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Round four kicks off early Saturday afternoon at Casey Fields, as the mighty Narrm host the winless Richmond Tigers in the second week of Indigenous Round celebrations. With ideal footy conditions forecast—20 degrees, overcast skies, and a gentle breeze — expect a fast-paced contest. Narrm enters with momentum and a dangerous forward line, while Richmond is still searching for its first win. With key injuries on both sides and pride on the line, this clash promises plenty. The Match-up Narrm has won its three matches to sit second on the ladder and the next four weeks (Tigers, Power, Eagles, Suns) are all winnable games. Whereas the Tigers have lost their three games, they have been competitive in parts but lacking in confidence. The trusted goal shooters Brennan, Greiser and Yassir have a total of six goals only for the season. In contrast Narrm’s equivalents Hore, Zanker and Bannan have registered 13 goals and demon aerialist Tayla Harris kicked four rippers against the Saints in round 2. Ryan Ferguson is winless in three attempts against Narrm, but the losing margins have narrowed (28, 16, 13) — a trend he’ll hope to flip on Saturday. Mon Conti is Richmond’s genuine playmaker, a top 3 star of the competition. Shelley Heath will likely be assigned a run-with role hopefully nullifying Mon and recording a high tackle count. Last time tall left-footed midfielder Ellie McKenzie proved a tough competitor and the ruck battle of Loz Pearce and Georgia Campbell v Poppy Kelly and Montana McKinnon should be very interesting. With several key players sidelined, Coach Mick Stinear faces pressure to maintain momentum after last week’s gritty win over the Pies. There are only a few fit listed players available to draw on this week, so expect a top-up name on the team sheet when it’s announced (probably as emergency). Narrm starts firm favourites ($1.11). Let’s hope it’s four from four for both teams 😉. Selection this week Frustratingly, the oversized rehab group isn’t losing weight with a third of the list unavailable. Liv Purcell has undergone surgery this week after rupturing an ACL (her other knee) and begins the year long grind of rehab. Stay strong Liv. Former Coates Talent League Girls star (38 goals, 14 games played) and 2023 Draft Pick 5, Alyssia Pisano, has so far struggled to insert herself in AFLW and with just three touches last week has been omitted. Fingers are crossed for an injury-free training week and a midfield boost via a fully recovered and healthy Shelley Heath. Meggs’ musings Kate Sheehan, Head of Women’s Football at Richmond since 2017, was bitterly disappointed that the Tigers lost gun midfielder Eilish Sheerin to the Premiers North Melbourne in 2024. The loss is hurting. Richmond made the finals last year but have lost their opening three games against Swans, Bulldogs and Bombers. Narrm’s key injuries are to backs and mids; the forward group is healthy and extremely dangerous. Tayla Harris is flying. Eden Zanker is racking up marks and possessions both forward and mid while Kate Hore’s knack for goals, setting up her teammates and on field leadership is first class. Faith is building that defensive majestrix Maeve Chaplin, supported by the return of Gaby Colvin, and the spirited young tyros Molly O’Hehir (3 games), Laela Ebert (3), Jemma Rigoni (1), Ry Wotherspoon (11) and Saraid Taylor (6), will get the job done. And if Hanksy, Heater, Fitzsimon, Hore et al can win enough contested ball expect Narrm to score and score well at the Field of Dreams. Go Dees! Tip: Narrm by 24 points THE GAME Round 4: Narrm v Richmond 🗓 Saturday 6 September 2025 🕐 12:35pm (AEST) 📍 Casey Fields, Melbourne – Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung HEAD TO HEAD HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Narrm 3 wins | Richmond 0 wins At Casey Fields: Narrm 2 wins | Richmond 0 wins Coaches: Stinear 3 wins | Ferguson 0 wins MEDIA COVERAGE 📺 7, 7Plus, Foxtel, Kayo 📱 AFL Live Official App THE LAST TIME THEY MET 📅 Season 9, Round 8 – 19 October 2024 📍 Casey Fields Melbourne 8.3 (51) defeated