by KC from Casey

The Casey Scorpions paid dearly for a slow start in their second practice match of the season against Frankston at Casey Fields on Saturday going down by 3 points after conceding a 5 goal start to the visitors.

With no points at stake the result however, was not particularly significant. The club is still experimenting with several new faces and working on familiarising itself with the playing members of new its alignment partner. In turn, a few of the Demon players were also being tried out in new positions under practice match conditions.

There was no early sting in the Scorpions' tail as the Dolphins made all the running and kicked the only four goals scored in the opening term.

Casey went into the game without two of its on ball aces from the previous week in skipper Kyle Matthews and lively Melbourne youngster Austin Womaeamirri who pulled out with a hamstring problem. This left the Dolphins with a distinct early advantage in the clearances and they moved the ball well to deservedly earn their 24-point advantage at quarter time. Forward Addam Maric was lively without being able to convert up forward while big man James Wall was the best of the Scorpions in the early going.

Frankston kicked the first goal of the second term to extend its lead and this served to awaken the home side from its slumber. Liam Jurrah combined well with Maric for their first goal and Jurrah displayed his magical gifts to boot a couple of his own. Fellow Northern Territorian Pierce Liddle also produced patches of brilliance on debut and Nick Scanlon was dangerous up forward but just when it appeared that Casey might bridge the gap Frankston kicked a late goal to take a 14-point lead into the rooms at half time.

The Dolphins were first off the mark after the main break and it took another smart goal from Jurrah to get Casey back in the hunt. Meesen and Wall were on top in the big man department and Shane Valenti was accumulating possessions in the middle. He was ably assisted by rookie Jordie McKenzie, a hard running midfielder. Once again however, Frankston was able to kick goals late in the quarter to reassert its authority on the game.

The final quarter followed a familiar pattern with the visitors kicking the opening goal and the home side having to work hard to catch up. Demons Michael Newton and Colin Sylvia lifted their work rate and a couple of late goals got the Scorpions to within three points before time ran out with the ball going forward as the final siren sounded.

Recruit Michael Stockdale was impressive with his sure ball handling for the second week in a row while Trent Zomer looked more at home this week in defence.

Casey now meets Coburg at Casey Fields in both seniors and reserves in the final hit out before the serious business of the season starts. Games start at 2pm and 11.10 am respectively.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Rohan Bail – playing off halfback, played a reasonable game but didn't show anything that would stamp his as a special player. Will need more time at this level.

Liam Jurrah – showed, agility, pace, skill and that touch of magic but also demonstrated that he still needs to work on his conditioning before he can make the big time. Will play AFL later this year because he knows how to kick goals and the Demons lack players of that ilk.

Jordie McKenzie – impressed for the second week as the inside mid with plenty of grunt.

Addam Maric - clever and talented with great disposal skills and knows where the goals are. Played three quarters and probably needs another good run with Casey to earn a spot at the Demons.

Stefan Martin – was tried up forward with a run on the ball and failed to flatter. Missed an easy shot from 30 metres out when the game was there to be won in the final quarter. Better suited to defence.

John Meesen - Played well in the ruck and looked composed around the ground in what was definitely the best game I have seen him play since he crossed over from Adelaide.

Michael Newton – didn't do enough to thrust his name before the selectors but showed glimpses of form at half forward going far and wide to get kicks.

Colin Sylvia – sporting a new short haircut, Sylvia flashed in and out of the game for three quarters and finally decided to switch on fully in the second half when he almost sparked a come from behind victory. When he's hot, he can be very hot and that's Melbourne's challenge – to have him focussed on the game and working hard and not on being the rock star he's unlikely ever to be.

Shane Valenti – like many of his team mates, started slowly but improved as the game unfolded. Did a lot of good work in close but could get caught out on Casey's wider open spaces.

Trent Zomer – played mainly in defence and looked more comfortable there.

Casey Scorpions 0.3.3 5.5.35 8.7.55 12.12.84

Frankston 4.3.27 7.7.49 9.12.66 12.15.87

Goals Jurrah 3 Liddle Maric Scanlon Waite 2 Newton

Best Meesen Wall Stockdale McKenzie Scanlon Liddle

Got mt my first sting ray sting yesterday. Felt like I got shocked at first but when I got out of the water and looked at my foot I saw blood squirting out of a tiny hole. The real pain does not set in till about a hour after the sting. Felt like a hot poker stabbing into my foot. Pain goes away instantly once you put your foot in hot water. Any one else with ocean creture attack stories?

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