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Casey Scorpions News, Results
and Reviews of St Kilda VFL players' current form
2007 Round 1 to Round 8
Saints in the city The City of Casey has opened its doors to St Kilda as the football club decides whether to move from its Moorabbin home. But local clubs are adamant they do not want to be booted from the main oval at ratepayer-funded Casey Fields if St Kilda should take up the offer to come to Cranbourne. Last week, the club announced it would leave its home of 42 years after a fallout with Kingston Council, sparking talks of where it would go. However this week club president Rod Butterss said the club would renew talks with Kingston officials. If negotiations fail, the club has highlighted Casey Fields, home of St Kilda's VFL affiliate the Casey Scorpions, as an alternative base. Danny Mulqueen, Cranbourne Football Club representative at Casey Fields, said St Kilda's move to Casey would benefit the whole area. However, he said that his club could lose between $30,000 and $40,000 a year in gate takings if it was denied the use of oval one for its Saturday games. "As a club that has served the community for over 100 years, we should be treated with respect," Mr Mulqueen said. "We are not against St Kilda, we welcome them, we just don’t want to be cast aside. It’s a bit harsh when we’ve been waiting 30 to 40 years for a new ground to give it to someone else. This facility is for local groups as well." The Article Sarah Schwager/Cranbourne News/07Jun07 Round 8 - Werribee vs Scorpions Werribee Tigers tame Scorpions! On a mild and sunny Saturday afternoon, the Casey Scorpions were defeated by the Werribee Tigers by 73 points at Bartercard Oval. The Casey Scorpions were determined to break into the top eight after a three week layoff due to the VFL representative game. Casey started the game well with a goal to Jarryn Geary from a hand pass from Justin Sweeney in the opening minutes to score the first goal of the game. But four goals after that in response by the Tigers ensured that they went into quarter time with a 21 point lead . . . After a tough defeat to Geelong, Saints fans will be encouraged by the following performances from the St Kilda listed players who will push for selection for Sunday’s match against the Kangaroos at the Telstra Dome. Brad Howard finished with 18 possessions (7 kicks, 11 hanballs, 2 clearances). Andrew McQualter and Jarryn Geary both finished with 16 possessions (McQualter:- 10 kicks, 5 marks, 6 handballs, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 goal) (Geary: 12 kicks, 2 marks, 4 handballs, 2 goals). They were both supported by Justin Sweeney, who finished with 15 possessions (14 kicks, 1 handball, 7 marks, 2 goals), who was effective. Fergus Watts had his best game for the Scorpions since returning from long term injury and he also finished with 15 possessions (8 kicks, 7 handballs, 7 marks, 3 clearances). Next best was Barry Brooks who finished with 13 possessions (9 kicks, 4 handballs, 5 marks, 3 spoils). The Article Gary Romeo/saints.com.au/04Jun07 Hosting St Kilda matches on Casey agenda Casey Council will up its bid to house St Kilda Football Club with the long-term lure of a stadium capable of hosting AFL matches. City of Casey chief executive Mike Tyler said Casey Fields, in Cranbourne East, would be equipped to host Saints matches against interstate teams by 2015. TEAC Oval in Port Melbourne, Junction Oval in St Kilda and Casey Fields are the frontrunners to be the new home of St Kilda, which revealed this week it would be leaving its 42-year base at Moorabbin. "Long term, it is possible we might end up with a small, boutique stadium that could accommodate a St Kilda versus interstate team match," Tyler said. "We've lost Waverley (Park), and that disappointed a lot of people. Look, it would be quite expensive and council wouldn't have the funds to develop it, but Casey Fields has the possibility of developing in to that in the future. I am quite sure no one, 10 or 15 years ago, would have thought York Park (in Launceston) would have developed the way it has." The Article Damian Barrett/HeraldSun/02Jun07 MORE MOORABBIN MOVE ARTICLES - + Training reports/images and other recent articles Round 7 - Casey Scorpions Bye Casey hit as Saints battle injuries As St Kilda's season goes down that familiar path of injury-riddled frustration, VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions seems to be following suit. The Scorpions are anchored in second-last position of the ladder, struggling for consistency. Casey