The Casey Scorpions have thrown the race to the finals in a spin as they recorded a convincing 44-point win over fellow top four contenders Werribee at Casey Fields to launch themselves into fourth spot as Brendan Lucas reports.
Casey key forward Brendan Fevola dominated young Tigers’ defender Kyle Hartigan in a match which saw him kick six majors, bringing him to a tally of 53 for the season, and third overall in the 2011 Peter Jackson VFL leading goalkickers, two behind Port Melbourne’s Dean Galea and 13 behind Patrick Rose.
Casey rebounded well after last week’s stunning loss to the Coburg Tigers, starting strongly and kicking five of the first six goals in the first term.
Matthew Warnock, Tom McNamara (27 possessions) and recent AFL draft combine invitee Tim Mohr were outstanding in defence all day, giving Casey run from the their back half and stagnating Werribee’s forward line after livewire Robbie Castello’s withdrawal proved costly for the Tigers.
At quarter time Werribee coach Paul Satterley attempted to reassure the players that sticking to the basics would be crucial in mounting a Tigers’ resurgence.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves because we know we are a good football side. Do the basics well and be composed, we still have another 90 minutes of football to play,” he said.
Casey were the first to answer in the second term with the first two goals through Jack Fitzpatrick and Rian McGough giving Werribee the start they had dreaded.
A goal to Hamish McIntosh at the 13-minute mark gave the Tigers’ hope kicking their first since five minutes into the first term.
Half time could not come soon enough for the Tigers who were chasing a flattering 33-point margin after being dominated in all areas around the ground.
The third quarter provided much of the same disappointment for the Tigers, as a holding the man decision early in the term given to Fevola against Hartigan saw him kick his third for the day.
Despite Hartigan being dominated, Werribee coach Paul Satterley defended the idea of shifting him throughout the game, in an attempt to give him a life lesson and persist with the youngster.
“Not for a second. As strange as it sounds, I was actually really pleased with Kyle Hartigan,” said Satterley.
“Kyle Hartigan is better for the experience, I believe you should always show faith in your youngsters, and I was just pleased that he stuck to the [Fevola] task even right to the very end.”
Casey’s lead at the final change stood at 37-points with Werribee rallying to stay in touch with the hard running Scorpions.
Two goals to Fevola at the beginning of the final term all but sealed the game as the Scorpions stormed home to win.
“Our turn around [since last week] is just our belief within the group and our confidence that we have gained,” said Casey coach Brad Gotch after the game.
“When you have got your players on song and taking responsibilities for what the strategies are it really gives you a good chance.”
With a top four spot up for grabs, Gotch said the players took responsibility in treating the game like a final.
“We treated it like our first final, when you are coming up against the top teams there are no excuses, you are on your home ground and it is a beautiful day for football what more can you ask for,” he said.
“We knew we had the advantage on the counter-attack and I thought our spread and ball movement was brilliant because Werribee were really hard up forward and sometimes not as good back which we tried to exploit.”
“I know [the players] are capable. That is a fourth placed team and we played like that. We know what we can do, our destiny is in our own hands next week.”
The Casey Scorpions will meet the sixth placed Northern Bullants at home in their final game of the season in a battle for fourth spot, whilst Werribee will also attempt to land a top four berth with their final game away against third placed North Ballarat.
Photo: Morgan Hancock
Last Modified on 23/08/2011 09:21