CASEY showcased a dominating performance in their Round 16 clash against Essendon at Casey Fields, securing a 22-point victory with a final score of 90 to 68.
Casey's ability to respond swiftly to Essendon's efforts was a key factor in maintaining their lead throughout the game.
Tyler Edwards started Casey’s goal tally with the first goal of the afternoon, even as slippery conditions set in with rain as the siren went.
Charlie Peters took every opportunity presented, scoring two goals. His first goal came at a crucial juncture to maintain Casey’s four-goal lead heading into the first break, and his second capitalised on a turnover at Essendon’s centre half-back, keeping Casey 19 points ahead at halftime.
Essendon managed to close the gap in the second quarter with four goals, but Casey always had the answers. Every time Essendon kicked a goal, Casey immediately responded with a centre clearance and a goal of their own, maintaining their dominance throughout the match.
Bailey Laurie was instrumental in the midfield, amassing 29 disposals, eight tackles, and seven clearances. His miraculous back-to-back goals, including a stunning outside-of-the-boot kick from the pocket, were crucial in halting Essendon’s momentum and solidifying Casey's lead.
Jack Billings matched Laurie's performance with 29 disposals, two goals, and six tackles. Billings was pivotal in the latter stages of the match, sealing the victory with two decisive goals in the dying minutes, ensuring Essendon couldn't mount a comeback.
Will Verrall may have only had eight disposals, but his 13 hitouts and a vital fourth-quarter goal played a significant role in quelling Essendon’s late surge, ensuring Casey stayed in control.
Oli Sestan showed his prowess in the midfield with six clearances and a well-earned goal from a stoppage in the first quarter, setting the tone early for Casey's dominance.
Shane McAdam contributed significantly with a crucial goal he wrapped around his body for Casey’s tenth of the afternoon, further extending their lead.
Tom Fullarton had a solid performance with one goal, one behind, 20 disposals, and six clearances, making his presence felt across the ground.
Ben Brown finished the day with one goal, one behind, and seven marks, demonstrating his aerial strength and reliability up forward.
Essendon made a valiant effort to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap with three quick goals that put the pressure on Casey.
The Bombers' renewed intensity and aggressive play briefly threatened to turn the tide of the game. However, Casey's defence, led by the resolute efforts of Adam Tomlinson and Blake Howes, stood firm.
Collecting 23 and 24 disposals, respectively, Tomlinson and Howes’s defensive efforts were critical in the fourth quarter, effectively shutting down Essendon’s attempted comeback.
Coach Taylor Whitford expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasising the importance of consistency. "We don’t want to be an up-and-down sort of team," he stated in a post-match interview, highlighting Casey's determination to back up this performance against Frankston next Saturday on their home turf.
Casey Demons | 4.4 7.5 10.11 13.12 (90)
Essendon | 0.1 4.4 7.6 10.8 (68)
Goals | 2 Peters, Laurie, Billings, 1 Verrall, Sestan, McAdam, Hunter, Fullarton, Edwards, B.Brown
Key Players | 29 Laurie, Billings, 24 Howes, 23 Tomlinson, 20 Fullarton
Next Game | V Frankston @ Kinetic Stadium 1:05 PM Saturday 20 July 2024
