It was PLAY4BCNA week at Casey Fields and the Demons didn’t disappoint, putting on a show for the fans with a spectacular 96-point win over the Giants and the team’s first back-to-back wins since round four, the final score 20.14 134 to 4.14 38.
It was an even contest for the early stages of the game, with Casey and GWS both trying to figure the opposition and formulate an approach to the game.
Casey was dominating possession of the ball and controlling the game for the most part.
A pedestrian first five minutes was followed by a flurry of goals from Matthew Jefferson, Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Taj Woewodin which saw the Demons quickly pull out to a 21-point lead after 11 minutes.
As the first term went on, the Giants were slowly working themselves into the game, and if it wasn’t for inaccurate goal kicking, they could have closed the deficit further.
Casey, inaccurate themselves, took a 16-point lead into the first break but where still comfortably in control of the game.
An early goal from Jacob van Rooyen saw Casey continue where they left off, but it was then similar to the first term for the Demons.
GWS were fighting hard to stay within arm’s reach until the midpoint of the quarter when the switch was flicked.
Casey turned up the heat and their intensity lift was reflected on the scoreboard.
Another four goals for the term, with Woewodin kicking his third, which saw Casey extend the gap to 39-points at the main break and were cruising.
The Giants again at the start of the second half were putting the pressure on early and had the first two scoring shots of the third term, however, failing to capitalise, the Demons took their chances.
Josh Schache got the Demons on the board with his first goal for the game, followed by two Jefferson goals in a row to extend the lead out to 49-points.
GWS had their moments going forward, but everything off the boot couldn’t find a major and it was their inaccurate kicking in comparison to the home side that was the vital decision maker in the result of the match.
For the first time this season, Casey was winning the ball on the turnover in their defensive 50 and were counter attacking with plenty of options up front.
Time and time again this season the turnover game has been Casey’s strength but hitting forward targets has been a struggle, but the Demons were on, and it was damaging for the Giants.
Jefferson kicked his third goal for the quarter and his fourth for the game, Casey taking a 54-point lead into the final break, no major collapse and the Demons were home.
But they didn’t stop there, the home side put the foot down and proved to the competition why they are the reigning premiers.
A big last quarter with eight goals kicked was a statement to the league, that Casey might have just rediscovered their 2022 premiership winning form.
Captain Mitch White and van Rooyen combined for two goals each in the term, while James Jordon was hard to miss.
41 touches and a goal for the midfielder who, as always, will be pushing for AFL selection once more.
Taj Woewodin will be the talk of the town amongst Casey and Melbourne fans, as he continues to push for a debut in the senior side.
Woewodin finished with 3 goals and 31 disposals, an incredible perform that certainly won’t go unnoticed.
Winning back-to-back games for the first time in over 2 months must be great feeling for the Demons as they look to bring their best form when it matters.
There are still seven rounds before finals and it is all to play for as Casey still search for a place in the top four.
Can they win three on the bounce? A trip to Sandringham next week will be the next test for the Demons.
CASEY: 3.7 8.9 12.12 20.14 (134)
GWS: 1.3 2.6 3.12 4.14 (38)
BEST: Jordon, Turner, Woewodin, Moniz-Wakefield, Laurie, D.Smith
GOALS: 4 van Rooyen, Jefferson, 3 Woewodin, Moniz-Wakefield, 2 White, Schache, 1 Munro, Jordon
DISPOSALS: 41 Jordon, 33 Dunstan, 31 Woewodin, 29 Munro, 28 Howes
