Casey's 2013 VFL Fixture

The VFL today released the Victorian Football League fixture for season 2013. There will be 19 rounds, with each side having one bye. Casey has nine home games in 2013, with their bye falling in Round 10. Casey will also play a Friday night game in 2013, with the majority of their games falling on a Saturday.

Casey's full fixture can be seen below.

 

Round	Opponent	Date	Venue	Time
1	Frankston	Sunday 7th     April	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
2	North Ballarat	Saturday 13th April	Eureka Stadium	2:00 P.M.
3	Essendon	Saturday 20th April	Windy Hill	1:00 P.M.
4	Williamstown	Saturday 27th April	Casey Fields	6:00 P.M.
5	Port Melbourne	Saturday 4th May	North Port Oval	2:00 P.M.
6	Box Hill Hawks	Saturday 18th May	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
7	Geelong	Friday 24th May	Simonds Stadium	6:00 P.M.
8	Sandringham	Saturday 1st June	Trevor Barker Beach Oval	2:00 P.M.
9	Collingwood	Saturday 8th June	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
10	BYE
11	Coburg	Sunday 23rd June	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
12	Northern Blues	Sunday 30th June	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
13	Werribee Tigers	Sunday 14th July	Avalon Airport Oval	2:00 P.M.
14	Essendon	Sunday 21st July	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
15	Collingwood	Saturday 27th July	Victoria Park	NOON
16	Geelong	Sunday 4th August	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
17	Frankston	Sunday 11th August	Frankston Oval	2:00 P.M.
18	Bendigo Gold	Saturday 17th August	Casey Fields	2:00 P.M.
19	Box Hill Hawks	Saturday 24th August	Box Hill City Oval	2:00 P.M.

Melbourne v Hawthorn - Round 7 Preview

After a testing week, Melbourne returns to the hallowed turf that is the MCG, to take on Hawthorn.
Melbourne have lost their past eight matches against Hawthorn (stretching back to 2006), and were never really in the match last time they played. The Demons will be looking to continue and improve on their improving form, which was again evident last week. Melbourne had their highest possession count for a game this season against the Cats, and even beat Geelong in the contested possession count. Melbourne are going to have to do this again if they are to stand any chance this week.
Fans have been crying out for Ricky Petterd to return, and after some good games for Casey, he returns to the side. Combine Ricky Petterd with Mitch Clark and Jeremy Howe, and Melbourne's forward line seems quite attractive. He also adds forward pressure to the forward line - something Melbourne has been lacking. Don't be surprised if he fires.
On the back of kicking four goals for Casey and being named among the best, Jack Fitzpatrick will play his first game of the season. He'll probably act as a tall forward and tag in and out of the ruck with Mark Jamar.
Versatile forward Jamie Bennell also returns after a couple of good games for Casey.
James Sellar is out with a calf injury, whilst Luke Tapscott and Lynden Dunn have been omitted.
Lynden Dunn, Joel Macdonald and Luke Tapscott have been named as emergencies.
Players to look out for:
James Frawley - He was OK last week but he'll need to to very good this week if Melbourne want to keep Buddy Franklin quiet.
Nathan Jones - Again, he was amongst the best for Melbourne last week. Jones leads by example every week, and seems to be getting better and better. As always he is key if Melbourne are any chance of beating Hawthorn.
Prediction:
It's been a tough road for Melbourne so far this season and it doesn't get any easier this week. The Dees are huge outsiders and, unless a miracle happens, Melbourne won't win. Again, like last week, Melbourne fans should expect a much improved performance and passages of the gameplan Mark Neeld is implementing. If they can shutdown Buddy and Rioli they'll go a long way to doing that. On top of everything else, they can't ever give in. Keep fighting, and Melbourne fans will probably be satisfied.
Realistically, it'll be Hawthorn by 25-35 points. Still, I'll end with two words: Go Dees.

Geelong v Melbourne - Round 6 Preview

A dejected Melbourne side after their 186 point loss to Geelong. Source: theage.com.au

Melbourne heads down the road to Geelong off the back of a much improved performance in Round 5, and, despite not winning, many Demons fans were pleased with the efforts of the team - especially considering the four games before it. Glimpses of hope were seen, and a bit of stricture looked to be forming.


