CENTURIONS by KC from Casey

The Casey Demons smashed the Carlton Reserves off the park at Casey Fields on Sunday to retain a hold on an end of season wild card place.

It was a comprehensive 108 point victory in which the home side was dominant and several of its players stood out but, in spite of the positivity of such a display, we need to place an asterisk over the outcome which saw a net 100 point advantage to the combined scores in the two contests between Demons and Blues over the weekend.

The disparity between the opposition's AFL and VFL teams is substantial. They are experiencing an abundance of injuries and their playing depth is weak, as evidenced by the inclusion of multiple debutants in the team this week, which is unusual for this time of year. Additionally, with the Demons' senior  team in the dumps on Saturday night, the incentive was there for Casey players to stand up and make a play for senior selection. And a number did put their hands up.

The VFL Demons took control of the game early and showed great hunger for the footy. The catalyst for the good start was Aidan Johnson who had a big game after a lengthy layoff from a suspension and ankle surgery. He moved well and marked strongly to have four goals on the board by the main break and finished with five to go with his 22 disposals and 11 marks for a best on ground performance.

Melbourne’s two concussion victims from the Gold Coast game three weeks ago in Harry Petty (two goals) and defender Blake Howes also staked their claims for senior selection. The latter was unlucky not to win promotion this week after a strong showing last Saturday night against Werribee. Yesterday, he mopped up everything in defence with a strong running game.

Casey benefited from a dominant midfield. Tom Campbell and Will Verrall gave their on ballers an armchair ride in the ruck and the likes of Jai Culley, Riley Bonner, Bailey Laurie, Jack Billings and Riley Baldi constantly got their hands on the ball at stoppages and in general play. 

Mitch Hardie continues to produce in a roving role in the forward line and kicked three goals. Charlie Spargo kicked a couple and must also be in the selection mix for Saturday’s game against St Kilda.

Two players who are coming along nicely and will be part of promotion consideration in the very near future are Luker Kentfield and Ricky Mentha Junior. 

Kentfield was drafted last year in midseason and had health problems over summer so he has yet to benefit from an AFL preseason. Last year, he was often unsighted but this time around he is playing with confidence, clunking his marks and finishing well. He impressed yesterday with four goals in the second half and if he can continue to progress at this rate, he will become a great asset to the club.

An NGA from Alice Springs, Mentha showed up with his pace and line breaking ability and when he joins his mentor in Kozzy Pickett, they are going to provide opposition teams with plenty of headaches. With these two however, my advice is to heed the caveat at the start of this piece. Give them time and the results will come.

Casey’s next assignment is against Sandringham next Sunday morning at Casey Fields in a curtain raiser of sorts for the match up between their senior partners at Marvel Stadium later in the day. The Demons must overcome their tendency to lose games to teams below them on the ladder to maintain their September aspirations.

CASEY DEMONS 5.4.34 11.7.73 17.10.112 22.18.150

CARLTON VFL 2.3.15 3.3.21 5.4.34 6.6.42

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Johnson 5 Kentfield 4 Hardie 3 Campbell Ferraro Petty 2 Billings Culley Kirkwood-Scott Laurie

CARLTON VFL Warburton 2 Grainger-Barras Harvey Lemmey Riley

BEST

CASEY DEMONS Johnson Campbell Culley Laurie Billings Hardie

CARLTON VFL Wilson Hayes Charleson Boyd Phillips Warburton