Casey’s undefeated record was tested, but it remains intact after seven rounds following its seven-point win over Collingwood.
Previously a VFLW powerhouse, the Pies were always going to present a tough challenge to the Demons.
But it took intensity and grit over four even terms for Casey to defeat Collingwood and continue to stay perched at the top of the VFLW ladder with a 5.6 (36) to 3.11 (29) victory.
In the early stages it looked like Casey would continue in the same fashion as it has done so this season, with three opening quarter goals giving the Demons a handy lead at the first break.
Georgia Campbell kicked off proceedings after clutching onto a contested chest mark before navigating a difficult breeze at the AIA Centre to steer through the game’s opening goal.
The Pies lifted to match Casey’s pressure and pace, yet it didn’t stop Jacqueline Parry from continuing her fine form with another goal.
After slotting four majors last week, Parry latched onto a loose ball out the back early and dribbled through a classy goal to get Casey going.
When Maggie Caris, who was the best player on the ground, sped past Collingwood defenders to slam through a third running goal for the Demons, it looked like it was going to be one-way traffic.
Caris (18 disposals, 28 hit outs, one goal) was sensational all day, holding onto many crucial contested marks and constantly looming as an unstoppable force at the AIA Centre.
But the Pies came out using the wind well in the second term, with Casey unable to score a goal against the breeze.
It was the Demons’ defence that came to the fore in the second term, with the likes of Laura Magee (17 touches), debutant Stephanie Wales (12) and Rebecca Grant (14) holding their own in an impressive defensive display.
It all came to fruition in the third quarter when a Brooke Borchard snap goal broke the deadlock to give Casey a crucial lead.
In a game so heavily focused on contested footy, it was the fierce attack and clean disposal of Brenna Tarrant, Caris, Alison Dowler and Melanie Hogg that stood out.
Tarrant (25 touches) was classy in the middle all day long, while Melanie Hogg’s (22 disposals) attack on the footy was important along half-back.
In a tightly contested last quarter, it took for a Dowler goal to give the Demons a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
With Collingwood pushing hard to claim a comeback upset, the Demons held firm yet again in a tight finish to claim the seven-point win.
After holding on against the Pies, Casey travels to Williamstown looking to make it eight straight wins.
COLLINGWOOD 0.1 1.4 1.7 3.11 (29)
CASEY DEMONS 3.1 3.1 4.5 5.6 (36)
Goals: Campbell, Parry, Caris, Borchard, Dowler
Disposals: Tarrant 25, Hogg 22, Caris 18, Magee 17, Dowler 15, Grant, Harasimiuk 14
