CASEY has secured its fifth consecutive win on the back of a six-goal haul from Sam Weideman at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Demons ran out 26-point victors over the ladder-leaders Box Hill to continue their excellent patch of form.
Casey Demons 14.15 (99) defeated Box Hill Hawks 11.7 (73).
The Hawks entered round 10 on top of the VFL table and fresh off the bye last week, with their only blemish coming in the form of a draw against Port Melbourne a fortnight ago.
But despite a late charge from Tyrone Vickery with three of his four goals scored in the final term, they failed to hit the front all afternoon, and had no match for Weideman.
After making their AFL debuts in the same game of round 20 last season, Kurt Heatherley had the task of manning Weideman. But it was the young Demon who took the honours.
Weideman was electrifying with five of his six goals coming in the first half to hand Casey a 17-point lead at the main break. He was the vocal point of Casey’s forward line all day, and read the ball to perfection in the air, proving to be a weapon with five contested marks.
An ability to win the ball at ground level is another asset the 19-year-old possesses, and his quick hands help create opportunities for those around him.
“I was really proud of him, the way he started the game,” senior coach Justin Plapp told melbournefc.com.au.
“I think his first quarter really set the scene around how he jumped at the ball and competed really strongly.”
“It was a good individual performance off a strong team effort.”
The Hawks dropped men back in the second-half to assist the out-muscled Heatherley, but Weideman’s best on ground performance handed Box Hill its first loss of 2017.
On the back of Kade Stewart’s pace and class, Box Hill looked to have wrestled back the momentum in the third term and drew within four points. But a 16-disposal quarter from Jay Kennedy-Harris and three late Casey goals gave the Demons a match winning lead at the final change.
Kennedy-Harris continues to impress, thriving off extended time spent in the centre. He compiled a massive 40 disposals with 21 contested possessions.
“He plays with energy and he plays with speed,” Plapp said.
“I think his move to playing around the ball and playing around those bigger bodies has really developed the contested part of his game.”
Meanwhile Ben Kennedy also found the ball on 36 occasions and was important yet again.
Young Casey forward Bayley Fritsch delivered a spark with three goals, while Dean Kent was also lively in the forward half with 35 damaging disposals.
“Our players are playing their role really well,” Plapp said.
“They are really buying into it and showing a lot of spirit.
“You watch the win and listen to the song, our boys are playing for each other and it’s a pretty good combination.”
Since returning from injury, Jake Spencer has been able to add some continuity to Casey’s midfield structure. He had a tight battle with Marc Pittonet in the ruck, registering 33 hit-outs, but providing great value with his size around the contest.
Mitch White had his best outing of the season offering run out of defence with 25 touches as he continuously drove the ball forward for Casey.
Also spending time at half-back was Jack Trengove who added some poise for the Demons and intercepted well in defence.
Declan Keilty thrilled the crowd with a brilliant mark in the second term.
But it was a youngster from the crowd who provided the highlight of the afternoon, slotting a ball into the back of a Toyota to win $1000 cash at the half-time break.
On his 23rd birthday, Josh Wagner was sent to Perth as emergency for the senior side.
A difficult fixture continues for Casey next Saturday afternoon as they travel to Port Melbourne to take on The Borough. The Demons had the better of Port on home soil in round six, with an outstanding 43-point victory to turn its season around.
“I’m expecting a really fierce contest next week, and I’m looking forward to it for our players’ sake, because I think they’re in a pretty good spot,” Plapp said.
“I think if we keep doing what we are doing we will give ourselves a really good opportunity.”
Casey will be looking to extend its impressive winning streak to six games with a second win over The Borough for the season.
BOX HILL HAWKS 2.1 5.2 8.5 11.7 (73)
CASEY DEMONS 5.1 7.7 11.9 14.15 (99)
CASEY GOALS
Weideman 6, Fritsch 3, Scott 2, Cox, Gent, Morris
CASEY BEST
Weideman, Kennedy-Harris, Kennedy, Kent, White, Fritsch
