner Matthews Riseley Weekes Werribee Tigers Bryce Larsen 2 Risol Simpson Still Best Casey Scorpions Bolton Bell Johnston Matthews Pollard Petropoulos Werribee Tigers Moloney Sullivan Caldow Still Robbins James

CASEY EYES THE FOUR by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions moved a step closer to making the VFL top four with an emphatic 44-point win over the Werribee Tigers at Casey Fields on Saturday. The home side relished the sunny skies and the near perfect conditions for football as they led from go to whoa to leapfrog both the Tigers and the Northern Bullants to retake fourth place with just one round left before the finals. The win was the perfect response to a week of soul searching in the wake of the team's second defeat for the season at the hands of the lowly Coburg Tigers in a performance that threatened to derail Casey's 2011 finals campaign. The Scorpions must now repeat the dose at home against the fifth placed Northern Bullants to book an appointment in the first qualifying final with undefeated ladder leader Port Melbourne. The Tigers set out to emulate their success of earlier in the year when they won a spiteful encounter at Chirnside Park but after booting the game's first goal, they succumbed to the combined special talents of West Australian indigenous duo Neville Jetta and Kelvin Lawrence who displayed some electric form in the first quarter after Evan Pannoza kicked the team's opening goal. The much improved Lawrence booted two goals for the term and together with Jetta, started many forward thrusts to help the home side open up a 20 point lead by quarter time. Matthew Bate continued his rich vein of form for the Scorpions with a great goal just before the break and with both he and Fevola (who passed 50 goals for the season during the second term) dominating up forward, Casey stretched its lead to 33 points at half time. The intensity dropped a little in the second half but Casey maintained control throughout and was rarely troubled by the Tigers. The dual ruck combination of Robbie Campbell and Max Gawn had an absorbing duel with Werribee's McIntosh but it was the likes of Jetta (29 touches) and Tom McNamara (27 disposals) who were dominant in the middle. Dave Collins and Wade Lees proved to be excellent back ups and co-skipper James Wall was back to his best with 23 possessions. Meanwhile, back in defence, Matthew Warnock was steady as a rock and Tim Mohr, bound for the AFL draft combine at season's end, again did his future prospects no harm, this time under the watchful eyes of a bevy of Collingwood scouts. Jetta was easily best on ground and was unrelenting with his attack on the football right to the end, combining brilliantly with Bate and Fevola in many attacking moves. The latter copped plenty from some of the Tiger fans near the boundary but answered them definitively by kicking six goals from 11 kicks and eight marks to set up his team' win and a meeting with some of his old Carlton team mates when the Scorpions battle the Bullants at Casey Fields next Saturday for the coveted fourth place on the final ladder. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Melon22's review of the Melbourne listed players' performances:- Matthew Bate – too strong and quick for his opponent all day and dominated across half forward for Casey. Has been very consistent for Casey and he has been playing with a great attitude all year. Rohan Bail – a good comeback from injury. Was a good contributor for most of the day but slowed down a little in the last quarter. He added some class and speed to the Casey midfield which was sorely missed from the team last week. Robert Campbell – had a lot more game time than he has in previous weeks as he looks to build his fitness levels coming in to the finals. He got the best of Hamish McIntosh when matched up in the ruck and gave Casey first use of the ball for most of the day. With a return of Robbie’s fitness he is starting to get more involved with the play around the ground and showing he still has a future at AFL level. Troy Davis – played across half back and was very good all day; he is a super competitor and shows great desperation playing in the backline. Could be in line for an AFL debut as he has been very consistent after missing most of the early part of the year with a thyroid problem. Max Gawn – with Campbell playing more time in the ruck, it meant Max was pushed forward a little more than he has in the past games. Managed to kick one, could have a snagged a couple more and was a matchup nightmare for Werribee’s defence. Neville Jetta – hardly put a foot wrong all day in a best on ground performance which adds to a good run of form since coming back from injury a few weeks ago. Neville is winning a lot of his own ball in the midfield and has been damaging for Casey with his foot skills going forward. He is surely front and centre for a recall this week to the AFL. Jack Fitzpatrick – while he didn’t have a lot of impact up forward when he did get his opportunities he was good. He is absurdly fast for a big man and watching him run around midfielders would bring a smile to any Melbourne supporter's face. While he still needs to work on his kicking, an AFL debut in the last two weeks would not be out of the question. Kelvin Lawrence – great all day. Played more in the midfield where he didn’t look out of place, managed to kick two very nice goals and could be in line for a breakout finals series with Casey. The last few weeks for Kelvin has been brilliant as he is starting to show real signs that he has a future in the AFL. He has a great attack on the ball and his hunger for the tackle is very impressive. Addam Maric – played up forward and was mostly quiet, when he did have the ball he was effective. Tom McDonald – player on Hamish McIntosh for most of the game and did a good job even though he was outsized. He used his body well and didn’t look out of place on his more celebrated opponent. Probably the most deserving player this year yet to make his AFL debut, has been the most impressive of the youngsters to come in this year and AFL game would be nice reward for a great year from Tom. Tom McNamara – has found some form playing in the midfield in the last few weeks; he always competes but he just probably needs to bit tidier in his disposal if he wants to stay in the midfield long term. Daniel Nicholson – displayed his usual dash off half back and was very good in his defensive work. He just needs to tidy up his kicking a little bit, made a couple of bad turnovers which hurt Casey. Matthew Warnock – was back to his normal outstanding play after a bad week last week, he continues to be the rock in Casey’s defence. Casey Scorpions 5.0.30 10.4.64 13.9.87 17.11.113 Werribee Tigers 1.4.10 4.7.31 7.8.50 10.9.69 Casey Scorpions Fevola 6 Bate Jetta Lawrence 2 Fitzpatrick Gawn McGough Nicholls Panozza Werribee Tigers McIntosh 3 McKinley 2 Daw Harding Mangan Rockefeller Warren Best Casey Scorpions Jetta Warnock Lees Campbell Bate McNamara Werribee Tigers McIntosh Ross Mather O'Dwyer Tighe Hartigan Casey's rising reserves team made it nine wins in a row when they were untroubled in notching a solid 43-point win over Werribee. It was a great team effort with Jess Bolton, who continues to improve with every game, David Bell and Cameron Johnston featuring among the best players and Will Petropoulos booting three goals. The return of Austin Wonaeamirri struck a snag when he hurt his ankle in the first half of the game and the nuggety forward will undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury. Casey Scorpions 3.2.20 7.3.45 9.7.61 13.13.91 Werribee Tigers 3.1.19 3.3.21 5.6.36 7.6.48 Goals Casey Scorpions Petropoulos 3 Bell Purves Waite 2 Purves 2 Baumgartner Matthews Riseley Weekes Werribee Tigers Bryce Larsen 2 Risol Simpson Still Best Casey Scorpions Bolton Bell Johnston Matthews Pollard Petropoulos Werribee Tigers Moloney Sullivan Caldow Still Robbins James

OUT OF THE RACE by JVM Two teams that are out of the race for the finals meet each other for the second time in eight weeks in a game that has little significance other than pride and bragging rights. Such games are perfect for the Demons who have made a complete artform out of winning games that are meaningless. Even so, I wouldn't bet on it this week until I know which Melbourne will be taking the field this week. After all, the Demons have just gone through one of the most horrific months in their history having received consecutive shellackings at the hands of four of the top five teams in the competition. Along the way, they have lost their coach to a boning, four matches have been flushed down the toilet, their percentage has dropped a massive twenty percent, two promising youngsters are out injured for the season and there's been some blood on the boardroom floor. The president is ailing and the rest of the competition has no respect for the club. The media has been unrelenting in its criticism of anything and everything to do with the club. If there is a ray of light, it is the fact that the team is showing greater endeavour with every passing week although their footskills and decision making as a group when under pressure remain well below par. Perhaps the right coach will sort that out over the summer? I should add that there are some Demon diehards who will tell you that there is still a mathematical chance of making the finals. All they have to do is win the three remaining games and watch the teams above them tumble like dominoes until they're the last man standing. If you accept that the Swans would drop a home game to the Lions in Round 24 when a finals place beckons, then this is a theory for you. Otherwise, the race for the finals is over - as it should be for a team that has underperformed as Melbourne has over the past month. Even though this week's game is meaningless, the club could do with a win if only to shut up the critics. At least that would be a victory of some sorts at this stage of proceedings. THE GAME Melbourne v Richmond at the MCG Sunday 21 August 2011 at 4.40pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 79 wins Richmond 99 wins At MCG Melbourne 59 wins Richmond 65 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 9 wins Richmond 10 wins The Coaches Viney 0 wins Hardwick 0 wins MEDIA TV -Fox Sports 1 4:30 pm (live telecast) RADIO - THE BETTING Melbourne $2.10 to win Richmond $1.74 to win. THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 17.16.118 defeated Richmond 13.13.91 at the MCG, Round 14, 2011 The Tigers got off to a flyer with the first two goals of the game and it could have been a bigger margin but for inaccuracy in front of goal. The Demons reeled them in and established a good lead by quarter time and remained in control for the remainder of proceedings. The big bodies of Moloney and Jones were crucial and Watts continued to show improvement as a forward. