Demonland

SLOW TRAIN COMING by Whispering Jack The 1:13 from Frankston was running about seven minutes late when it came up around the bend and stopped at Malvern station. I had been concerned, up to the point at which I squeezed myself into the overcrowded carriage, about what might occur on the MCG later that afternoon but my fears were allayed at hearing the conversations on the train. The Tiger fans were discussing their team and, with every passing station that saw further cramming and huddling of masses of humanity into overloaded carriages, my confidence grew. For sure, they spoke with reverence of Riewoldt, Martin, Cotchin and Deledio but these names were sprinkled with the likes of other Tiger heroes mentioned in the team. Names of recycled players rolled off their tongues. Bachar Houli, Shaun Grigg, Mitchell Farmer, Brad Miller and Tom Hislop, all introduced from other clubs. The Tigers were supposed to be a promising young side, developing for the future but there were too many transplanted names. There was no comparison with the depth and richness of the youth at Melbourne, the team of the future. I received a nodding look from the priest under whose armpit I was encamped as the slow train rolled into Richmond station. He seemed comforted by the rosary beads clutched in his crab-like fingers under his long black coat. Out on the platform, the sun was shining brightly. We were home! I confess now that I wasn't feeling all that comfortable about half an hour later as the six minute mark of the first term ticked by even more slowly than the train that delivered us to the MCG. By then, the Demons had barely come within touching distance of football, Richmond was leading 2.4.16 to 0.0.0 and had eight inside-50s to nil. I was wishing at this point that I had stayed in the train and moved on to Flinders Street. By now, I might have been happily passing Broadmeadows inside an empty carriage oblivious to the events taking place at the cauldron filled with more than 60,000 football fans. But my how quickly things can change? A Tiger error allowed Brad Green through for the team's first goal. They replied and Green came back with another, the first of six unanswered goals that ultimately determined the outcome of the game. By quarter time, Melbourne led by 20 points and was ahead in the inside 50 count by 17 to 13, such had been its dominance in the latter part of the term. The form of Jack Watts who kicked two goals for the quarter was an ominous sign for Richmond. Just as important was the way in which the entire side worked hard to team together once those cobwebs were removed. After Tyrone Vickery threatened with two early goals, the Demons reasserted their dominance. By the main break, they were in complete control and 29 points in front. The lead stretched out to 38 points by the five minute mark of the final half when Stef Martin goaled and another blowout threatened if only the Demons had been able to convert the multitude of opportunities that presented themselves in the penultimate half hour. At least they worked harder than ever before at keeping the ball in the forward sector. The count for the third term was 2.10.22 to 3.4.22, an even result (thanks to a late Watts goal) despite Melbourne's dominance. The margin was just close enough to keep the Tiger faithful at the ground a little longer so as to ensure that the train carriage on the way back home would again be overloaded. The teams fought it out, the Tiges threatened but never got close enough and the final minutes were a scrap with only Liam Jurrah's unpredictable excitement to delight the crowd. Nathan Jones (24 touches) and Brent Moloney (30 disposals) gave Melbourne the grunt in an engine room powered up by the return of Mark Jamar. James Frawley kept Riewoldt in check although the Tiger forward did not seem quite right. Colin Garland and Jared Rivers kept the rest of the Richmond attack at bay most of the time. Much had been made before of the battle of the early draft picks and the emergence of Dustin Martin as star quality but for mine, Jack Watts, Jack Trengove, Tom Scully and Jordie McKenzie were standouts. They, along with the likes of Stef Martin, Jeremy Howe, James Strauss and Dan Nicholson are the promise and the blessing of the future. The slow train is coming. Melbourne 7.1.43 12.4.76 14.14.98 17.16.118 Richmond 3.5.23 7.5.47 10.9.69 13.13.91 Goals Melbourne Green Trengove Watts 3 Jones Jurrah Martin 2 Howe Sylvia Richmond Vickery 3 Farmer Newman 2 Deledio Edwards Foley Grigg Martin Riewoldt Best Melbourne Jones Watts Martin Moloney Rivers Scully McKenzie Richmond Foley Edwards Nahas Cotchin Deledio Newman Injuries Melbourne Joel Macdonald (knee) Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Umpires Margetts Stevic Findlay Crowd 61,900 at the MCG

CHARACTER THE KEY? by JVM It has been said by some that the key to the Richmond v Melbourne game is "character". Both sides enter Round 14 on an even keel with 5½ wins each but the Demons have been more than somewhat erratic in their performances to date, going up and down like a yo-yo, enjoying the extreme highs of 15 goal wins interspersed with some disappointing thrashings. The Tigers have also had ups and downs recently losing to Port Adelaide after beating Essendon in the Dreamtime game. They've also had to travel extensively in a time frame when team movement was in part affected by the volcanic ash phenomenon. The game against the Power was played in Darwin (a sold in "home" game), followed by a bye and further away games at the SCG in round 12 (with a bus trip home) and another brief sojourn north to Brisbane. This week is a little different in that they do play at home. However, the venue is also home for their opposition. Despite indifferent form from both teams, the possibility exists that the spoils of victory will be embellished by an eighth placing on the AFL ladder (or even better if both Essendon and Fremantle lose). It's games like these in which the pressure valve points higher, that the true character of a team is exposed. Which team has the greatest drive, the most hunger, the skills and ability to win such an important game? There's a log jam of clubs queueing up to break into the top eight on the back of two stumbling finals aspirants Essendon and Fremantle. This week's combatants have been starved of finals appearances of late so the incentive is there for both of them. In Melbourne's case, there's a particular point to prove. On more than one occasion earlier in the season, the Demons were in a position to claim a place in the upper echelon only for the opportunity to slip away. They have had consecutive wins only once this year and that was against Brisbane and Gold Coast in rounds three and four. Since then, the closest they came to producing back to back victories was against North Melbourne when they held a five goal lead in the first term only to concede the lead early in the third quarter, finishing 41 points in arrears. Not much fighting spirit or character there. Speaking on the television programme Footy Classified this week, former Demon skipper Garry Lyon made it clear that he believed his old club could not beat Richmond this weekend saying, "There's nothing I've seen this year that would give me confidence to pick them after they've had a good win." But when asked who would win if both teams produced their best at the weekend, his response was, "Melbourne". If nothing else such a comment places a question mark over a team's character and presents a challenge to every player in the team. The two clubs square off in a game where the winner has an opportunity to take on the rest of the season with an eye to the excitement of a finals berth while the loser faces severe question marks not only in terms of their development but also their character. The Demons have a lot to prove on Saturday. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne at MCG - Saturday 25 June 2011 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 99 wins Melbourne 78 wins 2 draws At the MCG Richmond 65 wins Melbourne 59 wins 1 draw Since 2000 Richmond 10 wins Melbourne 8 wins The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Bailey 2 wins MEDIA TV 2.00pm Fox Sports LIVE Radio 3AW TripleM THE BETTING Richmond to win $1.90 Melbourne to win $1.90 LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 16.13.109 defeated Richmond 11.14.80 in Round 19, 2010 at the MCG Melbourne shook off a persistent Richmond but it took until well into the final quarter before victory was assured. Lynden Dunn booted five goals and kept Delidio at bay. One of his goals was a long bomb right on the three quarter time siren which gave the Demons a seven point lead and some breathing space. Three quick goals immediately after the break settled the issue. Liam Jurrah booted four goals while James Frawley kept Riewodlt down to a single goal. THE TEAMS 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 THE KEY While the character of the team will play its part, other pundits are saying that the key to this game is which Melbourne team will run out onto the MCG this week? Will it be the one that capitulated without so much as a whimper against Collingwood on Queens Birthday or that which stomped all over Fremantle last Sunday? Perhaps, it all boils down to the same thing i.e the attitude of the team and its character. But there's also another aspect to the equation: the nature of the opposition. A rampant Collingwood is a far cry from a broken Fremantle side without stars such as Sandilands and Mundy and a bevy of other useful footsoldiers. Richmond has received much attention and praise this week over its win against Brisbane following losses to Port Adelaide and Sydney. Perhaps the circumstances and the difficulties presented by altered schedules is what's impressed the commentators but I would have thought that, these days, a win over the Lions - even at the Gabba - was just small beer. After all, the Suns have managed it so what makes it such a big deal? I suppose that they're hanging their hats on the midfield displays of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley, Brett Deledio and Daniel Jackson, especially the godlike presence of Martin who is being compared to superstars of the past in Leigh Matthews and the late Darren Millane. That might be the case but they were up against a midfield last week that barely raised a whimper. While the Melbourne midfield is nowhere near up there with the best as yet, the injection in recent weeks of Tom Scully and Jordie McKenzie and the return from suspension of Jack Trengove has added a new dimension to its on ball brigade which promises to be enhanced by a superior ruck line up especially with the imminent return of Mark Jamar. Indeed, this game promises to be a battle of early draft picks with Martin, Deledio and Cotchin lining up against Scully, Trengove, Jack Watts and Cale Morton. There's a fair amount of rivalry building between the top three selections of the 2009 AFL Draft but I think its fair to say that it's too early a call to make although bragging rights at the moment are held by Martin whose season has not been as interrupted as those of Scully and Trengove. On the other hand, Watts is now making a run for the honours from the 2008 version now that he has grown into and become comfortable with a stronger body. He still has a way to go but the signs of recent weeks are that he is getting there. Going back another year in draft history and the respective clubs' first choices were Cotchin and Morton with the former well ahead but the latter showing signs that with more confidence in his game, he can become an asset with his height, his big tank and his ability to get to the ball. However, one of the most intriguing contests might well prove to be that between the first picks from 2006. Jack Riewoldt and James Frawley are both products of noted football families and have come into their own over the past eighteen months, the former as a key forward, the latter as a key defender. Frawley won the contest when they last met and I daresay that if he repeats the dose, then the four points and possible top eight position will go the way of the Demons. The bookies have the game evenly poised and on a knife's edge. I think Melbourne's ruck superiority swings the pendulum slightly in its favour. Melbourne by 10 points.

