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The Demons and the Cats met once more at GMHBA Stadium 24 hours after their AFL counterparts saw Melbourne meekly capitulate in the final quarter. This time, the VFL version of the story was a vastly different one. The Casey Demons have been going through a rough trot as of late but this time they took control and established themselves after an early arm wrestle and had the opposition by the scruff of the neck at half time. Josh Schache kicked the opening goal and the Cats responded to briefly hold the lead before three quick goals to Ben Brown, Mitch White and Bailey Laurie had them a handy 19 points in front at the first break. The second term was a repeat of the first — four goals to one in favour of the visitors with Jake Melksham coming to the fore with two majors. Ben Brown was having a good game, marking strongly and picking up plenty of possession around the ground and up forward. Adam Tomlinson had a point to make to the senior match committee and made it well, dominating possession. James Harmes and Jake Bowey, likewise. With a 40 point lead at the main break and a number of players putting their hands up for a trip to the country’s red centre next week, a funny thing happened. The team must have decided to do an impersonation of the AFL Demons from the final quarter of the night before. They released the pressure valve, made the same mistakes, fumbled and were uncertain but to their good fortune, the VFL Cats failed to emulate their senior counterpart’s accuracy in kicking for goal. Two goals for a term in which they dominated and kept the reigning premiers to a single point wasn’t enough to steal the momentum away. A couple of goals in the early stages of the last by Jake Melksham was all it took to snuff out the opposition and the skipper scored his second to restore the Demons 40 point ascendancy at the end. The Casey victory was the result of the return of hard nosed footy and the fundamentals of playing to the conditions. Harmes and Jimmy Munro led the way. Tomlinson made his point. Bowey and Daniel Turner was impressive and Taj Woewodin had his moments. Next week’s challenge is a vital match up at Casey Fields against close competitors, the GWS Giants who sit in eight place, a game behind the Demons with a game in hand. CASEY DEMONS 4.4.28 8.8.56 8.9.57 11.14.80 GEELONG VFL 1.3.9 2.4.16 4.9.33 5.10.40 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Melksham 4 Brown Schache White 2 Laurie GEELONG VFL Byrne 2 Dempsey Neale Quick BEST CASEY DEMONS Harmes Melksham Tomlinson Bowey D Turner Munro GEELONG VFL Dempsey Knevitt Clohesy Van De Heuvel Herbert Parfitt Statistics Jed Adams 7 kicks 1 handballs 8 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 31 dream team points Jake Bowey 21 kicks 6 handballs 27 disposals 12 marks 5 tackles 126 dream team points Ben Brown 2 goals 1 behind 16 kicks 2 handballs 18 disposals 9 marks 1 tackle 1 hit out 95 dream team points Luke Dunstan 11 kicks 10 handballs 21 disposals 7 marks 1 tackles 72 dream team points George Grey 9 kicks 6 handballs 15 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 60 dream team points James Harmes 16 kicks 11 handballs 27 disposals 9 marks 10 tackles 135 dream team points Blake Howes 8 kicks 11 handballs 19 disposals 6 marks 3 tackles 76 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 behind 5 kicks 4 handballs 9 disposals 2 marks 31 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 goal 2 behinds 10 kicks 10 handballs 20 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 77 dream team points Jake Melksham 4 goals 1 behinds 10 kicks 4 handballs 14 disposals 6 marks 3 tackles 95 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 5 kicks 11 handballs 16 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 50 dream team points Ned Moodie 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 21 dream team points James Munro 12 kicks 11 handballs 23 disposals 5 marks 7 tackles 95 dream team points Josh Schache 2 goals 2 behinds 9 kicks 6 handballs 15 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 11 hit outs 81 dream team points Oliver Sestan 3 kicks 4 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 20 dream team points Deaykin Smith 6 kicks 6 handballs 12 disposals 8 marks 49 dream team points Charlie Spargo 1 behind 11 kicks 9 handballs 20 disposals 7 marks 2 tackles 73 dream team points Roan Steele 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 4 marks 7 tackles 77 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 25 kicks 2 handballs 27 disposals 9 marks 2 tackles 114 dream team points Daniel Turner 18 kicks 2 handballs 20 disposals 14 marks 2 tackles 109 dream team points Will Verrall 1 kick 5 handballs 6 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 23 hit outs 59 dream team points Mitch White 2 goals 2 behinds 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 4 marks 6 tackles 87 dream team points Taj Woewodin 11 kicks 10 handballs 21 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 74 dream team points

Late in the opening term of their game at Casey Fields on Sunday afternoon, the Casey Demons were dominating and held a lead of 31 points over Collingwood VFL. Was it the wind advantage? The fortress is well known at this time of the season for the strong winds that can mess with a game but that wasn’t the case this time. The way the hosts were playing, it looked as if a Magpie nightmare was about to unfold. But alas for Casey, that was not to be and rather, it was exactly the opposite as from that point in things fell apart for the reigning VFL premier. They were uncharacteristically held goalless in the second term, managed only one in the third and took until halfway through the last before kicking a couple of goals that were too late to avert another bad loss at home that has seem them lose touch with the top echelon of teams on the VFL premiership table. The story began well before the opening bounce. With two key Melbourne listed key position talls in Harry Petty and Tom McDonald and rookie ruckman Will Verrall already out injured, the Casey Demons were struck a body blow with injuries to full forward Ben Brown, key defender Daniel Turner and ruckman Jack Bell and the unavailability of Matt Buntine forcing a major recasting of the side that left it undermanned and undersized. When the Magpies made their comeback in the second quarter, their efforts were aided by the fact that the Casey Demons lacked the big men to go with the Magpies who dominated the air in the last three quarters. That dominance began in the ruck where their super tall men feasted on a young light bodied learner in rookie Kyah Farris-White who recently has been plying his trade in the Coates Talent League. The youngster tried hard in the ruck but struggled around the ground and in the air. Teammate Josh Schache was also conscripted into the ruck and while he too worked hard in the ruck duels, he had his hands full with the Collingwood big men. To compound the situation, Magpie forward Nathan “Freddy” Kreuger turned things around and gave Casey coach Taylor Whitford a nightmare of his own with his strong marking and accurate kicking for his five goals. For the Demons, it’s hard to fathom where they would have been without the return from injury of Jimmy Munro who finished the game with 21 disposals and 10 bone crunching tackles. Early in the game youngster Matt Jefferson was dangerous up forward with the first two goals of the game but lack of opportunity kept him to only one more for the day. Another youngster in Andy Moniz-Wakefield was busy throughout and contributed a nice goal. He was unlucky not to get a second but it was touched by a teammate as it went through. Blake Howes was another young Demon who worked hard against the odds with 28 possessions that must see him closing in on an AFL debut. Casey listed players Roan Steele and George Grey gave their hard working skipper strong support on the day and Ryan Baldi also worked hard. The defeat sees Casey drop to 7th on the ladder, a situation that is not likely to improve in the short terms as the Demons have a bye next weekend. CASEY DEMONS 5.4.34 5.6.36 6.10.46 8.11.59 COLLINGWOOD VFL 1.2.8 6.3.39 9.3.57 11.7.73 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson 3 White 2 Melksham Moniz-Wakefield Neocleous COLLINGWOOD VFL Krueger 5 Longmire T Wilson 2 Kelly Steene BEST CASEY DEMONS Munro Howes Moniz-Wakefield Steele White Grey COLLINGWOOD VFL Krueger Steene Jetta Ruscoe Begg Bianco Statistics Jed Adams 1 kick 3 handballs 4 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 16 dream team points Riley Baldi 9 kicks 6 handballs 15 disposals 5 marks 54 dream team points Luke Dunstan 7 kicks 12 handballs 19 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 52 dream team points Kyah Farris-White 1 kicks 4 handballs 5 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 15 hit outs 33 dream team points Tom Freeman 8 kicks 1 handball 9 disposals 2 marks 29 dream team points George Grey 9 kicks 3 handballs 12 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 56 dream team points Blake Howes 15 kicks 13 handballs 28 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 94 dream team points Matt Jefferson 3 goals 1 behind 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 52 dream team points Bailey Laurie 9 kicks 10 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 60 dream team points Cooper Macdonald 3 kicks 3 disposals 2 tackles 14 dream team points Tom McRae 1 behind 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 1 mark 27 dream team points Jake Melksham 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 6 handballs 16 disposals 6 marks 1 tackle 69 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 goal 11 kicks 7 handballs 18 disposals 6 marks 5 tackles 91 dream team points James Munro 11 kicks 10 handballs 21 disposals 3 marks 10 tackles 108 my dream team points Harvey Neocleous 1 goal 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 2 marks 35 dream team points Charlie Peters 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 1 tackle 39 dream team points Josh Schache 7 kicks 7 handballs 14 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 17 hit outs 70 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 behind 5 kicks 4 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 49 dream team points Miles Shepherd 6 kicks 4 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 37 dream team points Deaykin Smith 3 kicks 5 handballs 8 disposals 2 tackles 24 dream team points Roan Steele 14 kicks 7 handballs 21 disposals 4 marks 5 tackles 89 dream team points Ryan Valentine 2 behinds 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 5 tackles 8 hit outs 65 dream team points Mitch White 2 goals 15 kicks 6 handballs 21 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 69 dream team points

