From The Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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THE Casey Scorpions set up a tantalising match-of-the-round clash with third-placed Sandringham next Saturday with a 39-point win over Geelong at Casey Fields yesterday.

Casey had endured a tumultuous few days off the field last week when AFL-aligned partner St Kilda announced it would begin a five-year partnership with VFL rival Sandringham from next season.

But, the young playing group showed professionalism beyond its years on the field, dispatching a strong Cats side despite the late withdrawals of James Gwilt and Leigh Fisher, who had been promoted to St Kilda\'s senior team.

Dominant in the first half, Casey failed to convert forward 50 entries into goals and Geelong remained in the game thanks to the hard work of Kane Tenace and forward Ryan Gamble, who was proving a handful for young full-back Alex Silvagni.

From the Bendigo Advertiser

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METRICON Bendigo Bombers coach Adrian Hickmott is taking no notice of the Box Hill Hawks\' ladder position ahead of today\'s annual VFL Queen\'s Birthday encounter.

Heading into today\'s match at the Box Hill City Oval against Bendigo, the Hawks sit on the bottom of the ladder without a win from their eight games.

But Hickmott certainly won\'t be falling into the trap of underestimating the Hawks, who have lost two of their past four games by margins of less than three goals against sides in the top eight.

``I\'m expecting it to be a close game because last round Box Hill went with (top of the ladder) Williamstown up until midway through the third quarter and they certainly have blokes who can play the game,\'\' Hickmott said.

From the Geelong Advertiser
Reported by Nick Wade

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A SPRING-LOADED Ryan Gamble yesterday bounced straight back into senior contention with a standout performance in Geelong\'s 39-point VFL loss to the Casey Scorpions in Casey.

Playing his first VFL match of the season, Gamble unleashed his trademark repertoire of high marking and creative brilliance in attack to finish with four goals.

It was not enough to propel the undermanned, but gallant Cats to victory. They struggled to keep pace with their opposition as the match wore on.

Harry Taylor and Tom Hawkins, whose potential appearance in the VFL drew much anticipation, were noticeable late-withdrawals with general soreness.

From the Geelong Advertiser
Reported by Bradley Green

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GEELONG\'S VFL side could be boosted in coming weeks by the return of key players Scott Simpson and captain James Byrne from long-term injuries.

Cats\' coach Leigh Tudor said Simpson is a chance to play against Bendigo next week while Byrne, who suffered a fractured thumb three weeks ago, was on track for a round 11 comeback.

Both have not played since suffering their injuries in Geelong\'s loss to Coburg at the MCG on May 17.

Simpson, who has kicked 17 goals from seven appearances this season, is recovering well from knee surgery and Tudor was optimistic he would line-up against the Bombers in Bendigo.

From The Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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ST KILDA will begin a new five-year VFL alignment with Sandringham effective at the end of season 2008, ending an eight-season agreement with the Casey Scorpions.

St Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser said that the proximity of Sandringham Football Club to St Kilda's heartland in the bayside , and Melbourne Football Club's potential move to the City of Casey, were the catalysts for talks between the two clubs.

"Obviously Sandringham Football Club lies in the heartland of our supporter base within the bayside community, and has strong historical and sentimental links through the Trevor Barker Oval," Fraser said.