By JARROD POTTER
THERE’S only one way forward for Casey Scorpions after a horror 2014 – and that’s up.
Without much to salvage following a five-win year – which left the Scorpions second last only to the now-defunct Bendigo Gold – the club opted for renewal rather than maintaining the status quo.
Bringing in former St Kilda/Richmond player Justin Plapp to helm the Scorpions, the signs are all pointing upwards for Casey as it puts its darkest days behind it.
As the Demons strengthen this year so will the Scorpions as a number of Melbourne’s new recruits will get their chance to impress via the VFL ranks before pushing on to the AFL.
Bernie Vince, Angus Brayshaw, Viv Michie and Dean Kent have all been pushing their case for Demons’ selection and a couple of local rookie-listed players are also in the mix for promotion to the main squad.
James Harmes, the Devon Meadows-dasher, flew through his first full pre-season with the Demons. While he didn’t feature in any of Melbourne’s NAB Challenge matches, Harmes has beefed up in the gym and looks AFL-ready as he dukes it out through the Scorpions’ midfield.
It will be a home-town affair for another Scorpion as former Dandenong Stingray Mitch White runs out on to Casey Fields for Round 1.
White has been kicking about the half-back line for Casey and continues to impress ahead of season’s start after his selection at pick 20 in last year’s AFL Rookie Draft.
On the Scorpions list, captain Evan Panozza has received a solution to his back-line loneliness, with the Scorpions’ top-brass recruiting former Gold Coast Sun Jack Hutchins.
Hutchins, 23, has all the attributes of a great utility and will help bolster the Casey spine as he can wheel-around and play forward as well as down back.
Another to join the VFL list is former Geelong Cats premiership player Shannon Byrnes, who played for Melbourne last season before retiring. He will serve as one of Plapp’s main lieutenants as a playing assistant-coach.
Nate Paredes and Will Petropoulos have also been in the mix this pre-season and should get their chances early on the back of strong form.
The Scorpions’ VFL campaign starts Sunday from 2pm as they host the Frankston Dolphins.
