The Casey Scorpions have resurrected their hopes of a top two finish and home ground advantage in the first week of the finals with a narrow eight point victory over Collingwood at Victoria Park.

With five rounds to go before the finals, it might have been a trifle early to go with thoughts of top two or final four finishes but, after some poor recent form and injuries restricting the number of AFL listed players to single figures (OK, ten if you count a certain unlisted Demon teenager whose presence in the team is never insignificant), things were threatening to unravel somewhat for the Scorpions. And it didn't help that the Magpies welcomed a few big names like Didak, Krakouer and Lynch to their formidable list or that about four other teams were breathing down Casey's neck for its spot near the top of the table.

Collingwood won the toss and kicked to the Sherrin Stand end and the hosts were up for the challenge early, bursting out of the blocks with the first goal of the game. After a few tentative moves forward, Casey finally managed to answer through the agency of a mark and goal to Jesse Hogan. The Scorpions had much of the play for the remainder of the quarter but sprayed their shots for goal and inevitably, it was the home side that capitalised to take a four point lead into the first break.

Despite Jake Spencer's dominance in the ruck, the Pies had much of the play and kicked the first of the second term after an early miss from Hogan before Best replied but the home side soon answered to regain a nine point lead.

It was at this point that Hogan stepped up to the plate and took control of the game with his awesome presence and powerful marking. He gave off a couple to teammates, kicked a couple and missed one or two and when the dust settled his team held a 19 point half time lead.

After the break, the game rarely hit any great heights with the tricky wind playing havoc with both sides. Collingwood went defensive on Hogan but, despite the double tagging, he continued to be a presence on the ground to finish with 25 possessions, 12 marks and three goals. The Scorpions maintained a 15 point three quarter time lead and virtually iced the game with the first two goals of the final term although a late Magpie fightback caused a few flutters.

Nick Lang capped off a fine debut with two goals and 23rd player, Josh Scott from the Gippsland Power, would also be happy with a goal on debut. It was also pleasing to see former skipper Kyle Matthews burrowing away in the senior team as only he can do. Current captain Evan Panozza was steady as a rock in defence as usual.

James Magner was given a tagging role on Magpie Kyle Martin (perhaps in anticipation of promotion from the rookie list) and kept him well in check for most of the game while picking up plenty of touches for himself. James Strauss (27 possessions), Josh Tynan (25) and Rory Taggert (2 goals) also did no harm to their chances for promotion particularly in view of the carnage that took place at Etihad Stadium an hour or so later.

Next week sees the Scorpions playing in the match of the round against ladder leader Geelong at Casey Fields.

Casey Scorpions 1.4.10 8.6.54 10.11.7113.12.90

Collingwood 2.2.14 5.5.35 8.8.56 12.10.82

Goals

Casey Scorpions Hogan 3 Best Lang Spencer Taggert 2 Gent Scott

Collingwood Boland Paine 3 Brett Broomhead Hellier Lynch Martin Mooney

Best

Casey Scorpions Hogan Magner Strauss Taggert Panozza Jetta

Collingwood Didak Lynch Ramsay Oxley Allan Yagmoor

Picture gallery:

https://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer#album/dave.savell/5905166748088302257

Melbourne future star Jesse Hogan dominates Collingwood, leading Casey Scorpions to victory

We will add the outcome of the Development League game which is being played later today at Sandringham.