SETBACK by KC from Casey

The Casey Demons took on an undefeated UWS Giants outfit at their own home ground on a beautiful autumn day but found themselves completely out of their depth going down by 53 points against a well-drilled and fair superior combination.

Despite having 15 AFL listed players at their disposal - far more than in their earlier matches this season - the Demons were never really in the game and suffered their second defeat in a row after their bright start to the season when they drew with the Kangaroos, beat the Suns and matched the Cats for most of the day on their own dung heap at Corio Bay.

The Giants were a different proposition altogether. They had a very slight wind advantage in the opening quarter but were too quick off the mark for the Demons, tearing the game apart by the half way mark of the term when they kicked the first five goals with clean and direct football.

They maintained their dominance for most of the game although the Demons made minor inroads when their time came with the breeze in the second term.

After the main break, the more efficient Giants lifted a gear and booted eight goals in the third quarter to have the game well and truly iced before the final half hour.

It would be fair to say that the final deficit would have been far greater but for the efforts of Riley Bonner who amassed 36 disposals, 10 marks and kicked a goal. He was assisted by two other fine additions to the list this year in Mitch Hardie (25 touches) and Riley Baldi (23 disposals), both of who were consistent throughout and never dropped their heads when the opposition got on top.

Of the Melbourne listed players, Judd McVee’s return from a hamstring injury incurred in the preseason was pleasing. He kicked off the cobwebs with a strong started, attacked the ball hard and showed that he’s ready to return to the fray in time for the Anzac Eve clash after collecting 19 disposals up to three quarter time when he was rested.

Oliver Sestan also had a good game with 23 disposals and he also scored a nice goal coming out of defence while Jed Adams showed some nice touch in a back line that was under heavy pressure for most of the game.

Will Verrall had an interesting tussle in the ruck playing a lone hand in the absence of the injured Tom Campbell. He lowered his colours against a bigger opponent but was by no means disgraced finishing with 16 possessions and 25 hitouts.

Jack Billings was solid with 26 touches but his kicking lacked penetration and Bailey Laurie was also busy with 19 touches, 11 tackles and two goals. Jai Culley also had the ball 19 times and was handy.

If the selectors were looking for forwards to add to the mix for next week, they would be disappointed. Axed pair Bayley Fritsch and Jacob van Rooyen were quiet with Fritsch kicking one major from 11 disposals and van Rooyen also scoring one goal from his nine touches. The former was also taken off at the final break suggesting he might also be under consideration for a return given the short turnaround to Anzac Day Eve.

Matthew Jefferson also failed to impress while 2024 midseason draftee Luker Kentfield made a successful return playing mainly in defence after a long layoff due to illness.

The Demons return to Casey Fields next Thursday morning at 11:05am and will be out to get their season back on track after yesterday’s setback. It’s a work day, so don’t expect too many in the crowd.

CASEY DEMONS 1.1.7 4.5.29 5.8.38 9.13.67

UWS GIANTS 6.1.37 9.1.55 17.3.105 19.6.120

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Laurie 2 Baldi Bonner Cross Fritsch Johnson Sestan van Rooyen

UWS GIANTS Gruzewski 5 Wardius 4 Lugsdin 3 Angove Butson Delana Hughes Keeffe Madden Sheather

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Bonner Baldi Verrall Laurie Cross Culley

UWS GIANTS Madden Leake Gruzewski Aleer Wardius Angove