Scorpions’ turn to crow

By Paul Pickering
CASEY Scorpions pulled off a stirring last-quarter comeback to upset reigning premier North Ballarat by 10 points at Eureka Stadium on Saturday.
The Scorpions, who have already revealed a penchant for the dramatic this season, came from 16 points down at the last break to hand the Roosters their first loss since July last year.
In doing so, the visitors also became just the third team to beat North Ballarat at its home fortress since the start of the 2008 season.
Determined to atone for a fourth quarter fade-out against Collingwood the previous weekend, the Scorpions kicked five of the last six goals in a gutsy and, importantly, composed finish.
Coach Brad Gotch chose not to use the Magpies debacle as motivation during his three-quarter-time address on Saturday, but later said the strong finish was an important confidence boost for his charges.
Casey’s execution wasn’t always top notch, particularly during a scrappy start that saw them trail by 22 points at quarter-time, but there was plenty of character in the performance.
Two late goals saw the Scorpions draw within nine points at half-time and, with conditions worsening, Gotch implored his side to go back to basics.
“The rain came just before half-time and that was always going to make it into a bit of a slog, so we were able to reset ourselves strategically,” he said.
“We said, ‘if we can nearly create a nil-all draw in the third quarter and be within striking distance at three-quarter time, we might be in with a chance to come home with the wind.”
The Roosters managed just 2.1 to Casey’s solitary goal in the third term, but took a 22-point lead with a goal against the wind early in the last.
“That tested the belief,” Gotch said.
“But then (Addam) Maric snapped a goal to get us back to 16 points, and I reckon they just got a bit of belief and really had a crack.”
The Scorpions didn’t look back, growing in confidence as goals to Rian McGough, Michael Newton and Jack Watts put the finishing touches on a memorable away victory.
McGough’s run was an important factor in the last term, but it was the stoppage work of Nicholls that sparked the Scorpions rally.
“I thought Nicholls was outstanding,” Gotch said.
“He probably had three or four clearances (in the last quarter) and all of those went inside 50. That’s pretty devastating.”
The return from injury of Melbourne defender Jared Rivers was equally important.
Rivers, who was a perfect fit for the key post vacated by injured defender Tim Mohr, shut down dangerous Roosters big man Josh Smith, whose only goal came from a free-kick in the third quarter.
Newton, Watts and Brad Miller combined for seven goals at the other end and Maric looked dangerous at their feet.
Skipper James Wall and fellow workhorse James Taylor were strong contributors through the middle.
The Roosters were led by North Melbourne-listed players Leigh Harding and Daniel Pratt, as well as reigning J. J. Liston Trophy winner Myles Sewell.
Casey, sitting sixth on the ladder at 2-1 for the season, will now fly north to play the Gold Coast at Labrador on Saturday afternoon.
The Coasters claimed their first VFL points when they drew with Werribee on the weekend.