CASEY has demolished Frankston in its last practice match prior to the commencement of the VFL season, claiming a thumping 111-point victory at Casey Fields on Friday afternoon.

Casey Demons 21.18 (144) defeated Frankston 5.3 (33).

The fast starting Demons dominated from the outset, slotting six of their eight opening-quarter goals from inside the goal square and putting the game to bed by the first break.

But the Demons worked hard to open up avenues to goal.

“Our contest work was particularly good,” senior coach Jade Rawlings told melbournefc.com.au.

“We won the ball in close and used it quite well,” he said.

“When they won it, we were able to tackle at a pretty good intensity and create more opportunities for ourselves, and the by-product was kicking goals.”

But with the result of the match inconsequential, Rawlings focused on generating good behaviours and habits amongst the group.

“The most pleasing thing was in the fourth quarter we were still playing the way we wanted to play. There was no deviation because the scoreboard reflected well for us, it was still a high emphasis on what makes us a good football team and what we do that allows us to play well.”

When Frankston looked to penetrate the forward 50, Demon backman Sam Frost was there to mop-up. In a terrific defensive performance, Frost intercepted the ball in the air and rebounded with speed for Casey.

“I think Sam Frost has played a consistent level in all his games at Casey so far,” Rawlings said.

“His attitude is great and he takes a real leadership role in the backline so he’s a real asset when he’s playing for us.”

Mitch White, Joel Smith and Declan Keilty all contributed across half-back, as the Dolphin’s were restricted to just eight scoring shots for the entirety of the match.

Mitch Hannan thrived in the centre of the ground, working well with Angus Brayshaw around the stoppages. Hannan, with 21 AFL games under his belt, proved to be a dangerous proposition when drifting forward with two first-quarter goals.

“[Hannan] played with a high intensity and bought into how we play at Casey,” Rawlings said.

“After being dropped five days ago we thought his involvement towards the game was very positive.”

Sam Weideman was a focal point for Casey, presenting well at half-forward and booting two of his three goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. The 20-year-old chopped out in the ruck, showing his mobility around the ground and was a strong contributor throughout the match.

With 16 AFL-listed players, the Demons were a class above an inexperienced Frankston side who are returning to the VFL competition in 2018.

Oskar Baker – pick number 48 in last years AFL Draft – used his run to cover the ground well and set up attacking plays for the Demons, while former Docker Harley Balic also showed an ability to win the ball.

In a free-flowing affair, Casey’s pace by foot and quick ball movement was a highlight, resulting in an impressive tally of 21 goals.

Dean Kent created havoc inside 50 converting four majors on the counter attack, while Mitch King and Tim Smith also chipped in with two goals each, marking the ball cleanly in perfect conditions.

“I think a big thing we want to create is multiple options in the forward line … and it’s a strength of ours with the amount of people that can play forward for us,” Rawlings said.

Players from both sides were out on their feet late in the game, with just three goals scored in the final term.

Casey’s VFL season will kick-off next Sunday as it takes on Coburg at Piranha Park in round one.

CASEY DEMONS     8.5   12.8   18.13   21.18 (144)
FRANKSTON            2.2    4.2     5.2       5.3     (33)

CASEY GOALS
Kent 4, Weideman 3, Hannan, King, LeFau, Scott, T. Smith 2, Brayshaw, Dwyer, Filipovic, Kennedy-Harris

CASEY BEST
Frost, Hannan, Kent, Weideman, Baker