Despite an impressive start from Geelong, Casey took the honours in their round one clash, defeating the Cats by 27 points at Casey Fields Saturday night.
Geelong ran away to a 25-point lead in the opening quarter, dominating play with their aggressiveness and attacking style. A lacklustre and sluggish looking Casey seemed to have no answer for the Cats’ clean ball movement and tight man-on-man defence which allowed Geelong to score five goals to one in the quarter. Geelong’s smooth running game style caused the Scorpions to make crucial mistakes and the Cats’ big bodies in defence, led by Trent West and Andrew McLean, appeared too tough for Casey to breach. The Scorpions finally broke through with a goal late in the quarter.
Casey’s fortunes began to change in the second term. Melbourne rookie Michael Evans booted the opening goal and the Scorpions became tougher at the ball and more solid in defence, reducing the margin to three goals. However, they were let down by inaccurate kicking, able to convert only three goals from eight scoring shots while Geelong posted two goals and four behinds.
The Scorpions kept Geelong goalless in the third quarter, causing a five goal turn around which saw Casey take the lead by 12 points. The Scorpions came out much stronger after half time, tightening their defence and strangling the Cats’ running game which was so effective in the first half. Casey were able to win more of the clearances, vital to the scoring of their four goals, and their overall skill level seemed to elevate. This caused Geelong to make more errors and reduced the Cats to only one scoring shot.
Casey’s newfound efficiency strengthened in the final term with Evans once again opening the scoring. Geelong struck back with a quick goal, their first for over a quarter, catching Casey’s defence off-guard in a play reminiscent of the first half. However, it didn’t take Casey long to respond. An uncompromising tackle from debutant Kelvin Lawrence caused a Geelong error deep in the Scorpions’ forward 50, resulting in a goal and quickly quashing the Cats’ comeback. Casey were ultimately too strong in this final quarter, defeating Geelong in all facets of play. This, compounded with the Cats’ inaccuracy in front of goal, allowed the Scorpions to run away 27-point winners.
Melbourne rookie Michael Newton starred for Casey, kicking 5 goals in a commanding performance. He was supported in the midfield by James Wall, and Rian McGough and Lawrence up forward. AFL listed players Austin Wonaemirri, Jordan Gysberts and Matthew Warnock were also among the best.
Josh Cowan, Mark Corrigan and ex-Collingwood recruit Jaxson Barham shone for Geelong, each contributing with a goal. New co-captain Troy Selwood starred in his first game for the Cats and McLean was ever reliable in defence. AFL listed players West and Shannon Byrnes and former Scorpion Casey Tutungi were solid contributors.
Still to sign recruit Brendan Fevola was a notable absentee for Casey, having chosen to take the field for suburban club Narre Warren in their match against Noble Park earlier that day instead. He was, however, present at Casey Fields to cheer on his teammates.
Sam Landy and Katelyn Pinal
Final Score:
Casey Scorpions: 13.14.92
Geelong Cats: 9.11.65
Best:
Casey: A. Wonaemirri, J. Wall, M. Newton, J. Gysberts, R. McGough, M. Warnock
Geelong: T. West, J. Cowan, A. McLean, M. Corrigan, J. Barham, C. Tutungi
Goals:
Casey: M. Newton 5, M. Evans 2, D. Nicholson , J. Wall , R. McGough , A. Lindsay , K. Lawrence, M. Riseley
Geelong: M. Corrigan 2, J. Walker 2, D. Simpson, J. Cowan, T. Selwood, J. Barham, J. Sherringham
Last Modified on 05/04/2011 00:52