Summary
Casey met an in-form Essendon outfit at Stannards Stadium on Saturday, and the margin never stretched beyond 14 points either way for the entire afternoon.

In a heated Preliminary Final clash, there was just one point separating the two sides at both the first and final changes, while scores were level at the half-time break.

The Demons had gained some ascendancy in the second term with the assistance of a slight breeze, but some sloppy forward entries prevented them from taking full toll of their hard work.

With the game in the balance, Essendon scrubbed through two goals to kick-off the second half and began to get on top, but the Demons continued to fight, with Cam Pedersen helping his side remain in touch at three quarter-time.

Demon tough nut James Munro was influential all day and nailed a massive goal in the opening minute of the final term to give Casey the lead. As rain began to fall, the Demons were able to scrap out a gutsy eight-point win, booking themselves a spot in the VFL Grand Final.

Telling stat
Casey’s tackle numbers seem to be the most significant stat most weeks – and for good reason. The Demons pride themselves on their work around the contest and continue to dominate the tackle count, which is a key factor in winning a game of football. On Saturday, the Demons laid a massive 130 tackles, 53 more than Essendon. This is an indication of Casey’s pressure around the ball and ability to create turnovers.

Disposals
J. Wagner 23, Bugg, Vince 22, Munro 21, Kennedy-Harris, C. Wagner 20, T. Smith, Lockhart 16, Hunt 14.

Goals
Garlett 3, Pedersen 2, Gent, Lefau, Munro, Vince, C. Wagner.

3 Votes: Corey Wagner
Corey Wagner is a midfielder built for any conditions and he thrives in finals football. The 21-year-old amassed 20 disposals in a workman-like display, while laying 12 tackles as he hunted the opposition. Wagner is an elite runner and would have impressed AFL scouts in an all-round performance where he also drifted forward to kick a second quarter goal.

2 Votes: James Munro
You won’t see a tougher performance from an individual than what James Munro delivered on Saturday. Munro’s work with ball in hand was important, scrapping it forward with 21 disposals in testing conditions, but it was his influence without the ball which was most significant. Munro laid an incredible 21 tackles, throwing himself at the opposition all afternoon. He leads by example with a faultless work rate and makes his opponent think twice when chasing the ball. Munro also slotted the vital goal to give Casey a final quarter lead – one which was maintained for the remainder of the match.

1 Vote: Jay Kennedy-Harris
Jay Kennedy-Harris returned from a stint in the seniors and played his role to perfection in the Preliminary Final. Kennedy-Harris had 20 disposals in a strong midfield performance, and his pressure around the ground set the tone for his teammates. His one-percenters were notable when the game was on the line and similarly to Munro, had an impact both with and without the ball.

Apologies to
Casey’s senior players stood up on the big stage, with Bernie Vince returning from a shoulder injury to lead the way. He kicked a big first quarter goal to spark his side and finished the game strongly, unhampered by his shoulder.

Jeff Garlett was back to his lively best inside 50, applying pressure to the Bombers defenders and getting on the end of three majors – including a clutch set shot to arguably seal the game. Pedersen was also dangerous up forward in the second half, while Tom Bugg was busy in the centre.

Good to see
The defensive group worked incredibly well together on Saturday to restrict the Bombers impact on the scoreboard. Essendon got on top in the third quarter and continued to penetrate its forward 50, but the Demons one-percenters were telling in keeping them in the match. When Casey hit the front in the final term, the Demons grinded out the victory with some gutsy defensive plays.

Coach’s say
“Everyone knows on the calendar you’re going to play at Etihad (Stadium) at the end of the year if you’re good enough to get there. It’s a real wait and see how we handle the conditions but I think our players will be fine. It’s more about understanding who our opposition will be and playing accordingly. It’s just a great experience for our players – particularly our VFL list to be on a big stage in a Grand Final on a serious venue.” – Jade Rawlings

Looking ahead
Casey has advanced to the VFL Grand Final and will take on the Box Hill Hawks at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Hawks defeated Williamstown by one-point in a thrilling Preliminary Final to make it to the final game of the season after finishing sixth on the ladder. Casey won its first clash with Box Hill earlier this season, but fell to the Hawks by 45 points in round 20.