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Casey Scorpions News, Results
and Reviews of St Kilda VFL players' current form
2007 Round 9 to Round 15
Aussie Jones plays it coy Austinn "Aussie" Jones remains tight-lipped about his future as senior coach of the Narre Warren Magpies. Jones, in his second year at the Magpies, had hinted early this week that he was looking to coach at a higher level. On Thursday, the former St Kilda star quashed rumours that he was fielding offers from VFL and AFL clubs. Jones said he was firmly focused on Narre Warren's finals campaign. "Unfortunately, our league is full of innuendo," Jones said. "After the season is finished I'll be looking at my options but for now I'm concentrating on coaching Narre Warren." Jones dismissed the suggestion he may go to nearby VFL club Casey Scorpions and said there was a good chance he would be at Narre Warren next year. "It's probably because I live 10 minutes down the road from the club (Casey)," Jones said of the rumours. The Article Adrian Bernecich/HeraldSun/21Jul07 Casey Fields a 'magnificent' venue Casey Fields is again kicking goals. The Cranbourne venue continues to be talked about as one of the better sporting venues in Melbourne, and that was again confirmed after two AFL under-18 Championship matches were played there last week. The competition was staged under the watchful eye of top AFL recruiters looking for players to be picked in this year's National Draft . . . More than 2000 spectators packed into Casey Fields to watch the championships, with Vic Metro defeating Vic Country and Western Australia easily accounting for South Australia. The Article Cranbourne News - Pakenham/19Jul07 R15 Bye R14 Hollywood ending for Scorpions For two quarters, the Casey Scorpions went along with the script - gallant but ultimately lacking the quality of the top-of-the-ladder Geelong Cats. However, the past six weeks have been all about proving the doubters wrong for the Scorpions, and an awesome second-half display saw them roll the Cats by a point in a thriller at Casey Fields on Sunday . . . Casey was a changed unit after the main break and a booming Robert Eddy goal from 55 metres was the start of the resurgence. Carmody, Steven Harrison (25) and David Armitage (20) benefited from the good work of veteran St Kilda ruckman Matthew Clarke to continually pump the Scorpions forward. But, most importantly, Casey quelled the influence of Lonergan, Grima and the speedy Nathan Djerrkura in attack. Saint Matthew Ferguson (25) was superb in defence, alongside fellow talls James Gwilt, James Wall and Clarke. Watts converted two kicks for maximum points, while Justin Sweeney and Brett Voss managed singles as the Scorpions slashed the deficit to 13 points with a five-goal-to-two term . . . The Cats then wrestled back momentary control and were ahead again when Luke Forbes drilled a major from a set shot 45 metres out. Enter Andrew McQualter (20). The former first-round draft pick gathered the ball on the boundary inside 50 metres for Casey and astutely centred to about 15 metres from goal where Armitage took a strong, contested grab at the 29-minute mark. His accurate left-foot boot did not let the Scorpions down and they snatched the lead by two points. The Article Marc McGowan/BerwickNews/19Jul07 R14 Scorpions take sting out of Cats . . . After a great win on Friday night against the Adelaide Crows, Saints fans will be encouraged from the following performances of these Saints listed players who will be pushing for promotion against Hawthorn next Saturday night. St Kilda defender Matthew Ferguson finished with 25 possessions (19 kicks, 11 marks, 6 handballs, 6 tackles) and has continued some fine form in recent weeks. He was supported by Raphael Clarke who finished with 22 possessions (10 kicks, 12 handballs, 5 marks, 4 spoils). Both were supported by David Armitage, who finished with 20 possessions (11 kicks, 9 handballs, 2 tackles, 6 clearances). Andrew McQualter also finished with 20 possessions (9 kicks, 11 handballs, 5 tackles) and continued to find the football around the stoppages. Next best was Fergus Watts, who finished with 15 possessions (6 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 tackles). James Gwilt had 14 possessions (9 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 tackles, 4 spoils) while Matthew Clarke and Clinton Jones both finished with 14 possessions each in