Whispering_Jack

The football recruiting business is such that sentimentality can't play a part but having seen Dylan Grimes handling the interview on the programme I hope we get the opportunity to draft him. By that I mean that I hope he's in the mix ability-wise when one of our picks comes around. However, there's very few openings for siblings to play together at AFL clubs these days.

The reason we're not talking him up yet is that he's only had about 3 games with the Casey seniors after being injured at the start of the season. He was dropped back to the reserves after a poor first game and hasn't had that much game time in the last two weeks. He started on the bench yesterday and was on and off (more off than on) until half time. I suspect he got more chances after half time because of Bail's injury. I think he showed a fair bit after that but he's clearly not ready for the hurly burly of AFL and I think there's a plan not to put too much of a load on him. It seems to me that the club has learned a lesson with previous early draft picks not to put too much pressure on them too early and by managing them properly at this stage of their careers we'll get more from them later on. That said I thought his disposal and decision making skills were exquisite yesterday and a couple of his passes inside 50 were to die for given some of the rubbish disposal we've seen at Melbourne in the last couple of years.

Beg to differ on Bennell. He was consistently good all day and I had him Casey's bests along with Jurrah, Valenti and Matthews. I don't know how selection for next week works given they play on Friday with a six day break but Bennell must be a chance. Valenti would be a possibility and Jurrah will definitely be playing within a month. No doubt this bloke is going to be an excitement machine once he learns how to pace himself in the pressure cooker of the AFL which is a giant step up from where he's playing ATM and several steps above where he started. I'd therefore think the club would be taking a conservative approach for his benefit. He does some amazing things and looks pretty relaxed doing them. Wow!

Good show old bean. Does this mean you're organising a petition to Her Majesty for a plea of clemency for Big Carl (how's that all going)? Will the Demonland/Demonology team be taking on the Pommy Test team in a game of cricket during the off season or have you got a tougher task in store for the boys?

6 Colin Sylvia Take your pick after that ...

Dean Bailey is addressing the crowd at Federation Square and telling them how fantastic it is to walk en masse along the Yarra to the G.

Not impressed by Jordie McKenzie?

DaVe86's review has been modified to include the final team seletions. The predicted win by 3 points stays the same!

You definitely have reason to be proud. Today was his best game and yes, he was out of the game a bit in the third quarter but that was mainly because he spent a bit of time on the bench during that term. I agree with you about the importance of a full pre season because he struggles a bit for fitness late in games. Still, he seems to be improving in that regard and he is going to be a very special player in the AFL - and I don't think it's going to be all that long before he gets a chance.

Casey Scorpions 10.13.73 to Werribee Tigers 8.10.58 at three quarter time. Goalkickers - Jurrah 3 Dunn Jetta Miller Newton Petterd Silvagni Wheatley Wheatley's goal was a nine point special after several Casey attacks were repulsed from inside 50. It's anybody's game.

Well done DaVe86! It's a rare experience to read the comments of a Collingwood fan and to see that there aren't any Demon supporters disagreeing with you! Cheers

PINK That's what the Casey boys will be wearing on Saturday in the televised game against Werribee Tigers. Squads: www.scorpions.com.au The worthy cause is breast cancer awareness.

Spot on!

How do they do that?

