The Demons have waited a long time to begin their VFL season and it showed, as they got off to the best start possible with an 83-point win over the Zebras.

Sandringham was no challenge for Casey, who kicked into gear halfway through the first quarter to lead at every change in the 21.14 (140) to 8.9 (57) victory.

An all-around team performance did the job for the Demons, who had nine different goal kickers in their high-scoring Round 1 effort.

The ever-reliable Mitch Brown was the pick of the forwards with seven majors, including three in the first term to set the tone for his Demons, and three in the final quarter.

His strong marking ability and agility came to the fore early, as he quickly became the focal point of Casey’s forward thrusts and looked dangerous whenever near the ball.

With the young Jacob van Rooyen (three goals) also becoming a real presence inside forward 50 alongside Sam Weideman, Casey‘s forward line looks to be a threatening proposition for VFL defences in 2022.

Coach Mark Corrigan was rapt with the pre-season van Rooyen has had and his versatility on the field.

“I was really happy with their ability to execute their role today,” Corrigan said.

“Even with ‘Rooey’ going into the ruck at times we loved what we offered us, he gave us a point of difference in there. But then when he’s ahead of the ball he just competes, re-sets really well and finishes his work.

“His hands today were brilliant; he was a strong focal point and player.”

It was a joyous day at Casey Fields for the Demons, as they introduced new players into the team in style.

Young Taj Woewodin (18 disposals, one goal) and Blake Howes (16) were exceptional in their debuts for the club, while Luke Dunstan (25 touches, one goal) was as consistent as ever in his first game since being traded to Melbourne from St Kilda.

A seven-goal second term ensured the Demons went into the break comfortably ahead, with two goals each to van Rooyen and Brown in the term firing Casey all day long.

But it was the fierce attack on the footy and experience of VFL stalwarts Mitch White (21 touches, 2 goals) and James Munro (26 disposals) that caught the eye of many, including Corrigan.

“They both lead by example - you know what they’re going to give you every week,” Corrigan said.

Munro and White were both critical in the engine room, supporting the likes of AFL-listed players in Jake Melksham, Oskar Baker and Majak Daw to lead the way for Casey.

A five-goal third term confirmed the result, with Toby Bedford leading the way for the small forwards with two agile goals.

Bedford’s pace and nous were noticeable all day, with other smalls Bailey Laurie (two goals) and Woewodin also wreaking havoc with their pace.

A five-goal final term confirmed the massive win that gives Casey an early percentage boost and eased Corrigan’s mind after an up-and-down pre-season.

“That was a comprehensive four-quarter performance and that’s what we’ve been looking for," he said.

“We’ve played some really good footy in patches over the pre-season but that was by far our best effort so I’m really happy.”

Having impressed with their four-quarter display, the Demons will be looking to back up their Round 1 win when they take on Essendon at Casey Fields next Saturday.

CASEY                      4.2       11.5     16.8     21.14 (140)

SANDRINGHAM      2.3        5.3       6.7       8.9 (57)

Best: Brown, Munro, van Rooyen, Dunstan, White, Smith, Bedford, Baker

Goals: Brown 7, Bedford, van Rooyen 3, Laurie, White 2, Chandler, Dunstan, Weideman, Woewodin

Disposals: Munro 26, Dunstan 25, Baker 23, Smith, White 21, Laurie 20, Brown 19