THE Casey Demons have completed a strong hit-out against Carlton’s Reserves, with a number of notable performances from Melbourne’s AFL-listed players.
Experienced Demon Clayton Oliver was quick to make an impact during the Wednesday morning game at IKON Park, with near back-to-back intercepts out of defence leading to scoring opportunities.
Oliver played four quarters and showed his expertise through the midfield, with Carlton seemingly unable to be tackle the powerful Demon, who continued his push for selection ahead of Melbourne’s Opening Round clash in eight days’ time.
VFL star Roan Steele got things started on the scoreboard, thanks to a number of clearances from Oliver, Steele going on to kick a trio of goals.
Young Demon Koltyn Tholstrup played through the midfield and alongside Oliver, the pair were explosive through stoppages, providing plenty of opportunity for Casey’s forwards.
A notable moment for Tholstrup came during the second term, with repeated efforts and a perfect finish from the draftee resulting in an end-to-end goal.
Marty Hore and Tom McDonald showed their experience and class down back from the first bounce, with Hore particularly smooth on the rebound. During the first three terms, the defensive duo helped restrict Carlton’s forwards to just four goals from 11 scoring opportunities.
Tom Fullarton was solid on return from a hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for close to four weeks. The tall recruit from Brisbane enjoyed plenty of minutes in the ruck and held his own in aerial contests, either clunking marks or providing ample opportunity for Casey’s midfield.
Powerful forward Ollie Sestan offered up exciting action inside 50, including a remarkable on-the-run goal during the third term, as a result of a string of disposals from teammate Taj Woewodin.
Woewodin played his first game back since sustaining a concussion during training two weeks ago and had no trouble getting back to his talented ways. Playing a more inside role through the midfield, his silky skills and impressive run were particularly noteworthy.
Andy Moniz-Wakefield was another Demon returning from injury after missing last week’s match-simulation against Richmond due to a thigh strain. Throughout all four quarters, the 20-year-old saw plenty of the ball and demonstrated his ability to impact inside 50, finishing with two goals in addition to his copious disposals.
Caleb Lewis and Paddy Cross were among Casey’s VFL-listed players that impressed, with both Demons making scoreboard impacts throughout the match.
Casey will now look to its next practice match against Port Melbourne on Friday 8 March, while Melbourne will complete its final practice match prior to Opening Round tonight at IKON Park against Carlton.
CARLTON 2.2 4.4 4.7 9.9 (63)
CASEY 3.3 7.4 12.6 14.8 (92)
GOALS: 3 Steele, Sestan, 2 Moniz-Wakefield, Lewis, 1 Tholstrup, Jefferson, Farris-White, Cross
BEST: Hore, Oliver, Sestan, Moniz-Wakefield
