Paddy Gosch

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT by Paddy Gosch The Demons have named a star studded line up in it’s final practice match before the season proper. They take on the emerging Brisbane Lions out at Casey which is the second of three matches at the ground on Saturday. Many of the Dees best 22 have been recalled including Vice Captains Max Gawn and Neville Jetta whilst Captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney will play restricted minutes in the VFL curtain raiser. Former Gold Coast co-captain Steven May will play his first official game for Melbourne after recovering from a hamstring injury and will help shore up the Demons defence. Others who make their returns to the line up are Michael Hibberd, Aaron vandenBerg and Jordan Lewis whilst Jake Melksham will also be on restricted minutes in the reserves. Small forward Jeff Garlett has been ruled out of the clash with the Lions after suffering a shoulder injury in a clash with Alex Rance last Sunday. Surgery was not required but Jeff will still miss between 4 to 6 weeks whilst he recovers. Other players still sidelined with injuries are Kade Kolodjashnij (adductor), Mitch Hannan (knee), Jake Lever (knee) and Aaron Nietschke (knee). Demonland track watchers observed that Tim Smith was not present at training on Wednesday fuelling speculation that the calf injury that he appeared to sustain at training the prior week which forced him to miss JLT 01 will keep him out of JLT 02 as well. AFL reporter Ben Guthrie confirmed this on Twitter further stating that Smith will miss at least 3 weeks further adding that it’s “bad luck for a player who was pushing for a berth in round one.” Guthrie also revealed that Braydon Preuss was set for a stint in the VFL as “part of his development”. Preuss was underwhelming in his first up solo rucking game for the Demons after a strong start the week earlier as partner to Max Gawn against the Magpies. With Preuss set to miss it gives Declan Keilty another chance after he impressed many onlookers with his leap and tap work. The Dees main midfielders Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver & James Harmes have another week to continue to grow the synergy they’ve been building. They racked up an astonishing 90 possessions between them. When you add Salem and Petracca to the mix with 27 and 22 possessions respectively and ample supply from a returning Max Gawn it’s not hard to see why this midfield is fast becoming the envy of many teams. Bayley Fritsch continued where he left off after an impressive first year in 2018. He amassed 26 touches on the wing where his forward 50 delivery shined. Harrison Petty showed a lot to like with some of his intercept marking in defence. Petty's only game in 2018 was a disappointing match against St. Kilda after which he was relegated back to the twos for the remainder of the year. He demonstrated that he can fill a position in defence for the Dees and is good depth for the team and an exciting prospect given that Jake Lever will not return until midway through the season. With Steven May making his debut in the line up this week it will be interesting to see who of Marty Hore, Petty & Sam Frost makes the cut as they have all been named on an extended bench which is likely to be whittled down by Saturday. Brisbane were impressive in JLT 01 albeit against an undermanned Hawthorn. The Lions were busy in the offseason and 3 of their new recruits in Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons and Lincoln McCarthy all starred in their 42 point win. Former number one draft pick Cam Rayner was lively in the forward half booting 3 goals and ruckman Archie Smith had a strong outing. On the injury front Charlie Cameron left the field during the 3rd quarter of last week’s match but Brisbane claimed that it was just a cramp. Marcus Adams (Knee), Tom Fullarton (Hamstring), Darcy Gardiner (Knee), Nick Robertson (Hamstring), Connor McFayden (Foot) and Jack Payne (Tibia) are all unavailable. Stefan Martin played for the Lions NEAFL team last week after returning from a series of niggling injuries and has been recalled to the senior team to face his former club. The Demons