Demonland

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

Melbourne is on the brink of ending its decades-long search for a permanent home base. Negotiations between the Demons and key parties including the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust have advanced significantly in recent weeks. A new option being pushed by the race club would see Melbourne’s $100 million high-performance and administration facility built on land opposite the Caulfield train station where an existing tunnel beneath the track would be used for access to two full-sized training ovals. Further progress is expected at a meeting involving Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos next week. Talks have gathered pace after Melbourne relented on a series of demands surrounding public access to the ovals, payment of rent and control of subleasing. Melbourne insists it will be able to fully fund the project through a combination of government grants, cash and members’ donations. Artists' impression of the Melbourne Football Club plans for new headquarters at Caulfield racecourse. The Demons’ long-running failure to secure a home base was not lost on outgoing senior coach Simon Goodwin when he half-jokingly declared at his farewell press conference that he would not miss the daily commute out to Casey. Former Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert was hired by the Melbourne board in 2018 largely on the promise of delivering a “state-of-the-art” training and administrative headquarters. The club’s first ambitious bid to secure a site in Yarra Park near the MCG was embarrassingly shot down by the state government just hours after the club had publicly declared it a live option. Other concepts were floated and abandoned above an AAMI Park car park and beneath the Bolte Bridge before the Dees changed tack to focus on Caulfield. Artists' impression of the Melbourne Football Club plans for new headquarters at Caulfield racecourse. The initial blueprint involved the construction of Melbourne’s headquarters in the southwestern wedge of the racecourse precinct before it was ditched earlier this year in favour of a new patch in the southeastern corner, near Neerim Road. The latest option would see the Dees set up shop on the existing “Guineas car park” off Normanby Road as part of a wider development that will allow fans to hop straight off a train to watch their team practice. Pert was pushed out last October but was retained as a “consultant” to help steer the Caulfield project, however insiders say he hasn’t been sighted in months. “Pert has gone fishing and it might just be the only place where he lands a catch,” an insider said.

Dees Caulfield home base moves a step closer https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-plans-to-establish-home-at-caulfield-racecourse-progress-key-meeting-set-for-this-week/news-story/289ce5e10a03bc0bfb03b14806efb27f?giftid=isjgq3Cd7j