CHARACTER THE KEY? by JVM It has been said by some that the key to the Richmond v Melbourne game is "character". Both sides enter Round 14 on an even keel with 5½ wins each but the Demons have been more than somewhat erratic in their performances to date, going up and down like a yo-yo, enjoying the extreme highs of 15 goal wins interspersed with some disappointing thrashings. The Tigers have also had ups and downs recently losing to Port Adelaide after beating Essendon in the Dreamtime game. They've also had to travel extensively in a time frame when team movement was in part affected by the volcanic ash phenomenon. The game against the Power was played in Darwin (a sold in "home" game), followed by a bye and further away games at the SCG in round 12 (with a bus trip home) and another brief sojourn north to Brisbane. This week is a little different in that they do play at home. However, the venue is also home for their opposition. Despite indifferent form from both teams, the possibility exists that the spoils of victory will be embellished by an eighth placing on the AFL ladder (or even better if both Essendon and Fremantle lose). It's games like these in which the pressure valve points higher, that the true character of a team is exposed. Which team has the greatest drive, the most hunger, the skills and ability to win such an important game? There's a log jam of clubs queueing up to break into the top eight on the back of two stumbling finals aspirants Essendon and Fremantle. This week's combatants have been starved of finals appearances of late so the incentive is there for both of them. In Melbourne's case, there's a particular point to prove. On more than one occasion earlier in the season, the Demons were in a position to claim a place in the upper echelon only for the opportunity to slip away. They have had consecutive wins only once this year and that was against Brisbane and Gold Coast in rounds three and four. Since then, the closest they came to producing back to back victories was against North Melbourne when they held a five goal lead in the first term only to concede the lead early in the third quarter, finishing 41 points in arrears. Not much fighting spirit or character there. Speaking on the television programme Footy Classified this week, former Demon skipper Garry Lyon made it clear that he believed his old club could not beat Richmond this weekend saying, "There's nothing I've seen this year that would give me confidence to pick them after they've had a good win." But when asked who would win if both teams produced their best at the weekend, his response was, "Melbourne". If nothing else such a comment places a question mark over a team's character and presents a challenge to every player in the team. The two clubs square off in a game where the winner has an opportunity to take on the rest of the season with an eye to the excitement of a finals berth while the loser faces severe question marks not only in terms of their development but also their character. The Demons have a lot to prove on Saturday. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne at MCG - Saturday 25 June 2011 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 99 wins Melbourne 78 wins 2 draws At the MCG Richmond 65 wins Melbourne 59 wins 1 draw Since 2000 Richmond 10 wins Melbourne 8 wins The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Bailey 2 wins MEDIA TV 2.00pm Fox Sports LIVE Radio 3AW TripleM THE BETTING Richmond to win $1.90 Melbourne to win $1.90 LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 16.13.109 defeated Richmond 11.14.80 in Round 19, 2010 at the MCG Melbourne shook off a persistent Richmond but it took until well into the final quarter before victory was assured. Lynden Dunn booted five goals and kept Delidio at bay. One of his goals was a long bomb right on the three quarter time siren which gave the Demons a seven point lead and some breathing space. Three quick goals immediately after the break settled the issue. Liam Jurrah booted four goals while James Frawley kept Riewodlt down to a single goal. THE TEAMS 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 THE KEY While the character of the team will play its part, other pundits are saying that the key to this game is which Melbourne team will run out onto the MCG this week? Will it be the one that capitulated without so much as a whimper against Collingwood on Queens Birthday or that which stomped all over Fremantle last Sunday? Perhaps, it all boils down to the same thing i.e the attitude of the team and its character. But there's also another aspect to the equation: the nature of the opposition. A rampant Collingwood is a far cry from a broken Fremantle side without stars such as Sandilands and Mundy and a bevy of other useful footsoldiers. Richmond has received much attention and praise this week over its win against Brisbane following losses to Port Adelaide and Sydney. Perhaps the circumstances and the difficulties presented by altered schedules is what's impressed the commentators but I would have thought that, these days, a win over the Lions - even at the Gabba - was just small beer. After all, the Suns have managed it so what makes it such a big deal? I suppose that they're hanging their hats on the midfield displays of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley, Brett Deledio and Daniel Jackson, especially the godlike presence of Martin who is being compared to superstars of the past in Leigh Matthews and the late Darren Millane. That might be the case but they were up against a midfield last week that barely raised a whimper. While the Melbourne midfield is nowhere near up there with the best as yet, the injection in recent weeks of Tom Scully and Jordie McKenzie and the return from suspension of Jack Trengove has added a new dimension to its on ball brigade which promises to be enhanced by a superior ruck line up especially with the imminent return of Mark Jamar. Indeed, this game promises to be a battle of early draft picks with Martin, Deledio and Cotchin lining up against Scully, Trengove, Jack Watts and Cale Morton. There's a fair amount of rivalry building between the top three selections of the 2009 AFL Draft but I think its fair to say that it's too early a call to make although bragging rights at the moment are held by Martin whose season has not been as interrupted as those of Scully and Trengove. On the other hand, Watts is now making a run for the honours from the 2008 version now that he has grown into and become comfortable with a stronger body. He still has a way to go but the signs of recent weeks are that he is getting there. Going back another year in draft history and the respective clubs' first choices were Cotchin and Morton with the former well ahead but the latter showing signs that with more confidence in his game, he can become an asset with his height, his big tank and his ability to get to the ball. However, one of the most intriguing contests might well prove to be that between the first picks from 2006. Jack Riewoldt and James Frawley are both products of noted football families and have come into their own over the past eighteen months, the former as a key forward, the latter as a key defender. Frawley won the contest when they last met and I daresay that if he repeats the dose, then the four points and possible top eight position will go the way of the Demons. The bookies have the game evenly poised and on a knife's edge. I think Melbourne's ruck superiority swings the pendulum slightly in its favour. Melbourne by 10 points.

The last time these teams met was back in August last year when the Demons won and Brad Miller was emergency for Melbourne. That's just one of the changes I envision when teams are selected this week. MELBOURNE Backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Clint Bartram Half backs Rohan Bail James Frawley Joel Macdonald Centreline Brent Moloney James McDonald Jordie McKenzie Half forwards Liam Jurrah Jack Watts Tom Scully Forwards Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn Brad Green Followers Mark Jamar Colin Sylvia Aaron Davey Interchange Cameron Bruce Paul Johnson Jack Trengove Austin Wonaeamirri Emergencies Nathan Jones Brad Miller Cale Morton In Brent Moloney Jack Trengove Out Nathan Jones Cale Morton RICHMOND Backs Chris Newman Will Thursfield David Astbury Half backs Brett Deledio Kelvin Moore Daniel Connors Centreline Mitch Morton Dustin Martin Shane Edwards Half forwards Ben Nason Mitch Farmer Jake King Forwards Matt White Jack Riewoldt Ben Cousins Followers Angus Graham Shane Tuck Daniel Jackson Interchange Andrew Browne Robbie Hicks Luke McGuane Jeromey Webberley Emergencies Andrew Collins Alex Rance Tyrone Vickery No change

It's up now. A CHILLY WIND AT CASEY KC from Casey is still working on his HOW THE DEMONS FARED section but will shortly put up the player stats.

A CHILLY WIND AT CASEY by KC from Casey The cold wind that howled down the ground at Casey Fields on Sunday became an ill wind for the Scorpions who suffered a surprise 10 point defeat at the hands of the lowly Coburg Tigers. In conditions that require a dominant midfield, Casey regained Demon Michael Evans but suffered a blow with the loss of the in form David Collins and the withdrawal of Dan Nicholson for AFL duties. The Scorpions had the breeze behind their backs in the opening term and, despite dominating the general play, were unable to exploit it to full effect. Matthew Bate (2) and Wade Lees were the two goal kickers for the term but the feeling was that a 3.7.25 to 0.1.1 quarter time lead was never going to be enough. Casey defended dourly into the wind and it took ten minutes for Coburg to score its first goal of the game. This provided the Scorpions with the spur for an all out attack during which time it played its best football of the match resulting in three in the space of five minutes to Tim Mohr, Lynden Dunn and Brendon Fevola. The home team was ahead by 33 points in midterm and appeared to be headed for a comfortable win. While most would have expected a bottom three team to drop their heads and capitulate, the Tigers did the exact opposite. They hustled their way through the situation and, despite finding it hard to score goals in the swirling win, managed to score three goals and another seven behinds to scrap their way back to a deficit of eight points at the main break. Coburg maintained the momentum going into the third term and doggedly kept out a listless Casey which struggled to break through for a goal until well into the quarter when Rian McGough kicked truly to give the Scorps a 16 point lead. They Tigers were not to be denied however, and they struck back against the wind with the last two goals of the quarter to go into the final break with their tails up. They were four points down and had the use of the stiffening breeze. Coach Brad Gotch called for a supreme effort and his charges responded with the strength of their defence early in the final term. It paid dividends when Tim Mohr kicked truly and by midway through the quarter, it was Casey by two goals. As in the second quarter, the effort of defending against the strength of the winds proved too great and Coburg gradually whittled away the lead finally taking over not long after twenty-two minutes had passed. The Scorpions were not done yet and had their opportunities but they went begging and a final goal to the Tigers saw them go down by ten points in a disappointing result that cost them their place in the top four. Tim Mohr (8 Kicks, 7 handballs) was the pick of the Casey players, defending stoutly when down back and kicking two goals in his forays forward. He is fit this year and his performances this year have been a revelation. Matthew Bate (28 disposals) was involved in a great battle with his opponent and Sam Blease used his great speed to effect picking up 27 touches. Michael Stockdale was strong in defence and worked well with Matthew Warnock in frustrating many Coburg attacks which co-skipper James Wall was a steadying influence throughout the day. Ironically, the Scorpions kicked as many goals into the strong gale as it did against it and that summed up their dismal day. Casey now has a fortnight in which to regroup from the setback of a loss at home to a side that is virtually out of contention for the finals. When they do their next assignment will be in hostile territory against the VFL's other Tigers, Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday 2 July. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Matthew Bate (11 kicks, 17 handballs, 5 marks, 2 goals) - another good game from Bate and, although his best work was done early when he booted two goals in the first quarter, he worked hard all day. Sam Blease (20 kicks, 7 handballs, 8 marks) - has heaps of pace and skill and this was a perfect day to use his talents and use them, he did. Robert Campbell (6 kicks, 7 handballs, 2 marks) - a reasonable game from Campbell but has he got his body right? Spent time during the game in the hands of the trainers but saw the game out well. Lucas Cook (4 kicks, 4 handballs, 2 marks) - a quiet game in conditions not made for marking forwards. Troy Davis (7 kicks, 14 handballs, 5 marks) - worked hard in defence in trying conditions. Marked strongly. Lynden Dunn (13 kicks, 5 handballs, 4 marks, 1 goal) - kicked a nice goal and did some handy work in patches but not enough to earn promotion. Michael Evans (12 kicks, 10 handballs, 5 marks) - busy in the middle but didn't have much help. Cameron Johnston (7 kicks, 8 handballs, 3 marks) - still finding his feet at this level. Addam Maric (12 kicks, 7 handballs, 3 marks) - a workmanlike effort but tried to do too much at times and needs to keep it simple. Tom McDonald (4 kicks, 3 handballs, 1 marks) - a quiet day at the office. Tom McNamara (7 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 marks) - struggled to get into the game. Matthew Warnock (15 kicks, 16 handballs, 9 marks) - defended stoutly, marked strongly and worked hard to frustrate the opposition forwards. Casey Scorpions 3.7.25 6.7.43 7.12.54 8.14.62 Coburg Tigers 0.1.1 4.11.35 6.14.50 9.18.72 Goals Casey Scorpions Bate Mohr 2 Dunn Fevola Lees McGough Coburg Tigers Wheeler 3 Murphy 2 Jordan Lynch Morton White Best Casey Scorpions Mohr Bate Blease Warnock Wall Stockdale Coburg Tigers Gourdis Wheeler White Tuck Power Graham Aaron Purves was in fine form with five goals and David Bell was best on ground against an inaccurate Coburg Reserves to set up a 68 point victory in the battle for fifth spot on the ladder. Casey Scorpions 2.1.13 8.5.53 11.6.72 19.10.124 Coburg Tigers 3.8.26 3.11.29 5.19.49 6.20.56 Goals Casey Scorpions Purves 5 Dowse 3 Bell Waite 2 Carew Clay Corry Fieldsend Gent Hill Purdy Coburg Tigers Daniels Lirosi 2 Barrack Cartelli Best Casey Scorpions Bell Fieldsend Allen Patti Gent Purves Coburg Tigers Daniels Fahey Cartelli Ambrose Ambrose Lirosi