by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions returned to the winner's list and stayed in touch in the race for a VFL top eight position on Sunday at Casey Fields with an impressive 36 point win over Geelong. It was an impressive outcome after a couple of disappointing losses, particularly as it came against virtually the same team that a week earlier had beaten Sandringham in a thriller at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval. The game was played in near perfect conditions and the Scorpions fielded a strong contingent that included Kyle Cheney and Lynden Dunn who flew back from the Coast after not being required by Melbourne as emergencies for the St. Kilda game. Their presence was much appreciated down at Casey Fields and they were dominant as the Scorpions took the lead in the early goings. Together with Shane Valenti and Kyle Matthews they generated enormous drive into the forward line and kept their side on top for most of the game. Casey's forwards responded in the early going with Michael Newton booting two goals and Russell Robertson the other as it took a handy 17 point lead into the first break; a lead would have been even greater but for some wasteful shooting for goal with the high flying Robertson the main offender. This pattern was maintained throughout the game, although in each quarter it was a different forward who was doing the scoring. At various times it was Danny Hughes and Liam Jurrah doing the goal scoring and finally it was Robertson found his kicking boots late in a game in which he could easily have finished with a larger bag than his three goals had he been on target. The real constants in the game was the hard work of midfielders Valenti, Dunn and Matthews and utilities like Cheney and Ricky Petterd who provided constant drive to the hungry forwards who ensured that home team would retain control. As a consequence its lead was stretched at every interval. By half time that lead was 23 points and it extended out to 29 at the final break before the Scorpions cruised to a well earned six goal victory. One of the unsung heroes of the Casey effort was defender James Wall who was called upon to take up the huge job of rucking against the Geelong tall timber when big Jake Spencer went down with an injured groin. Jack Watts, the number 1 selection from last year's national draft, did well on a wing and impressed with his crisp disposal and faultless decision making. Another graduate of the TAC Cup system in Michael Stockdale who missed out in the draft is making an impression at Casey. He is improving with every game and is proving to be a quality recruit in his debut season after coming to the club from the Gippsland Power. Rangy defender Peter Faulks worked hard and tackled strongly in the Scorpion backline while the reliable Alex Silvagni was involved in an engrossing battle with his opponent. Overall, the game was a fantastic team effort and it breathed life back into the Scorpions season. They are now in 9th place and face a must win encounter next Saturday at home against Werribee Tigers Werribee in the ABC TV Match of the Round (starting at 1.00 pm). PICTURE FROM CASEY HOW THE DEMONS FARED Rohan Bail - played off a half back flank and it had a quiet day. 5 kicks 6 handballs 1 mark Clint Bartram - started slowly but got a bit of it towards the end. His disposal was not precise enough to really hurt the opposition and, on this game, he isn't pushing for a recall. 12 kicks 9 handballs 7 marks Kyle Cheney - unlucky to be dropped a week or so ago and was really good in this game. Had the ball on a string, made good decisions, won contested ball, and always looks composed. The class player of the game. 19 kicks 13 handballs 10 marks 1 behind Lynden Dunn - is very strong at this level. Found a fair bit of the ball and kicked a really good goal from long range in the third quarter. Definitely pushing for promotion and … If only he was stronger overhead, he could be something. 21 kicks 7 handballs 6 marks 1 goal 1 behind Danny Hughes - when he's on song he's a very, very dangerous forward. Booted three and was lively. 7 kicks 8 handballs 8 marks 3 goals 0 behinds Neville Jetta - made a bright start but really didn't have a much of an impact and faded as the game went on. 10 kicks 4 handballs 2 marks 3 behinds Liam Jurrah - for three quarters he just went but when he switched on in the last quarter, he showed some innate talent that had many going, "wow!" That final term might one day be considered the one in which he "turned the corner" although I think he's still a long way off playing at AFL level. When he finally makes it though … watch out because he will do the "amazing". 10 kicks 7 handballs 5 marks 3 goals 1 behind Jordie McKenzie - had a quiet day but what he did he did well. Makes good decisions and disposes well and showed some good second and third efforts. His form has dropped a peg or two from his really good start but he was still very serviceable. 3 kicks 10 handballs 0 marks Tom McNamara - played a solid game without doing anything outstanding. 6 kicks 5 handballs 5 marks Michael Newton - seems to be showing more hunger these days. He chased, tackled and competed and kicked three goals. Could have been handy up on the Gold Coast on Saturday night. 14 kicks 5 handballs 9 marks 3 goals 2 behinds Ricky Petterd - played forward and on the ball and really looked like he enjoyed the freedom of being up the ground. Kicked some good goals, took some good marks and found a fair bit of the pill. Kicking is the issue. 15 kicks 12 handballs 7 marks 2 goals 0 behinds Russell Robertson - too good for this level. Played full forward all day, took some terrific marks he had no right to take and had 9 or 10 shots at goal with very poor conversion. Tried to chase and pressure but often went to ground and didn't bounced up quickly enough for me. 12 kicks 0 handballs 12 marks 3 goals 6 behinds Jake Spencer - injured early. 1 kick 2 handballs 2 marks Shane Valenti - he's exceptional at this level but, at the elite level, his physical limitations could find him out. Nevertheless, will push for promotion on that display. 14 kicks 14 handballs 1 mark 1 behind Jack Watts - is progressing nicely and finding a bit of the ball through the centre. Kicking, decision making, clean hands below his knees, lateral movement were all top notch 13 kicks 9 handballs 2 marks Casey Scorpions 3.6.24 7.9.51 11.12.78 16.15.111 Geelong 1.1.7 4.4.28 7.7.49 11.9.75 Goals Casey Scorpions Hughes Jurrah Newton Robertson 3 Petterd 2 Dunn Valenti Geelong Podsiadly 4 Johnson 2 Allwright Hunt McKenna West Westwood Best Casey Scorpions Valenti Wall Cheney Dunn Watts Faulks Geelong Hogan Hunt Laidler Podsiadly West Allwright Casey Scorpions Reserves moved to fifth on the ladder with a comprehensive 49 point victory over the Northern Bullants. James Taylor and James Blaser were the best players and Trent Zomer booted five goals for the winners. HOW THE DEMONS FARED James Strauss - ball magnet of half back and disposes of the ball crisply and accurately. 17 kicks 15 handballs 9 marks Paul Wheatley - coming along nicely after a long lay off with injury. Should be in the senior team for a full game next week. 9 kicks 10 handballs 5 marks Trent Zomer - played forward and had a good game with five goals but against lacklustre opposition. 10 kicks 3 handballs 5 marks 5 goals 1 behind Casey Scorpions 4.2.26 7.7.49 12.12.84 19.16.130 Northern Bullants 1.2.8 6.4.40 10.8.68 12.9.81 Goals Casey Scorpions Zomer 5 McGough Waite 3 Clay MacReadie 2 Collins Scanlon Strauss Taylor Northern Bullants M Anderson Neaves 4 Everington McMahon Power Stavely Best Casey Scorpions Taylor Blaser MacReadie Williams Strauss McGough Northern Bullants Everington Prior Neaves McDermott Totino Stavely

