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After an over hyped off-season in which most media outlets pumped us up to be a team that we weren't ready to be yet, it all ended in disappointment.
This was supposed to be the year that the young promising Demons were to make the rest of the league take notice, instead it ended as badly as any of the previous four seasons had finished.
By years end we ended with a board full of in house fighting, no coach, a captain and vice-captain that words cannot describe their pitiful form and a future star on the brink of signing for GWS. I don't think that even the most anti-Melbourne person could have seen this train wreck coming.
End of season Ps M W L D %
34 22 8 11 1 85.72
Anyways lets go through the player by player review and season avg's
Rohan Bail - 8 matches, 18.1 disposals, 3.1 marks & 5 tackles
Missed a large chunk of the season injured, however when he played he didn't do a lot wrong. Won't ever be an elite player, however he looks like he has a bright future. 6.5/10
Clint Bartram - 18 matches, 14.6 disposals, 4.1 marks & 3.5 tackles
Clint is a very good tagger, however as seen this year his disposal is terrible. A few games he could have been BOG if he could kick the football properly. 6/10
Matthew Bate- 7 matches, 13.1 disposals, 4.3 marks & 4.4 goals
Tears the VFL apart, but rarely steps up in the seniors. When he played for the 1's he was shocking except for the first half of the last game against PA. I was actually surprised he averaged as many possessions as he did. Either way I think he will be gone very shortly. 3/10
Jamie Bennell- 16 matches, 9.5 disposals
Had a season high of 17 disposals and averaged 9.5 disposals a game. I like Bennell, but he has played 51 games now and a player with that experience is expected to do more. Shows glimpses, but needs to step up. Next year is a make or break time. 4/10
Sam Blease- 5 matches, 14.8 disposals
Only played 5 games, however considering his leg break and fitness struggles over the last two years this was a great achievement. His match verse the GC showed he had pace, poise and vision. Expecting big things from him next year. 6.5/10
Lucas Cook- No senior games
A young KPF who wasn't expected to play this year. Didn't really see any Casey games so I can't comment
Aaron Davey- 11 matches, 16.1 disposals
Runs around looking for cheap kicks all day, won't tackle, won't chase and we all know he won't put his head over the ball when it's his turned. Most over rated player on our list, yet the highest paid. The only positive for him is that he surely can only get better next season. 2.5/10
Troy Davis- No senior games
Didn't really see any Casey games so I can't comment
Lynden Dunn- 11 matches, 11.2 disposals, 4.6 marks & 16.10 goals
I like Lynden but at 24 he really needs to stamp his authority on a place in the team every week. Has the tools, but can't put it together on a regular basis. He is took a step backwards this year, like most of his team mates 4.5/10
Jack Fitzpatrick- 1 match, 11 disposals & 1 goal
Only played the last game of the season and was ok. From all reports played well in the VFL and can use this year as a stepping stone for next season. 5/10
James Frawley- 21 matches, 18.7 disposals & 5.2 marks
After missing the pre-season and struggling early on, Frawley finished off the season in fine form. Whilst not as good as last season he still showed why he is an AA player. Great defensively and equally as good attacking. 7/10
Colin Garland- 18 matches, 14.8 disposals & 4.1 marks
A good solid year from Colin. He can play on talls or smalls and gives us some good run out of defence. Back to the form he has before his foot fracture. 7/10
Max Gawn- 4 matches, 7.2 disposals & 16.2 hitouts
He wasn't supposed to be ready for senior football this year. In truth he isn't ready to be a consistent senior player yet, however he has shown that he can step up and play senior football. He is still a raw talent but has progressed at a better than expected rate. 7/10
Brad Green- 21 matches, 15.9 disposals, 5 marks & 37.25 goals
Really struggled at times this year. In fact struggled most of the year, maybe he just couldn't carry the burden of being captain. When it mattered he missed those captain goals and was well off last years form. 3.5/10
Jack Grimes- 6 matches, 19 disposals, 5.3 marks
