Summary:
Casey came up against the reigning premiers, Port Melbourne, on Saturday afternoon at Fortburn Stadium and were challenged from the first bounce. In a somewhat dominant display, The Borough had the first 11 scoring shots of the match doing all the attacking early. But converting on just two occasions, Port left the game up for grabs, and two late goals for the Demons cut the margin to an underwhelming eight points at quarter-time.

The momentum shifts throughout the game played a major factor as Casey went on a run kicking seven of eight goals and opened up a 12-point lead at the main break. The Borough regained the ascendancy for much of the third term, but with just one-point separating the two sides at the start of the last quarter, Casey took the opportunity to run away with the victory.

Within the first two minutes of the final term, Harley Balic kicked a sensational goal from the boundary to give Casey the lead, and the momentum. From that point on, the Demons pressure rose, winning the ball in the centre and cruising to a 15-point win.

Unfortunately, stand-in captain Mitch White went down with a shoulder injury after a gutsy play in the second half. It looks like White damaged his AC joint and may face an extended stint on the sidelines.

Telling stat:
It is a pretty obvious statistic which decided this match – 23 behinds to Port Melbourne. With 10 more scoring shots and 15 more behinds, The Borough essentially shot themselves in the foot, wasting opportunities in front of goal to keep Casey in the game. Port had kicked two goals and nine behinds in the first term prior to the Demons hitting the scoreboard, but poor conversion in front of the sticks gave Casey an opportunity to pinch a victory, which it did.

Disposals:
Stretch 29, C. Wagner 28, Tyson 27, Kennedy-Harris 24, Keilty 21, Bugg, Lewis 19, Balic 18.

Goals:
Balic 3, Bugg, Kennedy-Harris, Tyson 2, Garlett, Keilty, Munro, Quigley, Smith, C. Wagner.

3 Votes: Billy Stretch
When coach Jade Rawlings challenged his midfield group to stand up in the final term, Billy Stretch led the way with eight disposals to help Casey get on top around the stoppages. Stretch had 29 disposals for the afternoon and laid 13 tackles in another strong performance, as the onballer continues to deliver for the Demons. The 21-year-old has been the number one midfielder for Casey all season, but had more support from his teammates on Saturday to help him set up the win.

2 Votes: Declan Keilty
Declan Keilty began his career as a forward, but has developed into a key position defender in more recent times. On Saturday Keilty started the game well in defence, but when White went down with injury, the Demons needed a new target inside 50. Keilty was swung forward in the final term and had a significant impact, changing the course of the match. The Melbourne listed rookie kicked an important goal in the early stages of the term and had a season-high 21 disposals along with 10 marks.

1 Vote: Mitch Lewis
In the absence of Jayden Hunt, 19-year-old Mitch Lewis was given the challenge of playing at half-back against The Borough. The formerly small forward had 19 disposals including seven in the final term to help Casey rebound from defence. He looked at home in his new role, throwing his body on the line to win the contested footy, but also showing poise with ball in hand.

Apologies to:
Last years draftee Harrison Petty continues to impress with his defensive work. Nothing seems to phase the youngster, as he provides some steadiness down back and he worked well with Sam Frost yet again on the weekend.

Corey Wagner is enjoying extended midfield minutes in recent weeks and had 28 disposals on Saturday, while Dom Tyson played a well rounded match with 27 touches, 15 tackles and two goals.

Small forwards Balic, Tom Bugg and Jay Kennedy-Harris all hit the scoreboard, making the most of their opportunities inside 50 unlike Port Melbourne. Balic’s 10 disposals and two goals in the last quarter was a big factor in Casey’s come-from-behind win.

Good to see:
Playing at North Port Oval is no easy feat. The ground is an unusual size, with windy conditions often providing a challenge. In 2017, Casey lost its two opportunities to play on the ground which often hosts finals, but a win on the weekend will give the Demons confidence at the venue, should they be required to play there again at the pointy end of the season.

Coaches say:
“We didn’t play our best over four quarters … but it was great to come away with a win in a hostile environment. There is a good vibe because the guys really had to earn it today and it feels good when you have to really work hard for a victory the way we did.” – Jade Rawlings

Looking ahead:
Another crucial clash lays ahead for Casey, coming up against Williamstown at Burbank Oval on Sunday at 2pm. The Demons are sitting in third position on the ladder with five wins from their seven games, and will look to increase the gap between the rest of the competition with a victory over the sixth-placed Seagulls. Casey’s women’s team will take the field in a curtain raiser from 11:30am.