watchtheeyes

Don't get me wrong, Watts was terrible, but he wasn't the reason for yesterday. If its skill areas we're trying to address then dropping him is not going to help. Having said that, kid gloves come off with him and I hope Roos and co rip in. His positioning on the field was odd as well. It looked like he was trying to play a lot more on the inside which I didn't understand, wondering if it was a directive.

You can see Terlich panic every time he gets the ball in his hands, its a shame because he can read it coming to him and positions so well but the impact of his failed decision making is devastating for the team. Pedersen was great at the start of the year because he was taking marks, no longer. If he's not taking marks and not being effective enough in the ruck, then why is he there? Want to persevere with Blease for another, not Tapscott though. Out: Terlich, Pedersen, Tapscott In: Strauss, Gawn, Michie Bail is on thin ice. Reilly is depth, no more.

Big fall. Hoping that now they've got him to play the kind of defensive game we need they're sending him back to get confidence taking the game on in attack - because that has definitely been missing this year.

I was leaning towards agreeing with you 'why you little', but now I'm thinking maybe he can add. Can you imagine as a young developing player looking up and seeing Ryan O'Keefe running around, giving bumtaps for a good tackle or hard running. Counts for a lot in my mind. A mate of mine at the Swans reckons he's in good knick, bit slow but driven. Sounds a bit like Crossy to me..

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-07-30/okeefe-open-to-offers Do we want him? At the age of 34, and having allegedly lost a yard of pace is it worth it and will he contribute?

Think Strauss needs a couple more quality games, but its definitely good to see him having an impact. Given we're missing someone who can run and create out of our defensive 50, if he continue to perform then he might just save himself in the nick of time - and give us some quality.

If Roos stayed on a Director of Footy, or player development consultant or something, then I'd be very comfortable. Hugely impressed with his conviction over Carlisle!

Bomber seemed to show some interest in what Lingy was doing on 360 last night, asked Roosy when he last spoke to him. Thinking aloud, what was Bombers relationship with Lingy like at the Cats? Good I would assume. There is speculation that Bomber isn't interested in coaching full time without an exit strategy. What if he came on next year as Director of Footy, Lingy came on as assistant. Roosy can then do his two/three years and exit as a consultant and Lingy steps up with Bomber as a mentor, or bomber can step in for a year or two and then lingy steps up. Seems to fit with that 'succession' strategy that Roos constantly touts...

I think it's a stretch to say that players are deliberately kicking to a less advantageous position simply because they want to punish JW. Could it also be that Watts is being inventive with his running yet players are continually kicking to the same position (eg. lack of creativity)? I don't know anything for certain however the language from Roos has been supportive from day dot so its worth asking what does he see that we don't... By all accounts JW is also very popular in the group. Disclaimer: I'm in the Watts defender camp. I find it frustrating and predictable that he be the scapegoat for all our woes. I think its an easy out and blinds us from a multitude of other reasons. I've already agreed that he appears to shirk the contest on occasion and it is unsettling to say the least. However I am of the belief that time will give him confidence to take this on and that he remains in spite of this one of our better players. His dislike of contact is not the reason we continually lose yet his skills and creativity are often one of the main reasons we win.

Michie (9 I50's for Casey) for Tappy - though I agree Tappy will probably get another shot JKH for Terlich (sub). Would be very interested in seeing what Clisby offers as well, maybe him instead of JKH.

