The Scorpions have sent their tribute to Jim Stynes after overcoming a resilient Williamstown side in their season opener, to record a nail biting two-point win as Brendan Lucas reports.
The game began with a moment of reflection as both sides paid respect to the sad loss of a football legend.
With many missing from Williamstown’s previous grand final side, new Casey coach Brett Lovett was keen to capitalise.
It was a tight contest with high intensity from both sides, but it was the Scorpions’ ability to capitalise on the Seagulls costly last-minute turnovers that proved the difference.
Melbourne Forward Jack Watts (26 possessions) led the way in the disposal count for the Scorpions, with a goal and several assists to his name.
Young midfielders Tom Couch (25 possessions) and Jordan Gysberts (21 possessions) also proved damaging.
After Casey held a three-point lead at quarter time, an injury sustained to captain Kyle Matthews delivered an unfortunate blow.
Two in a row to Matthew Panos at the 10-minute mark of the second term broke the deadlock and gave Williamstown the lead.
Watts came to life midway through the second term, after three assists gave the Scorpions three unanswered goals to extend their lead to 13-points at half time.
Poor marking and discipline unraveled the Scorpions’ work late in the third as Jack Redpath, Tom Campbell and Justin Sherman’s goal on the siren gave Williamstown an 8-point lead.
Jack Watts gave Casey the lead again midway through the last term, and a look-away handball almost gave them two in succession.
James Strauss looked groggy after a crunching contest and it left the Scorpions down to two on the bench, whilst Williamstown lost small forward Andrew Hooper who suffered a wrist injury late in the game.
A goal to Nathan Djerrkura late in the term gave Williamstown hope in the frantic final minutes, but it was Casey who held on to claim a thrilling two-point win.
New Scorpions coach Brett Lovett said post-match that he was pleased with the grinding win, particularly after the sad passing of Jim Stynes.
“Well it was in the back of my mind and I am sure it was in the back of the players minds as well. We certainly spoke about belief, honesty, positivity and in the end all those things shone through,” he said.
“To fight it out was really just a good result for us. The guys were out on their feet, we couldn’t get any rotations happening but they were able to grind it out.”
In other results Saturday, Werribee Tigers blistering 11 goal to two third term set up their 35 point win against North Ballarat, and Coburg Tigers also set up their win against the Northern Blues in the third term, holding the Blues to just one goal to win by 13 points.
Last Modified on 25/03/2012 07:47