Casey was challenged hard by Williamstown in all four quarters on Saturday night but ultimately proved too strong, running out 35-point winners.

A scintillating start and a strong finish summed up an exciting game, with the Seagulls often pushing Casey to find another gear throughout the entertaining 9.11 (65) to 15.10 (100) victory.

But the Demons came out of their test successful, steadying late in the third term before finishing well in a way that pleased Casey coach Mark Corrigan.

“We knew being the first game at home for Williamstown, and a night game after two disappointing results for them in the first two rounds, that we were going to be up for the fight, as they’re hard to beat at home,” Corrigan said.

“It was really pleasing managing to win after knowing we were challenged for four quarters.”

The Demons’ AFL-listed players came to the fore when it mattered, led by Luke Dunstan, Oskar Baker and Harrison Petty.

After firing off three quick goals to start the game, it was Casey’s defence that controlled most of the contest when it mattered.

Fraser Rosman (16 disposals, three marks) was the star down back, often intercepting Williamstown's attacking thrusts and making clever decisions with his disposal all night that impressed Corrigan.

“He hasn’t spent a lot of time down back, so we want him to keep growing each week,” Corrigan said.

“It was even on the inside 50 count and we managed to win by five goals, which was off the back of our staunch defence and the ability to nullify their opportunities, which Fraser was a big part of.”

Also sublime was Majak Daw (12 touches, 24 hit outs), who battled brilliantly in the ruck and took many key marks in critical periods all over the ground.

“I thought ‘Maj’ was really influential in the ruck,” Corrigan said.

“For me, getting over a really good ruck in Tom Downie and then being able to influence the game aerially around the ground made me really proud.”

In a thrilling first term, Casey finished with goals to Moniz-Wakefield and White (who booted his two goals in the first quarter as part of another electrifying display by the veteran) to be up by two goals at the first change.

Young guns in Bailey Laurie and Taj Woewodin were impressive through the middle, using their pace and skills to have their hands in many Casey goals on the night.

“They keep playing that way,” Corrigan said. “When games become a bit of an arm wrestle, speed doesn’t slow down and their ability to win the ball at ground level and create something is what comes to the fore in the end.”

“There wasn’t a lot of open ball tonight, but it makes them even more important with their creativity and ability to get involved.”

Williamstown got the better of Casey in the second term, with Rosman, Corey Ellison, Petty (who Corrigan described as “a leader of men”), Tom Freeman and Baker holding down the fort in defensive 50 to only be one point behind at the main break.

With the Seagulls playing some fantastic footy and holding down the likes of AFL star Ben Brown in the first half, it took a mammoth effort to bounce back into the contest in the second half.

But the sharp disposal and hard running of Laurie (nine disposals, two goals), Dunstan (21 touches) and White (12 disposals, two goals) meant the Demons kept coming, with Daw’s strong marking ability giving Casey some momentum.

Up forward, Brown made an impressive return to the VFL, kicking two goals on the night and coming into the contest after half time to contribute well.

Goals to van Rooyen (two goals), Chandler (nine touches, two goals) and Daw gave the Demons back a lead, while a quick double at the end of the quarter to Woewodin and then Jimmy Munro meant the Demons went into the final break with a handy 21-point lead.

When it mattered, the Demons’ depth became prominent, as the likes of Baker and Rosman were ably supported by Laurie and Chandler to give the Demons some breathing room.

Chandler’s second goal to start the final term helped Casey never look back as it coasted to a comfortable 35-point win that sees it remain undefeated and in good form after another strong challenge.

WILLIAMSTOWN  3.3       6.5       8.6       9.11 (65)

CASEY                      5.3       6.4       11.9     15.10 (100)

BEST: Rosman, Daw, Dunstan, White, Baker, Laurie, Munro, Ellison, Petty, Brown

GOALS: Chandler, Laurie, van Rooyen, White, Moniz-Wakefield, Brown 2, Daw, Munro, Woewodin

DISPOSALS: Baker, Dunstan 21, Rosman 16, Bedford, Petty 14, Daw, White 12