Demonland

It's the week of the bye and our sometime resident expert on all things trivial, Randy M.M. Savage, blew into the country yesterday and delivered an outline of his master's thesis at one of our tertiary institutions. Just to prove what a waste of time most academic studies are, we bring you his work ... TANK HEAVEN by Randy M.M. Savage An idiots guide to tanking Tanking in Australian football does not exist on an official level having been deemed a nonsense on several occasions by AFL el supremo Andrew Vlad Demetriou who believes that it goes against the grain of the sport, that it's un-Australian and as welcome here as swine flu. The reality however, is that the dreaded pig disease is not only here but exists in profusion in this country and so, many believe is tanking. Indeed, it has been claimed that several exponents of the art of tanking have been carrying it out underground for some time. Brett Ratten and his Carlton side of 2007 are cited as the most obvious example but the Doggies, who dropped a couple of handy players from their team for their last game in 2004 allegedly because they were retiring anyway, are said to have gotten away with it as well. There have also been several other less well documented instances in recent years. If the practice does exist (and the academic world remains keenly divided on the issue) then, at the very least, it must legal because nobody at official level has declared it to be illegal. The great ancient philosophers would of course argue that if something didn't exist in the first place, then it could never be declared illegal anyway. Therefore, the entire topic is valid for open discussion and this paper has been prepared to provide guidelines for an understanding of the tanking phenomenon and the measurement of its effect in practical terms. Tanking in team sports occurs when a team intentionally loses a game to obtain a perceived future competitive advantage. In the context of the AFL, a club is best understood to be engaging in tanking when it seeks to gain a priority draft selection available for clubs which finish the season with no more than 16 premiership points. If a club achieves this for two years in a row (as Carlton did in 2006-7) the priority pick comes at the beginning of the first round of the draft. If it's a one off occurrence, it comes at the start of round two. The significance of the Carlton tank of 2007 is that it achieved what is known as the "grand slam" of tanking – the spectacular feat of winning four games in the first half of the season and then losing all 11 in the second half to gain a first round priority pick. The Blues therefore established a benchmark for tanking and the beauty of their effort was that they did so without Vlad even raising one of his abundant eyebrows – an achievement which effectively took the heat off any club or coach that decided to practice the art of tanking. In effect, it now had the AFL's unofficial imprimatur. Tanking has developed a greater importance in 2009 because of changes to the AFL draft rules in advance of the introduction of two new clubs from the Gold Coast and West Sydney regions which will give them the pick of the new players to be recruited in the coming few years. I have established a guide to measuring the tank and I set out below the table entitled "TankometerTM 2009, Mark I". The TankometerTM commences operation officially at the halfway mark of the AFL season and currently, there are five clubs left in the race for priority draft picks although, only West Coast and Melbourne are eligible for selections at the beginning of the first round. This is an important factor in understanding the contextual realities inherent in the operation of the TankometerTM 2009, Mark I. North Melbourne is included in the TankometerTM at this stage because, with only 4 wins to date and the Shinboner spirit rapidly ebbing away, it remains a mathematical possibility of finishing with the requisite number of premiership points to merit a priority draft selection at the end of the year. The Kangaroos would have to lose all games to emulate the Blues of 2007 and even if they do, it will only be regarded as a "slam" and not a "grand slam" because the reward will be an early second round priority pick (although there's also a remote possibility that they could somehow also manage to snaffle a wooden spoon and possible first pick in what would truly be an unlikely and miraculous scenario for the Roos). Both Western Australian teams are included and that of course gives added significance to the Derby in Round 17 when one of the teams will come perilously close to tanking extinction (although a win to either side in the interim would change that equation). With an extra first round pick at stake, I expect the wily Eagle coach John Worsfold to have the edge over Mark Harvey but the game will definitely be one of the significant games on the TankometerTM table. Melbourne and Richmond are the poorest performed teams in the competition and a strong technical argument could be mounted to suggest that they could not possibly be accused of tanking because they're simply not good enough to win five games anyway. Only time will tell on that score. So here is TankometerTM 2009, Mark I with games between TankometerTM teams being marked in red. The first of these is the Round 12 game between Richmond and West Coast at Etihad Stadium. The game might at least give debutant Tiger coach Jade Rawlings good cause to believe that "it's better to be dead than red!" TANKOMETERTM 2009, MARK I NORTH MELBOURNE (16) ADELAIDE (AAMI) WESTERN BULLDOGS (MCG) SYDNEY SWANS (SCG) HAWTHORN (AURORA) RICHMOND (MCG) BRISBANE (GABBA) CARLTON (ETIHAD) MELBOURNE (ETIHAD) WEST COAST (SUBIACO) ST KILDA (ETIHAD) PORT ADELAIDE (AAMI) WEST COAST (12) RICHMOND (ETIHAD) HAWTHORN (SUBIACO) MELBOURNE (MCG) ST KILDA (SUBIACO) PORT ADELAIDE (AAMI) FREMANTLE (SUBIACO) ESSENDON (SUBIACO) WESTERN BULLDOGS (ETIHAD) NORTH MELBOURNE (SUBIACO) ADELAIDE (AAMI) RICHMOND (SUBIACO) FREMANTLE (12) GEELONG (SUBIACO) COLLINGWOOD (MCG) CARLTON (SUBIACO) ADELAIDE (AAMI) BRISBANE (SUBIACO) WEST COAST (SUBIACO) WESTERN BULLDOGS (ETIHAD) PORT ADELAIDE (SUBIACO) MELBOURNE (MCG) ESSENDON (SUBIACO) GEELONG (SKILLED) RICHMOND (8) WEST COAST (ETIHAD) ST KILDA (ETIHAD) ADELAIDE (CARRARA) CARLTON (MCG) NORTH MELBOURNE (MCG) ESSENDON (MCG) MELBOURNE (MCG) SYDNEY SWANS (MCG) COLLINGWOOD (MCG) HAWTHORN (MCG) WEST COAST (SUBIACO) MELBOURNE (4) ESSENDON (ETIHAD) BRISBANE (GABBA) WEST COAST (MCG) PORT ADELAIDE (MCG) GEELONG (SKILLED) SYDNEY (MANUKA) RICHMOND (MCG) NORTH MELBOURNE (ETIHAD) FREMANTLE (MCG) CARLTON (ETIHAD) ST. KILDA (MCG) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of DEMONLAND. In fact, we believe that the club will win every remaining game and play a major role in the 2009 final series.

It's the week of the bye and our sometime resident expert on all things trivial, Randy M.M. Savage, blew into the country yesterday and delivered an outline of his master's thesis at one of our tertiary institutions. Just to prove what a waste of time most academic studies are, we bring you his work ... TANK HEAVEN by Randy M.M. Savage An idiots guide to tanking Tanking in Australian football does not exist on an official level having been deemed a nonsense on several occasions by AFL el supremo Andrew Vlad Demetriou who believes that it goes against the grain of the sport, that it's un-Australian and as welcome here as swine flu. The reality however, is that the dreaded pig disease is not only here but exists in profusion in this country and so, many believe is tanking. Indeed, it has been claimed that several exponents of the art of tanking have been carrying it out underground for some time. Brett Ratten and his Carlton side of 2007 are cited as the most obvious example but the Doggies, who dropped a couple of handy players from their team for their last game in 2004 allegedly because they were retiring anyway, are said to have gotten away with it as well. There have also been several other less well documented instances in recent years. If the practice does exist (and the academic world remains keenly divided on the issue) then, at the very least, it must legal because nobody at official level has declared it to be illegal. The great ancient philosophers would of course argue that if something didn't exist in the first place, then it could never be declared illegal anyway. Therefore, the entire topic is valid for open discussion and this paper has been prepared to provide guidelines for an understanding of the tanking phenomenon and the measurement of its effect in practical terms. Tanking in team sports occurs when a team intentionally loses a game to obtain a perceived future competitive advantage. In the context of the AFL, a club is best understood to be engaging in tanking when it seeks to gain a priority draft selection available for clubs which finish the season with no more than 16 premiership points. If a club achieves this for two years in a row (as Carlton did in 2006-7) the priority pick comes at the beginning of the first round of the draft. If it's a one off occurrence, it comes at the start of round two. The significance of the Carlton tank of 2007 is that it achieved what is known as the "grand slam" of tanking – the spectacular feat of winning four games in the first half of the season and then losing all 11 in the second half to gain a first round priority pick. The Blues therefore established a benchmark for tanking and the beauty of their effort was that they did so without Vlad even raising one of his abundant eyebrows – an achievement which effectively took the heat off any club or coach that decided to practice the art of tanking. In effect, it now had the AFL's unofficial imprimatur. Tanking has developed a greater importance in 2009 because of changes to the AFL draft rules in advance of the introduction of two new clubs from the Gold Coast and West Sydney regions which will give them the pick of the new players to be recruited in the coming few years. I have established a guide to measuring the tank and I set out below the table entitled "TankometerTM 2009, Mark I". The TankometerTM commences operation officially at the halfway mark of the AFL season and currently, there are five clubs left in the race for priority draft picks although, only West Coast and Melbourne are eligible for selections at the beginning of the first round. This is an important factor in understanding the contextual realities inherent in the operation of the TankometerTM 2009, Mark I. North Melbourne is included in the TankometerTM at this stage because, with only 4 wins to date and the Shinboner spirit rapidly ebbing away, it remains a mathematical possibility of finishing with the requisite number of premiership points to merit a priority draft selection at the end of the year. The Kangaroos would have to lose all games to emulate the Blues of 2007 and even if they do, it will only be regarded as a "slam" and not a "grand slam" because the reward will be an early second round priority pick (although there's also a remote possibility that they could somehow also manage to snaffle a wooden spoon and possible first pick in what would truly be an unlikely and miraculous scenario for the Roos). Both Western Australian teams are included and that of course gives added significance to the Derby in Round 17 when one of the teams will come perilously close to tanking extinction (although a win to either side in the interim would change that equation). With an extra first round pick at stake, I expect the wily Eagle coach John Worsfold to have the edge over Mark Harvey but the game will definitely be one of the significant games on the TankometerTM table. Melbourne and Richmond are the poorest performed teams in the competition and a strong technical argument could be mounted to suggest that they could not possibly be accused of tanking because they're simply not good enough to win five games anyway. Only time will tell on that score. So here is TankometerTM 2009, Mark I with games between TankometerTM teams being marked in red. The first of these is the Round 12 game between Richmond and West Coast at Etihad Stadium. The game might at least give debutant Tiger coach Jade Rawlings good cause to believe that "it's better to be dead than red!" TANKOMETERTM 2009, MARK I NORTH MELBOURNE (16) ADELAIDE (AAMI) WESTERN BULLDOGS (MCG) SYDNEY SWANS (SCG) HAWTHORN (AURORA) RICHMOND (MCG) BRISBANE (GABBA) CARLTON (ETIHAD) MELBOURNE (ETIHAD) WEST COAST (SUBIACO) ST KILDA (ETIHAD) PORT ADELAIDE (AAMI) WEST COAST (12) RICHMOND (ETIHAD) HAWTHORN (SUBIACO) MELBOURNE (MCG) ST KILDA (SUBIACO) PORT ADELAIDE (AAMI) FREMANTLE (SUBIACO) ESSENDON (SUBIACO) WESTERN BULLDOGS (ETIHAD) NORTH MELBOURNE (SUBIACO) ADELAIDE (AAMI) RICHMOND (SUBIACO) FREMANTLE (12) GEELONG (SUBIACO) COLLINGWOOD (MCG) CARLTON (SUBIACO) ADELAIDE (AAMI) BRISBANE (SUBIACO) WEST COAST (SUBIACO) WESTERN BULLDOGS (ETIHAD) PORT ADELAIDE (SUBIACO) MELBOURNE (MCG) ESSENDON (SUBIACO) GEELONG (SKILLED) RICHMOND (8) WEST COAST (ETIHAD) ST KILDA (ETIHAD) ADELAIDE (CARRARA) CARLTON (MCG) NORTH MELBOURNE (MCG) ESSENDON (MCG) MELBOURNE (MCG) SYDNEY SWANS (MCG) COLLINGWOOD (MCG) HAWTHORN (MCG) WEST COAST (SUBIACO) MELBOURNE (4) ESSENDON (ETIHAD) BRISBANE (GABBA) WEST COAST (MCG) PORT ADELAIDE (MCG) GEELONG (SKILLED) SYDNEY (MANUKA) RICHMOND (MCG) NORTH MELBOURNE (ETIHAD) FREMANTLE (MCG) CARLTON (ETIHAD) ST. KILDA (MCG) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of DEMONLAND. In fact, we believe that the club will win every remaining game and play a major role in the 2009 final series.

by Whispering Jack A bronze statue of Ron Barassi stands on the concourse outside the MCG. I walk past and close my eyes in order to better capture the memories and the life-like image of my boyhood hero. There he is in full flight crashing through a pack of men in black and white striped guernseys who part obligingly in the wake of his muscled body. There's a cold, steely stare of determination etched on the leader's ferocious face; one that evokes a feeling of comfort that tells me this Demon is a winner. His team is supreme. The moment vanishes. I open my eyes and suddenly, I realise that I've travelled through time to a new space. My four year old grandson clutches my hand in excitement on the way to his first game at the G. It's Queens Birthday and he wants his face painted red and blue because it's also Jack's game and, like his new hero, he's wearing the number four today for the first time. But Jack Watts' big day ends in the wet and the final result is a humiliation for his team. Collingwood is merciless booting seven goals to nil in the opening term and, despite a brief comeback in the second, the Demons succumb by 11 goals. The Magpies win all over the ground with a single exception. One Demon has faced his own demons and is starting to overcome them. Colin Sylvia collects 17 kicks, 15 handballs, 11 marks and kicks three booming goals. Mark Jamar wins more than his share of hit outs in the ruck duels but many are stolen by the Magpie midfield. Cameron Bruce, Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones try hard but the team is crushed. If not beaten by the opposition, then beaten by its own insipid performance wracked with poor disposal skills and senseless decision making. Dean Bailey's team is putting in what is by far its poorest effort for the season. The fall away in intensity, the lack of tackling and pessure on opposition players is alarming. They are so much on the nose that even the football refuses to bounce their way. There are no targets up forward (and even if they were there, they would have struggled to claim many marks given the shoddy delivery), no crumbers, no initiative and no leadership. It was revealed at the weekend that some time ago the leadership group took Sylvia to task for not putting in the hard yards to enable him to live up to the expectations we all had of the club's number 1 draft pick in the year that he was recruited. Today the same people must look him in the eye and assure him that they are up to much the same task. So now the team sits last on the ladder and is placed to win nothing from the season, except perhaps a priority draft pick. Overall, the Demons give the appearance of having done some time travel of their own - all the way back to round 1, 2008. Not a good day to be on football's main stage unveiling this year's number 1 draft pick amid the hype that suggests he may be the club's next hero. Sport thrives on its heroes. We had them once but that was somewhere deep in the past and our searching in recent times has failed to bear fruit to date. But heroes don't just grow on trees and before the golden era of the mid 50s and early 60s, we had to experience the lows. In 1953, the year of Ron Barassi's debut, Melbourne finished second last. Two years later, the club had a wealth of new heroes and the Demons were premiers. The youth at the club, including Watts, are showing brief glimpses of what might be but they are still light years away from being the heroes of old and there's much work to be done to get there. For them, the bronze statues must wait for us to travel much further in time. Melbourne 0.4.4 5.6.36 6.9.45 8.12.60 Collingwood 7.4.46 10.7.67 16.11.107 19.12.126 Goals Melbourne Sylvia 3 Bate 2 Bruce Jones Robertson Collingwood Dick 5 Anthony Lockyer 3 Didak 2 Clarke Cloke Davis Pendlebury Sidebottom Swan Best Melbourne Sylvia Jamar Moloney Davey Grimes Collingwood Pendlebury Swan Didak Davis Dick Lockyer Fraser Shaw O'Brien Anthony Injuries Melbourne - Nil. Collingwood - Nathan Brown (jarred knee) Changes Nil Reports Nil Umpires Stevic H Ryan S Ryan Crowd 61,287 at MCG

