At Casey Fields, the Scorpions were met by a fired-up eighth-placed Bullants, who were determined to extend their finals push and avenge an embarrassing 118-point defeat in round six.

Playing coach David Teague and captain Josh Vansittart led their side by example, Teague with three goals and some inspirational acts, and Vansittart composed as usual in defence. But Casey captain Kyle Matthews and onballer David Armitage, who proved equally as damaging, matched the Bullants duo for both tenacity and touch.

By Michael Sharkie

Although Casey controlled much of the play, it struggled to make use of its superior possession, with poor delivery to key forwards Jarryd Allen and Michael Rix proving costly at times. Ruckman Michael Gardiner was impressive at the stoppages and also around the ground, finding space and providing a competitive marking target.

"I thought he (Gardiner) really turned back the clock today," said Casey coach Greg Hutchison.

Only nine points separated the two teams at half-time and despite Casey looking the better side, the Bullants' persistence and pressure kept them in touch. Brent Bransgrove's continual run yielded plenty of rewards. Andre Gianfagna was lively up forward with two goals and proved a handy foil to the heavily guarded Cain Ackland, who spent plenty of time at full-forward under the watchful eye of Casey full-back Alex Silvagni.

Teague linked with Bullants Adam Hartlett and Paul Colbert for shots at goal after defensive interceptions to give the visitors an 11-point lead at the final change.

But with Gardiner acting as a towering pivot-point into attack, Casey swung into action in the final term as the afternoon breeze swung in its favour. Last-quarter goals to Allen, who finished with three, and Ferguson stole the lead and the match from the brave Bullants.

"It was a very tight game. Whichever side lost would have been disappointed," Hutchison said.

"I thought they played very good football, we stuck to our structure really well and did what we needed to. This side's got plenty of spirit and they get the job done,"

Yet again, the Casey defence stood strong amid immense pressure. James Taylor, Evan Panozza, and James Wall were outstanding.

Casey will face the loser of today's first qualifying final between Port Melbourne and Werribee at TEAC Oval.