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Scorpions Coach Greg Hutchison
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Scorpions Kick Away
Casey won their third straight game on the weekend, and in perfect conditions for footy proved too strong when they travelled to Bendigo to take on the Bombers at Queen Elizabeth Oval. The Scorpions now move to third on the ladder, and the team is starting to look like a strong finals threat. The game started at very high intensity, both sides were working hard around the stoppages to try and gain an edge, and miday through the tem both teams had 2 goals straight on the board. Andrew McQualter had started the game in exceptional style, playing in the middle he was winning the footy with ease around the ground, delivering well to the forwards and working hard both ways, including a couple of good goals up front. Shance Birss was also in amongst the action, but it was an inspirational chase from first year player Andrew Campbell that triggered some late goals in the term to go into quarter time 16 points up, slowly gaining ascendancy around the ground as well.
Casey stings at QEO
The Casey Scorpions yesterday handed the Metricon Bendigo Bombers their third defeat in a row of the VFL season. Playing their first home game of the season at the Queen Elizabeth Oval, the young Bombers were outclassed by a more slick Scorpions side, which won 20.13 (133) to 14.8 (92), with the loss leaving Bendigo 12th on the ladder. While the scoreline may show a 41-point defeat, the Bombers were still in with a sniff of victory at the 16-minute mark of the final term. The game had looked all but over at the 10-minute mark of the last quarter when a goal to Casey's Chris Dunne gave the Scorpions a 34-point break ... Casey rounded the game out by kicking the last four goals of the match, including another two to Dunne, to record their third straight win and beat the Bombers for just the second time in eight meetings ... Inside the first 10 minutes of the first term both sides had kicked two goals in an even start. But when St Kilda-listed player Shane Birss kicked the Scorpions' third goal at the 13-minute mark, Casey wouldn't be headed for the rest of the match.
More Bendigo Advertiser/21Apr08
Scorps vs Bendigo Bombers
I was at the game in Bendigo and here are my observations.
Reserves
Eljay Connors played in the 2nds and picked up a few possessions and showed good skills but took it a bit easy at times. Khan Haretuka rucked in the 2nds and needs a lot more ruck training but is raw and shows potential.
Seniors
Fiora did nothing and rotated front to backline and off the ground. Hutchinson gave him a rev at 3/4 time to make it his qtr but only flashed in a couple of times.
Eddy did some good things and carried the ball well but needs to show more.
Mini got a heap of the ball and apart from turnovers was up there as the best. Delivered the ball well into the forward line at times and found space.
Gwilt played down back and ran off some times and contested the ball. took a couple of marks and spoiled his opponent. Kicked a goal in the last qtr from inside the centre square.
Steven showed a lot at times and found space. Appears to have bulked up a bit. A`couple of disposal errors but found it a bit and gave some good second efforts.
Ferguson geez looked horrible at times but took a couple of good last line marks in contests and then forward and took a great mark in the square and converted. Ran off the backline but also got caught a couple of times. Turned over a few times but was in and under when required. Not playing Seniors for a while at the saints I would say.
McEvoy looked all at sea early but started to gain confidence and rucked well. Was up against 3 rucks that the bombers had and was the only scorpions ruck interchanging with silvangi in short bursts and did rest in the forward line as well. Has huge potential with a good ruck coach. A good size unit who will play seniors sooner than later. Ran forward a few times and set others up.
Geary did some good things but was on and off a bit. Hard at it and has skills and poise which showed when needed.
Birss was hard at it all game but like all saints listed players rotated off the bench with each other more than scorps players. set up others well and looked to bring oters into it at times but sometimes putting them under a bit of pressure.
Howard showed alot at times and his disposal did let him done at times. Turned over the ball more than he should have but kept at it and ran the game out. Will play casey a lot more yet.
Raph was a class above the others with his skills, poise and thinking and tackled well (even though the umpires let the game go more then AFL umpires do) earned more free kicks than anyone else. Played on the wing, HBF and went forward late. Always looking for the next option which at times at this level wasn't there.
Allen took some good grabs and lead well. Missed a couple that he should have got but over all did what he should have.
I was sitting up in the stand near the casey stats men and it was interesting to hear that the majority of possessions were from the numbered players past 46 which is all the St Kilda listed players.
The casey players who also did well included Wall, Campbell and Parker
I did hear from people behind me talking about why Rix was not out there don't know how accurate or close they are to being right but related to resting on request.
