IN A fiercely contested battle under the Friday night lights at IKON Park, the Casey Demons secured a nail-biting victory over Carlton, prevailing by a slender margin of three points.

Despite trailing by three goals at quarter-time, the Demons fought tooth and nail until the final siren, displaying remarkable resilience and determination.

Koltyn Tholstrup emerged as a pivotal figure for the Demons, showcasing his versatility by notching two crucial goals and making significant contributions in the midfield battle. 

His standout moment came with a remarkable goal from near the centre of the ground, highlighting his skill and impact.

While Ben Brown's accuracy may have faltered slightly with six behinds, his presence in the forward line remained formidable, culminating in two valuable goals for the Demons. Brown's ability to create scoring chances was evident throughout the contest despite the missed opportunities.

Mitch White's leadership proved instrumental for the Demons, particularly highlighted by his inspirational captain's goal during the second quarter. White's on-field presence and performance served as a catalyst for his teammates, driving the Demons forward with unwavering determination.

Making a significant impact upon his return to the midfield, Bailey Laurie showcased his prowess with pivotal ball-carrying skills and contributed a crucial goal along with 22 disposals. 

His influence on the game was palpable, giving the Demons essential momentum in critical stages.

Adam Tomlinson and Lachie Hunter exhibited stellar performances, tallying 24 disposals each and making notable contributions in defence and midfield, respectively.

Matt Jefferson and Tom Fullarton each contributed a goal, adding to the Demons' scoring efforts.

Roan Steele and Kynan Brown demonstrated their skill with 20 disposals apiece, playing crucial roles in shaping the flow of the game.

Harvey Neocleous made his mark with a goal and a behind, further bolstering the Demons' scoring potency.

The contest was characterised by its intensity and tightly contested nature, with both sides refusing to yield until the final moments. 

Carlton exhibited strong connection from midfield to forward line early in the game, posing a significant challenge to the Demons. However, Casey showcased remarkable resilience, mounting a stirring comeback from a three-goal deficit at quarter-time.

Casey rallied as a team, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory in a gripping conclusion. With their fighting spirit and collective effort on display, the Casey Demons now look ahead to their upcoming clash against Geelong with renewed confidence and determination.

Carlton | 4.3 6.6 7.11 9.12 (66)
Casey Demons | 1. 3 6.7 8.9 9.15 (69)

Goals | 2 Tholstrup, B.Brown, 1 White, Neocleous, Laurie, Jefferson, Fullarton
Key Players | 24 Tomlinson, Hunter, 22 Laurie, 21 White, 20 Steele, K.Brown
Next Game | V Geelong @ Casey Fields, Saturday 18 May 2024