The Casey Demons were unable to secure the four points in the opening game of Sunday's double-header at Casey Fields, falling to Essendon despite an encouraging start.

Casey burst out of the blocks, taking control early and kicking the first two goals of the contest. Their pressure around the ball was strong, and they looked the better side at the stoppages as they established early momentum.

However, the Bombers gradually worked their way back into the game after quarter time. Their ability to control possession through strong marking around the ground proved a major factor, while their efficiency in front of goal allowed them to make the most of their opportunities.

The Demons created chances throughout the afternoon and forced a number of turnovers, but were unable to consistently capitalise on their hard work. Essendon, by contrast, made Casey pay for their mistakes and steadily built their advantage as the game progressed.

There were still plenty of positives to come from the performance, including the debut of Bonnie Williams in the red and blue. Williams showed composure from her very first involvement, earning loud applause from the Casey faithful when she gathered possession, knocked the ball to her own advantage and delivered a clean kick to a teammate on the move. The debutant finished with 12 disposals and four rebound 50s in an impressive first outing at VFLW level.

Lily Snow continued her strong season and looked right at home in her midfield role after making the transition from defence. Snow was Casey's leading ball winner with 25 disposals and was influential around the contest, recording eight tackles and a game-high seven clearances in another standout performance.

Zahri Burn battled strongly throughout the afternoon, competing hard in the ruck and around the ground. Burn finished with 17 hitouts, 11 disposals and four tackles, providing the Demons with a strong presence at stoppages.

Defensively, Meg Macdonald led from the front with a relentless tackling display. Her pressure was a feature all game as she laid a game-high 10 tackles and continually put Essendon's ball carriers under pressure.

Up forward, Anna Vrsecky made a successful return from injury and immediately looked dangerous inside 50. Vrsecky finished with two goals and six marks, including a courageous grab running back with the flight of the ball that highlighted her aerial strength and willingness to put her body on the line.

Zoe Mitchell also finished with two majors, with the pair accounting for all four of Casey's goals for the afternoon.

Down back, Kasey Phillips once again showcased her importance to the side. The defender provided composure and leadership behind the ball, taking six strong marks and laying four tackles as she continued her consistent run of form.

While the result did not go the Demons' way, there were encouraging signs throughout the performance, particularly in the opening quarter where Casey's intensity, pressure and contested work allowed them to take control of the game early.

The challenge for the Demons now will be to produce that level of football for four quarters as they prepare for a tough test against a red-hot Williamstown outfit next week.

CASEY DEMONS                      2.1    3.1   3.2   4.2 (26)
ESSENDON BOMBERS           0.0    3.0   6.1   10.2 (62)

GOALS
Casey Demons: Vrsecky (2), Mitchell (2) 
Essendon Bombers: Davidge (3), Bernardi (3), Plummer (1), Manfre (1), Ibrahim (1), Hunt (1) 

DISPOSALS
Casey Demons: Snow (25), McDonald (14), Phillips (13)
Essendon Bombers: Chaston (34), Ryan (30), Melnikas (29)