With only six rounds left in the 2019 VFL season, our Demons have battled through an inconsistent year. But after discovering some mid-season form in the recent weeks, going 4-1 in the last five matches, Casey is poised to make a late-season surge to the finals. Let’s look at the run home…
Round 16 v Geelong
Casey Fields
Round 16 sees the Demons welcome Geelong to Casey Fields. The Cats have had their own inconsistencies over the course of the season with dominating wins and close heart-breaking losses, but the Cats have found some form during the middle phase of the season. Currently 7th on the ladder, and 3-2 in its last five matches, Geelong will provide a tough test for a Casey side looking to rebound after a loss in Round 15.
Round 17 at Sandringham
Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval
The next game sees the red and blue head to the seaside to take on the Zebras at home. Currently sitting in 12th position on the ladder, Sandringham are enduring through a tough trot in its season losing five in a row through Round 15. This poses to be a danger game for Casey, but with Sandringham giving up an average of 79.8 points per game, look for the Demon forwards to run riot.
Round 18 at Richmond
Swinburne Centre
Round 18 poses the most difficult test on the run home for the Demons facing off against a high-quality Richmond side at home at the Swinburne Centre. Already succumbing to Richmond earlier this season in arguably the game of the VFL season, Casey will be looking to hit back this week. With both AFL-sides destined to face off later that night at the MCG, both coaches could see their depth tested in what is poised to be a blockbuster contest.
Round 19 at Collingwood
Victoria Park
Casey heads to the iconic Victoria Park to face off Collingwood in Round 19. After running out convincing winners against Collingwood back in Round 10, a win which kick-started the Demons season, Casey should head into this one as the favourites. Head coach Sam Radford will be hoping another big win will provide another surge of momentum for his side heading into September.
Round 20 vs Frankston
Casey Fields
The Demons final match of the regular season welcomes the cellar-dwelling Frankston Dolphins to Casey Fields. But there could be plenty at stake in the result of this one, so one the Demon boys cannot take their focus off of and let a victory slip away. This could become the defining match of Casey’s season, a loss could spell disaster, but a win – a dominant win – could thrust Casey towards glory.
Round 21 Bye
The season wraps on an anti-climax with the Demons sitting out the final weekend of regular season play. Hopefully, by this round, Casey has done enough to ensure the side of playing in the first week of the VFL finals. But we will wait and see.