coach Peter Banfield has no doubt that the health of the aligned AFL list has an impact on the strength of the VFL club. "I hate making excuses, but when you get a side that changes every week, it's very, very hard to maintain stability," Banfield said. "To sustain a winning team, you need to build up player relationships and get an understanding of what you can and can't do as a side. From a team point of view, you really need that stability and learn how to play with each other. That's why this season has been very frustrating." The Article Sean Cusick/HeraldSun/02Jun07 VFL results VICTORIA 5.2 15.4 20.6 25.11 (161) WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.6 1.8 3.10 5.12 (42) Goals: Victoria: Sautner 9 Berry 4 Byrne 2 Crowe 2 Johnson 2 Cartledge 2 Summers Spriggs Podsiadly Height. WA: Hay 2 C Jones 2 A Jones. Best: Victoria: Neville Sautner Byrne Berry Rosa Biddlecombe Catledge Robbins. WA: Hay C Jones Colreavy Fleay Longmuir. Williams praises passion Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/28May07 Round 6 Scorpions tamed by Tigers... but only just! On a mild Sunday afternoon, the Casey Scorpions were narrowly defeated by the Coburg Tigers in a good contest of football by 13 points at Coburg City Oval . . . After a great victory on Saturday night against the Sydney Swans, Saints fans will be encouraged from the following performances of these St Kilda listed players who will be pushing for promotion against Hawthorn at the MCG. next Saturday night. David Armitage finished with 19 possessions (14 kicks, 4 marks, 5 handballs, 4 clearances, 1 goal). He was supported by Justin Sweeney, who finished with 17 possessions (12 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 tackles) and was effective in a variety of roles around the ground. Brad Howard finished with 17 possessions as well (6 kicks, 11 handballs). Both were supported by Andrew McQualter, who finished with 16 possessions (11 kicks, 4 marks, 5 handballs, 4 tackles, 4 clearances). Next best was Max Hudghton who finished with 13 possessions in his return from injury (8 kicks, 5 handballs, 6 marks, 2 tackles). While the result was tough for the Casey Scorpions having come so close, the fact that they pushed one of last year’s finalists to the end was an encouraging sing for the side. The team plays with great spirit and will continue to learn and grow as a team from experiences whether they be both positive or negative. The Article Gary Romeo/saints.com.au/15May07 Jumping Jack's flash of brilliance Jack Riewoldt moved closer to an AFL debut for Richmond with five goals to help Coburg fend off the Casey Scorpions yesterday. With recruit Kent Kingsley managing just one goal, Riewoldt was the star in the Tigers' 13-point win. "He is just getting better and better isn't he," Coburg coach Andrew Collins said of Riewoldt, who showed class and looked hungry for the ball" . . . "There was a really strong breeze out there. We were glad we were kicking with it in the last quarter." Casey defender Max Hudghton played three quarters after long-term injury and looked solid and steady. The Article Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/14May07 Round 5 Scorpions stung by Cats at home On a cool and overcast Saturday afternoon, the Casey Scorpions were defeated by last year's Grand finalists Geelong by 81 points at Casey Fields. The Scorpions were determined to give the Cats are hard time after last week’s defeat against Sandringham . . . Robert Eddy finished with 20 possessions . . . After a return to the winners list last Friday against Carlton, Saints fans will be encouraged from the following performances of these St Kilda listed players, who will be pushing for promotion against the Sydney Swans next Saturday night. St Kilda utility Shane Birss has continued to find the football and make an influence. He finished with 25 possessions (17 kicks, 8 marks, 8 handballs, 5 clearances, 3 goals). He was supported by Andrew McQualter, who finished with 18 possessions (9 kicks, 8 handballs, 9 tackles, 3 clearances) and made an impact with his tackling. Both were supported by David Armitage, who finished with 15 possessions (9 kicks, 4 marks, 6 handballs, 4 clearances). Next best was Phillip Raymond who finished with 11 possessions (6 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 tackles), whilst Justin Sweeney had 10 possessions (8 kicks, 5 marks, 2 handballs, 2 goals). Saints fans will also be pleased to know that Fergus Watts got through his first match returning from injury. He finished with 7 touches and scored a