Only played a handful of games before his body let him down again. Was passable in his games, mainly due to his kicking letting him down. However this kid could be anything if his body just allows him one whole pre-season and season injury free. 6/10
Jordan Gysberts- 15 matches, 19.4 disposals & 4.3 tackles
A good solid season from the second year player. Doesn't get the accolades that a few players from the same draft do, but is equally impressive. Just goes about his business every week and looks all the bit of a 10 year player. 7/10
Jeremy Howe- 13 matches, 12.4 disposals, 5.4 marks & 18.8 goals
The comparisons to Robertson were certainly correct. Plays taller than he is, takes a good mark and can kick goals. Great first season from the boy from Tassie and he stood up against some quality teams. Very unlucky not to get a Rising Star nomination. 7.5/10
Mark Jamar- 15 matches, 11.1 disposals & 32.3 hitouts
The player we could least afford to lose and we lost him for a couple of months during the season. When he played he played well, averaged over 30 hitouts a game. The Russian put another solid year in and showed how valuable he is to our team. 7/10
Neville Jetta- 9 matches, 13.1 disposals & 4.7 tackles
Played ok when given the chance in the seniors. There is something about this kid I like, I'm just not sure what it is. He has a crack when it’s his turn, I'm just not sure he is good enough to ever hold down a permanent spot in the team. 6/10
Nathan Jones- 22 matches, 23 disposals, 3.1 tackles & 3.8 inside 50’s
I would be hard pressed to find a game that Jonsey played badly in. He played consistently well all season. I like him playing down back, he gives his all every week. If all the players had the same attitude of this bloke we would be playing finals this week. If he improved his decision making eh would be an out and out star. 8/10
Liam Jurrah- 18 matches, 11.2 disposals, 4.1 marks & 40.26 goals
Had an average season this year. Started well but feel away dramatically during the middle of the season. Seems to dominate the poor teams and struggle against the top teams. He also puts no defensive pressure on opposition teams which is a non-negotiable. With that being said he had an average season but was on target for 50 goals before injury. 6/10
Joel Macdonald- 10 matches, 17.9 disposals & 6.5 marks
I like Joel, he always plays well without dominating games. Average the most marks for any Melbourne per game. Problem is he can’t cement a place in the 22 and may very well find himself on the scrap heap. 5.5/10
Addam Maric- 9 matches, 14.6 disposals & 4 inside 50’s
Disappointing after so much was promised in the pre-season. Shows glimpses of quality but it is too little too rarely. Have a feeling he will be looking for a new home. 4.5/10
Stephan Martin- 21 matches, 17.3 disposals, 4.6 marks & 15 hitouts
What an improvement from Stef. His mobility around the ground was out of sight, and really stepped up in Jamars absence. Played in a variety of positions and looked like a completely new player from last year. Tapered off towards the end of the season, but without a doubt was like a new recruit this year. 8/10
Tom McDonald- 2 matches & 14 disposals
Good for the kid to get a few games under his belt in his first season. Now knows what it takes to get it done at AFL level. 6.5/10
Jordie McKenzie- 15 matches, 20 disposals & 6.7 tackles
Another good year from Jordie. At times makes some mistakes but he leaves nothing behind. Always puts pressure on opposition teams and is a tackling machine. Needs to back his kicking a little more as he handballs too much. Did lead the team in average handballs per game. 7/10
Brent Moloney- 22 matches, 23.1 disposals & 5.6 tackles
Started the season in Brownlow form. When he was on he was unstoppable, however had too many games where he went missing. One thing that can never be questioned is his endeavour. Should be captain in 2012. 8/10
Cale Morton- 14 matches & 16.1 disposals
The second poor season in a row from Cale. Doesn’t put any defensive pressure on and only picks up cheap touches when he is by himself. Questions have been raised about his game during the year and he didn’t help shut up the critics. 4/10
Ricky Petterd- 15 matches, 14.9 disposals, 5.3 marks & 18.10 goals
I thought he was good this season. He is a very good third marking option in the forward line as well as being able to move into the middle of the ground. Was unlucky to be dropped early in the season, but came back in the best possible way with good performances. 7/10
