COMING off a 107-point win over North Melbourne, the Casey Demons are sitting on top of the VFL ladder – three rounds into the season.
And that is largely on the back of some great individual performances by Melbourne-listed players.
With a number of senior spots potentially opening up at the selection table this week, GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson provided an update on the top six performers at Marvel Stadium.
Tom Sparrow
31 disposals, 9 marks, 5 tackles, 3 behinds
“Tommy had an exceptional game.
“He’s obviously been in and out of the senior team and he’s been the medical sub a couple of times without playing, so he’s had a challenging little period, but it was a very strong performance.
“He was the best player on the ground by some margin.
“He showed real composure with the footy – he didn’t just kick the ball, he was able to make really good decisions with the footy.
“He played tough and honest footy – it was a terrific game.”
Sam Weideman
17 disposals, 10 marks, 4 goals, 3 behinds
“Weids is doing everything we ask and really focusing on improving his game every week.
“We thought his performance against the Kangaroos was really strong – he competed well in the air and marked the ball nine times.
“He probably could’ve finished with a bigger bag (of goals), but it was quite a selfless game from Weids.
“He brought his teammates into play when he probably could’ve had shots himself which was good to see, and he didn’t get out-marked – he did a really good job of bringing the ball to ground.”
James Harmes
27 disposals, 9 tackles, 2 goals
“It was pleasing for Harmesy to play – he got himself up a little bit earlier than first thought, so full credit to him for doing the work.
“He performed strongly – he predominantly played through the midfield and executed his role well.
“He showed a lot of the attributes that we know he has – his power, his speed, his ability to be able to execute his play.”
Kade Chandler
17 disposals, 9 tackles, 6 marks, 2 goals, 3 behinds
“Chandler was predominantly forward with a bit of midfield time and that’s part of the plan for him to make sure he has another string to his bow.
“He’s a player that has been in good form for a while now, not unlike Toby Bedford, but because of the form of (Charlie) Spargo, (Kysaiah) Pickett and (Alex) Neal-Bullen, he hasn’t been able to get an opportunity.
“We know he’s ready to go and the performance was another one that would’ve shown all the coaches and match committee that if it is that we lose one of the other boys, he’s in good shape.”
Toby Bedford
17 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal, 2 behinds
“It was a very powerful performance – his speed was a real standout.
“His ability to be able to close the opposition down, and therefore make sure the footy coming out of our forward line wasn't damaging, was impressive.
“He, too, was quite unselfish – he brought others into play with his creative hands and it was another strong performance from Toby.”
Jake Bowey
23 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles
“Bowza is a really clever player who reads the play well.
“He’s got good speed which allows him to close quickly and he certainly gives some drive from the back half.
“We’ve got some real depth in that position across half-back – Neville Jetta’s in that conversation who has also come back and played some really good footy – but Bowza’s heading in the right way.
“We’re really excited about the player he’s going to be and the performance on the weekend was another step in the right direction.”
(Casey Demons photography by Adam McFarlane)