goal. The Article Gary Romeo/saints.com.au/07May07 Scorpions caught short for talls The injury-ravaged Casey Scorpions will try to ride through a rough patch until they get some injured players back. St Kilda's injury list has affected Scorpions coach Peter Banfield for the third year in a row but he is remaining upbeat. "We have two games, then a bye, and then the state game," Banfield said. "If we can get to the other side of the state game hopefully we will have some of the injured players back. We have had three years of high injury lists that has affected us." Banfield doesn't want to use the injuries of their AFL affiliate as an excuse, just an explanation for performance. The Article Geoff Poulter/HeraldSun/06May07 Round 4 Scorpions struggle with Zebras down at the beach On a mild overcast and windy Sunday afternoon, the Casey Scorpions were defeated by the reigning premiers Sandringham at Trevor Barker Oval. The Scorpions were determined to take it up to the reigning back to back premiers after their thrilling off the canvas comeback draw against Williamstown last week. But in the first quarter, it was the Zebras who wanted to land the early blows by scoring the opening few goals. A good mark and goal from the 50 metre arc by Justin Sweeney kept the Scorpions in touch, as a 6 to 2 goal quarter allowed the Zebras to take a 25 point lead in at the first change. During the second quarter, Casey needed to score quick goals to bring themselves into the match. A great tackle by James Taylor and goal conversion along with a great mark and goal to Michael Rix was just what Casey needed as the margin was reduced to 16 points. After a tough night at the office interstate last Friday against Port Adelaide, Saints fans will be encouraged from the following performances of these Saints listed players who will be pushing for promotion against Carlton this Friday night. St Kilda utility Shane Birss has continued to show good form to finish with 34 possessions (16 kicks, 5 marks, 18 handballs, 4 clearances, 1 goal). He was duly supported by Clinton Jones, who finished with 30 possessions (18 kicks, 12 handballs, 3 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 goal) and was influential around the ground with Birss. Both were supported by James Gwilt; who toiled hard in the backline to finish with 25 possessions (18 kicks, 6 marks, 7 handballs, 5 spoils). Next best were Michael Rix (8 kicks, 3 marks, 8 handballs, 4 tackles, 2 goals) and David Armitage (8 kicks, 4 marks, 8 handballs, 8 clearances) who both finished with 16 possessions. Justin Sweeney also was amongst the goals to finish with 3 goals and 9 touches. This match was a challenge for the Casey Scorpions who will have learnt a lot from the Zebras. One thing that is certain about this side is it has great heart and will continue to develop and improve. The Article Gary Romeo/saints.com.au/30Apr07 Round 3 Scorpions draw with Seagulls after amazing comeback by Gary Romeo . . . The Casey Scorpions were determined to slow down the Williamstown side, who as mentioned by one Herald-Sun columnist as being too fast and too skilled for this Scorpions outfit! But in the first quarter, it was the Seagulls who bolted out of the starting blocks as they slammed on quick goals before the Scorpions could awaken. Kicking with the aid of a three to five goal breeze, the Seagulls ran through the lines to slot goal conversions on the run. A great pick up and run into the open goal by James Taylor was the Scorpions only major for the term as Williamstown took a commanding 42 point lead into the quarter time break. During the second quarter, it was important for the Scorpions to score quick goals with the breeze, in order to bring themselves back into this football match. A great mark and goal with the breeze to David Armitage along with goals to Shane Birss from a 50 metre penalty and Brett Voss from a fantastic contested mark allowed the Scorpions to bridge the gap back to 27 points late in the quarter. Another great mark to Luke van Rheenan and goal after the siren reduced the margin to just 20 points at half time . . . St Kilda utility Shane Birss consolidated last week on good form to finish with 27 possessions (19 kicks, 8 marks, 8 handballs, 3 clearances, 2 goals) and continued to win and clear the football from the stoppages. David Armitage also finished with 27 possessions (17 kicks, 10 handballs, 4 clearances) and was influential. Both were supported by Brett Voss who finished with 19 possessions (13 kicks, 6 marks, 6 handballs, 2 goals). Voss’ contested marking and aerial