By Hayley Wildes
They were challenged, they had their backs against the wall, but the Casey Demons responded and powered away from the Sandringham Zebras on the weekend to claim their 12th win on the trot.
On Saturday afternoon at Casey Fields, the Demons produced perhaps their worst first quarter of football for the season; held goalless and in a 22-point hole at the first break.
The Zebras simply outworked the Demons, but despite the bad start, there were three quarters of football left for the Demons to turn things around.
And they did just that.
Will Stephenson put through the Demons’ first major of the day three minutes into the second quarter and when Dean Kent kicked truly at the nine-minute mark, the deficit was just seven points.
The Zebras responded with a goal of their own, but majors to Tim Smith and Sam Weideman had Casey trailing by just three points at half time.
Declan Keilty, Josh Wagner and Tom Bugg were massive in helping the Demons wrestle their way back into the contest.
Seemingly possessing all of the momentum, the Casey boys quickly found themselves on the back foot once again as Sandringham came out of half-time with a real thirst for the contest.
The Zebras booted two goals in the first three minutes of the quarter and had Casey searching for answers. The answer came in the form of a Mitch King major.
Goals to Cory Machaya and Kent in time-on were worth their weight in gold and at the final break, scores were level with the game there to be won.
The Demons’ fourth quarter performance was one that summed up their incredible season to date; gritty, determined and a playing with real desire to win each and every contest.
With captain Jack Hutchins leading the way, Casey held Sandringham scoreless and majors to Weideman, Kent and James Freeman saw the Demons record a gutsy 21-point win, 10.15 (75) to 8.6 (54).
Skipper Jack Hutchins was sublime all day in a best on ground performance, while Tom Bugg (28 disposals), Josh Wagner (25 disposals) and Jay Lockhart played pivotal roles.
Dean Kent (three goals) and Sam Weideman (two goals) ensured the scoreboard kept ticking over at vital stages throughout the game.
Meanwhile, St Kilda AFL-listed players Hugh Goddard and veteran defender Sam Gilbert were best for the Zebras.
The win not only sees Casey (14-2) boast an incredible dozen wins in a row, they also claimed top spot on the ladder with two rounds to play.
The Demons will look to record their 13th win on the trot when they face the Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday afternoon. With the Hawks sitting fifth on the ladder, a great test awaits the Demons as they build towards a big finals campaign.
