Demonland

It was a strange day for the Demons across the country, it took Casey 60 inside 50s to produce a 96 point win while Melbourne scored five goals in Alice Springs going into the arc 73 times. In the absence of a Casey correspondent for Sunday’s game due to KC’s unavailability, here’s coverage from Around the state leagues on the AFL site. “James Jordon continued to push his claim for a regular starting spot in the senior side with a strong performance in Casey's thumping 96-point win over Greater Western Sydney on Sunday. Jordon finished with a game-high 41 disposals, seven marks, five tackles, seven clearances and kicked a goal. Young spearhead Jacob van Rooyen responded to his omission from the top side in emphatic fashion, kicking an equal game-high four goals to go with his eight marks. Son-of-a-gun Taj Woewodin was a strong contributor with three goals and six marks to go with his 26 disposals, while midfielder Luke Dunstan collected 31 touches and had four clearances. First-year forward Matthew Jefferson had a day out with four goals and five marks, while Andy Moniz-Wakefield (three goals) and Mitch White and Josh Schache (two goals apiece) were also busy up forward. Bailey Laurie (25 disposals, three clearances), Blake Howes (24, six marks) and Daniel Turner (22, six) were solid.” CASEY DEMONS 3.7.25 8.9.57 12.12.84 20.14.134 UWS GIANTS 1.3.9 2.6.18 3.12.30 4.14.38 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson van Rooyen 4 Moniz-Wakefield Woewodin 3 Schache White 2 Jordon Munro UWS GIANTS Flynn Gruzewski Rowston Stone BEST CASEY DEMONS Jordon Munro Woewodin Dunstan van Rooyen Howes UWS GIANTS Flynn Peatling Fleeton O’Connor Davis Anderson Statistics Jed Adams 4 kicks 1 handballs 5 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 32 dream team points Riley Baldi 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 48 dream team points Jack Bell 7 kicks 8 handballs 15 disposals 4 tackles 18 hit outs 68 dream team points Luke Dunstan 1 behind 17 kicks 14 handballs 31 disposals 6 marks 1 tackles 102 dream team points Tyler Edwards 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 49 dream team points Tom Freeman 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 29 dream team points George Grey 2 kicks 1 handballs 3 disposals 1 marks 11 dream team points Blake Howes 1 behind 17 kicks 7 handballs 24 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 91 dream team points Matt Jefferson 4 goals 8 kicks 8 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 59 dream team points James Jordon 1 goal 2 behinds 26 kicks 15 handballs 41 disposals 7 marks 5 tackles 157 dream team points Bailey Laurie 2 behinds 12 kicks 13 handballs 25 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 79 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 3 goals 9 kicks 4 handballs 13 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 77 dream team points Ned Moodie 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 2 marks 27 dream team points James Munro 1 goal 1 behind 11 kicks 14 handballs 25 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 110 dream team points Josh Schache 2 goals 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 1 hit out 70 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 behind 7 kicks 7 handballs 14 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 50 dream team points Deaykin Smith 14 kicks 6 handballs 20 disposals 6 marks 1 tackles 71 dream team points Roan Steele 9 kicks 6 handballs 15 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 46 dream team points Daniel Turner 18 kicks 4 handballs 22 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 85 dream team points Jacob van Rooyen 4 goals 1 behinds 10 kicks 6 handballs 16 disposals 8 marks 2 tackles 100 dream team points Will Verrall 1 kicks 4 handballs 5 disposals 3 tackles 7 hit outs 30 dream team points Mitch White 2 goals 1 behinds 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 69 dream team points Taj Woewodin 3 goals 11 kicks 16 handballs 27 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 103 dream team points

1000% Fritta is swapped for Melk. We don’t take risks.

Just our luck they’ll open it during the week only for some mechanism to break and it has to remain open during our game and it rains all day.

