CASEY TURNS IT AROUND

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CASEY TURNS IT AROUND by KC from Casey

The Casey Scorpions went a long way to erasing the blight of one of their most disappointing performances of 2011 when they easily accounted for the VFL Geelong Cats at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.

In a dramatic turnaround of 174 points from last year's result when the Scorps were ambushed by a 10 goal opening quarter and were never in the hunt from early in the game, Casey led all the way to record what was by far its biggest winning margin of the season - 46 points..

This time it was Casey which made the early running with a five goal to one opening term triggered by some strong work from Tom Couch in the middle and a fluid forward line that had pace, movement and marking power. Geelong came back strongly early in the second term but the Scorps rallied to take a strong 29 point advantage into the rooms at half time. The only negative for the opening half was the facial injury to Jordan Gysberts who suffered an ankle injury in the second round.

Casey had plenty of winners up forward with Jack Fitzpatrick snagging four goals alternating between the forward line and ruck. That feat was emulated by Jack Watts who spent some time on a wing and also went forward to also finish with four goals. Young key forward Lucas Cook also picked up a couple of goals.

The Scorpions answered every challenge when the Cats went into attack and, after an early run of two goals from the home side, Casey put on four goals to establish a handy lead of 37 points in the shadows of three quarter time but that was reined in with a couple of late Geelong goals.

Liam Jurrah opened the final term with a great snap over the shoulder and the contest was effectively over. Casey extended its lead to in excess of 50 points before some late scoring by the home side narrowed the final margin to 46 points.

The final quarter was marred by another incident when youngster Jack Viney who had been showing some class for the Scorpions was hit in a head high bump. He bravely walked from the ground but was later taken to hospital and operated on for a broken jaw. It was also revealed later that Wade Lees also suffered a fracture to the face but he may be able to avoid an operation and miss only a few weeks. Gysberts and Viney look like being sidelined for at least six weeks.

The Scorpions meet Box Hill at City Oval, Box Hill before a bye followed by another week off for representative football.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

A larger than usual retinue of Demons and it certainly made a difference even with a couple of casualties on the day. I've added youngster Jack Viney at the end.

Jamie Bennell - another standout game off half back where he used his pace and skills to good effect.

Sam Blease - started slowly but showed great pace and skills in the second half. 

Lucas Cook - kicked a couple of goals in his first senior game and while not outstanding would be happy with the effort.

Tom Couch - another 30 disposal game from the rookie but can he break into the Demon line up? The question mark on him is his lack of elite pace and disposal skills but he keeps thrusting his name before the selectors on a weekly basis.

Troy Davis - had a poor game lowering his colours to a forward in top form. 

Jack Fitzpatrick - a good performance whether up forward or relieving in the ruck.  Kicked four goals in a performance which should see him in consideration for promotion this week.

Jordan Gysberts - his day came to a premature end when his jaw was broken in the first term.

Liam Jurrah - had a solid first term with half a dozen possessions and, while he was less influential for the remainder of the game, he showed he has not lost any of his wizardry.

Kelvin Lawrence - flashed in and out and produced a few classy efforts but still needs to produce for longer periods during matches.

Daniel Nicholson - a better game this week. Has pace which is a commodity in rare supply at the Melbourne Football Club and he disposed of the ball much better this week. 

Ricky Petterd - showed good run on a forward flank and is pressing for promotion.

Jai Sheahan - continues to impress as a rookie key defender. Has a future.

Jake Spencer - battled hard against Orren Stephenson and more than held his own.

Rory Taggert - still working his way into the game after an interrupted pre season and late start to the year.

Jack Watts - had a significant influence kicking four goals and picking up 20 disposals off the wing and up forward. 

Jack Viney - fantastic attack on the football and definitely not afraid to put the head down. Picked up plenty of disposals before he ran into a high tackle and incurred a broken jaw.

Casey Scorpions 5.2.32 10.4.64 14.6.90 22.8.150

Geelong Cats 1.5.11 5.5.35 11.5.71 14.10.94

Goals

Casey Scorpions Fitzpatrick Watts 4 Cook Lawrence Petterd Plummer 2 Blease Fieldsend Jurrah McGough Jurrah Riseley Spencer

Geelong Cats Kersten 6 Wojcinski 2 Gibbs Gleeson Horlin-Smith Schroder Selwood Walker

Best

Casey Scorpions Couch Bennell Fitzpatrick Petterd Nicholson Watts

Geelong Cats Kersten Horlin-Smith Sheringham Schroder McCarthy Simpkin

Check out these photos from the game.

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