Aaron Davey maintains a strong lead over Brent Moloney and Cale Morton. 81.230 Aaron Davey 51.382 Brent Moloney 40.932 Cale Morton 40.844 Brock McLean 37.845 Nathan Jones 32.508 Colin Sylvia 21.989 Brad Green 21.984 Cameron Bruce 19.408 Brad Miller 19.264 James Frawley 14.443 Matthew Warnock 13.629 Mark Jamar 12.825 Jared Rivers 12.420 Paul Johnson 11.805 Ricky Petterd 10.053 Kyle Cheney 8.827 Jamie Bennell 8.794 Matthew Bate 7.296 Stefan Martin 6.300 Addam Maric 6.126 Russell Robertson 5.843 Jack Grimes 4.374 Clint Bartram 3.333 James McDonald 3.077 Neville Jetta 0.667 Lynden Dunn 0.613 John Meesen

TIME IS A TRAVELLER by Whispering Jack A bronze statue of Ron Barassi stands on the concourse outside the MCG. I walk past and close my eyes in order to better capture the memories and the life-like image of my boyhood hero. There he is in full flight crashing through a pack of men in black and white striped guernseys who part obligingly in the wake of his muscled body. There's a cold, steely stare of determination etched on the leader's ferocious face; one that evokes a feeling of comfort that tells me this Demon is a winner. His team is supreme. The moment vanishes. I open my eyes and suddenly, I realise that I've travelled through time to a new space. My four year old grandson clutches my hand in excitement on the way to his first game at the G. It's Queens Birthday and he wants his face painted red and blue because it's also Jack's game and, like his new hero, he's wearing the number four today for the first time. But Jack Watts' big day ends in the wet and the final result is a humiliation for his team. Collingwood is merciless booting seven goals to nil in the opening term and, despite a brief comeback in the second, the Demons succumb by 11 goals. The Magpies win all over the ground with a single exception. One Demon has faced his own demons and is starting to overcome them. Colin Sylvia collects 17 kicks, 15 handballs, 11 marks and kicks three booming goals. Mark Jamar wins more than his share of hit outs in the ruck duels but many are stolen by the Magpie midfield. Cameron Bruce, Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones try hard but the team is crushed. If not beaten by the opposition, then beaten by its own insipid performance wracked with poor disposal skills and senseless decision making. Dean Bailey's team is putting in what is by far its poorest effort for the season. The fall away in intensity, the lack of tackling and pessure on opposition players is alarming. They are so much on the nose that even the football refuses to bounce their way. There are no targets up forward (and even if they were there, they would have struggled to claim many marks given the shoddy delivery), no crumbers, no initiative and no leadership. It was revealed at the weekend that some time ago the leadership group took Sylvia to task for not putting in the hard yards to enable him to live up to the expectations we all had of the club's number 1 draft pick in the year that he was recruited. Today the same people must look him in the eye and assure him that they are up to much the same task. So now the team sits last on the ladder and is placed to win nothing from the season, except perhaps a priority draft pick. Overall, the Demons give the appearance of having done some time travel of their own - all the way back to round 1, 2008. Not a good day to be on football's main stage unveiling this year's number 1 draft pick amid the hype that suggests he may be the club's next hero. Sport thrives on its heroes. We had them once but that was somewhere deep in the past and our searching in recent times has failed to bear fruit to date. But heroes don't just grow on trees and before the golden era of the mid 50s and early 60s, we had to experience the lows. In 1953, the year of Ron Barassi's debut, Melbourne finished second last. Two years later, the club had a wealth of new heroes and the Demons were premiers. The youth at the club, including Watts, are showing brief glimpses of what might be but they are still light years away from being the heroes of old and there's much work to be done to get there. For them, the bronze statues must wait for us to travel much further in time. Melbourne 0.4.4 5.6.36 6.9.45 8.12.60 Collingwood 7.4.46 10.7.67 16.11.107 19.12.126 Goals Melbourne Sylvia 3 Bate 2 Bruce Jones Robertson Collingwood Dick 5 Anthony Lockyer 3 Didak 2 Clarke Cloke Davis Pendlebury Sidebottom Swan Best Melbourne Sylvia Jamar Moloney Davey Grimes Collingwood Pendlebury Swan Didak Davis Dick Lockyer Fraser Shaw O'Brien Anthony Injuries Melbourne - Nil. Collingwood - Nathan Brown (jarred knee) Changes Nil Reports Nil Umpires Stevic H Ryan S Ryan Crowd 61,287 at MCG

This is the place where to leave your thoughts on today's big QB clash. Bring it on!

OK. We're starting to de-pink the article as of now although it will remain in pink on the articles board.

PINK by KC from Casey Supporters of the Casey Scorpions can be forgiven for viewing yesterday's ABC Match of the Round through rose coloured glasses. The club dedicated the day to the Pink Ribbon Foundation in support of breast cancer awareness with the team wearing a special pink guernsey against the Werribee Tigers to honour the occasion and by the end of the day the Scorpions celebrating on several fronts. They won both of their matches by comfortable margins with the seniors recording their biggest victory for the year so far to get back to an even keel with a 4/4 record and a percentage of over 100. The fund raising and public awareness aspects of the day were highly successful and, to cap things off, the club and its alignment with the Melbourne Football Club won huge plaudits from the media and the public over the announcement the day before of the Demons' 30-year deal to move their training operations to Casey Fields. While the Scorpions lost Kyle Cheney, Russell Robertson and Jack Watts to the AFL and Shane Valenti to injury, the inclusion of Stef Martin and Brad Miller bolstered the goal to goal line and the close-checking of Clint Bartram added to their defensive stocks, particularly at the stoppages. The match itself was a dour affair lit up by the brilliance of Liam Jurrah who got the team off to a good start booting the first two goals and finishing with four, the strength, aggression and marking of Brad Miller and the versatility of 50 gamer Alex Silvagni who was moved from defence onto the ball when ruckman Jake Spencer had to leave the ground after he took a heavy knock in the second quarter. Vice Captain Silvagni has been at the Scorpions for four years and is an integral part of a young Casey defence. His 50th game was among his best and he selflessly answered the call to go into the ruck and handled himself well against bigger opponents and even booted a vital goal late in the second term. Before the game Casey football manager Craig Lees said. "Alex is a wonderful competitor, he is very strong and he is hard to beat in a one on one contest. His continually working on his disposal and to be honest, there is no doubt in my mind he has the ability to play at the next level." Silvagni is one of only two Casey players on its young list to have reached 50 games (the other being skipper Kyle Matthews who only recently achieved that milestone). And the youngest man on the ground was 17 year old rover Mitchell Dowse from the Gippsland Power who was the team's 23rd man under the initiative whereby selected players from the TAC Cup competition are given the opportunity to play senior football. He turned on a good display and booted a goal in the third quarter. The pattern of the game was set by Jurrah's goals, which allowed Casey to open up a two to three goal buffer that was virtually maintained throughout the first three quarters. It was a case of the home side holding sway in most positions but lacking what was required to shake off its dogged opposition helped by conceding too many missed opportunities by wasteful play in front of goal in a scrappy first half. This earned the team the displeasure of coach Peter German who would not have been happy to see so many easy chances to score goals go begging. The Scorpions were well served by skipper Kyle Matthews and fellow on baller Jordie McKenzie, dangerous forward Neville Jetta and the hard working Ben MacReadie. Lynden Dunn and Ricky Petterd also provided plenty of drive. It was a long goal from Paul Wheatley late in the third quarter that broke a long period in which both defences were on top when the game threatened to become an arm wrestle. This set the tone for the home side to establish its dominance and the Scorpions kept their best till last. The final quarter saw the Scorpions kick away with seven goals to one, dominated by the aerial strength of Miller, the brilliance of indigenous duo Jetta and Jurrah and the steadiness of Silvagni, James Wall and Michael Stockdale. In the end, German would have reason to be pleased with the team effort of his charges who responded well in the second half. The 50 point win leaves his charges just outside the top eight and their big challenge comes next Sunday at Visy Park with a must win game against the in form Northern Bullants. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rohan Bail - worked hard but his game was marred by some poor disposal, especially in front of the big sticks where he fluffed a few gettable shots at goal. Clint Bartram - started slowly but eventually found his rhythm and finished the game strongly with several solid defensive efforts and was deservedly named among the team's best. Lynden Dunn - continues to play well at this level and appears to have heeded the wake up call given by his omission from the Demons' team. Showed great hunger for the ball, picked up 23 possessions, a nice goal, played a role in a number of others and showed some good aggression. Daniel Hughes ® - Hughes missed some easy shots at goal and, despite picking up 20 touches, was never really able to impose himself on this game. Neville Jetta - flashed in and out of the game but proved dangerous up forward where he chimed in with some opportunist goals finishing with a productive bag of four for the day. Liam Jurrah - set the early tone for the day with some strong marks and by chasing, tackling and harassing the opposition to set up a couple of nice early goals for himself and the team. We all love the players who can do the freakish, who can think and act with lightning precision and do the seemingly impossible. Liam Jurrah is just such a player and simply needs a bit of polishing in one or two areas before he is unleashed on the AFL stage where he is sure to make an impact. Stefan Martin - made a solid but unspectacular contribution and looked to be at his best and most comfortable when down back. Jordie McKenzie ® - from the beginning McKenzie who was first pick in last year's rookie draft, has been quietly making a case for promotion onto the main list. The timing is just right for this clever utility because a new rule automatically opens up a place for a rookie next week and his performance yesterday with 22 deft disposals including some creative handball and strong clearance work has placed him in the box seat. Brad Miller - probably a bit unlucky to lose his spot at Melbourne, Miller ensured that his absence would be temporary with a dominant performance of 21 possessions, 15 strong marks and three goals. His strong tackling and hard bumping softened up the Werribee defence and the only knock on his game would be with respect to his kicking for goal because he should have finished with six or seven. Michael Newton - overshadowed by Miller in what was a top heavy forward half early on but he did contribute and did what the match committee has been expecting of him in terms if chasing and tackling which are aspects of his game that have been previously lacking. Needs to develop some confidence in himself as he is inclined to do some strange things from time to time (remember the banana kick for goal against Adelaide?). Yesterday, he took a mark at 50m and declined to play on though he had a paddock in front of him. Then he gave it off to Ricky Petterd who missed the shot anyway. A more confident forward would have backed himself to play on and slot the goal in the first place. Ricky Petterd - creative, 18 possessions but produced his usual mixed bag of good and poor disposal. Jake Spencer ® - we're getting used to Spencer's aggression and once again he put his body on the line and took a hit or two including one knock in the second quarter that curtailed his game time. His ruckwork was generally very good but he is still ungainly around the ground. Good big men take time to develop. Spencer will be no exception but the wait might prove to be worthwhile. James Strauss - a relatively quiet game from the youngster but it was enough to highlight his exquisite foot skills which will hold him in good stead as his development progresses. Paul Wheatley – was playing in his first senior game after a long lay off with injury and was rusty to start off with but came back well in the second half. Casey Scorpions 4.4.28 8.11.59 10.13.73 17.18.120 Werribee Tigers 2.4.16 6.7.43 8.10.58 9.16.70 Goals Casey Scorpions Jetta Jurrah 4 Miller 3 Dowse Dunn Newton Petterd Silvagni Wheatley Werribee Tigers Goldstein 2 Baddeley Barlow Denton Howard Obst Pask Speight Best Casey Scorpions Silvagni Miller MacReadie Bartram Wall McKenzie Werribee Tigers Barlow Black Pask Goldstein Martiniello Gleeson The Casey reserves kicked off a big day for the club with a comfortable 47 point victory over the Werribee Tigers with Nick Scanlon and Trent Zomer each kicking three goals. After a tight first quarter, the Scorpions took complete control in the second term and had doubled the Tigers' score by the main break. They went on with the job after half time and won in a canter to establish themselves as strong challengers for the double chance. James Taylor and Ryan Creed were the best on the day in an even team effort. Casey Scorpions 3.5.23 10.13.73 13.17.95 16.19.115 Werribee Tigers 3.2.20 5.5.35 9.6.60 10.8.68 Goals Casey Scorpions Scanlon Zomer 3 Bolton Waite 2 Chivers Creed Clay Costigan Hillberge McLeod Werribee Tigers Tarrant 3 Adams 2 Banjanin Kennedy O'Keefe Palmer Robbins Best Casey Scorpions Taylor Creed Lees Collins Scanlon Bolton Werribee Tigers Kennedy Adams Magnabosco Robbins Kovacevic Lawson ROUND NINE ABC HIGHLIGHTS - CASEY V WERRIBEE

