SUMMARY
IN A STIRRING comeback on Saturday, the Casey Demons defeated the Northern Blues by 13 points at Casey Fields.
After heading into the main break trailing by the same margin, the Demons lifted in the third quarter to fight their way back into the contest.
Holding on down the stretch for the side’s fourth-straight victory, Casey has righted its season and continues to be poised to make a late-season tilt at the finals.
THE NUMBERS
DISPOSALS: Jordon 26, Maynard, Munro 25, Wagner 23, Kennedy Harris 20
GOALS: Bedford, Kennedy Harris, Lefau, Munro 2, Hutchin, Buxton, Baker
James Jordon continues his stellar play
One of the major Demons contributors on Saturday was James Jordon.
The 19-year-old has been spectacular during Casey’s four-game winning streak, averaging 16.8 disposals and 5.3 tackles, highlighted with his 25-disposal game on Saturday.
Jordon appears to be gaining more of an understanding of the requirements to be an impactful footballer for his side, which is great news for Demons fans.
Playing with a renewed confidence
After enduring a subpar beginning to the 2019 season, Casey appears to be turning the corner on its year, stringing together confident performances across the entire squad.
The game on Saturday saw the boys challenged and frustrated at their own inefficiencies in front of goal, booting 19 behinds in the match.
But rather than letting this get the better of them, the Demons continued to battle and fight, coming back to win in one of their squad’s best games of the year.
Veteran backline provides confidence to VFL players
The Round 14 match-up saw the Demons trot out with its most experienced backline of the season. Jake Lever and Neville Jetta were welcomed into the side – the two returned from injuries – joining Oscar McDonald and Josh Wagner in the back six.
With over 300-AFL games of experience, the quartet brought confidence to the VFL side, resulting in Cory Stockdale and Will Collis playing their best games of the year to date.
Mykelti Lefau is on fire
Another young Demon who continues to impress every time he takes the field is Mykelti Lefau.
After an interrupted beginning to the season, Lefau has become a constant figure in the Casey forward line, becoming a threat as soon as the ball enters the forward fifty.
With lightning quick speed and powerful hits, Lefau has booted six goals in the past four games.
Jimmy Munro gives an inspirational performance
Stepping in as captain for the match, James Munro gave his best performance of the season.
The 24-year-old continues to showcase the hard work and dedication to the red and blue, which has made him a much-loved member of the Club.
Saturday was no different, as Munro collected 25 disposals, four marks, six tackles and booted two goals in an exceptional performance.
A word from the coach
“I’m really proud of the boys, as we played the right way,” senior coach Sam Radford told Melbourne Media.
“We didn’t quite take our chances, but for three and a half quarters I think we were the dominant side.
“Our midfield was fantastic, Liam competed well and having Declan Keilty go into the ruck was outstanding as well.
“The Blues have quality rucks who were giving them first use of the ball, but our ability to make it a contest and to keep competing over four quarters was excellent.”
Looking forward
The win keeps the Demons in ninth place on the VFL ladder and outside of the top eight on percentage alone.
With only six games left in the Demons’ season, every match needs to be played with the intensity of a final.
Next up for Casey will be the biggest test of the season so far, as the side travels to Marvel Stadium to play a red-hot Footscray.
Already succumbing to the Bulldogs earlier in the year, falling at home by 17 points in Round 5, the Demons will be looking to make it five wins in a row on Sunday.