Jared Rivers- 20 matches, 13.6 disposals & 4.4 marks
Has some indifferent form during the season, however overall was solid for the most part. Is a solid third tall down back and when the ball comes into the oppositions forward 50 like it does it doesn’t help these guys. There were plenty worse than him this year. 6.5/10
Tom Scully- 10 matches, 20.8 disposals & 5.4 tackles
Missed a lot of football injured. When he played he was down on last years form, he has a lot on his mind this kid. Will be a lot better in the future no doubt, just hope its in a Melbourne jumper. 5.5/10
Jake Spencer- No senior games
Didn’t play a senior game and isn’t good enough anyway. For that purpose I give him a mark of NA
James Strauss- 9 matches, 12.9 disposals
As the season went on he started to look better and better. I liked him off half back, was a solid mark and had some nice poise about him. However with his horrendous injury it will be a long hard road back for him. 6/10
Colin Sylvia- 19 matches, 20 disposals, 5.3 tackles & 25.10 goals
I thought this was his most consistent season to date. All that was lacking was the big games he would normally play in a season. The Richmond game was the only dominate performance he had for the year. Often gets marked harder than other because of his easy going look when he plays football. However he posted good stats for the season but is capable of so much more. 7/10
Luke Tapscott – 15 games, 12.5 disposals & 2.3 tackles
Started the season off really well but struggled after a mid season injury. Looks good, has a booming kick and is hard as nails just what the team needs. 6.5/10
Jack Trengove – 19 matches, 20.4 disposal, 4.8 marks & 5.3 tackles
Great season for the second year player. Hard poise and leadership well beyond his years. Took some fantastic marks and showed a hardness with tackling (not going to mention the 3 weeks). Showed that he had all the skills this year and was one of the shinning lights. 8/10
Matthew Warnock – 4 matches, 13 disposals & 5 marks
If only Warnock was 20 years older and played in a time when all the full back did was punch a ball. Unfortunately this is the case and is the reason why Warnock struggles to get a game. 3/10
Jack Watts – 22 matches, 16.1 disposals, 5.6 marks & 21.11 goals
Started to show why he was taken at number 1. Didn’t have many dominating games but had an impact in many games as well as a consistent form line. Has mobility that is rare for a kid of his size and showed some fantastic decision making as well. 7.5/10
Austin Wonaeamirri- 5 matches, 12.6 disposals
Didn’t perform well early on and then went AWOL. 3/10
Rookie list:
Robert Campbell- Didn’t play in seniors-
Michael Evans- 4 matches, 14.8 disposals & 4.2 tackles
I thought he looked good in matches. Doesn’t have the best disposal by foot, but has speed and doesn’t look out of place at AFL level. 5.5/10
Cameron Johnston- Didn’t play in seniors
Kelvin Lawrence- Didn’t play in seniors
Tom McNamara- 1 match & 9 disposals
Was solid in his 1 match, is far from the worst on our list. 5/10
Michael Newton- 3 matches, 12.7 disposals & 4.7 marks
Juice played his usually quota of 3 games. 3/10
Daniel Nicholson – 9 matches, 12.2 disposals
Always good to see a kid off the rookie list get a game and not disappoint. Nicholson was solid in his matches and showed he may have a future. 5/10
It was a bad season, no doubts about it. For the most part of the year we were average at best, only deciding to perform against the lowest teams. Somehow we were a finals chance right up to the end of the seson. I think that says more about the teams around us than it does us.
The Scully situation started off a bad season. It had to be some sort of distraction to Tom himself, maybe even the team. Senior players like Green and Davey were awful this season. Our most important players such as Frawley, Grimes, McKenzie, Scully and Jamar spent long periods of time injured. The promising players like Dunn and Maric stop steps backwards and at times look disinterested. Jurrah struggled, but still managed with 40 goals.
However on a positive note Watts stood up this year. Trengove didn't have the second year blues at all and looks like a future captain. Martin came from nowhere, look like being delisted last season and now has cemented his spot in the 22. Unearthed a few players like Howe, Tapscott and Gawn.