by KC from Casey Supporters of the Casey Scorpions can be forgiven for viewing yesterday's ABC Match of the Round through rose coloured glasses. The club dedicated the day to the Pink Ribbon Foundation in support of breast cancer awareness with the team wearing a special pink guernsey against the Werribee Tigers to honour the occasion and by the end of the day the Scorpions celebrating on several fronts. They won both of their matches by comfortable margins with the seniors recording their biggest victory for the year so far to get back to an even keel with a 4/4 record and a percentage of over 100. The fund raising and public awareness aspects of the day were highly successful and, to cap things off, the club and its alignment with the Melbourne Football Club won huge plaudits from the media and the public over the announcement the day before of the Demons' 30-year deal to move their training operations to Casey Fields. While the Scorpions lost Kyle Cheney, Russell Robertson and Jack Watts to the AFL and Shane Valenti to injury, the inclusion of Stef Martin and Brad Miller bolstered the goal to goal line and the close-checking of Clint Bartram added to their defensive stocks, particularly at the stoppages. The match itself was a dour affair lit up by the brilliance of Liam Jurrah who got the team off to a good start booting the first two goals and finishing with four, the strength, aggression and marking of Brad Miller and the versatility of 50 gamer Alex Silvagni who was moved from defence onto the ball when ruckman Jake Spencer had to leave the ground after he took a heavy knock in the second quarter. Vice Captain Silvagni has been at the Scorpions for four years and is an integral part of a young Casey defence. His 50th game was among his best and he selflessly answered the call to go into the ruck and handled himself well against bigger opponents and even booted a vital goal late in the second term. Before the game Casey football manager Craig Lees said. "Alex is a wonderful competitor, he is very strong and he is hard to beat in a one on one contest. His continually working on his disposal and to be honest, there is no doubt in my mind he has the ability to play at the next level." Silvagni is one of only two Casey players on its young list to have reached 50 games (the other being skipper Kyle Matthews who only recently achieved that milestone). And the youngest man on the ground was 17 year old rover Mitchell Dowse from the Gippsland Power who was the team's 23rd man under the initiative whereby selected players from the TAC Cup competition are given the opportunity to play senior football. He turned on a good display and booted a goal in the third quarter. The pattern of the game was set by Jurrah's goals, which allowed Casey to open up a two to three goal buffer that was virtually maintained throughout the first three quarters. It was a case of the home side holding sway in most positions but lacking what was required to shake off its dogged opposition helped by conceding too many missed opportunities by wasteful play in front of goal in a scrappy first half. This earned the team the displeasure of coach Peter German who would not have been happy to see so many easy chances to score goals go begging. The Scorpions were well served by skipper Kyle Matthews and fellow on baller Jordie McKenzie, dangerous forward Neville Jetta and the hard working Ben MacReadie. Lynden Dunn and Ricky Petterd also provided plenty of drive. It was a long goal from Paul Wheatley late in the third quarter that broke a long period in which both defences were on top when the game threatened to become an arm wrestle. This set the tone for the home side to establish its dominance and the Scorpions kept their best till last. The final quarter saw the Scorpions kick away with seven goals to one, dominated by the aerial strength of Miller, the brilliance of indigenous duo Jetta and Jurrah and the steadiness of Silvagni, James Wall and Michael Stockdale. In the end, German would have reason to be pleased with the team effort of his charges who responded well in the second half. The 50 point win leaves his charges just outside the top eight and their big challenge comes next Sunday at Visy Park with a must win game against the in form Northern Bullants. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rohan Bail - worked hard but his game was marred by some poor disposal, especially in front of the big sticks where he fluffed a few gettable shots at goal. Clint Bartram - started slowly but eventually found his rhythm and finished the game strongly with several solid defensive efforts and was deservedly named among the team's best. Lynden Dunn - continues to play well at this level and appears to have heeded the wake up call given by his omission from the Demons' team. Showed great hunger for the ball, picked up 23 possessions, a nice goal, played a role in a number of others and showed some good aggression. Daniel Hughes ® - Hughes missed some easy shots at goal and, despite picking up 20 touches, was never really able to impose himself on this game. Neville Jetta - flashed in and out of the game but proved dangerous up forward where he chimed in with some opportunist goals finishing with a productive bag of four for the day. Liam Jurrah - set the early tone for the day with some strong marks and by chasing, tackling and harassing the opposition to set up a couple of nice early goals for himself and the team. We all love the players who can do the freakish, who can think and act with lightning precision and do the seemingly impossible. Liam Jurrah is just such a player and simply needs a bit of polishing in one or two areas before he is unleashed on the AFL stage where he is sure to make an impact. Stefan Martin - made a solid but unspectacular contribution and looked to be at his best and most comfortable when down back. Jordie McKenzie ® - from the beginning McKenzie who was first pick in last year's rookie draft, has been quietly making a case for promotion onto the main list. The timing is just right for this clever utility because a new rule automatically opens up a place for a rookie next week and his performance yesterday with 30 deft disposals including some creative handball and strong clearance work has placed him in the box seat. Brad Miller - probably a bit unlucky to lose his spot at Melbourne, Miller ensured that his absence would be temporary with a dominant performance of 21 possessions, 15 strong marks and three goals. His strong tackling and hard bumping softened up the Werribee defence and the only knock on his game would be with respect to his kicking for goal because he should have finished with six or seven. Michael Newton - overshadowed by Miller in what was a top heavy forward half early on but he did contribute and did what the match committee has been expecting of him in terms if chasing and tackling which are aspects of his game that have been previously lacking. Needs to develop some confidence in himself as he is inclined to do some strange things from time to time (remember the banana kick for goal against Adelaide?). Yesterday, he took a mark at 50m and declined to play on though he had a paddock in front of him. Then he gave it off to Ricky Petterd who missed the shot anyway. A more confident forward would have backed himself to play on and slot the goal in the first place. Ricky Petterd - creative, 18 possessions but produced his usual mixed bag of good and poor disposal. Jake Spencer ® - we're getting used to Spencer's aggression and once again he put his body on the line and took a hit or two including one knock in the second quarter that curtailed his game time. His ruckwork was generally very good but he is still ungainly around the ground. Good big men take time to develop. Spencer will be no exception but the wait might prove to be worthwhile. James Strauss - a relatively quiet game from the youngster but it was enough to highlight his exquisite foot skills which will hold him in good stead as his development progresses. Paul Wheatley – was playing in his first senior game after a long lay off with injury and was rusty to start off with but came back well in the second half. Casey Scorpions 4.4.28 8.11.59 10.13.73 17.18.120 Werribee Tigers 2.4.16 6.7.43 8.10.58 9.16.70 Goals Casey Scorpions Jetta Jurrah 4 Miller 3 Dowse Dunn Newton Petterd Silvagni Wheatley Werribee Tigers Goldstein 2 Baddeley Barlow Denton Howard Obst Pask Speight Best Casey Scorpions Silvagni Miller MacReadie Bartram Wall McKenzie Werribee Tigers Barlow Black Pask Goldstein Martiniello Gleeson The Casey reserves kicked off a big day for the club with a comfortable 47 point victory over the Werribee Tigers with Nick Scanlon and Trent Zomer each kicking three goals. After a tight first quarter, the Scorpions took complete control in the second term and had doubled the Tigers' score by the main break. They went on with the job after half time and won in a canter to establish themselves as strong challengers for the double chance. James Taylor and Ryan Creed were the best on the day in an even team effort. Casey Scorpions 3.5.23 10.13.73 13.17.95 16.19.115 Werribee Tigers 3.2.20 5.5.35 9.6.60 10.8.68 Goals Casey Scorpions Scanlon Zomer 3 Bolton Waite 2 Chivers Creed Clay Costigan Hillberge McLeod Werribee Tigers Tarrant 3 Adams 2 Banjanin Kennedy O'Keefe Palmer Robbins Best Casey Scorpions Taylor Creed Lees Collins Scanlon Bolton Werribee Tigers Kennedy Adams Magnabosco Robbins Kovacevic Lawson ROUND NINE ABC HIGHLIGHTS - CASEY V WERRIBEE

This week, we give the floor to a Collingwood fan DaVe86 who presents this preview of the game. QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS TO THE DEMONS by DaVe86 Collingwood meet Melbourne at the MCG for the second time in 2009 on Queens Birthday. The Magpies are coming off the back of 2 consecutive wins, which is the first time the club has managed this in 2009. The Demons, on the other hand, have lost their last six but clearly had the toughest draw in this period of any other club and, despite sitting at the bottom of the ladder, are actually playing some respectable footy. The past six defeats have been to St. Kilda, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, West Coast (in Perth), Geelong and Adelaide (in Adelaide). Facing Collingwood this round, Melbourne has now played six of the top eight teams from last year in the past seven rounds, and three of the top four sides in 2009. That's a horror draw. Collingwood has played only four of those sides so far this year and has lost to three of them. So perhaps Melbourne is not going as badly as its ladder position suggests. Most importantly, the clubs are playing in the traditional Monday Queen's Birthday clash…a game for which Melbourne has an uncanny ability to lift. I suppose for the Demons, this is the biggest home and away clash and their biggest chance to play in front of a large crowd. On the other hand, Collingwood has seemingly lacked motivation in the recent QB encounters, leading coach Mick Malthouse to declare the club was suffering from 'Blockbuster fatigue' following the game last year. For Collingwood, which now has the top four back in its sights, Monday's match is an eight point clash. Let's face it, and I apologise to Demons supporters reading this, but in such an even competition, no team can afford to drop games against Melbourne. That should be the one game the top eight sides pencil in as a win every year. And fortunately for Collingwood, it gets to face the Demons twice in the first half of the year. These sides have played each other twice in the same year only on one occasion this decade (2007). So this is a huge opportunity for the Pies to really play themselves into form and go into the mid-season break full of momentum and pushing for top four. A win would mean three on the trot, a feat which seemed unlikely a month ago. But Melbourne will not lie down. The Saints had difficulty dispensing with the Demons in the first half, as did Geelong and Hawthorn, whilst Western Bulldogs only scraped across the line in a game the Demons dominated. So they will come out fired up and will most likely give the Magpies real headaches early. The test for the Demons is to sustain that sort of intensity over 4 quarters. At this stage they don't have the experience in their 22 to do that. THE GAME Melbourne v. Collingwood at the MCG – Monday 8 June 2009 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 79 wins Collingwood 139 wins 4 draws At the G Melbourne 59 wins Collingwood 72 wins 2 draws Since 2000 Melbourne 5 wins Collingwood 6 wins The Coaches Bailey 0 wins Malthouse 2 wins MEDIA TV Channel 10 at 2:30 PM (delayed telecast) RADIO ABC774 SEN Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Melbourne to win $4.30 Collingwood to win $1.22 LAST TIME THEY MET Collingwood 17.15.117 d Melbourne 10.4.64 Round 2, 2009, at MCG A crowd of 43,176 turned up to the MCG to watch as the Demons dominated the first quarter and a half of this game but were simply unable to stretch their lead at any stage beyond around two goals because of some decision making errors, mostly unforced. The Magpies then got on top, mainly through the dominance of Josh Fraser who had 26 hit outs and 25 disposals in a game in which he rucked solo. Alan Didak, Dane Swan and John Anthony also inspired the second half surge that saw the Magpies run away with the game as 53 point winners. Swan was the leading disposal getter with 33, whilst Didak and Pendlebury had 29 and 26 respectively. For the Demons, Davey was probably the best player with 31 disposals, whilst Bruce gained 30 and Nathan Jones 26 (a day he would probably like to forget for the post match incident) For the victors, Jack Anthony booted four goals, while Brad Green kicked three for Melbourne. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Matthew Whelan Matthew Warnock Daniel Bell Half backs James Frawley Jared Rivers Aaron Davey Centreline Jack Grimes Cale Morton Brock McLean Half forwards Colin Sylvia Russell Robertson Jack Watts Forwards Brad Green Matthew Bate Cameron Bruce Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney James McDonald Interchange Kyle Cheney Paul Johnson Nathan Jones Addam Maric Emergencies Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn Michael Newton In Kyle Cheney Russell Robertson Jack Watts Out Jamie Bennell Brad Miller Stefan Martin COLLINGWOOD Backs Harry O'Brien Simon Prestigiacomo Shannon Cox Half backs Nick Maxwell Leigh Brown Sharrod Wellingham Centreline Brad Dick Tarkyn Lockyer Dale Thomas Half forwards Scott Pendlebury Travis Cloke Leon Davis Forwards Alan Didak John Anthony Heath Shaw Followers Josh Fraser Dane Swan Shane O'Bree Interchange Nathan Brown Martin Clarke Steele Sidebottom Alan Toovey Emergencies Paul Medhurst Ben Reid Cameron Wood In Travis Cloke Out Cameron Wood Collingwood has won the previous three encounters against Melbourne, and it won last year's Queens Birthday clash but prior to this it was Melbourne that had won four of these games on the trot. Brock McLean usually enjoys playing against Collingwood and always figures predominantly in the possession count. Whilst, he was quiet in Round two, but is now in much better form. I always struggle with the Melbourne matchups. Their forward line is continually changing and unsettled, which in turn makes it very hard to set matchups. This has actually worked in the Demons favour in recent years as it has often caught Collingwood by surprise. Here are some possible match ups: Maxwell v Watts – Think the Magpies should put the skipper on Watts first up and ensure that he is kept out of the game. The last thing Collingwood wants is the debutant to kick an early goal and get the fans into the game and give the Demons momentum. Robertson v Harry O'Brien – Harry is the most versatile defender and should be able to blanket Robbo who has been kicking goals, but lacking his usual effectiveness on games. Sylvia v Toovey – Think Collingwood should really keep an eye on Sylvia, who has really come of age over the last month. I said earlier that playing the best teams allows you to find out about your players. I think the Demons have finally found out that Sylvia has what it takes. It's been a long time coming for Demons fans, but his form has been consistent and he winning a lot of the ball. Sylvia has been playing predominantly as a half forward flanker/midfielder. Toovey is potentially also an option for Robertson as he played on Ebert last week to great effect. However, I think we utilise Toovey's speed and spoiling ability to keep Sylvia out of the game. Clarke v Maric – I think Clarke will start on Maric and look to run off him. Maric can be dangerous so Clarke will have to keep tight. That leaves Collingwood with dilemma's over Prestigiacomo and Nathan Brown. If Miller is dropped, it leaves them no real opponent. I think Nathan Brown will be used on the resting ruckman. Jamar and Johnson can play forward, and without a real presence up there, I predict Bailey will rotate these guys up there. If Miller is dropped, then Presti could be used on Brad Green if he plays forward. However, I'm sure Melbourne would exploit this match up by pushing him into the midfield. Could this be a case for resting Presti??? Perhaps as he has been suffering shoulder troubles and would get a fantastic 3 week rest with the split round ahead. Or the other option is to play him on Bate. Midfield: O'Bree v McLean – Undoubtedly a head to head match up. McLean, like Sylvia has played good footy over the last month. He is Melbourne's in and under midfielder, and I think Malthouse will back in O'Bree to go head to head in the stoppages. Pendlebury v Morton – Cale Morton has probably been Melbourne's best story this year. The coveted pick 4 last year has really come of age against the good sides and is establishing himself as a big ball winner with fantastic foot skills. The Demons have been using him head to head against oppositions best midfielders. From what I could tell he started on Montagna last week. Pendlebury and Morton are probably similar in terms of height, build and each have good foot skills. Could be a good matchup. Swan v Moloney – Swan is coming off a record 48 disposals against Port Adelaide, so I doubt the Demons will allow him to play that loose. He also towelled the Demons up in round 2. Perhaps Moloney will go onto Swan and play him tight. Would be a good matchup between 2 tough nuts. I think if McDonald plays, he will get this job. Thomas v Bruce – Dale was ok last week. Low on possessions, but got involved and helped swing momentum back to Collingwood. Bruce has not been in fantastic form throughout 2009, but is one to be watched none the less. He picked up 25 disposals last week. Wellingham v Davey – Aaron Davey is having a good year. Was tagged tightly last week by Clint Jones and has had to deal with more tags of late. Its his foot skills that are worrying teams. Melbourne supporters are actually claiming he is the best kick in the comp at the moment. Given his incredible speed, Wellingham is probably the matchup here. Davey may try and get loose across half back, so I would be trying to keep him accountable. Collingwood Forward line Anthony v Warnock – Jack continues to kick multiple goals. He is yet to have a goalless game in his 21 game career. Warnock is a promising defender and may be called upon for this task. Didak v Whelan – I think until Didak regains match fitness, he will be used predominantly as a forward. Whelan has made his career out of playing on the small forwards, and is best suited for this role. Davis v Frawley – Davis is a tough matchup for Melbourne. Perhaps with Bartram in the side he would be the guy but I doubt he will be brought back in. Perhaps Frawley will get the run with job on Davis. Grimes v Lockyer – Jack Grimes has been another good news story for Melbourne to come out of the last month. The first round pick (obtained from the Wood trade), has been quick to make his mark after suffering injuries in his first year and early this year. He has been playing loose across half back and getting solid numbers. Might be a good idea to put the dangerous Lockyer onto him and see if he can be accountable. Ruck: Fraser v Jamar/Johnson – Fraser single handedly destroyed Johnson and Spencer in round 2, but Jamar's return may unsettle Josh. I feel that if Melbourne are any hope, a lot of it has to come from their ruckmen. Typically Collingwood struggles against the bigger bodied ruckmen as Fraser is skinny. However, considering Josh is still slightly limited with his knee injury, his versatility around the ground has been slightly missing lately but I stiill think Collingwood would fancy themselves to win the ruck. The Wrap-Up Firstly, I'd just like to say to all Collingwood fans to be on best behaviour on Monday. Given it is a public holiday and against an arch enemy, there presents the possibility of a few drunken fans or aggressive supporters. After the terrible incident in Round 2 where Nathan Jones' dad was bashed by an idiotic Collingwood fan, let's just hope that as a support group, we can display ourselves in a better light on Monday. I feel Collingwood supporters as a group have improved dramatically in terms of behaviour in the last decade. However, incidents such as this one undo all the good work. Unfortunately a good man was hurt and Collingwood's image was as well. I hope Mr. Jones is able to watch his son play this week and can feel safe. Melbourne, as always, will fancy themselves against the Pies. They have nothing to lose, and a win will not effect a potential priority draft pick at the end of the year. I think they will be looking to this game to boost the confidence on the youngsters. Playing Jack Watts might also give a boost. But ultimately I think Collingwood is beginning to kick into gear, and with a full list to chose from, the depth in the top 22 is far better than Melbourne's. Melbourne is playing good attacking football and is troubling all sides, but is unable to sustain it over 4 quarters. That said, Collingwood has not played 4 quarters yet this year. It should be a good game. As I am no longer tipping Collingwood in my previews, I'll go Melbourne by 3 points.