their returns from injury. This result has been pleasing for the Casey Scorpions, who have played with a great spirit and passion over the past month. With four straight wins, the Casey Scorpions have a great opportunity to consolidate their spot in the top eight as they continue to march towards the finals. As the skipper in Nudge Carmody has stated, the side is keeping a lid on things and "just happy to get the four points". This writer agrees! The Casey Scorpions have the bye next week, and in two week's time will look to get another home win against the Coburg Tigers. The Article Gary Romeo/saints.com.au/16Jul07 R14 Banfield calles troops to "run, run, run" . . . Casey coach Peter Banfield asked his troops to "run, run, run" at three-quarter time and his Scorpions responded playing on at all costs. The all-out attack worked, stunning the Cats who stopped to a walk with ruckman Steven King sidelined by injury. Casey have started to hit their straps at the right time of season 2007 and a win over Geelong in the final three minutes of the game will put them in good stead heading into next week's bye. Fergus Watts kicked three goals and captain Nigel Carmody was best for the Scorpions. The Article Ben Carbonaro/SportsAustralia/17Jul07 R14 Scorpions upset Geelong The Casey Scorpions continued their recent burst of form by upsetting top team Geelong by a point at Casey Fields. "It was a really good effort, to come from seven goals down," Casey coach Peter Banfield said. The Scorpions were 33 points down at halftime, but kicked 8.6 to 3.2 in the second half to snatch victory. "(Casey's) Matthew Clarke had a really good duel with Steven King, two quality ruckmen. They pretty much broke even," Banfield said. "We have beaten some quality teams over the past five or six weeks, (teams filling) first and second. The young blokes are playing well and the St Kilda injury list is getting smaller. We now have good depth and experience." The Article Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/16Jul07 R14 Geelong game re-scheduled to Casey Fields Due to the unavailability of Skilled Stadium (heavey rains), Geelong vs Casey Scorpions was re-scheduled to Casey Fields. Commencement time was also changed from 1.00pm to 2.00pm on Sunday 15th July. VFL Official Website vfl.footballvictoria.com.au R13 Seagulls feel Scorpions' sting Williamstown suffered its worst loss of the season on Saturday when a white hot Casey Scorpions put the Seagulls to the sword at Burbank Oval. The St Kilda affiliate recorded its fourth win in five matches and never looked like dropping the match from early in the third quarter. The match was delicately poised at the main change with Casey leading by six points, but the visitors imposed themselves on the contest after the break. In difficult conditions but with the help of the breeze, the Scorpions booted 4.2 to 0.2 in the third term to open up a match-winning 24-point lead. Shane Birss, Fergus Watts with five goals, James Wall, Barry Brooks and Troy Makepeace did the damage for the Scorpions. Williamstown football manager Bruce Davis said the Scorpions played smarter footy than his side. The Article Mark Murray/Werribee, Hoppers Crossing Star/10Jul07 R13 Saint Watts stuns Seagulls The giant-killing Casey Scorpions continued their recent surge with a shock 40-point away win against Williamstown yesterday. St Kilda-listed forward Fergus Watts, who missed most of last season with a broken ankle, was a star for the Scorpions with five goals. The Scorpions were 10th going into the game with the Seagulls second - and it is usually quite difficult to win at Willy. "We played very well. Our form has been all right. We haven't been that bad," Casey coach Peter Banfield said. "You have to have a really good look at the way we have been playing. We have been OK. Watts was very good today. He kicked about 5.4 and it was probably his best game. His marking was very good today and he presented very strongly." The Article Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/09Jul07 R13 No Hamill, but Scorpions cruise Aaron Hamill was a surprise late withdrawal yesterday but the Casey Scorpions won their third consecutive game anyway, crushing the Williamstown Seagulls by 40 points at a windy Burbank Oval. Scorpions coach Peter Banfield was unable to give a reason why Hamill was a late withdrawal from yesterday's game. Hamill played his first game of the season