The Casey Demons have secured their first win of the 2025 VFL season, edging out a strong Gold Coast Suns outfit by just two points in a nail-biting contest at Casey Fields.

With only nine AFL-listed players in the lineup, and Deakyn Smith leading the side out as captain for the first time, the Demons were up against a near full-strength Suns team playing their first match of the season. But Casey’s hunger, defensive grit, and ability to respond under pressure ultimately proved the difference in a tight finish.

Casey burst out of the blocks with a dominant first quarter that combined sharp ball movement with a steely defensive edge. The first major came via Noah Yze, courtesy of a 50m penalty downfield, and the Demons quickly doubled their tally thanks to a strong build-up and a composed finish from Daniel Turner, following a pinpoint pass from skipper Smith.

An end-to-end rebound play finished with Tom Fullarton slotting his first of the game, and Yze soon backed it up with a booming goal from outside 50. While the Suns pulled one back late, Casey finished the term strong, with Turner intercepting and delivering inside 50 for Fullarton to mark and convert on the siren. It was a confident and composed opening quarter from the home side.

The second quarter saw the Suns try to wrestle back momentum, but Casey’s pressure and clean ball use continued to shine. Tyler Edwards kicked truly early in the term before the red and blue were rewarded for a string of team-first efforts, allowing Turner to kick his second.

Moments later, he added a third, before Fullarton chimed in with his third, pushing the lead out to 36 points. While Gold Coast rallied late with a couple of goals before the main break, the Demons took a solid 21-point lead into halftime — built off the back of clinical forward entries and repeat efforts around the contest.

Casey opened the third quarter in ideal fashion, stretching their lead with an early goal, but it was the Suns who took control soon after, kicking three on the trot to cut the margin to just seven points. With the pressure mounting, it was the Demons’ leaders who stood tall. Back-to-back goals late in the quarter restored breathing room, with the home side taking a 20-point advantage into the final change.

Daniel Turner’s fifth, along with support from Bailey Laurie and Jesse Craven, proved crucial in shifting momentum when it mattered most. Riley Bonner continued his dominant form across half-back, finishing the quarter with 25 touches, while Baldi and Laurie were influential in keeping the Suns from breaking the game open.

The final quarter was a battle of attrition. The Suns struck first, closing the gap and putting the pressure squarely back on the Demons. Casey missed a few crucial shots early, registering consecutive behinds as fatigue began to creep in. But with the game in the balance, the Demons found a way to control the tempo.

Despite Gold Coast continuing to chip away at the lead, Casey’s ability to retain possession and apply pressure around the ball helped them grind out the win. Will Verrall and Tyler Edwards stepped up with some key contests late, while Bonner, Laurie, and Baldi finished with 86 disposals between them — a massive contribution in a game that went down to the wire.

When the final siren blew, Casey had held on by the slimmest of margins to record a gutsy two-point victory.

It was a win built on heart, leadership, and resilience. Against a quality opponent stacked with AFL experience, the Demons stood tall when it mattered most. With Daniel Turner bagging five, Fullarton with three, and the midfield and defensive group working tirelessly across the ground, this was a performance to be proud of — and a strong way to mark Deakyn Smith’s debut as captain.

Casey 13.12.90 def. Gold Coast 13.10.88

Goals: 5 Daniel Turner, 3 Tom Fullarton, 2 Noah Yze, 1 Bailey Laurie, Jesse Craven, Tyler Edwards

Pos: 30 Riley Bonner, Bailey Laurie, 28 Riley Baldi, Will Verrall 23, Tyler Edwards