CASEY faced off against the GWS Giants at Casey Fields in Round 18, with a final scoreline that saw the Demons fall short by seven points.
Despite a strong performance throughout most of the match, Casey ultimately succumbed to a late surge from the Giants, losing 51-58.
Tom Fullarton was instrumental for Casey, opening the scoring and ending the day with a notable 24 disposals, 16 hit outs, and 10 clearances. His presence was felt across the field, showcasing his ability to influence both the ruck and midfield contests.
Will Verrall joined Fullarton, levelling the scores in the dying moments of the first quarter. Verrall's performance included one goal, one behind, and 10 hitouts, demonstrating his effectiveness around the ground.
As the rain began to fall near the end of the first quarter, Casey's defence stood strong. Marty Hore and Adam Tomlinson were pivotal, restricting the Giants to just one goal in each of the second and third quarters. Hore and Tomlinson accumulated 23 and 21 disposals respectively, their efforts crucial in maintaining Casey’s lead during these periods.
Captain Mitch White extended the lead with a spectacular goal around the body in the second quarter, contributing to his 21 disposals for the game. Matt Jefferson also made his mark, scoring a goal from distance and finishing with one goal, three behinds, and 17 disposals.
The second half began with a highlight from Noah Yze, who scored his first goal in the VFL, energizing the team and the supporters. Jack Bell further extended Casey’s lead to 22 points, giving the Demons a comfortable buffer heading into the final quarter.
Tom Sparrow was a standout for Casey, amassing a staggering 31 disposals, 9 tackles, and 9 clearances. His relentless efforts in the midfield were crucial for Casey’s ball movement and defensive pressure.
Despite holding the lead since the second quarter, Casey's inaccuracy in front of goals, with 15 behinds, allowed GWS to mount a significant comeback in the fourth quarter. The Giants capitalized on Casey’s missed opportunities, kicking five consecutive goals to overturn the deficit and secure the victory.
The Dees were notably beaten in the ruck, managing only 17 hitouts compared to GWS’s dominant 47. This disparity contributed to the Giants' ability to gain midfield ascendancy in the crucial final moments of the match.
Ultimately, Casey's inability to convert their chances proved costly, as GWS’s superior accuracy led them to a hard-fought win. The Demons will look to bounce back in their next fixture against the Footscray Bulldogs at Mission Whitten Oval on Friday night.
Casey Demons | 2.2 4.5 6.11 6.15 (51)
GWS Giants | 2.2 3.3 4.3 9.4 (58)
Goals | 1 Jefferson, Fullarton, Bell, Verrall, White, Yze
Key Player | 31 Sparrow, 24 Fullarton, 23 Hore, 21 White, Tomlinson
Next Game | V Footscray Bulldogs @ Mission Whitten Oval, Friday 2 August 2024