This week, we give the floor to a Collingwood fan DaVe86 who presents this preview of the game. QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS TO THE DEMONS by DaVe86 Collingwood meet Melbourne at the MCG for the second time in 2009 on Queens Birthday. The Magpies are coming off the back of 2 consecutive wins, which is the first time the club has managed this in 2009. The Demons, on the other hand, have lost their last six but clearly had the toughest draw in this period of any other club and, despite sitting at the bottom of the ladder, are actually playing some respectable footy. The past six defeats have been to St. Kilda, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, West Coast (in Perth), Geelong and Adelaide (in Adelaide). Facing Collingwood this round, Melbourne has now played six of the top eight teams from last year in the past seven rounds, and three of the top four sides in 2009. That's a horror draw. Collingwood has played only four of those sides so far this year and has lost to three of them. So perhaps Melbourne is not going as badly as its ladder position suggests. Most importantly, the clubs are playing in the traditional Monday Queen's Birthday clash…a game for which Melbourne has an uncanny ability to lift. I suppose for the Demons, this is the biggest home and away clash and their biggest chance to play in front of a large crowd. On the other hand, Collingwood has seemingly lacked motivation in the recent QB encounters, leading coach Mick Malthouse to declare the club was suffering from 'Blockbuster fatigue' following the game last year. For Collingwood, which now has the top four back in its sights, Monday's match is an eight point clash. Let's face it, and I apologise to Demons supporters reading this, but in such an even competition, no team can afford to drop games against Melbourne. That should be the one game the top eight sides pencil in as a win every year. And fortunately for Collingwood, it gets to face the Demons twice in the first half of the year. These sides have played each other twice in the same year only on one occasion this decade (2007). So this is a huge opportunity for the Pies to really play themselves into form and go into the mid-season break full of momentum and pushing for top four. A win would mean three on the trot, a feat which seemed unlikely a month ago. But Melbourne will not lie down. The Saints had difficulty dispensing with the Demons in the first half, as did Geelong and Hawthorn, whilst Western Bulldogs only scraped across the line in a game the Demons dominated. So they will come out fired up and will most likely give the Magpies real headaches early. The test for the Demons is to sustain that sort of intensity over 4 quarters. At this stage they don't have the experience in their 22 to do that. THE GAME Melbourne v. Collingwood at the MCG – Monday 8 June 2009 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 79 wins Collingwood 139 wins 4 draws At the G Melbourne 59 wins Collingwood 72 wins 2 draws Since 2000 Melbourne 5 wins Collingwood 6 wins The Coaches Bailey 0 wins Malthouse 2 wins MEDIA TV Channel 10 at 2:30 PM (delayed telecast) RADIO ABC774 SEN Triple M 3AW THE BETTING Melbourne to win $4.30 Collingwood to win $1.22 LAST TIME THEY MET Collingwood 17.15.117 d Melbourne 10.4.64 Round 2, 2009, at MCG A crowd of 43,176 turned up to the MCG to watch as the Demons dominated the first quarter and a half of this game but were simply unable to stretch their lead at any stage beyond around two goals because of some decision making errors, mostly unforced. The Magpies then got on top, mainly through the dominance of Josh Fraser who had 26 hit outs and 25 disposals in a game in which he rucked solo. Alan Didak, Dane Swan and John Anthony also inspired the second half surge that saw the Magpies run away with the game as 53 point winners. Swan was the leading disposal getter with 33, whilst Didak and Pendlebury had 29 and 26 respectively. For the Demons, Davey was probably the best player with 31 disposals, whilst Bruce gained 30 and Nathan Jones 26 (a day he would probably like to forget for the post match incident) For the victors, Jack Anthony booted four goals, while Brad Green kicked three for Melbourne. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Matthew Whelan Matthew Warnock Daniel Bell Half backs James Frawley Jared Rivers Aaron Davey Centreline Jack Grimes Cale Morton Brock McLean Half forwards Colin Sylvia Russell Robertson Jack Watts Forwards Brad Green Matthew Bate Cameron Bruce Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney James McDonald Interchange Kyle Cheney Paul Johnson Nathan Jones Addam Maric Emergencies Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn Michael Newton In Kyle Cheney Russell Robertson Jack Watts Out Jamie Bennell Brad Miller Stefan Martin COLLINGWOOD Backs Harry O'Brien Simon Prestigiacomo Shannon Cox Half backs Nick Maxwell Leigh Brown Sharrod Wellingham Centreline Brad Dick Tarkyn Lockyer Dale Thomas Half forwards Scott Pendlebury Travis Cloke Leon Davis Forwards Alan Didak John Anthony Heath Shaw Followers Josh Fraser Dane Swan Shane O'Bree Interchange Nathan Brown Martin Clarke Steele Sidebottom Alan Toovey Emergencies Paul Medhurst Ben Reid Cameron Wood In Travis Cloke Out Cameron Wood Collingwood has won the previous three encounters against Melbourne, and it won last year's Queens Birthday clash but prior to this it was Melbourne that had won four of these games on the trot. Brock McLean usually enjoys playing against Collingwood and always figures predominantly in the possession count. Whilst, he was quiet in Round two, but is now in much better form. I always struggle with the Melbourne matchups. Their forward line is continually changing and unsettled, which in turn makes it very hard to set matchups. This has actually worked in the Demons favour in recent years as it has often caught Collingwood by surprise. Here are some possible match ups: Maxwell v Watts – Think the Magpies should put the skipper on Watts first up and ensure that he is kept out of the game. The last thing Collingwood wants is the debutant to kick an early goal and get the fans into the game and give the Demons momentum. Robertson v Harry O'Brien – Harry is the most versatile defender and should be able to blanket Robbo who has been kicking goals, but lacking his usual effectiveness on games. Sylvia v Toovey – Think Collingwood should really keep an eye on Sylvia, who has really come of age over the last month. I said earlier that playing the best teams allows you to find out about your players. I think the Demons have finally found out that Sylvia has what it takes. It's been a long time coming for Demons fans, but his form has been consistent and he winning a lot of the ball. Sylvia has been playing predominantly as a half forward flanker/midfielder. Toovey is potentially also an option for Robertson as he played on Ebert last week to great effect. However, I think we utilise Toovey's speed and spoiling ability to keep Sylvia out of the game. Clarke v Maric – I think Clarke will start on Maric and look to run off him. Maric can be dangerous so Clarke will have to keep tight. That leaves Collingwood with dilemma's over Prestigiacomo and Nathan Brown. If Miller is dropped, it leaves them no real opponent. I think Nathan Brown will be used on the resting ruckman. Jamar and Johnson can play forward, and without a real presence up there, I predict Bailey will rotate these guys up there. If Miller is dropped, then Presti could be used on Brad Green if he plays forward. However, I'm sure Melbourne would exploit this match up by pushing him into the midfield. Could this be a case for resting Presti??? Perhaps as he has been suffering shoulder troubles and would get a fantastic 3 week rest with the split round ahead. Or the other option is to play him on Bate. Midfield: O'Bree v McLean – Undoubtedly a head to head match up. McLean, like Sylvia has played good footy over the last month. He is Melbourne's in and under midfielder, and I think Malthouse will back in O'Bree to go head to head in the stoppages. Pendlebury v Morton – Cale Morton has probably been Melbourne's best story this year. The coveted pick 4 last year has really come of age against the good sides and is establishing himself as a big ball winner with fantastic foot skills. The Demons have been using him head to head against oppositions best midfielders. From what I could tell he started on Montagna last week. Pendlebury and Morton are probably similar in terms of height, build and each have good foot skills. Could be a good matchup. Swan v Moloney – Swan is coming off a record 48 disposals against Port Adelaide, so I doubt the Demons will allow him to play that loose. He also towelled the Demons up in round 2. Perhaps Moloney will go onto Swan and play him tight. Would be a good matchup between 2 tough nuts. I think if McDonald plays, he will get this job. Thomas v Bruce – Dale was ok last week. Low on possessions, but got involved and helped swing momentum back to Collingwood. Bruce has not been in fantastic form throughout 2009, but is one to be watched none the less. He picked up 25 disposals last week. Wellingham v Davey – Aaron Davey is having a good year. Was tagged tightly last week by Clint Jones and has had to deal with more tags of late. Its his foot skills that are worrying teams. Melbourne supporters are actually claiming he is the best kick in the comp at the moment. Given his incredible speed, Wellingham is probably the matchup here. Davey may try and get loose across half back, so I would be trying to keep him accountable. Collingwood Forward line Anthony v Warnock – Jack continues to kick multiple goals. He is yet to have a goalless game in his 21 game career. Warnock is a promising defender and may be called upon for this task. Didak v Whelan – I think until Didak regains match fitness, he will be used predominantly as a forward. Whelan has made his career out of playing on the small forwards, and is best suited for this role. Davis v Frawley – Davis is a tough matchup for Melbourne. Perhaps with Bartram in the side he would be the guy but I doubt he will be brought back in. Perhaps Frawley will get the run with job on Davis. Grimes v Lockyer – Jack Grimes has been another good news story for Melbourne to come out of the last month. The first round pick (obtained from the Wood trade), has been quick to make his mark after suffering injuries in his first year and early this year. He has been playing loose across half back and getting solid numbers. Might be a good idea to put the dangerous Lockyer onto him and see if he can be accountable. Ruck: Fraser v Jamar/Johnson – Fraser single handedly destroyed Johnson and Spencer in round 2, but Jamar's return may unsettle Josh. I feel that if Melbourne are any hope, a lot of it has to come from their ruckmen. Typically Collingwood struggles against the bigger bodied ruckmen as Fraser is skinny. However, considering Josh is still slightly limited with his knee injury, his versatility around the ground has been slightly missing lately but I stiill think Collingwood would fancy themselves to win the ruck. The Wrap-Up Firstly, I'd just like to say to all Collingwood fans to be on best behaviour on Monday. Given it is a public holiday and against an arch enemy, there presents the possibility of a few drunken fans or aggressive supporters. After the terrible incident in Round 2 where Nathan Jones' dad was bashed by an idiotic Collingwood fan, let's just hope that as a support group, we can display ourselves in a better light on Monday. I feel Collingwood supporters as a group have improved dramatically in terms of behaviour in the last decade. However, incidents such as this one undo all the good work. Unfortunately a good man was hurt and Collingwood's image was as well. I hope Mr. Jones is able to watch his son play this week and can feel safe. Melbourne, as always, will fancy themselves against the Pies. They have nothing to lose, and a win will not effect a potential priority draft pick at the end of the year. I think they will be looking to this game to boost the confidence on the youngsters. Playing Jack Watts might also give a boost. But ultimately I think Collingwood is beginning to kick into gear, and with a full list to chose from, the depth in the top 22 is far better than Melbourne's. Melbourne is playing good attacking football and is troubling all sides, but is unable to sustain it over 4 quarters. That said, Collingwood has not played 4 quarters yet this year. It should be a good game. As I am no longer tipping Collingwood in my previews, I'll go Melbourne by 3 points.

You're right in the respect that it's not unbiased but I wanted to get a perspective from one of the rank and file Demon fans. But you're right about the balance in terms of lack of bias and I think we'll run with most of it if DaVe86 has no objection.

Thanks for that DaVe86. Now, can any Demonlander match that from our perspective? Best post gets into out official Demonland pre match thread.

It wasn't that far ago. Round 2 of this year to be exact when the game was the under card to a fracas outside the ground involving the unfortunate father of one of our players. The team will definitely have a different look this time and let's hope the aftermatch is more peaceful. COLLINGWOOD Backs Shannon Cox Simon Prestigiacomo Heath Shaw Half backs Harry O'Brien Nathan Brown Nick Maxwell Centreline Martin Clarke Alan Didak Alan Toovey Half forwards Dale Thomas Travis Cloke Paul Medhurst Forwards John Anthony Leigh Brown Shane O'Bree Followers Josh Fraser Tarkyn Lockyer Scott Pendlebury Interchange Leon Davis Brad Dick Ben Johnson Dane Swan Emergencies Dayne Beams Anthony Corrie Tyson Goldsack In Leigh Brown Brad Dick Heath Shaw Out Chris Bryan Tyson Goldsack Ben Reid New Leigh Brown (North Melbourne) MELBOURNE Backs James McDonald Matthew Warnock Jared Rivers Half backs James Frawley Paul Johnson Brent Moloney Centreline Neville Jetta Kyle Cheney Clint Bartram Half forwards Ricky Petterd Brad Miller Brock McLean Forwards Colin Sylvia Stefan Martin Aaron Davey Followers Jake Spencer Cameron Bruce Brad Green Interchange Matthew Bate Jamie Bennell Nathan Jones Cale Morton Emergencies Lynden Dunn John Meesen Michael Newton In Stefan Martin Colin Sylvia Out Simon Buckley (groin), Colin Garland (foot)

