CASEY Scorpions coach Justin Plapp has praised the performance of forward Dean Kent, who impressed in a VFL practice match last Saturday after missing Melbourne’s NAB Challenge win over the Bulldogs due to a heel injury.

Plapp said Kent was a standout against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields and is in line to play another VFL practice match this Saturday against Williamstown, as he pushes for round one.

“Kent played limited game time, but was a real class above a lot of the guys,” Plapp told melbournefc.com.au.

“He looked like an AFL player playing VFL footy.

“There were some really positive signs there.”

Plapp said midfielder Viv Michie was also a strong performer, after playing two NAB Challenge matches.

“He was one of our better players for the day,” he said.

“He had a real impact on the game after half-time. He was really influential as well.”

First-year Demons Angus Brayshaw and Billy Stretch back up their first senior practice match with another strong effort each, according to Plapp.

“Brayshaw was good again. His work in and around the contest and his decision-making was a highlight. He’s still developing and we’re working on some things with him, but he was solid,” Plapp said.

“Billy’s first two games have been really solid in a wing/half-forward role.”

Ruckman Jake Spencer also backed up with another important display.

“Spence played in the ruck nearly all day and he was a really good contributor over four quarters,” Plapp said.

Plapp said big man Jack Fitzpatrick played down back and was “really influential” and Cam Pedersen switched between centre half-forward and ruck.

Second-year Demon midfielder James Harmes produced a consistent match, with tackling a feature of his play. 

Draftee Oscar McDonald played his second practice match for the year and rookies Max King and Mitch White played their first games for 2015.