Richmond 5.8 (38) GOALS Melbourne: Bannan 4, Gall 2, Zanker, Hanks Richmond: Greiser 3, Sheerin, McKenzie BEST Melbourne: Bannan, Hore, Hanks, Heath, Purcell Richmond: Sheerin, Conti, McKenzie, Greiser, Kelly Crowd: 2,026 at Casey Fields The Demons Season 9 revival continued defeating the Tigers by 13 points to make it four wins on the trot keeping their slim finals hopes alive. While everyone was celebrating Banno’s 4 majors, it’s worth noting former Tiger Saraid Taylor made a fine debut in the red and blue. Mick Stinear commented that once Melbourne started sticking tackles and getting the ball outside to our runners we got on top. Purcell, replete with face mask and Heathy who laid 14 tackles reducing the elite output of keeping the superstar Mon Conti, were our best along with Hanks, Hore and Bannan. Caitlin Greiser kicked 3 late Richmond goals which helped window dress their final losing margin. THIS WEEK’S TEAMS MELBOURNE FB [28] Saraid Taylor [32] Gabrielle Colvin HB [11] Molly O'Hehir [19] Laela Ebert [13] Maeve Chaplin C [22] Eliza McNamara [5] Tyla Hanks [4] Paxy Paxman HF [24] Megan Fitzsimon [6] Alyssa Bannan [7] Tayla Harris FF [29] Eden Zanker [9] Georgia Gall FOL [15] Lauren Pearce [30] Shelley Heath [10] Kate Hore I/C [1] Georgia Campbell [12] Ryleigh Wotherspoon [20] Maggie Mahony [33] Lily Johnson [43] Jemma Rigoni EMG [3] Alyssia Pisano [14] Amelia Dethridge [35] Mekah Morrissey* IN Gabrielle Colvin OUT Alyssia Pisano (omitted) *Top-up player RICHMOND FB [16] Laura McClelland [15] Rebecca Miller HB [6] Jodie Hicks [28] Gabby Seymour [20] Beth Lynch C [35] Maddie Shevlin [11] Isabel Bacon [30] Ally Dallaway HF [25] Sierra Grieves [5] Paige Scott [7] Sarah Hosking FF [10] Montana McKinnon [9] Caitlin Greiser FOL [14] Poppy Kelly [4] Monique Conti [22] Ellie McKenzie I/C [17] Katelyn Cox [18] Libby Graham [24] Charli Wicksteed [33] Mackenzie Ford [12] Lauren Brazzale EMG [38] Lulu Beatty [2] Emelia Yassir [1] Grace Egan IN Rebecca Miller, Sarah Hosking, Montana McKinnon, Lauren Brazzale OUT Kate Dempsey (managed), Katie Brennan (injured), Montana Beruldsen, Emelia Yassir (omitted) Injury List: Round 4 Melbourne Gab Colvin — knee / 1 week Denby Taylor foot — / 3 weeks Tahlia Gillard — knee / 4 - 6 weeks Sarah Lampard — calf / 4 - 8 weeks Grace Beasley — knee / 7 - 9 weeks Sinéad Goldrick — shoulder / TBC Blaithin Mackin — knee / 9 - 11 weeks Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive Aimee Mackin — knee / Inactive Olivia Purcell — knee / Inactive Richmond Katie Brennan — knee / Test Sarah Hosking — hamstring / Test Montana McKinnon — knee / Test Rebecca Miller — general soreness / Test Tessa Lavey — hamstring / 4 - 6 weeks Charley Ryan — knee / Season Zoe Hargreaves — knee / Season

Part 1: Looking Ahead Recruiting decisions made in recent years by Melbourne's list management team have left the club with plenty of work to do in the upcoming trade, free agency, and draft period. That might not be such a bad thing because the decisions in question have left the club in a good position going forward with the drafting of several high-calibre youngsters, including Caleb Windsor, Koltyn Tholstrup, Harvey Langford, and Xavier Lindsay, all of whom have demonstrated potential to become long-term players for the club. On the debit side is the fact that the cost incurred to secure such exceptional talents, combined with some uninspiring trades, further exacerbated by the decline in the team’s poor on-field performance and its declining external profile, has resulted in a significant depletion of draft picks and player trade stock, essential components in a successful trading and drafting process. The list managers were aware last year of the high end Next Generation Talent that was likely to be available to a number of clubs in the first round of the draft and that this would clog up the system and make things tough for some clubs involved who already had little draft currency. One projected draft day scenario suggests that up to ten NGAs might be picked in the first round of the opening night of the draft. That's problematic for Melbourne