Demonland

Buck changing his tune this week (sort of) ...

That's the age old problem with Text based conversations. I will note it in the show tonight.

Melbourne went within four points of eating Crow on the MCG on Sunday. That was the margin that saw them breathing sighs of relief as they got across the line to beat Adelaide. In doing so, they put four more important points inside the winning column for their season. The banking of those four premiership points was vital, as it now leaves the Demons two games + percentage clear of fifth place on the ladder. This gives the coaching staff the opportunity to “manage” players over the coming weeks, because it is unlikely that they will finish higher than fourth. Although not yet set in stone, the chances are they will finish in no different position to where they are today — facing the first round of the finals against Collingwood at the MCG. Like last week, this was a game of huge momentum swings. Up by five goals in the third quarter, up by four midway through the last only to see scores levelled with 15 minutes to play. Then opening up another two goal plus lead, and finally getting over the line by four points. Make no mistake, Adelaide are a good, yet erratic side. They have recorded wins against Port and Brisbane this year, and lost to Collingwood twice by a point and then by two points at the MCG less than a month ago so Melbourne’s narrow win was still an exceptional one. Fortunately, the Crows struggled to kick straight from set shots, something with which Melbourne supporters would be truly familiar. The half time score line of 3 goals 9 behinds which turned into 6.13 at the ¾ time bell kept them out of the game and they only found their kicking boots in the final quarter putting 7 majors through from nine shots at goal. There were mixed performances from the Melbourne players, with Jack Viney, once again leading the positive column. Thirteen contested possessions, with nothing in the stats sheets for the number of times he simply willed himself to contests to deny the Crows free range. Christian Petracca also threw his hat into the ring with 26 touches of which 14 were contested. Unlike last week he couldn’t find his straight kicking boots, and he failed to bother the goal umpire. However, it was Kade Chandler who made a welcome return to the forward line. He created space again and again to sail the ball truly over the goal umpires hat three times. It was also pleasing to see Kysaiah Pickett return to his devastating self both when he was in the middle and also the forward line. Even the captain got in on the act and kicked two long bombs to record majors. The Demons new “super sub” Joel Smith came on in the final quarter and scored at an absolutely critical time with his first foray into the action. He would have had a second major, but was denied by a touched call from the umpire. However, he then centred the ball from tight in the pocket next time to ensure a mark to Taj Woewodin who scored what was probably the match winner. Smith might find himself in a more long lasting role up forward next week. In the absence of Clayton Oliver, the Sparrow, Angus Brayshaw, Viney, Petracca, James Jordon and Pickett filled the gap in the middle matching it with Adelaide in the centre, but outplaying them around the ground 24:19. And while the forwards had plenty of marks to their name i50, the fact that they could only record a single tackle in the same area, should be a cause for concern, especially since rebound 50’s are the major source of scoring for top four sides in 2023. For the Melbourne fans beating Adelaide is a far more enjoyable situation than falling to them, because eating Crow with a defeat, would have been just too unbearable to stomach at this time of the year. Down Rundle Mall way, they regard Pie floaters as a delicacy so we will just have to leave the Crow eating to them … MELBOURNE 2.2.14 6.4.40 11.7.73 14.13.97
 ADELAIDE 1.4.10 3.9.27 6.13.49 13.15.93 GOALS MELBOURNE Chandler 3 Gawn Melksham Pickett 2 Neal-Bullen Smith van Rooyen Viney Woewodin 
 ADELAIDE Walker 4 Rankine 3 Fogarty Keays Murphy BEST MELBOURNE Pickett Viney Brayshaw Gawn Chandler Petracca
 ADELAIDE Rankine Walker Hinge Dawson Milera Crouch LATE CHANGES MELBOURNE Nil ADELAIDE Ned McHenry and Patrick Parnell (illness) replaced in selected side by Luke Nankervis and Lachlan Murphy INJURIES MELBOURNE Nil ADELAIDE Murray (knee) Rankine (hamstring) REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil ADELAIDE Nil SUBSTITUTIONS MELBOURNE Joel Smith (replaced Ben Brown in fourth quarter)
 ADELAIDE Jackson Hately (replaced Jordon Butts in third quarter) UMPIRES Leigh Haussen Curtis Deboy Mathew Nicholls Craig Fleer CROWD 33,122 at the MCG

The Tigers made the running for most of the night but the Demons worse them down particularly with thanks for their accuracy in front of goal. Youngster Jacob van Rooyen announced himself with three final quarter goals. MELBOURNE 2.2.14 6.2.38 10.5.65 15.6.96 RICHMOND 5.2.32 8.4.52 10.7.67 11.12.78 
 
