CASEY Demons coach Justin Plapp says big man Jake Spencer is ready to go, if he gets the nod to replace the injured Max Gawn (hamstring) for Easter Saturday’s clash against Fremantle at the MCG.
Plapp said Spencer had been in strong form during the recent Casey practice matches, after he impressed in the JLT Community Series.
“Spence is probably going to be the logical replacement for Max. He marked the ball really strongly and probably couldn’t have got a better game to come off in the VFL – if he does get selected in the AFL,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“We expect him to come in with some confidence, as he dominated the hit outs and he ended up kicking a goal, which is significant as well.”
Another tall, Sam Frost, also impressed for Casey last weekend, after missing six weeks with a toe injury.
“It was Sam’s second game back and he’s building game time,” Plapp said.
“His form over the past two weeks has been pretty solid. His aerial contest, ability to shut down players and put pressure on the opposition has been a highlight in the past two weeks.”
Midfielder Angus Brayshaw playing his first game for Casey this season, after featuring in the opening two AFL rounds, had 24 disposals.
“Angus was omitted last week and he showed signs of improvement,” Plapp said.
“He won a lot of his own ball, so he’s really clear on the areas that we need him to work on.
“We’re supporting him and challenging him to get better in those areas, but he showed good signs.”
Speedster Jay Kennedy-Harris also returned for his first match, after missing the past five weeks with a broken arm.
“It was Jay’s first game back and he was very lively,” Plapp said.
“He was able to run and put pressure on the opposition and open the ground up for offensive opportunities.
“He was bouncy and he’ll look to build on that again.”
Plapp said small Ben Kennedy had a solid game and Corey Maynard continued to make strides.
“Ben’s contest work and some of his forward pressure was positive. And Corey continues to improve and impress. He’s got a lot of energy with the way he plays, particularly around the ball and around the contest. He was another one we were really pleased with,” he said.