work has demonstrated good form over the past few weeks. Sam Gilbert continued worked hard in the back line and he finished also with 13 possessions (10 kicks, 9 marks, 3 handballs, 5 spoils). Next best were Justin Sweeney (6 kicks, 7 marks, 4 handballs, 2 goals) and Matthew Ferguson (7 kicks, 4 marks, 3 handballs, 3 spoils) who both finished with 10 possessions. The Article Gary Romeo/saints.com.au/23Apr07 Seagulls stung by back-to-back draws Williamstown coach Brad Gotch went for 15 years in coaching without a draw - now he's had two in eight days. The Seagulls surrendered a 45-point lead midway through the third quarter to draw with the Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields yesterday. The Scorpions kicked 6.7 to 0.3 with the wind in the last quarter to share the points . . . Banfield said Makepeace's inspiring second half had lifted the team. "He had a poor first half and I said to him at halftime, 'Come on Makey, let's go, we need to get you into the game'," Banfield said. Forward Justin Sweeney, 19, looked a likely type for the Scorpions. St Kilda's Michael Gardiner did not line-up for a comeback game as expected for the Scorpions, nor did Alan Didak for Willy. The Article Geoff Poulter HeraldSun/23Apr07 Round 2 Scorpions smash and sting Hawks hard! in the first quarter, it was the Scorpions who took immediate control of the match, by winning the clearances from the stoppages and looking to develop a running style of football to virtually run the Hawks off their feet. A great running goal to Troy Makepeace capped off a fine quarter for the Scorpions, who scored five unanswered goals for the quarter as they took a commanding 30 point lead at the first break. The second quarter was important for the Scorpions to consolidate their fine start to this game of football. And that they did, as the Scorpions continued to run in bursts to further extend their lead. A great goal from the boundary line from David Biagi along with goals to Justin Sweeney and Ben Fraser from ball gets collected from marking contests, allowed the Casey Scorpions to wrestle control of the match. A 7.4 to 3.3 quarter allowed the Scorpions to go in at half time with a nice 55 point lead. Whatever Peter Banfield said to his team at half time must have been along the lines of "Finish the job, its only half done!" as Casey came out and ripped the heart out of the opposition with a five goal blitz in the opening ten minutes of the third quarter . . . After a fine performance on Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs, Saints fans will be further encouraged and pleased from the following performances of these Saints listed players who will be pushing for promotion against Essendon next Saturday afternoon. St Kilda utility Shane Birss showed a return to form and finished with 23 possessions (16 kicks, 7 handballs, 8 clearances) and continued to win the ball from the stoppages. He was supported by Brett Voss who finished with 20 possessions (13 kicks, 4 marks, 7 handballs, 3 goals). Voss once again was prominent around the ground. Matthew Ferguson continued his great work in the back line and he finished also with 20 possessions (15 kicks, 7 marks, 5 handballs). Next best were the two James'; Gwilt and Wall who both finished with 16 possessions (Gwilt: 11 kicks, 5 handballs, 4 spoils, Wall: 14 kicks, 2 handballs, 5 goals). James Wall with five goals was a fantastic target. David Armitage and Justin Sweeney both had great games and finished with 14 possessions. Justin Sweeney in form in front of goal also kicked 5 goals. Matthew Ferguson worked very hard in the back line and finished with 13 possessions (8 kicks, 7 marks, 5 handballs, 7 tackles). Full Report Gary Romeo for St Kilda Football Club - saints.com.au Gardiner in for Scorpions . . . St Kilda ruck Michael Gardiner will return from injury for the Scorpions and veteran Shane Wakelin will line up in defence for Willy. Seagulls flying high Geoff Poulter/HeradSun/21Apr07 Scorpion fire stings Hawks The Casey Scorpions’ match-up with the Box Hill Hawks on Sunday at Casey Fields provided the club with an opportunity for redemption after an embarrassing first-up performance against North Ballarat. In a remarkable turnaround, the Scorpions grasped the chance and then went on with the job as they obliterated the Hawks by 129 points to surge into third spot on the ladder. They also secured the Challenge Cup for the second time after it was established last year to recognise the club’s first home game at Casey Fields. The Article Marc McGowan/BerwickNews/09Apr07 Round 1 