By Hayley Wildes
The Casey Demons continued their impressive run of form with a resounding win over the winless Coburg Lions at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.
In less than perfect conditions, the Demons were a class above their opponents, completely dominating the contest after quarter-time.
Sam Weideman kicked the opening goal of the game and it was an ominous sign of things to come. Billy Stretch and Jay Kennedy-Harris were busy in the opening term, but the Lions were well and truly in the contest as the Demons owned a 17-point lead at the first break.
Coburg was unable to stay with Casey for much longer though.
Oskar Baker put through a major just one minute into the second term and from there, it was all Casey.
The Demons outscored the Lions five goals to one in the term, including back-to-back majors to Weideman, as the Demons took total control with their cleaner ball use.
Stretch was enjoying a day out; his two goals and 18 disposals in the first-half ripped Coburg to shreds.
A 43-point half-time lead was quickly added to when Weideman slotted his fourth major of the day just minutes into the third quarter. His work wasn’t complete though. Two more goals in the quarter gave him six majors to three-quarter time and Casey held a 61-point lead.
The wet and slippery conditions continued, but the Demons took it in their stride as the likes of Dion Johnstone and Tom Bugg got heavily involved in the contest.
Weideman’s dominance continued in the final term as he kicked his seventh major early in the quarter and when captain Jack Hutchins, who excelled in a different role up forward, kicked his third goal of the day, the Demons were 68 points in front.
Casey eventually ran out 16.12 (108) to 4.7 (31) winners to claim a sixth win on the trot in impressive fashion.
Sam Weideman (seven goals) was the star of the day in trying conditions for a tall forward. His strong hands and smarts around goal gave the Coburg defence plenty of headaches.
Sam Frost was a pillar in defence, while Billy Stretch, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Tom Bugg all collected 27 disposals each, punishing the Lions at every opportunity.
The win sees Casey (8-2) sit second, just percentage behind Richmond for top spot on the ladder.
A crucial match-up with Essendon awaits the Demons this weekend at RAMS Arena in Craigieburn. With the Bombers sitting third, one win behind the Demons, neither team can afford a slip up.