A CHILLY WIND AT CASEY by KC from Casey The cold wind that howled down the ground at Casey Fields on Sunday became an ill wind for the Scorpions who suffered a surprise 10 point defeat at the hands of the lowly Coburg Tigers. In conditions that require a dominant midfield, Casey regained Demon Michael Evans but suffered a blow with the loss of the in form David Collins and the withdrawal of Dan Nicholson for AFL duties. The Scorpions had the breeze behind their backs in the opening term and, despite dominating the general play, were unable to exploit it to full effect. Matthew Bate (2) and Wade Lees were the two goal kickers for the term but the feeling was that a 3.7.25 to 0.1.1 quarter time lead was never going to be enough. Casey defended dourly into the wind and it took ten minutes for Coburg to score its first goal of the game. This provided the Scorpions with the spur for an all out attack during which time it played its best football of the match resulting in three in the space of five minutes to Tim Mohr, Lynden Dunn and Brendon Fevola. The home team was ahead by 33 points in midterm and appeared to be headed for a comfortable win. While most would have expected a bottom three team to drop their heads and capitulate, the Tigers did the exact opposite. They hustled their way through the situation and, despite finding it hard to score goals in the swirling win, managed to score three goals and another seven behinds to scrap their way back to a deficit of eight points at the main break. Coburg maintained the momentum going into the third term and doggedly kept out a listless Casey which struggled to break through for a goal until well into the quarter when Rian McGough kicked truly to give the Scorps a 16 point lead. They Tigers were not to be denied however, and they struck back against the wind with the last two goals of the quarter to go into the final break with their tails up. They were four points down and had the use of the stiffening breeze. Coach Brad Gotch called for a supreme effort and his charges responded with the strength of their defence early in the final term. It paid dividends when Tim Mohr kicked truly and by midway through the quarter, it was Casey by two goals. As in the second quarter, the effort of defending against the strength of the winds proved too great and Coburg gradually whittled away the lead finally taking over not long after twenty-two minutes had passed. The Scorpions were not done yet and had their opportunities but they went begging and a final goal to the Tigers saw them go down by ten points in a disappointing result that cost them their place in the top four. Tim Mohr (8 Kicks, 7 handballs) was the pick of the Casey players, defending stoutly when down back and kicking two goals in his forays forward. He is fit this year and his performances this year have been a revelation. Matthew Bate (28 disposals) was involved in a great battle with his opponent and Sam Blease used his great speed to effect picking up 27 touches. Michael Stockdale was strong in defence and worked well with Matthew Warnock in frustrating many Coburg attacks which co-skipper James Wall was a steadying influence throughout the day. Ironically, the Scorpions kicked as many goals into the strong gale as it did against it and that summed up their dismal day. Casey now has a fortnight in which to regroup from the setback of a loss at home to a side that is virtually out of contention for the finals. When they do their next assignment will be in hostile territory against the VFL's other Tigers, Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday 2 July. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Matthew Bate (11 kicks, 17 handballs, 5 marks, 2 goals) - another good game from Bate and, although his best work was done early when he booted two goals in the first quarter, he worked hard all day. Sam Blease (20 kicks, 7 handballs, 8 marks) - has heaps of pace and skill and this was a perfect day to use his talents and use them, he did. Robert Campbell (6 kicks, 7 handballs, 2 marks) - a reasonable game from Campbell but has he got his body right? Spent time during the game in the hands of the trainers but saw the game out well. Lucas Cook (4 kicks, 4 handballs, 2 marks) - a quiet game in conditions not made for marking forwards. Troy Davis (7 kicks, 14 handballs, 5 marks) - worked hard in defence in trying conditions. Marked strongly. Lynden Dunn (13 kicks, 5 handballs, 4 marks, 1 goal) - kicked a nice goal and did some handy work in patches but not enough to earn promotion. Michael Evans (12 kicks, 10 handballs, 5 marks) - busy in the middle but didn't have much help. Cameron Johnston (7 kicks, 8 handballs, 3 marks) - still finding his feet at this level. Addam Maric (12 kicks, 7 handballs, 3 marks) - a workmanlike effort but tried to do too much at times and needs to keep it simple. Tom McDonald (4 kicks, 3 handballs, 1 marks) - a quiet day at the office. Tom McNamara (7 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 marks) - struggled to get into the game. Matthew Warnock (15 kicks, 16 handballs, 9 marks) - defended stoutly, marked strongly and worked hard to frustrate the opposition forwards. Casey Scorpions 3.7.25 6.7.43 7.12.54 8.14.62 Coburg Tigers 0.1.1 4.11.35 6.14.50 9.18.72 Goals Casey Scorpions Bate Mohr 2 Dunn Fevola Lees McGough Coburg Tigers Wheeler 3 Murphy 2 Jordan Lynch Morton White Best Casey Scorpions Mohr Bate Blease Warnock Wall Stockdale Coburg Tigers Gourdis Wheeler White Tuck Power Graham Aaron Purves was in fine form with five goals and David Bell was best on ground against an inaccurate Coburg Reserves to set up a 68 point victory in the battle for fifth spot on the ladder. Casey Scorpions 2.1.13 8.5.53 11.6.72 19.10.124 Coburg Tigers 3.8.26 3.11.29 5.19.49 6.20.56 Goals Casey Scorpions Purves 5 Dowse 3 Bell Waite 2 Carew Clay Corry Fieldsend Gent Hill Purdy Coburg Tigers Daniels Lirosi 2 Barrack Cartelli Best Casey Scorpions Bell Fieldsend Allen Patti Gent Purves Coburg Tigers Daniels Fahey Cartelli Ambrose Ambrose Lirosi

EVERY DAY by The Oracle The late Buddy Holly used to sing about it getting closer every day - going faster than a roller coaster. That's how it feels being a Demon fan as this young team crashes from the highs to the depths in the space of six days. From an 88 point smashing at the hands of Collingwood on Monday to an 89 point demolition of Fremantle the following Sunday. Who knows what to expect next? Melbourne opened this game at a frenetic pace with Tom Scully dynamic in the middle and getting seven touches in the first six or seven minutes while Brad Green returned to form up forward without a heavy tag. He was in the goals early and had four by half time. Had he not missed a couple of simple set shots it might have been a record breaking day for the skipper. The Demons kicked the first five goals of the match and were only troubled when the Dockers mounted a challenge in the second term after Jack Watts kicked the early goal. Michael Johnson booted three goals during this period – a time when the Freo midfield got on top and dominated the clearances for a while allowing the lead to be clawed back to 25 points at the half. The second half of the game was reminiscent of the encounter against Adelaide with the home side dominating a team as insipid as the white away colours they were wearing. Watts was in sublime form all over the ground opening proceedings again and the team took the ascendency all over the ground taking back full control. The lead was seven goals at the three quarter time siren with the Dockers having scored only a single goal for the term. They looked spent. Things only got better for Melbourne in the final stanza. Fremantle has become notorious recently for its poor final quarters and this was no exception. With two players off injured and a couple of others noticeably tiring, an eight goal to one final term ensued, spurred on again by the almost obligatory first goal of the quarter from Watts who finished with 24 disposals, six marks and three goals. The victory erased last week's disappointing 88-point defeat at the hands of the rampant Magpies by a single point. With very few close results since the opening round draw against the Swans, at least Demon fans are unlikely to suffer heart attacks through following their team this year but the ups and the downs are hardly bewildering. When the midfield is doing well and the forward structure is working, Melbourne looks so much better. Yesterday, apart from Green with his five goals, the Demons had Stef Martin spending more time up forward and kicking three goals, Max Gawn was up there competing and final scored his maiden goal in AFL and Jeremy Howe got two as well. It's a forward structure that gives many options when it works and against the Dockers, it worked! The statistics clearly show the disparity between Melbourne's best and its worst. After its brilliant victory over the Dockers - its second against a sitting top eight team in three weeks - the club has an average winning margin of 63 points which tops the competition. The problem is that the average losing margin of 49 points is the second worst of the AFL, a figure that is only bettered (if that's an apt word to use in these circumstances) by the new Gold Coast team. You would put that down to the youth and inexperience of the group with the current 22 missing some of its leaders and more mature players through injury which places it around the level of the Suns in terms of football immaturity. So you expect the harshness of inconsistency knowing that things are going to get better and that a string of good performances are not that far away. Every day it's getting closer. Melbourne 6.5.41 10.7.67 14.12.96 22.17.149 Fremantle 1.4.10 6.6.42 7.10.52 8.12.60 Goals Melbourne Green 5 Watts 3 Martin 3 Howe Jurrah 2 Frawley Gawn Jones Nicholson Petterd Sylvia Trengove Fremantle Johnson 3 Mayne 2 McPharlin Pavlich Pearce Best Melbourne McKenzie Watts Scully Green Martin Howe Moloney Fremantle Barlow Fyfe Ibbotson Mzungu Duffield Griffin Injuries Melbourne Garland (ankle) Fremantle Grover (groin) Crowley (back) Changes Melbourne Nicholson in for Gysberts (soreness) Fremantle Van Berlo in for Bradley (knee) Reports Melbourne Petterd for striking Crowley in first quarter Fremantle Nil Umpires Kennedy Leppard Wenn Crowd 19,092 at the MCG.

Jack Watts is the big mover having polled regularly over the past four or five weeks:- 71. Brent Moloney 69. Jack Watts 68. Stefan Martin 64. Jack Trengove 60. Colin Sylvia 58. Jared Rivers 50. Nathan Jones 37. Mark Jamar 35. Rohan Bail 27. Jordan Gysberts 25. Luke Tapscott 24. Jordie McKenzie 23. Brad Green 17. Colin Garland 16. Liam Jurrah 14. Tom Scully 13. Neville Jetta 12. Jeremy Howe 10. Cale Morton Ricky Petterd 9 . James Frawley 8. Aaron Davey Addam Maric 7. Jamie Bennell Michael Evans 4. Joel Macdonald 3. Clint Bartram Michael Newton 2. Jack Grimes 1. Dan Nicholson Matthew Warnock

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

EVERY DAY by The Oracle The late Buddy Holly used to sing about it getting closer every day - going faster than a roller coaster. That's how it feels being a Demon fan as this young team crashes from the highs to the depths in the space of six days. From an 88 point smashing at the hands of Collingwood on Monday to an 89 point demolition of Fremantle the following Sunday. Who knows what to expect next? Melbourne opened this game at a frenetic pace with Tom Scully dynamic in the middle and getting seven touches in the first six or seven minutes while Brad Green returned to form up forward without a heavy tag. He was in the goals early and had four by half time. Had he not missed a couple of simple set shots it might have been a record breaking day for the skipper. The Demons kicked the first five goals of the match and were only troubled when the Dockers mounted a challenge in the second term after Jack Watts kicked the early goal. Michael Johnson booted three goals during this period – a time when the Freo midfield got on top and dominated the clearances for a while allowing the lead to be clawed back to 25 points at the half. The second half of the game was reminiscent of the encounter against Adelaide with the home side dominating a team as insipid as the white away colours they were wearing. Watts was in sublime form all over the ground opening proceedings again and the team took the ascendency all over the ground taking back full control. The lead was seven goals at the three quarter time siren with the Dockers having scored only a single goal for the term. They looked spent. Things only got better for Melbourne in the final stanza. Fremantle has become notorious recently for its poor final quarters and this was no exception. With two players off injured and a couple of others noticeably tiring, an eight goal to one final term ensued, spurred on again by the almost obligatory first goal of the quarter from Watts who finished with 24 disposals, six marks and three goals. The victory erased last week's disappointing 88-point defeat at the hands of the rampant Magpies by a single point. With very few close results since the opening round draw against the Swans, at least Demon fans are unlikely to suffer heart attacks through following their team this year but the ups and the downs are hardly bewildering. When the midfield is doing well and the forward structure is working, Melbourne looks so much better. Yesterday, apart from Green with his five goals, the Demons had Stef Martin spending more time up forward and kicking three goals, Max Gawn was up there competing and final scored his maiden goal in AFL and Jeremy Howe got two as well. It's a forward structure that gives many options when it works and against the Dockers, it worked! The statistics clearly show the disparity between Melbourne's best and its worst. After its brilliant victory over the Dockers - its second against a sitting top eight team in three weeks - the club has an average winning margin of 63 points which tops the competition. The problem is that the average losing margin of 49 points is the second worst of the AFL, a figure that is only bettered (if that's an apt word to use in these circumstances) by the new Gold Coast team. You would put that down to the youth and inexperience of the group with the current 22 missing some of its leaders and more mature players through injury which places it around the level of the Suns in terms of football immaturity. So you expect the harshness of inconsistency knowing that things are going to get better and that a string of good performances are not that far away. Every day it's getting closer. Melbourne 6.5.41 10.7.67 14.12.96 22.17.149 Fremantle 1.4.10 6.6.42 7.10.52 8.12.60 Goals Melbourne Green 5 Watts 3 Martin 3 Howe Jurrah 2 Frawley Gawn Jones Nicholson Petterd Sylvia Trengove Fremantle Johnson 3 Mayne 2 McPharlin Pavlich Pearce Best Melbourne McKenzie Watts Scully Green Martin Howe Moloney Fremantle Barlow Fyfe Ibbotson Mzungu Duffield Griffin Injuries Melbourne Garland (ankle) Fremantle Grover (groin) Crowley (back) Changes Melbourne Nicholson in for Gysberts (soreness) Fremantle Van Berlo in for Bradley (knee) Reports Melbourne Petterd for striking Crowley in first quarter Fremantle Nil Umpires Kennedy Leppard Wenn Crowd 19,092 at the MCG.