VFL Wrap North Ballarat (20.15.135) defeated the Casey Scorpions (12.18.90) at Casey Fields on Sunday. The Scorpions were simply no match for a dominant North Ballarat outfit who performed well during pre-season practice matches and recruited a good number of players, with their prized recruit being former Essendon ruckman Tristan Cartledge. Callum Urch kicked five goals and Orren Stephenson was best on ground. The Article Marc McGowan SportsAustralia/09Apr07 Roosters crow as Scorpions feel the sting The Casey Scorpions were left to lick their wounds after copping a 45-point thumping at the hands of the North Ballarat Roosters in Victorian Football League (VFL) action at Casey Fields on Saturday. To make matters worse, star Scorpions recruit Troy Makepeace sat out the last term after receiving a heavy knock in the fateful third quarter and is in doubt for round two. In front of a great crowd, the Roosters hit the ground running from the start and kicked the first two goals before promising Casey forward Ben Fraser benefited from the busy opening from Brett Voss to slot his side's first maj The Article Marc McGowan/BerwickNews/11Apr07 Roosters sting Scorpions in season opening . . . St Kilda rookie listed player Clinton Jones was the leading possession getter for the entire team. He finished with 32 possessions (14 kicks, 6 marks, 18 handballs, 3 tackles) and continued to win the ball from the stoppages all over the ground. He was duly supported by Brett Voss who finished with 23 possessions (15 kicks, 7 marks, 8 handballs, 3 tackles, 2 goals). Voss found some form with some excellent disposals and will continue to improve. Next best was James Gwilt with 16 possessions (14 kicks, 2 handballs, 4 tackles). Matthew Ferguson also worked very hard in the back line and he finished with 13 possessions (8 kicks, 7 marks, 5 handballs, 7 tackles). Full Report Gary Romeo for St Kilda Football Club - saints.com.au At Casey Fields by 'Junior' saintsational.com Voss steady without being outstanding. Can not believe he is not in the senior side but on todays showing could not promote him. Should dominate at this level and didn't. Gilbert battled hard but did nothing to suggest he deserves a game. Disposal by foot a concern. Armitage disappointed me other than laying probably the best tackle I have seen. Very hard at the man and the ball but didn't think he got much of the footy. Ferguson took a couple of good marks in the last. Still reckon he could be the marking half forward flanker we need. On todays game I would give him another week at the Scorpions. Brooks had no influence on the game up forward or in the ruck. Needs to start taking teams apart at this level. Gwilt was terrible, he is not a backman. Constantly trailed his opponent on the lead by a long way. Kicking out was at best scratchy. I have been a fan but on todays performance would be lucky to hold his spot in the scorpions seniors. Turned the ball over and played with no intensity whatsoever. Needs to decide if he want's a career in the AFL or not. I watched him closely before the ball was coming down and he was not willing or incapable of running with his opponent. Looked better when moved further up the ground. Sweeney presented well and could have had a day out if the supply was better finished with 3.3. Could do a lot worse than give him a game. Jones was our best player - his disposal in the second quarter was a bit erratic, but he is quick, runs hard, is strong overhead and hard at the football and the man. Van Rheenan is very raw but has some serious potential. Will need a good season or two in the VFL but is very mobile and looks a good tap ruckman. Eddy got a bit of the football but was under the pump every time, needs to get used to playing against men and at a faster tempo. Wall moves like Dustan Fletcher but besides that did not stand out. Overall would not promote anyone on todays performance, with perhaps Sweeney a slight chance Casey Comments by 'st.mart' Woeful loss - more spirit in the Pakistan Cricket team than at Casey Banfield walked off in a big sook, halfway through three quarter time address, and someone else had to take over - he gave them a spray included in his words were "you are a disgrace to the coaches, supporters and Jumper, you have lost a lot of respect" he then said "see ya" and walked off, worrying since 12 saints players were playing. Voss - he continually beat his opponent, and presented well as a HFF - had about 20 and took around 10 marks - should not be in the ressies. Gilbert - started wing, and went back - did some nice things