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Colin Garland James Frawley Clint Bartram Half backs Aaron Davey Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald Centreline Sam Blease Brent Moloney Tom Scully Half forwards Jack Trengove Stef Martin Jeremy Howe Forwards Ricky Petterd Jack Watts Brad Green Followers Mark Jamar Colin Sylvia Nathan Jones Interchange Jamie Bennell Liam Jurrah Jordie McKenzie Cale Morton Emergencies Lynden Dunn Neville Jetta Daniel Nicholson In Jamie Bennell Brad Green Liam Jurrah Out Lynden Dunn Daniel Nicholson Luke Tapscott (soreness) RICHMOND Backs Bachar Houli Alex Rance Will Thursfield Half backs Brett Deledio Jayden Post Matt Dea Centreline Trent Cotchin Dustin Martin Shaun Grigg Half forwards Daniel Jackson Tyrone Vickery Shane Edwards Forwards Robin Nahas Jack Riewoldt Jake King Followers Angus Graham Shane Tuck Nathan Foley Interchange Mitchell Farmer Brad Miller Mitch Morton Jeromey Webberley Emergencies Ben Nason Jamie O'Reilly Matthew White In Jeromey Webberley Out Jake Batchelor (Shoulder) James Frawley and Jack Reiwoldt were drafted in the same national draft in 2006. Melbourne took their man with selection 12 while the Tigers got theirs one pick later. The contests between the two key position players have become highlights of recent Melbourne - Richmond matches and it's highly likely that the outcome of this week's game could well be determined by which of the two comes out on top. Neither player has been at his absolute best this season but each remains an important cog in his team's wheel. Frawley missed most of the preseason after tearing a pectoral muscle and has not come up to his 2010 All Australian form. The Richmond forward has also had some injury issues but has managed to stay on the field to boot 56 goals which puts him six goals behind Buddy Franklin in his quest to win a second consecutive Coleman medal. The young Demon has had the wood on Riewoldt in the past and I have him pegged to win this one again. Of course, much will depend on whether the Demons can curb their Tiger counterparts in the middle and this is one area where I believe that Melbourne can come out on top. After a month of being pitted against strong ruck combinations and making a good fist of things in the bargain, Mark Jamar and Stef Martin will find things a little more to their liking this week. It's an open secret that the Tigers are on the lookout for big men and that feelers have already been placed out for opposition ruckmen who might be in the marketplace. That's a reflection of the confidence coach Damien Hardwick has in his current crop of tall timber. I therefore expect the Demon onballers to relish the benefits of a winning ruck with Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones and young guns Jack Trengove and Tom Scully to just hold sway over the talented Tiger midfielders. The only argument I hear put up in favour of a Tiger win is that they are in form, having comfortably beaten the Swans last week. That might well be true but before that, they had lost six in a row and that's hardly what you'd call good form. I'm therefore confident in going for Todd Viney to break the ice as an AFL coach in the twilight glow and the MCG lights on Sunday evening. Melbourne by 27 points.

OUT OF THE RACE by JVM Two teams that are out of the race for the finals meet each other for the second time in eight weeks in a game that has little significance other than pride and bragging rights. Such games are perfect for the Demons who have made a complete artform out of winning games that are meaningless. Even so, I wouldn't bet on it this week until I know which Melbourne will be taking the field this week. After all, the Demons have just gone through one of the most horrific months in their history having received consecutive shellackings at the hands of four of the top five teams in the competition. Along the way, they have lost their coach to a boning, four matches have been flushed down the toilet, their percentage has dropped a massive twenty percent, two promising youngsters are out injured for the season and there's been some blood on the boardroom floor. The president is ailing and the rest of the competition has no respect for the club. The media has been unrelenting in its criticism of anything and everything to do with the club. If there is a ray of light, it is the fact that the team is showing greater endeavour with every passing week although their footskills and decision making as a group when under pressure remain well below par. Perhaps the right coach will sort that out over the summer? I should add that there are some Demon diehards who will tell you that there is still a mathematical chance of making the finals. All they have to do is win the three remaining games and watch the teams above them tumble like dominoes until they're the last man standing. If you accept that the Swans would drop a home game to the Lions in Round 24 when a finals place beckons, then this is a theory for you. Otherwise, the race for the finals is over - as it should be for a team that has underperformed as Melbourne has over the past month. Even though this week's game is meaningless, the club could do with a win if only to shut up the critics. At least that would be a victory of some sorts at this stage of proceedings. THE GAME Melbourne v Richmond at the MCG Sunday 21 August 2011 at 4.40pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 79 wins Richmond 99 wins At MCG Melbourne 59 wins Richmond 65 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 9 wins Richmond 10 wins The Coaches Viney 0 wins Hardwick 0 wins MEDIA TV -Fox Sports 1 4:30 pm (live telecast) RADIO - THE BETTING Melbourne $2.10 to win Richmond $1.74 to win. THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 17.16.118 defeated Richmond 13.13.91 at the MCG, Round 14, 2011 The Tigers got off to a flyer with the first two goals of the game and it could have been a bigger margin but for inaccuracy in front of goal. The Demons reeled them in and established a good lead by quarter time and remained in control for the remainder of proceedings. The big bodies of Moloney and Jones were crucial and Watts continued to show improvement as a forward. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Colin Garland James Frawley Clint Bartram Half backs Aaron Davey Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald Centreline Sam Blease Brent Moloney Tom Scully Half forwards Jack Trengove Stef Martin Jeremy Howe Forwards Ricky Petterd Jack Watts Brad Green Followers Mark Jamar Colin Sylvia Nathan Jones Interchange (from) Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn Neville Jetta Liam Jurrah Jordie McKenzie Cale Morton Daniel Nicholson In Jamie Bennell Brad Green Neville Jetta Liam Jurrah Out Luke Tapscott (soreness) RICHMOND Backs Bachar Houli Alex Rance Will Thursfield Half backs Brett Deledio Jayden Post Matt Dea Centreline Trent Cotchin Dustin Martin Shaun Grigg Half forwards Daniel Jackson Tyrone Vickery Shane Edwards Forwards Robin Nahas Jack Riewoldt Jake King Followers Angus Graham Shane Tuck Nathan Foley Interchange (from) Mitchell Farmer Brad Miller Mitch Morton Ben Nason Jamie O'Reilly Jeromey Webberley Matthew White In Ben Nason Jamie O'Reilly Jeromey Webberley Matthew White Out Jake Batchelor (Shoulder) James Frawley and Jack Reiwoldt were drafted in the same national draft in 2006. Melbourne took their man with selection 12 while the Tigers got theirs one pick later. The contests between the two key position players have become highlights of recent Melbourne - Richmond matches and it's highly likely that the outcome of this week's game could well be determined by which of the two comes out on top. Neither player has been at his absolute best this season but each remains an important cog in his team's wheel. Frawley missed most of the preseason after tearing a pectoral muscle and has not come up to his 2010 All Australian form. The Richmond forward has also had some injury issues but has managed to stay on the field to boot 56 goals which puts him six goals behind Buddy Franklin in his quest to win a second consecutive Coleman medal. The young Demon has had the wood on Riewoldt in the past and I have him pegged to win this one again. Of course, much will depend on whether the Demons can curb their Tiger counterparts in the middle and this is one area where I believe that Melbourne can come out on top. After a month of being pitted against strong ruck combinations and making a good fist of things in the bargain, Mark Jamar and Stef Martin will find things a little more to their liking this week. It's an open secret that the Tigers are on the lookout for big men and that feelers have already been placed out for opposition ruckmen who might be in the marketplace. That's a reflection of the confidence coach Damien Hardwick has in his current crop of tall timber. I therefore expect the Demon onballers to relish the benefits of a winning ruck with Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones and young guns Jack Trengove and Tom Scully to just hold sway over the talented Tiger midfielders. The only argument I hear put up in favour of a Tiger win is that they are in form, having comfortably beaten the Swans last week. That might well be true but before that, they had lost six in a row and that's hardly what you'd call good form. I'm therefore confident in going for Todd Viney to break the ice as an AFL coach in the twilight glow and the MCG lights on Sunday evening. Melbourne by 27 points.