Votes Player (Club) 9 Jack Viney (MELB) 9 Josh Kelly (GWS) 6 Nick Haynes (GWS) 2 Lachie Hunter (MELB) 2 Christian Petracca (MELB) 1 Tom Green (GWS) 1 Jake Bowey (MELB) Leaderboard Votes Player Club 82 Nick Daicos COLL 76 Zak Butters PORT 69 Christian Petracca MELB 63 Lachie Neale BL 62 Tim Taranto RICH 58 Jordan Dawson ADEL 57 Jack Sinclair STK 56 Zach Merrett ESS 55 Marcus Bontempelli WB 53 Connor Rozee PORT 53 Caleb Serong FRE 52 Noah Anderson GCFC 52 Toby Greene GWS 47 Jordan De Goey COLL 45 Matt Rowell GCFC 44 Dan Houston PORT 43 Chad Warner SYD 42 Darcy Moore COLL 40 Clayton Oliver MELB 39 Adam Cerra CARL

Tracc building up a nice lead 170. Christian Petracca 127. Clayton Oliver 103. Jack Viney 53. Max Gawn 50. Trent Rivers 49. Angus Brayshaw 47. Jake Lever Steven May 40. Brodie Grundy 39. Lachie Hunter 35. Christian Salem 27. Jake Bowey 19. Bayley Fritsch Kysaiah Pickett 18. Ed Langdon 16. Tom Sparrow 15. Judd McVee 11. Kade Chandler 9. Ben Brown 8. Charlie Spargo 6. Jacob van Rooyen 5. Tom McDonald Alex Neal-Bullen 4. Michael Hibberd 3. James Jordon Adam Tomlinson 1. Harry Petty

I have no loading theories except to say that any loading issues are only a small piece of the puzzle. Our main problem is that we are not skillful enough and waste a lot of opportunities. We are in desperate need of a genuine forward coach that understands leading patterns and can sort the mess that is our forward line.

Remember when the Demons could kick 14 goals from 23 shots at goal? MELBOURNE 4.2.26 9.3.57 10.5.65 14.9.93 ST KILDA 0.3.3 3.4.22 5.7.37 8.7.55 THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: J.Bowey 17 S.May 1 J.Lever 8 HB: T.Rivers 24 H.Petty 35 J. Hunt 29 C: A.Brayshaw 10 C.Petracca 5 E.Langdon 15 HF: B.Fritsch 31 T.McDonald 25 J.Viney 7 F: C.Spargo 9 B.Brown 50 J.Jordon 23 Foll: M.Gawn 11 C.Oliver 13 J.Harmes 4 I/C: L.Jackson 6 A.Neal-Bullen 30 K.Pickett 36 T.Sparrow 32 Sub: T.Bedford 12 Emerg: L.Dunstan 27 B.Laurie 16 S.Weideman 26 In: L.Jackson A.Neal-Bullen H.Petty K.Pickett T.Sparrow Out: K.Chandler (omitted) L.Dunstan (omitted) J.Melksham (omitted) J.Smith (ankle) S.Weideman (omitted) ST KILDA B: J.Webster 29 C.Wilkie 44 D.Howard 20 HB: D.McKenzie 36 J.Battle 26 J.Sinclair 35 C: N.Wanganeen-Milera 7 B.Crouch 5 B.Hill 8 HF: M.Wood 32 T.Membrey 28 D.Butler 16 F: R.Marshall, M. King 12 J. Gresham 4 Foll: P.Ryder 18 S.Ross 6 J.Steele 9 I/C: J.Higgins 22 Z.Jones 3 B.Long 21 B.Paton 33 Sub: M.Windhager 17 Emerg: R.Byrnes 13 T.Campbell 38 D.Joyce 39 In: Z.Jones R.Marshall Out: T.Campbell J.Lienert (omitted)

I'll be releasing an extremely short podcast explaining the technical reason for not doing the podcast as well as a brief MFCSS vent. Not all listeners are on Demonland so I thought an explanation was in order. I've asked my cohosts if they want to contribute a brief diatribe that I can tack on. If you want to vent and for it to be heard you can call 03 9016 3666 and leave a voicemail and I'll include that too.

