kev martin

Great game Clarry, was getting hit by the Swans at every opportunity. Loved his steal when the Swans, Ladham I think, attempted a handball. I thought moments defined us, hard ball wins, defensive structure and changing the angles of attack to create marking chances. Started winning the centre clearances. Took our opportunities, when the Swans couldn't (looking at Buddy). Great tackling in our forward 50. Swans had trouble getting any rhythm and couldn't slice us apart, except for a few plays. Swans also made many stupid errors, brought on by our pressure and contest. They couldn't play a manic style of footy and we seemed composed most of the time. Good teamwork MFC, working for each other.

I thought it was Sparrow who started winning centre clearances and then others joined in, kept us rolling out of there.

Hoping we are setting ourselves to dominate on the "G". Make it our fortress Dee's.

Well played Casey, forced it onto our own terms. I am amazed that Sydney couldn't or wouldn't put more into Tomlinson and Howes.

Perhaps they have rested him and sent to the MCG as an emergency.

Sydney played well in the 1st quarter, then our backline and ball movement killed them.

Sestan is prepared to do the defensive forward stuff. I haven't seen much of K.Turner. Laurie fallen out of the game. Dunstan needs to kick his goals. Great game by Tomlinson and Howes.

Who pulled the plug?

I'd like to see Jefferson take a screamer of a mark. Good conditions to get the timing right.

For those wanting to watch both games at the ground, travel and finishing times leave for very little hope. Casey finishes aroud 2 pm, leaving 1 1/2 hrs to travel 50 km into town and gain entry to the G. Is there anyone trying to do this? Can't do it on public transport. They really aren't encouraging the supporters! One positive, I would get into Casey for free with my membership, LOL.

I assumed it has something to do with the contracts they agreed to with Casey Council.

They are playing Sestan on the wing. Must want him to run. Oops sorry, saw the mullet of another player (76, McCrae) and thought it was Sestan (playing high half-forward).

No wind, the Casey players must be loving it. Where's the crowd? The contract with Casey council makes for an empty outer. Are there many in the stadium? Great to have live coverage, but the players get very little from supporters in these home games. Could have been a curtain raiser to the big show! Good game so far, Jefferson and Sestan are dangerous. Keep at it. Tmac, Tomlinson and Laurie, doing well.

Laurie is playing much more consistent footy, amazing how an endorsement at the higher level helps his confidence and application.

Last week was a wake-up (I hope) for us. For 3 1/2 quarters we were hammered after handling the ball like a bg bar of wet soap. Happy we have a beauty of a day. Would like to see a positive response that shows that they hate losing. Hit them hard at the coal face, the engine room, the stoppages. Dynamic, risk taking seems to be the way to go. C'mon Dees, control the momentum, take the opportunities, mark everything, dominate with our transitioning game from defence to offence and vice-versa, and adjust the backline so they don't get easy forward 50 marks when they don't blast it in. Go Dees

I was thinking about putting in that Tracc and Clarry nearly came to blows. The reality is that they share too much brotherly love. Clarry was strapping up a boot and Tracc began smothering him, what a pest, lovely moment.

I didn't see Max down at training, Saturday morning.

Saw him on Gosch's with the rehabber group Saturday. Mainly running laps by himself. He didn't want to kick when another player ask him to do some short passes. Pointed at his left groin/abdomen. I'd guess still 3/4 weeks away.

Not posted, just guess work, as they usually have a run at Gosch's the day before the gig. Start times are usually 9.30 am.

Wandered down to Gosh’s to watch the captains run, the rehabbers were out on the ground. Schache, Woewodin, Kossie (not injured), two Casey players (1, 28) and White (Casey) doing individual work. The MFC squad then came out as one. Melksham and TMac in the squad. The vibe was low-key. It didn't help that it was cold, and the ground was wet, they didn't really start chirping until well into the drills. Seemed like they're a bit off with timing and the handling the ball. They were happy and relaxed. The morning consisted of about 5 to 6 drills. They worked on ball movement from off halfback, and off the wing, with delivery into the leading forwards. Interestingly, they had Petty forward for a few entries. Near the end, the centre mids were practising slowly for the centre stoppages. Grundy patting down to, Oliver, Tracc, Viney, Sparrow and JJ. The rest kicking goals (Petty included) or taking high marks (particularly JVR). Choco was also helping refine JVR's set goal kicking. May looked fine in drills, no strapping, but did have a slight limp when walking. At the end, he did a full 30-meter sprint and had a talk to 4 support staff (physio and trainers). After the MFC squad left, the Casey team came out. Laurie and Tomlinson were with them, I didn't see Dunstan. Go Dees.

JVR will keep them honest. He will get to the contest and help BBB out. He has been whacking Petty all preseason. Cannot wait to see him slam into opponents when they get under the ball or have it. I love the way he uses his body as a weapon. Hoping for plenty of goal assist from Jacob, plus 2 of his own.

Head over the ball and determination may outdo, skills and speed. With the wet, I reckon it makes it a closer contest and probably, a low scoring game.

It is why I thought the umpires had stopped giving the Dogs the "iffy" free's. Last night showed me, no change.

Tonight's game could be a beauty. Great test for the tigers, their young brigade should be fast enough to keep up with the manic style of Collingwood. Whether they are skilled enough? Collywobbles seem to be the benchmark early this season.

You were right. Four goals from free kicks out of 10 goals, for the dogs. They started the game with a free kick advantage, then they became even, and by the end 21 to 15. So the first 4, then the last 6 (calculated guessing). How do they get that advantage and some with "ify" and soft calls? Good prediction.