THE RACE by KC from Casey

The Casey Demons have landed in the Peter Jackson VFL top eight for the first time this year after a strong performance against Collingwood VFL at Casey Fields. 

The team made a shaky start to a scrappy game in which both sides displayed some poor skills, particularly with their disposal although the visitors' accuracy for goal made the game a much closer contest than it should have been.

The Demons welcomed back Jake Spencer in the ruck and, although he looked understandably rusty, his 35 hit outs aided by some good work from Declan Keilty were a highlight in a team that has so far this year been consistently beaten in the ruck department. The winning ruck gave it many opportunities to open up play and run the ball forward and this resulted in a dominating 55 to 36 advantage in the inside 50 count.

The teams are close competitors in the finals race and the Magpies made Casey rue some early missed chances in front of goal when they hit the lead with the opening two goals of the second term. However, from that point onward, the Demons took control with a six goal spree that stretched into the second half. Collingwood attempted a comeback with three goals on the run but Casey settled and was well in control even though it conceded some late goals in the end.

Defenders Josh Wagner (27 disposals, 1 goal) and Mitch White (18 touches) were superb in defence and James Munro played a great stopping role getting into the face of Magpie forward Kayle Kirby who was a match winner last week with six goals.

VFL interstate representative Bayley Fritsch underlined his talent with three first half goals and he looks eminently draftable. Ed Morris was another VFL-listed player who stood out. 

One of the highlights for Melbourne people would have been the form of key forward Sam Weideman who overcame a slow start to finish full of running kicking two games in a game in which he could easily have finished with five. With another preseason including more strength and conditioning work, he should become a regular fixture as an AFL key forward who can add further value by helping out in the ruck.

Other Demons who showed out were Ben Kennedy, Billy Stretch, Jack Trengove, Dean Kent and Jay Kennedy-Harris who called it a day at half time in order to stay fresh in the event of being required as an emergency for Monday. Corey Maynard continues to do well after his recent enforced two week lay off from concussion.

The win was a big improvement on the equivalent game from last year when the Casey side was kept to a mere two goals on a bog heap. This time the ground was in good nick and the Demons who have now won three games in a row, took the points because they had a clear skill advantage over their rivals.

They return to Casey Fields next Saturday night for a replay of last year's grand final against Footscray VFL although at least half of the team that took part in the disappointment of that loss will not be out there on the field this time around. A win is needed to keep them in the finals race.

Peter Jackson VFL 2017

Casey Demons 4.4.28 8.8.56 13.11.89 15.12.102

Collingwood VFL 3.1.19 5.4.34 8.5.53 13.5.83

Goals

Casey Demons Fritsch 3 Kent Stretch Weideman 2 Johnstone Lewis-Smith Maynard T Smith Trengove Wagner

Collingwood VFL Mayne 4 Cox Kirby 2 Daicos Hellier Keeffe Lane Sier

Best

Casey Demons Wagner Kennedy Stretch White Weideman Munro

Collingwood VFL Blair Keeffe Ramsay Hellier Mayne Cox