Check out the picture. You might be in it. PICTURE FROM CASEY

THE BREATH OF LIFE by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions returned to the winner's list and stayed in touch in the race for a VFL top eight position on Sunday at Casey Fields with an impressive 36 point win over Geelong. It was an impressive outcome after a couple of disappointing losses, particularly as it came against virtually the same team that a week earlier had beaten Sandringham in a thriller at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval. The game was played in near perfect conditions and the Scorpions fielded a strong contingent that included Kyle Cheney and Lynden Dunn who flew back from the Coast after not being required by Melbourne as emergencies for the St. Kilda game. Their presence was much appreciated down at Casey Fields and they were dominant as the Scorpions took the lead in the early goings. Together with Shane Valenti and Kyle Matthews they generated enormous drive into the forward line and kept their side on top for most of the game. Casey's forwards responded in the early going with Michael Newton booting two goals and Russell Robertson the other as it took a handy 17 point lead into the first break; a lead would have been even greater but for some wasteful shooting for goal with the high flying Robertson the main offender. This pattern was maintained throughout the game, although in each quarter it was a different forward who was doing the scoring. At various times it was Danny Hughes and Liam Jurrah doing the goal scoring and finally it was Robertson found his kicking boots late in a game in which he could easily have finished with a larger bag than his three goals had he been on target. The real constants in the game was the hard work of midfielders Valenti, Dunn and Matthews and utilities like Cheney and Ricky Petterd who provided constant drive to the hungry forwards who ensured that home team would retain control. As a consequence its lead was stretched at every interval. By half time that lead was 23 points and it extended out to 29 at the final break before the Scorpions cruised to a well earned six goal victory. One of the unsung heroes of the Casey effort was defender James Wall who was called upon to take up the huge job of rucking against the Geelong tall timber when big Jake Spencer went down with an injured groin. Jack Watts, the number 1 selection from last year's national draft, did well on a wing and impressed with his crisp disposal and faultless decision making. Another graduate of the TAC Cup system in Michael Stockdale who missed out in the draft is making an impression at Casey. He is improving with every game and is proving to be a quality recruit in his debut season after coming to the club from the Gippsland Power. Rangy defender Peter Faulks worked hard and tackled strongly in the Scorpion backline while the reliable Alex Silvagni was involved in an engrossing battle with his opponent. Overall, the game was a fantastic team effort and it breathed life back into the Scorpions season. They are now in 9th place and face a must win encounter next Saturday at home against Werribee Tigers Werribee in the ABC TV Match of the Round (starting at 1.00 pm). PICTURE FROM CASEY HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rohan Bail - played off a half back flank and it had a quiet day. 5 kicks 6 handballs 1 mark Clint Bartram - started slowly but got a bit of it towards the end. His disposal was not precise enough to really hurt the opposition and, on this game, he isn't pushing for a recall. 12 kicks 9 handballs 7 marks Kyle Cheney - unlucky to be dropped a week or so ago and was really good in this game. Had the ball on a string, made good decisions, won contested ball, and always looks composed. The class player of the game. 19 kicks 13 handballs 10 marks 1 behind Lynden Dunn - is very strong at this level. Found a fair bit of the ball and kicked a really good goal from long range in the third quarter. Definitely pushing for promotion and … If only he was stronger overhead, he could be something. 21 kicks 7 handballs 6 marks 1 goal 1 behind Danny Hughes - when he's on song he's a very, very dangerous forward. Booted three and was lively. 7 kicks 8 handballs 8 marks 3 goals 0 behinds Neville Jetta - made a bright start but really didn't have a much of an impact and faded as the game went on. 10 kicks 4 handballs 2 marks 3 behinds Liam Jurrah - for three quarters he just went but when he switched on in the last quarter, he showed some innate talent that had many going, "wow!" That final term might one day be considered the one in which he "turned the corner" although I think he's still a long way off playing at AFL level. When he finally makes it though … watch out because he will do the "amazing". 10 kicks 7 handballs 5 marks 3 goals 1 behind Jordie McKenzie - had a quiet day but what he did he did well. Makes good decisions and disposes well and showed some good second and third efforts. His form has dropped a peg or two from his really good start but he was still very serviceable. 3 kicks 10 handballs 0 marks Tom McNamara - played a solid game without doing anything outstanding. 6 kicks 5 handballs 5 marks Michael Newton - seems to be showing more hunger these days. He chased, tackled and competed and kicked three goals. Could have been handy up on the Gold Coast on Saturday night. 14 kicks 5 handballs 9 marks 3 goals 2 behinds Ricky Petterd - played forward and on the ball and really looked like he enjoyed the freedom of being up the ground. Kicked some good goals, took some good marks and found a fair bit of the pill. Kicking is the issue. 15 kicks 12 handballs 7 marks 2 goals 0 behinds Russell Robertson - too good for this level. Played full forward all day, took some terrific marks he had no right to take and had 9 or 10 shots at goal with very poor conversion. Tried to chase and pressure but often went to ground and didn't bounced up quickly enough for me. 12 kicks 0 handballs 12 marks 3 goals 6 behinds Jake Spencer - injured early. 1 kick 2 handballs 2 marks Shane Valenti - he's exceptional at this level but, at the elite level, his physical limitations could find him out. Nevertheless, will push for promotion on that display. 14 kicks 14 handballs 1 mark 1 behind Jack Watts - is progressing nicely and finding a bit of the ball through the centre. Kicking, decision making, clean hands below his knees, lateral movement were all top notch 13 kicks 9 handballs 2 marks Casey Scorpions 3.6.24 7.9.51 11.12.78 16.15.111 Geelong 1.1.7 4.4.28 7.7.49 11.9.75 Goals Casey Scorpions Hughes Jurrah Newton Robertson 3 Petterd 2 Dunn Valenti Geelong Podsiadly 4 Johnson 2 Allwright Hunt McKenna West Westwood Best Casey Scorpions Valenti Wall Cheney Dunn Watts Faulks Geelong Hogan Hunt Laidler Podsiadly West Allwright Casey Scorpions Reserves moved to fifth on the ladder with a comprehensive 49 point victory over the Northern Bullants. James Taylor and James Blaser were the best players and Trent Zomer booted five goals for the winners. HOW THE DEMONS FARED James Strauss - ball magnet of half back and disposes of the ball crisply and accurately. 17 kicks 15 handballs 9 marks Paul Wheatley - coming along nicely after a long lay off with injury. Should be in the senior team for a full game next week. 9 kicks 10 handballs 5 marks Trent Zomer - played forward and had a good game with five goals but against lacklustre opposition. 10 kicks 3 handballs 5 marks 5 goals 1 behind Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 7.7.49 12.12.84 19.16.130 Northern Bullants 1.2.8 6.4.40 10.8.68 12.9.81 Goals Casey Scorpions Zomer 5 McGough Waite 3 Clay MacReadie 2 Collins Scanlon Strauss Taylor Northern Bullants M Anderson Neaves 4 Everington McMahon Power Stavely Best Casey Scorpions Taylor Blaser MacReadie Williams Strauss McGough Northern Bullants Everington Prior Neaves McDermott Totino Stavely

Not much movement among the leaders and Aaron Davey still has a significant lead: 78.849 Aaron Davey 50.906 Brent Moloney 40.932 Cale Morton 40.844 Brock McLean 33.559 Nathan Jones 23.937 Colin Sylvia 21.989 Brad Green 19.408 Brad Miller 17.835 James Frawley 15.794 Cameron Bruce 14.443 Matthew Warnock 12.825 Jared Rivers 12.420 Paul Johnson 11.805 Ricky Petterd 8.867 Mark Jamar 8.827 Jamie Bennell 8.794 Matthew Bate 8.624 Kyle Cheney 7.296 Stefan Martin 6.300 Addam Maric 6.126 Russell Robertson 5.367 Jack Grimes 4.374 Clint Bartram 3.333 James McDonald 3.077 Neville Jetta 0.667 Lynden Dunn 0.613 John Meesen

LIFE AND DEATH (IN TWO ACTS) by Whispering Jack The headline in the Gold Coast Weekend Bulletin announced "AFL alive at Carrara" and for the first half of St. Kilda's "home" fixture against Melbourne it was indeed a game that was not only pulsating with life but also one that was full of exciting, pressure football that was played at breakneck speed. In this respect, the game was more closely akin to a top of the ladder clash than one between teams occupying the two extremes of the AFL ladder: first against last. It was a truly compelling contest of wit and will and when the siren sounded at half time the Saints were on top but nowhere close to being in control of the game as they had been in most of their previous nine games for the season. Certainly, the score line of 7.8.50 to 6.6.42 was suggestive of the fact that AFL was most certainly alive on the Gold Coast. However, as the game unfolded it became clear we were watching an event that was more in the nature of a two act tragedy because, unexpectedly and dramatically, it expired during the main break. By the time the teams ran out to herald the start of the second half, rigor mortis was already setting in. It was a case of life and death in two acts. The Demons simply ran out of the legs and the class to match it in the second act with the likes of Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes and Brendan Goddard. St. Kilda took control of the stoppages and attacked for most of the third quarter leaving Melbourne to sink into a defensive mindset, heavily flooding the back line and overusing its handball. The game was turned into an ugly scrap that could be won only by the side with the most talent and skill. The Demons failed to enter their forward fifty until the 23 minute mark of a third term in which the Saints booted three goals to nil. The defensive mood continued and St. Kilda scored the only goal in the last half hour, a period punctuated by atrocious kicking for goal. They romped to their tenth consecutive win, the margin was a comfortable 37 points. For their part, Melbourne could content itself with a strong first half showing and the fact that it had kept its opponent to its lowest number of goals for the season. The Demons' younger brigade also showed something on the night with Jack Grimes, Addam Maric and Jamie Bennell continuing to display more than a few glimpses of future stardom and James Frawley and Cale Morton demonstrating more of the class they have been putting on show throughout the season. The return of Mark Jamar to the ruck for the first time this year was also a bonus as it gave the Demons a winning edge in this department for probably the first time in 2009. Jared Rivers, Brock McLean and Brad Green worked hard as usual and showed out with some classy play and Matty Whelan was hard and tough in defence but many of the team's more experienced players let the team down with costly turnovers and the team lacked a focal point up forward in the absence of Russell Robertson and with the shading of Brad Miller at centre half forward. After the game, coach Dean Bailey lamented his team's dreadful use of handball at times. "I think our ball use was really poor in the second half, we had too many handballs, which really put us under enormous pressure," Bailey said. "They counter-attacked on our turnovers pretty well and you can't turn the ball over against the good teams, they make you pay." The trouble is that we've heard this all before during the course of the season and the problem keeps recurring. Too often the players were handballing because there were no teammates running and making space further afield. At other times, they got themselves into trouble playing too wide and bottling themselves up in pockets and on the flanks instead of going direct. And when they do kick the ball, the delivery is often lacking in precision (compare how the ball was often delivered high and slow to Melbourne's forwards while Riewoldt was regularly receiving the ball in front of the chest to outstretched arms). There's still a lot to learn and a long way to go and, in the meantime, the team continues to sit at the bottom of the pack as the curtain begins to fold on the first half of the season. Melbourne 4.5.29 6.6.42 6.6.42 6.10.46 St Kilda 5.3.33 7.8.50 10.11.71 11.17.83 Goals Melbourne Bate Bruce Frawley Green Maric Sylvia St Kilda Riewoldt 4 Goddard 2 Geary Gwilt Koschitzke McQualter Ray Best Melbourne McLean Green Bruce Frawley Jamar Rivers St Kilda Hayes Riewoldt Montagna Goddard Dal Santo Ray C Jones Injuries Melbourne McDonald (knee) St Kilda Gilbert (ankle) Reports Nil Changes Melbourne – nil St Kilda Stephen Milne (leg) replaced in St Kilda's selected side by Jason Gram Umpires James Grun Kamolins Crowd 9,112 at Carrara Gold Coast

WJ REPORTS ON THE MFC FRIDAY NIGHT FUNCTION ON THE GOLD COAST The Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise came into view as we drove south along the Gold Coast Highway and it made an incredible sight in the early evening. The hotel sign shone a bright red and the building in front of its two towers was bathed in a blue light. We had to be on our way to a Melbourne Football Club function and we were! Chris Connolly was compere for the evening and was his usual entertaining self. He opened by referring to a visit he had just paid to a lady who had left the club a six figure sum in her will and mentioned that she was a passionate supporter who bought the two Melbourne papers every day to read about the club (pardon the insensitivity but he didn't say how old she was!). Chris welcomed the gathering, thanked them for coming and asked who wasn't a Melbourne supporter. He then proceeded to take the Mickey out of the few non-Demons in attendance (in the nicest possible way of course). For example, a Crows fan was asked to sing the Adelaide club song. Very funny, but of course, you had to be there. He mentioned that one keen Demon supporter and his brother were there and the club was negotiating a sponsorship for their new chain of restaurants named after our # 1 draft pick - Outback Jack's. One of the club's guests was to have been Jeff White but he couldn't make it because he slipped and fell getting out of the bath. Chris called on of the club's sponsors from the company Red Mercury which employs Steven Febey and carried out a mock interview with the sponsor as if he was answering questions for him. All good stuff particularly the little game of knock knock Chris played which went like this: Knock, knock Who's there? Jeff Jeff Who? That's football. Then Chris introduced the Spencers from Townsville, the parents of ruckman Jake. They spoke of how Jake came to take up football in a rugby league dominated town. There is a reasonably strong AFL presence there and Jake was introduced to the game by a friend "Joycey". Anyhow, Jake began setting his goals and made a few sacrifices early when he moved to Brisbane to further his career. At the time when the 203cm ruckman moved out of home the local butcher sold out his business. Jake's mum said she was so nervous when he played his first game that she couldn't swallow till three quarter time. Chris praised Jake and said he would be back in the team by the end of the year after a set back with injury (he's playing for Casey on Sunday). Judging by his father Wayne who looks like a pretty strong character, you can see how Jake is going to turn into one of those players you wouldn't want to mess with in the ruck contests. Dean Bailey spoke of the challenges of coaching a developing team and how people were starting to understand what he and the football department was doing in development of the club's list, how there were encouraging signs of improvement even if we were coming from a long way back. Dean spoke of the uncertainty many felt at the end of last year but people can now see where we were going. Our young recruits need lots of management and care to ensure that they move smoothly into the role of AFL footballers. Jack Watts is one case in point - he won't be rushed as the club wants him to become a long term quality player. Neville Jetta and Jamie Bennell did get early opportunities after doing well in the pre season but both were given rests to ensure that their development continues without the complications that too great a load can bring to their bodies. Dean also mentioned how it was important to introduce flexibility into the players. Cale Morton has been played on a half back flank and later on he'll move him forward and to the midfield. Jack Grimes was drafted as a midfielder and has also been played as a flanker. At some stage, he will be moved to the midfield to take a run with role. If you can instill versatility into the players to the point where they can handle a number of different positions then your team becomes a very difficult proposition to coach against. The need for flexibility was highlighted early in the year when injuries caused some recasting in the backline. In a pretty short space of time we lost Paul Wheatley, Matthew Whelan and Jack Grimes who played a great game in the practice match against the Swans. This created an opening for someone like Jamie Bennell who was playing well. Dean spoke about the preseason and how the team started early to work on things that needed improvement. Last year we kicked the ball poorly and we therefore needed to keep practicing hard and working on different types of kicks. Decision making had been poor but we've worked hard at reducing the mistakes and we're starting to get there. In question time Dean was asked about the Foxtel piece that was shown immediately before the Hawks game last week. He wasn't to know the timing of it and apparently Al Clarkson and Damien Hardwick were a bit open mouthed as they watched it on the screen. A question was asked about where best to play Lynden Dunn - forward or midfield. Dean said he was aware of Dunn's goal kicking ability and would be played there from time to time he was also being developed for a midfield role. He's probably going to be used 60% midfield and 40% forward (compared with Colin Sylvia where it's the other way around). Asked the question why was Robbo dropped, Dean said he was not dropped for missing the goal (after taking that mark in the goal square. That was just a part of it. It was a hard decision to make because he has been kicking some goals but the coaches reviewed all aspects of Robbo's game with him and he's aware that his work rate didn't come up to expectations and it was necessary for him to go back to Casey to work on those things. It was equally difficult to omit Ricky Petterd who will spend a couple of weeks there before coming back hopefully improved. I asked the question what sort of player would Dean look at with the club's first pick first if the national draft was held tomorrow. He said his first priority would be a skilful, midfielder who can kick the ball well and then a strong, contested marking key forward. I wonder to myself whether those sorts of players would be available at year's end. A questioner asked about Brad Green and Cam Bruce being played forward where both had had some success in the past. Dean again stressed the importance of versatility and that both players would get a run there from time to time. Currently, he's happy to see Green playing wing/half forward and Bruce at half back. Stef Martin is being given a run up forward. (I discovered during the evening that the club's training session at Carrara was held in dry conditions even though there had been some light rain about in other parts of the coast. The players were in fine fettle and handled the ball well. Kyle Cheney and Lynden Dunn were brought along for the game as emergencies but there was no word as to whether one of them would return to Melbourne to play with Casey on Sunday.) Chris then introduced Cale Morton and Jack Grimes and commented that Cale was now up to 194 cm. He's been working on getting his weight up and is now up to 83 kg. His parents have moved to Melbourne from WA and the family is well entrenched there with his brothers playing for Richmond and Hawthorn respectively. Chris remarked how both Cale and Jack have a fantastic work ethic, both are strong aerobic runners with elite level 15 + beep tests. These things are important because they raise the level of training for the whole club. Jack Grimes comes from a family of Demon supporters and spoke about his favourite players when he was a youngster - David Schwarz and Shane Woewodin (until he turned into a Collingwood player). Jack was delighted to become a Demon because he had mainly been spoken to by the interstate clubs before the draft. He said that when he was given the opportunity to debut last year in round 22 after battling with injuries earlier in the year it was probably a bit early. He was really struck by the pace of the game then but after a good preseason this year he's really enjoying things. The evening was rounded off with an interesting few minutes discussion and question and answers from Board Members Don McLardy and Peter Spargo who spoke of their Board's work in restoring the club to an even keel both on and off the field. This included some tough tasks in working to make the club debt free, restoring good relationships with the AFL, the MCC realignment, the Casey Fields arrangement and partnership with Casey Scorpions, sponsorships, stadium deals and a host of other pressing matters. Don assured everyone that the whole of the Board - all 10 of them were committed to the cause and were all "maniac Melbourne supporters". We finished the night with the raffle and the club song. I'm glad to report that, after years of careful and consistent investment in MFC raffles, I finally managed a collect. I now have a new red and blue tie, wallet (with very little content) and some Jeff Banks MFC cuff links. I'm wearing the tie tonight.

