A DOMINANT seven-goal to one second half has secured the Casey Demons a fourth successive triumph following a victory over Essendon, the final score at 5.12 (42) to 12.10 (82).
It wasn’t all the Demons way though, with periods of the match swaying to the Bombers as they provided much resistance and fight at the contest.
Two teams with similar game styles, along with the wet and slippery conditions, created a contested nightmare and they both struggled to gain clean possession and move the ball without trouble.
Both sides found it difficult to break free and make good use of uncontested possessions, which was reflected on the scoreboard, only five points to separate them at the opening break.
The Demons seemingly kicked into gear in the second quarter, finding the ball out the back of the contest and repetitively breaking through the corridor, though they lacked finish going inside 50.
Roan Steele began to work himself into the match, popping up in the contest and aggressively finding a way to get the ball to teammates, creating plenty of chances.
It was the main break that was just what the visitors needed, with the game never the same in the second half.
Five unanswered goals put the match to rest as the red and blue were able to take full control and dominate every facet of play.
“We just looked to challenge them back through the corridor, especially in offence when we were able to turn the ball over,” said Tom Freeman post-game.
“We changed things up around stoppages and I think that really worked well for us."
Freeman led the defence by example, consistently being in the right place at the right time to make a spoil, multiple smoothers and create pressure for the ball carrier.
A real team performance from the backline was rewarded at the other end by the likes of Josh Schache and Ryan Valentine, who kicked four and three goals, respectively.
James Harmes was also impressive on his return to the field. A game-high 34 disposals and a complete domination of the midfield, including a stunning link-up play with teammates in the third quarter with Tyler Edwards sealing the goal.
Four from four, top of the ladder and still plenty of areas to improve, the Casey Demons will look to their next challenge on Sunday 23rd April, when they face Richmond at Casey Fields.
ESSENDON: 2.0 (12) 4.6 (30) 4.8 (32) 5.12 (42)
CASEY: 2.5 (17) 5.7 (37) 10.8 (68) 12.10 (82)
BEST:: Schache, D. Turner, Laurie, Harmes, Bell, D. Smith
GOALS: 4 Schache, 3 Valentine, 1 Sestan, Neocleous, Edwards, Dunstan, Bell
DISPOSALS: 34 Harmes, 33 Laurie, 26 Dunstan, 23 Woewodin
