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It took little time for Footscray to establish its domination over the Casey Demons in their VFL Round 19 clash at Mission Whitten Oval on Friday afternoon. The Doggies had the early advantage of the breeze and, as those with a knowledge of the old VFL venue second only to Essendon’s ground for swirly winds will tell you, a good start is vital in such conditions. The five goal to one opening term which saw Footscray’s midfield dominate possession, turned out to be enough to secure the win as Casey was never really unable to make inroads on their supremacy. The visitors bravely fought a tie over the next two quarters to remain 29 points down at the final break and they still had the wind at their backs on the home stretch to give them some hope. Seven straight goals from the Bulldogs put an end to that and the 56 point margin at the end was a fitting one and a real sight for motorists driving home from town on a Friday afternoon. There were very few shining lights for the Demons as they spluttered their way through their last Victorian game in a disappointing season. They have a bye next week and then follow that up with a 10:00am game in the final round at People First Stadium against last year’s premiers, the Gold Coast Suns. It’s time to look forward to the future for the club and the combined entity it represents. The combine has been at its strongest when the VFL team has been at its best as it was two or three years ago. This year, injuries have been at play and, despite the lionhearted efforts of skipper Mitch White, assisted from time to time by Tyler Edwards and Roan Steele, the cupboard has been relatively bare. Similarly, Melbourne’s own contribution has not been as significant as in the past. In this game, Casey’s best was Bailey Laurie 29 disposals and ten tackles but he was well and truly overshadowed by Footscray’s Riley Sanders and Jack MacRae who, along with former Demon Oskar Baker monstered his team in every way on the ground and statistically. From. An AFL point of view, Laurie has been in and out of the team like a yo yo so fans will most likely have to look elsewhere for inspiration. Inspiration will most certainly not come from the likes of Ben Brown, Jack Billings, Adam Tomlinson or Lachie Hunter who are nearing the end of their careers. Shane McAdam booted two goals but will need good health and a strong pre season if he is to have an impact in 2025. Tom Fullarton had a strong game around the ground but was easily overshadowed in the ruck duels. This leaves Matthew Jefferson as this team’s leading light for the future and, unlike his 2023 fadeout, the young key forward is presenting well. His four goals in a team that well beaten at stoppages should not be underestimated and he is a 50:50 chance for elevation for an AFL game now that Melbourne’s season is over. Kynan Brown also impressed with his 18 disposals and eight tackles and also stands in line for promotion late in the season. He needs to improve the depth of his kicking but looks like a good learner. Ollie Sestan made a strong start but faded while Jed Adams was serviceable in defence. Along with young ruckman Will Verrall and midseason recruit Luker Kentfield, they are on a long journey to the big time. And so, the VFL season tapers off to a subdued ending at a distance in a fortnight’s time. CASEY DEMONS 1.1.7 5.4.34 8.5.53 10.8.68 FOOTSCRAY 5.6.36 8.6.54 12.10.82 19.10.124 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Jefferson 4 McAdam 2 B Brown K Brown Fullarton Kentfield FOOTSCRAY Sanders 3 Baker Bianco Gallagher Hargraves Owen 2 Bedendo Clarke Freijah Jones Smith Sparkman BEST CASEY DEMONS Hore Jefferson Laurie McAdam White Tomlinson FOOTSCRAY Sanders MacRae Baker Gallagher Owen Freijah Statistics Jed Adams 5 kicks 3 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 40 dream team points Jack Billings 8 kicks 10 handballs 18 disposals 3 tackles 47 dream team points Ben Brown 1 goal 7 kicks 7 disposals 5 marks 43 dream team points Kynan Brown 1 goal 13 kicks 5 handballs 18 disposals 3 marks 8 tackles 94 dream team points Jesse Craven 1 behind 1 kick 3 handballs 4 disposals 1 tackle 14 dream team points Tyler Edwards 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 6 tackles 56 dream team points Tom Fullarton 1 goal 10 kicks 10 handballs 20 disposals 6 tackles 28 hitouts 111 dream team points Roy George 1 kick 5 handballs 6 disposals 1 mark 13 dream team points Max Gregory 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 3 tackles 30 dream team points Marty Hore 16 kicks 16 disposals 8 marks 1 tackle 76 dream team points Lachie Hunter 10 kicks 7 handballs 17 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 66 dream team points Matt Jefferson 4 goals 1 behind 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 77 dream team points Luker Kentfield 1 goal 2 behinds 4 kicks 1 handball 5 disposals 1 marks 2 tackles 35 dream team points Bailey Laurie 14 kicks 15 handballs 29 disposals 3 marks 10 tackles 119 dream team points Shane McAdam 2 goals 2 behinds 9 kicks 6 handballs 15 disposals 5 marks 4 tackles 76 dream team points Nick Moodie 2 kicks 1 handball 3 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 15 dream team points Josh Schache 7 kicks 3 handballs 10 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 54 dream team points Ollie Sestan 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 59 dream team points Roan Steele 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 47 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 17 kicks 6 handballs 23 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 86 dream team points Will Verrall 3 kicks 1 handballs 4 disposals 3 tackles 5 hitouts 28 dream team points Mitch White 14 kicks 7 handballs 21 disposals 1 mark 7 tackles 91 dream team points Kai Windsor 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 1 mark 13 dream team points