The Casey Demons had a number of points to make to themselves, their opponents and the VFL football world when they traveled up to the Gold Coast to take on the Southport Sharks in the 2022 Grand Final rematch at Fankhauser Reserve. After living off the glory of an almost perfect premiership, the Demons stumbled after winning the opening four games of the season and have struggled in their recent northern state sojourns - their only loss in 2022 came at the hands of the Lions in Brisbane and they were given a touch up by Gold Coast in Round 7. Last week, a team of 14 Melbourne listed players folded like a rickety card table in the final term of their match at Werribee. Suddenly, they were in fifth place with a few competitors breathing down their necks. Add some injuries and a suspension and Casey’s season was on the line. As it was a week earlier against Werribee, the Demons were pitted against a committed team with some experienced mature bodies, desperate for a victory to keep them finals contention. This time however, the Demons maintained their composure for most of the game and they were able to do so through the agency of their mix of AFL and VFL listers. Of the former, two in particular stood out. Josh Schache started proceedings for the visitors with the opening goal of the game in its opening minutes. He kicked his second before half time and then booted his team’s only two goals in the last including the final score late in the match that put Casey in front by a solitary point. Apart from his accuracy when up forward, Schache fought valiantly in the ruck against Southport’s man mountain, Brayden Crossley who was called in to the task after the injury to Jake Bell. Crossley was dominant in the ruck duels but Schache's contribution around the ground as well as up forward which included 15 possessions, seven marks, four tackles, and five hitouts on top of the four straight goals was crucial. James Jordon has spent much of 2023 on the cusp at Melbourne with a number of appearances as a substitute. He was back in the midfield at Casey this week but his prolific 30 disposal display was sublime, on top of which his five clearances, and four tackles and a goal were timely given Clayton Oliver’s injury and suspension ahead of the Kings Birthday blockbuster. This spectacular goal has all of the hallmarks of goal of the year. Casey was well led by Mitch White and the experienced Matt Buntine and fueled by outstanding performances from Roan Steele (23 touches, 10 marks) and George Grey (3 goals, 16 disposals, 5 marks and 6 tackles). Two of Grey’s goals came late in the third term after the Sharks had wrested the lead for the first time in almost an hour of play, a contribution that gave the visitors an 8 point lead at the final break. A few young Demons who are pushing hard for AFL promotion in Blake Howes (23 touches, 8 marks), Taj Woewodin (23 disposals, six tackles and three clearances) and Bailey Laurie (22 touches, six tackles) were all busy. Deakyn Smith played a strong game as the small defender while Daniel Turner, Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Ollie Sestan all had their moments. Together, they put together a fine team effort and made their points well in the Queensland sun. With the upcoming Kings Birthday weekend, the Demons return to their home fortress for a match up against Collingwood VFL next Sunday. CASEY DEMONS 1.2.8 6.6.42 9.9.63 11.10.76 SOUTHPORT SHARKS 3.0.18 4.5.29 8.7.55 11.9.75 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Schache 4 Grey 3 Brown 2 Jordon Sestan SOUTHPORT SHARKS Crossley Foggo Lockett Lockhart 2 Fields Heron Thurlow BEST CASEY DEMONS Jordon Grey Schache Laurie Steele Howes SOUTHPORT SHARKS Woodcock Crossley Joyce Dawson Thurlow Spencer Statistics Jed Adams 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 1 mark 13 dream team points Riley Baldi 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 38 dream team points Jack Bell 2 handballs 2 disposals 1 tackle 6 hit outs 14 dream team points [injured] Ben Brown 2 goals 1 behind 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 56 dream team points Matt Buntine 7 kicks 9 handballs 16 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 47 dream team points Tom Freeman 12 kicks 2 handballs 14 disposals 4 marks 50 dream team points Rhys Galvin 2 kicks 2 handballs 4 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 17 dream team points George Grey 3 goals 1 behind 11 kicks 5 handballs 16 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 102 dream team points Blake Howes 14 kicks 9 handballs 23 disposals 8 marks 81 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 behind 4 kicks 2 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 27 dream team points James Jordon 1 goal 15 kicks 15 handballs 30 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 104 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 behind 16 kicks 6 handballs 22 disposals 3 marks 6 tackles 97 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 behind 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 63 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 10 kicks 4 handballs 14 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 58 dream team points Josh Schache 4 goals 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 7 marks 4 tackles 105 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 1 behind 7 kicks 1 handball 8 disposals 1 mark 4 tackles 51 dream team points Miles Shepherd 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 40 dream team points Deaykin Smith 14 kicks 4 handballs 18 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 76 dream team points Roan Steele 16 kicks 7 handballs 23 disposals 10 marks 1 tackle 93 dream team points Daniel Turner 11 kicks 4 handballs 15 disposals 5 marks 56 dream team points Ryan Valentine 1 behind 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 1 mark 1 hit out 18 dream team points Mitch White 1 behind 11 kicks 8 handballs 19 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 75 dream team points Taj Woewodin 1 behind 10 kicks 13 handballs 23 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 76 dream team points

The Casey Demons were dealt a crushing blow to their hopes of repeating last year’s premiership glory when they capitulated to the Werribee Tigers in the final term of what was for the first three quarters a riveting game of football. The Demons struck early with the opening two goals of the match but the Tigers fought back to level the scores by mid-term. From there on until the middle of the last quarter, there was never more than two goals separating the teams although the home side looked to be in charge after a Casey burst in the middle of the third term. The Demons had no less than 14 AFL listed players on board together with a few of their VFL listed players who are midseason draft hopefuls and were expected to win a closely contested game. By comparison, the Tigers lineup was comprised of more of hard bodied players capable of playing tough, relentless football and in this instance, they prevailed with their hard tackling and strong marking that lifted the pressure gauge when the game was there to be won. Casey’s captain Mitch White was one Demon who was not overawed by the occasion. He finished with 24 disposals and a goal. Similarly, Adam Tomlinson worked his butt off in defence amassing 29 touches and 8 marks. Preseason draft nominees Roan Steele (22 disposals) and George Grey (16) were also prominent for Casey. Jack Bell had a good game in the ruck. Josh Schache and Ben Brown were busy up forward but when the chips were down in that final term they were unable to turn the Werribee tide that saw most of the scoring go the way of the victorious home team which snared the Demons’ place in the top four and have a game in hand in the battle for that all-important placing. Some of the team’s younger members are struggling to fire up, particularly in the midfield mix and the club will continue to be patient in monitoring their development. The Demons have another tough assignment next week as they travel to the Gold Coast to play last year’s vanquished grand finalists, Southport. CASEY DEMONS 3.2.20 7.3.45 12.4.76 12.6.78 WERRIBEE 2.2.14 8.3.51 13.4.82 16.10.106 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Melksham Schache Smith 2 Brown Grey Jefferson McRae Moniz-Wakefield White WERRIBEE Garoni 3 Hayes Lever Paea 2 Boyd Brew Declase Grey Gribble Keast Malual BEST CASEY DEMONS Tomlinson Schache Brown White Steele Bell WERRIBEE Gribble Brew J Henderson Mannagh Declase Clohesy Statistics Jed Adams 7 kicks 1 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 40 dream team points Riley Baldi 6 kicks 11 handballs 17 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 53 dream team points Jack Bell 5 kicks 4 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 27 hit outs 63 dream team points Ben Brown 1 goal 16 kicks 3 handballs 19 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 5 hit outs 93 dream team points Matt Buntine 7 kicks 3 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 5 rebounds tackles 60 dream team points Max Gregory 2 kicks 2 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 17 dream team points George Grey 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 6 handballs 16 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 59 dream team points Blake Howes 9 kicks 8 handballs 17 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 59 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 goal 2 kicks 2 handballs 4 disposals 16 dream team points Bailey Laurie 6 kicks 7 handballs 15 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 51 dream team points Tom McRae 1 goal 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 1 mark 9 tackles 1 hit out 60 dream team points Jake Melksham 2 goals 8 kicks 4 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 46 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 goal 1 behind 3 kicks 7 handballs 10 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 38 dream team points Charlie Peters 1 kick 1 disposal 2 tackles 11 dream team points [injured] Josh Schache 2 goals 1 behind 12 kicks 6 handballs 17 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 8 hit outs 91 dream team points Oliver Sestan 4 kicks 5 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 31 dream team points Deaykin Smith 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 22 dream team points Joel Smith 2 goals 4 kicks 2 handballs 6 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 47 dream team points Roan Steele 12 kicks 10 handballs 22 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 70 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 25 kicks 4 handballs 29 disposals 8 marks 104 dream team points Daniel Turner 10 kicks 3 handballs 13 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 55 dream team points Mitch White 1 goal 20 kicks 4 handballs 24 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 100 dream team points Taj Woewodin 11 kicks 7 handballs 18 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 53 dream team points