has as its first selection, a pick that comes early in the second round and might end up somewhere in the thirties! For the Demons, they have NGA talent Toby Sinnema, a wingman from Dandenong Stingrays and father son nomination, high leaping Kalani White a near-200cm utility who boasts great flexibility and who could play ruck or in a key position, on the horizon. While neither are expected to be taken in the opening round of the draft, the club’s recruiters will have to keep in mind their cost in draft points should a nomination come for them at some stage. There are two other factors that fans are keeping an eye on as we enter the business end of the AFL season and approach the trade and free agency period when no doubt there will be plenty of jostling for players and trade picks. The Demons have yet to appoint their new coach and, whoever that might be, his views would have to be considered on major list management decisions. The other factor is the continuing participation of the Casey Demons in the VFL finals series. Some players know their fate but others are fighting to retain list spots. It’s still very much up in the air for quite a few of them. In the meantime, we do know that veterans Tom McDonald and Jake Melksham have had their contracts renewed for a further year and the only guaranteed new face for 2026 is 194cm college basketballer Oscar Berry who has committed to joining the club as a Category B rookie. He has yet to be formally added to the list so the situation remains as follows:- PRIMARY LIST: — Jed Adams Jack Billings Jake Bowey Tom Campbell Kade Chandler Tom Fullarton Bayley Fritsch Max Gawn Blake Howes Matthew Jefferson Aidan Johnson Ed Langdon Harvey Langford Bailey Laurie Jake Lever Xavier Lindsay Tom McDonald Judd McVee Steven May Jake Melksham Clayton Oliver Christian Petracca Harrison Petty Kysaiah Kropinyeri Pickett Trent Rivers Christian Salem Harry Sharp Charlie Spargo Tom Sparrow Koltyn Tholstrup Daniel Turner Jacob van Rooyen Jack Viney Caleb Windsor Taj Woewodin ROOKIE LIST: CATEGORY A Kynan Brown Jai Culley Jack Henderson Marty Hore Luker Kentfield Oliver Sestan Will Verrell ROOKIE LIST: CATEGORY B Ricky Mentha Jnr INACTIVE LIST: Shane McAdam (Primary) Andy Moniz-Wakefield (Category A Rookie) Part 2: The First Delistings I thought it might be worthwhile adding to the picture, given the events of the past week that followed Casey's elimination final defeat, which saw it bow out of the VFL finals race. With the season having now concluded for the entire Melbourne Football Club list of players, it was time to initiate the process of change, the first steps of which were handled with a degree of clumsiness in my view. On Tuesday, in the early afternoon of the day of the club’s best and fairest gala event, the initial delistings were announced. The five players who were informed that they would not be offered new contracts for 2026 were Tom Fullarton, Kynan Brown, Oliver Sestan, Will Verrall and Marty Hore. It seems that all five had were informed during their exit meetings prior to the VFL final, in which all but the injured Hore participated. With the exception of Brown, the others performed below expectations in that game. The announcement on that day was certainly conducive to the enjoyment of what was their final celebration at the club but what made it worse was that later that night, at the best and fairest count, when the club’s General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson came up on stage to announce the departures, the graphic on screen included another delisted player, Jack Billings, who was farewelled along with the others. Apparently, it was a mutual decision by both the club and the player to part ways, but it seemed a strange way of doing things. The club faithful at the club’s night of nights were certainly left in a state of confusion. On the following day, premiership Demon Charlie Spargo told the club that he was leaving Melbourne to join North Melbourne, the club where his father Paul played 81 games, as an unrestricted free agent. This left Judd McVee and Taj Woewodin, both Western