http://www.scorpions.com.au/home/match-reports/35-season-2013/885-rd-14-morris-snaps-scorps-losing-streak.html Nearly everyone dreams about kicking the winning goal in a game of football. That dream became a reality for Scorpions youngster Ed Morris as he snapped truly to give Casey a winning 2 point lead in their round 14 Peter Jackson VFL clash with Bendigo Gold at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Saturday afternoon. It really was a case of “cometh the man cometh the hour” as Morris jagged his second major of the afternoon to give us the victory with just minutes left on the clock. Our boys had trailed the home side for most of the day but had always kept within striking distance. Up until the glorious moment, the diminutive Morris was already on his way to playing his best game for the Scorpions. Clearly relishing some added responsibility in the midfield the former Gippsland Power star had already amassed 23 touches to go with his two goals. He also laid an incredible 12 tackles. For the rover, the match winning goal was just the icing on the cake. Despite his final quarter heroics, the first year player said it was just nice to get the win: “Yeah it’s been a while coming so we’re just happy to get the four points.” The win breaks a string of 6 losses leading into the game. The last quarter went for a whopping 36 minutes and was very tense for all involved in the match. Evan Panozza was sensational in the dying minutes of the clash taking a really important grab on the last line of defence and forcing several stoppages. The skipper had started the game across half forward but as we all know he looks most comfortable in defence. Alex Georgiou was also at his miserly best. A neutral supporter would’ve felt for the Bendigo players who played their hearts out, but it was not to be and their supporters were left to rue what could’ve been. Throughout the match it was as if the Gold could sniff blood in the out of confidence Scorpions. Thankfully the lads from Cranbourne came through with the goods when it mattered. First year Melbourne rookie James Harmes stepped up his game to a new level with 32 possessions whilst Mitch Clisby and Viv Michie each had 29 disposals, the latter the most damaging with his long raking kicks including 9 inside 50’s. James Strauss (25 touches) continued his fine form across half-back, whilst livewire Jay Kennedy-Harris was busy with 24 possessions. Sam Blease (26 disposals) provided his customary run once again. His two goals proved vital in the Scorpions cause. Max Gawn was the dominant big man on the ground. Some of his 87 hit outs (yes 87) were worth as much as a kick. He also managed 25 disposals and a goal. Truth be told, the Scorpions were very scratchy for much of the game and were initially kept in it by Jack Fitzpatrick’s two first half goals. Dom Barry also bobbed up at the right moments kicking 3 goals in the contest, two of which were in the last term. Bryce Rutherford showed some promise whilst pint sized Nathan Page laid 10 tackles floating across half forward. Andrew Godfrey showed a clean pair of hands and heels at times coming out of defence. Dale Gawley saw a bit of it and will have learned a lot about the standard required at senior level. The Scorpions have another very winnable game next Saturday as we chase our first home victory of the season against Frankston at Casey Fields. Although happy to get the four points from the weekend just gone, it is fair to say that our boys will need to step it up a gear if we are to get over the Dolphins who are always a hard team to beat. Match Details TEAM ¼ time ½ time ¾ time Full Time Casey 4-3-27 5-8-38 8-13-61 12-14-86 Bendigo 3-5-23 6-6-42 10-9-69 12-12-84 Goals: D. Barry 3, E. Morris 2, J. Fitzpatrick 2, S. Blease 2, M. Gawn, J. Strauss, V. Michie Best: J. Harmes, V. Michie, E. Morris, M. Gawn, M. Clisby, J. Strauss

His role isn't to get in the middle and find his own ball. Roos post-match press conference is telling. He likes Watts, he and the coaching staff obviously know something about what he is trying to do that Demonlanders don't.

Disagree. It's a mindset thing, t and being bigger than everyone else has a habit of changing that. Besides, while he doesn't run in hard at the contest there are a thousand other players from a range of other clubs who are similar - effect a tackle, but don't dominate it (don't tell me Watts doesn't tackle at all, he clearly does). Most of those players don't hold a candle to the skills that Watts possesses.

Totally agree that Watts appears to hate the contest, but it would be a mistake to trade him. It will reach an inflection point one day when Watts suddenly realises that at least half of the people around him are younger and smaller, and all of a sudden he starts enjoying the contact more. It can be quite an eyeopener when you suddenly spot a kid running on to the field for the opposition who once looked up to you as a senior in school when he was just a yr 7 pup. It has disappointingly taken him ages to develop, but he will and I would hate to see that happen at another club. M Jones is a trier, but limited. Bail is similar. Terlich is Terlich. From the team on Saturday, I would be uneasy if I was those three. It's fair game for the bulk plying at Casey.

I thought someone would say this, but in this case with Jetta back and Frawley being called back (and publicly stated so) it seems that Grimes will move to the wing. Saty, fair point on Stevie, that makes sense. New by Roos? Not really, but he has gone public the day before the game on this one and players are running out of chances to make an impression. So the pressure higher.

Interesting comments from Roos: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/roos-wants-no-afl-drop-off-from-demons-20140711-3bqzx.html But he made it clear there would be no excuses for a lack of effort from the club's stalwarts. "You learn a lot about players when perhaps there's not too much at stake - publicly," Roos said. "For some of them you can shape your career in a pretty short space of time." And when it comes to games against powerhouses likes Geelong, Roos agreed it was his older players that would come under the microscope. "You want them to dig in a bit. You're looking at them a bit more closely," he said. "We need to see who's going to stand up. Who does and doesn't make mistakes under pressure. "Younger players you're probably expecting them to struggle a bit more against the better teams." Did anyone else notice that Grimes was named on the wing to accomodate Frawley going back and Jetta slotting in as well? So who is Roos referring to here? While Grimes isn't about to be delisted, the blowtorch is still on here. Who else? You'd have to certainly say Terlich, Garland and to a certain extent Mckenzie, Watts and Bail. Regardless of the result, this game has given me a renewed point of interest.

I don't mind the frankness of the ratings as long as it's justified and warranted, after all it is no different to the absolute lambasting a player would get from the media and fans after a poor game at AFL level. That feedback would be even more public. Consider Jack Watts and what he had/has to take (incl. from DL posters). It's all part of being a pro footballer and if they can't handle it then I doubt they have the mettle to handle the real thing.

Hopefully not too decent when he gets on the field...

Glass half empty kind of guy are we...? Sheesh!