This was supposed to be the year that the young promising Demons were to make the rest of the league take notice, instead it ended as badly as any of the previous four seasons had finished.
By years end we ended with a board full of in house fighting, no coach, a captain and vice-captain that words cannot describe their pitiful form and a future star on the brink of signing for GWS. I don't think that even the most anti-Melbourne person could have seen this train wreck coming.
End of season Ps M W L D %
34 22 8 11 1 85.72
Anyways lets go through the player by player review and season avg's
Rohan Bail - 8 matches, 18.1 disposals, 3.1 marks & 5 tackles
Missed a large chunk of the season injured, however when he played he didn't do a lot wrong. Won't ever be an elite player, however he looks like he has a bright future. 6.5/10
Clint Bartram - 18 matches, 14.6 disposals, 4.1 marks & 3.5 tackles
Clint is a very good tagger, however as seen this year his disposal is terrible. A few games he could have been BOG if he could kick the football properly. 6/10
Matthew Bate- 7 matches, 13.1 disposals, 4.3 marks & 4.4 goals
Tears the VFL apart, but rarely steps up in the seniors. When he played for the 1's he was shocking except for the first half of the last game against PA. I was actually surprised he averaged as many possessions as he did. Either way I think he will be gone very shortly. 3/10
Jamie Bennell- 16 matches, 9.5 disposals
Had a season high of 17 disposals and averaged 9.5 disposals a game. I like Bennell, but he has played 51 games now and a player with that experience is expected to do more. Shows glimpses, but needs to step up. Next year is a make or break time. 4/10
Sam Blease- 5 matches, 14.8 disposals
Only played 5 games, however considering his leg break and fitness struggles over the last two years this was a great achievement. His match verse the GC showed he had pace, poise and vision. Expecting big things from him next year. 6.5/10
Lucas Cook- No senior games
A young KPF who wasn't expected to play this year. Didn't really see any Casey games so I can't comment
Aaron Davey- 11 matches, 16.1 disposals
Runs around looking for cheap kicks all day, won't tackle, won't chase and we all know he won't put his head over the ball when it's his turned. Most over rated player on our list, yet the highest paid. The only positive for him is that he surely can only get better next season. 2.5/10
Troy Davis- No senior games
Didn't really see any Casey games so I can't comment
Lynden Dunn- 11 matches, 11.2 disposals, 4.6 marks & 16.10 goals
I like Lynden but at 24 he really needs to stamp his authority on a place in the team every week. Has the tools, but can't put it together on a regular basis. He is took a step backwards this year, like most of his team mates 4.5/10
Jack Fitzpatrick- 1 match, 11 disposals & 1 goal
Only played the last game of the season and was ok. From all reports played well in the VFL and can use this year as a stepping stone for next season. 5/10
James Frawley- 21 matches, 18.7 disposals & 5.2 marks
After missing the pre-season and struggling early on, Frawley finished off the season in fine form. Whilst not as good as last season he still showed why he is an AA player. Great defensively and equally as good attacking. 7/10
Colin Garland- 18 matches, 14.8 disposals & 4.1 marks
A good solid year from Colin. He can play on talls or smalls and gives us some good run out of defence. Back to the form he has before his foot fracture. 7/10
Max Gawn- 4 matches, 7.2 disposals & 16.2 hitouts
He wasn't supposed to be ready for senior football this year. In truth he isn't ready to be a consistent senior player yet, however he has shown that he can step up and play senior football. He is still a raw talent but has progressed at a better than expected rate. 7/10
Brad Green- 21 matches, 15.9 disposals, 5 marks & 37.25 goals
Really struggled at times this year. In fact struggled most of the year, maybe he just couldn't carry the burden of being captain. When it mattered he missed those captain goals and was well off last years form. 3.5/10
Jack Grimes- 6 matches, 19 disposals, 5.3 marks
Only played a handful of games before his body let him down again. Was passable in his games, mainly due to his kicking letting him down. However this kid could be anything if his body just allows him one whole pre-season and season injury free. 6/10
