Summary:
Casey’s 12-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon, as the Hawks proved too strong at Box Hill City Oval. The Demons fielded just 10 Melbourne-listed players, with an inexperienced side struggling to combat the class of Box Hill.
It was a game heavily
After
As the dark clouds re-emerged in the second term, the game began to take shape, with Box Hill nailing three crucial goals to take a significant 13-point lead into the main break.
The momentum continued to go the way of the Hawks after half-time with a dominant seven-goal third quarter handing them a 37-point lead by the final change. With the weather changing yet again, rain allowed Box Hill to defend its lead and run away with a convincing 45-point victory.
Although Casey’s strong vein of form ended on Saturday, it remains atop of the VFL ladder with one round remaining.
Telling stat:
Box Hill was the superior side all afternoon and its tackle numbers reflect the level of intensity. The Hawks had more disposals than Casey, yet still managed to lay an impressive 92 tackles – 16 more than the Demons. They were stronger around the contest and desperate to win the ball, resulting in plenty of opportunities in front of goal.
Disposals:
Bugg, C. Wagner 28, Gent 26, Munro 24, Lockhart 22, J. Wagner 21, Freeman, Machaya, Scott 16.
Goals:
Lockhart 2, Hutchins, Lok, Stephenson, White.
3 Votes: Jay Lockhart
In a challenging game for the undermanned Demons, Jay Lockhart through his body on the line to lead his side. Lockhart kicked a big goal in the second term to cut the margin back to
2 Votes: Corey Wagner
Similarly to Lockhart, Corey Wagner played a gutsy game with eight tackles and 28 disposals in the middle. While things weren’t always going Wagner’s way, he continued to run as hard as anyone on the field, getting to the ball and contesting well for his side. The pair
1 Vote: Tom Bugg
Tom Bugg’s numbers have continued to improve throughout the season, with another 28 touches for the midfielder on Saturday. He enjoyed the scrappy conditions against the Hawks and gained yardage for the Demons with his 21 kicks.
Apologies to:
There weren’t many standout performers for Casey in the side’s biggest loss for the season, but Declan Keilty was one who competed all afternoon in defence. The Hawks had plenty of opportunities to attack but Keilty spoiled well in the air.
Mitch Gent was another midfielder who got his hands on the ball, racking up 26 disposals on the wing. His confidence looks to
Good to see:
There wasn’t a lot to like about Casey’s match on Saturday, but one positive was the performance of debutant Tom Freeman. The 19-year-old came into the Demons side and slotted into the defensive structure smoothly. He showed a great ability to read the ball in the air and get into the right spots to intercept, taking seven marks and gathering 16 disposals.
Coach’s say:
“Our team changes every week, as all aligned clubs do, but you’ve got to be able to deal with that and just keep fronting up. This week we weren’t ready to be able to perform. We got exposed in a lot of areas in our game which are areas we’ve been able to cover up at times and find a way to win.” – Jade Rawlings
Looking ahead:
Casey will play its final game of the home and away season on Saturday afternoon, meeting Williamstown in a crucial clash at Casey Fields. The Seagulls will be looking to cement a