This week, Melbourne faces an opponent that absolutely embarrassed them the last time they met (which was one of those "Where were you when?" moments for fans). Quite obviously, Melbourne will be aiming for a much better performance. It's the second of seven extremely testing weeks for the 0-5 Melbourne Football Club. Last years game hasn't been spoken about, according to a few Melbourne players. Whether that's a good thing or not, I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Jack Watts and Joel Macdonald have been dropped for the game, whilst Mitch Clark and James Frawley come back into the side. Many people have questioned the omission of Watts - who failed to lay a single tackle last week - as they feel he still has a long way to go in terms of development, and AFL is the best place for him. He'll play for Casey this weekend (in the backline in fact) and the last time he did, he had a blinder of a game. It's time for him to prove his worth.  As for Joel Macdonald, well, he can consider himself a tad unlucky. James Frawley is arguably our best player, so there's no way you would keep him out of the side if he was fit. Macdonald just had to make way for him.


Top three players to look out for:

Mitch Clark - What a find so far. In the absence of Liam Jurrah, Clark has been Melbourne's go-to forward and has had quite a big impact in the four games he has played. He was dearly missed last week, so it's fantastic to have him back.

Mark Jamar - After a slow start, Jamar had the most hitouts ever in a game for Melbourne last week. Could this be the start of his All Australian form returning? We can only wait and see. Melbourne really need it...

Nathan Jones - Arguably Melbourne's best player so far this season. He puts his heart on the line week in, week out and he is really starting to reap the rewards. Expect him to get better and better from here.


Prediction: In an interview posted this week on melbournefc.com.au, Jordie McKenzie said that the Dees see this as a winnable game. As much as I wish for it, I just can't see it happening. What we should expect, though, is an improvement on last week. The boys need to show fight, and never give in. I'll take a 20-30 point margin (hopefully in our favour, of course).



Jamie Watt.

Melbourne v West Coast - Round 21 Preview

It's been a very long couple of weeks for Melbourne and it doesn't get much easier this week as they take on West Coast. They'll be happy it's not in Perth, but they may as well be playing there because it's a home game at Etihad Stadium (the AFL did this, in case you were curious).

As noted at the top, it's been an horrendous three weeks, losing to Hawthorn by 54 points, Geelong by a massive 184, and then following that, losing to Carlton last week by 76 points.

As most of you will remember, West Coast made a mess of Melbourne in Round 6, defeating us by 54 points and leaving Melbourne pondering where they are really at in terms of taking on good sides.

This week, Todd Viney will coach his second game after the events that followed the Geelong debacle - we're all aware of what happened, so I won't bore you with stuff you already know - and he will be looking for a much better performance than last week - given, the first quarter last week wasn't too bad, but what followed left a lot to be desired, but I digress - and indeed a better performance than last time the two sides faced each other. Not only do Viney and co. face the tough task of taking on the Eagles, who currently sit fifth on the ladder, but they also face the Etihad hoodoo, in which we have not beaten a side at the ground since Round 19, 2007 (See: http://tinyurl.com/3dh2tnm). With Todd Viney coming out and saying he has introduced a new session called "Get Tough" to the players' training regime, it will be interesting to see just how hard the boys come out to play.

CHANGE TOMORROW: Mark Jamar won't play. He was absent at Melbourne's light training session Saturday morning. Max Gawn was there and will replace him.

Who To Look Out For:

Jack Watts: This guy has been perhaps Melbourne's best player for a couple of months now, and will be close to the Best and Fairest winner at the end of the season. Look out for his contested marking and his decision making - as well as his going for goal - as it is what will set him up for either a good or lacklustre game.

Colin Sylvia: After being dropped for a week and playing for Casey, Colin comes back into the side looking to find some form that has gone missing since about Round 13 or 14. On his day, he can be vital in Melbourne's effort overall.

Brent Moloney: As aforementioned above re form, Moloney has also been down on form in recent weeks. Given how important clearances can be, he will want to be switched on if Melbourne have any chance in winning, or even putting up a fight, and, if Mark Jamar plays, he will be better off already.

Jack Trengove: After singing a contract this week which sees him at the club until at least the end of 2015, Jack has every incentive to go out hard. He is in the top three players for Melbourne this year, and without him, it could have been a much worse situation for Melbourne. Watch him play week in and week out, and you will see someone who has great passion for the red and blue.