go into this game with a strong line up and coach Simon Goodwin has stated that he will play 23 players in order to simulate the regular season game day. Which 3 on the extended bench won't make the cut? Melbourne v Brisbane at Casey Fields, 4.10pm AEDT MELBOURNE B: S.May 1 M.Hibberd 14 J.Hunt 29 HB: J.Lewis 6 O.McDonald 28 N.Jetta 39 C : C.Salem 3 J.Harmes 4 B.Stretch 15 HF: A.Brayshaw 10 S.Weideman 26 B.Fritsch 31 F: C.Petracca 5 T.McDonald - C 25 J.Kennedy Harris 24 Foll: M.Gawn 11 A.Neal-Bullen 30 C.Oliver 13 I/C: C.Spargo 9 S.Frost 17 A.vandenBerg 22 M.Hore 34 H.Petty 35 C.Wagner 40 J.Smith 44 D.Keilty 45 In: S.May, M.Hibberd, J.Lewis, N.Jetta, M.Gawn, A.vandenBerg Out: J.Garlett (injured), J.Jordon, J.Wagner, B.Preuss, C.Maynard, T.Sparrow Emerg: C.Maynard 20 B.Preuss 21 T.Sparrow 32 J.Wagner 42 Notable absentees: Jack Viney, Nathan Jones, Jake Lever, Jake Melksham BRISBANE B: L.Hodge 2 J.Walker 14 D.Rich 10 HB: Z.Bailey 33 H.Andrews - C 31 A.Witherden 29 C: M.Robinson 5 L.Neale 9 H.McCluggage 6 HF: C.Rayner 16 E.Hipwood 30 L.McCarthy 11 F: C.Cameron 23 D.McStay 25 O.McInerney 46 Foll: A.Smith 44 J.Berry 7 J.Lyons 17 I/C: B.Keays 1 A.Christensen 3 R.Bastinac 4 S.Martin 12 T.Berry 13 L.Taylor 28 R.Lester 35 R.Mathieson 36 In: B.Keays, A.Christensen, S.Martin, T.Berry Out: D.Zorko (injured), E.Smith, C.Ballenden, B.Starcevich Emerg: E.Smith 8 M.Hinge 22 B.Starcevich 37 C.Ballenden 38 Notable absentees: Marcus Adams JLT Community Series Match Details Melbourne v Brisbane Saturday, March 9, 4.10pm AEDT Casey Fields Key timings 12.00pm: Gates open 12.30pm: Curtain Raiser - Casey v Brisbane Lions Reserves (Practice Match) 4.10pm: JLT Community Series - Melbourne v Brisbane Lions 7.30pm: Melbourne U15s Academy Match Ticketing General admission Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster. TICKET TYPE GENERAL ADMISSION Adult $20.00 Concession $15.00 Junior $5.00 Family (2 adults, up to 4 juniors under 15) $40.00 Adult Member Upgrade $5.00 Concession Member Upgrade $5.00 Junior Member Upgrade $3.00 All prices are subject to additional ticket agent fees. Members Melbourne Members with Premiership Season entry entitlements will have free general admission access by scanning in at the ground (subject to availability, upgrade fees may be applicable). However, entry is not guaranteed and it is recommended that Members register for a general admission ticket in order to guarantee entry. Membership upgrades and registrations are subject to availability on a first come, first serve basis and subject to an additional fee. Transaction fees may also apply. To register, visit Ticketmaster. Getting to Casey Fields Car Casey Fields is located approximately 50km from Melbourne CBD in Cranbourne East. Plenty of parking is available around Casey Fields. with parking signs and attendants to assist you to find a spot. If you're driving, it is recommended that you arrive as early as possible to secure a park and avoid long queues entering the ground. And if you're not in a rush to get home, stick around and catch our Academy U15s take the field from 7.30pm. Public Transport Catch a a train to Cranbourne Station, which is located 5km from Casey Fields. From the station, catch the 897 bus to Casey Fields. Plan your trip to Casey Fields using the PTV Journey Planner. Around the ground Daisy Demon Our mascot Daisy Demon will be doing the rounds pre-game, available for high-fives and photo opportunities! Food and beverage Multiple food trucks will be set up around Casey Fields, with jaffles, Mexican food and plenty of other options up for grabs! The canteen will also be open at the main stand, serviving food and drinks. Broadcast TV The match will be televised live nationally on Fox Footy from 4.00pm AEDT on Saturday. View the full broadcast guide here. Radio TBC Online coverage Mobile app Live scores, stats and match highlights are available at the tap of a finger in the club's mobile app. Download it for iOS or Android. Social media Match hashtag: #JLTSeries Follow the club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live match coverage and a behind-the-scenes insight into match day.

They should bottle the amazing recuperative powers of AFLX.

