FIRST UP by KC from Casey

The Casey Demons faced a tough first up task taking on reigning VFL premiers Footscray at Mission Whitten Oval. The Bulldogs, who unfurled their premiership flag pre-game, had 15 AFL-listed players and their top VFL talent available, setting them up for their 15th consecutive win.

The younger Demons stayed competitive for more than half the game but eventually tired against the experienced Bulldogs, who had stronger legs and more purpose in their attack on the football. 

The game was played in near-perfect conditions with the young squad, many of them playing together for the first time, showing great enthusiasm, particularly in the early going. 

The teams traded points in the first half of the opening term before Footscray took control, threatening to blow the game open as they burst to a lead of 22 points before Paddy Cross booted truly with a free taken after the quarter time siren. 

Footscray looked like breaking away again early in the second quarter but Casey regrouped and twice fought back to take the lead. Jesse Craven was the catalyst with two quick goals that helped generate the comeback. The Bulldogs were held back by their inaccuracy in front of goal but their midfield dominance and their three goals to one in the time-on period saw them take an eight point lead into the main break.

Casey's recent acquisition from the Dockers via Box Hill, Ethan Stanley, kicked the first goal of the second half, cutting the lead to two points. But that was the last piece of resistance that the Demons could muster. Led by Will Lewis's third quarter goal-kicking masterclass and the dominance around the ground of seasoned veterans in Adam Treloar, Nick Coffield, Lachie McNeil, and Jack Billings, the Bulldogs pounced and finally stormed home to win by 43 points.

For the Demons, Max Heath was dominant in the ruck. He collected 17 disposals to go with 36 hitouts and seven clearances and he also added a goal early in the final term. 

Andy Moniz-Wakefield, playing his first game after missing all of last season after ACL surgery was among the Demons' busiest with 30 disposals going at an outstanding 90% disposal efficiency. 

Jack Henderson also did well with 18 touches in his comeback game after an injury affected summer. Jed Adams and Oscar Berry were both put under the pump in defence and showed promise of better things to come. 

Melbourne’s top 2025 draft pick Xavier Taylor showed composure in a defence under pressure and finished with 16 disposals and eight marks. Fellow draftee Tom Matthews started slowly but worked himself into the game and looks to be an exciting prospect, kicking a nice goal late in the game. Both will benefit from their first official hit out in the colours after being given limited preseason game time.

Casey’s only true battle hardened veteran Jake Melksham managed one a signal goal after spending some time in the hands of the trainers with what appeared to be a knee concern.

Co-captain Riley Bonner was the best of the Casey contingent. He was a strong contributor around the ground with 32 disposals and nine inside 50s. 

A number of new faces brought into the team by former Gippsland Power coach Rhett McLennan who took the reins for the first time. Teenager Luke Cheffers was the most prominent among them while former Docker Stanley had an impact after half time with two goals. 

The 43-point loss was a disappointing outcome. The Demons took a hit, but at least they have the Bulldogs behind them. The bye might be a blessing in disguise, giving them time to regroup. Facing the toughest opponent early on means it's potentially smoother sailing ahead. 

CASEY DEMONS 2.2.14 7.4.46 10.7.67 13.8.86

FOOTSCRAY 4.6.30 7.12.54 14.17.101 19.21.135

GOALS

CASEY DEMONS Cross Pipicelli Stanley 2 Bonner Cheffers Cross D’Angelo Heath Laurie Matthews Melksham

FOOTSCRAY Lewis 6 Billings Jones McNeil Smith 2 Craig-Peters Crofts Dolan Kennedy Saunders

BEST

CASEY DEMONS Heath Moniz-Wakefield Bonner Taylor Cross Mentha Jr

FOOTSCRAY Treloar Coffield Lewis Orgill McNeil Dolan