If you arrived at Casey Fields early enough on Saturday morning, you would have been greeted with the prospect of a miserable, wet day conducive of low scoring, scrappy football. But conditions moderated, the ground dried up and the fans were treated to an entertaining, high-scoring open brand of football that saw some classic high marking and both teams topping the 100-point barrier. The Casey Demons won the contest by 117 to 102 but North Melbourne were not to be denied for the way in which they fought out the game to its very end. North have been in good form lately and, despite their injury and suspension woes at AFL level, they included some top players in their lineup. Halfway through the opening quarter, they held the upper hand until Joel Smith booted two quick goals late in the term - one off a screamer of a mark that, while not rising to his father’s mark of the last century, was top shelf. Roan Steele was in outstanding early form picking up 13 touches in a scintillating opening term. As it has often done this season, Casey slowly edged its way forward and with the likes of Ben Brown, Jake Melksham and Josh Schache joining Smith among the goalkickers, they soon moved to a four or five goal lead range which they carried into the final quarter before the accurate Kangaroos threatened on a few occasions but the home team had all the answers. James Jordon, who came on in the driving Adelaide rain as Narrm’s sub late on Friday night was flown back to play for Casey and was it's leading ballwinner, finishing with 27 disposals and eight clearances. The Casey defence held firm all day, led by Adam Tomlinson (24 disposals) who took 10 marks and Daniel Turner (22 touches, 13 marks) not far behind him. If one of them missed the mark, it would be gobbled up by Jed Adams who took seven marks. Bailey Laurie had 22 touches and two goals while Taj Woewodin kicked one goal from his 22 disposals. James Harmes (21 disposals, eight clearances) and Blake Howes (18 possessions, nine marks) both had busy afternoons. Of the Demons' younger AFL brigade, Deakyn Smith had a good game and Andy Moniz-Wakefield was prominent early. Ollie Sestan had some impressive moments while Matt Jefferson kicked a goal and had a few cameo moments. Skipper Mitch White had an excellent game and led the team well to overtake Steele as the team's best VFL listed player by game's end. Casey has a tough challenge next weekend as it takes on Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval next Saturday. CASEY DEMONS 5.1.31 9.4.58 14.7.91 18.9.117 NORTH MELBOURNE VFL 4.0.24 6.0.36 10.4.64 16.6.102 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Melksham Schache J Smith 3 Brown Laurie 2 Jefferson Sestan Steele White Woewodin NORTH MELBOURNE VFL Harvey 5 Lowson Sellers 2 Bath Cunnington Lazzaro Smith Thomas Turner Watkins BEST CASEY DEMONS White Tomlinson D Turner Jordon Schache Steele NORTH MELBOURNE VFL Lazzaro Thomas Harvey Cunnington Taylor Turner Statistics Jed Adams 9 kicks 3 handballs 12 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 55 dream team points Jack Bell 6 kicks 5 handballs 11 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 20 hit outs 53 dream team points Ben Brown 2 goals 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 2 hit outs 56 dream team points Matt Buntine 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 36 dream team points Finn Emile-Brennan 7 kicks 1 handballs 8 disposals 2 marks 26 dream team points George Grey 1 behind 8 kicks 8 handballs 16 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 63 dream team points James Harmes 11 kicks 10 handballs 21 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 74 dream team points Blake Howes 9 kicks 9 handballs 18 disposals 9 marks 2 tackles 80 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 goals 6 kicks 6 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 43 dream team points James Jordon 15 kicks 12 handballs 27 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 96 dream team points Bailey Laurie 2 goals 10 kicks 12 handballs 22 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 90 dream team points Jake Melksham 3 goals 2 behinds 10 kicks 3 handballs 13 disposals 5 marks 68 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 6 kicks 9 handballs 15 disposals 3 marks 43 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 5 handballs 5 disposals 2 tackles 18 dream team points Josh Schache 3 goals 1 behind 11 kicks 5 handballs 16 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 3 hit outs 95 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 8 kicks 4 handballs 12 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 50 dream team points Deaykin Smith 6 kicks 7 handballs 13 disposals 6 marks 3 tackles 32 dream team points Joel Smith 3 goals 5 kicks 3 handballs 8 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 66 dream team points Roan Steele 1 goal 17 kicks 6 handballs 23 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 95 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 18 kicks 6 handballs 24 disposals 10 marks 1 tackles 101 dream team points Daniel Turner 17 kicks 5 handballs 22 disposals 13 marks 97 dream team points Mitch White 1 goal 11 kicks 6 handballs 17 disposals 5 marks 10 tackles 107 dream team points Taj Woewodin 1 goal 1 behind 13 kicks 9 handballs 22 disposals 5 marks 74 dream team points