DEJA VU 2011: Mid Season Review by Dee man Melbourne still has a long way to go before premiership glory. Much depends on Bailey's game plan and Tom Scully's future. By all expectations, 2010 was a good year for Melbourne. Eight and a half wins. A trio of Rising Stars. A couple of Australian representatives. And no debt. It was all going to plan. Yet the story has continued in 2011. The Demons have taken off where they left the previous season, continuing their erratic form line with a batch of youthful constituents still finding their feet. With four and a half wins to date, eight to nine wins again looms as a likely outcome. That wasn’t part of the script. 2010 was supposed to have finished six months ago. As “good” as the year was, no one asked for an encore. The growing pains of “development”, the symptoms Demon fans have experienced for the last four – if not the last fourty-six – years, are still upon us. It’s not ideal, but the show must go on. It’s either been all-or-nothing in 2011, with colossal wins over Essendon, Adelaide, and Gold Coast negated by embarrassments against (hold your breathe) Hawthorn, West Coast, North Melbourne, Carlton, and most recently Collingwood. A nondescript draw against Sydney, a fortunate victory over Brisbane, and an honourable loss to St Kilda have rounded out the half-year’s other festivities. Like last year, there’s been something to smile about, but not enough to indicate its showtime. Yet. When a season like this comes along – in which great expectations are met with overwhelming disappointment – it’s a kneejerk reaction to point at the injury list. Injuries, however, have been irrelevant. The current casualty list may feature some significant names; the month-long absence of Mark Jamar, and the season-long loss of Jack Grimes have exposed significant holes in Melbourne’s structure. But one must remember that all teams suffer pain; it’s an element of the AFL paradigm that will never fade. That’s right; players will continue to get hurt in this dog-eat-dog game, even when the Dees mount their next premiership challenge. Moreover, Melbourne’s two most humiliating defeats came when the coaching staff had a full list to pick from. Round 2’s deplorable collapse against Hawthorn was painful to watch, as was the Round 6 shellacking at Subiaco. Against the Eagles, the Demons lost the inside 50 count by 29; against the Hawks, it was a whopping 40. That’s hardly excusable, even with a depleted line-up; the reality is, though, that Tom Scully was the Dees’ only notable man on the sidelines. The four-quarter team performances against Essendon and Adelaide, however, were indicative of this team’s potential. They were also evidence that Dean Bailey’s game plan is not as bad as we think. Holding back the reliability of his strategy, however, have been two fundamental pillars. And Melbourne won’t win games unless they’re both dealt with. Number one is movement. It may not seem obvious on television, but Melbourne players are as stagnant as the Queen’s guards. How many times have we seen Colin Garland at full back, searching for options, only to play on and bomb the ball into a contest? How many times have we seen Jack Watts find the ball on the wing, and look up to see no men ahead of him? And how many times have we seen Liam Jurrah fail to attempt a single lead? I’m no expert, but the primary rule of run-and-carry football is that you run. Number two is skill; there is little use in a game plan when your leading ball-getters can’t hit targets. I’m going to pick on two players here, Nathan Jones and Clint Bartram. Don’t get me wrong, Jones has showed off some glorious footwork this year, particularly going inside 50. In saying that, you wouldn’t want him lining up after the siren, or representing you on Lou’s Handball; his skills are simply too erratic. Bartram is in the same camp. For all his hard work in the defensive half, he will never be an elite kick. The flipside is that both Jones and Bartram are solid players, probably enjoying their best seasons to date. In fact, neither would look out of place in a team like Collingwood or Geelong where the run-and-carry mantra is pulled off with precision. Hell, look at Simon Buckley this year. Shafted from Melbourne at the close of ‘09 for his kicking deficiencies, the hard-running winger now finds himself in Collingwood’s best 22. One may attribute his unlikely rise to persistence. I’m inclined to say his teammates have something to do with it. As evident by Monday’s result, the Demons are still a fair distance from their Cat and Magpie counterparts. Yet with Scully (touch-wood), Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie and Jordan Gysberts rotating through the centre, the Dees potentially have the nucleus of a potent midfield. Scully is Selwood/Thomas, Trengove is Bartel/Swan, McKenzie is Ling/Ball, and Gysberts is Corey/Pendlebury. Monday was just the third time the quartet had played with one another; only time and Kevin Sheedy’s cash will tell whether this youthful engine room becomes Melbourne’s awesome foursome. The collective lack of experience of this unit, however, brings to attention a key consideration; Melbourne is still young. As much as we don’t want 2011 to be another development year, that’s the reality. Sam Blease, a speedy first-round draft pick, has played zero games. James Strauss, picked up two places later, has played four. Likewise, youngsters such as Rohan Bail, Luke Tapscott, Addam Maric, Max Gawn, and Jeremy Howe were recruited with Melbourne’s next premiership in mind. Not one of them has reached twenty appearances. It is with this optimistic frame of mind that an analysis should take place. With a few notable exceptions, most Demons have shown improvement in 2011, a key performance indicator often forgotten in dark times. Watts is advancing with every game, creating play across half-back and releasing the odd firework up front. A four-goal game before the season’s end is not beyond him, and will do the young man a world of confidence. Fellow teens Bail and Tapscott will be 200-game players. Bail’s ability to both find the ball and nullify his opponent was invaluable before injury struck. Tapscott’s physical presence alone is mouth-watering; he will be a dangerous weapon regardless of where the coaches choose to settle him. Of the senior players, Colin Sylvia is halfway towards his first best and fairest award, with yet another improved year. Brent Moloney, meanwhile, could walk home with a Brownlow if he recaptures the form that pushed Melbourne into early top eight contention. The biggest revelation, though, has been Stefan Martin. Two years ago, I was full of praise for the big man, suggesting that “he [had] all the hallmarks of a dominant AFL footballer – height, strength, speed and skill”. I admittedly lost faith in the big man midway through last season, but Martin has since delivered up to his promise with some outstanding work in the centre. Martin’s biggest asset is his work rate after the ball has gone to ground, exemplified by some stunning clearance work. He hasn’t yet disposed Jamar of his number one mantle, but this duo may soon become one of the league’s most intimidating combinations. Such a predicament would have sounded implausible three months ago. Three years ago, it would have seemed impossible. As Melbourne supporters, it’s easy to lament about Bailey and his lack of direction. Moreover, we seem to take pride in pointing out Brad Green’s wayward set shots, Aaron Davey’s horror tagger tales, Cale Morton’s wasted talent, Jamie Bennell’s lack of hardness, Matthew Warnock’s dropped mark, or Lynden Dunn’s moustache. Each of these players and their respective weaknesses are indeed worthy of in-depth critique. Yet each of these players has been better. Each of them will be better. They simply must. Regardless of pre-season expectations, this year’s results have been very disappointing. No team likes to be savaged by their cross-town arch-rivals. No team likes to be pushed aside by bottom eight cellar-dwellers. No team likes to run around for 120 minutes without incurring a bruise. Thankfully, the play hasn’t started just yet; this is still the dress rehearsal. We’re obviously not ready yet, so let’s be patient with our mistakes. Before we close the curtain, let’s turn back the clock. This year we’ve going to party like its 2010. It’s simply too painful otherwise. Source: THE DEVIL INSIDE