It wasn't all that long ago, was it? RICHMOND Backs Chris Newman Alex Rance Bachar Houli Half backs Brett Deledio Luke McGuane Shaun Grigg Centreline Trent Cotchin Dustin Martin Reece Conca Half forwards Robin Nahas Tyrone Vickery Shane Edwards Forwards Mitchell Farmer Jack Riewoldt Brad Miller Followers Andrew Browne Daniel Jackson Nathan Foley Interchange Jake Batchelor David Gourdis Tom Hislop Jeromey Webberley Emergencies Bradley Helbig Jayden Post Shane Tuck In Jake Batchelor David Gourdis Out Jake King (suspended) Jayden Post MELBOURNE Backs James Strauss James Frawley Daniel Nicholson Half backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Jack Trengove Centreline Tom Scully Colin Sylvia Jeremy Howe Half forwards Nathan Jones Jack Watts Ricky Petterd Forwards Jamie Bennell Mark Jamar Brad Green Followers Stef Martin Brent Moloney Jordie McKenzie Interchange Jordan Gysberts Liam Jurrah Joel Macdonald Cale Morton Emergencies Matthew Bate Sam Blease Max Gawn In Jordan Gysberts Mark Jamar Out Clint Bartram Max Gawn

With three rounds to go, the two Jacks are out in front ... 130. Jack Watts 115. Jack Trengove 103. Stefan Martin 92. Jared Rivers 86. Nathan Jones 85. Brent Moloney 61. Colin Sylvia 58. Ricky Petterd 54. Jordie McKenzie 47. Jeremy Howe 46. James Frawley 37. Mark Jamar 35. Rohan Bail 32. Brad Green 29. Jordan Gysberts 28. Colin Garland Luke Tapscott 26. Joel Macdonald 16. Liam Jurrah 15. Tom Scully 13. Neville Jetta 11. Addam Maric 10. Cale Morton 8. Aaron Davey 7. Jamie Bennell Michael Evans 4. Lynden Dunn 3. Clint Bartram Sam Blease Michael Newton 2. Jack Grimes Dan Nicholson 1. Matthew Warnock

FOUNDATION AND EMPIRE by Whispering Jack Empires come and empires go. They crumble like dust in the end but deep down lies the seed upon which to base the future. These were my thoughts when I left Etihad Stadium after what appeared on the surface to be yet another soul destroying debacle for the Melbourne Football Club. To understand those thoughts you need to go back a few hours. Things didn't look promising from the minute I arrived at the railway station. The train which the sign said was due to arrive "now" didn't come until another seven minutes elapsed. When it finally arrived, my carriage was full of Eagles and Tigers colours but apart from my own scarf, there was no indication that the Demons were playing today. As we rattled on through Richmond Station, past the MCG and into the dark bowels of the city loop, it dawned on me that this wasn't really a home game at all. I usually don't mind viewing the footy at Etihad from Level Three but that was not to be this time. It was out of bounds so I found myself sitting at near to ground level directly in front of a couple of obnoxious Eagles fans who spent the afternoon complaining about the umpires. I guess I'll never know how they would have reacted had the final free kick for the day read in reverse of the 23 to 16 in favour of their own team. I was also expecting West Coast to come out in one of those insipid predominantly white away outfits that visiting teams (except Collingwood who hardly ever have to visit anyone) are forced to wear but not today. I wondered about that for a little while and then the game began. The opening was very much in the same vein as last week against Carlton. Melbourne was winning early in the clearances and the possession count but struggled to find the middle of the big sticks. It took a while but Jeremy Howe finally snapped truly and ten minutes into the game the Demons led 1.2.8 to 0.1.1. There were to be no more scoring for the remainder of the term and beyond for the Dees but this was not due to a lack of opportunity. Two or three glaring ones come to mind. Jack Watts brilliantly chipped one to Cale Morton who needed only to run into an open goal but decided to roll it through a la Daniel Motlop when that player used to perform miracles. Soon after, Morton marked outside 50 but so low was his confidence level that he gave the ball off to Lynden Dunn whose kick slewed deep into a pocket where Howe marked and unselfishly passed to Clint Bartram. It was a great piece of play except for the fact that the recipient can't kick goals to save himself and the resultant shot from 30 metres missed everything. Sam Blease had no downfield targets so he let fly from a long way out and he was on target but a West Coast defender marked right on the line proving again that it's a game of centimetres. By way of contrast, the Eagles managed to get their three goals for the quarter the easy way. The Demons moved out of defence with a string of possessions that resulted in a disastrous decision to switch play followed by a poor lateral pass that was intercepted and led to an easy goal to Nicoski. A minute later a soft free in front of goals to Le Cras gave the Eagles the lead. Nicoski's second goal came later in the aftermath of one of those Demon misses that was turned around by a long drive to the Eagle who had been unattended for what seemed ages. The quarter ended with Melbourne leading most of the game's statistics except the ones that count (and for the benefit of my neighbours, the frees for) - the scoreboard and the efficiency ratio. Melbourne was dreadful in that regard. The second term was the one in which Melbourne meekly succumbed to the West Coast press. The Eagles scored at will racking up five goals six behinds to a single rushed point in the first 20 minutes to make it eight unanswered goals until Howe slotted his second. Those eight goals were the difference for the day because the scoring was fairly even from then onward. Granted that the Eagles could have applied the gas pedal had they wanted to do so but the Demons' second half was so much better than the first. For starters, their ruck division got on top with Mark Jamar and Stef Martin shading their West Coast counterparts in Cox and Naitanui although the former managed a couple of cheap goals late in the game. Melbourne worked so much harder at the stoppages and its defence, which had been so hard pressed in the second term, held firm against the tide of a more skilful opponent. As an aside, the game exposed some of the Demons' skill deficiencies but there was one that my whining neighbours missed. Melbourne players simply are not adept at the skills of milking free kicks when they're not there. It's something that only experience can teach and players like Daniel Kerr are masters at the game. The third was Viney's first winning quarter as a coach, yielding 5.3 to the efficient Eagles' 3.0. Like the first, it could have been so much better. What on earth was Colin Sylvia thinking when he tried a near impossible checkside goal when he could have handpassed to an unattended Dunn? To me, it evoked memories of Ron Barassi dragging Malcolm Blight years ago when the North star tried exactly the same thing. The only difference was that Blight was good enough to kick the goal. What it demonstrated was the necessity for the club to secure a top flight coach for the future. There are too many of the older Demons who have been allowed to develop bad habits and to play selfish football. This trait has to be erased if the club is to progress in the future as otherwise the foundation commenced with the club's bright young talent will turn quickly into a crumbled empire. The need for quality coaching was also highlighted by the fact that for all of the team's frailties, it has started brightly in the past two weeks, been blown of the park in each second quarter and been at least competitive after that. When Melbourne played West Coast in Round 6, it lost by 54 points and had 40 less disposals. This time, it lost by 48 points and had 39 more disposals. Testament to poor efficiency but also to a team that's working a lot harder under Viney than it was earlier in the year when it met the big guns. The encouraging sign is that some of the most impressive performances came from the younger players. Blease was virtually on debut (his only previous game saw him as the substitute with limited game time) and shows that he has the makings of a star while forward Jeremy Howe was close to his team's best player. Jack Trengove, Ricky Petterd, James Frawley and Colin Garland all gave great cause for future expectations. Of course, as we've discovered to our pain, having a promising list means absolutely nothing unless they can be taught to use their natural skills and talent to the utmost. That's when they can start building an empire. Melbourne 1.2.8 3.4.22 8.7.55 9.8.62 West Coast Eagles 3.2.20 10.9.69 13.9.87 16.14.110 Goals Melbourne Howe 3 Dunn Morton Petterd Sylvia Trengove Watts West Coast Eagles LeCras Nicoski 3 Cox Kennedy 2 Embley Kerr Naitanui Priddis A Selwood S Selwood Best Melbourne Howe Frawley Trengove Blease Petterd Garland West Coast Eagles Embley Gaff Priddis Kerr Shuey Hurn Injuries Melbourne Nil West Coast Eagles L Shuey (hamstring) Changes Melbourne B Green (soreness) replaced by D Nicholson West Coast Eagles Nil Reports Melbourne Nil West Coast Eagles Nil Umpires Ryan McBurney Kamolins Official Crowd 15,739 at Etihad Stadium

Your votes here please ... 6,5,4,3,2,1 ... the usual drill

