SURVIVAL MODE by KC from Casey

[Demonland 73,106]

The Casey Demons managed to survive a day of challenges that in many ways mirrored their AFL counterpart Narrm from the previous day but Casey emerged undefeated from their Round 10 encounter with Frankston at Skybus Stadium.

Like the Demon seniors they were undermanned and lost players due to late withdrawals, went through an arm wrestle in the first quarters, took over the game in the second to set up a big lead before a late goal gave hope to their opponent and limped through a last half in which goals were scarce and they were dominated in general play as they went into survival mode.

The major difference was that the Dolphins were inaccurate in front of goal and the Demons managed to hit their targets enough times to win the game. The final score of 10.6 (66) to 6.12 (48) told the story.

The Demons can thank their key defenders in Adam Tomlinson and Daniel Turner for stemming the tide. Tomlinson was magnificent all day with his 28 disposals while Turner with his strong marking early (he finished with seven marks and 14 touches) was also impressive. 

With the late withdrawal of ruckman Majak Daw and the team down to a season’s low of 11 AFL listers, the visitors relied heavily on their local players and a number of them stood up. Jimmy Munro, the ever reliable notched up 14 tackles and 22 possessions and Mitch White was steady all day while youngster, George Grey played his best game for the club. Normally a flanker, he was thrust by circumstances into the midfield and played a strong role in his side’s win. During the team’s second quarter burst he won a clearance and linked up in a chain of passes to finish off the play with a nice goal. Josh Smith worked hard in the ruck for 25 hit outs. He was solid around the ground and also kicked a steadying goal for his team on debut.

Corey Ellison, who has been played down back when selected this year, went forward and combined well with Mitch Brown. Between them, they booted five goals in the first half. Ellison’s three goals were reminiscent of his goal kicking heroics against Werribee last year. Riley Baldi produced an excellent defensive display for the Demons.

Oskar Baker (20 disposals) provided plenty of run on the outside and Deakyn Smith also underlined his improvement in defence while Taj Woewodin was solid and kicked a vital long goal when needed in the final stanza.

The undefeated Casey Demons have a big day out planned for next Saturday when they take on the Sydney Swans in the curtain raiser to the AFL match up at the MCG.

Casey Demons 2.1.13 8.4.52 8.6.54 10.6.66

Frankston 2.1.13 3.3.21 4.7.31 6.12.48

Goals 

Casey Demons Ellison 3 M Brown 2 Grey Laurie Neocleous J.Smith Woewodin 

Frankston Burton McLaughlin 2 Fordham Lambert

Best

Casey Demons Grey Munro Tomlinson Ellison Baker Turner D Smith Brown

Frankston Stoddart Freeman Mynott Murphy Fordham Riley

Statistics 

Oskar Baker 13 kicks 7 handballs 20 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 63 dream team points
Riley Baldi 6 kicks 9 handballs 15 disposals 4 marks 7 tackles 74 dream team points 
Mitch Brown 2 goals 2 behinds 9 kicks 3 handballs 12 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 71 dream team points
Matt Buntine 6 kicks 1 handball 7 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 49 dream team points
Tyler Edwards 3 kicks 2 handballs disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 20 dream team points
Corey Ellison 3 goals 1 behind 10 kicks 4 handballs 14 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 2 hit outs 81 dream team points
George Grey 1 goals 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 2 marks 7 tackles 95 dream team points
Michael Hibberd 6 kicks 5 handballs 11 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 54dream team points
Ryan Koo 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 34 dream team points
Bailey Laurie 1 goal 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 3 tackles 36 dream team points
Judd McVee 12 kicks 2 handballs 14 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 55 dream team points
Andy Moniz-Wakefield 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 29 dream team points
Bryce Milford 2 kicks 1 handballs 3 disposals 4 tackles 5 hit outs 30 dream team points
James Munro 5 kicks 17 handballs 22 disposals 2 marks 14 tackles 102 dream team points
Harvey Neocleous 1 goal 1 kicks 3 handballs 4 disposals 2 tackles 23 dream team points
Fraser Rosman 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 39 dream team points
Deakyn Smith 12 kicks 7 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 5 tackles 80 dream team points
Josh Smith 1 goals 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 25 hit outs 78 dream team points
Roan Steele 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 43 dream team points
Adam Tomlinson 21 kicks 7 handballs 28 disposals 8 marks 3 tackles 114 dream team points
Daniel Turner 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 7 marks 1 tackles 62 dream team points
Mitch White 8 kicks 4 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 11 tackles 80 dream team points
Taj Woewodin 1 goal 8 kicks 8 handballs 16 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 66 dream team points