CASEY has registered back-to-back victories, after fighting out a three-goal win against Coburg at Piranha Park on Sunday afternoon.
Casey Demons 12.14 (86) defeated Coburg 10.8 (68).
Following a week off, due to the VFL’s unsuccessful clash with the WAFL last Saturday, the Demons were forced to battle out a scrappy contest with the Lions.
“Every time we come out here we get similar games,” senior coach Justin Plapp told melbournefc.com.au.
“The players were coming off the bye and I thought they looked flat … with decision-making and skill errors.
“I’m disappointed, but it’s a game sometimes you have just got to bank and move on.”
Rising star Hisham Kerbatieh sparked the Lions early with two brilliant first-quarter goals from the boundary, but in a tight contest, the Demons were first to break clear opening up a 17-point lead at the main break.
In an ugly affair, the Demons were able to maintain their lead for the second half and hold on to a third victory for the season.
The result leaves Coburg equal bottom of the VFL ladder and yet to register points in 2017.
In the seventh minute of the last quarter, Jesse Corigliano collided with Ben Kennedy, causing a five-minute delay to the game. The 21-year-old Lion was stretchered off the field after the heavy knock caused medical staff some serious concern.
On the back of consistent performances in recent matches, Alex Neal-Bullen, James Harmes and Jake Melksham were recalled to the Melbourne side, which defeated Gold Coast last weekend, leaving a void in the Casey midfield.
“No doubt, we had to play blokes out of position," Plapp said.
This provided opportunities for Dean Kent, Kennedy and Jay Kennedy-Harris to spend an extended time in the centre.
In a contested match, Kennedy-Harris gathered a massive 47 disposals in a strong four quarter effort.
Kennedy was prolific with three goals and 23 disposals, while Kent made the most of his chance in the middle with 28 touches.
On the outside, Billy Stretch found the ball on 23 occasions and showed good composure when going inside 50, feeding Weideman and Smith goals.
Jack Trengove was also busy yet again with 30 disposals.
The Demons had 54 inside 50s, 17 more than their opponents, yet struggled to capitalise on the sloppy entries.
After sustaining a fractured rib and punctured lung in his second match at AFL level on ANZAC Day Eve, Tim Smith made his football comeback. Smith was a welcome inclusion for Casey, providing an additional target inside 50.
Key forward Sam Weideman made his second appearance for Casey this season. The 19-year-old now has nine AFL games under his belt and was able to contribute with a goal up forward before chopping out in the ruck. The move up the ground looked to suit Weideman, with his agility providing value around stoppages.
“I was really proud of him to be able to go and play different roles," Plapp said.
“Both him and Declan [Keilty] were really good in that area, with Mitch King missing the game due to food poisoning."
For the second game in a row, Liam Hulett bobbed up with two majors in the third term, helping the Demons wrestle back the momentum.
Coburg midfielder Nick Mellington was recognised as the biggest opposition threat, with James Munro following him throughout the match. Munro minimised his impact, while gathering 26 possessions of his own and laying 12 tackles.
For the Demons, the in-form Bayley Fritsch sat the game out following his efforts for the VFL side last week.
Casey will return home next weekend, taking on Collingwood on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies have won just two matches so far in 2017, giving the Demons an opportunity to make it three wins from three games at Casey Fields this season.
"Every win now becomes really important to us,” Plapp said.
“The next four weeks is incredibly important around ... but I think we’ll start to get some players available, which will put pressure on spots in the team.”
Although it has been a testing period for the Demons, Plapp sees the development of the young Casey side as a real positive.
The Demons did enough to secure the four points, but will need an increase in intensity to extend their winning streak.
“We’ve got to bounce into Collingwood next week as it gives us a chance to be level pegging again," Plapp said.
COBURG 3.2 5.5 8.6 10.8 (68)
CASEY DEMONS 4.0 8.4 10.10 12.14 (86)
CASEY GOALS
Kennedy 3, Hulett, Scott 2, Ferreira, Gent, Moncrieff, Morris, Weideman
CASEY BEST
Kennedy-Harris, Kennedy, Stretch, Kent, Munro
