AUTUMN WINDS by KC from Casey

1 hour ago1 hr

The winds finally returned to Casey Fields for the Demons’ third home game of the VFL season, and its impact was immediate. After two opening rounds played in uncharacteristically fine conditions, the Anzac Day clash brought back the familiar gusty conditions that have been a feature of the region at this time of the year.

Forced to kick into the breeze first, the slow-starting Demons faced a tricky opening against an enthusiastic young Tigers outfit. Casey responded by turning the contest into a scramble, pressuring Richmond into errors and missed targets. The tactic proved crucial, keeping the game tight for three and a half quarters before the Demons pulled away with the autumn wind at their backs.

Richmond wasted early opportunities, and Casey’s slightly better efficiency in front of goal almost gave them a quarter-time lead. A last-minute Richmond major on the siren, however, saw the Tigers take a narrow advantage. The standard didn’t lift much when Casey had the wind in the second term. Richmond controlled the ruck, but the Demons gradually worked their way on top thanks to key forward Tairon Ah-Mu. His strong marking and presence troubled the Tigers, and he finished the half with two valuable goals.

The prime mover for Casey was Jake Bowey. Making a successful return from December foot surgery, Bowey played a scheduled half and showed his trademark composure, finishing with 15 disposals, three marks and three tackles.

Casey led by eight points at half-time, a slender margin given Bowey would not return. An early goal to Luker Kentfield pushed the lead to a then game high 14 points, but Richmond again surged with the breeze. Three unanswered goals put the Tigers back in front, before Casey’s pressure acts locked the game down for the final 15 minutes of the third. Richmond’s four-point lead at the last change looked vulnerable kicking into a freshening wind that was swirling a little across the face of goal.

The Dees took full control in the final term. After a rushed Richmond behind, Casey piled on 4.8 to run out 27-point winners, evoking memories of the days when Casey Fields was a fortress.

Andy Moniz-Wakefield has been outstanding on return from injury, racking up 31 disposals and six tackles in this game. Patrick Cross grew into the game and finished with 22 disposals, nine marks and two important goals. Since his return from his sole AFL appearance against Carlton before injury, Cross has lifted another level and is pressing for a further chance.

Luker Kentfield provided a strong target with 13 disposals, six marks and two goals. Tom Matthews had a quiet day statistically with nine disposals, but his two last-quarter goals were invaluable.

Co-captain Riley Bonner again led by example, whether in defence or on-ball, collecting 27 disposals and five marks. He was well supported by an improved Tyson Sruk with 25 and four. Luis D’Angelo and Toby Sinnema each had 20 touches and provided great service, while Ah-Mu’s bustling presence in attack was vital.

The most experienced Demon on the ground, Tom McDonald, was influential early in defence and a pillar late, finishing with 22 disposals and 10 marks. Jed Adams worked tirelessly to plug holes in defence, tallying 12 touches and six marks and helping keep the ball locked in Casey’s forward half in the final term. Jack Henderson and Ricky Mentha Jr had their moments of strong play, while ruckman Kalani White continues to show steady growth.

It was an ugly win but it lifts Casey into the middle of the ladder. They face a stern test next Sunday when they travel to Sydney to meet the in-form Swans.