THE Casey Scorpions have suffered their third straight defeat going down to the now ladder-leading Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday.
The Hawks led by 27 points at half-time but a 10-goal second half handed them a percentage boosting 74-point win – 18.15 (123) to Casey’s 7.7 (49).
Aidan Riley and Rohan Bail led the way in what was a tough day for the Scorpions and one that kills off any realistic chance of a top four finish.
Box Hill led from start to finish in the windy and soggy conditions, kicking the opening two goals of the contest, before goals from Casey-listed players Nathan Page and Jordan Moncrieff were able to steady for the Scorpions. Two more goals from the home side gave them some breathing space at the first change.
The second quarter played out much like the first with Box Hill able to extend its lead, kicking four goals to two. Jake Spencer and Bail were the goalkickers as the Scorpions fought to stay in the game, but were punished by some skill errors.
Box Hill highlighted its class with a blistering third term, which completely shut Casey out of the game by three-quarter-time. The Hawks slammed on six goals while Casey could muster only two behinds as it trailed at the last change by close to 11 goals.
The Scorpions attempted to win back some respect in the final term and managed to hit the scoreboard but it wasn’t enough as the home side extended their lead further. Shannon Byrnes joined the goalkickers while Spencer and Bail each kicked their second of the afternoon.
Bail’s two goals capped a good individual afternoon for the 27 year-old with 23 possessions (10 kicks, 13 handballs), five marks, four tackles and three inside 50s.
Riley was outstanding, racking up a massive 36 disposals (14 kicks, 22 handballs) along with three tackles and five inside 50s through the midfield.
Ben Newton was named among Casey’s best players for an encouraging second half performance, finishing with 13 possessions, a team-high six tackles and three inside 50’s.
Spencer kicked two goals and had 13 touches, five tackles and four marks. He again combined with Mark Jamar, who had 16 touches, five marks and four tackles to win the hit outs by 31.
Jay Kennedy-Harris found some much needed form with 21 touches along with Dean Terlich.
Christian Salem picked up 19 disposals and six marks and Jordie McKenzie’s 16 touches was quiet for his usually high standards.
Rookie-listed Mitch White had 15 touches, Billy Stretch had 11 while Jayden Hunt and Jimmy Toumpas had six possessions each.
Possible father-son recruit Jake Lovett, son of Brett, made an encouraging VFL debut. The 18 year-old from the Dandenong Stingrays had nine possessions and will play again this weekend.
The challenge doesn’t get any easier for the Scorpions this week when they host the second-placed Williamstown at Casey Fields on Saturday.
Click back to melbournefc.com.au later this week for a round-up by coach Justin Plapp.
