Demons stung by ailing VFL side

The Casey Scorpions are in debt and could force Melbourne to go it alone. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

EMBATTLED Melbourne could be forced to run its own VFL team next year because its affiliate, Casey Scorpions, is fighting for survival.

A failed pokies venture has left the Scorpions hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and they are without a senior coach for next season.

Most players haven't been paid since about Round 5.

The Demons, sweating on the outcome of an AFL tanking investigation, would have to find another $400,000 to field a stand-alone VFL team and source a ground to ensure the development of prized youngsters such as Jesse Hogan, Jack Viney and Dom Barry is not compromised.

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AFL Victoria chiefs, including chairman Peter Jackson, general manager Grant Williams and operations boss John Hook, held a crisis meeting with Casey officials last night.

The Scorpions will meet the Demons today to discuss their disintegrating alignment, which started to sour when Casey signed Brendan Fevola last year.

Casey's most pressing challenge is to prove to AFL Victoria that it is viable.

For months Casey and Melbourne have been negotiating a long-term deal under which the Demons would assume more responsibilities, including finances, marketing and sponsorship, in what would effectively be a merger.

VFA: Geelong v Casey Scorpions at Skilled Stadium, Geelong. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

But it is believed Melbourne became concerned about the Scorpions' financial position and has explored the possibility of forming its own VFL team, which would be called the Casey Demons and adopt the Demons' red and blue strip.

Melbourne has a long-term relationship with the City of Casey to deliver "community programs" and will play a NAB Cup match at Casey Fields in March. The Scorpions hold a 50-year lease to the ground.

The Scorpions moved from Springvale to Casey Fields in 2006, planning to build a social club to maintain a regular revenue stream.

They secured the rights for 40 poker machines costing $1.2 million, but the development has stalled.

The club transferred the pokies licences earlier this year, incurring losses, but it has told VFL officials its debts are manageable and that money has been set aside to pay the players.

Casey general manager Brian Woodman said in July that lenders had tightened their belts and had been unwilling to finance the project.

The club signed a 50-year lease with Casey council for a parcel of land next to its base to house the venue.

Woodman would not comment last night.

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