It may have been the Demons’ second straight VFLW loss, but it was full of heart as Casey fell 10 points short of a determined Collingwood.
The Pies could’ve run away with the game after half-time, leading 20 to 1 at the main break before running out 3.3 (21) to 4.7 (31) victors.
But they were made to work for every bit of the result on Sunday morning as Casey made a remarkable third quarter charge.
With Tahlia Gillard (15 disposals, five marks, 16 hit outs) and Rebecca Grant (18 touches) being pillars in defence and constantly intercepting Collingwood’s attacks, the Demons started to find their rhythm in the third quarter.
Captain Sammie Johnson was remarkable in the midfield and led from the front, strolling out with clearance after clearance to finish with 20 disposals and 10 tackles in an inspirational display.
Johnson looked comfortable to slot back into the midfield, while Mel Hogg (16 touches, seven clearances) was also sensational in the centre as the pair led a premiership quarter resurgence.
But the Demons needed a fire to spark them and it came from Zoe Mitchell.
The small forward found herself deep in the pocket halfway through the third quarter and slammed the ball on her left, only to see it fly through for the goal of the day.
The crazy goal kick started Casey – a free kick given away by the Collingwood runner meant Caitlin Conroy received rich reward for effort with her first major of the day.
Just minutes later Stephanie Wales worked her way to the front of a ruck contest and received a free kick for it, before duly converting the goal that levelled scores.
Having worked hard to get back on level ground, the Demons continued surging, but the Pies responded with a much-needed goal of their own.
In a topsy-turvy last term, Casey’s leaders stood up and ensured the Demons had every chance of kicking the winning goal.
Despite the Demons’ best efforts, they just couldn’t break through in the final few minutes to win a wild slog in the wet.
The Demons will look to bounce back next week when it plays Port Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
CASEY 0.1 0.1 3.2 3.3 (21)
COLLINGWOOD 2.1 3.2 4.3 4.7 (31)
GOALS: Mitchell, Wales, Conroy
DISPOSALS: Johnson 20, Grant 18, Hogg 16, Gillard 15, Horne 12, Woolcock 11
BEST: Johnson, Gillard, Hogg, Grant, Horne, Wales, Mitchell