Several weeks ago Roosy commented on how they were quite happy with Jimmy's progress as they are in the process of teaching him different things. Perhaps they're aware of his prowess on the ball and are now trying to bring more of an outside running game in to his repertoire. As always, I defer to the coaching staff and trust that he'll come good.

Or are we going to get a smokey and see Barry..? Dom Barry: Dom played wing and had eight possessions. He had a negating run-with role on Sam Iles, who has been averaging around 30 possessions per week. Dom did a very, very good job. He was disciplined, stuck to his task and tried to run both ways. Dom also kept his opponent to little to no impact on the day. It was a good effort.

Those suggesting disinterest or laziness are lacking a bit of perspective in my opinion. They looked tired, I think the intent was there but they just couldn't go with norf in transition and the more it happened, the more fatigued we got and the worse our disposal became. It was a self perpetuating spiral. Dawes was important but I would love to see him take more contested marks, he has hard hands at times. Someone here also suggested that Watts needs to get behind the ball, I think he is exactly where he needs to be. His class getting the ball inside 50 is critical. He is also working hard to cover some ground and has often been sighted leading to the D50 line to provide an outlet. I saw something in Riley when he came on today. Reckon skill wise he's limited at this stage but he came on with real intent, defensive forward would be my spot. I'd give Viney a rest and bring in Michie for him, like for like. I'm ready to give Blease a shot too and think Salem needs a rest. Would also consider giving Toumpas another go but he seems inconsistent at Casey so doubt we'll see him. Get ready for Nicholson this week, Roos will reward the hard work. Maybe for Bail? Wouldn't mind Tyson getting a rest too, but it won't happen. For who? Georgio was apparently good this week... Garland?

We need some class moving forward, someone who isn't afraid to back their foot skills and hit a target. I'm inclined to say bring Toumpas in. He is often described as being one of Casey's best without racking up the possessions which tells me he is damaging with his disposal. I like Bail this year, he has heart. But i'd consider: OUT: Bail, Riley IN: Toumpas, JKH Blease is close, but he's coming from a long way back for me so where everybody else has to earn it, I want to see Sammy earn it most of the year. No more inconsistency.

I tend to agree that Watts needs to learn to use his body better. On a couple of occasions I felt he could've either stuck his mitts out for the overhead grab instead of using one hand to bring it to ground (which he does a bit), or on another he was in a great position to work his man under the ball but couldn't. Having said that, he is one of our most important players. He has a seriously valuable disposal and set shot, he is also working extremely hard at the moment picking up possessions all over the ground. As he continues to mature he will learn to use his strength and his size, and will begin to find to ball more often (another 5/6 possessions on a consistent basis would seriously lift the team performance).

After seeing him speak to Burgo on the mfc website I thought I'd remind myself of his potential at draft time: http://afldraftinfo.blogspot.com.au/2009/07/jack-trengove-sturtsa-draft-profile.html Height: 185cm Weight: 82kg Position: Midfield Potential: 8.5-9.5/10 Style: Trent Cotchin? Strengths > He has an outstanding football brain - reads the play very well as both an inside (including being a prolific 1st possession winner) and outside player – averaged 22.8dpg at U18 championships > Tremendous poise, vision and DM with the football – has time with the football and is creative > Sharp reflexes , decent-good pace off the mark and evasive ability – is capable of bursting from a stoppage into some space or weaving through traffic – can find a higher gear in space if needed - capable of a good leap too > Good attack on the footy > Excellent core strength and balance with great ability to stand up in tackles – very tough to bring down in a tackle > Very good-excellent dual sided kick – weighting, control and accuracy over short-medium range is first class – OK-decent depth at best would be the only 'slight' knock > Clean, reliable hands at ground level > Very strong OH for a midfielder – uses his leap very well and attacks his marks – takes some classic floating marks across the pack > Excellent work-rate in both directions – defensive ethic is good and does the 1%ers - in terms of ground coverage him and Scully are the clear standouts of those I’ve seen live > Has been said to have excellent leadership ability and future captain potential at AFL > Has very good scoreboard impact in terms of both assists as well as goal kicking ability averaging 1gpg across the U18 championships Weaknesses No notable concerns. Other > He’s a genuine midfielder, but is very capable and adaptable to playing off either a HB or HF flank or a wing > Decent build at present and has the frame to develop into a strong midfielders build > Outstanding form at SANFL level for an U18, was a consistently very good performer particularly in finals footy – was widely considered BOG in the preliminary final (29d, 8m including a match saving mark late in the game) – should be ready for AFL action R1 next year and best positioned amongst all in this draft to have the biggest impact next year > 2009 SA U18 Captain, AA U18 RR and SA U18 MVP Overall Trengove is a potential elite midfield prospect – the complete package - with an excellent and very well rounded game without any real concerns. I think he has the potential to at best be a top 20 AFL player in the competition when he matures – and is a definite top 2 prospect in this draft.