The Casey Demons traveled north for a top of the table clash against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday afternoon at Heritage Bank Stadium and were by no means disgraced despite losing their second match in three weeks. Their cause was not helped by injuries to midfield playmaker Luke Dunstan who accumulated 46 disposals in a game a fortnight ago and key forward Tom McDonald who hurt an ankle at training as well as Melbourne’s decision to rest Michael Hibberd which meant that Daniel Turner was co-opted into the big time for his second game. And it need not be stated but Jimmy Munro’s heavy tacking work is very much missed (but I’ll say it anyway). Still, the Demons went into the game with what appeared to be a relatively strong team - unfortunately not strong enough to overcome the undefeated Suns on their home turf in the curtain raiser to the sides’ older brother AFL teams. The Demons started well enough when they matched the Suns’ first goal in quick time with a major from Jack Bell and another from Ben Brown and by quarter time, they held a handy 12 point lead. The problem for Casey was that the Suns had the dominant ruckman in Ned Moyle who not only picked up 42 hit outs, he also accumulated 19 disposals and was instrumental in his team’s win starting with the early rebound in the second term which netted them two goals in three minutes. In addition, it was the Suns’ accuracy (6 goals from 7 shots) in front of goal that caused them to grab a seven point half time advantage. Meanwhile, the Demons who controlled proceedings in the middle of the second quarter constantly squandered opportunities and finished the second term with two goals six behinds. From there on it was the home side that had the run of the game. Whenever the Demons made a move, the Suns had the answers and they finally cut through one of the strongest defences in the competition to finish with a 20-point win to retain top place on the ladder. As Casey has a bye next weekend, it will fall further behind the leaders. Despite the defeat there were some encouraging signs for the Demons. For starters Ben Brown got in the goals with three which could easily have been five or more with better service. Joel Smith was also dangerous around goal and finished with two. Charlie Spargo with 22 disposals, 7 marks and 4 tackles was lively and should be back in the big time as soon as next week after missing a couple of weeks with concussion. Blake Howes (23 touches, 6 marks) continues to rack up disposals off half back and might not be all that far off a senior game. Bailey Laurie (21 disposals) also showed his class and composure. Taj Woewodin got plenty of the ball and defender Jed Adams played one of his best games to date filling in a key defence position in place of Turner. Andy Moniz-Wakefield was prominent early. Best of the Casey players were skipper Mitch White and George Grey. White often came under pressure and despite occasionally turning the ball over in the trying conditions, led the way with six strong tackles and finished with 19 disposals. Grey was also impressive in setting up plays during the day. The week break comes at a good time for younger players like Matt Jefferson and Ollie Sestan time to regenerate their bodies. CASEY DEMONS 4.3.27 6.9.45 10.9.69 13.14.92 GOLD COAST SUNS 2.3.15 8.4.52 13.8.86 17.10.112 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Brown 3 Melksham J Smith 2 Bell Laurie Moniz-Wakefield Schache Sestan Spargo GOLD COAST SUNS Sexton 5 Burgess McLaughlin 3 Derrington Oea 2 Harrington Jeffrey BEST CASEY DEMONS Howes Laurie Spargo Tomlinson Woewodin White GOLD COAST SUNS Moyle Burgess Andrew Farrar Jeffrey Constable Statistics Jed Adams 1 behind 14 kicks 2 handballs 16 disposals 8 marks 1 tackle 75 dream team points Jack Bell 1 goals 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 9 hit outs 38 dream team points Ben Brown 3 goals 1 behind 8 kicks 8 disposals 4 marks 57 dream team points Matt Buntine 8 kicks 4 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 58 dream team points Kyah Ferris-White 6 handballs 6 disposals 1 tackle 4 hit outs 21 dream team points Max Gregory 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 29 dream team points George Grey 1 behind 9 kicks 9 handballs 18 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 72 dream team points Blake Howes 13 kicks 10 handballs 23 disposals 6 marks 2 tackles 86 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 behind 2 kicks 2 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 18 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 11 handballs 21 disposals 3 marks 68 dream team points Tom McRae 6 kicks 6 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 47 dream team points Jake Melksham 2 goals 8 kicks 4 handballs 12 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 70 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 goal 1 behind 5 kicks 8 handballs 13 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 49 dream team points Josh Schache 1 goal 2 behinds 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 5 marks 47 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 5 kicks 2 handballs 7 disposals 3 tackles 37 dream team points Deaykin Smith 4 kicks 6 handballs 10 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 39 dream team points Joel Smith 2 goals 1 behind 8 kicks 4 handballs disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 68 dream team points Charlie Spargo 1 goal 1 behind 10 kicks 12 handballs 22 disposals 7 marks 4 tackles 99 dream team points Roan Steele 11 kicks 6 handballs 17 disposals 7 marks 2 tackles 76 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 19 kicks 4 handballs 23 disposals 3 marks 74 dream team points Ryan Valentine 1 behind 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 23 dream team points Mitch White 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 4 marks 6 tackles 88 dream team points Taj Woewodin 12 kicks 11 handballs 23 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 77 dream team points

After the disappointment of the home loss to Richmond VFL, the Casey Demons’ next challenge was to take on the undefeated Box Hill Hawks in unfamiliar bush surroundings at Wonthaggi. The trip to the country did them no harm because, at the end of the game, they were well and truly back in town. The Demons signalled their intentions early with strong attack on the football. A nice passage of play saw Ben Brown goal five minutes into the game with help from James Harmes and Tom McDonald. Despite being well beaten early in the ruck the Demons held sway for the first half of the opening term but the Hawks grabbed the momentum to boot three goals before McDonald goaled late to make the deficit five points at quarter time. Casey came out after the break full of purpose. The instigator of the comeback was Joel Smith returning from injury. Playing in attack, he kicked his first goal to level the score and, after Taj Woewodin’s goal to put the Demons in front, Smith kicked his second. Box Hill was not to be undone and the Hawks fought back once more to reduce Casey’s lead to single figures deep into the opening half. But Smith was on fire. He scored his third goal for the day at the 32 minute mark but Jake Melksham’s remarkably slick goal from the boundary a minute later had the crowd in raptures as the team stretched the lead to 17 points at the halfway mark. The game opened up after the break with the Hawks scoring first followed by another smart goal from Melksham. Bailey Laurie and Ollie Sestan added to Casey’s tally with Melksham chiming in with his third. By the final break Casey was 23 points in front. The Demons coasted home to a five goal victory at the end with Melksham adding two more to his tally in a best on ground performance. The team was bolstered by the return of skipper Mitch White, as resolute as ever. It was well served in defence by the likes of Tomlinson, Daniel Turner and Blake Howes. Last week’s hero Luke Dunstan limped off in the third quarter with what appeared to be a calf injury. Like their AFL affiliate, the Casey Demons are back in second place and have another challenge coming up when they face up to another undefeated team, the Gold Coast Suns on their home deck at Carrara next Saturday. CASEY DEMONS 2.3.15 8.5.53 13.7.85 16.10.106 BOX HILL HAWKS 3.3.21 5.6.36 9.8.62 11.10.76 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Melksham 5 J Smith 3 McDonald Woewoedin 2 Brown Jefferson Laurie Sestan BOX HILL HAWKS Jeka Koschitzke 2 Bramble Butler McDonald Mascitti O’Sullivan Porter Stanley BEST CASEY DEMONS Melksham White J Smith Tomlinson McDonald Harmes BOX HILL HAWKS Brown Meek McDonald McKenzie Butler Koschitzke Statistics Jed Adams 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 2 marks 19 dream team points Jack Bell 7 kicks 1 handball 8 disposals 3 tackles 14 hit outs 51 dream team points Ben Brown 1 goals 1 behind 7 kicks 2 handballs 9 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 48 dream team points Matt Buntine 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 32 dream team points Luke Dunstan 5 kicks 6 handballs 11 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 40 dream team points Zane Duursma 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 2 tackles 29 dream team points Kyah Ferris-White 1 handball 1 disposal 1 tackle 5 hit outs 11 dream team points Max Gregory 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 22 dream team points George Grey 4 kicks 5 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 33 dream team points James Harmes 1 behind 13 kicks 12 handballs 25disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 83 dream team points Blake Howes 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 41 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 goal 5 kicks 2 handballs 7 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 44 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 goal 6 kicks 12 handballs 18 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 65 dream team points Tom McDonald 2 goals 1 behind 11 kicks 3 handballs 14 disposals 8 marks 2 tackles 1 hit out 85 dream team points Jake Melksham 5 goals 2 behinds 13 kicks 4 handballs17 disposals 6 marks 1 tackle 101 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 8 kicks 1 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 47 dream team points Deaykin Smith 6 kicks 6 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 51 dream team points Joel Smith 3 goals 1 behind 10 kicks 4 handballs 14 disposals 7 marks 3 tackles 91 dream team points Roan Steele 8 kicks 1 handball 9 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 44 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 15 kicks 6 handballs 21 disposals 8marks 1 tackle 1 hit out 86 dream team points Daniel Turner 11 kicks 1 handballs 12 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 62 dream team points Mitch White 18 kicks 5 handballs 23 disposals 4 marks 6 tackles 97 dream team points Taj Woewodin 2 goals 1 behind 9 kicks 3 handballs 12 disposals 2 marks 4 tackles 64 dream team points