Australians, as the club’s only uncontracted players. We extend our sincerest gratitude and best wishes to departing players for their future endeavors, acknowledging their dedicated service to the club. Further changes are forthcoming, but our list configuration going forward is looking a little like this as the AFL finals series progresses toward its culmination:- PRIMARY LIST: — Jed Adams Jake Bowey Tom Campbell Kade Chandler Bayley Fritsch Max Gawn Blake Howes Matthew Jefferson Aidan Johnson Ed Langdon Harvey Langford Bailey Laurie Jake Lever Xavier Lindsay Tom McDonald Shane McAdam Judd McVee Steven May Jake Melksham Clayton Oliver Christian Petracca Harrison Petty Kysaiah Kropinyeri Pickett Trent Rivers Christian Salem Harry Sharp Tom Sparrow Koltyn Tholstrup Daniel Turner Jacob van Rooyen Jack Viney Caleb Windsor Taj Woewodin ROOKIE LIST: CATEGORY A Jai Culley Jack Henderson Luker Kentfield Andy Moniz-Wakefield ROOKIE LIST: CATEGORY B Oscar Berry Ricky Mentha Jnr

Clayton Oliver has revealed he wants to remain at Melbourne next season, insisting he would like to repay the club and his teammates including skipper Max Gawn for helping him “sort my shit out”. The Demons won’t make any firm decisions on the future of several of its high-profile contracted players with trade currency until a new coach is appointed before grand final day. But while Oliver is uncertain about what that might mean for him heading into next month’s trade period, he indicated his preference was to stick with Melbourne, where he still has five years remaining on a deal worth more than $1.2m per season. And he paid tribute to sacked coach Simon Goodwin, stressing that he owes his AFL career to his former mentor, as he vowed to do everything he can to return to his peak performance after a personally challenging past three seasons. “I would love to stay at Melbourne, but whatever happens happens,” Oliver told this masthead at the Moonee Valley Racing Club’s Spring Launch. “I’m in a good place now. “I’m loyal … I love the club, they’ve done everything for me. “I love my teammates and I love the fans who’ve always been good to me. I want to stay, so fingers crossed.” Oliver, 28, is one of Melbourne’s most decorated players, winning four best and fairests in his first seven seasons before personal and off-field issues saw his form decline in recent years. He has been part of trade speculation across the past two off-seasons – with Adelaide expressing interest in him at the end of 2023 and he met with Geelong players after the Cats made a strong pitch to him before last year’s trade period when the Demons actively looked to off-load him for a time before changing their mind. It is uncertain yet as to whether Melbourne would seek to trade Oliver, which would be difficult given his lucrative paycheck until the end of 2030, or retain him. But Oliver stressed he could not thank the club enough for helping him get through the tough times, and even though he was shattered by Goodwin’s sacking last month, he made it clear he wants to buy into the road ahead for the Demons. “Goody was great,” Oliver said. “He did everything for me.” “I owe my whole career to him … (I) won four best and fairests, two coaches (association) awards and we won a premiership (2021). “I stuffed up a few times in my career, but he always had my back and the whole club has always looked after me. I owe so much to Goody and Gawy, and Melbourne.” Asked about the potential of Nathan Buckley taking over as the club’s new coach, Oliver said: “I don’t really care who gets the job …” “The culture of the Dees has copped a bit of a hiding (in the media), but we’re not that bad. “We weren’t too far away. We’ll get back there again.” Oliver struggled for fitness and form in 2023 and 2024 and was again modest by his own lofty standards this year. But he started to show a glimpse of better form again across the last six weeks, where he had four 100-plus ranking point games in that time. “I think I was slowly getting back there, not last year (2024, when he struggled), but this year was a bit better,” he said. “I’ll be back.”