FOUNDATION AND EMPIRE by Whispering Jack Empires come and empires go. They crumble like dust in the end but deep down lies the seed upon which to base the future. These were my thoughts when I left Etihad Stadium after what appeared on the surface to be yet another soul destroying debacle for the Melbourne Football Club. To understand those thoughts you need to go back a few hours. Things didn't look promising from the minute I arrived at the railway station. The train which the sign said was due to arrive "now" didn't come until another seven minutes elapsed. When it finally arrived, my carriage was full of Eagles and Tigers colours but apart from my own scarf, there was no indication that the Demons were playing today. As we rattled on through Richmond Station, past the MCG and into the dark bowels of the city loop, it dawned on me that this wasn't really a home game at all. I usually don't mind viewing the footy at Etihad from Level Three but that was not to be this time. It was out of bounds so I found myself sitting at near to ground level directly in front of a couple of obnoxious Eagles fans who spent the afternoon complaining about the umpires. I guess I'll never know how they would have reacted had the final free kick for the day read in reverse of the 23 to 16 in favour of their own team. I was also expecting West Coast to come out in one of those insipid predominantly white away outfits that visiting teams (except Collingwood who hardly ever have to visit anyone) are forced to wear but not today. I wondered about that for a little while and then the game began. The opening was very much in the same vein as last week against Carlton. Melbourne was winning early in the clearances and the possession count but struggled to find the middle of the big sticks. It took a while but Jeremy Howe finally snapped truly and ten minutes into the game the Demons led 1.2.8 to 0.1.1. There were to be no more scoring for the remainder of the term and beyond for the Dees but this was not due to a lack of opportunity. Two or three glaring ones come to mind. Jack Watts brilliantly chipped one to Cale Morton who needed only to run into an open goal but decided to roll it through a la Daniel Motlop when that player used to perform miracles. Soon after, Morton marked outside 50 but so low was his confidence level that he gave the ball off to Lynden Dunn whose kick slewed deep into a pocket where Howe marked and unselfishly passed to Clint Bartram. It was a great piece of play except for the fact that the recipient can't kick goals to save himself and the resultant shot from 30 metres missed everything. Sam Blease had no downfield targets so he let fly from a long way out and he was on target but a West Coast defender marked right on the line proving again that it's a game of centimetres. By way of contrast, the Eagles managed to get their three goals for the quarter the easy way. The Demons moved out of defence with a string of possessions that resulted in a disastrous decision to switch play followed by a poor lateral pass that was intercepted and led to an easy goal to Nicoski. A minute later a soft free in front of goals to Le Cras gave the Eagles the lead. Nicoski's second goal came later in the aftermath of one of those Demon misses that was turned around by a long drive to the Eagle who had been unattended for what seemed ages. The quarter ended with Melbourne leading most of the game's statistics except the ones that count (and for the benefit of my neighbours, the frees for) - the scoreboard and the efficiency ratio. Melbourne was dreadful in that regard. The second term was the one in which Melbourne meekly succumbed to the West Coast press. The Eagles scored at will racking up five goals six behinds to a single rushed point in the first 20 minutes to make it eight unanswered goals until Howe slotted his second. Those eight goals were the difference for the day because the scoring was fairly even from then onward. Granted that the Eagles could have applied the gas pedal had they wanted to do so but the Demons' second half was so much better than the first. For starters, their ruck division got on top with Mark Jamar and Stef Martin shading their West Coast counterparts in Cox and Naitanui although the former managed a couple of cheap goals late in the game. Melbourne worked so much harder at the stoppages and its defence, which had been so hard pressed in the second term, held firm against the tide of a more skilful opponent. As an aside, the game exposed some of the Demons' skill deficiencies but there was one that my whining neighbours missed. Melbourne players simply are not adept at the skills of milking free kicks when they're not there. It's something that only experience can teach and players like Daniel Kerr are masters at the game. The third was Viney's first winning quarter as a coach, yielding 5.3 to the efficient Eagles' 3.0. Like the first, it could have been so much better. What on earth was Colin Sylvia thinking when he tried a near impossible checkside goal when he could have handpassed to an unattended Dunn? To me, it evoked memories of Ron Barassi dragging Malcolm Blight years ago when the North star tried exactly the same thing. The only difference was that Blight was good enough to kick the goal. What it demonstrated was the necessity for the club to secure a top flight coach for the future. There are too many of the older Demons who have been allowed to develop bad habits and to play selfish football. This trait has to be erased if the club is to progress in the future as otherwise the foundation commenced with the club's bright young talent will turn quickly into a crumbled empire. The need for quality coaching was also highlighted by the fact that for all of the team's frailties, it has started brightly in the past two weeks, been blown of the park in each second quarter and been at least competitive after that. When Melbourne played West Coast in Round 6, it lost by 54 points and had 40 less disposals. This time, it lost by 48 points and had 39 more disposals. Testament to poor efficiency but also to a team that's working a lot harder under Viney than it was earlier in the year when it met the big guns. The encouraging sign is that some of the most impressive performances came from the younger players. Blease was virtually on debut (his only previous game saw him as the substitute with limited game time) and shows that he has the makings of a star while forward Jeremy Howe was close to his team's best player. Jack Trengove, Ricky Petterd, James Frawley and Colin Garland all gave great cause for future expectations. Of course, as we've discovered to our pain, having a promising list means absolutely nothing unless they can be taught to use their natural skills and talent to the utmost. That's when they can start building an empire. Melbourne 1.2.8 3.4.22 8.7.55 9.8.62 West Coast Eagles 3.2.20 10.9.69 13.9.87 16.14.110 Goals Melbourne Howe 3 Dunn Morton Petterd Sylvia Trengove Watts West Coast Eagles LeCras Nicoski 3 Cox Kennedy 2 Embley Kerr Naitanui Priddis A Selwood S Selwood Best Melbourne Howe Frawley Trengove Blease Petterd Garland West Coast Eagles Embley Gaff Priddis Kerr Shuey Hurn Injuries Melbourne Nil West Coast Eagles L Shuey (hamstring) Changes Melbourne B Green (soreness) replaced by D Nicholson West Coast Eagles Nil Reports Melbourne Nil West Coast Eagles Nil Umpires Ryan McBurney Kamolins Official Crowd 15,739 at Etihad Stadium

Melon22 will be providing the info for the How the Demons Fared section. It will be loaded into the article when received.

OPPORTUNITY LOST by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions missed out on the perfect opportunity to secure a top four position on Saturday when they capitulated for the second time this year against a more determined Coburg Tigers. The defeat came despite a strong performance by full forward Brendan Fevola who was in fine form with his marking, leading and kicking to finish with seven goals. The game was played at Mantello Holden Oval, Coburg under the watchful eye of Greater Western Sydney List Manager Stephen Silvagni. The GWS coach Kevin Sheedy has publicly ruled out claiming Casey's controversial recruit for next season, but speculation at the ground still centred on whether SOS was on a mission to check out his former team mate or perhaps, draft combine invitee Tim Mohr. Either way, he would have left the ground suitably impressed. The Scorpions appeared in control early although they failed to exert their superiority on the scoreboard. Rian McGough celebrated his return from the reserves with two goals in the first term and the Casey on ballers were on top although some sloppy play led to turnovers and the Tigers managed a couple of long goals that rolled through an unguarded goalsquare to stay in touch at the first break. The Scorpions suffered a major blow soon after proceedings restarted when ruckman Robbie Campbell came off second best and was knocked out after a sickening collision on the boundary line. He was to play no further part in the game. Although Fevola kicked two quick goals immediately after the incident, the big man's departure changed the balance of the game as coach Brad Gotch recast his team. Coburg's rucks took over and while the game ebbed and flowed for a time, the Tigers booted three late goals to take a six point lead into the rooms at half time. Beanpole Jack Fitzpatrick, who had been moving well and impressed up forward, was called into the ruck leaving Fevola who had three goals to half time now isolated as the main target. Casey came back with two quick goals in a bright opening to the third term when a Neville Jetta pass found McGough for his third and Jamie Bennell also passed truly to Fevola who slotted through his fourth. Not to be outdone, the home side returned fire to press back in front thanks to some errors from the Scorpions' defence but Matthew Bate struck a purple patch with two goals within minutes to restore the lead. Bate had an opportunity to further extend the lead but the redhead's rushed snap from 15 metres missed everything and went out of bounds on the full. From this point onwards it was mainly all Coburg for the remainder of the term with Fevola the only Casey forward who looked like kicking goals. By contrast, the Tigers were full of running and their passing by hand and by foot was too good for the visitors. A goal from a Fevola mark on the three quarter time siren was a saver for the visitors but the Tigers were now brimming with confidence. They led by two goals and an upset was on the cards. The ultimate result of the game was settled in the opening minutes of the final term when the Burgers, spurred on by their home crowd and a noisy cheer squad, slotted home three goals in five or six minutes to extend the lead to thirty points. Bate scored his third from a rare Casey free kick which was followed by a 50 metre penalty and the gap could have been narrowed further but for some errant passing close to the Casey goals. To their credit, the Scorpions refused to surrender and did most of the attacking in the latter stages of the game. Fevola was always the danger man and he added two more goals to easily stamp himself as his team's best player. However, time was now the enemy and the game petered out with Casey 15 points in arrears at the final siren. Tom McNamara with 25 disposals was busy all day for the Scorpions and Matthew Bate who also had 25 touches to add to his three goals put in an impressive display particularly given that he spent large stretches of the first term receiving attention from the trainers. Rian McGough proved a handful for the Coburg defence early in the game and Michael Stockdale (23 possessions) was a prolific ballwinner after last week's stint in the reserves. Neville Jetta with 21 touches and 5 tackles was brilliant in patches and helped keep the team in touch after half time. All in all however, it was a disappointing effort from a team that had so much to gain from a win in this match but next Saturday provides it with the perfect opportunity to atone against the VFL's other Tigers, Werribee. The two meet at Casey Fields and the loser will almost certainly miss out on a final opportunity to challenge for a top four placing. