The Casey Demons have secured a hard-fought four-point win, recording their first win of the 2026 season as they held their nerve in a tense finish against the Box Hill Hawks at Casey Fields.

In perfect conditions, the stage was set for a high-quality contest. Box Hill came out firing in the opening term, taking early control and applying strong pressure, but the Dees showed resilience to weather the storm and steadily worked their way back into the game. From there, momentum swung repeatedly, with both sides trading blows in a fiercely contested battle that never allowed either team to fully break away.

As the game wore on, the intensity only lifted. The final quarter became a true arm wrestle, with the football firing back and forth between the ends of the ground. By the time the game entered time-on, it was anyone’s to win.

Despite several late forward entries from the Hawks in the dying minutes, Casey’s defensive unit stood tall under immense pressure. Their composure and structure held firm when it mattered most, repeatedly repelling Box Hill’s attacks. The defining moment came in the final seconds, when ruckman Max Heath produced a towering, clutch mark deep in defence, cutting off one last Hawks surge and effectively sealing the victory just before the siren.

It was a win built on grit, cohesion, and belief. The performance showcased the balance of youthful energy and experienced leadership within the side. The Demons’ relentless pressure around the contest and commitment to team defence proved decisive in the tight finish.

Despite falling behind in several key statistical areas, the Dees capitalised on their opportunities and were clinical in front of goal, finishing with an accurate 17.8 to make it count where it mattered most.

For new coach Rhett McLennan, the result marks a significant milestone, delivering his first win at the helm and setting a strong foundation for the season ahead.

It proved to be a day for the tall forwards at Casey Fields, with both sides finding success in the air and hitting the scoreboard. For the Dees, the trio of Kenfield (4), Johnson (4) and Jefferson (3) were instrumental inside 50, presenting strongly, competing in the air and capitalising on their chances to consistently threaten the Hawks’ defence.

Max Heath was dominant in the ruck, putting together an outstanding all-round performance. He finished with 42 hit-outs, 15 contested possessions and capped off his day with the crucial, game-saving mark in the dying moments. His presence around the ground continues to grow, providing a reliable outlet down the line while also impacting heavily at stoppages with his mobility and follow-up work.

Up against a quality Box Hill midfield, Luis D’Angelo and Ethan Stanley more than held their own in the contest. D’Angelo led the way with eight clearances and 13 contested possessions, while Stanley added five clearances and 12 contested possessions of his own. Their ability to win the hard ball and work in synergy with Heath around stoppages was a key factor in the Dees staying competitive throughout the game.

Co-captain Riley Bonner led from the backline with composure and class, collecting 33 disposals in a commanding performance. His ball use was a standout, consistently hitting targets and opening up the game with elite kicking to drive Casey’s transition from defence into attack.

Out on the wing, Toby Sinnema provided strong run and carry, continuing his impressive form. He was particularly damaging going forward, finishing with a game-high eight inside 50s as he looked to break lines and generate scoring opportunities.

First-gamer Jobe Scapin also made his presence felt in his VFL debut, bringing relentless pressure to the forward half. He laid six tackles for the match, four of them inside 50, the most of any player on the ground, showcasing his intent and setting the tone for the Dees’ forward pressure.

While the Dees will once again have a week off, with the VFL pausing for a league-wide bye ahead of the State Game during Gather Round, they’ll be eager to carry the momentum and confidence from this hard-fought win into their Round 4 clash with the Brisbane Lions.

CASEY DEMONS                                     2.4      9.6       14.6     17.8 (110)
BOX HILL HAWKS                                  5.3     10.4      14.5     16.10 (106)

GOALS
Casey Demons: Kentfield (4), Johnson (4), Jefferson (3), Pipicelli (2), Scapin (1), Matthews (1), Craven (1), Cheffers (1)
Box Hill Hawks: Schubert (5), McLaughlin (4), Nairn (2), Hill (2), McCabe (1), Farrer (1), Dear (1)

DISPOSALS
Casey Demons: Bonner (33), Heath (21), D'Angelo (21), Stanley (20) 
Box Hill Hawks: Maginness (31), Hustwaite (28), Horner (28), Declase (26)