Apparently it wasn't only against the Demons that season. Seemed they had an in-joke going on at the time. Immature yes. Should that preclude him from being a senior coach now 15 year later. Not at all.

SEN newsbreaker Tom Morris thinks that the vacant Melbourne coaching job is Nathan Buckley’s if he wants it. The former Collingwood coach has long been considered a frontrunner for the role after Simon Goodwin’s sacking, and Buckley himself has confirmed he’s going through the process as the Demons narrow down their shortlist of candidates. While it’s believed that all of Brendon Lade, Hayden Skipworth, Steven King and James Kelly are also speaking to the Demons, Morris says the hot seat already has Buckley’s name on it if he tells the club he wants the job. “I keep saying the same thing, if Buckley wants it, it's his,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast. “What has been underestimated, though, people have been saying, ‘Well, what are these other assistant coaches doing?’. “I think it actually bodes well for Brendon Lade, who I know Alan Richardson really rates, if he comes second in this race. “Yes, I am saying it (with a degree of certainty). If Buckley wants it, it’s his and I haven’t wavered from that view.” While Morris is strong in his belief, Melbourne great Garry Lyon’s understanding is quite different after speaking to key people at the club. Lyon believes that the race is still wide open to the half dozen candidates and that a decision hasn’t already been made. “He said definitively that the decision has been made,” Lyon said. “My understanding is that is not the case, and the messaging coming out of Melbourne is that is 100 per cent not the case. “Now, Tom might be proven to be right in time, I don't know, but my understanding right now this second, is that is not the case. A decision hasn't been made. “The process is to unfold, and they've shortlisted, I understand it to be somewhere in the vicinity of half a dozen applicants, and the process starts now. “I will tell you this, Nathan Buckley doesn't think that's the case… he said last night that he's 100 per cent in for the process.” Lyon is also concerned for the other candidates if Morris’ report is to be believed. With the club putting together a panel of key club figures Brad Green, Steve Smith, Paul Guerra and Alan Richardson as well as Jobe Watson, Frank Ponissi and Meahan Callaghan to pick the next coach, Lyon is certain that Melbourne haven’t made an early call with so many voices set to offer their input. “You know how much time I've got for Tom…. but if people believe that, or people around the people who are in for these jobs start to believe that, then they get questions on the back of it… ‘Why would I be putting my hand up if this decision's already been made?’,” Lyon said. “The Melbourne Football Club are definitive in saying that that is not the case. “I've got messages in the last 10 minutes that's saying that is categorically untrue. So, make of that what you will.” The Demons hope to make their appointment ahead of the 2025 AFL Grand Final on September 27.