 THE TEAMS 
 
 MELBOURNE B H. Petty S. May T. Rivers HB K. Chandler J. Lever E. Langdon C A. Brayshaw C. Oliver L. Hunter HF J. McVee B. Grundy A. Neal-Bullen F K. Pickett J. van Rooyen B. Fritsch FOLL M. Gawn J. Viney C. Petracca I/C J. Bowey M. Hibberd J. Jordon T. Sparrow SUB B. Laurie EMG L. Dunstan J. Schache D. Turner IN M. Gawn M. Hibberd B. Laurie J. Lever OUT J. Melksham (omitted) T. McDonald (omitted) C. Spargo (concussion) A. Tomlinson (omitted) RICHMOND B N. Balta D. Grimes T. Young HB L. Baker N. Vlastuin D. Rioli C K. McIntosh T. Taranto M. Pickett HF M. Rioli D. Martin R. Mansell F B. Miller N. Cumberland J. Riewoldt FOLL S. Ryan S. Bolton J. Hopper I/C J. Clarke T. Cotchin D. Prestia J. Short T. Sonsie SUB H. Ralphsmith EMG J. Bauer J. Ross T. Sonsie IN J. Short OUT T. Sonsie (omitted)

You could not possibly me talking about me?

Revenge for 2021

The Demons will be back at the MCG for the third week in a row when they take on the Richmond Tigers on Sunday afternoon in a match where they can further consolidate their spot in the Top 4. Who comes in and who goes out?

Need a little bit of schadenfreude after that so @Lucifers Hero what are they saying at Westlakes?

The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 24th July @ 8:30pm. Join Binman, George & I as we analyse the Demons victory/loss at the MCG over/against the Crows. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat LIVE: https://demonland.com/podcast Call: 03 9016 3666 Skype: Demonland31

The Demons have consolidated their position in the Top 4 creating a 2 game and percentage buffer with 5th place by beating the Adelaide Crows by 4 points at the MCG.

Christian Petracca is the runaway leader of the Demonland Player of the Year and has a comfortable lead over the injured Clayton Oliver whilst Jack Viney is slowly making headway in 3rd place. Your votes for the win/loss over/to the Crows. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Hopefully not the only good news today.

Terrible news for the kid. 😢

The Demons have a fantastic opportunity to create a very handy two game buffer for themselves and consolidate their position inside of the Top 4 with a win over the Adelaide Crows today at the MCG.

