AFTER a pre-season like no other, and following a forgettable opening twenty minutes to their 2011 campaign, things returned to normal for the Casey Scorpions as the 'March madness' and 'Fev Fever' were forgotten.
The team ran over Geelong in the final three quarters to finish with an impressive 27-point win on Saturday night at Casey Fields.
The undermanned Cats took the fight right up to the home team in the early going, booting the opening five goals of the game. But that was the end of the penny section for the visitors.
The Scorpions regrouped and kicked 13 of the next 17 goals in a complete reversal of the game's opening.
The undermanned Cats took the fight right up to the home team in the early going, booting the opening five goals of the game. But that was the end of the penny section for the visitors.
The Scorpions regrouped and kicked 13 of the next 17 goals in a complete reversal of the game's opening.
As often happens, Casey's rucks, Jake Spencer and Max Gawn, took over and gave their onballers first use at the stoppages, ensuring they held control of the play.
Jordan Gysberts, Michael Evans and the irrepressible Austin Wonaeamirri kept getting better as the game went on.
By half-time, Casey trailed by 18 points, but the team was playing with confidence.
After the break, it was total dominance, with the Cats barely getting a sniff.
After the break, it was total dominance, with the Cats barely getting a sniff.
The Scorps had a winning spine with Matthew Warnock and Tom McDonald in defence, and Matthew Bate moving well up forward.
With Gysberts and Wonaeamirri continuing to dominate through the midfield, Michael Newton had a field day and finished with five goals and four behinds.
He also had a hand in assisting in three or four more goals - such was his impact on his team's attack.
Acting captain James Wall continued to provide great leadership, while Kyle Matthews recovers from his hamstring injury.
Rian McGough, who has had an excellent pre-season, was also in good form, as the Scorpions finished the game full of running.
Although the visitors fielded a depleted line-up, Casey was also missing some handy performers in addition to Matthews, who coach Bradley Gotch last week described as "the heart and soul of the place."
Although the visitors fielded a depleted line-up, Casey was also missing some handy performers in addition to Matthews, who coach Bradley Gotch last week described as "the heart and soul of the place."
Rover Danny Nicholls and defender Evan Panozza are both out with stress fractures, while Ben Waite is missing through suspension.
Michael Stockdale was back for his first game after a long layoff with a serious knee injury.
Then, there is a certain noted former AFL goalkicker who is working on getting himself right to play at this level some time soon.
In the absence of the injured players, the Scorpions welcomed youngster Aiden Lindsay (Gippsland Power) and Kieran McShane from the Box Hill Hawks to the fold.
In the absence of the injured players, the Scorpions welcomed youngster Aiden Lindsay (Gippsland Power) and Kieran McShane from the Box Hill Hawks to the fold.
Senior debutants from Melbourne's list were Lucas Cook, Michael Evans, Max Gawn, Kelvin Lawrence, Tom McDonald and Daniel Nicholson.
All newcomers made solid contributions, ensuring that the new look Scorpions will be involved in some exciting football for the 2011 season.
Next week Casey travels to Port Melbourne for what promises to be a tough encounter against one of the competition's traditionally strong stand alone clubs.
Casey Scorpions 1.1 4.6 8.13 13.14 (92)
Geelong 5.2 7.6 7.8 9.11 (65)
GOALS
Casey Scorpions: Newton 5, Evans 2, Lawrence, Lindsay, McGough, Nicholson, Riseley, Wall
Geelong: Corrigan, Walker 2, Barham, Cowan, T Selwood, Sheringham, Simpson
BEST
Next week Casey travels to Port Melbourne for what promises to be a tough encounter against one of the competition's traditionally strong stand alone clubs.
Casey Scorpions 1.1 4.6 8.13 13.14 (92)
Geelong 5.2 7.6 7.8 9.11 (65)
GOALS
Casey Scorpions: Newton 5, Evans 2, Lawrence, Lindsay, McGough, Nicholson, Riseley, Wall
Geelong: Corrigan, Walker 2, Barham, Cowan, T Selwood, Sheringham, Simpson
BEST
Casey Scorpions Wonaeamirri Wall Newton Gysberts McGough Warnock
Geelong West Cowan McLean Corrigan Barham Tutungi
The Casey Scorpions started slowly and lost their reserves game against an accurate Northern Bullants by 20 points at Visy Park. Mark Weeks and David Bell were the team's best.
Casey Scorpions 0.1 3.4 8.12 12.16 (88)
Northern Bullants 7.1 11.3 14.4 17.6 (108)
GOALS
Casey Scorpions: Dowse 4, Gent 2, Allen, Carew, Cleven, Fitzpatrick, Harrison, Purdy
Northern Bullants: Church 4, Toman 3, Arrowsmith, Labi, Lincoln 2, Bray, Caspersz, Dorman, Way
BEST
Casey Scorpions: Weeks, Bell, Tynan, Salton, Harrison, Dowse
Northern Bullants: Toman, German, Arrowsmith, Overman, Lincoln, Church
Geelong West Cowan McLean Corrigan Barham Tutungi
The Casey Scorpions started slowly and lost their reserves game against an accurate Northern Bullants by 20 points at Visy Park. Mark Weeks and David Bell were the team's best.
Casey Scorpions 0.1 3.4 8.12 12.16 (88)
Northern Bullants 7.1 11.3 14.4 17.6 (108)
GOALS
Casey Scorpions: Dowse 4, Gent 2, Allen, Carew, Cleven, Fitzpatrick, Harrison, Purdy
Northern Bullants: Church 4, Toman 3, Arrowsmith, Labi, Lincoln 2, Bray, Caspersz, Dorman, Way
BEST
Casey Scorpions: Weeks, Bell, Tynan, Salton, Harrison, Dowse
Northern Bullants: Toman, German, Arrowsmith, Overman, Lincoln, Church