Thats a quick summary and it was good win as the bombers kept coming at the scorps but each time they composed to keep ahead and then run out easy winners.
Round 3
Scorpions Continue to Build
The second quarter saw some free flowing football from both sides, Shane Birss was getting plenty of the footy, whether in the middle of the ground, or out on a wing, and once again stand in skipper, James Wall, was contolling the backline with ease allowing our midfield to slowly gain ascendency. The Scorpions had 11 shots at goal, to Box Hills 6, but some better kicking from the Hawks meant they were not blown away. At half time the Scorpions had extended their lead slightly and went into the main break 11 points up ... It was the third quarter that Casey really took control of the game. Andrew McQualter and Shane Birss were still dominant in the midfield, and Birss was able to sneak forward to pinch a couple of goals. David Armitage was strong over the footy, and laid some bone crunching tackles, gis confidence and ball winning ability around the packs at clearances seems to get better every week. Stefan Garubba had his best game for the season with dash and poise around half forward and through the middle of the ground. At 3/4 time the Scorpions were well in control and went in 35 points up.
Reserves
The reserves were beaten by 28 points in what again, was a dissapointing result. The game was level pecking up until the last quarter where the Hawks were able to run away with the Game. Ryan Creed was all over the ground and will no doubt push for another spot in the Seniors, along with big Ben Fraser who booted 4 majors and presented very well at both Centre Half Forward and in the Goal square, also making a case for senior selection.
More scorpions.com.au/14Apr08
Scorps switched on
THEY were playing under lights. But the first quarter of Saturday's Round 2 VFL match between Casey Scorpions and Frankston was so ridden with mistakes that you'd have thought the players were fumbling about in darkness. Thankfully, Casey Fields' inaugural night game improved into an entertaining affair contested with a vigour expected of two clubs that have little regard for each other ... But he and his teammates got their bearings in the second quarter. The polish that came from 12 Saints was also noticeable. James Gwilt got Casey going with a long goal on his flowing left-foot, and then there were marks and conversions from Jarryd Allen and the impressive Ben McEvoy ... The third term was more productive again for the Scorpions. There was a steady supply of scoring opportunities for the forwards ... Chris Dunne booted a second goal, McQualter nailed his first and McEvoy completed an excellent performance with his second major... Allen kicked two more, and first-gamer Ryan Creed chipped in with a nice snap to give the Scorps a 19-point lead at the last change ... The young ruckman had 16 disposals and took 10 marks to show why St Kilda snaffled him so early in last year's draft. Jones (31 possessions), Andrew McQualter (32), Gwilt (27) and Matthew Ferguson (33) were dominant players, Alex Silvagni kept Frankston recruit Dean Limbach goalless, and first-gamer Joel Galvin was handy. Rob Eddy had a terrific duel with Berry. Eddy had 27 possessions but the dazzling little Dolphin kicked four goals. Officials were slightly disappointed with the crowd of about 1500. More are expected for Saturday night's match with Box Hill Hawks, who are aligned to Hawthorn.
More Marty Shevelove/Pakenham Cardinia Leader/09Apr08
'scorpions.com.au' Match Review
... A better effort by Casey in the second term saw the team kick four majors, Matthew Ferguson and Alex Silvagni were controlling the backline well, which allowed Clinton Jones to work hard through the midfield to gain plenty of possesion. The decision making and skill level in the second quarter, while still not convincing, was much better and at the main break the Scorpions went in with their noses ahead ... The third quarter saw the Scorpions come out with some added grunt and better execution of their skills.
Joel Galvin came on the ground and made an impact with some dash through the midfield and around half forward, while Michael Rix was working tirelessly in the ruck allowing Ben McEvoy to drift forward and take a couple of strong pack marks. Captain for the day James Wall, was finding it at ease at both ends of the ground, snagging a major while also dictating play when in the backline. Robert Eddy was playing an unselfish role on Frankstons goal sneak Justin Berry. This meant the Scorpions were able to slam 6 goals, while the Dolphins accuracy in front of the sticks was till costing them ... Matthew Ferguson was named Best on Ground, and continues to gain confidence with game time.
Reserves
Our reserves season got underway, and Frankston were able to hang on in an exciting finish to win by 8 points. Casey kicked 5 unanswered goals in the last term, and showed signs of what they are capable of. Ben Waite kicked 3 majors and Brad Howard's zip and skill saw him with best on ground honours.
