IN A LACKLUSTRE affair, the Casey Scorpions lost to the Sandringham Zebras by 58 points at Casey fields on Sunday.
The windy conditions saw the Scorpions remain scoreless in the first quarter as they were second to the ball, which resulted in several free kicks against them. Colin Garland worked tirelessly in defence along side ex-Melbourne player Troy Davis.
St Kilda-listed player Sam Dunell was influential for Sandringham, scoring two goals, one on the final siren for the first quarter.
Casey coach Rohan Welsh gave an uninhibited address to the players at quarter-time beckoning his players to “run, carry and defend”.
However, the second quarter proved no more inspirational than the first, with Garland being sidelined for the remainder of the game with a corked knee, as the Scorpions scored just 1.5 with Jake Best the solitary goalkicker in the first half.
Generally being outclassing by Sandringham, the third quarter was entirely played on the Zebras’ terms with Casey unable to string together any damaging pieces of play, predominantly due to skill errors.
It was a case of too little too late when what appeared to be an invigorated Casey side took to the field in the fourth term. The crowd enjoyed some classic Sam Blease speed, which resulted in a goal, and Luke Tapscott putting his body on the line.
Finishing with 27 touches, Jordie McKenzie was the major ball winner for Casey, also laying nine tackles for the day. Daniel Nicholson’s work rate and speed were pleasing, resulting in 22 disposals.
Development Coach Brad Miller said the Melbourne listed players had some areas they will be working on this week.
“It was a disappointing result,” he said.
“We just couldn’t use it by foot and turned the ball over a lot. We were playing as 23 individuals instead of a team. We’ve got to work on our ball use and our decision-making under pressure; we have to find a way to get guys out in to space.
“At the moment we are rushing our disposals, which are causing a lot of turnovers. We need to go back to basics with our skills and also with choosing the right option.”
Although unimpressed with the final result, Miller found positives in individual player performances.
“Jordie McKenzie went back with the focus of winning the ball, as well as stopping his man. He had 27 touches, so he played really well. I also thought Max Gawn competed really well in the ruck and around the ground he gave us a contest and had a bit of the ball himself.”
Final score: Sandringham 14.13.97 defeated Casey 5.9.39
Casey goals: Best 2, Davis, Ferraro, Blease
Casey disposals: McKenzie 27, Nicholson 22, Clisby, Riley 19, Gawn 18, Evans 17