Demon fans will remember well the classic call of “Bang, bang, bang” from the 2021 Premiership game. However, in a truly disappointing game against GWS in the Alice, it was more a case of “pop, fizz, pfft”. When the coach came out and said, “we failed to execute” it is was the same as a firing squad loading with blanks … they simply fail to execute. Melbourne’s firing squad is its forward line and once again they simply were unable to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition with a pathetic (even given the wet conditions) 5.15. There can be no question that the rest of the side are doing their bit. The backs keep repulsing attacks and provide the springboard for multiple forays forward. The mids win contested ball, and just about every other possible statistic including pumping 73 inside 50’s into the forward line but to produce only five goals for the game is a telling indictment. In particular, the lack of forward craft stood out. The intent of modern game tactics is to bring the ball to ground for the smalls to crumb, but the only crumbing goals came from Jack Bowey and Brodie Grundy. There was plenty of running around, ball watching and generally not getting involved by the small forwards, but kicking goals seems not to be in their KPI’s. It was even further compounded by momentum killers in James Harmes and Alex Neale-Bullen who, often at critical times, are unable to perform basic football skills. Their actions simply deflate the rest of the side, and negate the fine efforts of those downfield. Once again, Melbourne failed to adapt to wet weather conditions. What is it now? Five out of six losses in wet or slippery conditions. Perhaps it is too hard to expect players to “get in front, kick long, kick off the ground, or just plain kick it”. Wet weather skills are required, but in this game, the only people who seemed to be doing it for the Demons were the defenders. And the loss of Bayley Fritsch early was critical, since he is perhaps our only reliable goal-kicker. Replacing him with Jake Melksham proved pointless, as he reverted to his usual tactic of seeking cheap kicks out the back, leaving his opponents to play in front (wet weather football). Why he was selected as sub was questionable, since he can only play one position these days. Meanwhile James Jordon gets shunted back to the VFL where he amasses 41 disposals! Another shot to the foot by the selectors. Last week the coach said “we need more out of Grundy and Gawn in the forward line”. Another week and another fail in this area. Yes, it was wet, but four marks around the ground between them , and the solitary goal from Grundy when crumbing the ball in a ruck contest is not why they are being positioned in the forward line. There is something wrong physically with both … Grundy only 62% game time, and Max managing three marks total in the past two games. Perhaps they need a rest on the bench instead of clogging up the forward half, and demonstrating they can’t keep up with defenders streaming downfield. Once again not a shot fired from these two. Finally, thank heavens (obviously not the same type that produces rain and nine degrees for top temperature in Alice Springs) for Jack Viney. Forty-one disposals including 24 contested possessions kept the side in the game, and was probably best on ground for the third week in a row. He has truly stood up in the absence of Clayton Oliver, but it is a pity his resolve hasn’t spread to others in the side. This game demonstrated the fallacy of statistics alone. They are the numerical outcome of what has already happened, but they are not the indicator of success. Only when there is success do the numbers reflect that, not the other way around. The Demons dominated every possible number, yet lost the game. How does that work? The statistics show we were firing in every possible way. A: We kept firing blanks. With a now critical game against the Saints, the real positive for the side must be that it will be played under a roof i.e no wet weather football required. Or can the side, and the selectors manage to shoot ourselves in the foot? MELBOURNE 1.5.11 2.9.21 4.12.36 5.15.45 GWS GIANTS 1.0.6 3.3.21 6.4.40 7.5.47 GOALS MELBOURNE Bowey Grundy Langdon Melksham Pickett GWS GIANTS Greene 2 Brown Cumming Kelly O’Halloran BEST MELBOURNE Viney Hunter Petracca May Bowey Pickett GWS GIANTS Coniglio Green Kelly Greene Briggs Himmelberg INJURIES MELBOURNE Bayley Fritsch (foot) GWS GIANTS Nil REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil GWS GIANTS Nil SUBSTITUTIONS MELBOURNE Jake Melksham (replaced at Bayley Fritsch in the first quarter) GWS GIANTS Ryan Angwin (replaced Daniel Lloyd in the fourth quarter) UMPIRES Matt Stevic Nathan Toner Andrew Heffernan Martin Rodger CROWD 3,413 at TIO Traeger Park

