Casey has recorded a huge win to open the 2021 rebel VFLW Premiership Season, defeating Carlton by 36 points at IKON Park on Saturday afternoon.

In what was a hot contest early on, Casey was able to break away from Carlton, but some wayward kicking kept the Blues in the game.

The Demons were able to respond though, putting the foot down and running away with the victory.

“It was an exciting start and fantastic to see the players get an opportunity to play again; it was just great to see them smile,” head coach Peter Mercoulia told Melbourne Media post-game.

“I felt Carlton brought really good pressure around the ball early on and maintained it for most of the game.

“Our players’ ability to be cleaner at ground level, hold some nice shape around contests and take the ball forward gave us more scoring opportunities.”

The Demons were the dominant side for most of the game, but like in last week’s practice match, inaccuracy cost them at times.

Their efforts in the first half almost came undone when the Blues kicked two quick goals in succession, cutting the margin to five points during the third term.

But never taking their eyes off the prize of a Round 1 win, the Demons kept composed and responded in great fashion.

It was clear the group had worked on a few game elements during the week.

“We did a fair bit of education around what nice contest shape looks like and the ability to drive legs and take the ball forward,” Mercoulia said.

“That gave us some more one-on-one contests compared to last week and that gave our forwards an opportunity to go and show us their one-on-one skills and ability and play with a bit of flare.

“That was something we tried to fix up from last week – to the girls’ credit when they were clean at ground level, it gave our forwards every opportunity to go and show their stuff.”

AFLW-listed player Brenna Tarrant was brilliant up forward, with five majors for the afternoon, and the Blues just didn’t have any answers for her. 

“She can play back or forward and her ability to stay in the play in the third and fourth quarter is what gave her those opportunities and her conversion was really good,” Mercoulia said.

“Brenna competed well in the air and on the ground and finished off her work which is vital.

“Eliza West also had a big impact in the third quarter; she was the difference when Carlton challenged us.

“Her ability to be clean at ground level and around contests, to drive her legs and to take the ball forward really turned the game in the third when Carlton kicked two in a row.

“It was a good team effort, and I thought the girls’ ability to stay connected was really strong towards the end of the game.”

It’s the first time that the Casey Demons VFLW side has had a win in Round 1. The girls will have a couple of days to savour victory before their Round 2 opponent is announced early in the week. 

Casey Demons           0.1       2.4       4.9       7.13.55
Carlton                        0.0       0.0       2.1       3.1.19

Goals: Brenna Tarrant (5), Tahlia Fellows (1), Imogen Milford (1)