Casey just keeps on ticking all the boxes, and Saturday was no different, with the Demons running out winners against North Melbourne 10.8 (68) to 4.2 (26).

Last week, Casey had an amazing win over Port Melbourne in round eight to the tune of 41 points, and would have been feeling confident taking on the Kangaroos, who the Dees defeated in round three – they were convincing 53-point victors in wet conditions at Casey Fields.

In the first quarter, Casey started off a bit slow, allowing North Melbourne to control the game and play it on their terms. 

However, the Demons found some momentum after Eliza West kicked a brilliant goal from the pack. It seemed the goal settled the Dees’ nerves, and they were able to shift things quickly from there. Kelly Thompson soon ran into an easy goal and then Monica Harasimiuk added their third major. 

North Melbourne got one back with their first goal late in the quarter and it was a 13-point ball game at the quarter-time break.

The second term saw Casey again sluggish in its start, allowing North to score its second goal early and bring the margin to eight points. 

It wasn’t until halfway through the quarter that Casey was able to gain some traction again. AFLW defender turned forward Gabby Colvin kicked two goals in the space of a couple of minutes, giving the Dees some breathing space. 

The buffer allowed Casey to start getting the game back on their terms, with Sharee Fairchild and Maddi Gay both joining the list of goal scorers. The Demons went into the main break with a healthy 33-point lead.

It was a stark contrast in the third quarter, as Casey was fierce at the contest, not wanting to allow North any idea of a resurgence. 

The Demons held onto most of the possession in the quarter. Imogen Milford found her form, kicking a nice long set shot goal whilst her second was a cheeky goal from the back of the pack. Alyssa Bannan also joined in on the goal scorers. 

Casey’s defence was superb keeping the Kangaroos to no score for the quarter. Going into the final term it was the Demons in match-winning position, with a lead of 53 points.

The last quarter was probably not Casey’s finest. The Demons did have a few forward 50 entries but were unable to capitalise on them, only managing two behinds. 

Injuries also played a part, with the Demons down to only two rotations, but the girls still battled it out as the game was already won. 

North Melbourne won the quarter by kicking a couple of late goals to reduce the final margin. 

“We had a couple of slow starts in the first half, however we were able to kick into gear in the third before some injuries started to mount up,” Casey VFLW Development Coach Shayne Honey told Melbourne Media post-game.

“At quarter time and half time, we reminded the girls to go back to their fundamentals, moving the ball forward, moving with speed and intent and also our positioning around the ground.

“They then came out in the third quarter and showed us what they could do.”

Honey went on to sing the praises for a few of the girls who played some different roles in the game.

“Gabrielle Colvin (who plays defence) came in today from the AFLW and kicked a couple of goals,” she said.

“Ally Kirkwood, who normally plays on the wing, we put her into the ruck to help out Bridie Winbanks, and she did really well in that role too.

“Eliza West and Meg MacDonald again played pivotal roles in our win today - all round a good team effort from the girls.”

Next week Casey takes on Williamstown in a night match out at their home ground. The Seagulls will be looking to get back on the winners’ board, but it will be a hard ask against a determined Demons outfit.

Casey Demons           3.3       7.4       10.6     10.8.68
North Melbourne         1.7       2.1       2.1       4.2.26

Goals: 2 Milford, Colvin, 1 Gay, Fairchild, Harasimiuk, Thompson, West, Bannan

Next Game: Saturday 8th May - Round 10 v Williamstown @ Downer Oval, 7 pm