The Casey Demons have opened their season in impressive fashion, defeating the Tasmanian Devils by 25 points at North Hobart Oval.

It was always going to be a challenging assignment to topple the Devils in their first-ever VFLW outing, but the Dees rose to the occasion with a composed and disciplined performance. Despite a strong home crowd backing the Tasmanians, Casey fans made their presence felt throughout the day.

It was a particularly proud moment for new head coach Oli Platt, who began his tenure with a victory in his first game at the helm. With significant list turnover heading into the season, Casey fielded eight debutants in their first game in club colours. Rather than showing signs of inexperience, the group’s connection and cohesion stood out, with the team quickly building chemistry in competitive conditions.

Casey burst out of the gates with intent, setting the tone early with strong pressure and clean ball movement. However, the Devils fought their way back into the contest across the second and third quarters, turning the game into a tight arm wrestle with momentum swinging both ways.

In the final term, the Demons lifted again, running over the top of their opponents with a dominant finish. Their ability to maintain intensity late reflected the work put into a strong pre-season, with fitness and system discipline proving decisive in the closing stages.

Co-captain and 2025 best and fairest winner Meg Macdonald was dominant through the midfield, setting the tone for the Demons all afternoon. She finished as the leading disposal winner on the ground with 26 touches, including 13 contested possessions, alongside an enormous defensive effort of 11 tackles. Macdonald also added five clearances and five inside 50s in a complete performance that highlighted both her work rate and leadership.

She was well supported by fellow co-captain Alice Robinson, who provided a dangerous presence forward of centre. Robinson finished with two goals and using her experience and composure to impact the game at key moments.

Up forward, Anna Vrsecky proved a constant threat inside 50, hitting the scoreboard early with two goals in the opening quarter. She finished with three goals and accumulated 19 disposals in a lively and influential display. Vrsecky’s day was cut short due to an injury concern, but her impact on the game was already well established.

Tylah Burn’s relentless pressure was another standout feature of Casey’s performance, finishing with an outstanding 13 tackles to go with 14 disposals and five clearances. Her defensive work rate helped set the tone for the Demons’ ability to lock the ball in their forward half and apply consistent heat around stoppages.

Rebecca Fitzpatrick and Alex Calogero both impressed in their Casey debuts, showing composure and class under pressure. Fitzpatrick collected 17 disposals, while Calogero finished with 16, with both players clean and reliable in their ball use as they helped at the contest and in transition.

Zahri Burn provided strong work in the ruck contest, leading the hit-out count with 27 and giving her midfielders first use at important stages throughout the match.

Overall, it was a well-rounded team performance from the Demons, with each line executing its role effectively. The midfield set the foundation with their contested work and clearance strength, the forwards made the most of their opportunities with efficient scoreboard impact, and the defence stood firm under pressure as Tasmania pushed forward in waves. It was a performance built on structure, cohesion and sustained effort across four quarters.

After a challenging 2025 campaign, Casey will be pleased with their strong start to the new season, opening their account with a composed and confident performance. The result provides an important platform to build on.

Attention now turns quickly to Round 2, where the Demons return home to face the Western Bulldogs. Back on their home ground, Casey will be eager to carry this momentum forward and replicate the energy and connection shown in their season opener. With confidence growing, they’ll be aiming to produce another consistent four-quarter performance in front of their home supporters.

TASMANIAN DEVILS                           1.0    3.0   4.3   4.5 (29)
CASEY DEMONS                                 4.4    4.5   5.6   8.9 (54)

GOALS
Tasmanian Devils: Banks (2), Haines (1), Clark
Casey Demons: Vrsecky (3), Robinson (2), Rabot (1), Madigan, Fitzpatrick

DISPOSALS
Tasmanian Devils: Haines (19), Nicholas (18), Clark (16)
Casey Demons: Macdonald (26), Vrsecky (19), Fitzpatrick (17)