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Melon22 notes that this week's changes and injuries at AFL level certainly had an effect on Casey's performance this week. Coburg certainly took advantage of the absence of Sam Blease and Dan Nicholson from last week's team. With the exception of Jamie Bennell, the Casey defenders were all 190cm or taller and the Coburg small forwards had a field day. The Scorpions fielded only ten Demons but that was soon reduced to nine when Robbie Campbell went down. Here's Melon22's rundown on the Demons:- Matthew Bate – struggled to have a big influence on the game early and was a victim at times of Casey’s tactics of trying to isolate Fevola where he was sometimes ignored for the sake of the team. Was moved into the middle in the last quarter where he made an instant impact but unfortunately for Casey it was all too late as the game was already lost. Jamie Bennell – was behind some of Casey’s best moves for the day with some dazzling runs. One of the only Casey players with clean disposal on the day but wasn’t able to gather enough disposals to help Casey get over the line. Robert Cambpell – was on top of Andrew Browne in the ruck until he was knocked out early in the second quarter after a nasty head clash. Troy Davis – probably his most disappointing display so far; seemed uncharacteristically hesitant at times and didn’t seem at ease against the small Coburg forward line. Jack Fitzpatrick – started well up forward where he was too big and quick for his opponent but then was forced to move into the ruck after Campbell’s injury. He battled well in the ruck but was just shaded by Andrew Browne. Neville Jetta - the spark behind a good spell for Casey in the third quarter and was probably the best of the Demon players. His disposal was clean and efficient and he was able to put on good defensive pressure on as well with five tackles. Has shown good form over the last couple of weeks and could be in line for a recall. Kelvin Lawrence – his tackling efforts were great but he struggled on the day with his disposal along with most of his Casey teammates. Needs to start adding goals to his game just to cap off some of the great work that he is doing defensively. Tom McDonald – played mostly up forward where he tried hard and took a couple of great marks but was generally quiet. Tom McNamara - finished with 25 disposals but wasn’t particularly damaging. He battled hard but, despite getting plenty of the ball, he was never going to be a real influence on the result. Matthew Warnock - one of his poorer displays. Looked off the pace all day, allowed to his direct opponent in Griffiths a lot of space and wasn’t able to influence the contest at all. Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 7.5.47 12.7.79 15.12.102 Coburg Tigers 3.1.19 8.5.53 14.7.91 18.9.117 Goals Casey Scorpions Fevola 7 Bate McGough 3 Bennell Nicholls Coburg Tigers Hicks 5 Carnell Contin 4 Jordan 2 Browne Clifton Griffiths O'Rielly Westhoff White Best Casey Scorpions Fevola McNamara Bate McGough Lees Stockdale Coburg Tigers Browne Rayson O'Rielly Hicks Carnell The Casey Reserves continued on their winning way although they were helped by Coburg's inaccuracy in the first half. The match marked the welcome return to form after a long lay off after a series of injuries of courageous the club's co-skipper Kyle Matthews who was clear best on ground and staked a claim for a return to the seniors with an inspired performance. The goals were evenly shared with Rohan Bail, Mitch Dowse and Ben Waite, the multiple goal scorers with two each. The 38 point win puts Casey in the box seat for a top four berth with the finals looming. Casey Scorpions 6.1.37 8.3.52 13.6.84 18.9.117 Coburg Tigers 2.5.17 5.8.38 6.13.49 11.13.79 Goals Casey Scorpions Bail Dowse Purves Waite 2 Allen Clay Collins Cook Fieldsend McShane Matthews Pollard Purdy Weekes Coburg Tigers Pound Xuereb 2 Ambrose Ambrose Cartello Dahl Duhau Lirosi Morris Best Casey Scorpions Matthews Patti Cleven Bolton Dowse Purdy Coburg Tigers Thomas Cartelli Dahl Garland Lirosi Robortellas other Tigers, Werribee when they meet at Casey Fields in what will almost certainly decide the issue of who takes fourth place. Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 7.5.47 12.7.79 15.12.102 Coburg Tigers 3.1.19 8.5.53 14.7.91 18.9.117 Goals Casey Scorpions Fevola 7 Bate McGough 3 Bennell Nicholls Coburg Tigers Hicks 5 Carnell Contin 4 Jordan 2 Browne Clifton Griffiths O'Rielly Westhoff White Best Casey Scorpions Fevola McNamara Bate McGough Lees Stockdale Coburg Tigers Browne Rayson O'Rielly Hicks Carnell The Casey Reserves continued on their winning way although they were helped by Coburg's inaccuracy in the first half. The match marked the welcome return to form after a long lay off after a series of injuries of courageous the club's co-skipper Kyle Matthews who was clear best on ground and staked a claim for a return to the seniors with an inspired performance. The goals were evenly shared with Rohan Bail, Mitch Dowse and Ben Waite, the multiple goal scorers with two each. The 38 point win puts Casey in the box seat for a top four berth with the finals looming. Casey Scorpions 6.1.37 8.3.52 13.6.84 18.9.117 Coburg Tigers 2.5.17 5.8.38 6.13.49 11.13.79 Goals Casey Scorpions Bail Dowse Purves Waite 2 Allen Clay Collins Cook Fieldsend McShane Matthews Pollard Purdy Weekes Coburg Tigers Pound Xuereb 2 Ambrose Ambrose Cartello Dahl Duhau Lirosi Morris Best Casey Scorpions Matthews Patti Cleven Bolton Dowse Purdy Coburg Tigers Thomas Cartelli Dahl Garland Lirosi Robortella

OPPORTUNITY LOST by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions missed out on the perfect opportunity to secure a top four position on Saturday when they capitulated for the second time this year against a more determined Coburg Tigers. The defeat came despite a strong performance by full forward Brendan Fevola who was in fine form with his marking, leading and kicking to finish with seven goals. The game was played at Mantello Holden Oval, Coburg under the watchful eye of Greater Western Sydney List Manager Stephen Silvagni. The GWS coach Kevin Sheedy has publicly ruled out claiming Casey's controversial recruit for next season, but speculation at the ground still centred on whether SOS was on a mission to check out his former team mate or perhaps, draft combine invitee Tim Mohr. Either way, he would have left the ground suitably impressed. The Scorpions appeared in control early although they failed to exert their superiority on the scoreboard. Rian McGough celebrated his return from the reserves with two goals in the first term and the Casey on ballers were on top although some sloppy play led to turnovers and the Tigers managed a couple of long goals that rolled through an unguarded goalsquare to stay in touch at the first break. The Scorpions suffered a major blow soon after proceedings restarted when ruckman Robbie Campbell came off second best and was knocked out after a sickening collision on the boundary line. He was to play no further part in the game. Although Fevola kicked two quick goals immediately after the incident, the big man's departure changed the balance of the game as coach Brad Gotch recast his team. Coburg's rucks took over and while the game ebbed and flowed for a time, the Tigers booted three late goals to take a six point lead into the rooms at half time. Beanpole Jack Fitzpatrick, who had been moving well and impressed up forward, was called into the ruck leaving Fevola who had three goals to half time now isolated as the main target. Casey came back with two quick goals in a bright opening to the third term when a Neville Jetta pass found McGough for his third and Jamie Bennell also passed truly to Fevola who slotted through his fourth. Not to be outdone, the home side returned fire to press back in front thanks to some errors from the Scorpions' defence but Matthew Bate struck a purple patch with two goals within minutes to restore the lead. Bate had an opportunity to further extend the lead but the redhead's rushed snap from 15 metres missed everything and went out of bounds on the full. From this point onwards it was mainly all Coburg for the remainder of the term with Fevola the only Casey forward who looked like kicking goals. By contrast, the Tigers were full of running and their passing by hand and by foot was too good for the visitors. A goal from a Fevola mark on the three quarter time siren was a saver for the visitors but the Tigers were now brimming with confidence. They led by two goals and an upset was on the cards. The ultimate result of the game was settled in the opening minutes of the final term when the Burgers, spurred on by their home crowd and a noisy cheer squad, slotted