EXPERIMENT by KC from Casey

The final practice match before the start of the season proper was a time for experimentation as the Scorpions took on the Hawks at Casey Fields. As was obvious from results of other games across the country in both AFL and VFL, the results of these games can be misleading and mean little in terms of the real season ahead.

Casey fielded a list of 27 players but used a substitute system and changed four of its players at half time while a few of the Demon listed players were still finding their feet after injury interrupted pre seasons. The result was a team that lacked height around the ground, particularly in the forward line
where Box Hill's height and marking power combined with Casey's shocking inaccuracy in front of goal conspired to give the visitors an easy victory in the end.

The game started in conditions that were perfect for football with a light breeze and the cloud cover keeping things cool. Casey dominated proceedings for most of the opening term with James Magner and Tom Couch racking up the possessions on the ball but, for all their troubles, they managed a solitary goal and held a mere 10 point lead at quarter time.

For the second week in a row, it took little time for the visiting side to turn things around. Two goals in a minute, one from a dubious free kick, saw Box Hill in front. Another free and fifty metre penalty saw them move to an 8 point lead before Casey regrouped and fought back to level the score but a couple of late goals gave the Hawks a comfortable 14 point buffer at half time.

The breeze had picked up during the afternoon and Casey dominated the third term kicking to the southern end but, as with the opening stanza, the Scorpions were woefully inaccurate in front of goal and, as often happens, the Hawks goaled late in the term against the run of play in one of their rare forays forward.

With Max Gawn off for the day during the latter stages of the final quarter and Cranbourne ruck recruit Michael Boland "subbed" off at the main break, the bigger, stronger Box Hill rucks and key position players took complete control of the game and romped home by 31 points.

Dean Terlich and Tom McDonald were the day's two most prominent Demon players to put their hands up for AFL selection while 18 year old Ben Kearns from the Gippsland Power via Churchill, in his first senior game was dangerous around the goals and looks to be a player of the future.



Casey Scorpions 1.5.11 2.8.20 3.16.34 4.17.41

Box Hill Hawks 0.1.1 5.4.34 6.6.42 10.12.72

Stats: Magner 36,Terlich 33, Couch 29, Davis 27, Clisby 23, Evans 22, J.Tynan 21, Barry 18.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Dom Barry - worked hard for 18 disposals and showed some innate natural skills. Needs to build his body to be right for AFL football.

Mitch Clisby - good run out of defence and clean with his disposal.

Thomas Couch - got a lot of the football but not always effective.

Troy Davis - some great defensive efforts and is improving his disposal and decision making.

Michael Evans - worked hard in bursts but we need to seem him use his pace and skills a lot more.

Max Gawn - had about 2½ quarters before he came off. Started tentatively at his first ruck contest but was soon into it although a little trusty. Given that it was his first outing since late 2011 and he had little assistance in the ruck it was a positive start for him.

Neville Jetta - showed great determination in defence and would be handy with the Demons.

Dean Kent - a solid game from the youngster who will play in the AFL this season.

James Magner - picked up 36 possessions in a quality game in the midfield.

Tom McDonald - showed that he's ready to return to the AFL after that ankle injury. Good run out of defence.

James Strauss - a quiet day but very effective with his disposal.

Rory Taggert - tried up forward early with limited effect. Better when he played downfield.

Dean Terlich - played a strong game as an attacking defender. Got a lot of the football and moved it well. Really put his hand up for selection against Essendon next week.

Jack Trengove - a quiet day but seemed to be gaining confidence and touch the further the game went.

Josh Tynan - worked hard in defence and looks to be an improver on last year.