A THIRD-TERM surge has led the Casey Demons to their first VFLW win of the 2025 season, defeating Essendon by 55 points at Windy Hill. 

With the help of an influx of Melbourne's AFLW-listed players, the Dees took control of the game early with the Bombers unable to stop the impact of Casey's second and third quarter momentum swings, the final score sealed at 2.6 (18) to 10.13 (73). 

The first bounce was an example of how the rest of the game would play out, with Casey's connection at the contest a clear standout. Georgia Campbell produced the perfect opening tap to Shelley Heath, who then was able get the ball to Eden Zanker, leading to the Dees' first inside 50 within seconds. 

Zanker, a Melbourne forward who spends most of her time deep inside 50, had a half of football running through the midfield for Casey and looked right at home, clearing out of stoppages and providing opportunities across the ground. She finished the game with 17 disposals, five marks and two goals. 

While the Dees had plenty of looks in the first term, they struggled to convert, kicking four behinds before Alyssa Bannan slotted her first goal of three for the match half way through the opening quarter. 

From the second term onwards, it was a game of momentum bursts, Casey kicking nine goals for the remainder of the game.

During their third-term blitz, a particularly impressive play from the Dees saw Georgia Gall take a strong contested mark before handing it off to Megan Fitzsimon, who delivered the ball on a platter to Tayla Harris, the experienced forward finishing in style with the six points. 

Gall was strong inside 50 for most of the match, clunking seven marks and converting for two goals, while Fitzsimon continued to show her poise with 21 disposals and and seven tackles. 

Eliza McNamara dominated the midfield throughout the game, wracking up a whopping 38 disposals, seven clearances and seven intercepts. 

The Dees will now turn their attention to next week's clash against Geelong, heading back home to Casey Fields for the Sunday game. 

ESSENDON                               1.1     1.3       1.5        2.6 (18)
CASEY DEMONS                       1.4     4.6      8.10        10.13 (73)

GOALS
Essendon: Manfre, Bernardi (1)
Casey: Bannan (3), Zanker, Gall (2), Mahony, Macdonald, Harris (1)

DISPOSALS
Essendon: Plummer (23), Ford, Chaston (18)
Casey: McNamara (39), Fitzsimon (21), Zanker (17)