DESPITE starting the match with a bang, the Casey Demons ultimately went down to Footscray by 14 points in a hard-fought clash on Saturday afternoon.
Casey surged ahead in the first quarter, Will Verrall opening the scoring for Casey with precise kicking. This was swiftly followed by a goal from teammate Josh Schache, who displayed his sharp instincts with a second major in quick succession.
Verrall joined Schache and scored his second goal of the term, with the Dees' midfield showcasing its efficiency, setting up Roan Steele for a well-executed goal.
Oliver Sestan then demonstrated his silky skills, converting a clean chest mark into another score for Casey. At the end of the first quarter, both teams were tied.
The second quarter commenced with Schache continuing his scoring spree, securing a hat-trick of goals for Casey. However, the Bulldogs fought back with two consecutive majors, taking the lead.
Matthew Jefferson joined in on the action inside 50 and managed to put a halt to Footscray's onslaught momentarily, slotting home a much-needed goal.
Defensive duo Ziggy Toledo and Jed Adams kept Casey in the fight. Koltyn Tholstrup's agility and quick hands in the midfield provided hope for the Dees, but the Bulldogs extended their lead going into the main break.
The third quarter proved challenging for the home side as the Bulldogs tightened their grip on the game. Casey struggled to convert opportunities in its forward half, leaving the Dees trailing by 17 at the quarter's end.
As the final term commenced, the Bulldogs seemed poised for victory. However, Casey found a spark of life, with Jefferson and Leo Connolly igniting a late surge.
Schache snagged a fourth goal that narrowed the gap to 13 points, but the Bulldogs swiftly replied. In the dying moments of the game, Mitch White, having had a sensational game, managed to slot home a consolation goal for Casey.
The Dees battled hard against the Footscray Bulldogs in a fiercely contested match. Despite their strong start and late resurgence, they ultimately fell short against a consistent side.
DEMONS | 12.13 (85)
BULLDOGS | 15.9 (99)
Goals: 4 Schache, 2 Verrall, 2 Jefferson, 1 White, Steele, Sestan, Connolly
Key Players: 28 White, 24 Hustwaite, Connolly, 23 Moniz-Wakefield, Edwards
Next Game: V Port Melbourne, 2:05PM Saturday 6th April @ Kinetic Stadium
