Summary
Coming off back-to-back losses, Casey wasn’t entering the qualifying final at the top of its game, but by quarter-time at Casey Fields on Saturday, that had all changed.

The Demons jumped out of the blocks in fine fashion, demolishing Geelong to take a whopping 35-point lead into the first break. In just the second minute of the second term, Cam Pedersen booted his third major, making it a seven-goal to zero start, with the game all but over already.

The Cats strung together three goals in a row to cut the deficit to 29 points at half-time, but managed just one more goal for the remainder of the game as Casey ran rampant.

In what was a complete team effort, the Demons combined for 11 second-half goals to punish Geelong and register a thumping 91-point victory. It was a stunning performance that earned Casey a preliminary final berth.

Telling stat
Casey bases its game on pressure, and it laid a phenomenal 129 tackles on Saturday. The Demons ferocity around the ball was as good as you will ever see, hunting the opposition to force turnovers and win back possession. From the very first bounce the Demons put Geelong on the back foot and were able to create scoring opportunities from their pressure.

Disposals
Pedersen 25, Bugg, C. Wagner 24, T. Smith 22, Gent 20, Munro 19, Hannan, Machaya, White 18.

Goals
Pedersen 4, Collis, Hannan, Machaya 3, McKenna, J. Smith 2, Garlett, Hutchins, T. Smith.

3 Votes: Declan Keilty
To only concede four goals in a final is a significant effort and Declan Keilty was a massive factor in that. The 194cm defender got his fist to just about every high ball that went his way and was a wall for Casey down back.

2 Votes: Harry Petty
In a courageous performance, Harry Petty overcame a dislocated finger to return to the field after quarter-time and play a pivotal defensive role. Geelong tall-forward Esava Ratugolea was a big threat in the game, but Petty well and truly beat his man, keeping Ratugolea away from the scoreboard.

1 Vote: Tim Smith
Tim Smith did just about everything on Saturday. At just 192cm, the ‘Bull’ started in the ruck and had 16 hit outs, helping negate the influence of Zac Smith. But it wasn’t just his tap work that was of value for Casey. Smith was effectively an extra onballer for the Demons with 22 disposals through the centre, providing plenty of drive forward. The 27-year-old literally throws himself at the ball, laying 10 crunching tackles and clunking 10 marks all across the field.

Apologies to
You could raffle the best players on Saturday with everyone chipping in at different stages throughout the afternoon, but Cam Pedersen was one of the stars, setting the win up with a game-high 25 disposals and four goals.

There were contributors across every line, with Jack Hutchins and James Munro typifying the hungry nature of the Demons, leading by example with their competitiveness around the contest.

Classy youngster Cory Machaya showed his poise yet again, as the silky small forward continues to impress. Every time he gets his hands on the ball something magical seems to happen, as the silky 21-year-old produced one of the best goals of the season.

But arguably the greatest spark came from an unexpected avenue in Will Collis. The exciting thing about finals is it provides all players an opportunity to stand up when it matters most, and Collis, who hasn’t been a regular in the Casey side this season, had a role to play on Cat Jackson Thurlow. Collis did a superb defensive job, but most importantly hit the scoreboard. The tagger nailed the opening two goals of the afternoon and really pumped up his teammates.

Good to see
An even contribution across the board is crucial in a final, and it was the one-percenters produced by some Casey-listed players which guided the Demons win. Although the little things often don’t receive the credit, everyone played their role to combine for a thumping victory. Jay Lockhart has been a star this season, and while he was important with the ball, his best work came when he was without it. Lockhart laid a monstrous 20 tackles – an incredible individual feat – while hard nuts Munro (16 tackles) and Corey Wagner (12 tackles) were also forces.

Coach’s say
“The scoreboard obviously reflected well for us but for me it was creating the scene of how we wanted the game to be, and the complete buy-in from every player towards how we wanted it to look. It’s a good enough group of players to put themselves in the contest with that attitude and then results like that go our way.” – Jade Rawlings

Looking ahead
The Demons will have to bide their time as they wait and see who they will meet in the VFL preliminary final. Saturday’s qualifying final victory earns Casey the week off, and it will play the winner of next weeks’ contest between Richmond and Essendon.