but overall had a bad day, things did not go right for him - was dragged twice - about a dozen touches. Armitage - surprised at his size, he has put on a heap since december - atacked the ball/man hard, but made plenty of errors, and was generally quiet - about 10 touches - some big tackles, inc one that knocked a player out (Hamill style) - hate to say it, he looked slowish..on and off the bench - midfield/HFF. Ferg - Solid game, about 10 marks (with some good contested ones) played as a HBF - read the play well. Brooks - after making great progress in 05/06 at Casey at FF and lately in the Ruck, today he was back to the bad old days of 04 - weak efforts, dropping marks, not getting near the ball - frustrating to watch - but poorly positioned by Coach - a mare of a game - showed his sublime skill with one pass, into a gale hit someone 40M away under pressure, they did not have to break stride - played FF/Ruck/FB (can you believe) Gwilt - got a fair bit of footy at CHB (as did his opp), did OK job under pressure - far from great though - went fwd in the last q and looked dangerous. Sweeney - did OK given his opportunites - often stood in the square one out, and wanted to jump on his opponent for a screamer, rather than working had to present - was doubled teamed afer HT due to Casey putting numbers behind the Ball - did OK (needs to work harder)played FP. Jones - 35 touches, and generated all the play for scorps weak as p*** midfield - he was a lone hand - runs hard, and is very quick - does butcher the ball a bit - very strong body - should be in the seniors - Midfield/Wing - thank god he played, would have lost by 180 - a very fast McGough (deeper kick though) maybe a fast Beetham is more accurate. Van Reehan - dragged for the last quarter while a mobile Ruckman was used, but did OK for 3 quarters - no footy (2 touches), but won a couple of hit-outs (a massive boy) he has about 3 years of development to do - his skill level is about the same as Rix - ATM. Eddy - won footy, but was a bit rushed and scrappy, shows promise, but has had little senior footy and will need time to adap to the pressure. Wall - loped around, and presented, but for a 198cm boy does not impose (plays short) skinniest 3rd year player I have ever seen - he is a backmen version of Pfitzner. Another note: Scorps Coaching panel is unorganised, and erratic . . . players going on without notice or instruction (did not know their opponents/position) one stage a defender was taken off and Armo went on as a fwd, he asked who goes back - they did not know . . . too many changes, NO structure, and system going fwd . . . .and his benchin/dragging of saints listed players was a disgrace . . . it was amatuer hour at Casey fields (well two hours) . . . Promote Jones, Play Voss Casey Comments by 'cwrcyn' I've got to say that I'm bewildered that Banfield is still in the coaching caper. He was Springvale coach when Tim Watson coached St Kilda and I used to go to quite a few games. He is a troglodite. He has no idea about the modern game and couldn't organise a crap in a toilet, I'm afraid. It's really sad that he's coaching our seconds, as those who were coached by him during Tim Watson's reign made zero progress in their football. Watson admitted that he wasn't ready for coaching at the time, but having guys like Banfield as his back-up was not doing him any favours at all. On the subject of St Kilda players at Casey, realistically we can only have any confidence of these players coming into the seniors and doing what's required of them: Voss, Ferguson That's it folks: a sad reality. Look for the big cleanout at the end of 2007. Skating on seriously thin ice are Gwilt, Brooks, Mc Qualter, Sweeney, Raymond, Milne, and Blake. Throw in Harvey, Thompson, and Clarke as almost certain retirees and there's your ten de-listings (and what about Gehrig and Hamill?). It may be a bit hasty to start writing about these things now, but how many quality kids are looking the goods at St Kilda? It's an easy question to answer, but it hurts when the words leave your lips. As other clubs have been stocking up on young talent in the past three years, we just haven't come anywhere near the requirer turnover of players. I know it's part of being up near the top of the ladder, but maybe we haven't done it as well as some. Anyway, here lies a perfect opportunity for a new coach to sweep clean with the new broom. Expect it to be a very big sweep indeed. Casey Scorps updates 'HarveysDeciple' et al saintsational.com Scorps 2007 Round 1 - 8 | Round 9 - 15 | Round 16 - 19 | GO BACK |