WJ REPORTS ON THE MFC FRIDAY NIGHT FUNCTION ON THE GOLD COAST The Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise came into view as we drove south along the Gold Coast Highway and it made an incredible sight in the early evening. The hotel sign shone a bright red and the building in front of its two towers was bathed in a blue light. We had to be on our way to a Melbourne Football Club function and we were! Chris Connolly was compere for the evening and was his usual entertaining self. He opened by referring to a visit he had just paid to a lady who had left the club a six figure sum in her will and mentioned that she was a passionate supporter who bought the two Melbourne papers every day to read about the club (pardon the insensitivity but he didn't say how old she was!). Chris welcomed the gathering, thanked them for coming and asked who wasn't a Melbourne supporter. He then proceeded to take the Mickey out of the few non-Demons in attendance (in the nicest possible way of course). For example, a Crows fan was asked to sing the Adelaide club song. Very funny, but of course, you had to be there. He mentioned that one keen Demon supporter and his brother were there and the club was negotiating a sponsorship for their new chain of restaurants named after our # 1 draft pick - Outback Jack's. One of the club's guests was to have been Jeff White but he couldn't make it because he slipped and fell getting out of the bath. Chris called on of the club's sponsors from the company Red Mercury which employs Steven Febey and carried out a mock interview with the sponsor as if he was answering questions for him. All good stuff particularly the little game of knock knock Chris played which went like this: Knock, knock Who's there? Jeff Jeff Who? That's football. Then Chris introduced the Spencers from Townsville, the parents of ruckman Jake. They spoke of how Jake came to take up football in a rugby league dominated town. There is a reasonably strong AFL presence there and Jake was introduced to the game by a friend "Joycey". Anyhow, Jake began setting his goals and made a few sacrifices early when he moved to Brisbane to further his career. At the time when the 203cm ruckman moved out of home the local butcher sold out his business. Jake's mum said she was so nervous when he played his first game that she couldn't swallow till three quarter time. Chris praised Jake and said he would be back in the team by the end of the year after a set back with injury (he's playing for Casey on Sunday). Judging by his father Wayne who looks like a pretty strong character, you can see how Jake is going to turn into one of those players you wouldn't want to mess with in the ruck contests. Dean Bailey spoke of the challenges of coaching a developing team and how people were starting to understand what he and the football department was doing in development of the club's list, how there were encouraging signs of improvement even if we were coming from a long way back. Dean spoke of the uncertainty many felt at the end of last year but people can now see where we were going. Our young recruits need lots of management and care to ensure that they move smoothly into the role of AFL footballers. Jack Watts is one case in point - he won't be rushed as the club wants him to become a long term quality player. Neville Jetta and Jamie Bennell did get early opportunities after doing well in the pre season but both were given rests to ensure that their development continues without the complications that too great a load can bring to their bodies. Dean also mentioned how it was important to introduce flexibility into the players. Cale Morton has been played on a half back flank and later on he'll move him forward and to the midfield. Jack Grimes was drafted as a midfielder and has also been played as a flanker. At some stage, he will be moved to the midfield to take a run with role. If you can instill versatility into the players to the point where they can handle a number of different positions then your team becomes a very difficult proposition to coach against. The need for flexibility was highlighted early in the year when injuries caused some recasting in the backline. In a pretty short space of time we lost Paul Wheatley, Matthew Whelan and Jack Grimes who played a great game in the practice match against the Swans. This created an opening for someone like Jamie Bennell who was playing well. Dean spoke about the preseason and how the team started early to work on things that needed improvement. Last year we kicked the ball poorly and we therefore needed to keep practicing hard and working on different types of kicks. Decision making had been poor but we've worked hard at reducing the mistakes and we're starting to get there. In question time Dean was asked about the Foxtel piece that was shown immediately before the Hawks game last week. He wasn't to know the timing of it and apparently Al Clarkson and Damien Hardwick were a bit open mouthed as they watched it on the screen. A question was asked about where best to play Lynden Dunn - forward or midfield. Dean said he was aware of Dunn's goal kicking ability and would be played there from time to time he was also being developed for a midfield role. He's probably going to be used 60% midfield and 40% forward (compared with Colin Sylvia where it's the other way around). Asked the question why was Robbo dropped, Dean said he was not dropped for missing the goal (after taking that mark in the goal square. That was just a part of it. It was a hard decision to make because he has been kicking some goals but the coaches reviewed all aspects of Robbo's game with him and he's aware that his work rate didn't come up to expectations and it was necessary for him to go back to Casey to work on those things. It was equally difficult to omit Ricky Petterd who will spend a couple of weeks there before coming back hopefully improved. I asked the question what sort of player would Dean look at with the club's first pick first if the national draft was held tomorrow. He said his first priority would be a skilful, midfielder who can kick the ball well and then a strong, contested marking key forward. I wonder to myself whether those sorts of players would be available at year's end. A questioner asked about Brad Green and Cam Bruce being played forward where both had had some success in the past. Dean again stressed the importance of versatility and that both players would get a run there from time to time. Currently, he's happy to see Green playing wing/half forward and Bruce at half back. Stef Martin is being given a run up forward. (I discovered during the evening that the club's training session at Carrara was held in dry conditions even though there had been some light rain about in other parts of the coast. The players were in fine fettle and handled the ball well. Kyle Cheney and Lynden Dunn were brought along for the game as emergencies but there was no word as to whether one of them would return to Melbourne to play with Casey on Sunday.) Chris then introduced Cale Morton and Jack Grimes and commented that Cale was now up to 194 cm. He's been working on getting his weight up and is now up to 83 kg. His parents have moved to Melbourne from WA and the family is well entrenched there with his brothers playing for Richmond and Hawthorn respectively. Chris remarked how both Cale and Jack have a fantastic work ethic, both are strong aerobic runners with elite level 15 + beep tests. These things are important because they raise the level of training for the whole club. Jack Grimes comes from a family of Demon supporters and spoke about his favourite players when he was a youngster - David Schwarz and Shane Woewodin (until he turned into a Collingwood player). Jack was delighted to become a Demon because he had mainly been spoken to by the interstate clubs before the draft. He said that when he was given the opportunity to debut last year in round 22 after battling with injuries earlier in the year it was probably a bit early. He was really struck by the pace of the game then but after a good preseason this year he's really enjoying things. The evening was rounded off with an interesting few minutes discussion and question and answers from Board Members Don McLardy and Peter Spargo who spoke of their Board's work in restoring the club to an even keel both on and off the field. This included some tough tasks in working to make the club debt free, restoring good relationships with the AFL, the MCC realignment, the Casey Fields arrangement and partnership with Casey Scorpions, sponsorships, stadium deals and a host of other pressing matters. Don assured everyone that the whole of the Board - all 10 of them were committed to the cause and were all "maniac Melbourne supporters". We finished the night with the raffle and the club song. I'm glad to report that, after years of careful and consistent investment in MFC raffles, I finally managed a collect. I now have a new red and blue tie, wallet (with very little content) and some Jeff Banks MFC cuff links. I'm wearing the tie tonight.

QUEENSLAND: PERFECT ONE DAY, RIEWOLDTING THE NEXT by the Demonland Crew A week or so on the Gold Coast: Whispering Jack's Diary I'm up here with the entire family for a couple of special events to celebrate including my birthday (today, Thursday). A friend rang up to wish me well and asked whether I felt I had aged. I told him that I hadn't but the story might be a little different on Saturday night. So to start things off, the first part of this week's preview is actually my diary of the week on the Gold Coast leading up to the big game: MONDAY: I've been up here on the Coast for a few days now and whoever tried to pull the stunt about Queensland being beautiful one day, perfect the next should be committed to a psychiatric ward. It rained heavily last week and that combined with the high winds has played havoc with the beaches and many sporting grounds. They cancelled two NAB Cup under 18 national championship games at Carrara and many local sporting fixtures were either cancelled or relocated to different venues. After a brilliant day on Friday, the weather turned again on Saturday and we had more strong winds, torrential rain, high tides and the odd case of flooding from the afternoon and into the evening. This made it possible for me to survey the conditions that prevail for your average couch potato and they're pretty flash I must say if your room has Foxtel and HDTV. Friday night's game between the Cats and the Dogs was available through Prime HD (Northern NSW affiliate of the 7 Network), the rest of the games were available live through a combination of One and Foxtel although I didn't bother on Saturday night because I just knew I would be upset by the Richmond and the West Coast results. Sunday evening at 4.40pm was compulsory viewing on Fox Sports 1. Pity about the result. There are very few signs (none in fact) of the impending arrival of the Melbourne Football Club, very little enthusiasm apparent for GC17 and I can see why the AFL is throwing money at this initiative along with a year's supply of first round draft picks, advantageous trading conditions and salary cap concessions. I fear a monumental flop coming on with the creation of another artificial football club that will serve to further dilute supporter passions for the game. I mean if you try to engage a local here on important topics like how they think GC17's clash jumper is going to look when they come into the competition, they look at you as if you are a nutter. Anyway, can't wait for the Dees to arrive. I was hoping it would be a Melbourne team triumphant after beating the Hawks down in Melbourne. Now all I can do is hope that Carrara manages to dry out in time. If they cancel Saturday night's Carrara game and move it elsewhere, I'm taking legal action! TUESDAY: Nathan Ablett at Broadbeach in the QAFL is a long, long way away from being the AFL premiership player he was with his brother in 2007 but they're a complex family, the Abletts! Nathan's father was one of the greats and Gary Junior is on his way there with a first Brownlow Medal beckoning. I just hope that people leave Nathan to just be himself, to do what he wants and to live his own life. Still, there is sure to be inevitably be conjecture as to whether he will join GC 17. I'm just not so sure that he will want to return to the life of travel and being in the limelight. I have two Ablett stories relating to the Gold Coast. A few years ago I read Garry Linnell's unauthorised biography of Ablett Senior [Playing God: The Rise & Fall of Gary Ablett] and I rate it high on the list of football books, possibly just behind Richard Stremski's "Kill for Collingwood". It brought home clearly the tragedy of a champion footballer, a lost, conflicted country boy thrust into a life of fame for which he simply wasn't ready. Once you read it, you can understand why one of his sons might want to shun the life of fame, fortune and adulation as an AFL footballer. Today, Ablett the father is doing his best to redeem himself and the news in yesterday's paper was that he was doing some good work visiting prisons to inspire the inmates. About 20 years ago, Ablett Senior's marriage fell apart. My recollection of the events which were pretty much constantly in the public domain is a bit hazy, especially the order of events. The story went that one of the locals, a pizza delivery man, was fond of the estranged Mrs. Ablett and there ensued an altercation between him and Gary Senior. Local tongues were wagging and it proved too much for the Cats' star player who promptly announced his retirement and took off for the wild blue yonder. The media had a field day speculating on his whereabouts constantly asking "Where's Gary?" and writing about reported sightings from all over the country. Our paths crossed at an Italian restaurant in Surfers Paradise. I was picking up some take away food for the family and in walked the great man himself. I think I was the only one there who recognised him (the Brisbane Bears already existed but they were still virtually anonymous in a predominantly rugby state) and I immediately searched for something on which he could scribble his autograph for proof that I'd seen him in the flesh while he was "hiding out". Just then the man behind the counter announced, "Order for Jack, Margharita Pizza, Aussie Pizza, Spag Bol and Ravioli!". I looked at the pizza box and for a split second was going to ask Gary to put his autograph on top of the box. Only then did I remember the story about Garry and his fight with the pizza delivery man and I thought for my own safety I should leave well enough alone. I paid for the food and left without even acknowledging the country's finest footballer. I've often wondered since then how valuable an item that pizza box might have been had the great Gary Ablett signed it for me. I reckon I could get a fortune for it on eBay. What I do know is that if I happen to bump into Nathan up here at Nicolonis Pizza on the Gold Coast Highway, despite what I wrote earlier about leaving Nathan lone, I would have no hesitation... WEDNESDAY: The last couple of days have been pretty taxing but they constitute what is considered an absolute necessity when travelling to the Gold Coast with young children in tow. Visits to Seaworld (yesterday) and MovieWorld (today) are enough to wear out a Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and The Flash (the film character, not Aaron Davey) let alone a mere mortal from Melbourne. No time to stop for a even a second as we rush from show to show, ride to ride and game to game. I think either of the 3D Shrek Show or the dodgems caused my whiplash but the real nightmares will come later. Sitting down on a bench next to my son, Marilyn Monroe and Austin Powers, we notice someone walk past attired in one of those alternative Hawthorn guernseys that made the Dockers' jumper look half decent when they played against each other a fortnight ago. This led to reminiscences about a game we used to play on the train on the way to the footy. The idea was that whichever team's colours we saw first would win the game. Despite the randomness of our sightings, the results were incredibly accurate although they weren't really that random when you considered that no self respecting football goer would be seen wearing the old Brisbane Bears or Fremantle jumpers in our home town. Marilyn yawns and walks off arm in arm with Powers. More rides, more shows, a stroll down the main street of Gotham City and it's time to leave. Then, just as we are about to exit through the turnstiles, he comes into view. A tall blond bloke wearing a Saints guernsey, the number 12 sown on his back. The nightmares are beginning... THURSDAY: The boys were up early today to watch Barcelona's Champions League final triumph over Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. By the time I woke up, the Spanish team was already celebrating its 2-0 victory and once I realised that the winners wore the famous red and blue colours I was celebrating with them. An encouraging omen for tomorrow night perhaps? THE GAME St. Kilda v Melbourne at Carrara 30 May 2009 at 7.10 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall St. Kilda 79 wins Melbourne 118 wins 1 draw At Carrara St. Kilda 0 wins Melbourne 0 wins. Since 2000 St. Kilda 4 wins Melbourne 9 wins The Coaches Lyon 1 Bailey 0 MEDIA TV Fox Sports 1 - live at 7.00 pm RADIO ABC 774 Triple M THE BETTING St. Kilda to win $1.08 Melbourne to win $7.00 LAST TIME THEY MET St. Kilda 19.15.129 defeated Melbourne 7.8.50 at Telstra Dome - Round 10 2008 From Melbourne's point of view everything about the game was ugly starting with its attire for the game, the now retired silver number that had patches of red and blue and resembled a clown's outfit from the Moscow Circus. Some of the Demons even did a good job trying to emulate the great Russian clown Popov but for some reason the fans didn't think it was funny. For this reason our preview this week also features another (relatively) recent game. LAST TIME THEY MET IN A FINAL Melbourne 13.12.90 defeated St. Kilda 10.12.72 at the MCG Elimination Final 2006 The Saints made the early running and held a handy lead at the main break but it was whittled down in the second half. Brock McLean had a wonderful game and rammed home an important goal in the final quarter. Jeff White rucked strongly and Cam Bruce was at the top of his form for most of the game. A highlight was Nathan Carroll stopping Fraser Gehrig who was trying to lairise by running around him. The next time the teams met was in Round 1, 2007 by which time the Demons were hit by an injury curse and were overrun by the rampant Saints in what was considered a surprise result. They also met once in 2008 and are due to meet each other again in Round 22. THE TEAMS ST KILDA Backs Farren Ray Jason Blake Zac Dawson Half backs Steven Baker Sam Fisher Brendon Goddard Centreline Raphael Clarke Luke Ball Nick Dal Santo Half forwards Stephen Milne Nick Riewoldt Adam Schneider Forwards Lenny Hayes Justin Koschitzke Sam Gilbert Followers Michael Gardiner Clint Jones Leigh Montagna Interchange Jarryn Geary James Gwilt Steven King Andrew McQualter Emergencies David Armitage Jason Gram Luke Miles No change MELBOURNE Backs Matthew Whelan Matthew Warnock Jared Rivers Half backs James Frawley Stefan Martin Aaron Davey Centreline Jack Grimes Cale Morton Brock McLean Half forwards Colin Sylvia Brad Miller Daniel Bell Forwards Brad Green Matthew Bate Cameron Bruce Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney James McDonald Interchange Jamie Bennell Paul Johnson Nathan Jones Addam Maric Emergencies Kyle Cheney Lynden Dunn Ricky Petterd In Daniel Bell Mark Jamar Out Ricky Petterd Russell Robertson Enough from me. Now it's the Demonlanders' turn to have their say on the game. Thanks to the following who contributed their views:- High Tower Melbourne takes on league leaders St.Kilda at the Gold Coast this Saturday night, Round 10. St.Kilda 9-0 184% Melbourne 1-8 75% Every man and his dog would expect St.Kilda to take the 4 points this week. So too St.Kilda just 'quietly'. However this game takes on some significance despite top vs. bottom. St.Kilda defeated Brisbane yesterday in a bruising encounter at Etihad in a good solid last quarter. It must be noted that Brisbane matched them at the base of the packs where St.Kilda pride themselves on. With Simon Black having one of his better games and the Brisbane Lions amassing a massive 85 tackles! I'd imagine there would be a few sore bodies down at Moorabbin. For a young group like Melbourne, it's good for them to get away and travel together with a sole focus of obtaining the four points. Melbourne desperate for a win, showed enough against West Coast at Subiaco for me to think they are a definite chance of toppling the league leaders in 'not so sunny' Queensland on a heavy track, on the back of their performances against Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs. Having outscored the reigning Premiers 9 goals to Hawthorn's 6 in the second half can only do Melbourne's confidence good leading into Round 10. Some impressive performances by Colin Sylvia with 4 goals, Stefan Martin pinch hitting up forward and the positive return of Brad Green from a broken jaw, against a strong Hawthorn line-up are further good news for Melbourne supporters who are just waiting to dine out for a win. St.Kilda better be careful and on their game, because Melbourne are coming! St.Kilda by 4 points in a hard slog. Quote by St.Kilda coach Ross Lyon after the game, "Credit to Melbourne, they're a good side, they will trouble teams this year and a win, I'm sure, is just around the corner for them if they keep persisting." Grimes to Watts Melbourne by 12 points. It will be one for the history books. Dreamin' Demon I can't see us winning however, this is a neutral ground for both of us therefore, anything is possible. Looking at the recent rains there, it could very well be a hard slog. The Great Pretender How do we overcome the undefeated Saints? They have a super midfield and two great key forwards who are in form - not unlike the Hawks who beat us last Sunday. Well, we overcame a poor start and not only avoided a blow out but we came back nicely to finish with only two scoring shots less than the Hawks. It would have been one less had Robbo decided not to lairise. So it's all about application for 100% of the game, not 60% or 80%. Why you little The Saints will Jump us early & then Hold sway. Similar to last Sunday. Those wankers will earn every minute of it though. Melbourne is a Tough Tackling Learning Side. The Saints ruckmen will absolutely Murder us, in tandem. Saints by 17 SidVicious Just picked up a copy of Inside Football and I can't believe their gall. Each week they rank the games in order of interest and guess what game they nominated as the one attracting the least interest? That's right! The big one at Carrara on Saturday night. That's bollocks. Demon Den Hopefully Milney's size 45 head will become wedged between the goal posts making it harder for them to score … Dees by 5pts. Mister Ed Last week's clash between Melbourne and Hawthorn provided a reality check for those of us who have been banking on steady and regular improvement from an emerging young Demon team. Despite the fact that Melbourne produced a presentable showing in finishing only 22 points down against the reigning premier, the reality was that Hawthorn returned to some of its premiership winning form and smashed the hapless Demons in the first half of the game. They relaxed their grip on the game when forced to play two men short after injuries put an end to the games of Moss and Stokes. Will the Demons have the same luxury against the Saints at Carrara and Colin Sylvia be able to produce anything like his ground breaking display in midfield by Colin Sylvia when he amassed a career best 37 disposals and four goals? I think not and that is why I confidently select the favourite to salute on Saturday night although the young Dees should take game right up to them. And thanks to casey scorp for providing the weather report:- Gold Coast/Tweed Heads Forecast for Thursday Fine. Precis: Fine. Min 13 Max 23 UV Alert: 10:10 am to 1:20 pm, UV Index predicted to reach 4 [Moderate] Friday Shower or two. Max 23 Saturday Shower or two. Max 21 Sunday A few shower. Max 21 The team arrives tomorrow and there's an official club function on at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 7.30 pm. Anyone who's interested and is coming up here for the game can contact the MFC but hurry because I understand it's well booked. I haven't yet had an opportunity to study the teams yet but, on exposed form, I don't believe that it's possible to go past St. Kilda in this one although it might be a lot closer than many people think.

