HEARTSTOPPER by Ice Station

For some reason it has become part of VFL folklore that its always hard for teams to come up after a bye and that's how it looked for the Casey Scorpions as they trailled by five points close on 37 minutes into the last quarter of their game against North Ballarat.

The timekeeper's finger must surely have been poised on the button to sound the final siren when Rooster defender Brad McKenzie played on from deep in defence. He didn't count on the speed of Sam Blease who managed to lay the tackle and earn a free kick. The redhead quickly took off and booted a magnificent goal from the boundary with seconds to spare giving Casey its fourth win by a goal or less in its five games to date.

North Ballarat had opened the game strongly kicking with the aid of a strong breeze. The Roosters scored the opening goal and maintained control throughout the first term although they would rue some missed chances in front of goal. A long goal after the siren from outside 50 metres had them chock full of confidence with a four goal lead at the first break.

It was imperative for the Scorpions to fight back hard and they did so with two goals within the first five minutes of the second term. With Jamie Bennell in full flight and co-skipper Evan Panozza playing one of his best games for the club, Casey scrapped its way back into the game. By half time, scores were level.

Casey coach Brett Lovett knew that his team could not afford to allow North Ballarat to draw away with the wind again and his team applied the pressure as the game turned into a dour struggle. It was goal for goal in the early going with Michael Riseley and Wade Lees scoring from frees before the Roosters scrambled their way to a 6 point lead at three quarter time.

What followed was an amazing final quarter of football with exciting football and unexpected momentum shifts as first one team, then the other gained what appeared to be the ascendency.

Goals to Jamie Bennell and Jack Fitzpatrick put Casey in front by a goal but with Todd Goldstein taking control in the ruck over a tiring Jake Spencer, the Roosters fought back. After some nailbiting minutes in which the game seemed in the balance, it was North Ballarat that broke through with two goals and the visitors appeared to have it in the bag. As they thwarted Casey's efforts, the minutes ticked by. Goals to Rian McGough and Tom Couch restored the Scorpions' hopes but when Goldstein marked in the goalsquare and kicked truly, the game looked over.

And still the seconds passed. Casey went forward and Blease kicked his third goal three seconds before the siren blared. It was all over.

Another heartstopping Casey victory.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

I noticed from the Herald Sun that North Melbourne's injury list was down to just one player the other week but it's been a different story with the Demons who had 12 players at Casey (one, Lucas Cook, played in the reserves). Given that a few of those playing were coming back from injuries - some of them long layoffs - one can appreciate that the club's depth is being severely tested. In spite of the fact that North Ballarat are languishing near the bottom of the ladder, the one point win stil produced some promising signs.

Jamie Bennell - a stunning improvement in just about every facet of Bennell's game, especially in his willingness to attack the football. His ballhandling and disposal were good and he was good all day picking up 23 possessions.

Sam Blease - kicked three goals including the matchwinner, and like Bennell, would have come out of the game with his confidence boosted. Also laid some good tackles which was pleasing.

Tom Couch - showed his usual endeavour and was particularly hard at it at the stoppages. Kicked a vital goal late in the game.

Troy Davis - another good game from the young developing defender.

Jack Fitzpatrick - provided a target up forward but his kicking let him. Very mobile for a tall man.

Kelvin Lawrence - was prominent early in the game but faded a little.

Dan Nicholson - got plenty of the football in the middle but needs to work on his disposal where he let himself down on a few occasions.

Ricky Petterd - played well in patches, more so in the middle of the ground than up forward. Was good when involved in the third quarter.

Jai Sheahan - the young rookie continued to impress with another polished performance down back. Will be a player.

Jake Spencer - this was his third game back after a knee reconstruction and while he started strongly against Goldstein in the ruck, he tired after half time and was understandably beaten.

Rory Taggart - this was the youngster's first hit out for the season after sustaining a back injury. Showed some ability but his output was understandably limited in the circumstances.

... and from Melbournefc.com.au on Lucas Cook - "Lucas played a half in the Casey reserves and finished with 5.1 in a very promising performance. His marking was strong and he pulled up well."

Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 7.7.49 9.8.62 15.11.101

North Ballarat 5.8.38 6.13.49 9.14.62 14.16 100

Goals

Casey Scorpions Blease Riseley 3 Smith 2 Bennell Couch Fitzpatrick Lees McGough Petterd Petropoulos

North Ballarat Driscoll Micallef 3 George Goldstein 2 Black Mabon Sewell Towers

Best

Casey Scorpions Panozza Bennell Blease Lees Petterd Sheahan

North Ballarat Searl Goldstein Delaney Sewell George Campbell

2012 AFL VIC DEVELOP MENT LEAGUE

Casey Scorpions 5.2.32 11.6.72 14.12.96 15.16.106

North Ballarat 0.1.1 6.1.37 7.3.45 10.7.67

Goals

Casey Scorpions Cook 5 McInnes Patti Weekes 2 Cleven Dearaugo McGillivray-Smith Page

North Ballarat Austin Prato 2 Austin Conroy Hughes Graham Grigg Semmens Warren

Best

Casey Scorpions Patti Pollard Gent Cook Lindsay Cleven

North Ballarat Mather Hughes Austin Barry Jones Struth

Great effort guys!

Holey moley - five goals in half a game ain't half bad even for VFL ressies!

Holey moley - five goals in half a game ain't half bad even for VFL ressies!

Newton once kicked 12 in the 'twos'. I'll wait.

Newton once kicked 12 in the 'twos'. I'll wait.

Newton had raw talent and was athletic but had no idea, this guy is a very clever footballer, good decision maker but without the body at this stage.

Once Bennell earns his spot back i reckon he'll be a good player for us. He has pace and skill which would help our team balance at the moment

What do you reckon old dee?

Once Bennell earns his spot back i reckon he'll be a good player for us. He has pace and skill which would help our team balance at the moment

What do you reckon old dee?

Pushin' your luck there WA