Jordan Gysberts- 15 matches, 19.4 disposals & 4.3 tackles
A good solid season from the second year player. Doesn't get the accolades that a few players from the same draft do, but is equally impressive. Just goes about his business every week and looks all the bit of a 10 year player. 7/10
Jeremy Howe- 13 matches, 12.4 disposals, 5.4 marks & 18.8 goals
The comparisons to Robertson were certainly correct. Plays taller than he is, takes a good mark and can kick goals. Great first season from the boy from Tassie and he stood up against some quality teams. Very unlucky not to get a Rising Star nomination. 7.5/10
Mark Jamar- 15 matches, 11.1 disposals & 32.3 hitouts
The player we could least afford to lose and we lost him for a couple of months during the season. When he played he played well, averaged over 30 hitouts a game. The Russian put another solid year in and showed how valuable he is to our team. 7/10
Neville Jetta- 9 matches, 13.1 disposals & 4.7 tackles
Played ok when given the chance in the seniors. There is something about this kid I like, I'm just not sure what it is. He has a crack when it’s his turn, I'm just not sure he is good enough to ever hold down a permanent spot in the team. 6/10
Nathan Jones- 22 matches, 23 disposals, 3.1 tackles & 3.8 inside 50’s
I would be hard pressed to find a game that Jonsey played badly in. He played consistently well all season. I like him playing down back, he gives his all every week. If all the players had the same attitude of this bloke we would be playing finals this week. If he improved his decision making eh would be an out and out star. 8/10
Liam Jurrah- 18 matches, 11.2 disposals, 4.1 marks & 40.26 goals
Had an average season this year. Started well but feel away dramatically during the middle of the season. Seems to dominate the poor teams and struggle against the top teams. He also puts no defensive pressure on opposition teams which is a non-negotiable. With that being said he had an average season but was on target for 50 goals before injury. 6/10
Joel Macdonald- 10 matches, 17.9 disposals & 6.5 marks
I like Joel, he always plays well without dominating games. Average the most marks for any Melbourne per game. Problem is he can’t cement a place in the 22 and may very well find himself on the scrap heap. 5.5/10
Addam Maric- 9 matches, 14.6 disposals & 4 inside 50’s
Disappointing after so much was promised in the pre-season. Shows glimpses of quality but it is too little too rarely. Have a feeling he will be looking for a new home. 4.5/10
Stephan Martin- 21 matches, 17.3 disposals, 4.6 marks & 15 hitouts
What an improvement from Stef. His mobility around the ground was out of sight, and really stepped up in Jamars absence. Played in a variety of positions and looked like a completely new player from last year. Tapered off towards the end of the season, but without a doubt was like a new recruit this year. 8/10
Tom McDonald- 2 matches & 14 disposals
Good for the kid to get a few games under his belt in his first season. Now knows what it takes to get it done at AFL level. 6.5/10
Jordie McKenzie- 15 matches, 20 disposals & 6.7 tackles
Another good year from Jordie. At times makes some mistakes but he leaves nothing behind. Always puts pressure on opposition teams and is a tackling machine. Needs to back his kicking a little more as he handballs too much. Did lead the team in average handballs per game. 7/10
Brent Moloney- 22 matches, 23.1 disposals & 5.6 tackles
Started the season in Brownlow form. When he was on he was unstoppable, however had too many games where he went missing. One thing that can never be questioned is his endeavour. Should be captain in 2012. 8/10
Cale Morton- 14 matches & 16.1 disposals
The second poor season in a row from Cale. Doesn’t put any defensive pressure on and only picks up cheap touches when he is by himself. Questions have been raised about his game during the year and he didn’t help shut up the critics. 4/10
Ricky Petterd- 15 matches, 14.9 disposals, 5.3 marks & 18.10 goals
I thought he was good this season. He is a very good third marking option in the forward line as well as being able to move into the middle of the ground. Was unlucky to be dropped early in the season, but came back in the best possible way with good performances. 7/10