QUEENSLAND: PERFECT ONE DAY, RIEWOLDTING THE NEXT by the Demonland Crew A week or so on the Gold Coast: Whispering Jack's Diary I'm up here with the entire family for a couple of special events to celebrate including my birthday (today, Thursday). A friend rang up to wish me well and asked whether I felt I had aged. I told him that I hadn't but the story might be a little different on Saturday night. So to start things off, the first part of this week's preview is actually my diary of the week on the Gold Coast leading up to the big game: MONDAY: I've been up here on the Coast for a few days now and whoever tried to pull the stunt about Queensland being beautiful one day, perfect the next should be committed to a psychiatric ward. It rained heavily last week and that combined with the high winds has played havoc with the beaches and many sporting grounds. They cancelled two NAB Cup under 18 national championship games at Carrara and many local sporting fixtures were either cancelled or relocated to different venues. After a brilliant day on Friday, the weather turned again on Saturday and we had more strong winds, torrential rain, high tides and the odd case of flooding from the afternoon and into the evening. This made it possible for me to survey the conditions that prevail for your average couch potato and they're pretty flash I must say if your room has Foxtel and HDTV. Friday night's game between the Cats and the Dogs was available through Prime HD (Northern NSW affiliate of the 7 Network), the rest of the games were available live through a combination of One and Foxtel although I didn't bother on Saturday night because I just knew I would be upset by the Richmond and the West Coast results. Sunday evening at 4.40pm was compulsory viewing on Fox Sports 1. Pity about the result. There are very few signs (none in fact) of the impending arrival of the Melbourne Football Club, very little enthusiasm apparent for GC17 and I can see why the AFL is throwing money at this initiative along with a year's supply of first round draft picks, advantageous trading conditions and salary cap concessions. I fear a monumental flop coming on with the creation of another artificial football club that will serve to further dilute supporter passions for the game. I mean if you try to engage a local here on important topics like how they think GC17's clash jumper is going to look when they come into the competition, they look at you as if you are a nutter. Anyway, can't wait for the Dees to arrive. I was hoping it would be a Melbourne team triumphant after beating the Hawks down in Melbourne. Now all I can do is hope that Carrara manages to dry out in time. If they cancel Saturday night's Carrara game and move it elsewhere, I'm taking legal action! TUESDAY: Nathan Ablett at Broadbeach in the QAFL is a long, long way away from being the AFL premiership player he was with his brother in 2007 but they're a complex family, the Abletts! Nathan's father was one of the greats and Gary Junior is on his way there with a first Brownlow Medal beckoning. I just hope that people leave Nathan to just be himself, to do what he wants and to live his own life. Still, there is sure to be inevitably be conjecture as to whether he will join GC 17. I'm just not so sure that he will want to return to the life of travel and being in the limelight. I have two Ablett stories relating to the Gold Coast. A few years ago I read Garry Linnell's unauthorised biography of Ablett Senior [Playing God: The Rise & Fall of Gary Ablett] and I rate it high on the list of football books, possibly just behind Richard Stremski's "Kill for Collingwood". It brought home clearly the tragedy of a champion footballer, a lost, conflicted country boy thrust into a life of fame for which he simply wasn't ready. Once you read it, you can understand why one of his sons might want to shun the life of fame, fortune and adulation as an AFL footballer. Today, Ablett the father is doing his best to redeem himself and the news in yesterday's paper was that he was doing some good work visiting prisons to inspire the inmates. About 20 years ago, Ablett Senior's marriage fell apart. My recollection of the events which were pretty much constantly in the public domain is a bit hazy, especially the order of events. The story went that one of the locals, a pizza delivery man, was fond of the estranged Mrs. Ablett and there ensued an altercation between him and Gary Senior. Local tongues were wagging and it proved too much for the Cats' star player who promptly announced his retirement and took off for the wild blue yonder. The media had a field day speculating on his whereabouts constantly asking "Where's Gary?" and writing about reported sightings from all over the country. Our paths crossed at an Italian restaurant in Surfers Paradise. I was picking up some take away food for the family and in walked the great man himself. I think I was the only one there who recognised him (the Brisbane Bears already existed but they were still virtually anonymous in a predominantly rugby state) and I immediately searched for something on which he could scribble his autograph for proof that I'd seen him in the flesh while he was "hiding out". Just then the man behind the counter announced, "Order for Jack, Margharita Pizza, Aussie Pizza, Spag Bol and Ravioli!". I looked at the pizza box and for a split second was going to ask Gary to put his autograph on top of the box. Only then did I remember the story about Garry and his fight with the pizza delivery man and I thought for my own safety I should leave well enough alone. I paid for the food and left without even acknowledging the country's finest footballer. I've often wondered since then how valuable an item that pizza box might have been had the great Gary Ablett signed it for me. I reckon I could get a fortune for it on eBay. What I do know is that if I happen to bump into Nathan up here at Nicolonis Pizza on the Gold Coast Highway, despite what I wrote earlier about leaving Nathan lone, I would have no hesitation... WEDNESDAY: The last couple of days have been pretty taxing but they constitute what is considered an absolute necessity when travelling to the Gold Coast with young children in tow. Visits to Seaworld (yesterday) and MovieWorld (today) are enough to wear out a Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and The Flash (the film character, not Aaron Davey) let alone a mere mortal from Melbourne. No time to stop for a even a second as we rush from show to show, ride to ride and game to game. I think either of the 3D Shrek Show or the dodgems caused my whiplash but the real nightmares will come later. Sitting down on a bench next to my son, Marilyn Monroe and Austin Powers, we notice someone walk past attired in one of those alternative Hawthorn guernseys that made the Dockers' jumper look half decent when they played against each other a fortnight ago. This led to reminiscences about a game we used to play on the train on the way to the footy. The idea was that whichever team's colours we saw first would win the game. Despite the randomness of our sightings, the results were incredibly accurate although they weren't really that random when you considered that no self respecting football goer would be seen wearing the old Brisbane Bears or Fremantle jumpers in our home town. Marilyn yawns and walks off arm in arm with Powers. More rides, more shows, a stroll down the main street of Gotham City and it's time to leave. Then, just as we are about to exit through the turnstiles, he comes into view. A tall blond bloke wearing a Saints guernsey, the number 12 sown on his back. The nightmares are beginning... THURSDAY: The boys were up early today to watch Barcelona's Champions League final triumph over Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. By the time I woke up, the Spanish team was already celebrating its 2-0 victory and once I realised that the winners wore the famous red and blue colours I was celebrating with them. An encouraging omen for tomorrow night perhaps? THE GAME St. Kilda v Melbourne at Carrara 30 May 2009 at 7.10 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall St. Kilda 79 wins Melbourne 118 wins 1 draw At Carrara St. Kilda 0 wins Melbourne 0 wins. Since 2000 St. Kilda 4 wins Melbourne 9 wins The Coaches Lyon 1 Bailey 0 MEDIA TV Fox Sports 1 - live at 7.00 pm RADIO ABC 774 Triple M THE BETTING St. Kilda to win $1.08 Melbourne to win $7.00 LAST TIME THEY MET St. Kilda 19.15.129 defeated Melbourne 7.8.50 at Telstra Dome - Round 10 2008 From Melbourne's point of view everything about the game was ugly starting with its attire for the game, the now retired silver number that had patches of red and blue and resembled a clown's outfit from the Moscow Circus. Some of the Demons even did a good job trying to emulate the great Russian clown Popov but for some reason the fans didn't think it was funny. For this reason our preview this week also features another (relatively) recent game. LAST TIME THEY MET IN A FINAL Melbourne 13.12.90 defeated St. Kilda 10.12.72 at the MCG Elimination Final 2006 The Saints made the early running and held a handy lead at the main break but it was whittled down in the second half. Brock McLean had a wonderful game and rammed home an important goal in the final quarter. Jeff White rucked strongly and Cam Bruce was at the top of his form for most of the game. A highlight was Nathan Carroll stopping Fraser Gehrig who was trying to lairise by running around him. The next time the teams met was in Round 1, 2007 by which time the Demons were hit by an injury curse and were overrun by the rampant Saints in what was considered a surprise result. They also met once in 2008 and are due to meet each other again in Round 22. THE TEAMS ST KILDA Backs Farren Ray Jason Blake Zac Dawson Half backs Steven Baker Sam Fisher Brendon Goddard Centreline Raphael Clarke Luke Ball Nick Dal Santo Half forwards Stephen Milne Nick Riewoldt Adam Schneider Forwards Lenny Hayes Justin Koschitzke Sam Gilbert Followers Michael Gardiner Clint Jones Leigh Montagna Interchange Jarryn Geary James Gwilt Steven King Andrew McQualter Emergencies David Armitage Jason Gram Luke Miles MELBOURNE Backs Matthew Whelan Matthew Warnock Jared Rivers Half backs James Frawley Stefan Martin Aaron Davey Centreline Jack Grimes Cale Morton Brock McLean Half forwards Colin Sylvia Brad Miller Daniel Bell Forwards Brad Green Matthew Bate Cameron Bruce Followers Mark Jamar Brent Moloney James McDonald Interchange Jamie Bennell Paul Johnson Nathan Jones Addam Maric Emergencies Kyle Cheney Lynden Dunn Ricky Petterd In Daniel Bell Mark Jamar Out Ricky Petterd Russell Robertson Enough from me. Now it's the Demonlanders' turn to have their say on the game. Thanks to the following who contributed their views:- High Tower Melbourne takes on league leaders St.Kilda at the Gold Coast this Saturday night, Round 10. St.Kilda 9-0 184% Melbourne 1-8 75% Every man and his dog would expect St.Kilda to take the 4 points this week. So too St.Kilda just 'quietly'. However this game takes on some significance despite top vs. bottom. St.Kilda defeated Brisbane yesterday in a bruising encounter at Etihad in a good solid last quarter. It must be noted that Brisbane matched them at the base of the packs where St.Kilda pride themselves on. With Simon Black having one of his better games and the Brisbane Lions amassing a massive 85 tackles! I'd imagine there would be a few sore bodies down at Moorabbin. For a young group like Melbourne, it's good for them to get away and travel together with a sole focus of obtaining the four points. Melbourne desperate for a win, showed enough against West Coast at Subiaco for me to think they are a definite chance of toppling the league leaders in 'not so sunny' Queensland on a heavy track, on the back of their performances against Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs. Having outscored the reigning Premiers 9 goals to Hawthorn's 6 in the second half can only do Melbourne's confidence good leading into Round 10. Some impressive performances by Colin Sylvia with 4 goals, Stefan Martin pinch hitting up forward and the positive return of Brad Green from a broken jaw, against a strong Hawthorn line-up are further good news for Melbourne supporters who are just waiting to dine out for a win. St.Kilda better be careful and on their game, because Melbourne are coming! St.Kilda by 4 points in a hard slog. Quote by St.Kilda coach Ross Lyon after the game, "Credit to Melbourne, they're a good side, they will trouble teams this year and a win, I'm sure, is just around the corner for them if they keep persisting." Grimes to Watts Melbourne by 12 points. It will be one for the history books. Dreamin' Demon I can't see us winning however, this is a neutral ground for both of us therefore, anything is possible. Looking at the recent rains there, it could very well be a hard slog. The Great Pretender How do we overcome the undefeated Saints? They have a super midfield and two great key forwards who are in form - not unlike the Hawks who beat us last Sunday. Well, we overcame a poor start and not only avoided a blow out but we came back nicely to finish with only two scoring shots less than the Hawks. It would have been one less had Robbo decided not to lairise. So it's all about application for 100% of the game, not 60% or 80%. Why you little The Saints will Jump us early & then Hold sway. Similar to last Sunday. Those wankers will earn every minute of it though. Melbourne is a Tough Tackling Learning Side. The Saints ruckmen will absolutely Murder us, in tandem. Saints by 17 SidVicious Just picked up a copy of Inside Football and I can't believe their gall. Each week they rank the games in order of interest and guess what game they nominated as the one attracting the least interest? That's right! The big one at Carrara on Saturday night. That's bollocks. Demon Den Hopefully Milney's size 45 head will become wedged between the goal posts making it harder for them to score … Dees by 5pts. Mister Ed Last week's clash between Melbourne and Hawthorn provided a reality check for those of us who have been banking on steady and regular improvement from an emerging young Demon team. Despite the fact that Melbourne produced a presentable showing in finishing only 22 points down against the reigning premier, the reality was that Hawthorn returned to some of its premiership winning form and smashed the hapless Demons in the first half of the game. They relaxed their grip on the game when forced to play two men short after injuries put an end to the games of Moss and Stokes. Will the Demons have the same luxury against the Saints at Carrara and Colin Sylvia be able to produce anything like his ground breaking display in midfield by Colin Sylvia when he amassed a career best 37 disposals and four goals? I think not and that is why I confidently select the favourite to salute on Saturday night although the young Dees should take game right up to them. And thanks to casey scorp for providing the weather report:- Gold Coast/Tweed Heads Forecast for Thursday Fine. Precis: Fine. Min 13 Max 23 UV Alert: 10:10 am to 1:20 pm, UV Index predicted to reach 4 [Moderate] Friday Shower or two. Max 23 Saturday Shower or two. Max 21 Sunday A few shower. Max 21 The team arrives tomorrow and there's an official club function on at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 7.30 pm. Anyone who's interested and is coming up here for the game can contact the MFC but hurry because I understand it's well booked. I haven't yet had an opportunity to study the teams yet but, on exposed form, I don't believe that it's possible to go past St. Kilda in this one although it might be a lot closer than many people think.