I could go on all day about important players for Melbourne, but I've narrowed it down to people who especially need to fire.

If you've got nothing to do, get out to the game and support the boys, and if you do, make sure you are loud. It was noted at the start of the year by a number of the players that having a loud crowd, whilst not necessarily large, helps the boys focus, and, even though they may not win the game, it will certainly not hinder their chances.

Jamie.

A picture says a thousand words. (in no order)

Jack Grimes with Mark Jamar and Lynden Dunn after Melbourne's 96 point win over Adelaide at the MCG.
All 3 will miss at least the next two games. Jamar (knee) 4-6 weeks, Grimes (foot) season, Dunn (suspension) 2 weeks
Source: Slattery Media Group

Tackle laid by Melbournes Jack Trengove on Adelaides Patrick Dangerfield.
Dangerfield was removed from the game due to concussion, and
Trengove received a three week suspension.
Source: The Age

Mark Jamar (with Liam Jurrah) at 2010 All Australian Awards, where Jamar
was named as the back up ruck man. Jamar will miss 4-6 weeks with a knee injury.

Jack Trengove after failing to have his 3 match ban removed
at the tribunal.
Source: Herald Sun

Jack Trengove after being told that his appeal had failed, and his 3 match
ban was final.
Source: Herald Sun

Lynden Dunn after the incorrect tackle on Daniel Pratt that led to a 3 game suspension
Source: news.com.au

198cm Stefan Martin is now required to do the majority of the ruck work for Melbourne
Source: melbournefc.com.au

Jack Grimes on crutches after the game against Adelaide
Souce: Herald Sun

Rohan Bail is helped from the ground by trainers after injuring his knee against the
Kangaroos, round 8.
Source: afl.com.au

Suspended play Jack Trengove watches his team mates get beaten by North Melbourne.
source: Slattery Media

Colin Garland leaves the field against North Melbourne with an ankle injury
that will sideline him for 6-8 weeks.

Two Weeks in the Red and Blue.

Colin Garland was among the best for
 Melbourne against West Coast
Source: afl.com.au

I have said it many times, and I will say it again, a week is a long time in football. Two weeks ago, Melbourne was coming in to their first bye in a comfortable position, with 2 wins, a loss and a draw.

Many fans were content with Melbournes position coming in to the long break, but how things were going to change within a week.

Melbourne headed over to the west to face the Eagles at the newly renamed Paterson Stadium (Subiaco), but would come home bitterly disappointed, and leave all of those involved in the club with some soul searching to do.

On the big stage of the Thursday night game, the Demons were well and truly outclassed by the Eagles, to the tune of 54 points. But this does not explain how badly Melbourne played, being 31 points down at quarter time.

However, many people have explained the frustrations of the supporters and players alike, and being the optimist that I am, I will focus on the positives.

Colin Garland wins my best afield for the Demons, picking up 19 disposals (14 of which were kicks), and 7 marks.
Also, Jack Watts finally showed some resolve, and won some of his own ball, the one thing we have all been waiting to see, winning 5 marks with his 15 possessions.

Although this was not only a bad game for the club, and all those involved, playing Adelaide, who have 3 players on report by the Match Review Panel (Tambling, Tippett and Jacobs) of which only Tambling would miss the game with an early guilty plea.

The MCG is the place to be this weekend, and the team can use all the support they can get as they try to put their season back on track.

So here's to hoping we can do better on the weekend, and earn back some of the respect that we left over in the west.

Nick.

Round 4 - Melbourne vs Gold Coast Preview

Moloney and Sylvia are the key players for Melbourne
against the Gold Coast
Source: aflphotos.com.au

Coming off a shaky win against Brisbane, Melbourne faces a game that should steady the boat. Gold Coast is coming off two big losses, 119 and 72 to Carlton and the Bulldogs respectively. This leaves the Gold Coast where the sun don't shine, pardon the pun, in dead last, with a terrible percentage.

While many a fan will come into these games considering it as an easy 4 points and a percentage booster, they must consider the wealth of young talent that the Gold Coast does possess, not to mention one of the best players in the AFL, Gary Ablett.

So, who are the keys for Melbourne, if we are to continue the 'Gold Coast trend', and who are those from the Gold Coast who could cause a few problems?

