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The first arrivals to Casey Fields for Sunday’s VFL local derby between the Casey Demons and the Frankston Dolphins were greeted by fleeting glimpses of blue skies and the rains that lashed the region were moderating although the winds still gusted from time to time. After a torrid start the wind turned out to be a friendly breeze in the end for the home side as it coasted to its third win on the trot, this time by a comfortable margin of ten goals, 16.13 (109) to 7.7 (49). The Dolphins kicked first with the benefit of the wind and for the first half hour of the game, they held sway. They were on top in the early clearance battles, scored the opening goal that was soon matched by Tom Sheridan’s first and held a two goal lead at quarter time. It was rare for anyone to hold the ascendancy at any time at the Fortress and the Demons were stung into action by coach Taylor Whitford’s measured address at the break. For the ensuing two quarters, Casey put on something of a clinic booting the next nine goals unanswered on either side of the half time break to hold an unassailable 49 point lead as the final term kicked off. By then the game opened up with goals flowing for both sides. The final margin at the end was a 60-point victory for the hosts that saw them at the top of the table. There were many stars for Casey. Bailey Laurie with 35 disposals, 6 tackles and a goal from the middle was the standout. He was accompanied by former Saint turned Demon in Luke Dunstan (26 touches) and two much improved youngsters in the livewire Andy Moniz-Wakefield from Darwin and George Grey who was recently upgraded to the club’s leadership group. And, as usual, we marveled at the massive contribution of master tackler Jimmy Munro who kept the Dolphins on their toes with his relentless pressure on the tackle. He finished with 11 bone jarring tackles for the game. There were many contributions from the well blended side that contained just ten AFL listed players. Blake Howes again stood out with his good ball control and running through the lines. He was particularly important early when the pressure was well and truly on the team. Forward Matt Jefferson showed great goal awareness near the big sticks. He can take a mark and he kicked three goals, as did recruit Sheridan who was noticed by Max Gawn starring in a final for South Croydon. Josh Schache was also among the goals while pinch hitting in the ruck helping the improving Jack Bell. Coming back from injury, Daniel Turner stood up well in defence where he and Deakyn Smith toiled hard. Young forward Oliver Sestan flashed in and out of play and although not prolific in winning the football, he again showed his promise for the future. It will be interesting to see exactly where he is with a year of development and the mentoring of the experienced heads of Melbourne under his belt. With the AFL clubs congregating in Adelaide next weekend for the Gather Road, Casey should have a strong squad available for its first away encounter of the year at the NEC Hangar against the Bombers next Sunday afternoon. That part of the world is far from home for Casey and the support of local Dees would be greatly appreciated. CASEY DEMONS 1.1.7 7.7.49 10.13.73 16.13.109 FRANKSTON 3.1.19 3.3.21 3.6.24 7.7.49 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson Schache Sheridan 3 Baldi Dunstan Laurie Neocleous Sestan Shepherd Valentine FRANKSTON Lambert 2 Butland Florent Johnson Quirk Small BEST CASEY DEMONS Laurie Dunstan Munro Schache Grey Steele FRANKSTON Stoddart Mynott Voss Fordham Quirk Owens Statistics Jed Adams 5 kicks 1 handballs 6 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 24 dream team points Riley Baldi 1 goal 8 kicks 10 handballs 18 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 80 dream team points Jack Bell 5 kicks 1 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 30 hit outs 54 dream team points Matt Buntine 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 55 dream team points Paddy Cross 1 behind 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 52 dream team points Luke Dunstan 1 goal 15 kicks 11 handballs 26 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 97 dream team points Tom Freeman 3 kicks 4 handballs 7 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 27 dream team points Max Gregory 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 33 dream team points George Grey 2 behinds 14 kicks 9 handballs 23 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 85 dream team points Blake Howes 14 kicks 9 handballs 23 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 71 dream team points Matt Jefferson 3 goals 10 kicks 2 handballs 12 disposals 2 marks 3 tackles 71 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 goal 12 kicks 23 handballs 35 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 127 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 2 behinds 10 kicks 16 handballs 26 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 71 dream team points James Munro 9 kicks 11 handballs 20 disposals 11 tackles 93 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 1 goal 1 behind 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 42 dream team points Josh Schache 3 goals 9 kicks 7 handballs 16 disposals 7 marks 2 tackles 6 hit outs 92 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 1 behind 9 kicks 2 handballs 11 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 40 dream team points Miles Shepherd 1 goal 7 kicks 1 handballs 8 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 52 dream team points Tom Sheridan 3 goals 1 behind 7 kicks 7 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 62 dream team points Deaykin Smith 5 kicks 10 handballs 15 disposals 5 marks 4 tackles 63 dream team points Roan Steele 11 kicks 11 handballs 22 disposals 7 marks 2 tackles 84 dream team points Daniel Turner 12 kicks 3 handballs 15 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 71 dream team points Ryan Valentine 1 goal 7 kicks 5 handballs 12 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 3 hit outs 60 dream team points