CASEY has suffered its second loss in as many games in the VFLW competition, falling to the Southern Saints by eight points at SkyBus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Casey Demons 4.7 (31) defeated by Southern Saints 6.3 (39).
After controlling the majority of the contest and leading by two goals at the final change, Casey were over run in the last quarter, conceding four goals to lose in devastating fashion.
The Demons were unable to capitalise on their repeated forward entries in the third term, registering just the single goal courtesy of Kaila Bentvelzen.
Due to its inability to put the game to bed, Casey were left in a vulnerable positon in the last term and the Southern Saints took full advantage.
The home team lifted its intensity, with ferocious pressure and fast ball movement turning the game on its head.
Kate Macqueen was the hero for the Saints, slotting two goals in the opening six minutes of the final quarter to wipe away Casey’s lead, before Tiara Annear kicked truly to give her side a seven-point buffer.
With the game on the line, Southern Saints’ Alison Brown trickled through an incredible goal from long range to ultimately seal the victory.
Eden Zanker was a focal point for Casey inside 50, presenting well and booting a late goal, but the damage had been done as the Saints claimed their second win for 2018.
Missed opportunities proved costly for the Demons throughout the match, as they did all the attacking in the opening quarter.
The poor conversion in front of the sticks was highlighted by Bentvelzen when she found herself disorientated and kicked an open behind from the goal line.
Star midfielder Katherine Smith was the first to kick truly for the red and blue in another strong performance.
Fellow Melbourne listed player Kate Hore nailed her set shot to complete a dominant quarter of footy from Casey and take a 17-point lead into quarter-time.
Casey were in a commanding position after the first 20 minutes of play, denying the Southern Saints of any opportunity to score.
It took five minutes into the second term for the Saints to finally get the scoreboard ticking, with Danielle Lawrence keeping her team alive.
In a crucial moment just before half-time, Megan Supple was the recipient of a 50 metre penalty and cut the margin back to four points at the main break.
The Demons were held scoreless for the entire second quarter with momentum beginning to shift, but the damage was done in the last 20 minutes of the game, ending Casey’s hopes of a maiden victory.
Casey will take on Darebin in round four from Bill Lawry Oval at 12pm next Saturday, looking to register its first win of the season. The Falcons will be fresh off the by after winning one of their first two matches.
CASEY DEMONS 2.5 2.5 3.7 4.7 (31)
SOUTHERN SAINTS 0.0 2.1 2.1 6.3 (39)
CASEY GOALS
Bentvelzen, Hore, Smith, Zanker
VFLW: Casey stumble in final quarter
Casey conceded four last quarter goals to fall to the Saints