HOT OUT OF THE CITY by Paddy Gosch The Dees travel out of the city for game one of two JLT Community Series practice matches before the season proper. Our first match takes us to the floodplains of the Goldburn River in Northern Victoria to the city of Shepparton. We take on the Tigers for the first of at least 3 encounters with the 2017 Premiers this year. The game will be played in scorching temperatures so expect plenty of rotations, ice vests, fans running overtime and extra water carriers. The Demons are coming off a win against Collingwood in it’s first practice hit out of the season. We went into that game with a strong lineup despite about a 1/3 of the best 22, including Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver, Tom McDonald, Jake Melksham, Jake Lever, Mitch Hannan and new recruits Steven May and Kade Kolodashnij, sitting out the match for various reasons. In a club presser on Thursday Tom McDonald stated that he should be right to play this week as long as he doesn’t have any soreness from the match simulation at training. He indicated that it was unlikely that Viney, Melksham, May and Kolodjashnij would line up against the Tigers but all would be looking towards JLT 2 to build up match fitness heading into Round 1. The Demons have rested Max Gawn possibly to gage how well new recruit Braydon Preuss goes solo. They have also decided to rest some of the older brigade with Michael Hibberd and Neville Jetta listed as emergencies along with Aaron vandenBerg. Jordan Lewis will not be making the trip up state. Bayley Fritsch makes his return to the team after missing last week due to AFLX commitments. After off season surgeries to both shoulders, Clayton Oliver returns to strengthen the midfield. James Jordon joins Tom Sparrow as the only rookies picked for the hit out. Harrison Petty and Declan Keilty who missed last week have been recalled to the team that will have a larger bench to accommodate the sweltering conditions. Demonland trackwatchers observed Tim Smith leaving the track early with a leg complaint so he too has been omitted. Boom Richmond recruit Tom Lynch will not be lining up against the Dees as he races the clock to be ready for Round 1. Other Tigers sidelined through injury include Josh Caddy, Jason Castagna, Shaun Grigg and Jacob Townsend. Despite these injuries Richmond have named a strong line up for the game including Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt & Alex Rance. Players to watch for the Demons include Jayden Hunt, Billy Stretch, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Brayden Preuss and rookie Tom Sparrow. Jayden Hunt made an impressive return to the half back line at Olympic Park Oval. From all reports he has had a great preseason and I expect he will be working hard to cement his spot over the JLT series after a disappointing 2018. Preuss was also imposing in his first hit out for his new club. He kicked two goals and took some strong marks and played his role as back up to Max perfectly. It will be interesting to see how the Demons' new big man goes rucking alone in the heat but he will no doubt be backed up by Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman. Billy Stretch returned from injury and got his hands on the ball a lot. Prior to his injury last year his form was picking up so I expect that he will continue to push hard for a spot on the wing. Likewise Jay Kennedy-Harris attacked the ball well and got a fair bit of it. He too showed glimpses in stages last year but wasn’t able to cement a place in the side. No doubt he will take on these JLT games to stake his claim. New recruit Tom Sparrow had limited game time last week but was thrown in the middle on quality opposition and showed that he can get a couple of touches and also kicked a beautiful goal. I anticipate more game time for him over the JLT series and tip that he will play seniors at some point in 2019. Expect plenty of rotations and full use of the extended bench. Melbourne B: Josh Wagner, Sam Frost, Jayden Hunt HB: Marty Hore, Oscar McDonald, Harrison Petty C: Bayley Fritsch, James Harmes, Jay Kennedy-Harris HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Joel Smith F: Chalrie Spargo, Sam Weideman, Jeff Garlett R: Braydon Preuss, Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver IC (from): Christian Salem, Christian Petracca, Billy Stretch, Corey Maynard, Tom Sparrow, James Jordon, Corey Wagner, Declan Keilty Emergencies: Max Gawn, Michael Hibberd, Aaron Vandenberg, Neville Jetta Richmond B: Alex Rance, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes HB: Nick Vlastuin, Bachar Houli, Jayden Short C: Dion Prestia, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin HF: Daniel Rioli, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Jack Higgins F: Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin, Daniel Butler R: Toby Nankervis, Kane Lambert, Ivan Soldo IC (from): Oleg Markov, Nathan Broad, Jack Ross, Liam Baker, Jack Graham, Brandon Ellis, Maverick Weller, Noah Balta, Callum Moore, Connor Menadue, Fraser Turner, Callum Coleman-Jones JLT Community Series Richmond v Melbourne Sunday, March 3, 4.40pm AEDT Deakin Reserve Shepparton Gates open: 3.10pm General admission Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek. TICKET TYPE GENERAL ADMISSION Adult $20.00 Concession $15.00 Junior $5.00 Family (2 adults, up to 4 juniors under 15) $40.00 Adult Member Upgrade $5.00 Concession Member Upgrade $5.00 Junior Member Upgrade $3.00 All prices are subject to additional ticket agent fees. Members Melbourne Members with Premiership Season entry entitlements will have free general admission access by scanning in at the ground (subject to availability, upgrade fees may be applicable). However, entry is not guaranteed and it is recommended that Members upgrade to a reserved seat or register for a general admission ticket in order to guarantee entry. Membership upgrades and registrations are subject to availability on a first come, first serve basis and subject to an additional fee. Transaction fees may also apply. To register, visit Ticketek. Car Deakin Reserve is situated on Nixon St in Shepparton. Off-street parking may be available in surrounding streets. Public transport Deakin Reserve is located a 10 minute walk from Shepparton Train station. TV The match will be televised live nationally on Fox Footy live from 4.30pm AEDT. Mobile app Live scores, stats and match highlights are available at the tap of a finger in the club's mobile app. Download it for iOS or Android. Social media Match hashtag: #JLTTigersDees Follow the club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live match coverage and a behind-the-scenes insight into match day.

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