The Casey team that ventured deep into the northern suburbs to Piranha Park on Saturday to take on lowly Coburg who have yet to record a VFL win in 2023, was different to the one we normally see but the result was still as expected. The Demons were never troubled in compiling their comprehensive 42 point victory over the hapless Lions. Casey fielded a dozen Melbourne-listed players but there were a number of points of difference to the norm. This team included three giant ruckmen in All-Australian Brodie Grundy and rookies Will Verrall and Kyah Ferris-White while the team’s regular ruckman Jack Bell remains out injured. A number of other regulars were also out for one reason or another as the Demons shuffle some of their players between their two teams. If anything, the team might have been a little top heavy but irrespective, Casey was on top from the get go and won every quarter. They held the Burgers goalless in the opening term but for all their dominance, they managed only three goals from nine scoring opportunities in blustery conditions. The accuracy improved in the second term to see them out to a lead of 35 points at half time and they coasted through the remainder of the game which never reached great heights as a spectacle. Grundy’s well-documented move to the VFL to work on his forward craft could hardly be termed an unqualified success in his first official hitout but he had his moments finishing with one goal three behinds, 12 disposals, four marks, four tackles and 12 hit outs, mostly while stationed on the forward line. His goal came just before half time when he plucked the ball out of a ruck duel and he could easily have scored more given that he missed a few gettable shots at goal. Grundy’s presence up forward was also important for Casey’s attacking set up. The forwards all pitched in with Matt Jefferson, Josh Schache, Charlie Spargo chipping in with two goals each. Jefferson is developing nicely at this level although he’s probably twelve months away from an AFL berth. His marking is strong and he presents well in front of goal at ground level. Andy Moniz-Wakefield was lively and always looked dangerous. The standout player on the ground was Luke Dunstan who amassed more than forty disposals in a game for the second time this year. Along with James Harmes who was also prolific collecting 33 possessions, they controlled the midfield winning the clearances at stoppages and also gaining plenty of touches in general play. The Demons had the benefit of an outstanding defensive display from Michael Hibberd who is returning from injury. He amassed 30 touches and took nine marks in a role as the general of the Casey backline in a performance that should see his early return to AFL ranks. Hibberd worked well with young rookie Deakyn Smith who benefited from playing with someone of his experience and he played with great composure in a 21 disposal display, probably his best at the club. Jimmy Munro was as always, a tough customer and Casey listed youngsters Tyler Edwards, George Grey and Roan Steele were solid contributors. Grundy wasn’t the only All-Australian on the ground. Exciting draft hopeful, Gippsland Power’s Zane Duursma, gained that recognition coming out of the recent national under 18 carnival after a brilliance performance for Vic Country against Vic Metro last week and he showed why in a fine cameo performance in his second game for Casey. He is expected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming AFL draft. (Matt Jefferson also gained All-Australian honours at last year’s carnival). The Demons have three more games to play before the finals and sit in fifth place. Unfortunately, the situation near the top of the VFL competition is so tight that a win in each of them might not guarantee a berth in the all-important top four for the finals. Next week they take on fellow finals contenders Williamstown at Casey Fields. CASEY DEMONS 3.6.24 8.9.57 11.13.79 13.17.95 COBURG 0.2.2 3.4.22 6.7.43 7.11.53 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson Schache Spargo 2 Dunstan Edwards Grey Grundy Moniz-Wakefield Munro Sestan COBURG Clarke 2 Mason Podhajski Simpson Sturgess Weightman BEST CASEY DEMONS Dunstan Harmes Hibberd Moniz-Wakefield Edwards D Smith COBURG Jepson Mason Nelson Podhajski Clarke Gentile Statistics Jed Adams 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 24 dream team points Luke Dunstan 1 goal 1 behind 17 kicks 24 handballs 41 disposals 8 marks 5 tackles 141 dream team points Zane Duursma 1 behind 6 kicks 4 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 42 dream team points Tyler Edwards 1 goal 17 kicks 4 handballs 21 disposals 8 marks 1 tackle 94 dream team points Kyah Farris-White 3 handballs 3 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 6 hit outs 19 dream team points Tom Freeman 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 40 dream team points George Grey 1 goal 5 kicks 6 handballs 11 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 46 dream team points Brodie Grundy 1 goal 3 behinds 7 kicks 5 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 12 hit outs 72 dream team points James Harmes 14 kicks 19 handballs 33 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 105 dream team points Michael Hibberd 20 kicks 10 handballs 30 disposals 9 marks 1 tackles 103 dream team points Matt Jefferson 2 goals 3 behinds 8 kicks 1 handball 9 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 61 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 10 handballs 20 disposals 7 marks 6 tackles 99 dream team points Ned Moodie 7 kicks 3 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 43 dream team points James Munro 1 goal 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 84 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 5 kicks 2 handballs 7 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 35 dream team points Josh Schache 2 goals 2 behinds 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 8 marks 3 tackles 2 hit outs 81 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 35 dream team points Deaykin Smith 13 kicks 8 handballs 21 disposals 6 marks 3 tackles 86 dream team points Charlie Spargo 2 goals 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 78 dream team points Roan Steele 11 kicks 6 handballs 17 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 68 dream team points Ryan Valentine 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 2 marks 16 dream team points Will Verrall 6 kicks 6 handballs 12 disposals 2 tackles 13 hit outs 50 dream team points Mitch White 9 kicks 8 handballs 17 disposals 1 marks 5 tackles 67 dream team points

