A HEAVILY contested game at Casey fields has led to the Casey Demons suffering their third straight loss, losing to the Southern Saints 2.5 (17) to 9.5 (59)
Casey looked to be the better team early in the game, winning the contested ball, getting numbers around the contest, and controlling the tempo of the match.
Belinda Woolcock took charge of the Demons’ defence early and imposed herself on the game as she tried her best to limit opportunities the Saints had on goal.
The home side were winning the ball but struggled when going inside 50, kicking long to an outnumbered contest where a Saints defender would often gain an uncontested mark.
This was a recurring theme, with the Demons seemingly not sure how to enter the attacking 50 without the ball coming straight back over their heads.
It was a tight game going into the first break, only five points in it and it seemed it would take some leaders to step-up to have an impact.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Casey side that made that impact, unable to score in the second quarter and searching for answers from coach Peter Mercoulia going into half time.
It was more of the same after half time, with the Demons allowing the away side time and space on the ball, giving them easy access to enter inside 50.
Woolcock continued to try impact the game as much as she could, with great pressure, defensive efforts and inside 50’s that couldn’t convert to marks.
Marla Neal began to play her typical game, physical and aggressive in nature. She may have only finished the game with four tackles, but was a leader on the field with her efforts to turn the fate of the match around.
The last quarter went all the Saints’ way and Casey didn’t have any answers. It was four goals to one and the Demons suffered their third loss of the season.
“Unfortunately, we got out-played today,” said Woolcock in a post-game interview.
“We started strong in the first half, but their forwards were strong, their mids were strong and we’re just looking to rebound after this loss.
“We’ll be working really hard this week, I think there is a lot to take from this game.
“There are those one percenters we need to chip away at, I think it is all going to come together but collectively as a team we need to stay strong.”
A trip away to Wonthaggi to play the Box Hill Hawks on Sunday will be the next opportunity for Casey to respond.
CASEY: 1.2 (8) 1.2 (8) 1.4 (10) 2.5 (17)
SAINTS: 2.1 (13) 3.3 (21) 5.5 (35) 9.5 (59)
BEST: Fairchild, Neal, Kirkwood, Kinnane, Lynee, Sheerin
GOALS: 1 Keohane, Gall
DISPOSALS: 19 Danckert, 16 Woolcock, 16 Fairchild, 14 Wilson
