CASEY Scorpions tightened their grip on an all-important top four spot with a comprehensive 25-point victory over Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday.
In doing so, the Scorpions not only avenged their home loss to the Magpies earlier in the season, but defied most of the pundits, who gave them little chance of winning against a star-studded line-up containing several big AFL names including Jack Anthony, Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst, Shane O'Bree, Sean Rusling and Cameron Wood.
The Scorpions, already missing courageous skipper Kyle Matthews, state representative Michael Stockdale and star recruit Scott Simpson through injury - and being restricted to just 10 Melbourne players because of the Demons' own injury concerns - played with steely resolve and great determination.
They also survived an inaccurate first quarter, which saw the team’s forwards waste numerous opportunities in front of goal, scoring 1.5.11 to 3.1.19 by rebounding with a brilliant eight-goal second term which literally blew the Pies off the park.
The Casey onslaught was powered by its defence, led by Matthew Warnock, who was brilliant down back for the third week in a row.
Evan Panozza was in rare form and he was backed up by hard working backmen Kyle Cheney and Tom McNamara, who together managed to hold the Magpies in check all day.
It was only Collingwood's accuracy in front of goal that enabled them to achieve a respectable scoreline.
Collingwood had been using former spearhead Anthony in defence, but he was well beaten by Brad Miller, who finished with 4.4 for the day, including one on the final siren. Miller could easily have made a statement to his AFL club's selectors, but for inaccuracy earlier in the day.
The Scorpions were also able to call upon the services of Melbourne skipper James McDonald (24 disposals) who made a seamless return to football after incurring a hamstring injury in the wet against Carlton several weeks ago.
McDonald stopped the Pies dead in their tracks when they were mounting a charge in the final term with a great goal. He showed he is ready to return to the team he has captained with distinction - and in adversity - since David Neitz retired a couple of seasons ago.
Coach Brad Gotch praised the Melbourne contingent and its strong efforts on the day. He would have been equally proud of his own home grown players, who are rapidly developing a good understanding with their AFL counterparts.
Daniel Nicholls, who was once on Collingwood's rookie list, played yet another fine game, and Matthew Fieldsend and Rian McGough continue to improve every week.
The Scorpions, already missing courageous skipper Kyle Matthews, state representative Michael Stockdale and star recruit Scott Simpson through injury - and being restricted to just 10 Melbourne players because of the Demons' own injury concerns - played with steely resolve and great determination.
They also survived an inaccurate first quarter, which saw the team’s forwards waste numerous opportunities in front of goal, scoring 1.5.11 to 3.1.19 by rebounding with a brilliant eight-goal second term which literally blew the Pies off the park.
The Casey onslaught was powered by its defence, led by Matthew Warnock, who was brilliant down back for the third week in a row.
Evan Panozza was in rare form and he was backed up by hard working backmen Kyle Cheney and Tom McNamara, who together managed to hold the Magpies in check all day.
It was only Collingwood's accuracy in front of goal that enabled them to achieve a respectable scoreline.
Collingwood had been using former spearhead Anthony in defence, but he was well beaten by Brad Miller, who finished with 4.4 for the day, including one on the final siren. Miller could easily have made a statement to his AFL club's selectors, but for inaccuracy earlier in the day.
The Scorpions were also able to call upon the services of Melbourne skipper James McDonald (24 disposals) who made a seamless return to football after incurring a hamstring injury in the wet against Carlton several weeks ago.
McDonald stopped the Pies dead in their tracks when they were mounting a charge in the final term with a great goal. He showed he is ready to return to the team he has captained with distinction - and in adversity - since David Neitz retired a couple of seasons ago.
Coach Brad Gotch praised the Melbourne contingent and its strong efforts on the day. He would have been equally proud of his own home grown players, who are rapidly developing a good understanding with their AFL counterparts.
Daniel Nicholls, who was once on Collingwood's rookie list, played yet another fine game, and Matthew Fieldsend and Rian McGough continue to improve every week.
The Scorpions also took the opportunity to blood yet another newcomer, David Bell, who was promoted after a number of best on ground performances with the reserves.
The Magpies might take some solace from the fact that they outscored Casey in every quarter except the first. But the fast-paced and energetic Scorpions were always in control of the game and had all the answers, whenever the home team made a move to narrow the gap.
In the end, the result flattered Collingwood as Casey finished well ahead with ten more scoring shots.
The Scorpions visit Box Hill City Oval next Sunday and will be keen to wrap up their hard earned place in the VFL top four.
Seniors
The Magpies might take some solace from the fact that they outscored Casey in every quarter except the first. But the fast-paced and energetic Scorpions were always in control of the game and had all the answers, whenever the home team made a move to narrow the gap.
In the end, the result flattered Collingwood as Casey finished well ahead with ten more scoring shots.
The Scorpions visit Box Hill City Oval next Sunday and will be keen to wrap up their hard earned place in the VFL top four.
Seniors
Casey Scorpions - 14.11.95
Collingwood - 11.4.70
Goals
Casey Scorpions Miller 4 Jetta Tapscott 2 Bate Smith MacReadie McDonald Nicholls Wall
Best
Casey Scorpions Panozza Cheney Miller McGough Fieldsend Tapscott
The reserves again performed strongly and kept their faint hopes of making the finals open with a win over Sandringham. However, they now face second placed Box Hill twice in the next fortnight and have a hard run home.
Brad Sykes and Ben Waite combined well up forward for three goals each, while Ben Creed returned with a best on ground performance and is challenging for an early promotion.
Reserves
Collingwood - 11.4.70
Goals
Casey Scorpions Miller 4 Jetta Tapscott 2 Bate Smith MacReadie McDonald Nicholls Wall
Best
Casey Scorpions Panozza Cheney Miller McGough Fieldsend Tapscott
The reserves again performed strongly and kept their faint hopes of making the finals open with a win over Sandringham. However, they now face second placed Box Hill twice in the next fortnight and have a hard run home.
Brad Sykes and Ben Waite combined well up forward for three goals each, while Ben Creed returned with a best on ground performance and is challenging for an early promotion.
Reserves
Casey Scorpions - 12.8.80
Sandringham - 11.8.74
Goals
Sykes Waite 3 Martin 2 Creed Hillberge Purdy Tynan
Best
Creed Cleven Martin Patti Riseley Taylor
Sandringham - 11.8.74
Goals
Sykes Waite 3 Martin 2 Creed Hillberge Purdy Tynan
Best
Creed Cleven Martin Patti Riseley Taylor