Rookie me Central - Top 30 power rankings (going in reverse)

Expectations of a comfortable win for Narrm at Victoria Park quickly evaporated as the match turned into a tense nail-biter. After a confident start by the Demons, the Pies piled on pressure and forced red and blue supporters to hold their collective breath until after the final siren. In a frenetic, physical contest, it was Captain Kate’s clutch last quarter goal and a missed shot from Collingwood’s Grace Campbell after the siren which sealed a thrilling 4-point win. Finally, Narrm supporters could breathe easy. Pre-match, the Indigenous dance group Djirri Djirridelivered an enchanting cultural performance, followed by a warm Welcome to Country from Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr. The @deearmy banner—"3 Premiership Demons, 75 Supreme Games, Hanks, Pearce, Zanker"—was a beauty. The Pies’ torn banner? Not quite as grand. The match Bannan got things moving early with a strong mark and goal. But the Dees midfield took a blow when Shelley Heath was subbed out at quarter time with an elevated heart rate. Thankfully, her condition later normalised. Collingwood’s midfield was outstanding. Bonnici (27 disposals), Rowe (26), Runnalls (24), and Remmos (24, 1 goal) gained ascendency in the middle quarters and helped the Pies take the lead. Then came some Hore heroics. Out of heavy traffic, Kate snapped a brilliant post-high goal to reclaim the lead. Moments later, she dished off to Gall in the square for another. Two goals in two minutes. All class. Despite six scoring shots to one in the final quarter, Collingwood couldn’t convert. One goal was all it took, and that was Kate Hore again. Narrm takes 4 points for the win but drops over 200 points in percentage to be second on the ladder. Match moment Debutant Jemma Rigoni was presented her #43 guernsey by her father Guy, who played 107 games for the Red and Blue. Jemma impressed with 11 possessions, 6 contested, 1 mark, and 3 tackles. Guy would’ve been proud. Meggs’ musings At last, a win against the Pies by less than a kick? You bewdy ! Congratulations to our 75-game milestoners Hanksy, Loz and Edo. You are champions. Slippery conditions meant a lack of clean ball and dropped marks. Of course, it didn’t stop Tayla Harris from flying and clunking a few rippers. It was great to see all the injured players out at the ground supporting their teammates while Max and Judd were spotted amongst the throng. Our forwards struggled to retain the ball in the front half, putting pressure on a backline missing Gillard, Lampard, Goldrick, and Mackin. Maeve Chaplin has magnificently stepped up as the defensive captain with deputy Taylor, in leading a young brigade of O’Hehir, Ebert, and Wotherspoon with energy and grit. Tyla Hanks was immense again —25 disposals, 9 tackles, 334 metres gained. Paxy Paxman (21 disposals), Eliza McNamara (25 disposals, 7 tackles), and Shelley Heath (before her exit) were other strong contributors. Kate Hore added 21 disposals, 4 clearances, and 2 goals. Coaches and Next Week Mick Stinear admitted Collingwood outplayed and outworked Naarm for much of the match. He highlighted some costly lapses in discipline. Happy to take the four points but lots of learnings this week. Sam Webster praised his team’s contested footy and ball movement — the best he’s seen from the Pies. Next week: Richmond at Casey Fields, Saturday 12:35pm. Meggs’ reckons if we can manage to take our chances over the next four weeks against the Tiges, Freo, Eagles and Suns it will set up our season. C’mon Dees! NARRM 2.2.14 2.4.16 4.7.31 5.7.37 COLLINGWOOD 1.0.6 2.3.15 4.3.27 4.9.33 GOALS NARRM Hore 2 Bannan Zanker Gall COLLINGWOOD Hyde Campbell Remmos Cann BEST NARRM Harris Paxman Hanks Chaplin Hore McNamara COLLINGWOOD Barnett Rowe Bonnici Remmos White Runnalls INJURIES NARRM Heath (elevated heart rate) COLLINGWOOD Nil LATE CHANGES NARRM Nil COLLINGWOOD Muireann Atkinson (illness) replaced in selected side by Georgia Clark CROWD 2,794 at Victoria Park

20 DEMON DAYS TO GET IT RIGHT IT IS a huge 20 days for the future of Melbourne. The Demons want to name their new coach by preliminary final weekend – which will run over September 19 and 20 – and the next three weeks will be spent going through their coaching process. AFL.com.au revealed on Saturday more names who had taken themselves out of the Demons' coaching process after having discussions with Melbourne, including Ken Hinkley, Corey Enright and Cameron Bruce, with Danny Daly also withdrawing interest. Nathan Buckley remains the No.1 seed ahead of the group of assistants and the Demons haven't been shy about wanting experienced options as part of the mix. Western Bulldogs assistant Brendon Lade, Geelong pair Steven King and James Kelly and Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth are part of the group being identified by the Demons as key candidates, with some assistants to weigh up how hard they pursue the role. Ahead of the next round of interviews this week, contenders must also be shaping their views on what to do with Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver ahead of the trade period. As well as game plan ideas, culture themes, assistants they have in mind and their long-term vision, the futures of two key players must be part of discussions. Melbourne has gone hard at the top end of the draft in recent years, regenerating its list on the move, and has a growing squad of under-24 talent there ready to coach and get moving. It is the right time to explore a Petracca trade. The Dees' only ever Norm Smith medallist will forever hold a significant place in Melbourne history but this off-season of change represents a good time for the 29-year-old to find a freshness with a new club a year after his failed trade bid. A new coach, new chief executive and new president also marks a time for the Demons to look ahead if a deal is conducive to them for Petracca, who has four years remaining on his contract.

