CASEY has registered a commanding 46-point victory over North Ballarat in slippery conditions at Casey Fields on Saturday night.
A brilliant five-goal performance by Tomas Bugg handed Casey the four-points for the first time this season.
Coming off a 23-point loss to Williamstown in round one, the Demons were out for redemption against the Roosters this week, and they bounced right back to claim a hard-fought win: 19.13 (127) to 12.9 (81).
A pre-game downpour made conditions difficult, but the rain stayed away as Casey’s midfielders prevailed in a scrap under lights.
After conceding 54 scoring shots to Richmond last week, North Ballarat responded with strong intent, matching the Demons work rate early.
It was a high-pressure contest from the outset, with a congested opening quarter leaving the game in the balance. But Casey adapted to the conditions and played the percentages well throughout the match.
Overuse of the ball by hand saw both sides come undone on numerous occasions.
But an inspired Bugg broke the game open for the Demons in the second quarter. With impressive leg speed through the centre of the ground, Casey created multiple forward entries and capitalised in front of goal.
It resulted in a six-goal quarter, as the Demons held a 28-point buffer at half-time.
And by early in the third term, Casey extended its lead to 43-points.
But three third quarter goals from Rooster Jacob Cooke-Harrison drew the margin back to five goals at the final change.
The fierce on-field battle led to multiple spot fires throughout the night, with scuffles threatening to break out. But the Demons stuck to their guns and piled on 10 goals in the second half, as they sealed the win.
Unfortunately, Angus Brayshaw left the field in the hands of trainers late in the second term and failed to reappear after half-time.
“He copped a head knock,” senior coach Justin Plapp told melbournefc.com.au.
“It’s unfortunate for him because he has had a few hits over the last few years … but hopefully he’s OK.”
After a 35-disposal effort, Bugg finished the match as the stand out player.
He created run through the middle and applied consistent pressure to opposition onballers.
Bugg was composed, found time to make good decisions and used the ball well into attack. He was clean at ground level, despite the wet ball and his 11 tackles were pivotal in the win.
“It was nearly a complete game at VFL level,” Plapp said.
“He’s been dropped and comes out and responds that way; it’s a credit to him.”
Dean Kent also returned to the VFL and provided spark with his speed around the ground, gathering 15 touches and contributing a goal.
Onballers Ben Kennedy and Corey Maynard impressed with 23 and 24 disposals respectively. The scrappy contest suited their contested style of play, as the pair used their strength at stoppages to force the ball forward.
Although conditions tested tall forward Cameron Pedersen, he made the most of his opportunities throughout the night.
“I’m really happy with his game,” Plapp said.
Pedersen kicked two majors from his 15 disposals and “competed well in all areas of the ground”, Plapp added.
The versatile tall brought teammates into the game, around goal, and played a valuable role in the win.
Bayley Fritsch was the best of Casey’s listed players.
The 20-year-old provided a target up forward and slotted four goals.
After his omission from the Melbourne line-up, Mitch Hannan didn’t take the field as he was held over as the emergency for Monday night’s ANZAC Day Eve match against Richmond.
Oscar McDonald started the game well in defence, but was managed in case of an unlikely late call-up to the senior side.
In a suitable night for defenders, Mitch White made the most of the greasy ball, bringing it to ground and clearing the area with 28 disposals off half-back.
Following a five-day break, Plapp was pleased with the effort Casey brought, and the pressure applied considering the recent workload.
“The way the boys responded after playing on Monday … and with North Ballarat throwing a fair bit at us, I’m proud of them,” he said.
The Demons will look to make it back-to-back victories when they head down to Geelong next Saturday afternoon for their clash with the Cats.
CASEY DEMONS 3.1 9.5 14.8 19.13 (127)
NORTH BALLARAT 2.5 4.7 9.8 12.9 (81)
CASEY GOALS
Bugg 5, Fritsch 4, Pedersen, Keilty 2, Briggs, Ferreira, Kent, Lok, Maynard, Scott
CASEY BEST
Bugg, Pedersen, Kennedy, Fritsch, Maynard
