CASEY has held on to an eight-point win over Essendon in testing conditions at RAMS Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Casey Demons 8.6 (54) defeated Essendon 6.10 (46).
With rain coming and going throughout the game, the ball was slippery and it was difficult to score.
The Demons fast start to the match saw them open up a 30-point lead which proved to be a significant buffer in a low scoring affair.
But the Dons came back hard, gaining some ascendancy during the third term to draw within seven points by the mid-way point of the final quarter.
There were chances at both ends of the field in the late stages, but neither side could convert, as the gutsy Demons grinded out an impressive victory.
“(Essendon) definitely got some momentum going just before half-time and through the third quarter,” senior coach Jade Rawlings told Melbourne Media.
“But I thought the last quarter just showed the resilience of our group.
“We were tough when we needed to be tough.
“It was a hard game … and I thought it was a really tough win.”
Casey made good use of the temporary dry conditions early booting three quick goals before the rain began to fall.
The unpredictable weather in Craigieburn had an impact on the contest, but the tough Demons rose to the challenge and enjoyed the scrap.
After skipping away to a five-goal lead in the second term, Essendon finally made some inroads.
“I thought the first quarter set the game up for us,” Rawlings said.
“Our players were definitely ready to set the tone.
“But when you’re playing a good team they’re going to have their share of momentum as well.”
Alex Boyse got the Dons started, before James Stewart and Jackson Merrett added to the scoreboard making it three goals in a row.
As the Bombers began to get a feel for the game, Mitch King ended their run with a timely goal just before half-time.
Essendon controlled the majority of the third term but only managed two goals, allowing the Demons to remain 10 points clear at the final change.
Tim Smith was important for Casey, throwing his body around at ground level, gathering 20 disposals and kicking truly in the opening stages of the final term.
But Jordan Houlahan responded to give the Dons hope.
After 10 minutes of forward pressure, the Bombers inability to make inroads on the scoreboard cost them a chance at victory, as Casey fought out the final stages of the match.
“These wins away from home against really good opposition are really important ones,” Rawlings said.
Experienced Demon Bernie Vince received plenty of attention in his first appearance for Casey, and his 25-disposal effort was crucial in his side's win. Vince provided a steady head in defence and bobbed up when the game was on the line.
“I thought he just about did the right thing at the right time for the entire game,” Rawlings said.
“He kept his feet, drove his legs, made good decisions with the ball and he’s just got great leadership.
“He came back to play and influence the group and make others better.”
The Demons defence delivered yet again on Saturday, restricting the Bombers to just six goals.
“I thought (Declan) Keilty, (Sam) Frost and (Cameron) Pedersen were terrific,” Rawlings said.
“It was interesting, in a tough day I thought the big men on the ground at times had the biggest influence.”
Dean Kent made his long awaited return from a hamstring injury and got through the game unscathed.
After 10 weeks on the sidelines Kent wasn’t at his prolific best, but covered the ground well in his first outing.
After its seventh consecutive victory, Casey will return to Casey Fields next Saturday in a bid to extend that streak with a win over North Melbourne.
CASEY DEMONS 3.2 6.3 7.3 8.6 (54)
ESSENDON 0.2 3.3 5.5 6.10 (46)
CASEY GOALS
Stretch 2, Garlett, Hutchins, King, Scott
CASEY BEST
Keilty, C. Wagner, Stretch, Vince, Lockhart, Frost
