HITTING THE WALL by KC from Casey

[Demonland 71,629]

VFL power house, Port Melbourne handed out a football lesson to the Casey Scorpions in their practice match yesterday.

Smarting from their defeat at the hands of Geelong in last year's grand final, the Borough have produced another experienced list and covered their losses with the addition of some quality VFL recruits. Casey, on the other hand, has focussed on recruiting local talent, and despite the inclusion of some AFL names (a few of who were underdone and playing to regain some match fitness), it put a very young, less experienced and lighter bodied team out on the ground and was monstered physically by the Borough whose nine goals to two second quarter was outstanding and paved the way for its 64 point victory.

To compound matters for the home side, Casey missed the run of Michael Riseley and Victoria VFL Academy member, Brayden Fowler, a tall key position player who would have been handy against the height and strength of the visitors. The loss of ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick who copped a heavy knock to the face in the third quarter didn't help either but, by then the damage was done and Port was in full flight.

Most of the excitement from a Casey point of view came in the first quarter when the Scorpions dominated play with the aid of the breeze but spoiled it all with a one minute lapse late in the term which allowed Port to snaffle two quick goals, a forerunner to the carnage of the second term. There was a melee at the quarter time break which kept the fans on their toes, during which young Demon Dean Kent, had his number taken.

Father-son recruit Jack Viney was a shining light in the game and was his team's best but the Scorpions struggled for most of the day against a well drilled Port outfit. Recruits Ben Hughes (who kicked the first two goals), Michael Boland and Jake Best showed out at times but, on the whole, it was a disappointing effort from the team which will present some challenges this year for new coach Rohan Welsh.

However, the game should not be considered a great guide for the season given the lack of preparation most of the Demon contingent had coming into the game.

Casey Scorpions 3.5.23 5.5.35 7.8.50 8.14.62

Port Melbourne 2.3.15 11.5.71 16.8.104 19.12.126

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Earlier in the week, 14 Demons were named in the possible squad for this game but in the end, only nine took part.

Dominic Barry - didn't play. Will spend most of the season in the VFL.

Sam Blease - first game up after incurring an ankle injury in NAB Cup 1. Flashed in and out of the play but really needs another run before he can step up to AFL level.

Mitch Clark - the big test will come this morning. If he's pulled up well then he should play against Port next week because, although he was a bit rusty, he moved freely. He was even given a run further down the ground at one stage. Kicked only one goal but the delivery from downfield was nothing short of abysmal.

Mitchell Clisby - had a few moments but is just settling into a new environment at present.

Jack Fitzpatrick - didn't do a great deal to impress as a ruckman where he was out bodied by a bigger opponent and I think he's more suited to a forward pocket. Took a hit in the face in the third quarter and was taken off for the rest of the game.

Dean Kent - did a couple of nice things. Reported during the melee.

Tom McDonald - did not play which probably rules him out of a return for the Demons next week.

Jordie McKenzie - got a bit of the ball in close and, apart from kicking into the mark early on, his disposal wasn't too bad.

Nathan Stark - didn't play.

James Strauss - didn't play.

Rory Taggert - did a few nice things and kicked a goal but still early in his comeback given his injury and the time out of the game.

Jack Trengove - took a great mark early on but otherwise just drifted through the game without imposing himself. Needs another run at this level.

Josh Tynan - didn't play.

Jack Viney - in everything in the middle and is almost certain to make his long-awaited debut for Melbourne against Port Adelaide on the MCG next Sunday.