Maybe next year

Seeing Garland smile and jump around in the team circle means he will be gone. Besides he always limps after the game. Toumpas and JKH out for Vince and Dawes.

Let's keep the lid on it. Have not played a game yet. Been a Melbourne supporter way too long to buy into this. I remember after Jim Stynes passing away, I was convinced we would have a good year. We know how that ended.

Would rather him in than Howe. I like Howe as a player but he has not played a preseason game. Grimes has played 3. As you can tell I am a fan of Jack and I'm a little disappointed that others have been picked ahead of him when they have either not played as many preseason games or in my opinion have played worse ( Howe, Viney, Toumpas). Whilst at it, I am struggling to understand how Howe is picked ahead of Vince. Does this mean players have a better chance of playing when not playing for Casey than when playing for Casey. Seems odd to me.

I was at the Casey game on Saturday and I thought he was clearly their best. Based on what I saw last week he should play and I have confidence he will play well.

Very disappointed as I think he has been quite good with his disposal and attack on the ball this preseason. I think his form is better than Toumpas' form. Nevertheless, I trust our coaches and it may be a bit of a spur for him this year.

Back home after. Casey. I went to the game to immunise myself against being disappointed for the season ahead. The game did not let me down and I now know what to expect for the season. Unfortunately I expect more of the same as last year as even against a stand alone team the AFL listed players missed marks and handballs. Below is my report for what it is worth: Q1. The Scorpions were the better team by hand and foot but could not put the difference on the scoreboard ( sounds familiar doesn't it). All the MFC plays played well that quarter with Brayshaw the standout. Q2. Pretty even contest. I thought Vince and JKH shone through. Vandenberg was tenacious and showed something. Q3. Williamstown clearly got on top and if not for inaccurate kicking would have been significantly in front. Brayshaw again the standout Demon. Q4. All Williamstown after the first 5 mins, Enough said. Williamstown deserved the victory and I would be really disappointed if I was Casey. The coach held them on the ground after the game and I suspect told them that performance was not good enough. With respect to the players: Brayshaw. Very happy with his game. Was not expecting too much before the game and he showed fierceness and is ready. Towards the end of the game he tired and made traditional Melbourne mistakes such as missing handball targets. He reminded me of Nathan Jones when he first came to the club and without putting too much pressure on the kid, we know what we get from Jones. King. Too skinny and raw. I think he needs time in the Development comp. kicked a nice goal in the last quarter but does nothing around the ground. Michie: serviceable but not brilliant. Goes in hard but lacks speed. Was vocal which was good to hear and disposals were not bad. Just drops out of the game too much for me. Kent: offensively good but defensively rubbish. Made silly mistakes and I would keep him at Casey for at least another week. Is competing with JKH for a spot I think and on today's performance JKH is ahead. JKH: quite good today. His attack on football was good and on the man. Like others he drifts in and out of game too much. Vince: disinterested in 1st quarters but lifted. Worked hard and put run in the legs. Did not have a huge influence on the game but provided he pulls up ok, is likely to play next week. He tried to lift the team in the last quarter but as I said did not exert influence on the ball. Riley: goes in hard. Disposal lets him down. Of all the listed players he seemed to be off the ground the most or perhaps I just missed him. Vandenberg: does not shirk any contest and liked his performance today without getting too excited. I think he demonstrates a toughness not many at Melbourne have and I hope he is upgraded soon. Upon reflection he won't play next week as I think Brayshaw deserves the spot ahead of him. If Howe is the sub no Vandenberg. If no Howe he will be the sub Fitzpatrick: perhaps I am blinded by my like of him but he showed something in defence. When he moved to forward line the defence struggled. He just needs to hold important marks. His defensive punches were good. I am scared he will be run off too often though so that is a big question for me. Needs half a season in Casey in a defensive position if that is the plan for him. I hope I did not miss anyone. Enjoyed my trip to Casey and hearing coaches and having a kick on the oval. My son was annoyed I spent much of my time on the phone rather than talking to him so I will leave the reports and scores to. KC in future. Cheers. Ps. Special mention to Tim Smith at Casey. I like how he plays and showed more than some of the MFC players.

Disappointing game. I really thought this would be an easy win to Casey. I'll write up my report tonight when I head home. Going to have a kick with my son. All over. Casey 8.8.56 Williamstown 11.15.81

Williamstown goals again.4 goals difference. No one standing up for Casey

Williamstown goals and behinds. They lead by 18. All over. 56:74

56:67

Max King marks. Fitzy tells him to shoot for goals. He kicks it

About 10 mins to go and Casey really need to dig deep now

Another goal to Williamstown

Another goal to Williamstown. They lead by 4 pts

Goal to Williamstown. 2 pt lead to Scorps

Kent misses - 8 point lead to Scorps 50:42

No stretch this week at least not at the seniors

Smith goals. Fitzpatrick moved to forward line

Highlight of day so far was Brayshaw's goal and seeing a future father son prospect (Dunn's son)

Cheers. I need to improve my timing

The game is just plodding along as are much of the players. Vince is just getting run in his legs and looks far from the player he was last year. However it is his 1st game this year. Riley, Kent and Michie did nothing to warrant selection. JKH and Vandenberg look likely but need to be more consistent within the game itself. Brayshaw is the standout and is demanding a call up against the Gold Coast. One more quarter to prove themselves. No wind to speak of. Scores Casey 6.7.43 Williamstown 5.11.41

Goal to Williamstown. Casey hold on to a 1 point lead

Brayshaw scores a goal and seals his position for Round 1

JKH kicks a snap goal after Vanders splits the pack

Bad misses in front of the Scorps goal. Huchins missed from 20 metres out and Vandenberg misses from 30 m out on the run but dead in front