The Casey Demons brought the heat against the Box Hill Hawks as they completed their third practice match at Casey Fields.
Box Hill arrived with a powerful line-up on Saturday morning, featuring several AFL-listed Hawks. In contrast, Casey were unable to field their AFL-listed players due to the absence of an AFL fixture this weekend, providing an opportunity for several debutants to experience their first taste of VFL level football.
It was an impressive performance from the Dees, with their relentless pressure and tackling across the ground forcing opposition errors that they were quick to punish. Their defensive intensity repeatedly created turnover opportunities, allowing Casey to transition the ball with speed and purpose.
Several passages of play stood out throughout the contest, including slick coast to coast ball movement and clean link-ups between the midfield group and their leading forwards. The Dees showed composure in possession, working hard to create space and maintain fluid ball movement through the corridor.
The match further underlined Casey’s growing cohesion across these preseason hit-outs, with improved communication, structure, and trust evident across all lines. Building strong on-field connection has been a key focus for the group, and the progress shown provides positive momentum as the Round 1 season opener draws closer.
Toby Sinnema was a standout performer, working tirelessly across the ground and inserting himself into numerous scoring chains. His ability to impact both in transition and inside forward 50 was crucial, finishing the day with two well-earned goals of his own.
Luke Cheffers, Xavier Hampton and Braedyn Bowden also made their presence felt on the scoreboard, each finishing with two majors as the forward line functioned with cohesion and constant threat. Their leading patterns and pressure at ground level ensured the opposition defenders were kept under sustained stress throughout the contest.
Jobe Scapin produced a particularly dominant second quarter, catching fire with three goals in an electric burst that swung momentum Casey’s way. His forward craft and composed finishing proved difficult to contain and highlighted the depth of attacking options available to the Dees.
With Round 1 fast approaching and competition for selection intensifying, the performance served as a timely reminder of the depth within the squad, with numerous players pressing their case and giving selectors plenty to consider.
Casey will round out their preseason campaign with one final hit-out against the St Kilda Saints at RSEA Park on Sunday, March 15 at 10am.
CASEY DEMONS 3.3 8.5 10.9 13.12 (90)
BOX HILL HAWKS 3.4 6.6 11.10 14.14 (98)
GOALS
Casey Demons: 3 Scapin, 2 Sinnema, Cheffers, Hampton, Bowden, 1 Ah-Mu, Lual