home three goals in five or six minutes to extend the lead to thirty points. Bate scored his third from a rare Casey free kick which was followed by a 50 metre penalty and the gap could have been narrowed further but for some errant passing close to the Casey goals. To their credit, the Scorpions refused to surrender and did most of the attacking in the latter stages of the game. Fevola was always the danger man and he added two more goals to easily stamp himself as his team's best player. However, time was now the enemy and the game petered out with Casey 15 points in arrears at the final siren. Tom McNamara with 25 disposals was busy all day for the Scorpions and Matthew Bate who also had 25 touches to add to his three goals put in an impressive display particularly given that he spent large stretches of the first term receiving attention from the trainers. Rian McGough proved a handful for the Coburg defence early in the game and Michael Stockdale (23 possessions) was a prolific ballwinner after last week's stint in the reserves. Neville Jetta with 21 touches and 5 tackles was brilliant in patches and helped keep the team in touch after half time. All in all however, it was a disappointing effort from a team that had so much to gain from a win in this match but next Saturday provides it with the perfect opportunity to atone against the VFL's other Tigers, Werribee. The two meet at Casey Fields and the loser will almost certainly miss out on a final opportunity to challenge for a top four placing. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Melon22 notes that this week's changes and injuries at AFL level certainly had an effect on Casey's performance this week. Coburg certainly took advantage of the absence of Sam Blease and Dan Nicholson from last week's team. With the exception of Jamie Bennell, the Casey defenders were all 190cm or taller and the Coburg small forwards had a field day. The Scorpions fielded only ten Demons but that was soon reduced to nine when Robbie Campbell went down. Here's Melon22's rundown on the Demons:- Matthew Bate – struggled to have a big influence on the game early and was a victim at times of Casey’s tactics of trying to isolate Fevola where he was sometimes ignored for the sake of the team. Was moved into the middle in the last quarter where he made an instant impact but unfortunately for Casey it was all too late as the game was already lost. Jamie Bennell – was behind some of Casey’s best moves for the day with some dazzling runs. One of the only Casey players with clean disposal on the day but wasn’t able to gather enough disposals to help Casey get over the line. Robert Cambpell – was on top of Andrew Browne in the ruck until he was knocked out early in the second quarter after a nasty head clash. Troy Davis – probably his most disappointing display so far; seemed uncharacteristically hesitant at times and didn’t seem at ease against the small Coburg forward line. Jack Fitzpatrick – started well up forward where he was too big and quick for his opponent but then was forced to move into the ruck after Campbell’s injury. He battled well in the ruck but was just shaded by Andrew Browne. Neville Jetta - the spark behind a good spell for Casey in the third quarter and was probably the best of the Demon players. His disposal was clean and efficient and he was able to put on good defensive pressure on as well with five tackles. Has shown good form over the last couple of weeks and could be in line for a recall. Kelvin Lawrence – his tackling efforts were great but he struggled on the day with his disposal along with most of his Casey teammates. Needs to start adding goals to his game just to cap off some of the great work that he is doing defensively. Tom McDonald – played mostly up forward where he tried hard and took a couple of great marks but was generally quiet. Tom McNamara - finished with 25 disposals but wasn’t particularly damaging. He battled hard but, despite getting plenty of the ball, he was never going to be a real influence on the result. Matthew Warnock - one of his poorer displays. Looked off the pace all day, allowed to his direct opponent in Griffiths a lot of space and wasn’t able to influence the contest at all. Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 7.5.47 12.7.79 15.12.102 Coburg Tigers 3.1.19 8.5.53 14.7.91 18.9.117 Goals Casey Scorpions Fevola 7 Bate McGough 3 Bennell Nicholls Coburg Tigers Hicks 5 Carnell Contin 4 Jordan 2 Browne Clifton Griffiths O'Rielly Westhoff White Best Casey Scorpions Fevola McNamara Bate McGough Lees Stockdale Coburg Tigers Browne Rayson O'Rielly Hicks Carnell The Casey Reserves continued on their winning way although they were helped by Coburg's inaccuracy in the first half. The match marked the welcome return to form after a long lay off after a series of injuries of courageous the club's co-skipper Kyle Matthews who was clear best on ground and staked a claim for a return to the seniors with an inspired performance. The goals were evenly shared with Rohan Bail, Mitch Dowse and Ben Waite, the multiple goal scorers with two each. The 38 point win puts Casey in the box seat for a top four berth with the finals looming. Casey Scorpions 6.1.37 8.3.52 13.6.84 18.9.117 Coburg Tigers 2.5.17 5.8.38 6.13.49 11.13.79 Goals Casey Scorpions Bail Dowse Purves Waite 2 Allen Clay Collins Cook Fieldsend McShane Matthews Pollard Purdy Weekes Coburg Tigers Pound Xuereb 2 Ambrose Ambrose Cartello Dahl Duhau Lirosi Morris Best Casey Scorpions Matthews Patti Cleven Bolton Dowse Purdy Coburg Tigers Thomas Cartelli Dahl Garland Lirosi Robortellas other Tigers, Werribee when they meet at Casey Fields in what will almost certainly decide the issue of who takes fourth place. Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 7.5.47 12.7.79 15.12.102 Coburg Tigers 3.1.19 8.5.53 14.7.91 18.9.117 Goals Casey Scorpions Fevola 7 Bate McGough 3 Bennell Nicholls Coburg Tigers Hicks 5 Carnell Contin 4 Jordan 2 Browne Clifton Griffiths O'Rielly Westhoff White Best Casey Scorpions Fevola McNamara Bate McGough Lees Stockdale Coburg Tigers Browne Rayson O'Rielly Hicks Carnell The Casey Reserves continued on their winning way although they were helped by Coburg's inaccuracy in the first half. The match marked the welcome return to form after a long lay off after a series of injuries of courageous the club's co-skipper Kyle Matthews who was clear best on ground and staked a claim for a return to the seniors with an inspired performance. The goals were evenly shared with Rohan Bail, Mitch Dowse and Ben Waite, the multiple goal scorers with two each. The 38 point win puts Casey in the box seat for a top four berth with the finals looming. Casey Scorpions 6.1.37 8.3.52 13.6.84 18.9.117 Coburg Tigers 2.5.17 5.8.38 6.13.49 11.13.79 Goals Casey Scorpions Bail Dowse Purves Waite 2 Allen Clay Collins Cook Fieldsend McShane Matthews Pollard Purdy Weekes Coburg Tigers Pound Xuereb 2 Ambrose Ambrose Cartello Dahl Duhau Lirosi Morris Best Casey Scorpions Matthews Patti Cleven Bolton Dowse Purdy Coburg Tigers Thomas Cartelli Dahl Garland Lirosi Robortella

FOUNDATION by Whispering Jack The theme of the night for Melbourne's Foundation Heroes dinner at the Myer Mural Hall was "triumph over adversity". Before we went into the hall, Sid Myer, a descendant of the store's founder told of its history, how it was conceived and built during the Great Depression and how the artist who lost the use of his right arm and had to relearn his art using the left, painted the dozen murals. The feat was given as an example of the night's theme as much as it is what the Melbourne Football Club is now facing in so many ways after a tumultuous fortnight that appears to have left a club divided. I'm not sure of the details of the alleged problems and it was not said last night at any time by anybody that the club was not without them. However, it was indicated clearly by more than one person who spoke that those problems, perceived or otherwise, will be dealt with and that they are not insurmountable. If is also clear that nobody at the club is shirking away from the issues and, if the promise to deal with them is honoured, a much stronger club can and will emerge. Garry Lyon summed up the strength of the club by pointing to how Ron Barassi showed that he cared for his former teammates Noel McMahon and Stuart Spencer as they came down the stairs into the Myer Mural Hall. He wanted to be sure these elder legends of the club could safely execute the set of stairs into the hall at the beginning of the function. Eleven club legends were introduced to the attendees. Meanwhile, a twelfth legend lay in hospital after undergoing a life determining operation. Most of us were there because we really do care for the club, although it is conceded that there are some who appear to gain some joy from the club's woes both on and off the field. There were enough mirrors at the Myer Mural Hall for such people to take, as we say in football parlance, a good look at themselves. For the second day in a row, there was reason for optimism. On Wednesday, I attended a lunch at which the guest speaker was Bruce Hearnden-Mackinnon, author of the Liam Jurrah biography. Flanked by the subject of his book and his team mate Aaron Davey, he spoke passionately as he told the story of Liam's rise from a child of the desert to an AFL footballer. I won't give away the story but I will say it was a fascinating tale and while I've read only the opening chapters of the book to date, I'm finding it totally enthralling. A former board member at the club told me a pertinent story about Liam, that when he was asked if he had read the book yet, he replied that he hadn't, "because it's about me." That in itself speaks volumes for the man and his cultural heritage. He is a team man in a team game and such unselfishness is not all that common in our sport. When it's there however, you know that there is hope for your team. Further, Bruce paid tribute to the Melbourne Football Club Player Development Manager , Ian Flack for the role that