As we speak the Pies look likely things to complete a big victory over Port Adelaide. This result should be worth a fortune to the MFC because it should ensure a good crowd on Queen's Birthday. Hopefully, the Melbourne faithful will turn out in their numbers as well because we must be a chance against that team.

With the cab to Coolangatta Airport beckoning, I thought I might complete my Gold Coast diary and provide some of the atmosphere from last night's game. Before the game, I was contacted by a Saints fan who asked "when are you going to be back in town?" and I replied, " probably 2011 or 2012". On further questioning I realised he was asking about me personally rather than my football team so I told him, "Sunday evening." Anyhow, I was soon to discover how close the Demons were to being "back in town." I hadn't been to Carrara since 1991 when Peter Daicos put on a show and booted 13 goals to destroy the pitiful Bears by more than 100 points. I watched the game in the outer with the drunken yobbos and was determined that next time things would be different. This time I secured some good tickets and watched the game in a corporate box with, er, um … the drunken yobbos. Demonland, Blistering, SidVicious and I joined a group comprised mainly of Demon supporters with a smattering of Saints fans and a Tiger. The food was sparse and barely passable but the drink was unlimited until the minute when the final siren sounded. There was a lot of drinking, singing and dancing going on in the box and, for most of the second half, things inside the box were more exciting and animated than outside. I personally stuck to the Diet Coke and was last man standing, apart from the Tiger fan who came to life when he received an SMS that told him that Richmond had grabbed the lead in the third quarter of its game in Perth on the other side of the continent. After the siren we headed off to the Emerald Lakes Gold Club where the Queensland Demons were having an unofficial post game function. DemonDeb, gsmith and tilly18 were there along with Jake Spencer's parents. The place was packed with after game revellers and most were concentrating on the final stages of the Dockers/Tigers game. It's probably a measure of what our game has become when such a fixture, about which very few would have given a rat's toss bag about in other days, was viewed with such intense interest. The cheers when Mitch Morton slotted the winning goal, and again on the final siren, were deafening. It was strange to hear the jubilation given that a win just strengthened Melbourne's stranglehold on the wooden spoon, albeit at what is still an early stage. I'm still not sure about that. Leaving aside their Round 4 victory, the first half of the season will have seen them play eight times against 2008 finalists except for out of state fixtures in Adelaide and Perth. The draw in the second half of the season will be somewhat less difficult. They say it ain't over till it's over and there's a long way to go before the season runs its course. For me however, the trip to the Gold Coast is, sadly, over ...

