STEELY RESOLVE SERVES CASEY WELL

[Demonland 70,247]

STEELY RESOLVE SERVES CASEY WELL by KC from Casey

The Casey Scorpions won an important clash between two of the VFL's major contenders and tightened their grip on their place in the all-important top four with a comprehensive 25-point victory over the Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday. In doing so they not only avenged their home loss to the Magpies earlier in the season but defied most of the pundits who gave them little chance of winning against a star-studded line up containing several big AFL names including Jack Anthony, Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst, Shane O'Bree, Sean Rusling and Cameron Wood.

The Scorpions, already missing courageous skipper Kyle Matthews, state representative Michael Stockdale and star recruit Scott Simpson through injury and restricted to just ten Melbourne players because of the Demons' own injury concerns, played with steely resolve and great determination. They also survived an inaccurate first quarter which saw its forwards waste numerous opportunities in front of goal scoring 1.5.11 to 3.1.19 by rebounding with a brilliant eight goal second term which literally blew the Pies off the park.

The Casey onslaught in was powered by its defence led by Matthew Warnock was brilliant down back for the third week in a row. Evan Panozza was in rare form and he was backed up by some real hard working backmen in Kyle Cheney and Tom McNamara who together managed to hold the Magpies in check all day. It was only Collingwood's accuracy in front of goal that enabled them to achieve a respectable scoreline.

Collingwood have been using former spearhead Jack Anthony in defence but he was well beaten by Brad Miller who finished with 4 goals 4 behinds for the day including one right on the final siren. Miller could easily have made a statement to his AFL club's selectors but for his inaccuracy earlier in the day.

The Scorpions were also able to call upon the services of Melbourne skipper James McDonald (24 disposals) who made a seamless return to football after incurring a hamstring injury in the wet against Carlton several weeks ago. McDonald stopped the Pies dead in their tracks when they were mounting a charge in the final term with a great goal and he showed that he is ready to return to the team he has captained with distinction and in adversity since David Neitz retired a couple of seasons ago.

While coach Brad Gotch praised his Demon contingent and their strong efforts on the day telling reporters that to "... play with that intensity against a side with so many senior players and with their (AFL) side going so well is pretty special," he would be equally proud of his own home grown players who are rapidly developing a good understanding with their AFL counterparts.

Daniel Nicholls, who was once on Collingwood's rookie list played yet another fine game and Matthew Fieldsend and Rian McGough continue to improve with every passing week. The Scorpions also took the opportunity to blood yet another newcomer, David Bell who was promoted after a number of best on ground performances with the reserves.

The Magpies might take some solace from the fact that they outscored Casey in very quarter except the first but the fast-paced energetic Scorpions were always in control of the game and had all the answers whenever the home team made a move to narrow the gap. In the end, the result flattered Collingwood as Casey finished well ahead with ten more scoring shots.

The Scorpions visit Box Hill City Oval next Sunday and will be keen to wrap up their hard earned place in the VFL top four,

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Matthew Bate - played at centre half forward and did well pushing up and back, using his work rate to get free of opponents. Collingwood played Nathan Brown on him for the most part. Took some good, strong marks and kicked a couple of goals.

Daniel Bell - a typical Belly game. Ran hard, tackled strongly and was a positive contributor to the team. I believe he ran with Simon Buckley as a wingman and had him under control. Had some really important touches when defending which turned the ball over and resulted in goals for Casey.

Kyle Cheney - ever reliable in defence, played in a back pocket and was strong and composed. Strong overhead and, together with Warnock and McNamara, held off Collingwood without a huge amount of fuss. Used the ball pretty neatly too.

Jack Fitzpatrick - rucked by himself against Josh Fraser and Cameron Wood, and did not lower his colours. Although he doesn't have the strength yet physically, he really competed at the centre bounces, at stoppages and around the ground. More than capable with the ball in open play, although he didn't get a whole lot of the ball yesterday.

Neville Jetta - played an excellent game as a forward/midfielder. His tackling and chasing pressure was excellent and he won a fair bit of the ball, including some important clean clearances. Took a hanger and converted it in the third and was rewarded late in the game with a good crumbing goal. Very good game.

James McDonald - did what he needed to do. Appeared to get through the game relatively unscathed. As you would expect of a 200+ game AFL captain, he looked to have plenty of time with the ball coming back a level and was a very solid contributor.

Tom McNamara – a very good defensive game from Tom. Played half back and won several important contests. Used the ball cleanly from defence and he'd be pretty happy with his game.

Brad Miller - very strong playing at full forward. Took a whole lot of strong, contested marks and provided a great contest. Was well rewarded with 4 goals and managed to dominate his opponent John Anthony.

Luke Tapscott - played as a forward pocket, later pushing into a high half forward. Very good signs from Luke, although is still looking to get full match fitness. Played on a series of opponents, generally taller than him (including Brown for periods and 200+cm Keeffe). Still managed to mark well, but impressive was his ability to get involved at ground level. Very good composure with the ball and won some very clean clearances.

Matthew Warnock - played at full back on Sean Rusling and gave him a bath. Rusling barely touched it and Warnock had his every move covered.

Casey Scorpions 1.5.11 9.7.61 11.10.76 14.11.95

Collingwood 3.1.19 4.1.25 7.4.46 11.4.70

Goals

Casey Scorpions Miller 4 Jetta Tapscott 2 Bate Smith MacReadie McDonald Nicholls Wall

Collingwood Barham Rounds 2 Cook McCarthy Medhurst Rusling J Thomas Wood

Best

Casey Scorpions Panozza Cheney Miller McGough Fieldsend Tapscott

Collingwood Medhurst McCarthy Brown Blight Buckley Hunter

The Reserves continues to perform strongly and keep open their faint hopes of making the finals with a win over Sandringham. However, they face second placed Box Hill twice in the next fortnight and have a hard run home.

Brad Sykes and Ben Waite combined well up forward for three goals each while Ben Creed returned with a best on ground performance and is challenging for an early promotion.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Sam Blease - played only about 60-70% of the game and was OK. Played on a wing and was very damaging with the ball. Still needs to build up his fitness, but would be building confidence in his body with every game he plays.

Stefan Martin - played up forward with spells in the ruck. Was very strong overhead and took several strong contested marks. Kicked a ripper of a goal after marking near the behind post and then slotting the checkside from the boundary. Kicking was still hit and miss, but got himself involved which was pleasing.

Casey Scorpions 4.1.25 5.5.35 8.6.54 12.8.80

Sandringham 0.5.5 6.5.41 9.8.62 11.8.74

Goals

Casey Scorpions Sykes Waite 3 Martin 2 Creed Hillberge Purdy Tynan

Sandringham Barnes 4 Meehan 3 Ambrose 2 Hunter Paterakis

Best

Casey Scorpions Creed Cleven Martin Patti Riseley Taylor

Sandringham Jones Allan Johnston Shakallis Hunter O'Sullivan

Reported Players

Casey Scorpions James Taylor Striking

Sandringham Nil