last week, kicking four goals in three quarters of play, and then ruled himself ready for senior selection. But it is believed Hamill had knee soreness after last week's game. Fergus Watts marked his intentions early pulling down several contested marks and kicked two first-quarter goals. Watts ended the day with five goals from 10 scoring shots and seven marks inside 50 and, with St Kilda's last-quarter fade-out against Collingwood on Saturday in mind, has put his hand up for AFL selection next week. Also vying for a spot is onballer Shane Birss, who capitalised on Williamstown's lack of accountability with 28 possessions and three goals in a best-on-ground performance. "Their (Watts' and Birss') form would definitely come under consideration," Banfield said. The Article Chris Walker/HeraldSun/09Jul07 Hamill finds sting St Kilda veteran Aaron Hamill made a successful return from injury with four goals as Casey Scorpions defeated the Northern Bullants at Casey Fields yesterday. Hamill, playing his first game for the season after a severe right knee injury, was on for a fair slice of the first three quarters before being rested at the last change. He had about 12 touches and three marks and Scorpions coach Peter Banfield said he had pulled up OK . . . Banfield said it was uncertain whether he would need another VFL game before resuming with the Saints . . . The improving Scorpions won by 88 points and were 77 points clear at three-quarter time when Hamill and Maguire were rested. Maguire, at centre half-back, had about six possessions and five marks but was steady and kept the Bullants' Josh Kennedy in check. St Kilda's Andrew McQualter, who played in the midfield, had about 25 possessions and made eight effective tackles. The Article Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/02Jul07 Scorpions prevail over Bombers in Bendigo . . . The Scorpions travelled up to Bendigo on the Saturday and stayed overnight to be well prepared. They suffered a blow before the game, with top Saint Matt Maguire withdrawing. He was expected to return from a leg injury and gain some match practice before breaking his way into the senior team. Fergus Watts and Shane Birss also didn't play as they travelled to Perth to be emergencies for St Kilda . . . The Casey defence was pivotal in the win. It was led by Saints Matthew Ferguson, James Wall and James Gwilt ,who kept Kepler Bradley to only two goals. Courtney Johns went goalless. Barry Brooks played a great game in the ruck, dropping in to the backline to help out the defence. Several players for the Scorpions will also be pushing for AFL duties, including, James Gwilt, Barry Brooks and Matthew Ferguson, although it will be hard to get a place in the team after the Saints' great win over West Coast in Perth. Aaron Hamill, Michael Gardiner and Matt Maguire are also expected to be available for the Scorpions' match against the Northern Bullants this Sunday at Casey Fields. The Article James Bitmead/saints.com.au/26Jun07 Scorps pull off upset Casey Scorpions pulled off another upset with a 16-point win at Bendigo yesterday against the Bendigo Bombers. " They had a high representation of Essendon players," Scorpions coach Peter Banfield said. " To win up there is difficult but our form has been all right. I was very happy. Kyle Matthews (winger) was terrific for us. We knew we had to match them in the midfield. Matt Maguire pulled out, it was decided to give him another week. We will get a few players back in the next few weeks." The Article Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/25Jun07 Bombers to sting Scorpions The Metricon Bendigo Bombers will be aiming to continue their stranglehold over the Casey Scorpions when they meet in tomorrow's VFL clash at the Queen Elizabeth Oval. Since the Bombers inception in 2003, the two sides have met five times, with Bendigo winning all five encounters by at least 20 points . . . "I would expect it to be a tougher game than our past two games." The Scorpions have named star St Kilda defender Matt Maguire, who has been out since round one of the AFL season with a stress fracture in his left foot. "He will probably play centre half-back I would imagine and pick up one of our key forwards," Bombers coach Matthew Knights said. "The thing about Matt is he is such a long kick and a very strong player, so they certainly have some decent ammunition to throw at us. "It's a formidable