DEJA VU 2011: Mid Season Review by Dee man Melbourne still has a long way to go before premiership glory. Much depends on Bailey's game plan and Tom Scully's future. By all expectations, 2010 was a good year for Melbourne. Eight and a half wins. A trio of Rising Stars. A couple of Australian representatives. And no debt. It was all going to plan. Yet the story has continued in 2011. The Demons have taken off where they left the previous season, continuing their erratic form line with a batch of youthful constituents still finding their feet. With four and a half wins to date, eight to nine wins again looms as a likely outcome. That wasn’t part of the script. 2010 was supposed to have finished six months ago. As “good” as the year was, no one asked for an encore. The growing pains of “development”, the symptoms Demon fans have experienced for the last four – if not the last fourty-six – years, are still upon us. It’s not ideal, but the show must go on. It’s either been all-or-nothing in 2011, with colossal wins over Essendon, Adelaide, and Gold Coast negated by embarrassments against (hold your breathe) Hawthorn, West Coast, North Melbourne, Carlton, and most recently Collingwood. A nondescript draw against Sydney, a fortunate victory over Brisbane, and an honourable loss to St Kilda have rounded out the half-year’s other festivities. Like last year, there’s been something to smile about, but not enough to indicate its showtime. Yet. When a season like this comes along – in which great expectations are met with overwhelming disappointment – it’s a kneejerk reaction to point at the injury list. Injuries, however, have been irrelevant. The current casualty list may feature some significant names; the month-long absence of Mark Jamar, and the season-long loss of Jack Grimes have exposed significant holes in Melbourne’s structure. But one must remember that all teams suffer pain; it’s an element of the AFL paradigm that will never fade. That’s right; players will continue to get hurt in this dog-eat-dog game, even when the Dees mount their next premiership challenge. Moreover, Melbourne’s two most humiliating defeats came when the coaching staff had a full list to pick from. Round 2’s deplorable collapse against Hawthorn was painful to watch, as was the Round 6 shellacking at Subiaco. Against the Eagles, the Demons lost the inside 50 count by 29; against the Hawks, it was a whopping 40. That’s hardly excusable, even with a depleted line-up; the reality is, though, that Tom Scully was the Dees’ only notable man on the sidelines. The four-quarter team performances against Essendon and Adelaide, however, were indicative of this team’s potential. They were also evidence that Dean Bailey’s game plan is not as bad as we think. Holding back the reliability of his strategy, however, have been two fundamental pillars. And Melbourne won’t win games unless they’re both dealt with. Number one is movement. It may not seem obvious on television, but Melbourne players are as stagnant as the Queen’s guards. How many times have we seen Colin Garland at full back, searching for options, only to play on and bomb the ball into a contest? How many times have we seen Jack Watts find the ball on the wing, and look up to see no men ahead of him? And how many times have we seen Liam Jurrah fail to attempt a single lead? I’m no expert, but the primary rule of run-and-carry football is that you run. Number two is skill; there is little use in a game plan when your leading ball-getters can’t hit targets. I’m going to pick on two players here, Nathan Jones and Clint Bartram. Don’t get me wrong, Jones has showed off some glorious footwork this year, particularly going inside 50. In saying that, you wouldn’t want him lining up after the siren, or representing you on Lou’s Handball; his skills are simply too erratic. Bartram is in the same camp. For all his hard work in the defensive half, he will never be an elite kick. The flipside is that both Jones and Bartram are solid players, probably enjoying their best seasons to date. In fact, neither would look out of place in a team like Collingwood or Geelong where the run-and-carry mantra is pulled off with precision. Hell, look at Simon Buckley this year. Shafted from Melbourne at the close of ‘09 for his kicking deficiencies, the hard-running winger now finds himself in Collingwood’s best 22. One may attribute his unlikely rise to persistence. I’m inclined to say his teammates have something to do with it. As evident by Monday’s result, the Demons are still a fair distance from their Cat and Magpie counterparts. Yet with Scully (touch-wood), Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie and Jordan Gysberts rotating through the centre, the Dees potentially have the nucleus of a potent midfield. Scully is Selwood/Thomas, Trengove is Bartel/Swan, McKenzie is Ling/Ball, and Gysberts is Corey/Pendlebury. Monday was just the third time the quartet had played with one another; only time and Kevin Sheedy’s cash will tell whether this youthful engine room becomes Melbourne’s awesome foursome. The collective lack of experience of this unit, however, brings to attention a key consideration; Melbourne is still young. As much as we don’t want 2011 to be another development year, that’s the reality. Sam Blease, a speedy first-round draft pick, has played zero games. James Strauss, picked up two places later, has played four. Likewise, youngsters such as Rohan Bail, Luke Tapscott, Addam Maric, Max Gawn, and Jeremy Howe were recruited with Melbourne’s next premiership in mind. Not one of them has reached twenty appearances. It is with this optimistic frame of mind that an analysis should take place. With a few notable exceptions, most Demons have shown improvement in 2011, a key performance indicator often forgotten in dark times. Watts is advancing with every game, creating play across half-back and releasing the odd firework up front. A four-goal game before the season’s end is not beyond him, and will do the young man a world of confidence. Fellow teens Bail and Tapscott will be 200-game players. Bail’s ability to both find the ball and nullify his opponent was invaluable before injury struck. Tapscott’s physical presence alone is mouth-watering; he will be a dangerous weapon regardless of where the coaches choose to settle him. Of the senior players, Colin Sylvia is halfway towards his first best and fairest award, with yet another improved year. Brent Moloney, meanwhile, could walk home with a Brownlow if he recaptures the form that pushed Melbourne into early top eight contention. The biggest revelation, though, has been Stefan Martin. Two years ago, I was full of praise for the big man, suggesting that “he [had] all the hallmarks of a dominant AFL footballer – height, strength, speed and skill”. I admittedly lost faith in the big man midway through last season, but Martin has since delivered up to his promise with some outstanding work in the centre. Martin’s biggest asset is his work rate after the ball has gone to ground, exemplified by some stunning clearance work. He hasn’t yet disposed Jamar of his number one mantle, but this duo may soon become one of the league’s most intimidating combinations. Such a predicament would have sounded implausible three months ago. Three years ago, it would have seemed impossible. As Melbourne supporters, it’s easy to lament about Bailey and his lack of direction. Moreover, we seem to take pride in pointing out Brad Green’s wayward set shots, Aaron Davey’s horror tagger tales, Cale Morton’s wasted talent, Jamie Bennell’s lack of hardness, Matthew Warnock’s dropped mark, or Lynden Dunn’s moustache. Each of these players and their respective weaknesses are indeed worthy of in-depth critique. Yet each of these players has been better. Each of them will be better. They simply must. Regardless of pre-season expectations, this year’s results have been very disappointing. No team likes to be savaged by their cross-town arch-rivals. No team likes to be pushed aside by bottom eight cellar-dwellers. No team likes to run around for 120 minutes without incurring a bruise. Thankfully, the play hasn’t started just yet; this is still the dress rehearsal. We’re obviously not ready yet, so let’s be patient with our mistakes. Before we close the curtain, let’s turn back the clock. This year we’ve going to party like its 2010. It’s simply too painful otherwise. Source: THE DEVIL INSIDE

CHAOS by The Blogger A butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazon basin. Years later, a volcano erupts in Chile after laying dormant for nearly half a century shooting a plume of ash and gas ten kilometres skywards and then a week later the AFL is thrown into chaos. It started in this part of the world on Sunday when the ash arrived from Puyehue settling over this continent after a journey sweeping the upper atmosphere across thousands of miles of ocean, disrupting the airways and the three travelling AFL teams on the day. Brisbane, Richmond and Essendon all crashed in a heap, victims of the curse of Puyehue. Inevitably, the curse will strike again this week. The Dockers are already in trouble. Mundy and Ballantyne are two wearers of the purple haze who normally strike fear in Demon hearts but they won't be there after suffering injuries when the ash cloud hovered all day over Subiaco. Nor will Sandilands who, standing 211cm above ground level, is hardly a favourite of the crowds at the MCG. He should have been back this match but for that curse. Oh, the chaos! Coming off an 88-point humiliation against the premiers who had gaping holes in their line up would not normally fill Melbourne fans with glee but it can't be helped this week. They can rejoice for Mother Nature and the spirits have applied a curse on all teams that travel to play on the Sabbath this week. The bottom line is that Fremantle simply doesn't stand a chance. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at The MCG - Sunday, 19 June 2011 at 1.10pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 12 wins Fremantle 14 wins MCG Melbourne 6 wins Fremantle 4 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 8 wins Fremantle 10 wins The Coaches Bailey 2 wins Harvey 2 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports1 Live at 1.00pm RADIO SEN K-Rock ABC774 THE BETTING Melbourne $1.60 Fremantle $2.65 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 11.16.82 defeated Melbourne 10.11.71 Round 16, 2010 at Subiaco Oval The Dockers got off to a flyer at Subiaco and, at the half, led by six goals against what appeared to be an inept Melbourne team. It was Colin Sylvia who turned things around with a brilliant second half but Melbourne squandered a few chances. Jack Watts missed from a difficult angle and then Ballantyne kicked his fourth to seal the game for the home side. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs James Strauss James Frawley Joel MacDonald Half backs Nathan Jones Jared Rivers Jack Trengove Centreline Tom Scully Ricky Petterd Jeremy Howe Half forwards Colin Sylvia Jack Watts Cale Morton Forwards Liam Jurrah Max Gawn Brad Green Followers Stefan Martin Brent Moloney Jordie McKenzie Interchange (from) Jamie Bennell Clint Bartram Lynden Dunn Michael Evans Colin Garland Jordan Gysberts Daniel Nicholson In Lynden Dunn Colin Garland Daniel Nicholson Ricky Petterd Out Neville Jetta (hand) FREMANTLE Backs Antoni Grover Luke McPharlin Greg Broughton Half backs Garrick Ibbotson Michael Johnson Paul Duffield Centreline Jesse Crichton Matthew Pavlich Nathan Fyfe Half forwards Tendai Mzungu Kepler Bradly Ryan Crowley Forwards Stephen Hill Christopher Mayne Clancee Pearce Followers Jonathon Griffin Nick Lower Matthew de Boer Interchange (from) Michael Barlow Benjamin Bucovaz Zachary Clarke Clayton Hinkley Josh Mellington Rhys Palmer Jay Van Berlo In Michael Barlow Benjamin Bucovaz Josh Mellington Rhys Palmer Jay Van Berlo Out Hayden Ballentyne (hamstring) David Mundy (foot) I suppose it might smack a little of desperation when the best you can do to motivate yourself for a game of football is to invoke ancient spirits carried halfway across the planet on volcanic ash but, let's face it - it's bloody hard being a Demon fan. There's no consistency in the way your team plays except for its inconsistency. That's the way of the world for the Melbourne Football Club. The team teases and titillates. It has lost four of its last five games and has dropped from eighth place to tenth and still remains a game out of the top eight. Like the Dockers, the Demons have sadly missed their All Australian ruckman. In Melbourne's case, Mark Jamar's return this week would have been most welcome because he would have brought with him strength and experience, something that has certainly been missing in spades in recent weeks. Instead, the Dockers will front up to Stef Martin and the next tallest man in the game after the missing Sandilands. A reversal of roles for the purple haze! There will be an infusion of players with stronger bodies and some added experience from the winning Casey team but will it be enough against the plucky Dockers? Yes, I think so. Melbourne might not fare well against the competition's traditional sides but against the interstate clubs - especially the quirky ones on their home turf, the Dees can hold their own. I can see it all now. The teams are locked together late in the game. Freo draws ahead by five points in time on and then ... Ash clouds billow over the ground which is suddenly covered in a dark, foggy purple shroud under a shimmering red sun. As the pall lifts, there are 43 players in the Dockers half of the ground and ... shock, horror ... a lone Demon named Liam Jurrah is in his team's forward half surging toward goal with the football under his arm. He kicks truly, the siren sounds, Melbourne wins by a single point and high above the ground a butterfly flaps its wings.