More Casey Scorions Official Website/08Apr08
Casey Scorpions vs Frankston Dolphins
The Casey Scorpions (16.14.111) defeated Frankston (9.18.72) under lights at Casey Fields on Saturday night. In what is a rarity in VFL football, the Scorpions and Dolphins clashed under lights in what was an interesting contest as both sides tried hard to gain that competitive edge. Second-year St Kilda listed player Jarryd Allen kicked three goals and Matthew Ferguson was best on ground for the Scorpions.
More Ben Carbonaro/Sports Australia/07Apr08
SS Match reports - Scorps vs Dolphins
CJ (Clinton Jones) was great
Charlie (Gardiner) just fair
(Michael) Rix and (Ben) Mcevoy good ruck combo
Woody (Jarryd Allen) some strong marks and goals
Robert Eddy had task on Justin Berry, seemed to do well but Berry kicked 4
Jimmy Gwilt played well
Goose (Matthew Maguire) is struggling, few strong marks but ordinary below his knees, played whole game
Ferg (Matthew Ferguson) was excellent bar once standing back from marking opportunity
(Shaun) Dempster and (Shane) Birss ok
Mini (Andrew McQualter) solid
'ballbaker' saintsational.com
Injured - (Eljay) Connors 'knee, corkie, hamy?' something very uncomfortable and (Glenn) Chivers 'ankle' - almost a stretcher to get off, huge icepack to leave at the end of the game on crutches.
I may be corrected by others who were there but Goose (Matthew Maguire) played the whole game - none - or very minimal interchange time. Given that this would seem to be the first game where he has played virtually every minute I guess they will be really looking at how his foot/feet recover and his recovery.
'saintbrat' saintsational.com
More Saintsational Fan Forum
Fadeout stings Scorpions
A second-half fadeout saw the Casey Scorpions succumb by 37 points to Victorian Football League powerhouse Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday. The Scorpions had grabbed a 20-point half-time buffer after holding the Zebras to a solitary point in the second term, but simply ran out of legs. The resting of Saints stars Brendon Goddard and Clinton Jones after the main break accentuated the problem and fellow St Kilda player Matthew Ferguson was not sighted after being knocked out in the second quarter. Goddard and Jones are both in contention to play for the Saints against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Friday night. Casey entered the contest without new captain Kyle Matthews, who suffered a slight strain to the medial ligament in his right knee at training on Wednesday night. Matthews is aiming to return for the club’s round-three encounter with Box Hill. James Wall tossed the coin on the weekend, but the duties may be given to another of the Scorpions’ vice-captains on Saturday night. Sandringham booted the game’s opening three goals – including two to Demons big man Ben Holland – with the aid of a strong breeze. Finally rugged midfielder Shane Birss, following two misses by Charlie Gardiner, slotted Casey’s first almost 20 minutes into the fixture.
More Marc McGowan/BerwickNews/03Apr08
Sandringham cruises home
Sandringham kicked nine third-quarter goals to set up a 37-point win over the Casey Scorpions in their VFL clash yesterday at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. The Zebras trailed Casey by 20 points at half-time after the Scorpions kept the home team to just one point in the second quarter, but came home strongly with help from star forward Nick Sautner, who kicked three second-half goals ... Both sides were stacked with AFL-listed players. Sandringham had Adem Yze, Jared Rivers, Matthew Whelan and Mark Jamar, while Casey played with Matt Maguire, Clinton Jones, Brendon Goddard and Charlie Gardiner. Casey coach Greg Hutchison said limited use of the St Kilda players — particularly Jones and Goddard — contributed to his side's poor third quarter.
