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by KC at Casey The Casey Scorpions won an important clash between two of the VFL's major contenders and tightened their grip on their place in the all-important top four with a comprehensive 25-point victory over the Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday. In doing so they not only avenged their home loss to the Magpies earlier in the season but defied most of the pundits who gave them little chance of winning against a star-studded line up containing several big AFL names including Jack Anthony, Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst, Shane O'Bree, Sean Rusling and Cameron Wood.
The Scorpions, already missing courageous skipper Kyle Matthews, state representative Michael Stockdale and star recruit Scott Simpson through injury and restricted to just ten Melbourne players because of the Demons' own injury concerns, played with steely resolve and great determination. They also survived an inaccurate first quarter which saw its forwards waste numerous opportunities in front of goal scoring 1.5.11 to 3.1.19 by rebounding with a brilliant eight goal second term which literally blew the Pies off the park.
The Casey onslaught in was powered by its defence led by Matthew Warnock was brilliant down back for the third week in a row. Evan Panozza was in rare form and he was backed up by some real hard working backmen in Kyle Cheney and Tom McNamara who together managed to hold the Magpies in check all day. It was only Collingwood's accuracy in front of goal that enabled them to achieve a respectable scoreline.
Collingwood have been using former spearhead Jack Anthony in defence but he was well beaten by Brad Miller who finished with 4 goals 4 behinds for the day including one right on the final siren. Miller could easily have made a statement to his AFL club's selectors but for his inaccuracy earlier in the day.
The Scorpions were also able to call upon the services of Melbourne skipper James McDonald (24 disposals) who made a seamless return to football after incurring a hamstring injury in the wet against Carlton several weeks ago. McDonald stopped the Pies dead in their tracks when they were mounting a charge in the final term with a great goal and he showed that he is ready to return to the team he has captained with distinction and in adversity since David Neitz retired a couple of seasons ago.
While coach Brad Gotch praised his Demon contingent and their strong efforts on the day telling reporters that to "... play with that intensity against a side with so many senior players and with their (AFL) side going so well is pretty special," he would be equally proud of his own home grown players who are rapidly developing a good understanding with their AFL counterparts.
Daniel Nicholls, who was once on Collingwood's rookie list played yet another fine game and Matthew Fieldsend and Rian McGough continue to improve with every passing week. The Scorpions also took the opportunity to blood yet another newcomer, David Bell who was promoted after a number of best on ground performances with the reserves.
The Magpies might take some solace from the fact that they outscored Casey in very quarter except the first but the fast-paced energetic Scorpions were always in control of the game and had all the answers whenever the home team made a move to narrow the gap. In the end, the result flattered Collingwood as Casey finished well ahead with ten more scoring shots.
The Scorpions visit Box Hill City Oval next Sunday and will be keen to wrap up their hard earned place in the VFL top four, Casey Scorpions 1.5.11 9.7.61 11.10.76 14.11.95
Collingwood 3.1.19 4.1.25 7.4.46 11.4.70
Goals
Casey Scorpions Miller 4 Jetta Tapscott 2 Bate Smith MacReadie McDonald Nicholls Wall
Collingwood Barham Rounds 2 Cook McCarthy Medhurst Rusling J Thomas Wood
Best
Casey Scorpions Panozza Cheney Miller McGough Fieldsend Tapscott
Collingwood Medhurst McCarthy Brown Blight Buckley Hunter
The Reserves continues to perform strongly and keep open their faint hopes of making the finals with a win over Sandringham. However, they face second placed Box Hill twice in the next fortnight and have a hard run home.
Brad Sykes and Ben Waite combined well up forward for three goals each while Ryan Creed returned with a best on ground performance and is challenging for an early promotion. Casey Scorpions 4.1.25 5.5.35 8.6.54 12.8.80
Sandringham 0.5.5 6.5.41 9.8.62 11.8.74
Goals
Casey Scorpions Sykes Waite 3 Martin 2 Creed Hillberge Purdy Tynan
Sandringham Barnes 4 Meehan 3 Ambrose 2 Hunter Paterakis
Best
Casey Scorpions Creed Cleven Martin Patti Riseley Taylor
Sandringham Jones Allan Johnston Shakallis Hunter O'Sullivan
Reported Players
Casey Scorpions James Taylor Striking
Sandringham Nil |
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