CHAOS by The Blogger A butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazon basin. Years later, a volcano erupts in Chile after laying dormant for nearly half a century shooting a plume of ash and gas ten kilometres skywards and then a week later the AFL is thrown into chaos. It started in this part of the world on Sunday when the ash arrived from Puyehue settling over this continent after a journey sweeping the upper atmosphere across thousands of miles of ocean, disrupting the airways and the three travelling AFL teams on the day. Brisbane, Richmond and Essendon all crashed in a heap, victims of the curse of Puyehue. Inevitably, the curse will strike again this week. The Dockers are already in trouble. Mundy and Ballantyne are two wearers of the purple haze who normally strike fear in Demon hearts but they won't be there after suffering injuries when the ash cloud hovered all day over Subiaco. Nor will Sandilands who, standing 211cm above ground level, is hardly a favourite of the crowds at the MCG. He should have been back this match but for that curse. Oh, the chaos! Coming off an 88-point humiliation against the premiers who had gaping holes in their line up would not normally fill Melbourne fans with glee but it can't be helped this week. They can rejoice for Mother Nature and the spirits have applied a curse on all teams that travel to play on the Sabbath this week. The bottom line is that Fremantle simply doesn't stand a chance. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at The MCG - Sunday, 19 June 2011 at 1.10pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 12 wins Fremantle 14 wins MCG Melbourne 6 wins Fremantle 4 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 8 wins Fremantle 10 wins The Coaches Bailey 2 wins Harvey 2 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports1 Live at 1.00pm RADIO SEN K-Rock ABC774 THE BETTING Melbourne $1.60 Fremantle $2.65 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 11.16.82 defeated Melbourne 10.11.71 Round 16, 2010 at Subiaco Oval The Dockers got off to a flyer at Subiaco and, at the half, led by six goals against what appeared to be an inept Melbourne team. It was Colin Sylvia who turned things around with a brilliant second half but Melbourne squandered a few chances. Jack Watts missed from a difficult angle and then Ballantyne kicked his fourth to seal the game for the home side. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs James Strauss James Frawley Joel MacDonald Half backs Nathan Jones Jared Rivers Jack Trengove Centreline Tom Scully Ricky Petterd Jeremy Howe Half forwards Colin Sylvia Jack Watts Cale Morton Forwards Liam Jurrah Max Gawn Brad Green Followers Stefan Martin Brent Moloney Jordie McKenzie Interchange Jamie Bennell Clint Bartram Colin Garland Jordan Gysberts Emergencies Lynden Dunn Michael Evans Daniel Nicholson In Colin Garland Ricky Petterd Out Neville Jetta (hand) Michael Evans FREMANTLE Backs Antoni Grover Luke McPharlin Greg Broughton Half backs Garrick Ibbotson Michael Johnson Paul Duffield Centreline Jesse Crichton Matthew Pavlich Nathan Fyfe Half forwards Tendai Mzungu Kepler Bradly Ryan Crowley Forwards Stephen Hill Christopher Mayne Clancee Pearce Followers Jonathon Griffin Nick Lower Matthew de Boer Interchange Michael Barlow Benjamin Bucovaz Zachary Clarke Clayton Hinkley Emergencies Josh Mellington Rhys Palmer Jay Van Berlo In Michael Barlow Benjamin Bucovaz Out Hayden Ballentyne (hamstring) David Mundy (foot) I suppose it might smack a little of desperation when the best you can do to motivate yourself for a game of football is to invoke ancient spirits carried halfway across the planet on volcanic ash but, let's face it - it's bloody hard being a Demon fan. There's no consistency in the way your team plays except for its inconsistency. That's the way of the world for the Melbourne Football Club. The team teases and titillates. It has lost four of its last five games and has dropped from eighth place to tenth and still remains a game out of the top eight. Like the Dockers, the Demons have sadly missed their All Australian ruckman. In Melbourne's case, Mark Jamar's return this week would have been most welcome because he would have brought with him strength and experience, something that has certainly been missing in spades in recent weeks. Instead, the Dockers will front up to Stef Martin and the next tallest man in the game after the missing Sandilands. A reversal of roles for the purple haze! There will be an infusion of players with stronger bodies and some added experience from the winning Casey team but will it be enough against the plucky Dockers? Yes, I think so. Melbourne might not fare well against the competition's traditional sides but against the interstate clubs - especially the quirky ones on their home turf, the Dees can hold their own. I can see it all now. The teams are locked together late in the game. Freo draws ahead by five points in time on and then ... Ash clouds billow over the ground which is suddenly covered in a dark, foggy purple shroud under a shimmering red sun. As the pall lifts, there are 43 players in the Dockers half of the ground and ... shock, horror ... a lone Demon named Liam Jurrah is in his team's forward half surging toward goal with the football under his arm. He kicks truly, the siren sounds, Melbourne wins by a single point and high above the ground a butterfly flaps its wings.

A game we could have won and it was over there. This time it will depend on which Melbourne turns up. FREMANTLE Backs Dylan Roberton Alex Silvagni Kepler Bradley Half backs Matthew de Boer Luke McPharlin Roger Hayden Centreline Garrick Ibbotson David Mundy Nathan Fyfe Half forwards Jay van Berlo Matthew Pavlich Stephen Hill Forwards Adam McPhee Michael Johnson Hayden Ballantyne Followers Aaron Sandilands Ryan Crowley Paul Duffield Interchange Greg Broughton Paul Hasleby Anthony Morabito Rhys Palmer Emergencies Clancee Pearce Nick Suban Chris Tarrant In Greg Broughton Nathan Fyfe Luke McPharlin Out Clancee Pearce Tim Ruffles Clancee Pearce (all omitted) MELBOURNE Backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Clint Bartram Half backs Jordie McKenzie James Frawley Cameron Bruce Centreline Jamie Bennell Nathan Jones Brad Green Half forwards Lynden Dunn Jack Watts Tom Scully Forwards Colin Sylvia Matthew Bate Liam Jurrah Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney Aaron Davey Interchange Rohan Bail Paul Johnson Joel Macdonald Cale Morton Emergencies Kyle Cheney Addam Maric Matthew Warnock In Rohan Bail Addam Maric Cale Morton Matthew Warnock Out Kyle Cheney (omitted) Jack Trengove (hip)

CHOCOLATES by Whispering Jack And so it goes - Take two or three of their best midfielders out of the Collingwood team and it makes absolutely no difference. Or if there is was a difference this week, it was for the better because there were enough others prepared to take up what might be perceived as the slack to step in and take responsibility in a well drilled, highly skilled combination that the result is beyond doubt half an hour into the game (if it was not clear from the very start). This game was always going to be a case of men against boys. Melbourne's make up before the game determined that despite the absence of some Magpie stars, the weight of numbers in terms of games played, years experience, height and weight as well as ability fitness, confidence and ability to execute a game plan, this was not going to be an easy day at the office. Nor am I saying that in the presence of Mark Jamar, Aaron Davey, Colin Garland, Jack Grimes, Rohan Bail and Luke Tapscott the result would have changed. It's just that things could have been better. As it was, the only positives from the day were Colin Sylvia, the brilliant performance before the game of My Friend the Chocolate Factory and the fact that the 75,998 people attending the Queens Birthday blockbuster would have helped the club's bottom line. Melbourne opened up brightly enough with two of the first three goals going to Sylvia but, even early in the game, the team was not helping itself with some atrocious skill errors both by hand and by foot. This allowed Collingwood to break away to a ten point lead at the first break and gave it the momentum to mount an onslaught in the second quarter with key forward Travis Cloke booting four goals against a stunned Demon defence. From then on, it was chocolates! Last week's hero Jared Rivers was constantly put under the hammer by a midfield that was lazy and did not work hard enough. Nevertheless, the move of James Frawley onto Cloke was too late. The damage was done. Melbourne worked hard against Collingwood's press in the third term and held on manfully despite having no forward structure at all and in this regard, it was hardly surprising that the team managed to produce the round's lowest score by a good three or four goals. One wonders where it would have been without Colin? Sylvia, with four goals from 17 possessions was not just Melbourne's best player by far but he appeared the only one who could comfortably stand side by side with a Collingwood player and look him in the eyes.Or look his team mates in the eyes for that matter. A few others worked hard - Tom Scully (29 touches), Brent Moloney and James Frawley while Jack Watts and Jeremy Howe were honest battlers. A few Demons are badly out of sorts. Liam Jurrah looks tired and seems to have lost the zest and sparkle that he showed in those last seven or eight games of 2010. The game against Collingwood which rejected him two years ago should have been a spur to a better performance. Jurrah was not alone with several players, who last week shone, reduced to the roles of mere spectators under the bright glare of a premiership prospect. Scully didn't look to be under pressure at all from David Schwarz's revelations that he was 98% sure that the talented Demon midfielder was on his way to Greater Western Sydney but the rest of the club seems to be affected. Schwarz says he is being honest when he says that his information came from impeccable sources within the GWS organisation and from Melbourne people who should know. Why not then be honest and identify the sources from within the club so that the board can deal with whoever is leaking what should be confidential information, if it is true? But that's for another time … Meanwhile, back on the ground, the Pies had marking targets in Cloke, Dawes and Brown up forward and the Demons had nothing. Not a key forward and most times, no forward at all so that when the ball was delivered into attack, it would go to a waiting Collingwood defender and, without any pressure at all, the ball would travel from unmanned opponent to the next all the way down the ground. Melbourne was suffocated and, after kicking the first goal of the final term, the team simply ran out of legs while Collingwood's were still pumping. The last eight goals and four behinds were scored without an answer and sometimes without a Demon touching the football in between Magpie scores. There are a trillion stars in the firmament. Each and every one of them went as dark as can be for Melbourne and all we could wait for was the final siren. Melbourne 2.2.14 3.5.23 5.5.35 6.5.41 Collingwood 3.6.24 9.7.61 11.10.76 19.15.129 Goals Melbourne Sylvia 4, Howe, Jurrah Collingwood Cloke 6 Ball Krakouer Pendlebury 2 Blair Brown Dawes Didak Fasolo McCarthy Wellingham, Best Melbourne Sylvia Scully Frawley Moloney Watts Howe Morton Collingwood Wellingham Cloke Davis Ball Tarrant Blair Injuries Melbourne Bartram (cut head) Jetta (broken hand) Collingwood Nil Changes Melbourne Clint Bartram for Dan Nicholson. Collingwood Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Collingwood Nil Umpires Nicholls Chamberlain Mollison Crowd 75,998 at the MCG

Colin Sylvia easily the best and moves up on the leaders. 71 . Brent Moloney 64 . Jack Trengove 60 . Colin Sylvia 58 . Jared Rivers 55 . Stefan Martin 51 . Jack Watts 50 . Nathan Jones 37 . Mark Jamar 35 . Rohan Bail 27 . Jordan Gysberts 25 . Luke Tapscott 17 . Colin Garland 16 . Liam Jurrah 13 . Brad Green Neville Jetta 12 . Jordie McKenzie Tom Scully 10 . Cale Morton Ricky Petterd 9 . James Frawley 8 . Aaron Davey Addam Maric 7 . Jamie Bennell Michael Evans 5 . Jeremy Howe 4 . Joel Macdonald 3 . Clint Bartam Michael Newton 2 . Jack Grimes 1 . Matthew Warnock

CHOCOLATES by Whispering Jack And so it goes - Take two or three of their best midfielders out of the Collingwood team and it makes absolutely no difference. Or if there is was a difference this week, it was for the better because there were enough others prepared to take up what might be perceived as the slack to step in and take responsibility in a well drilled, highly skilled combination that the result is beyond doubt half an hour into the game (if it was not clear from the very start). This game was always going to be a case of men against boys. Melbourne's make up before the game determined that despite the absence of some Magpie stars, the weight of numbers in terms of games played, years experience, height and weight as well as ability fitness, confidence and ability to execute a game plan, this was not going to be an easy day at the office. Nor am I saying that in the presence of Mark Jamar, Aaron Davey, Colin Garland, Jack Grimes, Rohan Bail and Luke Tapscott the result would have changed. It's just that things could have been better. As it was, the only positives from the day were Colin Sylvia, the brilliant performance before the game of My Friend the Chocolate Factory and the fact that the 75,998 people attending the Queens Birthday blockbuster would have helped the club's bottom line. Melbourne opened up brightly enough with two of the first three goals going to Sylvia but, even early in the game, the team was not helping itself with some atrocious skill errors both by hand and by foot. This allowed Collingwood to break away to a ten point lead at the first break and gave it the momentum to mount an onslaught in the second quarter with key forward Travis Cloke booting four goals against a stunned Demon defence. From then on, it was chocolates! Last week's hero Jared Rivers was constantly put under the hammer by a midfield that was lazy and did not work hard enough. Nevertheless, the move of James Frawley onto Cloke was too late. The damage was done. Melbourne worked hard against Collingwood's press in the third term and held on manfully despite having no forward structure at all and in this regard, it was hardly surprising that the team managed to produce the round's lowest score by a good three or four goals. One wonders where it would have been without Colin? Sylvia, with four goals from 17 possessions was not just Melbourne's best player by far but he appeared the only one who could comfortably stand side by side with a Collingwood player and look him in the eyes.Or look his team mates in the eyes for that matter. A few others worked hard - Tom Scully (29 touches), Brent Moloney and James Frawley while Jack Watts and Jeremy Howe were honest battlers. A few Demons are badly out of sorts. Liam Jurrah looks tired and seems to have lost the zest and sparkle that he showed in those last seven or eight games of 2010. The game against Collingwood which rejected him two years ago should have been a spur to a better performance. Jurrah was not alone with several players, who last week shone, reduced to the roles of mere spectators under the bright glare of a premiership prospect. Scully didn't look to be under pressure at all from David Schwarz's revelations that he was 98% sure that the talented Demon midfielder was on his way to Greater Western Sydney but the rest of the club seems to be affected. Schwarz says he is being honest when he says that his information came from impeccable sources within the GWS organisation and from Melbourne people who should know. Why not then be honest and identify the sources from within the club so that the board can deal with whoever is leaking what should be confidential information, if it is true? But that's for another time … Meanwhile, back on the ground, the Pies had marking targets in Cloke, Dawes and Brown up forward and the Demons had nothing. Not a key forward and most times, no forward at all so that when the ball was delivered into attack, it would go to a waiting Collingwood defender and, without any pressure at all, the ball would travel from unmanned opponent to the next all the way down the ground. Melbourne was suffocated and, after kicking the first goal of the final term, the team simply ran out of legs while Collingwood's were still pumping. The last eight goals and four behinds were scored without an answer and sometimes without a Demon touching the football in between Magpie scores. There are a trillion stars in the firmament. Each and every one of them went as dark as can be for Melbourne and all we could wait for was the final siren. Melbourne 2.2.14 3.5.23 5.5.35 6.5.41 Collingwood 3.6.24 9.7.61 11.10.76 19.15.129 Goals Melbourne Sylvia 4, Howe, Jurrah Collingwood Cloke 6 Ball Krakouer Pendlebury 2 Blair Brown Dawes Didak Fasolo McCarthy Wellingham, Best Melbourne Sylvia Scully Frawley Moloney Watts Howe Morton Collingwood Wellingham Cloke Davis Ball Tarrant Blair Injuries Melbourne Bartram (cut head) Jetta (broken hand) Collingwood Nil Changes Melbourne Clint Bartram for Dan Nicholson. Collingwood Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Collingwood Nil Umpires Nicholls Chamberlain Mollison Crowd 75,998 at the MCG