The Casey Demons issued a strong statement to the remaining teams in the VFL race with a thumping 76-point victory in their Elimination Final against Williamstown. This was the sixth consecutive win for the Demons, who stormed into the finals from a long way back with scalps including two of the teams still in flag contention. Senior Coach Taylor Whitford would have been delighted with the manner in which his team opened its finals campaign with high impact after securing the lead early in the game when Jai Culley delivered a precise pass to a lead from Noah Yze, who scored his first of seven straight goals for the day. Yze kicked his second on the quarter time siren, by which time the Demons were already in control. The youngster repeated the dose in the second term as the Seagulls were reduced to mere spectators as they trailed by 44 points at half time. The procession continued with the son of Demon great and current Richmond coach Adem, lifting his goal tally to seven, an economical return from twelve possessions. It was a fine performance given the blustery conditions at Casey Fields. Yze was complemented by effective partners in the goal kicking spree. Key forwards Aidan Johnson and Luker Kentfield each contributed two goals, while Casey-listed Paddy Cross demonstrated his improvement with four opportunistic goals that would have likely impressed the talent scouts in attendance. The two men instrumental in securing the victory and ensuring a consistent supply to the forwards were ruckman Tom Campbell, who excelled in the ruck with 29 hitouts, 22 disposals, and 12 clearances, and midfielder Bailey Laurie, who delivered an outstanding performance in the engine room with 27 disposals, seven marks, four tackles, and a goal. They received great support from teammates Koltyn Tholstrup, Jack Billings Jai Culley and a couple more father-son products in Taj Woewodin. Mitch Hardie was strong in the clinches and Riley Bonner had some impressive moments. Tholstrup has faced criticism in the past for his inconsistency, but he is demonstrating rapid improvement at this level, and with a strong finish at Casey, a full preseason, and potential inclusion in Melbourne's midfield mix next year, he promises significant further development. The defence remained resolute throughout, with some promising signs for transition into the future, as Melbourne assesses its ageing backline. Blake Howes (25 possessions, 12 marks), Jed Adams (17 possessions, nine marks, one goal), and Oliver Sestan (20 disposals) all played a huge part in the victory. Sestan is an excellent long kick and his return after several weeks off with injury was a bonus. Tom Fullarton was strong all day. One sour note was Charlie Spargo's injury, which occurred when he dislocated his shoulder in the third quarter and ended up in hospital; until then, he had been motoring along nicely and given North Melbourne’s interest in the Demon premiership player, it might be the last time the fans will have to see him in the red and blue colours. The team has an interesting assignment in next week’s semi final against neighbouring Frankston by the bay. The local rivals did not meet during the home and away season but the Dolphins have always been tough opponents irrespective of ladder position. Details of the game are expected to be released early in the week CASEY DEMONS 6.2.38 11.5.71 15.6.96 20.12.132 WILLIAMSTOWN 2.3.15 4.3.27 7.4.46 8.8.56 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Yze 7 Cross 4 Johnson Kentfield 2 Adams Billings Brown Laurie Woewodin WILLIAMSTOWN Mc McLaughlin 3 Hollow 2 Colenso Collier-Dawkins Gollant BEST CASEY DEMONS Yze Adams Laurie Cross Howes Campbell WILLIAMSTOWN Greiser Fitzgerald Downie Toner Parks Hall-Kahan

A fresh report is suggesting Nathan Buckley is making key moves behind the scenes as Melbourne prepares to unveil its next senior coach by the end of September. The Demons are on the lookout for Simon Goodwin’s successor, with the former Collingwood coach largely tipped as the frontrunner to take over. And now Channel 7 reporter Xander McGuire says Buckley has gone as far as “sounding out” potential names who could form part of his backroom staff. “My understanding is (Nathan Buckley) has already started sounding out potential people that might form his footy department if he were to get the gig,” he said on Wide World of Sports. “Take that for what it is.”