DAY OF THE GIANTS by KC from Casey The Casey team that ventured deep into the northern suburbs to Piranha Park on Saturday to take on lowly Coburg who have yet to record a VFL win in 2023, was different to the one we normally see but the result was still as expected. The Demons were never troubled in compiling their comprehensive 42 point victory over the hapless Lions. Casey fielded a dozen Melbourne-listed players but there were a number of points of difference to the norm. This team included three giant ruckmen in All-Australian Brodie Grundy and rookies Will Verrall and Kyah Ferris-White while the team’s regular ruckman Jack Bell remains out injured. A number of other regulars were also out for one reason or another as the Demons shuffle some of their players between their two teams. If anything, the team might have been a little top heavy but irrespective, Casey was on top from the get go and won every quarter. They held the Burgers goalless in the opening term but for all their dominance, they managed only three goals from nine scoring opportunities in blustery conditions. The accuracy improved in the second term to see them out to a lead of 35 points at half time and they coasted through the remainder of the game which never reached great heights as a spectacle. Grundy’s well-documented move to the VFL to work on his forward craft could hardly be termed an unqualified success in his first official hitout but he had his moments finishing with one goal three behinds, 12 disposals, four marks, four tackles and 12 hit outs, mostly while stationed on the forward line. His goal came just before half time when he plucked the ball out of a ruck duel and he could easily have scored more given that he missed a few gettable shots at goal. Grundy’s presence up forward was also important for Casey’s attacking set up. The forwards all pitched in with Matt Jefferson, Josh Schache, Charlie Spargo chipping in with two goals each. Jefferson is developing nicely at this level although he’s probably twelve months away from an AFL berth. His marking is strong and he presents well in front of goal at ground level. Andy Moniz-Wakefield was lively and always looked dangerous. The standout player on the ground was Luke Dunstan who amassed more than forty disposals in a game for the second time this year. Along with James Harmes who was also prolific collecting 33 possessions, they controlled the midfield winning the clearances at stoppages and also gaining plenty of touches in general play. The Demons had the benefit of an outstanding defensive display from Michael Hibberd who is returning from injury. He amassed 30 touches and took nine marks in a role as the general of the Casey backline in a performance that should see his early return to AFL ranks. Hibberd worked well with young rookie Deakyn Smith who benefited from playing with someone of his experience and he played with great composure in a 21 disposal display, probably his best at the club. Jimmy Munro was as always, a tough customer and Casey listed youngsters Tyler Edwards, George Grey and Roan Steele were solid contributors. Grundy wasn’t the only All-Australian on the ground. Exciting draft hopeful, Gippsland Power’s Zane Duursma, gained that recognition coming out of the recent national under 18 carnival after a brilliance performance for Vic Country against Vic Metro last week and he showed why in a fine cameo performance in his second game for Casey. He is expected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming AFL draft. (Matt Jefferson also gained All-Australian honours at last year’s carnival). The Demons have three more games to play before the finals and sit in fifth place. Unfortunately, the situation near the top of the VFL competition is so tight that a win in each of them might not guarantee a berth in the all-important top four for the finals. Next week they take on fellow finals contenders Williamstown at Casey Fields. CASEY DEMONS 3.6.24 8.9.57 11.13.79 13.17.95 COBURG 0.2.2 3.4.22 6.7.43 7.11.53 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson Schache Spargo 2 Dunstan Edwards Grey Grundy Moniz-Wakefield Munro Sestan COBURG Clarke 2 Mason Podhajski Simpson Sturgess Weightman BEST CASEY DEMONS Dunstan Harmes Hibberd Moniz-Wakefield Edwards D Smith COBURG Jepson Mason Nelson Podhajski Clarke Gentile Statistics Jed Adams 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 24 dream team points Luke Dunstan 1 goal 1 behind 17 kicks 24 handballs 41 disposals 8 marks 5 tackles 141 dream team points Zane Duursma 1 behind 6 kicks 4 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 42 dream team points Tyler Edwards 1 goal 17 kicks 4 handballs 21 disposals 8 marks 1 tackle 94 dream team points Kyah Farris-White 3 handballs 3 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 6 hit outs 19 dream team points Tom Freeman 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 40 dream team points George Grey 1 goal 5 kicks 6 handballs 11 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 46 dream team points Brodie Grundy 1 goal 3 behinds 7 kicks 5 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 12 hit outs 72 dream team points James Harmes 14 kicks 19 handballs 33 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 105 dream team points Michael Hibberd 20 kicks 10 handballs 30 disposals 9 marks 1 tackles 103 dream team points Matt Jefferson 2 goals 3 behinds 8 kicks 1 handball 9 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 61 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 10 handballs 20 disposals 7 marks 6 tackles 99 dream team points Ned Moodie 7 kicks 3 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 1 tackles 43 dream team points James Munro 1 goal 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 84 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 5 kicks 2 handballs 7 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 35 dream team points Josh Schache 2 goals 2 behinds 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 8 marks 3 tackles 2 hit outs 81 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 35 dream team points Deaykin Smith 13 kicks 8 handballs 21 disposals 6 marks 3 tackles 86 dream team points Charlie Spargo 2 goals 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 78 dream team points Roan Steele 11 kicks 6 handballs 17 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 68 dream team points Ryan Valentine 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 2 marks 16 dream team points Will Verrall 6 kicks 6 handballs 12 disposals 2 tackles 13 hit outs 50 dream team points Mitch White 9 kicks 8 handballs 17 disposals 1 marks 5 tackles 67 dream team points

C’mon Bloods