We've added the ABC highlights, mark of the day (for Fev fans) and goal of the day (for Ricky Bob fans). Click on the links in the article.

As a public service to Demonlanders I've opened and closed a thread that links to the Herald Sun article of 4 March 2011 containing Tom Scully's definitive thoughts on whether he has or has not signed with the GWS Giants - READ MY LIPS.

As a public service to Demonlanders we reprise this article from the Herald Sun by Adrian Ballantine [4 March 2011]: I HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO GWS: MELBOURNE STAR TOM SCULLY by Adrian Ballantine 4 March 2011 Addendum: Tom Scully may stay with Melbourne, says manager Alastair Lynch

The first of the weekend's two missions against Collingwood has been accomplished. PINK RIBBON DAY AT CASEY by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions held on to fourth place on the VFL ladder with a solid 42-point victory over a plucky Collingwood Reserves side at Casey Fields on Saturday. The ground was in picture perfect condition for the club's annual Pink Ribbon Day promoting awareness for breast cancer and the match attracted a big crowd considering the game was televised live on ABC1. The Scorpions led virtually from start to finish after a Lynden Dunn goal in the first minute of play and they took a stranglehold on the game by dominating the inaccurate Magpies against the breeze in an opening quarter in which Dunn booted three goals and young Demon Lucas Cook snagged two. With Ricky Petterd playing a different but dominant role closer to the middle, the home side scored seven goals in the second term and, at one stage stretched its lead to nine goals before being reined in to 41 points with a couple of late Collingwood goals before the half time break. The game was entertaining and its pace was frenetic at times but the afternoon was marred when Magpie goalsneak Brad Dick turned awkwardly and had to stretchered from the ground just before the siren sounded with what appeared to be a bad knee injury. Dick's injury seemed to spur his team mates on as they won the third quarter with the wind at their backs and, after conceding the first three goals of the final term, outscored the Scorps for the remainder of the game. This was quite an achievement against a home side that had so many forward line winners and kicked its highest score for the year to date. In the final analysis Casey would have content itself with a seven goal win although its last half failed to match the first for intensity. However, in the team's defence, it must be remembered that it was coming off last week's hard fought encounter with Sandringham in windy conditions after a six day break. Petterd maintained his dominance for the full journey to complete the game with a superb 39 touches and 11 marks. He set up many forward moves with Dunn (five goals from 15 possessions and six marks), Cook (four goals) and Brendon Fevola (3.2 from nine possessions and six marks) proving to be a multipronged attack. They were well backed up by Addam Maric and Tom McNamara (3 goals each) while Matthew Bate was always lively around half forward. Fevola has settled in well, is doing the team things well and his presence adds to the potency of the Casey forward line. Dave Collins continues to display some of his good form of recent weeks. His contribution to the Casey midfield has been underrated and deserving of far greater recognition. Michael Stockdale played his best game yet since returning from a knee injury and he added a lot of run and carry which was instrumental in breaking up the Collingwood zones. Matthew Warnock was again in superb form in the last line of defence and he was well backed up by Tim Mohr and Troy Davis. However, the fact that five goals were conceded to the opposition in each of the last two quarters would not have pleased coach Brad Gotch and the backline will need to tighten up in future games when pitted against the competition's powerhouse teams. Hawthorn premiership ruckman Robert Campbell was a true warhorse. Despite being clearly nursed into form after an injury-interrupted first half of his season, he showed good signs with some deft ruck work and was capably assisted by pinch hitters Mohr and Tom McDonald. The team is at home again next Sunday and takes on the disappointing Coburg Tigers although it will still be without courageous co-skipper Kyle Matthews for several weeks. Fresh scans on his injured leg during the week confirmed he has a fractured fibula. Matthews has been dogged with injury recently and deserves a change in fortune and a speedy recovery. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Matthew Bate - although not as dominant as last week, he worked really hard as a half forward with licence to roam further downfield. Sam Blease - great when working on all pistons and attacking but still needs to work harder going the other way. This could be due to him not yet having sufficient endurance following an extended period when his training would have been restricted due to his foot injury. When he gets that part of his game right, Blease will be a very good player at the top level. Robert Campbell - limited game due to being eased back after a long lay off and was getting treatment (hamstring tightness?) from the trainers when off the ground. Worked hard and was very good in the ruck and will be even better if he can regain full fitness. Lucas Cook - presented well, was strong and showed good judgement in the air and was good when the ball hit the ground. Has a good kicking action and style and was a little unlucky not to finish with more than his four goals. Troy Davis - didn't show out as much as in his two earlier games but is still finding his way at this level and, given time, looks to be a prospect beyond this level. Lynden Dunn - ever the opportunist, Dunn returned to form with five goals and also gave a few away in an excellent display up forward. Colin Garland - made a surprise early return from an ankle injury and had limited time on the ground. Was not prominent but did what he had to do well. Kelvin Lawrence - showed a bit of toe early before succumbing to injury again. This was unfortunate as his absence highlighted the team's lack of pace through the midfield. Addam Maric - flashed in and out of play. Delivered the ball well and made a contribution with three goals. Tom McDonald - a very cool customer who is proving somewhat of a surprise packet. He is good in the air, on the ground and with his execution by hand and foot. Has also been doing some backup work in the ruck but I would like to see him settle in one position, possibly full back or centre half back. Tom McNamara - played in the middle and kicked three goals going forward so it was a pretty good day for Tom. His goal from tight on a boundary line was a gem. Ricky Petterd - a dominant four quarter performance. Relished a slightly different role around the middle and will be excused for a couple of lapses late in the game caused no doubt by tiredness, such was his workrate during the day. Matthew Warnock - a typically solid and compsed game in defence where he has that extra bit of time at this level. Marked strongly and spotted players down the ground well. Casey Scorpions 5.1.31 12.5.77 16.8.104 22.10.142 Collingwood 1.4.10 5.6.36 10.10.70 15.10.100 Goals Casey Scorpions Dunn 5 Cook 4 Fevola McNamara Maric 3 Blease Mohr Petterd Stockdale Collingwood Eddy Sundberg 3 Bolton Couch Farmer 2 Bull Dick Reilly Best Casey Scorpions Petterd Warnock Dunn Cook Mohr Collins Collingwood Sundberg Couch Bolton Farmer Rounds Condy HIGHLIGHTS MARK OF THE DAY GOAL OF THE DAY The Casey reserves missed a golden opportunity to consolidate a top six position going down by 10 points to the third placed Werribee Tigers after leading for most of the day. Clever forward Aaron Purves booted six goals while the improving Luke Tynan was his team's best. Casey Scorpions 2.5.17 6.9.45 9.10.64 10.14.74 Werribee Tigers 1.3.9 4.8.32 8.10.58 12.12.84 Goals Casey Scorpions Purves 6 Waite 2 Petropoulos Pollard Werribee Tigers Allwright Chisholm Still 2 Davis Perkins Priest Rockefeller Schibeci Treloar Best Casey Scorpions Tynan McShane Purves Salton McKenna Baumgartner Werribee Tigers Chisholm Rockefeller Saker Schroder Ruggles Prismall

