BLEW IT by Whispering Jack

When the winds start blowing up around Casey Fields, the elements can be unforgiving. The Scorpions discovered this on Sunday when they blew it in the first quarter against 2013 grand finallists Geelong and, despite a spirited comeback in the third term, they went down by 16 points.

The home side looked the better in the opening term but their indirect play was contrasted by the Cats who kicked accurately when they went forward and their third goal late in the quarter gave them the lead at the break. Geelong took full control in the second quarter booting 6.8 to 2.3 to be in full command at the main break. Casey was not helped by its poor disposal and decision making as well as the loss of speedster Sam Blease who had gone off early with a shoulder injury.

At that stage, Casey's best players were skipper Evan Panozza and Demon youngster Jimmy Toumpas who was getting plenty of the ball but his disposal was a bit off in the swirly conditions.

Stirred by coach Rohan Welsh at half time, the Scorpions came out of the sheds a different team and quickly went about reducing Geelong's 32 point half time lead. They were led in their efforts by a three goal quarter from former Cat Shannon Byrnes sparked by the dominant ruckwork of Mark Jamar who finished the game with 57 hit outs. Jack Fitzpatrick who had been off target earlier, started finding the goals (he also finished with three) and somehow, Casey found itself in front late in the quarter before surrendering the lead to a steadier from the Cats.

Will Petropoulos put the home team in front early in the final term but Geelong regained the lead soon after and then won the arm wrestle that followed. They gained the ascendency in mid quarter and rattled on a few consecutive goals before a late revival from the Scorps kept the final margin to 16 points. The latter stages of the game saw some classy play from Demon youngsters Toumpas and Christian Salem, the latter finishing the game off with a great goal.

Midfielder Mitch Gent was strong at the ball and Neville Jetta continued his fine form in defence, Mitch Clisby was a solid contributor for four quarters and last year's Gippsland Power best and fairest winner Ed Morris looks a find for Casey.

The Scorpions face a tough battle next week against the revitalised Dolphins at Frankston.

Casey Scorpions 2.3.15 4.6.30 9.12.67 12.14.86

Geelong 3.0.18 9.8.62 10.10.70 14.18.102

Goals

Casey Scorpions Byrnes Fitzpatrick 3 Salem 2 Best Page Petropoulos Smith

Geelong Walker 3 Hamling Hollmer Linton 2 Bates Herbison Jansen Luxford Thurlow

Best

Casey Scorpions Panozza, Byrnes Jetta Toumpas Gent Clisby

Geelong Schroder Walker Sheringham Bath Hollmer Herbison

In the AFL Victoria Development League, the Scorpions, who have struggled during the pre season, put in a much improved performance but went down to Port Melbourne. Colin Garland took the first steps in his comeback from injury and young Demon James Harmes put in a solid performance.

Final 2014 AFL Victoria Development League

Casey Scorpions 1.0.6 4.0.24 6.2.38 8.5.53

Port Melbourne 2.5.17 6.8.44 7.12.54 11.17.83

Goals

Casey Scorpions Scott 2 Ferraro Fisscher Harmes Plummer Rosier Thwaites

Port Melbourne Johnston Maskell Sandilands 2 Gilmore Muling Pearson Robinson Whelan

Best

Casey Scorpions Harmes Welsh Plummer Thomas Scott Collins

Port Melbourne Woods Thornton Maskell Wilsen Sandilands Brown