The Casey Demons have suffered a 122-point loss to a firing Blues side.
The Dees started the game with intensity, but their inability to capitalise on early opportunities quickly proved costly. Casey created chances to put scoreboard pressure on the Blues in the opening term, however inaccurate finishing allowed Carlton to stay in control before eventually taking over the contest.
From there, the game began to slip away from the Dees as the Blues dominated territory and controlled play across the final three quarters. Casey struggled to slow Carlton’s ball movement and found it difficult to generate any sustained momentum, with repeated turnovers and missed opportunities halting any chance of a fightback.
The Dees defence was forced to withstand enormous pressure for much of the afternoon as the Blues continually surged forward. AFL-listed pair Tom McDonald and Trent Rivers battled hard throughout the game, doing their best to repel the constant entries and provide some drive from the back half. Rivers showed composure in his first game back from injury, while McDonald competed strongly in the air, but the pair received little reward for their efforts as Carlton’s dominance continued.
Up forward, Luker Kentfield looked the most likely to spark something for Casey with his strong marking presence and ability to compete aerially. However, inaccuracy in front of goal meant there was little reward for effort, with missed opportunities summing up a frustrating afternoon for the Dees. He finished the game with two goals and four behinds.
Casey was unable to consistently connect through the midfield or generate clean transition play, making it difficult for the forwards to have an impact as the margin continued to grow.
It was a majorly disappointing afternoon for Casey, with the side unable to match Carlton’s level. The Blues’ AFL-listed talent took control around the contest and across the ground, exposing the Dees with their ball use, pressure and ability to capitalise on mistakes. Casey struggled to find answers, making for a tough loss against a polished Carlton outfit.
The Dees will now need to regroup quickly and respond against the Saints next round as they search for a way to get their season back on track.
CASEY DEMONS 2.5 2.10 3.12 3.17 (35)
CARLTON BLUES 3.4 9.8 14.11 24.13 (157)
GOALS
Casey Demons: Kentfield 2, Onley 1
Carlton Blues: Derksen 5, Hogg 3, Moir 2, Ison, Fogarty, Byrne, Acres, Young 1, Sammartino, O'Keeffe, Lord, Charleson, Camporeale
DISPOSALS
Casey Demons: Bonner 30, River 28, McDonald 22
Carlton Blues: Acres 31, Hogg 28, Walker 24