After a season and a quarter during which they dominated the VFL competition, the Casey Demons made an uncharacteristic slip up that resulted in a two goal defeat. It would be unfair therefore, to be too critical of their performance in going down to Richmond on Sunday at the home fortress, Casey Fields. At the same time however, it would be fair to say that the circumstances of the defeat were more than disappointing. The team Casey fielded included 14 AFL listed players as against about half a dozen on Richmond’s AFL roster. Moreover, they had the advantage of experienced veterans all over the ground to the point where it should never have been a struggle to win and where defeat was almost unthinkable. One has to wonder as to whether the result was an outlier. After all, it doesn’t often happen that your three key forwards on the day, Ben Brown, Tom McDonald and Ryan Valentine kick two goals 10 behinds between them. And more than half of the missed shots for goal were very, very gettable. After all, Brown and McDonald have 369 AFL games and more than 500 goals between them! But the most unforgivable aspect of the game was the lack of intensity displayed in the battle for the points on offer. For that, both teams were responsible but Casey has been renowned of late for its contested football and strong tackling game. When Senior Coach, Taylor Whitford and his assistants sit down to discuss their first loss for the season, they will be confronted with the fact that nine of their players on the day, failed to execute a single tackle and three others managed just one. The entire team managed only 35 tackles for the game - exactly the same number of tackles executed in his three games this season by the club’s currently injured tackle machine James Munro. That figure tells us how sorely missed this one player was to the team. After dominating the first ten to fifteen minutes of the game, the Demons dropped their guard. They were sluggish and appeared unwilling to take risks. Eventually, they allowed the Tigers back into the game and then the opposition sensed weakness and took control. After a horror second term when they scored a mere five behinds to 6.1, they were in an uncustomary position, trailing by four goals at half time. They regrouped and pegged the deficit back to half that margin by the end of the game but even then, it was left too far too few to do the heavy lifting. Casey in general was not fighting hard enough to keep the ball within the fifty metre arc and therefore, the was unable to bridge the gap to victory. Three players deserve to be mentioned in the wash up to this game. Luke Dunstan was a tireless worker for the team and combined strongly with James Harmes in stemming the tide and bringing the team to within a kick or two of regaining the ascendancy in the last half of the game. Likewise, Daniel Turner was rock solid in defence, often against a deluge. He looks to have a future at a higher level. Full credit to the winners for playing as a team and sticking to the plan of playing positive attacking football and refusing to become overawed by a more seasoned opponent. Things won’t be any easier for the Demons in their next challenge which takes the form of a top of the table clash against an in-form and undefeated Box Hill Hawks to be played next Sunday afternoon at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve. CASEY DEMONS 2.4.16 2.9.21 8.13.61 11.16.82 RICHMOND 1.2.8 7.3.45 12.4.76 14.10.94 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Harmes 3 Dunstan Edwards 2 Grey Jefferson McDonald Valentine RICHMOND Melville Nathan 3 Ross 2 Bilston-McGillen Faimalo Hicks McDonagh May Olden BEST CASEY DEMONS Dunstan Harmes Turner Howes Edwards Woewoedin RICHMOND Ross McDonagh Trezise Bracher Teal Olden Statistics Jed Adams 5 kicks 2 handballs 7 disposals 4 marks 28 dream team points Jack Bell 5 kicks 3 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 25 hit outs 54 dream team points Ben Brown 4 behinds 7 kicks 5 handballs 12 disposals 6 marks 1 tackles 51 dream team points Luke Dunstan 2 goals 20 kicks 20 handballs 40 disposals 12 marks 4 tackles 162 dream team points Tyler Edwards 2 goals 11 kicks 3 handballs 14 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 66 dream team points Kyah Ferris-White 2 handballs 2 disposals 12 hit outs 11 dream team points Max Gregory 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 21 dream team points George Grey 1 goal 10 kicks 5 handballs 15 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 62 dream team points James Harmes 3 goals 10 kicks 19 handballs 29 disposals 6 marks 3 tackles 113 dream team points Blake Howes 8 kicks 8 handballs 16 disposals 5 marks 5 tackles 72 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 goal 1 behind 3 kicks 1 handballs 4 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 28 dream team points Tom McDonald 1 goal 3 behinds 11 kicks 3 handballs 14 disposals 3 marks 9 hit outs 60 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 6 kicks 5 handballs 11 disposals 3 tackles 40 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 31 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 behind 9 kicks 1 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 37 dream team points Miles Shepherd 5 kicks 3 handballs 8 disposals 2 marks 27 dream team points Cooper Simpson 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 1 mark 19 dream team points Deaykin Smith 7 kicks 5 handballs 12 disposals 3 marks 37 dream team points Roan Steele 1 behind 6 kicks 5 handballs 11 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 42 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 11 kicks 4 handballs 15 disposals 4 marks 53 dream team points Daniel Turner 13 kicks 5 handballs 18 disposals 8 marks 2 tackles 80 dream team points Ryan Valentine 1 goal 3 behinds 6 kicks 6 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 2 hit outs 49 dream team points Taj Woewodin 1 behind 11 kicks 8 handballs 19 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 64 dream team points

Having played their first three games at their fortress at the south east fringe of town, the Casey Demons took their game on the road for the first time in 2023 when they ventured to the other side of our great metropolis to come out trumps by 40 points against Essendon VFL and retain their hold on top spot on the VFL ladder. The Casey faithful could not have been happier at the sight of The NEC Hangar when they arrived at the ground in the shadows of Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport in the vicinity of the abode of the legendary Kerrigan family from the classic movie The Castle. A beautiful playing surface, the wind swirling across an open tree lined ground — a veritable northern suburban version of their own fortress and another Casey castle. And with the odd lashing of rain mixed in with heavy clouds followed by emerging blue skies, the Demons proceeded to completely smother the Bombers as they had done to others in the opening three games of the season. Casey had first aid of the breeze and had the better of things early but were punished by their inaccuracy in front of goal, scoring five behinds before Josh Schache nailed their first major. He also scored their second to put his team ahead by the margin of those five points at the end of the first term. They retained control through a strongly fought out second quarter but this time, it was the home side’s turn to miss the big sticks. At half time, they led by seven points. Early in the second half it was all Essendon but the Bombers were constantly rebuffed by a powerful Casey defence headed by Daniel Turner until the Demons broke forward to score a goal against the run of play from youngster Tyler Edwards after an outstanding display of desperation football from James Harmes who bustled his way through traffic with a sensational chain of handballs to advantage that ended in the hands of his teammate. This was the signal for the visitors to take control of the midfield through the agency of Harmes, Luke Dunstan, Bailey Laurie and Taj Woewodin. It was all one way traffic for the remainder of the quarter with goals coming one after another. When the dust settled at three quarter time, the Demons held an unassailable six goal lead which they stretched to 40 points by the end of the game. The final half of football had yielded them seven goals to one. Following Melbourne’s disappointing performance against Essendon in Adelaide, all eyes were on their twelve AFL listed players. Were any contenders out their for senior berths against Richmond on Anzac Eve? Harmes was outstanding with 32 disposals and five clearances in his comeback game after a couple of weeks out for personal reasons. He was in the thick of things from the get go, already had 17 touches at the main break, was the catalyst in that first goal of the second half and continued to work hard to ensure the game was out of the opposition’s hands by early in the final term. Schache followed up his strong 3 goal performance against Frankston with four goals to go with his 19 possessions, eight marks, seven hitouts and three clearances in a dominant performance. Laurie (32 disposals and four clearances) was also in everything with his clever play and his hand is well and truly up for the spot vacated by Charlie Spargo who was concussed just before half time in Adelaide. Dunstan picked up 24 possessions and kicked a goal and other leading possession gatherers were Woewodin (22), defender Turner (20) who was outstanding and Blake Howes (19). Casey was missing the injured tackling machine James Munro and experienced Matt Buntine who joined skipper Mitch White on the sidelines. In their place, the Demons were well served by Jack Bell who, though beaten in the ruck duels by a bigger AFL listed opponent, was solid with his marking and strong play around the ground, the hardworking George Grey and forward Ryan Valentine who kicked a career high three goals. The end result saw the Demons holding fort at the top of the ladder. They remain the kings of the VFL castle. CASEY DEMONS 2.5.17 5.7.37 10.8.68 12.10.82 ESSENDON VFL 2.0.12 4.6.30 4.8.32 5.12.42 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Schache 4 Valentine 3 Bell Dunstan Edwards Neocleous Sestan ESSENDON VFL Voss 2 Munkara Phillips Sutton BEST CASEY DEMONS Harmes Schache Laurie Bell Dunstan Turner Woewodin ESSENDON VFL Hobbs Bryan Rasinac Phillips Fitzgerald Hoare Statistics Jed Adams 7 kicks 2 handballs 9 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 35 dream team points Jack Bell 1 goal 9 kicks 7 handballs 16 disposals 6 marks 3 tackles 10 hit outs 86 dream team points Paddy Cross 4 kicks 3 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 28 dream team points Luke Dunstan 1 goal 12 kicks 12 handballs 24 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 89 dream team points Tyler Edwards 1 goal 5 kicks 4 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 89 dream team points Tom Freeman 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 46 dream team 12 points 2 Max Gregory 8 kicks 4 handballs disposals marks 1 tackle 39 dream team points George Grey 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 64 dream team points James Harmes 15 kicks 17 handballs 32 disposals 6 marks 1 tackle 97 dream team points Blake Howes 13 kicks 7 handballs 20 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 74 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 behind 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 28 dream team points Bailey Laurie 2 behinds 16 kicks 16 handballs 32 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 89 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 2 behinds 5 kicks 4 handballs 9 disposals 4 tackles 35 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 1 goal 3 kicks 5 handballs 8 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 44 dream team points Josh Schache 4 goals 2 behinds 12 kicks 7 handballs 19 disposals 8 marks 1 tackle 7 hit outs 114 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 1 behind 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 4 marks 53 dream team points Miles Shepherd 4 kicks 2 handballs 6 disposals 2 marks 19 dream team points Tim Sheridan 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 33 dream team points Deaykin Smith 7 kicks 7 handballs 14 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 56 dream team points Roan Steele 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 5 marks 46 dream team points Daniel Turner 16 kicks 3 handballs 19 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 71 dream team points Ryan Valentine 3 goals 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 53 dream team points Taj Woewodin 1 behind 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 74 dream team points

