CASEY coach Justin Plapp reviews the Melbourne-listed players who played in the VFL

2017 Peter Jackson VFL
Sunday, July 30, 2pm
Casey Demons 12.14 (86) d Coburg 6.7 (43)
Casey Fields 

From the coach …

“It was a tough, grinding four quarter win. There was nothing pretty about the result. I felt that our last quarter was super impressive, when the game was there to be won and we needed our players to be at their best in some key areas of the game, particularly around contested ball and clearances. We were able to produce our best and get the job done in those areas. But for the majority of the game, it was pretty even. A fair bit of our talent shone through and we were able to wear the opposition down through consistency around the simple things. It wasn’t the most attractive game of football for spectators, but we don’t mind that, because we take the four points.” – Justin Plapp 

Angus Brayshaw: Angus had 24 disposals, including 14 uncontested possessions, four tackles, five clearances and four inside 50s. It was Gus’ second week back and he showed really good signs of improvements. He played predominantly across back, but also on the ball. Angus looked more confident and looked more like himself on the weekend. We understand that he’s going through a process of building game time and working himself back into the game. There were some signs on the weekend that we really liked about Gus. 

Liam Hulett: Liam had nine disposals, four tackles and three inside 50s. He played predominantly forward. With Sam Weideman, Cam Pedersen and Mitch King having big influences on the game, I felt the value Liam added was his pressure forward of centre. He put a lot of pressure on the opposition and was able to keep the ball in our forward half. His numbers aren’t big, but he played a significant role, particularly the pressure part of the game, which was pleasing.

Dion Johnstone: Dion had 10 disposals, three marks, eight tackles and kicked two goals. It was probably the most complete game he’s played – from the point of view that he applied a lot of pressure and did a lot of grunt work around the ball. His tackling was also a good reflection of his forward of centre work.

Declan Keilty: Declan had eight disposals, three marks, including two intercepts, three tackles and three rebound 50s. He’s had a really good month of football and we’re seeing improvements. I felt his positioning and his influence to intercept high balls, particularly in the defensive side of centre, was a real highlight. We’re getting some really big improvements out of him and the next four weeks are really important for him – we just want to see continual improvement.

Ben Kennedy: He had eight disposals, including five contested possessions, six tackles and four clearances. Benny got a lot of attention on the weekend – Coburg did a lot of work on him. He had someone on his backside for the whole day, which made it hard for him. To Benny’s credit, he fought through that and tried to help others. His numbers don’t reflect a great day, but he never stopped trying and he tried to help his teammates, particularly with the role he was playing. We were pleased with Benny.

Mitch King: Mitch had nine disposals, five contested marks, 16 hit outs and kicked 1.1. It was a huge step forward for Kingy on the weekend. I really excited for him. He was able to put himself in some good aerial contests, where he was able to take some really strong marks, and provide an option for us forward. He just looked like a player that had a bit of belief. It would’ve been a big injection into him, knowing that he’s capable and he’s good enough. For a developing player, we felt he took some big steps forward, which is a credit to him.

Corey Maynard: Corey had 27 disposals, including 14 contested possessions, seven tackles, six inside 50s and one goal. He continues to impress with his intensity, contest to contest work and team-first attitude to help others. Corey was outstanding – he’s had a really good month of football.

Cam Pedersen: He had 14 disposals, five marks, six tackles, four inside 50s, four clearances and one goal. Cam had a big influence on the game, like Sam Weideman. The one thing we really liked about Cam’s game was the number of different roles he played. Cam didn’t just play as a big key forward, he was able to get up the ground and help us around stoppages. The most significant thing about his game was his ability to compete in the air and when the ball was on the ground, he was able to follow up really well. Cam had a big influence on the game.

Jake Spencer: Jake had 16 disposals, three marks, five inside 50s and 43 hit outs. It was Jake’s best game since coming back from injury. It’s been a bit of a slow process for Jake to get back to into form, but I really excited about his game on the weekend. He dominated the hit outs and he was able to have an influence around ground, particularly in the aerial part of the game. Jake also gave us some good follow up work and put the ball inside 50 on a number of occasions.

Billy Stretch: Billy had 25 disposals, including 14 contested possessions, 13 tackles, nine clearances and five inside 50s. He’s another player who impressed on the weekend. Billy played in a number of different positions. I really liked his contest to contest work and his efforts around the ball. On the flipside, he was able to win the ball on the outside and he really took us forward – he was able to drive his legs and connect us forward of centre.

Josh Wagner: He had 23 disposals, including 10 uncontested possessions, five tackles and five inside 50s. Josh continues to play good VFL football. We’ve been playing him in other positions to try and develop other parts of his game. But the one thing Josh does bring to us, particularly the roles he’s playing around the ball, is a lot of intensity. He’s got a hard body and he’s got a lot of power as well. Josh has got some really good attributes around the physical parts of his game, which makes him pretty flexible. His game is coming along really well and he’s developing in those areas we need him to.

Sam Weideman: Sam had 21 disposals, eight marks, including four contested, and he kicked 3.3. He was clearly the best big man on the ground. Sam was dominant in his position and he was able to provide a really strong presence, forward of centre for us. Sam created contests and brought the ball to ground. I felt it was a really good return for effort, because he’s been working on his game. Some of the things he’s been working on really came out in his game, which was good.

2017 AFL Victoria Development League
Sunday, July 30, 11am
Casey Demons 15.16 (106) d Coburg 11.1 (67)
Casey Fields