THE DEMONS have finished Round 3 with a loss after a tough battle against Geelong, going down by 16 points in a 16.13 (109) to 14.9 (93) defeat at GMHBA Stadium.
It was a promising start for the Dees, who moved the ball cleanly through the middle and created plenty of forward-half opportunities.
Tyler Edwards brought the energy, opening the quarter early with a goal followed by Will Verrall and Mitch Hardie. However, missed chances throughout the game kept the Cats within reach, the Dees unable to fully capitalise on their forward pressure.
Tom Fullarton proved to be the focal point in the forward line, putting on an incredible performance inside 50 and nailing down four of his five goals for the match in the opening half.
His aerial presence and set-shot accuracy gave the Dees momentum heading into the main break, while Aidan Johnson and Jack Billings hit some timely majors to stretch the margin.
Paddy Cross was relentless, laying crucial tackles and locking down Geelong’s dangerous forwards. Ricky Mentha Jnr’s quick efforts and Noah Yze’s clean hands added spark through the corridor, as the Dees held their lead into the third quarter.
While Casey held a firm lead for much of the second half, including goals from Johnson, Yze and a composed finish from Cross, Geelong’s persistence began to show as they dominated key areas of the ground.
The Dees found it difficult to hold their structure and control possessions as the Cats ramped up their pace, surging forward with quick ball movement.
Despite Kai Windsor kicking a goal late in the fourth to give the Dees a fighting chance, they were left on the back foot more often than not, chasing the play, their forward entries falling apart and Geelong making the most of turnovers.
It was a strong effort from the Dees who showed plenty of promise but ultimately couldn’t match Geelong’s late-game execution.
GEELONG 3.3 7.7 11.11 16.13 (109)
CASEY 3.5 9.6 13.7 14.9 (93)
GOALS
Geelong: Polkinghorne 3, Wiltshire 2, Retschko 2, Rantall 2, De Grandi 2, Annand 2, Murray, Lucas, Lewis
Casey: Fullarton 5, Johnson 2, Yze, Cross, Edwards, Billings, Hardie, Verrall, K.Windsor
DISPOSALS
Geelong: Clark 32, Stevens 27, Herbert 25, Wiltshire 24
Casey: Howes 26, Hardie 26, Bonner 23, Sestan 22
