Casey has reaffirmed its contender status in season 2012, sending a timely reminder to the rest of the competition with an impressive 46 point away win over Geelong last Saturday as Kane Hunkin reports.
The Scorpions led from start to finish; halting an in-form Cats side coming off a solid 86 point win against Bendigo. It was a committed effort from the visitors, which moves Casey to second on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder.
While both teams entered the game entrenched in the top four, the inclusions and current personnel of the respective teams provided an intriguing sub-plot to the game itself.
Casey, boasting the addition of Jack Watts and the return of Liam Jurrah, coupled with the likes of Ricky Petterd and Jamie Bennell presented well on paper. Conversely, Geelong was again benefited by Orren Stephenson and David Wojcinski, both of whom having played the last two VFL games.
A five goal to one Casey first term set the tone for the afternoon, with a Watts goal on the quarter-time siren creating a handy 21 point lead. Shane Kersten asserted himself in the second quarter kicking three goals for the Cats; however the Scorpions maintained the scoreboard advantage.
Three goals in three minutes cut Casey's lead to just 12 points at the eight minute mark of the third term, but it was the closest the Cats were able to bridge the gap, with the Scorpions winning in comfortable fashion.
It was a bittersweet day for the winners, with highly touted father/son prospect Jack Viney suffering a broken jaw in the last quarter. The news was compounded with fellow youngster Jordan Gysberts additionally suffering an identical injury after a marking clash with Geelong's Daniel Gibbs in his first game back from an ankle injury.
After a one point win against North Ballarat in round six, a significant margin on Saturday was encouraging for Casey. Coach Brett Lovett talked previously about how the close games have strengthened the club.
“The fact that we have been able to win games by such a small margin proves that our game plan stands up and that we are able to come together as a team in a time of need," Lovett told vfl.com.au.
Bennell and Tom Couch were prominent for the victors throughout the midfield, while four goals apiece to Watts and Jack Fitzpatrick were equally telling. Jurrah got through unscathed with 16 possessions and a goal.
Contrastively, Geelong coach Matthew Knights, despite the loss, spoke with clarity and consideration in the rooms.
"We played well for periods of the game, but in other parts of the game we were the polar opposite.
"All in all, it was a really inconsistent day and a frustrating day more so from the players perspective. They were the ones out there trying to get some things going, but it didn't quite work out for us," Knights said.
Geelong's forward line depth again proved strong. With Mitch Brown (9 goals against Bendigo) in the AFL side, first year, primary listed player Shane Kersten assumed the vacant role, continuing his consistent start to the year with six goals. The young forward has kicked 11 goals from three games.
"He [Kersten] looks very assured of himself with the ball in his hand and he's using his speed to get across to contests to help out defensively as well," Knights said.
Geelong appeared to struggle defensively in the absence of Andrew McLean (still battling an A/C injury) and Tom Gillies who received a late AFL call-up. Similarly, a leg injury to Rob Condy during the game heightened matters for the home side.
Casey travel for the second consecutive week when they take on Box Hill this Saturday in the ABC TV game. The loss sees Geelong fall to fourth going into their second bye of the year.
Casey Scorpions 22.8.140 def Geelong 14.10.94
Photo: Morgan Hancock
Last Modified on 09/05/2012 16:18