The 5 key players from both sides will be covered below.

Melbourne:

1. Brent Moloney - After a week in the doghouse, Moloney will be very keen to earn back some respect on the football field. This should lead to him running and working himself to exhaustion at the gabba on the weekend, expect everything to be left on the field. Also, Moloney's big body in the midfield will be a big bonus against the 18 year old suns midfield. Moloney is leading Melbournes disposal count at 80, and expect that to be continued after this round. Expect 30 touches.

2. Colin Sylvia - Picked mostly for the same reason as Moloney, the big body. Melbourne's big bodied midfield (special mention to Nathan Jones here, who didn't make the 5) will tackle and pressure the undersized Suns, not to mention breaking through the packs and picking up plenty of clearances.

3. Liam Jurrah - The electric Jurrah is an enigma in the forward 50, and gets people out of their seats. There is every chance of Jurrah kicking 4 goals in the first quarter, and if he is firing, there is no chance that we can be beaten. Expect a big game and a bigger bag of goals from this superstar.

4. Mark Jamar - The big russian is always important for the team. Jamar and Moloney are one of the most effective ruck/rover combinations in the AFL, and pick up plenty of clearances for the team. Jamar is also one of the best rucks in the game, just for his tapping ability, having the highest tap to advantage percentage in 2010.

5. James Frawley - Chip is back! Frawley spent 8 weeks on the sideline after tearing his pectoral muscle in a weight room accident. He got himself fit for round 2, but is finally starting to play some good footy. Although Gold Coast don't really have a key forward target, Frawley can still play as a running half back, who can release others up the field, and he works in to the rebounding game style that Melbourne like to play.

Gold Coast:

1. Zac Smith - The 205cm ruck is an exciting prospect for the Gold Coast's future, but he could cause some headaches for Melbourne on the weekend. He is an athletic ruck and can take a decent mark as well. Has a decent footy brain and will be a superstar in the future. Watch out for him.

2. <Edited as Ablett is out> Dion Prestia - This kid has been called the new Paul Chapman, and for good reason too. He may be short, but is very strong through the core and can run through packs. He loves to touch the footy and has a decent footy brain. Will be yet another Gold Coast superstar of the future. (Prestia may be a chance to end up at Melbourne in the future, as his whole family is Melbourne supporters)

3. Karmichael Hunt... I'm kidding, it's David Swallow. You aren't the number 1 pick in the AFL draft unless you have some serious potential (look at Trengove and Scully already). He hasn't shown too much just yet but could cause some problems if he gets some support from those around him. Shouldn't be a concern on the weekend but another to look at for future games.

4. Daniel Harris - This mature aged midfielder has been given a second wind at Gold Coast, after playing 149 games for North Melbourne. He has taken his chance already with 30 and 16 possessions in his two games. Harris offers some experience to a team that needs leadership, and his understanding of the game could help to steady the rookies around him and allow them to play their natural game. I would be keeping a very close eye on him if I were Dean Bailey.

5. Brandon Matera - A member of the famous Matera family. Son of Wally, nephew of Peter and Phil. A small forward that is dangerous around the goals and will cause problems for the Melbournes defenders. Hard to match up on, but should be next to Clint Bartram at the first siren.

The starting dilemma:

It is well documented that Melbourne struggles in the first quarter. So what can be done to stop this?
This is a difficult question to answer, but could come down to a different game plan for the first 5 minutes.

Melbourne, unlike most other clubs, do not play a forward press game plan, but prefer to play a defensive half rebounding role. However while the team is not running, the kick out of defence, or the next kick is unable to find a new target, as too many players have pushed down the ground. This is not helped by most players playing on after taking marks without looking ahead. This often leads to turnovers in the middle of the field, or across the oppositions half forward line.

Therefore, the coaching staff need to address the need of a more concrete forward structure, with targets leading out of the forward 50 up to the half forward line and giving the midfielders more than one direction to go with their kicks. This will not only allow the team to keep possession of the ball, but will allow Melbourne to limit any damage that the slow start causes.

Slow starts will continue to haunt Melbourne this year, as they are still a young team, with only 5 players having played over 100 AFL games, but is something that will continue to improve with the rest of the teams abilities.

Nick.