NO CORRESPONDENT It was a strange day for the Demons across the country, it took Casey 60 inside 50s to produce a 96 point win while Melbourne scored five goals in Alice Springs going into the arc 73 times. In the absence of a Casey correspondent for Sunday’s game due to KC’s unavailability, here’s coverage from Around the state leagues on the AFL site. “James Jordon continued to push his claim for a regular starting spot in the senior side with a strong performance in Casey's thumping 96-point win over Greater Western Sydney on Sunday. Jordon finished with a game-high 41 disposals, seven marks, five tackles, seven clearances and kicked a goal. Young spearhead Jacob van Rooyen responded to his omission from the top side in emphatic fashion, kicking an equal game-high four goals to go with his eight marks. Son-of-a-gun Taj Woewodin was a strong contributor with three goals and six marks to go with his 26 disposals, while midfielder Luke Dunstan collected 31 touches and had four clearances. First-year forward Matthew Jefferson had a day out with four goals and five marks, while Andy Moniz-Wakefield (three goals) and Mitch White and Josh Schache (two goals apiece) were also busy up forward. Bailey Laurie (25 disposals, three clearances), Blake Howes (24, six marks) and Daniel Turner (22, six) were solid.” CASEY DEMONS 3.7.25 8.9.57 12.12.84 20.14.134 UWS GIANTS 1.3.9 2.6.18 3.12.30 4.14.38 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson van Rooyen 4 Moniz-Wakefield Woewodin 3 Schache White 2 Jordon Munro UWS GIANTS Flynn Gruzewski Rowston Stone BEST CASEY DEMONS Jordon Munro Woewodin Dunstan van Rooyen Howes UWS GIANTS Flynn Peatling Fleeton O’Connor Davis Anderson Statistics Jed Adams 4 kicks 1 handballs 5 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 32 dream team points Riley Baldi 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 48 dream team points Jack Bell 7 kicks 8 handballs 15 disposals 4 tackles 18 hit outs 68 dream team points Luke Dunstan 1 behind 17 kicks 14 handballs 31 disposals 6 marks 1 tackles 102 dream team points Tyler Edwards 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 49 dream team points Tom Freeman 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 29 dream team points George Grey 2 kicks 1 handballs 3 disposals 1 marks 11 dream team points Blake Howes 1 behind 17 kicks 7 handballs 24 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 91 dream team points Matt Jefferson 4 goals 8 kicks 8 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 59 dream team points James Jordon 1 goal 2 behinds 26 kicks 15 handballs 41 disposals 7 marks 5 tackles 157 dream team points Bailey Laurie 2 behinds 12 kicks 13 handballs 25 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 79 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 3 goals 9 kicks 4 handballs 13 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 77 dream team points Ned Moodie 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 2 marks 27 dream team points James Munro 1 goal 1 behind 11 kicks 14 handballs 25 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 110 dream team points Josh Schache 2 goals 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 1 hit out 70 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 behind 7 kicks 7 handballs 14 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 50 dream team points Deaykin Smith 14 kicks 6 handballs 20 disposals 6 marks 1 tackles 71 dream team points Roan Steele 9 kicks 6 handballs 15 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 46 dream team points Daniel Turner 18 kicks 4 handballs 22 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 85 dream team points Jacob van Rooyen 4 goals 1 behinds 10 kicks 6 handballs 16 disposals 8 marks 2 tackles 100 dream team points Will Verrall 1 kicks 4 handballs 5 disposals 3 tackles 7 hit outs 30 dream team points Mitch White 2 goals 1 behinds 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 69 dream team points Taj Woewodin 3 goals 11 kicks 16 handballs 27 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 103 dream team points

The Allies beat Vic Metro and look the goods to take off the championship for the first time. The AFL must be chuffed at the number of promising prospects coming from the northern states and Tassie at the moment. Suns' Academy trio shine as Allies hammer Vic Metro Incredible Allies maul Metro ALLIES 7.1.43 9.4.58 13.6.84 15.9 (99)
 VIC METRO 1.0.6 4.1.25 5.5.35 8.7 (55) GOALS: Allies: J. Walter 3, A. Schoenmaker 2, T. Gander 2, R. Sanders 2, H. Ollington, J. Rogers, J. Callinan, C. McCormack, B. McDonald, C. McKercher
 Vic Metro: W. Elliott 2, T. Gross, N. Caddy, K. Brown, J. Croft, N. Watson, B. LaPlanche BEST: Allies: J. Walter, R. Sanders, C. McKercher, J.Rogers, E. Read, C. Cleary
 Vic Metro: L. Ashcroft, K. Brown, A. Roberts, W. Elliott, W. Lorenz

Unfortunately there will not be a Podcast dissecting the Demons vs Giants game. I’m currently overseas and the internet where I am is more inaccurate than the Demons. I was barely able to watch the last half of the game and I can only use Demonland when switching over to Data Roaming and half the time it is 3G or Edge speeds. Apologies to our listeners but we will be back next week.

The Demons return to Marvel Stadium for the first time this season to face the Saints in what will be another 8 point game for a spot in the Top 4. Who comes in and who goes out for the clash against St. Kilda.

The Dees blew another chance to consolidate their position in the Top 4 through inaccuracy by hand and foot and in front of the big sticks going down to the GWS Giants by 2 points in Alice Springs.

During Clayton Oliver's 5 game absence Christian Petracca has consolidated his lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award but Jack Viney is quickly closing the gap from third. Who deserves the votes today? You tell us please 6,5,4,3,2,1 …

It’s amazing to watch a team that is accurate by hand and foot and can kick straight.

Dees don’t have necks.