CASEY remains undefeated at Casey Fields this season, with a seven-goal last term handing them a 43-point victory over Coburg on Sunday afternoon.
Despite dominating possession for the majority of the match, Casey’s sloppy ball use was the story of the ugly affair.
Casey Demons 12.14 (86) defeated Coburg 6.7 (43).
A late third-term goal to Dion Johnstone gave the Demons a narrow six-point lead in a low scoring contest, sparking Casey to run away with the win.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t nervous at three-quarter time,” senior coach Justin Plapp told melbournefc.com.au.
“I really challenged the players about the effort and the fundamentals of the game.
“I think our talent shone through in the end.”
The Demons set the tone early, doing all the attacking with the opening four scoring shots of the match. But wasteful forward entries kept Coburg alive, with Hisham Kerbatieh sneaking the first goal of the game at the 25-minute mark.
The in-form Bayley Fritsch was dangerous up forward yet again, but his inability to convert his work in front of the sticks was costly with three behinds in the first 20 minutes of play.
Coburg were the first to jump after quarter-time, with two quick goals to hand the Demons a 14-point deficit.
But after an untidy start for Casey, Cameron Pedersen finally kicked truly to get the scoreboard ticking, before Mitch King goaled on the half-time siren to take a five-point lead into the main break.
“We weren’t playing our best footy for three quarters … but I knew exactly what we were going to get [from Coburg],” Plapp said.
“They certainly play with a lot of spirit and a lot of intensity.
“We allowed easy goals through poor decision making and poor execution, but to their (the players) credit, they dug in and got it done in the end.”
The game failed to reach any lofty standards until the Demons got their run going late in the contest.
Key-forward Sam Weideman was prominent inside 50, leading well and flying through the air to clunk nine marks. He had clean hands around the ground with 20 disposals and despite some wayward kicking, he finished with three goals in a great performance.
“I thought he was significant,” Plapp said.
“Sam (Weideman) is a professional and he’s a young kid who is really working on his craft.
“What you’ve seen out there today is what he is capable of doing.
“He gets a lot of attention too, he gets the best defender and he’s a second year player.”
With Jesse Hogan going down with injury against North Melbourne, Plapp said Weideman could be in line for selection.
“I felt he took the opportunity really well so he’s put a case up.”
In the ruck, Jake Spencer played his best game since returning from a shoulder injury seven weeks earlier. Spencer was up against Coburg skipper Tom Goodwin, having the better of the contest with 40 hit-outs and a strong aerial presence.
“With significant injuries, it takes a lot of time to get confidence in the aerial stuff, but he’s had a massive influence on the game,” Plapp said.
“I thought he played his role really well … and he looked better than he had been, but I think that’s just a bit of confidence in his body.”
Josh Wagner added some class off half-back with 22 touches, while Demon rookie Declan Keilty was also important in defence.
Ben Kennedy was dealt some close attention from Ryan Exon, restricting his usual impact, but providing opportunity for his teammates to stand up.
After being elevated to the senior list during the week, Corey Maynard was prolific through the middle with 28 disposals, while 19-year-old Johnstone showed some great signs with two goals.
Angus Brayshaw took another big step toward an AFL return on the back of his concussion issues, with 23 disposals.
“He looked more like the Gus (Brayshaw) I know … and he shouldn’t be far from being at his best,” Plapp said.
Casey will travel to take on Sandringham next Saturday afternoon in its fourth-last game for the home and away season.
With top eight spots still up for grabs, Plapp acknowledges every game is now a must-win for the Demons.
“It’s critical now,” he said.
“It can mean top four, it can mean top eight, or missing out on finals all together.
“It’s certainly about winning games of footy and bringing our best performance each week.
“We’ve got to treat them like gold, so I’m glad to get through that one.”
CASEY DEMONS 0.4 3.8 5.11 12.14 (86)
COBURG 1.1 3.3 5.5 6.7 (43)
CASEY GOALS
Weideman 3, Johnstone, Ferreira 2, Pedersen, King, Munro, Maynard, Fritsch
CASEY BEST
Weideman, Maynard, Spencer, Wagner, Johnstone
