CASEY’S five-game winning streak has come to an end after a tough 65-point loss to Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Port Melbourne 16.9 (105) defeated Casey Demons 5.10 (40).
After a 43-point victory over The Borough just six weeks earlier, the Demons failed to back-up their efforts, albeit without the services of Billy Stretch, Jake Melksham, Alex Neal-Bullen and Mitch White who all contributed on that night.
“[I’ve] got to give credit where credit’s due, they (Port Melbourne) responded in a way I thought they would,” senior coach Justin Plapp told melbournefc.com.au.
“They set the game up with some pretty fierce pressure and capitalised on that with some really good finishing too.
“I certainly think we had the talent and the team to be better than what we were, so that’s the disappointing thing about it.
“We were just beaten in too many of the key areas.”
The game was highly contested early, but Port Melbourne gained control of possession and eventually broke the match open. The Borough took 31 more marks than the Demons, showing an ability to maintain the ball and give its forward line plenty of chances.
Inside 50 for The Borough, Dylan Conway was a constant target and threatened the goals all afternoon. He did the most damage booting four goals, while former Tiger and Roo Robin Nahas chipped in with three majors.
Despite losing half-back flanker Shannen Lange to a head-knock early in the first term, Port Melbourne out ran the Demons with sheer pace and fast ball movement in the second half.
An echoing fire alarm ringing around the stadium in the third quarter wasn’t enough to save the Demons, as the false alarm eventually concluded to the cheers of the crowd, with no delay required.
The Demons lacked consistent contributors, and were comprehensively beaten by the third-placed Port Melbourne.
“We were off, there’s no doubt about that,” Plapp said.
“Our last five weeks have been really solid, but today wasn’t us and we identify that. We’ve got to move on pretty quickly and reset and get them back playing again.”
Port Melbourne laid 90 tackles in a fierce effort, putting the Demons under constant duress.
Coming off a best on ground performance last week, Sam Weideman was manned by ex-Demon Lucas Cook. Cook was selected with pick 12 in the 2010 National Draft, but never pulled on the red and blue guernsey.
There were minimal opportunities for Weideman, making it difficult for the Demon forwards to kick a winning score.
Fellow former Melbourne player Josh Tynan – who played two games in 2012 – had the task of running with in-form Jay Kennedy Harris for most of the afternoon. In a strong effort, Kennedy-Harris was still able to find the ball on 27 occasions and kick a goal, but Tynan’s constant pressure restricted his influence.
After sustaining a dislocated shoulder in the opening quarter of his AFL debut, against St Kilda in round one this season, Joel Smith made his long-awaited comeback. The 191cm defender had 21 disposals upon return and showed some good signs when jumping for the ball.
“He’s had a significant injury so I thought he bounced into the game pretty well … played with energy, played with a bit of spirit,” Plapp said.
“I was pleased with his comeback.”
Ben Kennedy was busy in the middle for the Demons with 29 touches and an impressive 13 tackles.
Meanwhile, Corey Maynard also demonstrated a willingness to win the hard ball with 32 disposals.
First-gamer Ben Giobbi showed some positive signs with good composure and a goal to be one of the better performers on a disappointing afternoon.
On the first Frank Johnson Tribute Day – an important event for the Port Melbourne Football Club – debutant ruckman Chris Carey was awarded with the best on ground medal for his efforts against Jake Spencer.
Casey will be looking to get back on the winners’ list against the Tigers at Holm Park Recreation Reserve next Saturday and carry some momentum into its round 13 bye.
“It doesn’t get any easier for us,” Plapp said.
“Six of our next games are all [against] teams above us … but I think our players will respond.”
PORT MELBOURNE 4.0 9.4 14.5 16.9 (105)
CASEY DEMONS 1.2 2.4 4.7 5.10 (40)
CASEY GOALS
Giobbi, Kent, Fritsch, Kennedy-Harris, Morris
CASEY BEST
Kennedy, Maynard, Kennedy-Harris, Giobbi
