Although the 35-point margin makes it look like the Demons beat the Lions comfortably, they were forced to kick clear in the final term after Coburg hit back.  

Although the Lions challenged, the Demons kicked into gear in the second half and found a new level to waltz away to another solid 13.12 (90) to 8.7 (55) win.

Despite taking time to adjust to the windy conditions at Casey Fields, the Demons’ class was never too far from the surface, even when coming up against a desperate Coburg side.

Mitch Brown led the way in his 100th VFL game, booting the opening goal to celebrate the milestone in style.

Majak Daw looked to be continuing his form following a best on ground display last week, kicking two first quarter goals, both from free kicks.

But his day was cut short after quarter time, meaning the Demons had to adapt to overcome the spirited Lions.

Coach Mark Corrigan was satisfied that his team’s depth shone through when it mattered, giving him different options to consider throughout the season.

“The immediate outlook when you lose a player is that it can hurt you, but at the same time it can also generate opportunities for players to be exposed in different areas,” he said.

“We saw (Jacob) van Rooyen in the ruck and what he gives for us around the ball, we’re fortunate to be able to have Ellison play both forward and back and that versatility in the group.”

It took time, but Casey overcame the challenge, entering the main break with a 21-point lead courtesy of more impressive displays through the midfield.

Mitch White (26 disposals, one goal), Bailey Laurie (21 touches) and Jake Melksham (21) were all instrumental in the middle, winning vital clearances and showing their strength and class.

Luke Dunstan (21 touches, one goal) was at his polished best, while speed and agility of Taj Woewodin and Toby Bedford meant the Demons were never far from breaking the game open.

But the heroes of the contest for the Dees were their defence, starting with AFL-listed talls Adam Tomlinson (24 disposals, six marks) and Joel Smith, while receiving support from debutant Ryan Koo.

The pair intercept marked all day to constantly repel Coburg, leaving Corrigan rapt with the way they froze the Lions out.

“Defence was a clear focus going into the game, as it has been most games so far this season,” Corrigan said.

“Both Tomlinson and Smith are so experienced, they’re clearly AFL players so when they come back here in tough conditions we see their leadership and calmness behind the ball.”

It took until halfway through the third quarter, when Mitch Brown snagged his second and started an avalanche of attacking footy.

Corey Ellison has been superb down back for the Demons this season, but he got his chance in Daw’s absence to play higher up the ground.

Situated on the wing, he found space out the back and strolled to the 50-metre mark, where he launched a booming running goal that brought the Casey Fields crowd to their feet.

Young Roan Steele then confirmed the Demons’ dominance, enjoying a breakthrough performance with two quick goals in as many minutes to finish with three opportunistic majors for the afternoon.

Up by 44 points at the final break, the Demons kept attacking without much luck in the last term, missing multiple shots at goal due to the wind wreaking havoc.

A running snap goal by Bedford was the highlight, as Casey’s pace and willingness to handball and take the game on meant it was always a danger of hitting the scoreboard.

Coburg kept persisting, kicking three majors quickly to reduce the margin to four goals, but a running goal to Dunstan, followed by a second Bedford major late in the game, kept Coburg at bay.

A goal to White in the latter stages of the game helped Casey run away to another mature 35-point win that sees the Demons continue their unbeaten start to 2022.

CASEY          3.5       5.7       9.10     13.12 (90)

COBURG      0.0       2.4       3.4       8.7 (55)

GOALS: Steele 3, Brown, Daw, Bedford 2, Chandler, Ellison, Dunstan, White 

DISPOSALS: White 26, Tomlinson 24, Dunstan, Laurie, Melksham, Woewodin 21

BEST: White, Tomlinson, Melksham, Dunstan, Bell, Bedford, Woewodin, J. Smith