THE Casey Scorpions have recorded a confidence boosting win over Richmond, running away with a 44-point win at Casey Fields on Saturday night.
Richmond was in the contest for much of the game, but a seven goal final term from the Scorpions was more than enough to hand them a much needed four points – Casey winning 15.13. 103 to Richmond 8.11. 59.
Several Demon-listed players were key contributors in the victory, including big man Max Gawn who kicked three majors and Viv Michie who is looking to add to his tally of senior games this season.
The win now evens Casey’s season ledger at three wins and three losses, but more importantly puts the Scorpions a win clear of the Tigers and several other teams on two wins.
In fine but slippery conditions at Casey, the home side got away to a good start with the game’s first goal coming from Tim Smith. After a high intensity first term, Casey-listed player Jordan Moncrieff gave the Scorpions some breathing space with a goal after the siren to give his side an eight-point advantage.
Casey would be without ruckman Mark Jamar, who took no further part in the contest after suffering concussion early in the game.
Melbourne rookie Mitch White is gaining confidence by the week and kicked the Scorpions opening goal of the second term. The Tigers were going to prove a hard team to crack with consecutive goals levelling the scores. Max Gawn marked strongly and converted for his first goal of the game as the half time approached at which the Scorpions led by three goals.
The third quarter was a hard fought battle as Richmond attempted to cut the deficit and get themselves back in the game. The Tigers managed to do that, kicking two goals to Casey’s one, in a quarter which was slow going from a spectators point of view but not from that of Jordy McKenzie, Michie and Dean Terlich who were never far from the action.
If the third quarter was a dour one for Casey’s fan, the fourth certainly wasn’t. The Scorpions clicked into gear, taking the game away from the Tigers in the most pleasing of fashion for coach Justin Plapp and his team.
Max Gawn was a focal point up forward during the procession, marking strongly and kicking two last quarter goals to finish with 20 possessions, nine marks and three goals for the night.
Michie, omitted after Melbourne’s drubbing from Hawthorn, once again led the Scorpions in possessions with 25 including five tackles and inside 50’s.
Jordy McKenzie’s consistent form continued with 23 touches and an amazing 11 tackles while Mitch White impressed with 21 touches and a goal.
Alex Neal-Bullen continues to give himself every chance of an AFL debut with another strong performance through the midfield with 19 touches and a team-high seven inside 50’s, while Dean Terlich was a solid contributor as he looks to play his first game for the Demons this season after gathering 16 touches, seven marks and seven tackles.
The Scorpions will enjoy a bye next weekend, before returning to Casey Fields to take on Collingwood on Saturday, June 6 at 2pm. The match is part of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, in which Melbourne will host the Magpies in the traditional blockbuster at the MCG on Monday, June 8.
Click back to mebournefc.com.au later this week for a full round-up by Casey coach Justin Plapp.