line up they are sending up here, so it will be a good test for us." There had been speculation earlier in the week former St Kilda captain Aaron Hamill would make his long-awaited return to football for the Scorpions at the QEO tomorrow. However, the 190-game veteran has not been named in either of their senior or reserves teams. The Article BendigoAdvertiser/23Jun07 Scorpions rue Roosters' rout The Casey Scorpions are still yet to register consecutive wins this season after suffering a 14-point loss to the North Ballarat Roosters at Austar Area in Ballarat on Saturday. Chasing their third victory for 2007, the Scorpions were dealt a blow during the week when St Kilda announced that Barry Brooks, David Armitage and Shane Birss were going to be rested during the AFL's split round. It robbed Casey of three of its best performers, but it was given some respite with the inclusion of veteran Andrew Thompson (47 possessions), who was returning from a knee injury and talented youngster Raphael Clarke (29). The Scorpions also had the added motivation of having been defeated by 45 points in round one by the Roosters. Unfortunately, the incentive was not enough, as North Ballarat relentlessly won the ball out of the centre in the first quarter on its way to a seven-goal-to-zero term aided by the ground's trademark blustery conditions. The Article Marc McGowan/BerwickNews/21Jun07 Andrew Thompson gets 47 disposals with Scorps . . . North Ballarat's accuracy help it defeat the Casey Scorpions by 14 points at Ballarat. St Kilda midfielder Andrew Thompson had a remarkable 47 disposals (29 kicks and 18 handballs) for the losing team while Casey skipper Nigel Carmody had 33 touches and Raphael Clarke 29 possessions. The Article Howard Leigh/HeraldSun/17Jun07 Scorps fall short against Roosters St Kilda's Andrew Thompson (46 possessions), Raphael Clarke, Fergus Watts and Justin Sweeney (four goals) almost took the game away from the Roosters, who lost rhythm after losing Tom Roach (strained thigh) at quartertime and Cartledge at halftime. Roach had an outstanding opening quarter, while Cartledge kicked three goals and was close to best on the ground when he landed awkwardly after taking a "screamer" late in the second quarter. North Ballarat looked out of sorts until well into the third quarter, when Moloney, Steve Clifton, Matt Riggio, Michael Searl, Matt Sharkey and Dan Feery began to steady what had looked like a sinking ship. The Article BallaratCourier/18Jun07 Back-biting over, say Scorpions . . . It is also common knowledge that Casey's affiliation with St Kilda, which began in 2001, suffered under former Saints coach Grant Thomas. Current St Kilda coach Ross Lyon refused to comment on the partnership when contacted by the News, after the tumultuous week his club has endured. But Scorpions coach Peter Banfield defended the union, and believes the bond between the two teams has improved markedly this year. "Grant had a different philosophy on how players should play in (the VFL) competition," he said. "This year, there has been a lot more communication from St Kilda regarding their players." Danny Sexton's appointment as development coach at the Saints in November has been the turning point, according to Banfield. "Ross and I had a couple of meetings earlier in the year and I have regular communication with Danny Sexton and (St Kilda development manager) Tony Elshaug," he said. "Obviously, having Danny Sexton on board has bridged some gaps with the alignment." The Article Marc McGowan/BerwickNews/14Jun07 Scorps coach happy with McQualter The Casey Scorpions produced the upset of the round by overpowering Port Melbourne by 24 points at Casey Fields yesterday. Midfielder Nigel Carmody was named best for the Scorpions while Fergus Watts booted three goals as a key forward. Scorpions coach Peter Banfield was also pleased with the form of Andrew McQualter and Shane Birss. "We were behind at halftime but I thought we had control for a lot of the game," Banfield said. "We made some skill errors in the second quarter which let them in. We had a lot more of the footy than them, we just didn't capitalise in that second quarter and they got away. After halftime we just used the ball a lot better and that was the reason we got ourselves in front." The Article Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/11Jun07 Scorps 2007 Round 1 - 8 | Round 9 - 15 | Round 16 - 19 | GO BACK |