The first arrivals to Casey Fields for Sunday’s VFL local derby between the Casey Demons and the Frankston Dolphins were greeted by fleeting glimpses of blue skies and the rains that lashed the region were moderating although the winds still gusted from time to time. After a torrid start the wind turned out to be a friendly breeze in the end for the home side as it coasted to its third win on the trot, this time by a comfortable margin of ten goals, 16.13 (109) to 7.7 (49). The Dolphins kicked first with the benefit of the wind and for the first half hour of the game, they held sway. They were on top in the early clearance battles, scored the opening goal that was soon matched by Tom Sheridan’s first and held a two goal lead at quarter time. It was rare for anyone to hold the ascendancy at any time at the Fortress and the Demons were stung into action by coach Taylor Whitford’s measured address at the break. For the ensuing two quarters, Casey put on something of a clinic booting the next nine goals unanswered on either side of the half time break to hold an unassailable 49 point lead as the final term kicked off. By then the game opened up with goals flowing for both sides. The final margin at the end was a 60-point victory for the hosts that saw them at the top of the table. There were many stars for Casey. Bailey Laurie with 35 disposals, 6 tackles and a goal from the middle was the standout. He was accompanied by former Saint turned Demon in Luke Dunstan (26 touches) and two much improved youngsters in the livewire Andy Moniz-Wakefield from Darwin and George Grey who was recently upgraded to the club’s leadership group. And, as usual, we marveled at the massive contribution of master tackler Jimmy Munro who kept the Dolphins on their toes with his relentless pressure on the tackle. He finished with 11 bone jarring tackles for the game. There were many contributions from the well blended side that contained just ten AFL listed players. Blake Howes again stood out with his good ball control and running through the lines. He was particularly important early when the pressure was well and truly on the team. Forward Matt Jefferson showed great goal awareness near the big sticks. He can take a mark and he kicked three goals, as did recruit Sheridan who was noticed by Max Gawn starring in a final for South Croydon. Josh Schache was also among the goals while pinch hitting in the ruck helping the improving Jack Bell. Coming back from injury, Daniel Turner stood up well in defence where he and Deakyn Smith toiled hard. Young forward Oliver Sestan flashed in and out of play and although not prolific in winning the football, he again showed his promise for the future. It will be interesting to see exactly where he is with a year of development and the mentoring of the experienced heads of Melbourne under his belt. With the AFL clubs congregating in Adelaide next weekend for the Gather Road, Casey should have a strong squad available for its first away encounter of the year at the NEC Hangar against the Bombers next Sunday afternoon. That part of the world is far from home for Casey and the support of local Dees would be greatly appreciated. CASEY DEMONS 1.1.7 7.7.49 10.13.73 16.13.109 FRANKSTON 3.1.19 3.3.21 3.6.24 7.7.49 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson Schache Sheridan 3 Baldi Dunstan Laurie Neocleous Sestan Shepherd Valentine FRANKSTON Lambert 2 Butland Florent Johnson Quirk Small BEST CASEY DEMONS Laurie Dunstan Munro Schache Grey Steele FRANKSTON Stoddart Mynott Voss Fordham Quirk Owens Statistics Jed Adams 5 kicks 1 handballs 6 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 24 dream team points Riley Baldi 1 goal 8 kicks 10 handballs 18 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 80 dream team points Jack Bell 5 kicks 1 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 30 hit outs 54 dream team points Matt Buntine 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 55 dream team points Paddy Cross 1 behind 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 52 dream team points Luke Dunstan 1 goal 15 kicks 11 handballs 26 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 97 dream team points Tom Freeman 3 kicks 4 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 27 dream team points Max Gregory 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 33 dream team points George Grey 2 behinds 14 kicks 9 handballs 23 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 85 dream team points Blake Howes 14 kicks 9 handballs 23 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 71 dream team points Matt Jefferson 3 goals 10 kicks 2 handballs 12 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 71 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 goal 12 kicks 23 handballs 35 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 127 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 2 behinds 10 kicks 16 handballs 26 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 71 dream team points James Munro 9 kicks 11 handballs 20 disposals 11 tackles 93 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 1 goal 1 behind 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 42 dream team points Josh Schache 3 goals 9 kicks 7 handballs 16 disposals 7 marks 2 tackles 6 hit outs 92 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 1 behind 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 40 dream team points Miles Shepherd 1 goal 7 kicks 1 handballs 8 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 52 dream team points Tom Sheridan 3 goals 1 behind 7 kicks 7 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 62 dream team points Deaykin Smith 5 kicks 10 handballs 15 disposals 5 marks 4 tackles 63 dream team points Roan Steele 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 7 marks 2 tackles 84 dream team points Daniel Turner 12 kicks 3 handballs 15 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 71 dream team points Ryan Valentine 1 goal 7 kicks 5 handballs 12 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 3 hit outs 60 dream team points

The conditions were perfect as the reigning VFL premiers played host to the Sydney Swans under sunny skies at Casey Fields and the Demons continued their perfect start to the season with a comprehensive 41-point victory on Sunday. On a day when the winds eluded the vicinity of the ground, Casey were quick out of the blocks with the opening two goals of the game but Sydney fought back and were more than competitive for most of the opening term. They kicked three quick goals to take a seven point lead as time on ticked by before a couple of late goals gave the home team a six point lead at the break. From then on however, it was a dominant Casey which took complete control of proceedings. They were untroubled as they squeezed the life out of the visitors who were allowed just two late goals in junk time after a barren hour of goalless toil. It was a satisfying victory for new Casey coach Taylor Whitford because his team this week was a far cry from the experienced combination that his predecessor took the club to a premiership in 2022. With veteran skipper Mitch White still out with injury and the number of AFL listed players available down to eleven, expectations before the start were tempered. Only four of the Melbourne aligned players had any AFL experience. One of the four, Bailey Laurie, has only one AFL game under his belt and he was out of this game in the second half. The pleasing side of the equation was the outstanding efforts of the team’s youth. Newly recruited forwards Matt Jefferson (4 goals) and Oliver Sestan (2) were impressive with their ability to score goals themselves as well as assist others while utility Blake Howes had his biggest afternoon yet, playing all over the ground amassing 33 disposals and taking 16 marks. Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Deakyn Smith continue to impress and rookie defender Kye Turner had some promising moments. The young brigade was not limited to the AFL youngsters. The likes of Max Gregory, Miles Shepherd and Tom Sheridan (two goals on debut) contributed to the overall effort. Casey was well served by its experienced players. Adam Tomlinson (33 disposals 13 marks) was rock solid in defence while Tom McDonald (20 touches, 11 marks and 2 goals) did his chances of a quick return to the AFL no harm and Luke Dunstan was also prolific in the middle. He was capably assisted by evergreen Jimmy Munro who was his hard tackling mean self. George Grey was busy all day and Matt Buntine was solid in defence. The Demons remain undefeated at this early stage of the season and play host to Frankston in the local derby next Sunday afternoon. Here’s hoping for another perfect afternoon. CASEY DEMONS 4.2.26 8.3.51 10.5.65 13.10.88 SYDNEY SWANS 3.2.20 4.6.30 4.9.33 6.11.47 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson 4 McDonald Sestan Sheridan 2 Grey Laurie Munro SYDNEY SWANS Haley 3 Francis McLean Magor BEST CASEY DEMONS Tomlinson Howes Munro McDonald Grey Dunstan SYDNEY SWANS Collis Sheldrick Shipley Warner Rankin Bartholemaues Statistics Jed Adams 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 1 tackle 23 dream team points Ryan Baldi kicks handballs disposals marks tackles dream team points Jack Bell 5 kicks 3 handballs 8 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 22 hit outs 64 dream team points Matt Buntine 1 behind 11 kicks 5 handballs 16 disposals 7 marks 4 tackles 84 dream team points Paddy Cross 3 kicks 3 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 25 dream team points Luke Dunstan 16 kicks 14 handballs 30 disposals 5 marks 85 dream team points Max Gregory 6 kicks 5 handballs 11 disposals 5 marks 43 dream team points George Grey 1 goal 1 behind 14 kicks 7 handballs 21 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 90 dream team points Blake Howes 17 kicks 16 handballs 33 disposals 16 marks 1 tackle 135 dream team points Matt Jefferson 4 goals 7 kicks 3 handballs 10 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 68 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 goals 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 1 mark 3 tackles 39 dream team points Tom McDonald 2 goals 2 behinds 12 kicks 8 handballs 20 disposals 11 marks 1 hit out 94 dream team points Tom McRae 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 39 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 behind 8 kicks 8 handballs 16 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 69 dream team points James Munro 1 goal 1 behind 12 kicks 14 handballs 26 disposals 5 marks 8 tackles 104 dream team points Oliver Sestan 2 goals 7 kicks 1 handball 8 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 46 dream team points Miles Shepherd 12 kicks 5 handballs 17 disposals 8 marks 1 tackle 74 dream team points Tom Sheridan 2 goals 5 kicks 1 handball 6 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 45 dream team points Deaykin Smith 11 kicks 6 handballs 17 disposals 8 marks 1 tackle 70 dream team points Roan Steele 11 kicks 2 handballs 13 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 60 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 27 kicks 6 handballs 33 disposals 13 marks 3 tackles 142 dream team points Kye Turner 10 kicks 2 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 50 dream team points Ryan Valentine 2 kicks 3 handballs 5 disposals 1 marks 7 hit outs 18 dream team points

