It was a thrilling contest at Fankhauser reserve on Saturday afternoon in a Grand Final rematch that went down to the wire, the end-to-end game finishing 11.9 75 to 11.10 76.
The first quarter was reflective of the Casey Demons this year, plenty of the ball but inaccurate going forward.
Matthew Jefferson was looking great early on with Josh Schache and Ben Brown also providing a plethora of attacking options.
The disconnect going forward of visible for all as the inside 50’s racked up without too much scoreboard pressure.
Many forward entries flew other the heads of the leading tall forwards or fell short, resulting in repeated turnovers and rebound 50’s for the home side.
Southport eventually were able to go end to end for their first goal of the game and capitalised on a Casey side that was once again wasteful going forward.
The midfield for the Demons was again working like a fine-tuned Rolls Royce.
Despite Jack Bell losing majority of the ruck contests, the Casey midfielders were finding ways to win the clearances and get their hands on the ball.
The likes of James Jordan, George Grey and Taj Woewodin were putting their best foot forward and winning the contested ball on regular occasion.
In the second term, Casey began to turn the tide of the game with their midfielders and forward beginning to find the targets up front.
Josh Schache continued to cause headaches while Ben Brown found himself slowing working into the game.
Oliver Sestan also managed to find the ball regularly and the forward utility was starting to run rings on the Southport defenders.
The Sharks managed to keep themselves in the game and continue to apply the pressure on a Casey side that would have their horror last term to Werribee in the back of their minds.
Miles Shepherd was impressive in defence for Casey in his first game since round 5.
The defensive utility managed to take multiple intercept marks and keep his direct opponents from having much impact on the game.
Southport began the last quarter in strong form, kicking the first two goals and taking the lead of the game.
However, the resilient Casey Demons team were determined to not let history repeat itself and fought back into the match thanks to two goals from Schache.
Schache’s goal proved costly as Casey were able to hold on to the single point lead and win the match in the unmissable contest.
A win of this nature, away from home, given Casey’s recent form, could be the perfect springboard for the rest of the reason and to return back to the Casey of 2022.
A return home next week against Collingwood will be the next step in clawing back a top position on the ladder.
CASEY: 1.2 6.6 9.9 11.10 76
SOUTHPORT: 3.0 4.5 8.7 11.9 75
BEST: Jordon, Schache, Grey, Buntine, D.Smith, Woewodin
GOALS: 4 Schache, 3 Grey, 2 Brown, 1 Jordon, Sestan
DISPOSALS: 32 Jordon, 24 Woewodin, 23 Howes, 23 Steele, 22 Laurie
