Summary
With rain falling sporadically throughout the day, Casey claimed a gutsy eight-point win over Essendon on Saturday afternoon. There was a swirly breeze at RAMS Arena with chilly temperatures in Craigieburn, but the Demons weren’t phased, starting the game on fire and setting up the win in the first 45 minutes of play.

By the mid-point of the second term, Casey led by 30 points, with the Bombers held goalless to that stage. The Dons eventually found their feet, settling into the contest and challenging Casey throughout the second half.

The Demons clung to a narrow 10-point lead at three quarter-time and after an early last quarter goal to Tim Smith it looked like Casey would cruise to victory. But the Bombers pushed hard, responding with a quick goal as they peppered the sticks, but neither side was able to convert for the remainder of the match, allowing Casey to hold on to a seventh win on the trot.

Telling stat
With wet conditions and a slippery ball, there were plenty of numbers around the contest all afternoon and Casey proved to be the tougher side. The Demons laid a massive 91 tackles to Essendon’s 63, showing the intent of the Casey side. Tackling pressure is a strong focus for the Demons and they were tougher around the ball on Saturday.

Disposals
Baker 34, C. Wagner 27, Vince 26, Stretch 23, Lockhart, Smith 20, Scott 18, Kennedy-Harris, Bugg 17.

Goals
Stretch 2, Balic, Garlett, Hutchins, King, Scott, Smith.

3 Votes: Declan Keilty
Tall defender Declan Keilty had his best game for the season, taking seven marks down back. The 23-year-old read the ball well in the air and competed consistently all afternoon. Keilty had 15 disposals, but it was his one-percenters which proved most valuable and helped the Demons restrict Essendon to just six goals.

2 Votes: Corey Wagner
Corey Wagner’s dominant 10-disposal first term helped Casey get on top from the outset. In wet conditions, the nimble Wagner didn’t shy away from a contest, winning the hard ball and distributing it well. He gathered 27 touches in a well rounded performance and has become one of the most reliable players in the side.

1 Vote: Billy Stretch
It was yet another superb midfield performance from Billy Stretch on Saturday with 23 disposals and two goals. Stretch has been among the best players almost every time he has taken the field for Casey this season, finding the ball with ease. The biggest improvement in Stretch’s game has been his composure with ball in hand. Stretch has showed an ability to weave through traffic, distribute effectively and push forward to hit the scoreboard.

Apologies to
After 225 AFL games, Bernie Vince made his VFL debut on Saturday. Although playing at Casey isn’t where Vince wants to be, he showed full commitment to the side, providing great leadership on the field and helping rebound from defence with 25 disposals.

Jay Lockhart was another who provided a spark from the backline as the running defender used the ball well and consistently won one-on-one contests. Sam Frost has put together a consistent patch of form, while Oskar Baker had a massive tally of 34 disposals in his role on the wing.

Good to see
When the Demons were challenged in the final quarter, they found a second wind, digging deep to find a way to win. Although the Bombers seemed to have the momentum and were within seven points with 15 minutes remaining, Casey dug deep to get the game back on its terms and hold on to a crucial win. It wasn’t an easy contest, but the Demons showed plenty of heart in the fighting victory.

Coaches say
“I like to think we’ve got a game style that’s adaptable to any conditions that are served up to us. Driving out (to RAMS Arena) it was hammering down and windy, but that doesn’t make me nervous because our players are comfortable with those type of conditions.” – Jade Rawlings

Looking ahead
The Demons will be seeking eight consecutive victories when they return home to Casey Fields next Saturday at 2.10pm. Casey will face the struggling North Melbourne for the first time since the club entered the league this season.