THE Casey Scorpions set up a tantalising match-of-the-round clash with third-placed Sandringham next Saturday with a 39-point win over Geelong at Casey Fields yesterday.

By Michael Sharkie- The Age

Casey had endured a tumultuous few days off the field last week when AFL-aligned partner St Kilda announced it would begin a five-year partnership with VFL rival Sandringham from next season.

But, the young playing group showed professionalism beyond its years on the field, dispatching a strong Cats side despite the late withdrawals of James Gwilt and Leigh Fisher, who had been promoted to St Kilda's senior team.

Dominant in the first half, Casey failed to convert forward 50 entries into goals and Geelong remained in the game thanks to the hard work of Kane Tenace and forward Ryan Gamble, who was proving a handful for young full-back Alex Silvagni.

After briefly taking the lead early in the third term, Geelong began to fade as Casey lifted the pressure around the packs and through the midfield, with the Scorpions' controlled ball work around the forward 50 a highlight of their second half.

Ruckman Michael Rix was a near-unstoppable target when going forward for the Scorpions, while Luke Miles made an impressive comeback from a long injury lay-off, kicking three goals.

The Casey back line, ranked No. 1 in the VFL, eventually got on top of Gamble and centre half-forward Sam Stavenuiter, with second gamer Ben McDonald and captain Kyle Matthews choking much of the midfield supply. And Andrew McQualter was tireless, as usual, in his on-ball role.

"I thought Michael Rix's leadership and effort today was outstanding," said Casey coach Greg Hutchison. "Our defensive pressure was superb again, but I thought our midfield pressure was just as good."

Sandringham held third place from Casey on percentage as it ground out a solid 30-point win at home against Collingwood.

Chris Johnson and Matthew Whelan where consistent four-quarter contributors for the Zebras while Sam Iles was best on ground for Collingwood with two goals.