CASEY'S dominant first-half against the Northern Blues set up a comfortable 37-point win at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.
Casey Demons 16.6 (102) defeated Northern Blues 8.17 (65).
With two big-name inclusions from the Melbourne side, Casey’s dangerous line-up was able to continue its winning ways, with a fourth consecutive victory, and a seventh win at home from as many starts this season.
But on the back of his omission from the AFL team, Christian Salem’s day didn’t go to plan, ending up in the umpire’s book for a bump on Liam Sumner. Fortunately, Sumner walked off the field with trainers after a short delay.
The incident in the second-term didn’t alter Salem’s performance, as he used his elite foot skills to hurt the opposition. The poised 22-year-old had time with ball in hand and was an excellent addition to the side with 29 disposals through the middle.
“He certainly showed what his assets are,” senior coach Justin Plapp told melbournefc.com.au.
“I thought he competed really strongly.
“He really invested himself and made some really composed, smart decisions.”
For the majority of the contest, all eyes were fixed on former number one draft pick Jack Watts, as the 152-AFL-gamer pulled on the Casey guernsey for the first time in 2017. Watts had 20 disposals and was creative inside 50, setting up his teammates and contributing well for the Demons.
In Jake Spencer’s absence, Watts also chopped out in the ruck and got his hands on the ball around the ground.
“I think the things around what we wanted to see from them (Salem and Watts) was certainly a significant improvement to what they had been delivering at AFL level,” Plapp said.
“I don’t think we could have asked for too much more from them.
“They’re both quality players and they embraced what the VFL program is about, so full credit to both of those boys.”
Casey’s midfield denied the Blues the ball early, and on the rare occasion of a forward entry, versatile defender Declan Keilty was there to mop-up.
The much improved swingman took eight intercept marks, restricting his opposition to just one major in the first two-quarters of the match.
“He was extraordinary,” Plapp said.
“He’s improving and finding his way and today was a big step forward.
“I thought the aerial part of his game was a really big highlight.”
Jack Trengove was also crucial down back, providing drive out of defence with 31 disposals.
When Casey’s Ed Morris converted after the half-time siren and extended the lead to a game-high 46 points, the match was as good as won.
While the second-half petered out and the Northern Blues began to attack, the damage had been done by Casey’s experienced on-ballers, controlling possession from the outset.
Ben Kennedy was simply a bull around the stoppages with 31 touches and three goals to his name.
Billy Stretch was also dynamic with 31 disposals to show his class on the outside, while Jay Kennedy Harris continues to win the contested ball.
“In the first-half we defended together, our method around the ball was really strong … and collectively we were outstanding,” Plapp said.
“It’s nice having some pretty talented players around the ball … but I think it was a collective effort.”
Bayley Fritsch was yet again the most dangerous forward on the ground booting four goals.
Demons Sam Frost and Corey Maynard were both named emergency for Sunday’s must-win clash with St Kilda, therefore didn’t take the field for Casey.
With top-four aspirations still alive, Casey will have to record victories in its final two home matches of the season. The second-placed Williamstown await next Saturday afternoon, as the Demons look to continue their impressive undefeated home streak.
“We’re going to be presented with the opportunity and I don’t think we’re going to die wondering,” Plapp said.
“It’s the carrot, but we’ve got to do a lot of things right.
“We can’t be having performances the way we did in the second half.
“I thought we dropped the ball a bit and we drifted out of the game.
“Against better teams you’d like to think we’d be a bit more resilient and probably a little bit more in tune to finish the game off.”
CASEY DEMONS 5.1 9.3 11.4 16.6 (102)
NORTHERN BLUES 0.2 1.5 4.9 8.17 (65)
CASEY GOALS
Fritsch 4, Zijai, Kennedy 3, Ferreira, Kennedy-Harris, Watts, Salem, Morris, Hulett
CASEY BEST
Kennedy, Salem, Stretch, Fritsch, Keilty, Trengove, Kennedy-Harris