More Carley Jellett/RealFooty/31Mar08
'spiral2' SS Report
wasn't the easiest goal kicking conditions, strong on shore breeze blowing almost straight across ground
that said, sandy used it beautifully in the third quarter, lots of their goals kicked using the breeze to bend the ball in, their experience on the ground was clear. Thought Charlie did very well, his hand is up. Mini was also very good, especially in the last quarter, some tough efforts and good hard ball gets. BJ did well, almost took a great hanger in the forward line. Didn't notice Goose at all though I swapped ends to watch the forwards. He had a spell in the forward line in the 4th quarter I think. Sandy piled on goals in the 3rd, he can't have done that well down back. Dempster did some ok things, nothing that really grabbed my attention. McEvoy was a bit disappointing, some half hearted efforts up forward in the 2nd or 3rd qtr. Seemed to come to life a bit in the last and got some harder possies. I was up the other end of the ground. Needs to attack the ball in the air more (needs to watch Kosi), didn't note any outstanding ruck work. Armo was tough. Birss battled well and did some good things. Gwilt got it a bit but more often than not his disposal or decision making was quite poor. Howard was pretty good defensively but doesn't get the ball enough, uses it ok when he gets it. Allen was good, good endeavour, gives good aerial contests. was swung back in the last and didn't do very well. CJ was good, disposal/decision making a bit hit and miss, won some good footy though. Eddy always seemed under the pump when he had it, not many effective disposals that I noticed ... Jack steven went alright, kicked a nice crumbing goal. sold team mates into trouble with some handballs.
Scorps keen on Saints
The Casey Scorpions are committed to continuing their alliance with the St Kilda Football Club, Scorpions general manager Brian Woodman says. Despite moves by the Melbourne Football Club to establish a summer training base at Casey Fields, Woodman said continuing as the Saints' VFL affiliate was the number one priority. "Absolutely, that's where we're focussing in terms of our alignment at the moment," he said on Wednesday. Asked if the Scorpions had considered a partnership with the Demons, Woodman said: "We haven't even thought about that as an option. Everyone is talking about it and we've got a strong alignment with the St Kilda Football Club. It's all clouded significantly with the Frankston issue but at the moment we're committed to the St Kilda Football Club and our alignment".The Scorpions will review the alignment with St Kilda at an annual meeting later in the season. The Saints will move their home base to Frankston by the 2010 season.
More Pakenham Cardinia Leader/02Apr08
Scorpions new team structure
... Versatile key position player James Wall, who St Kilda also delisted, will return, and his influence will be vital if the Scorpions are to make another run at the finals. Outside of Wall, Casey's best recruits were those straight out of the TAC Cup under-18 competition. The two stand-outs from that crop appear to be former Eastern Ranges Andrew Campbell, who trained with Melbourne before last year's AFL rookie draft, and Shaun Dixon. Once again the Saints' injury fortunes will be a major factor in the Scorpions' success. Midfield prospect David Armitage, promising tall Jarryd Allen, first-round draft pick Ben McEvoy and rookie-listed Andrew McQualter, Luke van Rheenen and Robert Eddy will all spend time with the Scorpions. Allen in particular has a huge responsibility up forward after Watts' and Sweeney's departures. Casey big man Ben Fraser also has a point to prove after missing out on the Scorpions' finals campaign last season due to waning form. An impressive pre-season, highlighted by a five-goal haul against Frankston in Casey's sole practice match win, showed once again the potential everyone at Casey Fields hopes makes a regular appearance in 2008. New captain Kyle Matthews, who has made the Victorian Football League (VFL) team of the year in each of the past two seasons, is the Scorpions' best player and will need to bring his high-octane displays on a more consistent basis. Others who will need to step up include midfielder/forwards Stefan Garrubba, Chris Dunne and Adam Parker, defenders Daniel Unsworth, Alex Silvagni and Steven O'Bryan - who will miss the first few weeks due to a collarbone injury - and youngsters Mat Rosier, Joel Galvin and Pat McGrath.
More Marc McGowan/Berwick News/27Mar08
Casey in bid for AFL glory
Casey officials have approached the AFL about developing Casey Fields in Cranbourne East into a boutique AFL venue. In a meeting with AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou last month, the council suggested the ground could host up to 20,000 spectators; ideal for when smaller-drawing Melbourne teams play the interstate clubs to be set up on the Gold Coast and western Sydney. But the council knows it must attract an AFL club to the ground before it can be developed into a stadium comparable to Launceston's York Park. Casey had talks with St Kilda and the Kangaroos and is now negotiating with Melbourne. The council has concept plans for an AFL club training and administration base adjacent to the VFL oval used by the Casey Scorpions. They include a 4500sq m building comprising offices, an auditorium, running track, a 25m pool, gymnasium, player rehab facilities and a merchandise area, as well as a two-court basketball complex that could be used by the club and community. Casey CEO Mike Tyler confirmed he had "preliminary discussions with Melbourne director John Phillips, during the Demons' NAB Challenge practice match against the Kangaroos on March 8.
More Paul Amy and Mark Tesoriero/Cranbourne Leader/26Mar08
