The Casey Demons produced a dominant four-quarter display against Carlton at Casey Fields on Sunday, running out 112-point winners in a statement performance that not only boosted percentage but sent a clear message to the rest of the competition: the Demons are coming.
Now just half a game outside the top six, Casey's win was built on full-team execution, ruthless forward pressure, and clinical ball movement from start to finish. From the first bounce, the red and blue looked sharp, and once they found their rhythm midway through the opening term, they never looked back.
Carlton opened the scoring, but Casey settled quickly and began to take control of the tempo. Five unanswered goals followed, all from different goal kickers, as the Demons spread the scoring load and dictated terms across the ground. Tom Campbell, Aidan Johnson, Harrison Petty, Jai Culley, and Mitch Hardie each found the scoreboard early, setting the tone for what would become a relentless attacking performance.
The second quarter was even more brutal. Four unanswered goals, including back-to-back efforts from a red-hot Aidan Johnson, saw Casey blow the game wide open. First-gamer Jack Ferraro made his mark with a debut goal that had teammates swarming him, and when Kirkwood-Scott and Campbell added more to the tally, the lead ballooned. Johnson added a fourth before halftime, and the Demons headed into the main break with a commanding 52-point lead.
What stood out was Casey’s ability to rebound Carlton’s few attacking moments with polish and poise. One coast-to-coast sequence was capped off by Campbell's second of the day, as the Demons turned defence into devastating offence.
The third term was more of the same, if not better. With Riley Bonner marshalling the backline and delivering with precision, and Bailey Laurie and Jack Billings dominating through the midfield, Casey racked up another six goals. Luker Kentfield stood tall inside 50, slotting two majors for the quarter as the Blues struggled to contain Casey’s spread and foot speed.
By three-quarter time, the result was beyond doubt. But Casey wasn’t done yet.
The final quarter began with another goal for Ferraro, this time just a minute in. The Demons’ forward pressure didn’t let up, with their tackling intensity and repeat entries keeping Carlton hemmed in their defensive half. Johnson capped off a brilliant day with his fifth major, while Kentfield finished with four of his own. There were no passengers, just a unified effort built on layers of pressure, run, and clean finishing.
With two wins on the trot and momentum building, Casey are shaping up as a genuine threat with just three rounds to play. The upcoming fixtures against top-six opponents will be defining, but if the Demons bring this level of intensity, they’ll back themselves against anyone.
Final Score:
Casey Demons 22.18 (150) def. Carlton 6.6 (42)
Goal Kickers:
Johnson 5, Kentfield 4, Hardie 3, Campbell 2, Petty 2, Ferraro 2, Kirkwood-Scott, Billings, Laurie, Culley
Top Disposals:
Riley Bonner 32, Jack Billings 32, Mitch Hardie 26, Deakyn Smith 25, Bailey Laurie 24