Hi All - there have been a few questions around finals eligibility for the VFL so thought I would answer them. For those interested, here is the VFL finals rules, the games played in VFL, and the games played in AFL. Easiest way for eligibility is if the Dees are still in the finals, anyone can play VFL. Under the horrible situation where we might not make it that far, this is the 18 eligible players we have on offer: B: Petty Frost* Johnson HB: J. Wagner Keilty J. Smith C : Baker Hunt McKenna HF: Pederson T. Smith Hannan** F: Garlett Weideman Filipovic R: King JKH Bugg * Frost will become ineligible if (when) we get to the semis. ** If Hannan plays VFL this week rather than AFL, he is eligible It is actually a very strong side when you think that VFL players Wagner, Lockhart, Munro, Hutchins, Scott, Machaya, Stockdale, White, Gent, Lok and Freeman have all done really well this year. Hopefully Weid and Frost wont see a game in the VFL for the rest of the year as they will be too busy winning in September with Melbourne.

When I watched Casey this year. This guy was all over it, reasonable shot on goal with good speed too. Thoughts?

Saturday’s match kicks off at 4.35pm AEDT and will be broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy from 4.30pm. Melbourne AFLW team: round seven Backs: Jasmine Grierson, Mia-Rae Clifford, Katherine Smith Half Backs: Daisy Pearce, Laura Duryea, Richelle Cranston Centres: Harriet Cordner Half Forwards: Karen Paxman, Alyssa Mifsud, Lily Mithen Forwards: Sarah Lampard, Shelley Scott, Cat Phillips Followers: Lauren Pearce, Mel Hickey, Elise O’Dea Interchange: Emma Humphries, Maddie Boyd, Aliesha Newman, Ainslie Kemp, Brooke Patterson, Deanna Berry Emergencies: Pepa Randall, Jessica Anderson Unavailable/injured: Stephanie De Bortoli, Meg Downie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This could either be our last game of the season or the second last depending on how things go. For those who remember the Melbourne V Brisbane exhibition match at the MCG last year will also remember our score being 91-20 in our favour. Yes - it was an all-star Melbourne side against an extremely weak Lions outfit, but jeeez if we managed to repeat that score this weekend then we are a lock to make history and make the inaugural AFLW Grand Final (not to mention it will be the first granny this club has appeared in for 16/17 years). If we win by 70 points, this will boost our percentage over Adelaide's. If Adelaide win though, and by a large margin, then the boost won't really have an impact. As disgusting as it is, we have to hope that the filth beat the Crows next week. This will be the most likely scenario to see the Melbourne Football Club contend for the 2017 AFLW flag. We have Brooke Patterson coming back who has been quite a handy player and may provide some fresh legs for the side who pushed it to the absolute limit last week in Darwin. What's not in our favour is Freo coming off of a win and bringing that confidence in this week. Don't think they will be used to playing at Casey and also do not think they will match our confidence, team unity, etc. Adelaide would also be feeling the effects from the last round and on top of this they have to travel again to VIC to play the filth at their home ground. The scumbags have come off a large win last week and are on a run, and me thinks that their ego will want them to get a big scalp in Adelaide and end their season. Will be very disappointing and very Melbourne-like to throw in the towel and lose on Saturday, but I am confident that we are going to absolutely belt the living christ out of the Dockers and barge our way into the granny. Dees by 70 (or at least we win/crows lose).

NAB AFL Women’s Competition / JLT Community Series double header NAB AFL Women’s Competition – Round 4 Melbourne v Carlton Casey Fields Saturday 25 February, 11.35am EDT JLT Community Series – Week 2 Melbourne v Carlton Casey Fields Saturday 25 February, 2.05pm EDT Gates Gates will open at 11.00am. Gate 1 is for membership scans, entering with pre-purchased tickets and those tickets purchased on the day and Gate 2 is for membership card scans and pre-purchased tickets only. Access and Ticketing Entry is free with a Melbourne Football Club membership. If you are not a member, as this is a fully ticketed event, a ticket to the 2017 JLT Community Series match will need to be purchased for entry to the JLT Community Series and AFL Women’s matches. We encourage you to pre-purchase your ticket for both games through Ticketmaster. Access to JLT Community Series matches is subject to capacity and is not guaranteed. Family Fun Day Visit our free Family Fun Day located on the Village Green near the main entrance for a range of great activities! The Family Fun Day will run from 11am-2pm. Parking Limited public parking will be available on site at the south end of Casey Fields. Get there early to secure your spot. Nearby street parking is also available. Membership and Merchandise Memberships and merchandise will be available for sale from the Melbourne marquee located outside the main entrance at Gate 1 from 10.45am. Support the women’s team with a membership from $75! 2017 scarves will also be available for members to collect. Kick to Kick Kick to kick will take place on the ground following the completion of the JLT Community Series match. Bring your footy and enjoy one of footy's greatest traditions! TV Times NAB AFL Women’s Competition – Round 4: Fox Footy –11.30am EDT Live JLT Community Series match: Fox Footy – 2.00pm EDT Live Social Media Keep up-to-date on game day with our live coverage of the game on Twitter (@melbournefc) and follow the hashtags #AFLWDeesBlues and #JLTSeries Get a behind-the-scenes insight into the day by following us on Instagram (@melbournefc), liking us on Facebook (facebook.com/melbournefc) and adding us as a ‘friend’ on Snapchat (melbourne_fc). Website melbournefc.com.au will also publish quarterly updates live from the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Backs: Brooke Patterson, Mia-Rae Clifford, Katherine Smith Half Backs: Daisy Pearce, Laura Duryea, Shelley Scott Centre: Harriet Cordner Half Forwards: Karen Paxman, Deanna Berry, Lily Mithen Forwards: Sarah Lampard, Jessica Anderson, Cat Phillips Followers: Lauren Pearce, Mel Hickey, Elise O’Dea Interchange: Emma Humphries, Richelle Cranston, Aliesha Newman, Jasmine Grierson, Maddie Boyd, Alyssa Mifsud Emergencies: Sarah Jolly, Ainslie Kemp In: Newman Out: Jolly Injured/unavailable: Stephanie De Bortoli, Meg Downie, Pepa Randall ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The last thing we should do is get arrogant, but jeez I've got a good feeling about the Melbourne AFLW team. OUR team. 'Twas a great win last week against the Dogs and thank christ we didn't have to hear that horribly remade 'Daughters of the West' team song. We're going in to this round with the momentum off of our back to back wins against what is considered to be one of the top 2 teams in this comp. What's working in our favour this week is their best player Brianna Davey is out with a back injury and another key defensive player is out for the season with an ACL. This is a massive advantage having her out as she is probably one of the best in the comp and according to Carlscum match preview, they are resorting to putting Darcy Vescio up at CHB. As always, this mightn't be the case on game day but the advantage this provides shouldn't be understated. Need to capitalise and dominate. They came off second best against Adelaide last week by a whopping 3 in points in a thrilling one goal game. After being so heavily beaten they will be looking to come out firing this week. Many will refer to the practice match we had prior to Round 1 where we got one goal and they beat us by 44 points. I think that's irrelevant now as the team has well and truly clicked and are starting to look dangerous up forward. Not to mention that the Demon ladies themselves will want to make up for the praccy spanking - Laura 'Irish' Duryea (Number 11) looked absolutely filthy so lets hope she irons someone out. This is another MUST win game as we sit 4th on the Ladder, equal with Carlton, and we simply have to get the win to jump over them to 3rd and keep our grand final chances alive. Also looking for Freo and the Giants to get a win as well to keep the Lions and Adelaide stagnant. Alyssa Mifsud found her feet last week and booted 3 majors, giving us a great key forward target to work alongside Jess Anderson. Considering our forward line was considered to be our weakness, it's great to see it finally gelling together. Rocky was back in the team last week and again missed an easy shot on the run in front of goal, but I'm willing to let it slide as she wasn't in the Round 2 game where we lifted as a team. Hopefully she steps up this week and boots a couple. Daisy Pearce again was terrific, getting 26 touches and showing the comp that she's still the best. Kazza Paxman did even better by getting 27, could these two be the first AFLW players to crack 30 disposals in a shorter game? I think we can seriously win this one.

