Axing needed, Demons boss

By Gavin Staindl
BEFORE any of the renowned guest speakers could take the stage at Friday’s Casey Demons Supporter Group breakfast, one thing had to be settled.
Taking the microphone in front of a Melbourne Demons-based audience, a confident Chris Connolly addressed the elephant in the room.
With minimal fuss, the Melbourne football manager explained the reasons why axed coach Dean Bailey was given the sack – and what the club is looking to achieve.
“We had just experienced the second biggest loss in our history (in reference to the loss against Geelong)… that does not equate to a formula for good coaching,” Connolly said.
Connolly was quick to add the AFL club is “progressing” and “growing” thanks, in part, to the Casey Demons Supporter Group.
The group was founded three years ago in response to the 30-year contract Melbourne signed with the City of Casey to base its operations in Casey Fields.
Although they seek to make financial contributions to the club, the main purpose of the group is to promote the Melbourne Demons and Casey Scorpions to the community through various activities and programs.
On Friday, they held their third annual breakfast, which was attended by more than 80 people and raised over $1000.
“It has been a turbulent time at the club, but we’ve had some really good responses from what we’re doing,” organiser Lisa Schreurs said.
“We do fundraising, but our main aim is to promote Melbourne to the people of Casey.”
Also speaking at the breakfast were former Melbourne hardman Rod Grinter and Bruce MacKinnon, author of the recently published book The Liam Jurrah Story.
Grinter, who was reported 10 times and suspended for 33 games in his 134 matches with the Demons, spoke about what it meant to be Melbourne.
“I love this club, it is my life,” Grinter said.
MacKinnon was given daggers from the audience when he mentioned he was a Collingwood member, but he quickly had them back on side when he spoke of his new found appreciation for Melbourne and their work with the aboriginal community.
“I go to all the Melbourne games I can get to, and just through Liam (Jurrah), I find myself shouting ‘go Dees’ at the games,” MacKinnon said.
Connolly ended his breakfast with a visit to the rooms and training facilities at Casey Fields.