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

VFL

Saturday, April 9, Casey Fields, 7pm

Casey Scorpions 27.17 (179) d Frankston 5.5 (35)

“A lot of things went right for us and a lot of players played really well. It was a really good start to round one and the start of the season. We were dampened early by three significant injuries early in the game – and three Melbourne-listed players, so it was really disappointing that that happened. But there were a lot of winners on the night and there were a lot of players who played their role, which was really pleasing.” – Justin Plapp

Angus Brayshaw: It was a really, really solid game from Angus. He had 33 possessions and kicked two goals and went inside 50 seven times. Angus came back from the AFL and needed the run. We had the opportunity to give him some pretty big game time, which was something we wanted him to achieve. His work around the ball and contested work and his attack on the opposition was a real highlight. He certainly ticked a lot of boxes on the weekend.

Colin Garland: Col was solid. Like Angus, he came back from the AFL. Without starring, he played a really solid role in defence. He took a lot of strong contested marks. With a lot of younger players in the backline, he really organised and directed our defensive six really well, which was pleasing. He had 18 possessions and had seven marks, so without starring, he was solid.

Liam Hulett: It was probably Liam’s better games since he’s been drafted to the club. He’s a first year player and is learning his craft, so it’s going to take some time for him, as he’s come from under-18 level. We were really pleased with his output on the weekend. It was the first time he got into double-figure possessions, so he won a bit of the ball. He marked the ball strongly at times and kicked a goal, so it was an improvement on the past two or three weeks.

Jayden Hunt: I felt Hunty was one of our better players. He’s put two or three really solid weeks together in the VFL now, so he should be knocking on the door in the next few weeks. He had 30 possessions, playing a high defensive role, plus he linked up really well. Hunty also gave us plenty of dash and speed from opposition turnovers. We were really happy with his game and he’s coming along really well, so we were pleased with him.

Joel Smith: He’s a rookie in his first year at the club. Joel’s another who is improving week-by-week. He got exposed to a lot of game time on the weekend, because of our injuries. He’s a kid who plays with a lot of intensity and speed, plus he attacks the ball from the air. Joel’s another kid, who we’re not putting any pressure on, but it’s just about getting game time into him. We just want him to keep working on his craft. He had 19 possessions and took six marks, so for that role that he plays, he certainly had an impact.

Jay Kennedy-Harris: He played well up until he hurt his hamstring. Unfortunately, he had to go off the ground. Jay’s had a couple of setbacks over the past couple of months, in regards to injuries, so he just can’t get consistency with his footy at the moment. He’ll be assessed during the week to see where he’s at, but up until he got injured, he was playing his role.

Oscar McDonald: It was probably one of the better games I’ve seen Oscar play in the VFL. He was really strong in the contest and he defended well. He probably let himself down with his disposal at times and his efficiency by foot. For the role we wanted him to play, he certainly ticked a lot of boxes. He’s another one who has put another strong performance up and he’ll certainly come into the mix for senior selection.

Mitch King: He unfortunately did his knee in the match. Mitch only lasted half a quarter and unfortunately we didn’t see him again.

Viv Michie: I thought Viv was another one of our better players on the night. He played midfield and spent some time at half-back. He won 23 possessions and went inside 50 six times. He finished with two goals and his contest work was a highlight. His ability to use his hands around the contest and bring other players into the game was a real highlight.

Alex Neal-Bullen: He’s been pretty solid the past two weeks. Alex has had 30-plus touches for the past two matches. His work around the ball and his tackling was really strong. We were really, really happy with Alex. He’s put two solid weeks in at VFL level.

Cameron Pedersen: He was another who came back from the senior team and gained big numbers. Cam had 29 possessions and took six marks. The pleasing thing about him this week was that we were happy with the way that he competed, particularly forward. He had to go into the ruck when Mitch King when down with a knee injury. He gave us a really strong contest and worked to help our defenders as well. His effort was fantastic and he played a really good game.

Christian Petracca: Christian was solid again. He’s come back from a long layoff and it was his second game back. He increased his game time. We’re just letting him feel his way, as the most important thing for him is to build his tank, game time and his conditioning. He’s been able to do that the past two weeks. He’s got some things to work on, but in regards to playing his role, his ball-winning efforts and his ability to get out of tight situations, particularly around the footy – his game was a highlight. He also finished off his work well and pushed forward to kick three goals, so he was one of our better players.

Dean Terlich: I was really happy with Dean and so were the other coaches. They were really pleased with his performance on the weekend. Dean played his role, used it well when he had it and defended strongly. It was a credit to him, as he had a couple of weeks off, yet came back into the team and had a really good performance.

Jack Trengove: Trenners unfortunately was knocked out in the first two minutes of the game, so he took no further part in the game. He’ll be assessed later in the week in regards to whether he plays this week or not.

Sam Weideman: He’s going really well, this kid. He’s getting better each week. He kicked four goals. His contest and the way he attacks the ball is a real highlight and his one-on-one work against his direct opponent was also something that was the highlight of his game. Sam’s another first-year player who we hope will continue to improve week-by-week. He’s a terrific young kid who wants to keep learning and get better.

Mitch White: Whitey was good. He took some really good contested marks and some good intercept marks from the opposition. He’s certainly growing and developing and he played a good game. Mitch continues to work on his craft and is really clear on where he needs to get better.

AFL Victoria Development League

Saturday, April 9, Casey Fields, 4pm

Casey Scorpions 14.12 (96) d Frankston 7.8 (50)

No Melbourne-listed players featured in the Development League


Jayden Hunt in action for the Casey Scorpions on Saturday night (Photo: Morgan Hancock)