The first of the weekend's two missions against Collingwood has been accomplished. PINK RIBBON DAY AT CASEY by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions held on to fourth place on the VFL ladder with a solid 42-point victory over a plucky Collingwood Reserves side at Casey Fields on Saturday. The ground was in picture perfect condition for the club's annual Pink Ribbon Day promoting awareness for breast cancer and the match attracted a big crowd considering the game was televised live on ABC1. The Scorpions led virtually from start to finish after a Lynden Dunn goal in the first minute of play and they took a stranglehold on the game by dominating the inaccurate Magpies against the breeze in an opening quarter in which Dunn booted three goals and young Demon Lucas Cook snagged two. With Ricky Petterd playing a different but dominant role closer to the middle, the home side scored seven goals in the second term and, at one stage stretched its lead to nine goals before being reined in to 41 points with a couple of late Collingwood goals before the half time break. The game was entertaining and its pace was frenetic at times but the afternoon was marred when Magpie goalsneak Brad Dick turned awkwardly and had to stretchered from the ground just before the siren sounded with what appeared to be a bad knee injury. Dick's injury seemed to spur his team mates on as they won the third quarter with the wind at their backs and, after conceding the first three goals of the final term, outscored the Scorps for the remainder of the game. This was quite an achievement against a home side that had so many forward line winners and kicked its highest score for the year to date. In the final analysis Casey would have content itself with a seven goal win although its last half failed to match the first for intensity. However, in the team's defence, it must be remembered that it was coming off last week's hard fought encounter with Sandringham in windy conditions after a six day break. Petterd maintained his dominance for the full journey to complete the game with a superb 39 touches and 11 marks. He set up many forward moves with Dunn (five goals from 15 possessions and six marks), Cook (four goals) and Brendon Fevola (3.2 from nine possessions and six marks) proving to be a multipronged attack. They were well backed up by Addam Maric and Tom McNamara (3 goals each) while Matthew Bate was always lively around half forward. Fevola has settled in well, is doing the team things well and his presence adds to the potency of the Casey forward line. Dave Collins continues to display some of his good form of recent weeks. His contribution to the Casey midfield has been underrated and deserving of far greater recognition. Michael Stockdale played his best game yet since returning from a knee injury and he added a lot of run and carry which was instrumental in breaking up the Collingwood zones. Matthew Warnock was again in superb form in the last line of defence and he was well backed up by Tim Mohr and Troy Davis. However, the fact that five goals were conceded to the opposition in each of the last two quarters would not have pleased coach Brad Gotch and the backline will need to tighten up in future games when pitted against the competition's powerhouse teams. Hawthorn premiership ruckman Robert Campbell was a true warhorse. Despite being clearly nursed into form after an injury-interrupted first half of his season, he showed good signs with some deft ruck work and was capably assisted by pinch hitters Mohr and Tom McDonald. The team is at home again next Sunday and takes on the disappointing Coburg Tigers although it will still be without courageous co-skipper Kyle Matthews for several weeks. Fresh scans on his injured leg during the week confirmed he has a fractured fibula. Matthews has been dogged with injury recently and deserves a change in fortune and a speedy recovery. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Matthew Bate - although not as dominant as last week, he worked really hard as a half forward with licence to roam further downfield. Sam Blease - great when working on all pistons and attacking but still needs to work harder going the other way. This could be due to him not yet having sufficient endurance following an extended period when his training would have been restricted due to his foot injury. When he gets that part of his game right, Blease will be a very good player at the top level. Robert Campbell - limited game due to being eased back after a long lay off and was getting treatment (hamstring tightness?) from the trainers when off the ground. Worked hard and was very good in the ruck and will be even better if he can regain full fitness. Lucas Cook - presented well, was strong and showed good judgement in the air and was good when the ball hit the ground. Has a good kicking action and style and was a little unlucky not to finish with more than his four goals. Troy Davis - didn't show out as much as in his two earlier games but is still finding his way at this level and, given time, looks to be a prospect beyond this level. Lynden Dunn - ever the opportunist, Dunn returned to form with five goals and also gave a few away in an excellent display up forward. Colin Garland - made a surprise early return from an ankle injury and had limited time on the ground. Was not prominent but did what he had to do well. Kelvin Lawrence - showed a bit of toe early before succumbing to injury again. This was unfortunate as his absence highlighted the team's lack of pace through the midfield. Addam Maric - flashed in and out of play. Delivered the ball well and made a contribution with three goals. Tom McDonald - a very cool customer who is proving somewhat of a surprise packet. He is good in the air, on the ground and with his execution by hand and foot. Has also been doing some backup work in the ruck but I would like to see him settle in one position, possibly full back or centre half back. Tom McNamara - played in the middle and kicked three goals going forward so it was a pretty good day for Tom. His goal from tight on a boundary line was a gem. Ricky Petterd - a dominant four quarter performance. Relished a slightly different role around the middle and will be excused for a couple of lapses late in the game caused no doubt by tiredness, such was his workrate during the day. Matthew Warnock - a typically solid and compsed game in defence where he has that extra bit of time at this level. Marked strongly and spotted players down the ground well. Casey Scorpions 5.1.31 12.5.77 16.8.104 22.10.142 Collingwood 1.4.10 5.6.36 10.10.70 15.10.100 Goals Casey Scorpions Dunn 5 Cook 4 Fevola McNamara Maric 3 Blease Mohr Petterd Stockdale Collingwood Eddy Sundberg 3 Bolton Couch Farmer 2 Bull Dick Reilly Best Casey Scorpions Petterd Warnock Dunn Cook Mohr Collins Collingwood Sundberg Couch Bolton Farmer Rounds Condy HIGHLIGHTS MARK OF THE DAY GOAL OF THE DAY The Casey reserves missed a golden opportunity to consolidate a top six position going down by 10 points to the third placed Werribee Tigers after leading for most of the day. Clever forward Aaron Purves booted six goals while the improving Luke Tynan was his team's best. Casey Scorpions 2.5.17 6.9.45 9.10.64 10.14.74 Werribee Tigers 1.3.9 4.8.32 8.10.58 12.12.84 Goals Casey Scorpions Purves 6 Waite 2 Petropoulos Pollard Werribee Tigers Allwright Chisholm Still 2 Davis Perkins Priest Rockefeller Schibeci Treloar Best Casey Scorpions Tynan McShane Purves Salton McKenna Baumgartner Werribee Tigers Chisholm Rockefeller Saker Schroder Ruggles Prismall

EVERYONE'S GONE TO THE MOON by JVM Harry O'Brien's going to see the Dalai Lama, Dane Swan's off with a few of his mates to Flagstaff, Arizona, Daisy Thomas has been to the Tribunal and President Eddie is, um ... well, everywhere as usual. Michael Malthouse, on the other hand, has been up and about, but not in his usual role as coach of the AFL’s premier football team. These days Mick moonlights as a special comments man in the media, whiling away the hours and minutes as his long stint as coach of the Magpies runs down into its final days. He’s not even keeping the seat warm for Nathan Buckley who is due to take over a readymade AFL team in five or six month’s time. As for Mick, he's continuing the pattern of lining up opposition players for abuse (a project begun while on duty at Etihad Stadium last year on veteran Saint’s goal sneak, Stephen Milne) by going on air behind a microphone and labelling young kids as "cheats". Of course, this obsession doesn't apply to his own players who front the AFL Tribunal with straight faces telling cockamamie stories about going for a football that's miles out of their reach while punching an opponent in the jaw. True, his team remains a premiership favourite but where's Mick's focus these days? He is so distracted at the moment that he appears to have forgotten to call the obligatory press conference warning all and sundry that the opposition this week is playing its own grand final for the year in the middle of June. Are the Pies are so cocky and complacent about things these days that they have lost interest in the regular season, setting their sights on what might take place later in the season? I think so. In fact, things are getting so bad over there at Magpieland that you could walk into the Westpac Centre tomorrow and not find a single Collingwood player in sight. That’s because they're here, there and everywhere but in the space where they should be at the present time. The emphasis seems to be on everything but Monday's blockbuster at the G. For the moment, the Collingwood Football Club is so fixated on higher altitudes that they've all gone to the moon. THE GAME Melbourne v. Collingwood at the MCG – Monday 13 June 2011 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 79 wins Collingwood 141 wins 5 draws At the MCG Melbourne 59 wins Collingwood 74 wins 3 draws Since 2000 Melbourne 5 wins Collingwood 8 wins 1 draw The Coaches Bailey 0 wins Malthouse 4 wins 1 draw MEDIA TV Channel 10 at 2:30 PM (delayed telecast) RADIO Triple M SEN K-Rock ABC774 THE BETTING Melbourne to win $5.50 Collingwood to win $1.15 LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 11.10.76 drew with Collingwood 9.22.76 The dominant on ball combination of Mark Jamar and Brent Moloney took it right up to the Magpies whose kicking for goal was right off target in a game that finished amid great tension in a tied result. Tarkyn Lockyer kicked the equaliser for the Pies and was rewarded a few weeks later by being axed from the team that eventually won the flag. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Dan Nicholson James Frawley Joel Macdonald Half backs Cale Morton Jared Rivers James Strauss Centrelin Tom Scully Brent Moloney Liam Jurrah Half forwards Jeremy Howe Jack Watts Jordan Gysberts Forwards Jamie Bennell Colin Sylvia Brad Green Followers Stef Martin Jack Trengove Jordie McKenzie Interchange Michael Evans Max Gawn Neville Jetta Nathan Jones Emergencies Clint Bartram Matthew Bate Ricky Petterd No change COLLINGWOOD Backs Leon Davis Ben Reid Heritier O'Brien Half backs Alan Toovey Nick Maxwell Heath Shaw Centreline Tyson Goldsack Steele Sidebottom Sharrod Wellingham Half forwards Chris Tarrant Chris Dawes Andrew Krakouer Forwards Alan Didak Travis Cloke Leigh Brown Followers Cameron Wood Scott Pendlebury Luke Ball Interchange (from) Jarryd Blair Simon Buckley Alex Fasolo John McCarthy Emergencies Brad Dick Luke Rounds Tom Young In Jarryd Blair Simon Buckley Alex Fasolo Out Dayne Beams (foot) Dane Swan (soreness) Dale Thomas (suspended) SPEAKING OF THINGS LUNAR We might be forgiven, in light of the way the Pies have been conducting themselves towards this game, that they might think of Melbourne as a bit of a joke. So before, I launch into my review of this week’s game, allow me an indulgence thanks to some of the Demonlanders who are providing some rare insights into the monster that has become Collingwood. If you see a Collingwood supporter on a bicycle don't swerve to hit him....It could be your bicycle Q: What do you call a Collingwood supporter in a suit? A: The defendant. You know you're a Collingwood supporter when you've been married three times and still have the same in-laws. Q: How many Collingwood fans does it take to change a light bulb? A: Seven - one to change it, five to moan about it and make excuses and Mick Malthouse to say that if the umpire had done his job in the first place the light bulb would never have gone out. What's the difference between Eddie McGuire and god? God doesn't think he's Eddie McGuire MEANWHILE BACK ON EARTH Collingwood’s depleted midfield power is the main talking point in the lead up to Monday’s Queens Birthday Blockbuster with Melbourne. Dale Thomas is out suspended, Dane Swan is one of four Collingwood players on a 12-day mid-season recovery trip to Arizona and Dayne Beams is out of action for at least a month after breaking a foot in Saturday night's win over St Kilda. That’s the three D’s and at least 80 disposals missing from the team and that’s not taking into account that their premiership ruckman Darren Jolly is another recovering in the States. Of course, Melbourne people will say that these omissions are largely counteracted by their own long list on injured and missing players including Mark Jamar, Jack Grimes, Aaron Davey, Colin Garland, Rohan Bail, Luke Tapscott and Austin Wonaeamirri and a few others. I will nevertheless, happily accept the number of injured/rested/suspended players as an excuse for a Magpie defeat on Monday. Their supporters have my permission to bleat and whine to their collective hearts’ content in those circumstances. The question is, how likely is it that Collingwood will, in fact, lose this game? The answer is that it’s unlikely but if Melbourne can continue on from the form of last Friday night then it must be considered a chance of causing an upset. Then again, if it reverts to the previous week’s shambles of a performance, the Mick Malthouse will be smiling contentedly by mid afternoon and wondering what saying of the great Confucius he can mangle during his after match press conference. Now, let’s go back to the midfield contests and it’s here that you realise how fate has blessed the Magpies with a fair amount of midfield depth. Even without the 3D’s, Collingwood still has one of the best in the competition in vice-captain Scott Pendlebury who had a great year in 2010 winning the Anzac Medal, achieving All-Australian honours for the first time and capping it all off with the Norm Smith Medal in a premiership side. They say he’s been even better this year. Luke Ball is another All-Australian from his St. Kilda days who had his best season in 2005 the year he also won the club best and fairest. This year, he has returned to his old form as a strong tackling midfielder. This duo heads a strong group who can play in the middle and will be augmented by some handy players in Sharrod Wellingham, Steele Sidebottom, Jarryd Blair and perhaps Andrew Krakouer. Ben Johnson and Simon Buckley are also due to return to the fold from injury. But what of Melbourne’s midfield? It was not that long ago that the Demons’ midfield was considered as a relic of the Stone Ages but in recent weeks the infusion of Tom Scully, Jack Trengove (Back from suspension) and Jordie McKenzie (back from a groin injury) together with the re-emergence of Jordan Gysberts have made the lives of Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones so much easier. This young group has a lot going for it, in particular its versatility. There’s a bit of everything in there and the presence of Michael Evans and Dan Nicholson has added some more bite to this all important division. If they get going, then Mick needs to watch out! Collingwood does have enormous strength up forward in the guise of in form Travis Cloke, Chris Dawes and the ability of Leigh Brown to go forward and kick goals. Then there’s Alan Didak and Dick (no further comment needs to be appended). However, Melbourne's defence has in form players in "Chip" Frawley, Jared Rivers and Joel Macdonald and the outcome of some of the duels in this part of the ground could well prove decisive. I’m very tempted to go for Melbourne to win this because of the significantly weakened midfield but, in the end, it all gets down to attitude. If the Demons fail to come out with the same attitude they brought into the Essendon game last week and instead, bring a negative mindset into this week’s game, then the absence of Jolly, Swan, Thomas and co. will mean absolutely nothing. I’m tipping Collingwood by 10 points in a close contest and unfortunately, that's no joke!