By Hayley Wildes
Casey was no match for Geelong in the Demons’ first home game of the season at Casey Fields on Saturday night.
The Cats stamped their authority in the first half and the Demons were unable to find a way through Geelong’s defence, managing just one goal in each of the first two quarters.
It was a tough night at the office for Casey, but they did put some respectability back on the scoreboard with a stronger second half effort, highlighted by a four goal to one final term.
In a sloppy first quarter, the Demons’ ball use was subpar and whilst the Cats didn’t put a heap of scoreboard pressure on, the signs were certainly ominous.
A 14-point deficit at quarter time flattered Casey, but it wasn’t long until Geelong took total control of the game.
The damage was done in a five-minute second quarter burst that saw Geelong pile on three quick goals to stretch their lead out to 32 points. Jamaine Jones booted two of those goals, as he and Stewart Crameri (two goals) were proving dangerous.
A Thomas Bugg goal reduced the margin, but a further two goals had Geelong leading 8.5 (53) to 2.3 (15) at the main break.
The likes of Tim Smith and Billy Stretch were finding the ball for Casey, but Geelong’s Ben Reid and Timm House were simply dominant.
An even third term saw Geelong take a 40-point lead into the final term.
After Goy Lok kicked his second major of the fourth quarter and Casey’s third in a row, the deficit was just 24 points, with Casey possessing all of the momentum.
It was too little, too late though as time was against the Demons.
Geelong went onto record a 22-point win, 12.12 (84) to 9.8 (62).
In what was a disappointing game for Casey, there just weren’t enough contributors across the board as Geelong’s midfielders ran riot with Zac Smith dominating in the ruck and giving the Cats first use of the ball.
For Casey, Tim Smith (31 disposals) was valiant all day and a standout best on ground for the Demons. Goy Lok and Angus Scott (two goals each) were dangerous up forward, but a lack of opportunity and ball poor ball disposal up the ground made life difficult for Casey’s forwards.
The loss was Casey’s second in a row and the Demons now own a 2-2 record, sitting sixth on the ladder as they head into a bye week.