he had in welcoming Liam to AFL football at a time when several other clubs failed to understand that which was necessary to help a gifted young indigenous footballer from a remote desert region make it in the sport at elite level. Bruce called Ian Flack a "hero". After the past ten days of mudslinging and bad publicity (some of it totally irresponsible) directed at the club, the comment made my day. Moving forward to the Foundation Heroes dinner, it was certainly less upbeat than the same function a year earlier which wiped out the club's debt. The purpose of this dinner was to give the club room to pay its players the gap between the 92.5% of the salary cap currently paid and the 100% allowable which could be used as front end payments to assist in securing its young list and in keeping them together. Well, the aim was achieved and $800,000.00 was raised. The good news was that the club has re-signed five players, including its outstanding young midfielder Jack Trengove on a contract extension until the end of the 2015 season. Other deals confirmed were with defender Luke Tapscott, ruckman Max Gawn and rookies Michael Evans and Daniel Nicholson. The attendees at the function were also informed that a new sponsor is also about to ink a new deal with the club with a sponsorship likely to be worth more than any previous club sponsorship. The club is securing its financial future and with many young men like Liam Jurrah and Jack Trengove, who put team above themselves, I sense change already and, while I don't necessary predict a win on the field this week, I won't rule out an upset either. The foundations have already been laid for the changes that are coming. THE GAME Melbourne v West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium - Sunday 14 August 2011 at 1:10pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 15 wins West Coast Eagles 26 wins At Etihad Stadium Melbourne 1 win West Coast Eagles 0 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 7 wins West Coast Eagles 10 wins The Coaches Viney 0 wins Worsfold 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports 1 at 1.00pm (live) RADIO 1116SEN ABC774 3AW THE BETTING Melbourne to win $3.75 West Coast Eagles to win $1.25 LAST TIME THEY MET West Coast Eagles 15.16.116 defeated Melbourne 6.16.52 at Paterson's Stadium Round 6, 2011 The Demons started slowly and just got worse. The effort was insipid. The team has this and lots more to atone for on Sunday. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Luke Tapscott James Frawley Clint Bartram Half backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald Centreline Jack Trengove Lynden Dunn Aaron Davey Half forwards Brad Green Jeremy Howe Tom Scully Forwards Colin Sylvia Mark Jamar Jack Watts Followers Stef Martin Brent Moloney Nathan Jones Interchange Sam Blease Jordie McKenzie Cale Morton Ricky Petterd Emergencies Max Gawn Tom McDonald Daniel Nicholson In Sam Blease Mark Jamar Cale Morton Colin Sylvia Out Matthew Bate Max Gawn Jordan Gysberts (scaphoid) James Strauss WEST COAST EAGLES Backs Will Schofield Eric Mackenzie Shannon Hurn Half backs Scott Selwood Mitch Brown Ashley Smith Centreline Andrew Embley Matthew Priddis Brad Ebert Half forwards Andrew Gaff Josh Kennedy Mark Nicoski Forwards Nic Naitanui Quinten Lynch Mark Le Cras Followers Dean Cox Daniel Kerr Adam Selwood Interchange Jack Darling Ashton Hams Patrick McGinnity Luke Shuey Emergencies Bradd Dalziell Chris Masten Brad Sheppard In Ashton Hams Josh Kennedy Eric Mackenzie Out Darren Glass (soreness) Chris Masten Matthew Rosa (knee) FLYING HIGH by JVM If truth be known, the whole concept of a final eight is a futile exercise - a waste of time. The incidence of teams finishing anywhere between fifth and eighth progressing beyond the second week of the finals is not great and I don't believe that any team coming from below fifth has ever progressed far under the AFL's top eight system. I am rather bemused therefore, that there is still ongoing discussion about Melbourne making it all the way to the finals after what has happened in the past few weeks. Actually, it would be downright embarrassing if the Demons made it into the finals because the insipid brand of football that we've seen from so many of its players during this period is simply not suggestive of a team deserving to be in the same company as the other contenders for the last place or two in the race for the finals. Indeed, in the unlikely event of Melbourne making an appearance in the first week of the finals, there is every chance that we might witness a repeat of recent nightmares given the probable scenario of a first up September visit to Patterson's Curse Stadium and an obliteration by the Eagles on their home soil. Fortunately for those who fear the consequences of such a trip out west, the word "unlikely" gets a very strong run in deliberations about Melbourne's finals chances. For the Demons to make it into the eight, they not only must win all four of their remaining matches, they also rely on some upsets to occur in games over which they have no control. The first problem they have in that regard is that upset wins have been remarkably thin on the ground lately. In fact, the concern has been more with the number and size of blow out losses rather than upset wins. Assuming they win those four last games, the Demons rely on Essendon or Sydney collapsing over the next month. The Bombers would have to lose two out of three while the Tigers would need to beat the Swans at the G on Sunday. I wouldn't bet the ranch on either of those things coming to pass. Then there's the little matter of Melbourne emerging victorious over West Coast in their match-up at Etihad. The Dees couldn't achieve that outcome on their true home turf last year when the Eagles were wooden spooners. What chance now that they're really flying high? There were few if any who would have called this game a win for the visitors before the season began. Most were predicting that Melbourne would be in line for a spot in the top eight while the Eagles were expected to finish somewhere near the bottom. The doomsayers were suggesting that right about now there might be news coming out of Subiaco that Worsfold was joining the ranks of sacked coaches. Instead, it's the Demons who are suffering and even the replacement of Dean Bailey by Todd Viney did little to prevent a thrashing last week from Carlton led by a rampant Chris Judd. The Demons also need to overcome the memory of their last encounter with the Eagles when they extended their losing streak at Subiaco in an embarrassing display that saw them make only three inside 50 entries in the first term on the way to a complete and utter strangulation. We also saw the first major outward signs of cracks in the fabric of the team that ultimately led to the demise of the coach a fortnight ago. And speaking of losing streaks, there's Melbourne's appalling recent record at Etihad... The good news is that the Demons are strengthened by the return of All Australian ruckman Mark Jamar and blond dynamo Colin Sylvia. The Demons need both players at their top and firing if they are to have any chance in this game. Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui overpowered the Demon rucks in their last encounter but this time Jamar will have Stef Martin to help him out. The interesting inclusion for mine is much maligned former Sandgroper Cale Morton who has been a shining light in the VFL in recent weeks. Here is a player who struggled for confidence under Bailey's coaching. Is it possible that, with a new role in the middle under a new mentor, we are going to finally see the blossoming of a player once destined to be a star? Certainly, the Demons need to find something extra in the middle if they are going to overcome the Eagles whose onballers, led by the resurgent Daniel Kerr. Melbourne had problems last time in curbing West Coast's tall forwards and it wont be helped by the return of key forward Josh Kennedy after missing two games with an eye injury caused by team mate Cox. The Demons have prided themselves in recent times on having a strong defence and they must now produce the goods. The likes of James Frawley, Col Garland, Joel Macdonald, Clint Bartram and co have faced constant and intense pressure from powerful forward line combinations in the past month and this week will be no exception. They will need to be able to repel those attacks and run through the lines to give their team a chance of winning. The inclusion of a genuine speedster in Sam Blease who made a cameo debut on this ground as a substitute against the Bulldogs might help. The kid has worked hard to overcome a bad break in his foot two years ago and has little game time on debut. He deserves a much kinder break this time. Another interesting aspect of this game will be the form of Melbourne's top two draft selections from two years ago. Tom Scully's decision to hold off his contract decision until the end of the season sits in direct contrast to Jack Trengove's show of support for the club in its moment of plight by extending his commitment by three years. They are different cats these two but what matters most in the immediate future is whether they can combine to help their team to finally win a game at the Docklands and put to an end a losing streak at the venue that stands at 11 games. The club never won a game at the Docklands under Bailey. Can its youth deliver Todd Viney something that has proven to be elusive since they beat the Western Bulldogs there in round 19, 2007? The good news in this is that the Eagles form at this venue hasn't been all that great either. They've never beaten Melbourne there although the only time they met there was back in 2000 when Jeff White was in rare form. I think the Demons will improve this week but they have yet to show the ability to put together four good quarters against the top sides and that will be their ultimate undoing. West Coast to continue flying high and to put the final nail in the coffin of Melbourne's finals aspirations by 25 points.

