The Casey Demons recorded a 41-point victory over ladder leaders Port Melbourne on Saturday morning.
In the match of the round, Casey headed to North Port Oval to take on the undefeated Port Melbourne Borough.
Port have won their first seven games in the 2021 season, providing the ultimate challenge for the Demons, who before this game, were yet to register a win against a side above them on the ladder.
The first quarter was a hotly contested game, both sides having ebbs and flow in the match.
Casey was able to start off well, scoring two goals through Melbourne livewire forward Alyssa Bannan.
The Borough gained some control late in the quarter, kicking two goals of their own to take a two-point lead into the first break.
Casey was able to refocus at the quarter-time break, allowing for another good start to the term.
The Demons’ forward pressure was fantastic, but they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities as the quarter went on, peppering the goals for little reward.
Captain Sammie Johnson kicked their only major of the quarter with a beautiful snap.
At half time, it was all square at 3.4 (22) each. The positive for the Demons was the amount of time they controlled the ball in their forward half.
Casey’s third quarter was by far its best, slamming on four goals whilst also holding the Borough to none.
Imogen Milford presented well up forward and was rewarded with a goal, whilst Bannan kicked her third of the game.
Maddi Gay was instrumental in driving the ball forward and Eliza West continued her fantastic form, creating plenty of opportunities for the Dees at stoppages.
By three-quarter time, Casey had a 27-point lead and it looked to be a tough ask for Port Melbourne to run the Demons down.
Casey continued in its dominance of the match in the last quarter, despite Port Melbourne getting the first goal through Richmond AFLW forward Sabrina Frederick.
Shree Fairchild kicked an amazing goal from the pack – even she was surprised that it went through – which extended the Demons lead to 34 points.
After Kelly Thompson kicked Casey’s 10th goal, it was locked in that the Demons were going to end Port Melbourne’s undefeated season.
The final margin of the game was a healthy 41 points in Casey’s favour.
Bannan starred up forward with three goals for the game whilst Emma Humphries assisted with two goals of her own.
It was hard to find a player that didn’t contribute to the Demons’ win, each playing their own role in nullifying Port Melbourne.
Melbourne Media spoke to backline coach Brooke Patterson following the victory.
“It was a really good effort by the girls, especially that last half, opening it up was really fun to watch from the coaches’ box,” she said.
“There was lots of forward half footy, which made it an easier day for the backs.
“This week, the focus for the backline was to win our one-on-ones and to be physical, creating space for our mids and forwards to go to work.”
West was also instrumental in the convincing victory, showing her delight post-game.
“It was a pretty good game,” she said.
“It started off close and the intensity was high, and after half time we really lifted.
“The AFLW girls provided great communication, which helped us in the end, along with our spacing being a bit better and we drove our legs really well.”
The Demons will look to continue their winning ways when they take on North Melbourne at Arden Street Oval on Saturday.
Both sides met earlier in the season at Casey Fields in round three, where the Demons triumphed with a 53-point win.
Casey Demons 2.0 3.4 7.7 10.9.69
Port Melbourne 2.2 3.4 3.4 4.4.28
Goals: 3 Alyssa Bannan, 2 Emma Humphries, 1 Kelly Thompson, Shree Fairchild, Jacqueline Parry, Imogen Milford, Samantha Johnson
Next Game: Saturday, May 1 - Round 9 v North Melbourne @ Arden Street Oval, 2 pm.