Indigenous Round Narrm time isn’t a standard concept—it’s the time within the traditional lands of Narrm, the Woiwurrung name for Melbourne. Indigenous Round runs for rounds 3 and 4 and is a powerful platform to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in sport, community, and Australian culture. It This week, suburban footy returns to the infamous Victoria Park as the mighty Narrm take on the Collingwood Magpies at 1:05pm Narrm time, Sunday 31 August. Come along if you can. The Match-up The Pies posted an admirable win last week against the Giants at home, but Coach Sam Wright will find the Dees a much tougher proposition this Sunday. I'm expecting Collingwood to look to nullify our scoring strengths. Good luck with that, Sam! The Magpies are missing several key leaders through injury—captain Ruby Schleicher, Bri Davey, Jordyn Allen, and boom recruit Mattea Breed. They’ll rely on promising youngsters to step up, including No. 1 draft pick Ash Centra, who impressed last week with some crunching tackles. She’s shaping as a future star. Despite having some big names out, Naarm Coach Mick Stinear still has a deep list to draw from, and the talent chasm should see Narrm win—and win well. Selection this week Narrm is missing four or five first-choice players—nearly a quarter of the team. We’re in top-up territory, with ex-Pie Sophie Casey and ex-Geelong VFLW player Mekah Morrissy joining the squad. Liv Purcell, in career-best form, is heartbreakingly out for the season with an ACL (her other knee). She joins Tahlia Gillard (MCL), Sarah Lampard (calf), Blaithin Mackin (knee), and Sinead Goldrick (shoulder) in the rehab group. Ryleigh Wotherspoon has been named in defence, while Lily Johnson, Alyssia Pisano, potential debutants Amelia Dethridge and Jemma Rigoni, and the top-up players round out the extended bench. Milestone Treble (75 games) With the women’s season having roughly half the games of the men’s, 75 games is equivalent to 150—a significant milestone. This week, premier ruck star Loz Pearce (an inaugural), championship full forward Eden Zanker, and Melbourne’s top-rated gun midfielder Tyla Hanks all run out in the red and blue for their 75th game. Congratulations, superstars! Meggs’ musings Tayla Harris, with 10 coaches’ votes last week, is primed for a big 2025. Paxy Paxman, the evergreen warrior, will be vital in Mackin’s absence. Expect Eliza McNamara and Megan Fitzsimon to support the three H’s—Hanks, Heath, Hore—in the middle. Hanksy is currently equal second in the coaches award. Wotherspoon and Dethridge have played on-ball in the VFLW and acquitted themselves well, giving Mick some flexibility on match day. We’re top of the table after Week 2, averaging 75 points for and just 15 against. Our defence may be weakened by Irish absences, but the young guns—O’Hehir and Ebert—have settled in nicely, and Chaplin leads with poise. With our three-pronged tall forward line—Harris, Gall, and Zanker—Narrm should be too strong and kick a winning score. Go Dees! Tip: Melbourne by 32 points THE GAME Round 3: Melbourne v Collingwood Sunday 31 August 2025 at 1:05pm (Narrm time) at Victoria Park – Wurundjeri Country HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 5 wins | Collingwood 2 wins At Victoria Park: Melbourne 1 win | Collingwood 1 win Coaches: Stinear 1 win | Wright 0 wins MEDIA COVERAGE 7, 7Plus, Foxtel, Kayo, AFL Live Official App THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 11.8 (74) defeated Collingwood 4.3 (27) Season 9, Round 11 – 2 November 2024 at Ikon Park Goals Narrm: Hore 3, Bannan 2, Zanker, Pisano, Hanks, Gall, Fitzsimon, Campbell Collingwood: Bonnici 2, Butler, Barnett Best Narrm: Hore, McNamara, Hanks, Purcell, Fitzsimon Collingwood: Bonnici, Schleicher, White, Brazzale Crowd: 1,854 at Ikon Park It was the final chapter of Narrm’s handicapped and doomed season. Carlton failed to beat Essendon, denying us a finals berth despite a late-season surge. Still, our women entertained with flair and smashed the Pies by nearly eight goals to finish ninth. Kate Hore, returning from injury, starred with three goals. Hanksy was her usual brilliant self, and Eliza McNamara capped off a stellar season with 30 disposals. Rhi Watt stunned TV audiences by announcing her retirement mid-match—on the boundary line! THIS WEEK’S TEAMS MELBOURNE FB [19] Laela Ebert [28] Saraid Taylor HB [12] Ryleigh Wotherspoon [11] Molly O'Hehir [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 [3] Alyssia Pisano [20] Maggie Mahony [33] Lily Johnson [43] Jemma Rigoni [14] Amelia Dethridge [36] Sophie Casey [33] Mekah Morrissey EMG IN Wotherspoon, Pisano, Rigoni, Dethridge, Casey*, Morrissy* OUT [31] Blaithin Mackin [2] Olivia Purcell [23] Sinead Goldrick (all injured) *Top-up players COLLINGWOOD FB [27] Lucille Cronin [23] Lauren Butler HB [29] Tarni White [10] Muireann Atkinson [21] Amber Schutte C [36] Airlie Runnalls [16] Ashley Centra [7] Sarah Rowe HF [35] Kalind Howarth [17] Nett Morris-Dalton [13] Grace Campbell FF [1] Sabrina Frederick [22] Lily-Rose Williamson FOL [4] Imogen Barnett [25] Mikala Cann [8] Brittany Bonnici I/C [12] Georgia Knight [2] Eliza James [22] Mikayla Hyde [19] Georgia Clark [30] Carly Remmos [26] Violet Patterson [5] Annie Lee [9] Alana Porter EMG IN Barr OUT Plane (omitted) Injury List: Round 3 Melbourne Gab Colvin — knee / 2 weeks Sarah Lampard — calf / 4 - 8 weeks Denby Taylor foot — / 4 weeks Tahlia Gillard — knee / 5 - 7 weeks Grace Beasley — knee / 8 - 10 weeks Blaithin Mackin — knee / 10 - 12 weeks Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive Olivia Purcell — knee / Inactive Collingwood Ruby Schleicher — concussion / Protocols Jordyn Allen — calf / 2 - 3 weeks Kellyann Hogan — shoulder / 4 - 6 weeks Charlotte Taylor —foot / 7 - 9 weeks Bri Davey— ankle / TBC Mattea Breed — knee / Season

Fan voted team

Prospective Team selected by afl.com.au reporters

Footy Classified saying Cameron Bruce isn’t interested in the Dees coaching job.

Just a guess but based on the graphic. Petracca to Carlton Walsh to Port Butters to Dees 🤪