FOUNDATION by Whispering Jack The theme of the night for Melbourne's Foundation Heroes dinner at the Myer Mural Hall was "triumph over adversity". Before we went into the hall, Sid Myer, a descendant of the store's founder told of its history, how it was conceived and built during the Great Depression and how the artist who lost the use of his right arm and had to relearn his art using the left, painted the dozen murals. The feat was given as an example of the night's theme as much as it is what the Melbourne Football Club is now facing in so many ways after a tumultuous fortnight that appears to have left a club divided. I'm not sure of the details of the alleged problems and it was not said last night at any time by anybody that the club was not without them. However, it was indicated clearly by more than one person who spoke that those problems, perceived or otherwise, will be dealt with and that they are not insurmountable. If is also clear that nobody at the club is shirking away from the issues and, if the promise to deal with them is honoured, a much stronger club can and will emerge. Garry Lyon summed up the strength of the club by pointing to how Ron Barassi showed that he cared for his former teammates Noel McMahon and Stuart Spencer as they came down the stairs into the Myer Mural Hall. He wanted to be sure these elder legends of the club could safely execute the set of stairs into the hall at the beginning of the function. Eleven club legends were introduced to the attendees. Meanwhile, a twelfth legend lay in hospital after undergoing a life determining operation. Most of us were there because we really do care for the club, although it is conceded that there are some who appear to gain some joy from the club's woes both on and off the field. There were enough mirrors at the Myer Mural Hall for such people to take, as we say in football parlance, a good look at themselves. For the second day in a row, there was reason for optimism. On Wednesday, I attended a lunch at which the guest speaker was Bruce Hearnden-Mackinnon, author of the Liam Jurrah biography. Flanked by the subject of his book and his team mate Aaron Davey, he spoke passionately as he told the story of Liam's rise from a child of the desert to an AFL footballer. I won't give away the story but I will say it was a fascinating tale and while I've read only the opening chapters of the book to date, I'm finding it totally enthralling. A former board member at the club told me a pertinent story about Liam, that when he was asked if he had read the book yet, he replied that he hadn't, "because it's about me." That in itself speaks volumes for the man and his cultural heritage. He is a team man in a team game and such unselfishness is not all that common in our sport. When it's there however, you know that there is hope for your team. Further, Bruce paid tribute to the Melbourne Football Club Player Development Manager , Ian Flack for the role that he had in welcoming Liam to AFL football at a time when several other clubs failed to understand that which was necessary to help a gifted young indigenous footballer from a remote desert region make it in the sport at elite level. Bruce called Ian Flack a "hero". After the past ten days of mudslinging and bad publicity (some of it totally irresponsible) directed at the club, the comment made my day. Moving forward to the Foundation Heroes dinner, it was certainly less upbeat than the same function a year earlier which wiped out the club's debt. The purpose of this dinner was to give the club room to pay its players the gap between the 92.5% of the salary cap currently paid and the 100% allowable which could be used as front end payments to assist in securing its young list and in keeping them together. Well, the aim was achieved and $800,000.00 was raised. The good news was that the club has re-signed five players, including its outstanding young midfielder Jack Trengove on a contract extension until the end of the 2015 season. Other deals confirmed were with defender Luke Tapscott, ruckman Max Gawn and rookies Michael Evans and Daniel Nicholson. The attendees at the function were also informed that a new sponsor is also about to ink a new deal with the club with a sponsorship likely to be worth more than any previous club sponsorship. The club is securing its financial future and with many young men like Liam Jurrah and Jack Trengove, who put team above themselves, I sense change already and, while I don't necessary predict a win on the field this week, I won't rule out an upset either. The foundations have already been laid for the changes that are coming. THE GAME Melbourne v West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium - Sunday 14 August 2011 at 1:10pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 15 wins West Coast Eagles 26 wins At Etihad Stadium Melbourne 1 win West Coast Eagles 0 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 7 wins West Coast Eagles 10 wins The Coaches Viney 0 wins Worsfold 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports 1 at 1.00pm (live) RADIO 1116SEN ABC774 3AW THE BETTING Melbourne to win $3.75 West Coast Eagles to win $1.25 LAST TIME THEY MET West Coast Eagles 15.16.116 defeated Melbourne 6.16.52 at Paterson's Stadium Round 6, 2011 The Demons started slowly and just got worse. The effort was insipid. The team has this and lots more to atone for on Sunday. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Luke Tapscott James Frawley Clint Bartram Half backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald Centreline Jack Trengove Lynden Dunn Aaron Davey Half forwards Brad Green Jeremy Howe Tom Scully Forwards Colin Sylvia Mark Jamar Jack Watts Followers Stef Martin Brent Moloney Nathan Jones Interchange Sam Blease Jordie McKenzie Cale Morton Ricky Petterd Emergencies Max Gawn Tom McDonald Daniel Nicholson In Sam Blease Mark Jamar Cale Morton Colin Sylvia Out Matthew Bate Max Gawn Jordan Gysberts (scaphoid) James Strauss WEST COAST EAGLES Backs Will Schofield Eric Mackenzie Shannon Hurn Half backs Scott Selwood Mitch Brown Ashley Smith Centreline Andrew Embley Matthew Priddis Brad Ebert Half forwards Andrew Gaff Josh Kennedy Mark Nicoski Forwards Nic Naitanui Quinten Lynch Mark Le Cras Followers Dean Cox Daniel Kerr Adam Selwood Interchange Jack Darling Ashton Hams Patrick McGinnity Luke Shuey Emergencies Bradd Dalziell Chris Masten Brad Sheppard In Ashton Hams Josh Kennedy Eric Mackenzie Out Darren Glass (soreness) Chris Masten Matthew Rosa (knee) FLYING HIGH by JVM If truth be known, the whole concept of a final eight is a futile exercise - a waste of time. The incidence of teams finishing anywhere between fifth and eighth progressing beyond the second week of the finals is not great and I don't believe that any team coming from below fifth has ever progressed far under the AFL's top eight system. I am rather bemused therefore, that there is still ongoing discussion about Melbourne making it all the way to the finals after what has happened in the past few weeks. Actually, it would be downright embarrassing if the Demons made it into the finals because the insipid brand of football that we've seen from so many of its players during this period is simply not suggestive of a team deserving to be in the same company as the other contenders for the last place or two in the race for the finals. Indeed, in the unlikely event of Melbourne making an appearance in the first week of the finals, there is every chance that we might witness a repeat of recent nightmares given the probable scenario of a first up September visit to Patterson's Curse Stadium and an obliteration by the Eagles on their home soil. Fortunately for those who fear the consequences of such a trip out west, the word "unlikely" gets a very strong run in deliberations about Melbourne's finals chances. For the Demons to make it into the eight, they not only must win all four of their remaining matches, they also rely on some upsets to occur in games over which they have no control. The first problem they have in that regard is that upset wins have been remarkably thin on the ground lately. In fact, the concern has been more with the number and size of blow out losses rather than upset wins. Assuming they win those four last games, the Demons rely on Essendon or Sydney collapsing over the next month. The Bombers would have to lose two out of three while the Tigers would need to beat the Swans at the G on Sunday. I wouldn't bet the ranch on either of those things coming to pass. Then there's the little matter of Melbourne emerging victorious over West Coast in their match-up at Etihad. The Dees couldn't achieve that outcome on their true home turf last year when the Eagles were wooden spooners. What chance now that they're really flying high? There were few if any who would have called this game a win for the visitors before the season began. Most were predicting that Melbourne would be in line for a spot in the top eight while the Eagles were expected to finish somewhere near the bottom. The doomsayers were suggesting that right about now there might be news coming out of Subiaco that Worsfold was joining the ranks of sacked coaches. Instead, it's the Demons who are suffering and even the replacement of Dean Bailey by Todd Viney did little to prevent a thrashing last week from Carlton led by a rampant Chris Judd. The Demons also need to overcome the memory of their last encounter with the Eagles when they extended their losing streak at Subiaco in an embarrassing display that saw them make only three inside 50 entries in the first term on the way to a complete and utter strangulation. We also saw the first major outward signs of cracks in the fabric of the team that ultimately led to the demise of the coach a fortnight ago. And speaking of losing streaks, there's Melbourne's appalling recent record at Etihad... The good news is that the Demons are strengthened by the return of All Australian ruckman Mark Jamar and blond dynamo Colin Sylvia. The Demons need both players at their top and firing if they are to have any chance in this game. Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui overpowered the Demon rucks in their last encounter but this time Jamar will have Stef Martin to help him out. The interesting inclusion for mine is much maligned former Sandgroper Cale Morton who has been a shining light in the VFL in recent weeks. Here is a player who struggled for confidence under Bailey's coaching. Is it possible that, with a new role in the middle under a new mentor, we are going to finally see the blossoming of a player once destined to be a star? Certainly, the Demons need to find something extra in the middle if they are going to overcome the Eagles whose onballers, led by the resurgent Daniel Kerr. Melbourne had problems last time in curbing West Coast's tall forwards and it wont be helped by the return of key forward Josh Kennedy after missing two games with an eye injury caused by team mate Cox. The Demons have prided themselves in recent times on having a strong defence and they must now produce the goods. The likes of James Frawley, Col Garland, Joel Macdonald, Clint Bartram and co have faced constant and intense pressure from powerful forward line combinations in the past month and this week will be no exception. They will need to be able to repel those attacks and run through the lines to give their team a chance of winning. The inclusion of a genuine speedster in Sam Blease who made a cameo debut on this ground as a substitute against the Bulldogs might help. The kid has worked hard to overcome a bad break in his foot two years ago and has little game time on debut. He deserves a much kinder break this time. Another interesting aspect of this game will be the form of Melbourne's top two draft selections from two years ago. Tom Scully's decision to hold off his contract decision until the end of the season sits in direct contrast to Jack Trengove's show of support for the club in its moment of plight by extending his commitment by three years. They are different cats these two but what matters most in the immediate future is whether they can combine to help their team to finally win a game at the Docklands and put to an end a losing streak at the venue that stands at 11 games. The club never won a game at the Docklands under Bailey. Can its youth deliver Todd Viney something that has proven to be elusive since they beat the Western Bulldogs there in round 19, 2007? The good news in this is that the Eagles form at this venue hasn't been all that great either. They've never beaten Melbourne there although the only time they met there was back in 2000 when Jeff White was in rare form. I think the Demons will improve this week but they have yet to show the ability to put together four good quarters against the top sides and that will be their ultimate undoing. West Coast to continue flying high and to put the final nail in the coffin of Melbourne's finals aspirations by 25 points.

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