State league affiliate: Casey Demons (VFL)
This weekend: Casey Demons v Box Hill Hawks - Saturday, April 1, 1.30pm, Casey Fields

FRINGE Melbourne midfielder Tomas Bugg showed he was too good for the reserves in Casey's three-point win against Box Hill at Casey Fields on Saturday, Demons coach Justin Plapp said.

Bugg ran through the VFL midfield after being the emergency for the senior team in round one of the AFL season.

He played 18 games last year in his first season at Melbourne.

Plapp told AFL.com.au Bugg could not have done much more to earn a spot in Simon Goodwin's side.

"We were delighted with his output today. He missed out a week ago and ended up being the carryover. He played at a really high level. He played like an AFL player at VFL level," Plapp said.

Josh Wagner (broken fibula) and Sam Frost (toe) both played a half in their return from injury.

Ruckman Jake Spencer impressed Plapp, as did speedy forward Dean Kent.

Ben Kennedy, an emergency for the senior team, didn't play for Casey.

The Demons kicked a late goal to win the practice match, 10.15 (75) to 10.12 (72).