Game is on this Sunday out at Casey Fields @ 5:05pm. Free Entry too, hopefully it's a good turn out. Can't make game but I'll be watching from overseas as the game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy. Good article about the side here - http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/melbourne-has-plenty-of-quality-midfielders-and-defenders-but-keen-to-create-new-avenues-to-goal/news-story/7fe074da4828d88522d79ec7d1f65f2d Player profiles here - http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/melbourne-demons-aflw-player-profiles-for-2017-season/news-story/bbb832ccee571c018e14d8cabd7d3859

Is anyone near Drouin going to the game @ Casey Saturday? Please pm if you are & have space in the back of the ute?

SCORPIONS LEAVE THE BEST TILL LAST by KC from Casey The Casey Scorpions have done it again. Already well known as having the capacity to show great strength in the clinches and to win the tight ones, they are also developing a reputation for coming back from the dead. Last week, the Scorpions won coming from 33 points down at half time against reigning premier Port Melbourne at home but, on Saturday, they went one better against Bendigo Gold at Windy Hill leaving their best till last as they turned a 29 point deficit into a three point win. No other team in the competition has come back this year to taste victory from so far behind at the last break and significantly, the team has reaped great rewards for those efforts. It sits on top of the 2012 Peter Jackson VFL ladder for the first time this season. The win came in difficult circumstances as the selectors were forced to make some late changes to an already injury depleted line up when James Strauss was called up to play for Melbourne and young Demon Josh Tynan withdrew due to injury. Dylan Troutman was picked to make his debut while Mitch Gent received the late call after playing half a game in the development league team. Rookie Michael Evans was also in for his first game of the season after incurring a back injury in the pre season. They joined another group of players in Chris Clay, Luke Hill Nathan Page, Jordan Pollard, Brayden Salton and Tim Smith who between them have only a handful of games making it a very inexperienced line up that took the field against the in-form Bendigo side which beat them by 71 points when they met earlier in the season. Kicking against the breeze, Casey had the better of the first 15 minutes of the game with two of the first three goals to Jack Fitzpatrick and Page. However, the momentum swung from there as the home side applied the pressure and forced the Scorpions into errors. Bendigo led at quarter time by a goal but it should have been much more. The trend continued in the second term as the Gold struck a rich vein of form and stretched its lead to three goals but their dominance was still not properly translated on the scoreboard, a fact that they were to rue later in the day because a late flurry of Casey goals saw had their lead cut back to a single goal at half time. It could have been even closer but for some costly misses by the Scorps in the dying moments of the term. Bendigo made up for lost opportunities in the third quarter when it kicked five goals to one with the aid of the freshening wind. It was on top for most of the term apart from a brief period when Fitzpatrick had a purple patch which went wrong. The Demon big man who was recently diagnosed as a diabetic, kicked a goal to break Bendigo's run and soon after marked well within range only to play on and score a point after the ball was touched off an opponent's boot for a point. The Gold took the ball coast to coast for a goal on the rebound and then another followed. The result was that Casey faced a 29 point deficit with a quarter left to play. It was a tough ask for the Scorpions but the wind had stiffened to give them the advantage in the final term. They also had Jake Spencer winning handsomely in the ruck (he finished with 45 hit outs) and a bullocking Brent Moloney winning the clearances. That dominance was to slowly turn the game but it was only at the midpoint of the quarter that the crowd sensed that a Casey revival was truly on the cards. Evans had kicked truly for his second goal and this was followed by successive goals from Gent, Williams and then Gent, whose day had begun at 9.30am at Preston in the development league game, got his second. Suddenly, it was only five points the difference. There was plenty of time left, Bendigo was tiring and the wind and a truckload of determination brought the Casey team home for a famous victory. The winning goal was a beauty from 203cm ruckman who swooped on a loose ball panther-like and drilled it home. The three point victory was Casey's seventh by ten points or under and it's sixth win by a goal or under and it clearly demonstrated the never say die spirit engendered under coach Brett Lovett. Spencer was Casey's best but youngster Brayden Salton who finished with 24 touches was not far behind him. Moloney finished 20 disposals, 12 clearances and four tackles while Cale Morton with 27 touches and skipper Evan Panozza and midfielder Jordan Gysberts with 26 were also prolific ball gatherers. Michael Evans with 19 disposals and two goals in limited game time in his first outing for the year after a back injury was also notable and special mention must be made of the defence with Troy Davis, Nev Jetta and Michael Riseley all did their jobs along with Panozza and Salton Casey has its final bye before entering into the run home to the finals. Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 5.5.35 6.8.44 11.11.77 Bendigo Gold 3.2.20 6.5.41 11.7.73 11.8.74 Goals Casey Scorpions Evans Fitzpatrick Gent Williams 2 Morton Page Spencer Bendigo Gold Little 3 Hunter 2 Dalgleish Lee Merrett Thompson Slattery Winderlich Best Casey Scorpions Spencer Salton Riseley Davis Jetta Moloney Bendigo Gold Slattery Lee Little Williams Hunter Winderlich The Development League team had to contend with a Northern Blues combination that was bolstered with six AFL listed players and narrowly missed out on a win. Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 8.5.53 9.6.60 13.10.88 Northern Blues 5.2.32 6.3.39 12.6.78 14.6.90 Goals Casey Scorpions Lindsay 3 McFarlane 2 Allen Chin Collins Gent Johnston Petropoulos Rosier Weekes Northern Blues Bell 3 Casboult Lambert 2 White Visser Toman Lincoln Dorman Soncin Petroro Best Casey Scorpions Collins Allen Lindsay Petropoulos McFarlane Cleven Northern Blues Lambert White Heyne Lincoln Bell Wilson

3 potential forwards if in the 1sts, but who will stand the tallest for re-selection this weekend?

Like last year, the Casey Scorpions will take on Geelong VFL at Simonds Stadium on Saturday in the curtain raiser to the Geelong v Melbourne game. Unlike last year, when the VFL Cats were the underdogs and won by 128 points in an ominous preview of the later game, this year they will start as favourites. And seating will be hard to get for the Casey folk according to the VFL website. Due to the redevelopment of Simonds Stadium (involving the Doug Wade Stand and the Southern Terrace), a large number of reserved seats at the Stadium have been lost. As a result, this has had an impact on the entry details for VFL curtain raiser matches. VFL Club supporters and general public will be required to pre-book general admission standing room entry or a daily reserved seat prior to the match to guarantee their entry on match-day. Please see the information below about Peter Jackson VFL games that will be influenced. Please note: VFL Passes and Club Memberships WILL NOT give you access to Simonds Stadium for these games. All supporters must book a ticket through Ticketmaster. I'll be back tomorrow night with the VFL teams. The Development League team has its second bye of the season this weekend (the first was just three weeks ago).

According to the MFC website, if Jurrah hits his targets this week he will return through the VFL when the Scorps host Nth Ballarat. Great excuse to get out to Casey! http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/133897/default.aspx