Jared Rivers- 20 matches, 13.6 disposals & 4.4 marks
Has some indifferent form during the season, however overall was solid for the most part. Is a solid third tall down back and when the ball comes into the oppositions forward 50 like it does it doesn’t help these guys. There were plenty worse than him this year. 6.5/10
Tom Scully- 10 matches, 20.8 disposals & 5.4 tackles
Missed a lot of football injured. When he played he was down on last years form, he has a lot on his mind this kid. Will be a lot better in the future no doubt, just hope its in a Melbourne jumper. 5.5/10
Jake Spencer- No senior games
Didn’t play a senior game and isn’t good enough anyway. For that purpose I give him a mark of NA
James Strauss- 9 matches, 12.9 disposals
As the season went on he started to look better and better. I liked him off half back, was a solid mark and had some nice poise about him. However with his horrendous injury it will be a long hard road back for him. 6/10
Colin Sylvia- 19 matches, 20 disposals, 5.3 tackles & 25.10 goals
I thought this was his most consistent season to date. All that was lacking was the big games he would normally play in a season. The Richmond game was the only dominate performance he had for the year. Often gets marked harder than other because of his easy going look when he plays football. However he posted good stats for the season but is capable of so much more. 7/10
Luke Tapscott – 15 games, 12.5 disposals & 2.3 tackles
Started the season off really well but struggled after a mid season injury. Looks good, has a booming kick and is hard as nails just what the team needs. 6.5/10
Jack Trengove – 19 matches, 20.4 disposal, 4.8 marks & 5.3 tackles
Great season for the second year player. Hard poise and leadership well beyond his years. Took some fantastic marks and showed a hardness with tackling (not going to mention the 3 weeks). Showed that he had all the skills this year and was one of the shinning lights. 8/10
Matthew Warnock – 4 matches, 13 disposals & 5 marks
If only Warnock was 20 years older and played in a time when all the full back did was punch a ball. Unfortunately this is the case and is the reason why Warnock struggles to get a game. 3/10
Jack Watts – 22 matches, 16.1 disposals, 5.6 marks & 21.11 goals
Started to show why he was taken at number 1. Didn’t have many dominating games but had an impact in many games as well as a consistent form line. Has mobility that is rare for a kid of his size and showed some fantastic decision making as well. 7.5/10
Austin Wonaeamirri- 5 matches, 12.6 disposals
Didn’t perform well early on and then went AWOL. 3/10
Rookie list:
Robert Campbell- Didn’t play in seniors-
Michael Evans- 4 matches, 14.8 disposals & 4.2 tackles
I thought he looked good in matches. Doesn’t have the best disposal by foot, but has speed and doesn’t look out of place at AFL level. 5.5/10
Cameron Johnston- Didn’t play in seniors
Kelvin Lawrence- Didn’t play in seniors
Tom McNamara- 1 match & 9 disposals
Was solid in his 1 match, is far from the worst on our list. 5/10
Michael Newton- 3 matches, 12.7 disposals & 4.7 marks
Juice played his usually quota of 3 games. 3/10
Daniel Nicholson – 9 matches, 12.2 disposals
Always good to see a kid off the rookie list get a game and not disappoint. Nicholson was solid in his matches and showed he may have a future. 5/10
It was a bad season, no doubts about it. For the most part of the year we were average at best, only deciding to perform against the lowest teams. Somehow we were a finals chance right up to the end of the seson. I think that says more about the teams around us than it does us.
The Scully situation started off a bad season. It had to be some sort of distraction to Tom himself, maybe even the team. Senior players like Green and Davey were awful this season. Our most important players such as Frawley, Grimes, McKenzie, Scully and Jamar spent long periods of time injured. The promising players like Dunn and Maric stop steps backwards and at times look disinterested. Jurrah struggled, but still managed with 40 goals.
However on a positive note Watts stood up this year. Trengove didn't have the second year blues at all and looks like a future captain. Martin came from nowhere, look like being delisted last season and now has cemented his spot in the 22. Unearthed a few players like Howe, Tapscott and Gawn.