LIFE AND DEATH (IN TWO ACTS) by Whispering Jack The headline in the Gold Coast Weekend Bulletin announced "AFL alive at Carrara" and for the first half of St. Kilda's "home" fixture against Melbourne it was indeed a game that was not only pulsating with life but also one that was full of exciting, pressure football that was played at breakneck speed. In this respect, the game was more closely akin to a top of the ladder clash than one between teams occupying the two extremes of the AFL ladder: first against last. It was a truly compelling contest of wit and will and when the siren sounded at half time the Saints were on top but nowhere close to being in control of the game as they had been in most of their previous nine games for the season. Certainly, the score line of 7.8.50 to 6.6.42 was suggestive of the fact that AFL was most certainly alive on the Gold Coast. However, as the game unfolded it became clear we were watching an event that was more in the nature of a two act tragedy because, unexpectedly and dramatically, it expired during the main break. By the time the teams ran out to herald the start of the second half, rigor mortis was already setting in. It was a case of life and death in two acts. The Demons simply ran out of the legs and the class to match it in the second act with the likes of Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes and Brendan Goddard. St. Kilda took control of the stoppages and attacked for most of the third quarter leaving Melbourne to sink into a defensive mindset, heavily flooding the back line and overusing its handball. The game was turned into an ugly scrap that could be won only by the side with the most talent and skill. The Demons failed to enter their forward fifty until the 23 minute mark of a third term in which the Saints booted three goals to nil. The defensive mood continued and St. Kilda scored the only goal in the last half hour, a period punctuated by atrocious kicking for goal. They romped to their tenth consecutive win, the margin was a comfortable 37 points. For their part, Melbourne could content itself with a strong first half showing and the fact that it had kept its opponent to its lowest number of goals for the season. The Demons' younger brigade also showed something on the night with Jack Grimes, Addam Maric and Jamie Bennell continuing to display more than a few glimpses of future stardom and James Frawley and Cale Morton demonstrating more of the class they have been putting on show throughout the season. The return of Mark Jamar to the ruck for the first time this year was also a bonus as it gave the Demons a winning edge in this department for probably the first time in 2009. Jared Rivers, Brock McLean and Brad Green worked hard as usual and showed out with some classy play and Matty Whelan was hard and tough in defence but many of the team's more experienced players let the team down with costly turnovers and the team lacked a focal point up forward in the absence of Russell Robertson and with the shading of Brad Miller at centre half forward. After the game, coach Dean Bailey lamented his team's dreadful use of handball at times. "I think our ball use was really poor in the second half, we had too many handballs, which really put us under enormous pressure," Bailey said. "They counter-attacked on our turnovers pretty well and you can't turn the ball over against the good teams, they make you pay." The trouble is that we've heard this all before during the course of the season and the problem keeps recurring. Too often the players were handballing because there were no teammates running and making space further afield. At other times, they got themselves into trouble playing too wide and bottling themselves up in pockets and on the flanks instead of going direct. And when they do kick the ball, the delivery is often lacking in precision (compare how the ball was often delivered high and slow to Melbourne's forwards while Riewoldt was regularly receiving the ball in front of the chest to outstretched arms). There's still a lot to learn and a long way to go and, in the meantime, the team continues to sit at the bottom of the pack as the curtain begins to fold on the first half of the season. Melbourne 4.5.29 6.6.42 6.6.42 6.10.46 St Kilda 5.3.33 7.8.50 10.11.71 11.17.83 Goals Melbourne Bate Bruce Frawley Green Maric Sylvia St Kilda Riewoldt 4 Goddard 2 Geary Gwilt Koschitzke McQualter Ray Best Melbourne McLean Green Bruce Frawley Jamar Rivers St Kilda Hayes Riewoldt Montagna Goddard Dal Santo Ray C Jones Injuries Melbourne McDonald (knee) St Kilda Gilbert (ankle) Reports Nil Changes Melbourne – nil St Kilda Stephen Milne (leg) replaced in St Kilda's selected side by Jason Gram Umpires James Grun Kamolins Crowd 9,112 at Carrara Gold Coast

Good first quarter but Saints getting on top early in the second with more direct play.

Too hard to type, eat and listen at the one time so I'll report on the evening tomorrow. After DB's talk, CC interviewed two impressive young guns in Cale Morton and Jack Grimes and two board members Don McLardy and Peter Spargo spoke of the some of the club's initiatives going into the future. A great night for the club and here's hoping the players do what's necessary tomorrow night.

CC has done the warm up. Waiting for Dean Bailey.

Just arrived and sat down at our table. Saw DemonDeb and Garry Marchant, two very hard workers for the club. Hope there isn't another confrontation involving Jimmy tonight. The table prize list says "Second prize is a Grand Old Fag DVD". Do we have to offend everyone?

Just picked up a rumour that serial pest Stephen Milne is very unlikely to play tomorrow night and that Jason Gram will replace him. The source was a Saint fan so the information could have been "leaked" to me in the knowledge that it would probably be passed on to Dean Bailey.

Thanks HT, but hey, let's not dwell on past history .

Shortly off to the MFC FRIDAY NIGHT FUNCTION ON THE GOLD COAST where the guests will be dining with selected MFC coaching and senior football staff. Includes a two course sit down dinner, beverage package (?) and exclusive match preview from Dean Bailey. Dress Code: smart casual (Collar required). I have the wife busily sewing a collar onto my t-shirt and then it's off we go ... If the iphone's up to it I'll post a few messages here if possible but I won't be giving away any match secrets that the coach might give away to the audience.