by Scoop Junior On a balmy evening at the MCG, the Hawks played some of their best footy of the season in a rampant first half that resulted in a 22-point defeat of a plucky Melbourne outfit. Quite simply, Hawthorn was too good. The reigning premier did what the reigning premier should have done against last year's and this year's (current) bottom-placed side. While no one could question Melbourne's effort and endeavour, the Hawks produced a brand of footy with a team chock full with talent that was simply too much for the Dees to handle. Right from the start, the Hawthorn midfield was on top at the stoppages, with Mitchell and Sewell getting first hands on the ball and displaying clean ball use. And when the ball was loose, Hawthorn's greater pace won out. This pace discrepancy was noticeable on a number of occasions and in particular where a Hawthorn player started a few metres behind his Melbourne opponent yet won the foot race to the ball. Pace is no doubt a key issue for the Demons, but it is one which has been identified by the coaching staff and steps have been taken to improve in this area. With the Hawks' dominating the first half, the Dees went into their shells and stopped taking risks and displaying the free flowing corridor footy that served it well in recent narrow defeats to the Eagles and Bulldogs. The Hawthorn zone was doing its job and the Demons were struggling to move the ball with the required speed to penetrate the zone. On top of this, when Melbourne did get the ball forward, it made a number of elementary mistakes which cost the side easy goals. Matthew Bate missed from 15 metres out, Brad Miller stuffed up an impressive piece of play by Addam Maric by handballing well wide of Robbo and Robbo himself turned an impressive trademark hanger into an embarrassing miss by making the ridiculous decision to play on despite lying on the ground. Nevertheless, Melbourne did display a commendable level of fight and while at one stage the Round 1 2008 result looked set to be repeated, the Demons fought back well in the second half and gave the scoreboard some respectability in reducing the final margin to 22 points. While the final margin did not reflect Hawthorn's early dominance, it did reflect the fact that the Dees lifted their game in the second half, started to take risks and moved the ball better. It was very pleasing to see this attitude despite the game being effectively over at half time. Despite the basic errors in the first half, the forwards worked hard to finish with a respectable scoreline after being held to just four goals at half time. Stefan Martin provided a target in the last quarter and kicked a remarkable snapped goal after taking a clever mark and deciding (somewhat curiously, but nothing in comparison with Robbo's earlier decision) to play on. It was not really a great performance from Melbourne's marking forwards. Brad Miller, while working hard as usual, lacks the key ingredients of a good forward - creativity and firepower. We all know about his lack of goals but it's also a lack of genuine forward footy smarts that continues to hold him back. The midfield was beaten by a far superior opposition midfield, but their effort and work rate did not wane. McLean was busy, as was Green in his first game back from injury, while Moloney also put in a reasonable performance. With the pace issues mentioned previously and the fact that none of the above players possess raw speed, it may be that one or two of the bigger bodied slow-paced midfielders that Melbourne seem to have in abundance may make way in the coming seasons for quicker, fresher legs. While Nathan Jones' courage and work rate is to be admired, he makes a number of mistakes and is often caught with the ball due to a failure to make the correct decision quickly enough. I think there were about five turnovers in the first half that came directly from Jones - he will need to improve this aspect of his game to retain his place in a developing midfield. Without a doubt the star of the show was Colin Sylvia, who put in a game that actually matched one of Yze Magic's countless pre-game prediction posts that have been a regular occurrence since 2004. 37 possessions, 4 goals and 4 assists was the culmination of a brilliant performance that supporters have longed to see from Col for five years. In one blistering spell, he kicked three goals in a row to try to ignite his side. The most pleasing aspect of his game was the amount of possessions, as Sylvia has never been a high possession winner. While he has always won his fair share of contested ball, he has struggled to get easy, uncontested possessions in his time at the club. Given his good ball use, the more possessions the better. Hopefully this will be the start of a consistent run of form for him. The defenders recovered well after being worked over by Franklin and Roughead early. Warnock did a solid job on the dangerous Roughead and a return of three goals to the Hawk was a win for the Demons. Frawley and Rivers both spent time on Franklin, with the latter in particular making some good spoils in the second half. So in the end the Dees move on to Round 10, with another (somewhat) honourable loss in the bag (which isn't necessarily a bad thing - but I won't go there!). The continued improvement of young players such as Bennell, Grimes and Morton (though all three didn't have their best games on the weekend) should provide fans with something to get excited about. Maric is another youngster showing good signs and after a few poor games he has started to show why he was highly rated in the 2008 draft. His decision making and execution appear to be first class and something usually happens when the ball is in his hands. It is young players like this that the Dees are pinning their hopes on in their attempts to build something special at the club. Melbourne 2.5.17 4.6.30 8.10.58 13.14.92 Hawthorn 6.2.38 11.7.73 16.9.105 17.14.116 Goals Melbourne Sylvia 4 Martin Robertson 2 Bate Bruce Johnson McDonald McLean Hawthorn Franklin 4 Roughead 3 Bateman Guerra Rioli 2 McGlynn Muston Osborne Williams Best Melbourne Sylvia Green McLean Warnock Hawthorn Lewis Muston Sewell Morton Rioli Franklin Injuries Melbourne Robertson (cramp) Whelan (nose) Hawthorn Stokes (hamstring tightness) Moss (leg) Reports Nil Changes Nil Umpires Rosebury Hay Avon Crowd 39,395 at the MCG

This thread is now dedicated to all things relating to Melbourne on the Gold Coast including previews, player sightings, WJ's diary and news about functions, meetings etc. The best of the previews together with WJ's diary will make it onto our preview article for the Saints game. Just wondering whether the Queensland Demons are putting on a function or meeting during the week?

WASTEFUL SCORPIONS by Brendan from Ballarat The wasteful Casey Scorpions took on North Ballarat at Eastern Oval, Ballarat on Sunday and despite a strong finish they were let down by poor kicking for goal in what was a scrappy affair for most of the day. As a result, they were left 16 points in arrears after giving the reigning premiers a major scare and despite dominating the final term with 3.7 to 0.2. The Roosters started strongly using the advantage of the breeze well to open up a 31 point lead at quarter time. This was to prove the difference between the sides because when the Scorpions had their turn with breeze, they were shockingly inefficient. In the second term, Casey entered the fifty metre arc 22 times during the second quarter for an inaccurate return of 4.8 while the home side made the most of their limited opportunities scoring four straight goals from eight entries (50%). As a result, the Roosters took a 23 point lead into the main break. The Scorpions applied great pressure on North Ballarat but the home side made the most of their opportunities with the wind and, although they seemed to be tiring, they took a comfortable 39-point lead with them into the huddle at the final break. Casey finished full of running and had all the play in the final term but their poor conversion in front of goal was to prove costly again. This time the Scorpions went inside fifty metres 23 times in the last quarter for just 3.7 proving once again and it’s simply impossible to win games of football if you can't kick straight. Mark Jamar was in good form in the ruck and around the ground and gave small men Matthews (21 kicks, 6 handballs) and Valenti (14 kicks, 9 handballs) plenty of the ball but not enough to set up sufficient major scores. Matthews is a little beauty and reminds me of a Jack Russell chasing a rabbit. Alex Silvagni (12 kicks, 1 handball, 9 marks) was solid again down back and James Wall (13 kicks, 8 handball, 6 marks) was solid for the whole four quarters. Together they continued to lead the way for the Scorpions as they have been doing for much of the season to date. Lynden Dunn was strong at the clearances and Daniel Bell was hard at the ball in the middle. The Scorpions may well live to rue the loss of two games in consecutive weeks brought about by poor kicking in front of the sticks. They need to apply more scoreboard pressure if they are to start winning and keep their finals hopes alive. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rohan Bail – did a few nice things: broke the lines from half back on a few occasions and his disposal was very good. (8 kicks, 4 handballs, 2 marks) Daniel Bell – showed out with strength and hardness at the contested ball. Had a lot of the football and tackled well but also committed a few clangers. (11 kicks, 12 handballs, 3 marks) Kyle Cheney - great in defence and even kicked a goal in the last in a very good game. (8 kicks, 13 handballs, 5 marks) Lynden Dunn – worked hard and got a lot of the football around the ground. One of his team’s best on the day. (15 kicks, 9 handballs, 3 marks) Daniel Hughes – a dangerous forward who drifted in and out of the game. Finished with two goals. (8 kicks, 8 handballs, 6 marks) Mark Jamar – rucked well, took some really good grabs but again his kicking in front of goal let him down. Ready to make a return to the AFL. (13 kicks, 12 handballs, 12 marks) Neville Jetta – chased and tried hard all day kicked a nice goal in the second but wasn’t a standout and had a quiet game by his standards. (6 kicks, 4 handballs, 2 marks) Tom McNamara – quietly went his way. Worked hard and played a steady game. (8 kicks, 9 handballs, 7 marks) Michael Newton – frustrating. He kicked one goal and five behinds and could have won this game off his own boot if he was on target. He missed a gettable shot from within fifty metres with the wind at his back. (11 kicks, 4 handballs, 6 marks) Shane Valenti – worked hard and was his in and under self. (14 kicks, 9 handballs, 2 marks) Jack Watts – a real emerging talent and a pleasure to watch. It was a highlight of the game for me to witness his freakish skills. On a number of occasions, he was cornered and managed to get out. In a game where Casey’s foot skills were lamentable Watts stood out like a beacon and one 55 metre pass to Newton was sublime. He was clearly the most superior player on the ground in terms of his disposal and ability to place the ball to a team mate’s advantage. (15 kicks, 8 handballs, 7 marks) Casey Scorpions 2.3.15 6.11.47 8.13.61 11.20.86 North Ballarat 7.4.46 11.4.70 15.10.100 15.12.102 Goals Casey Scorpions Bell Hughes 2 Cheney Jamar Jetta McGough Matthews Newton Wall North Ballarat Smith 3 Driscoll Jones Richardson 2 Cartledge Clifton Goodes Sewell White Wundke Best Casey Scorpions Jamar Bell Wall Silvagni Valenti Dunn North Ballarat Smith Moloney Garlett Stephenson Clifton Jones The Casey Reserves opened the day with a flourish to take a comfortable 26 point lead at the first break and held onto it till half time. They then dominated the second half and eventually ran out 50 point winners. Ben Waite continued his run of good form providing a good target up forward and booting three goals. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rhys Healey – started well early but I didn’t see much of him after half time. May have been injured. (3 kicks, 6 handballs, 2 marks) Liam Jurrah - threw a scare into the sparse early crowd when carried off with a leg injury but came back to kick a couple of nice goals. Took some nice contested marks and generally looked the goods. (7 kicks, 6 handballs, 6 marks) Jake Spencer - the best ruckman on the ground, Spencer was excellent in the rucking contests but his kicking leaves a bit to be desired. (7 kicks, 11 handballs, 5 marks) James Strauss – a class above this standard as his statistics indicate. Excellent across half back, reads the play so well and set up a lot of plays with his accurate delivery of the football. (16 kicks, 20 handballs, 9 marks) Paul Wheatley - an excellent return after a long period out with injury. Although used sparingly, he was prolific ball winner who backed up his play with good disposal. (13 kicks, 9 handballs, 5 marks) Trent Zomer – in and out of the game and kicked a goal when he went forward. (10 kicks, 2 handballs, 5 marks) Casey Scorpions 5.4.34 7.6.48 10.11.71 15.14.104 North Ballarat 1.2.8 3.4.22 3.10.28 7.12.54 Goals Casey Scorpions Waite 3 Creed Jurrah Oldmeadow Scanlon 2 Blaser McLeod Sykes Zomer North Ballarat McMahon Radley 2 Bell Linke Raworth Best Casey Scorpions Creed Lees Scanlon Blaser Spencer Waite North Ballarat McMahon Beardsell Peters Hall Limb Niblett