Exactly. He can have two or three at the Dees and I wouldn't care.

THUMPING by KC from Casey Demons The Casey Demons issued a strong statement to the remaining teams in the VFL race with a thumping 76-point victory in their Elimination Final against Williamstown. This was the sixth consecutive win for the Demons, who stormed into the finals from a long way back with scalps including two of the teams still in flag contention. Senior Coach Taylor Whitford would have been delighted with the manner in which his team opened its finals campaign with high impact after securing the lead early in the game when Jai Culley delivered a precise pass to a lead from Noah Yze, who scored his first of seven straight goals for the day. Yze kicked his second on the quarter time siren, by which time the Demons were already in control. The youngster repeated the dose in the second term as the Seagulls were reduced to mere spectators as they trailed by 44 points at half time. The procession continued with the son of Demon great and current Richmond coach Adem, lifting his goal tally to seven, an economical return from twelve possessions. It was a fine performance given the blustery conditions at Casey Fields. Yze was complemented by effective partners in the goal kicking spree. Key forwards Aidan Johnson and Luker Kentfield each contributed two goals, while Casey-listed Paddy Cross demonstrated his improvement with four opportunistic goals that would have likely impressed the talent scouts in attendance. The two men instrumental in securing the victory and ensuring a consistent supply to the forwards were ruckman Tom Campbell, who excelled in the ruck with 29 hitouts, 22 disposals, and 12 clearances, and midfielder Bailey Laurie, who delivered an outstanding performance in the engine room with 27 disposals, seven marks, four tackles, and a goal. They received great support from teammates Koltyn Tholstrup, Jack Billings Jai Culley and a couple more father-son products in Taj Woewodin. Mitch Hardie was strong in the clinches and Riley Bonner had some impressive moments. Tholstrup has faced criticism in the past for his inconsistency, but he is demonstrating rapid improvement at this level, and with a strong finish at Casey, a full preseason, and potential inclusion in Melbourne's midfield mix next year, he promises significant further development. The defence remained resolute throughout, with some promising signs for transition into the future, as Melbourne assesses its ageing backline. Blake Howes (25 possessions, 12 marks), Jed Adams (17 possessions, nine marks, one goal), and Oliver Sestan (20 disposals) all played a huge part in the victory. Sestan is an excellent long kick and his return after several weeks off with injury was a bonus. Tom Fullarton was strong all day. One sour note was Charlie Spargo's injury, which occurred when he dislocated his shoulder in the third quarter and ended up in hospital; until then, he had been motoring along nicely and given North Melbourne’s interest in the Demon premiership player, it might be the last time the fans will have to see him in the red and blue colours. The team has an interesting assignment in next week’s semi final against neighbouring Frankston by the bay. The local rivals did not meet during the home and away season but the Dolphins have always been tough opponents irrespective of ladder position. Details of the game are expected to be released early in the week CASEY DEMONS 6.2.38 11.5.71 15.6.96 20.12.132 WILLIAMSTOWN 2.3.15 4.3.27 7.4.46 8.8.56 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Yze 7 Cross 4 Johnson Kentfield 2 Adams Billings Brown Laurie Woewodin WILLIAMSTOWN Mc McLaughlin 3 Hollow 2 Colenso Collier-Dawkins Gollant BEST CASEY DEMONS Yze Adams Laurie Cross Howes Campbell WILLIAMSTOWN Greiser Fitzgerald Downie Toner Parks Hall-Kahan