By JARROD POTTER
VFL
REVIEW – ROUND 2
SQUANDERING its shots, Casey Scorpions can only blame itself for a 24-point defeat to the reigning VFL premiers Footscray.
Heading to Whitten Oval on Sunday, Casey failed to make the most of its trip out west as behinds proved costly in the 10.13 (73) to 15.7 (97) loss.
The nimble Doggies conversely excelled in front of the big sticks and made everyone aware the side has the means and desire to go back-to-back.
With only three behinds to their name through the first term, as the wind buffeted the oval, Casey started to turn the tides in a mixed-blessing second quarter. The Scorpions kick three-goals-five to reduce the margin to 14 at the main break as Cam Pedersen – who is relishing his time up forward – got the scoreboard ticking over with a three goal haul.
Coach Justin Plapp rearranged the decks as the Scorpions’ prospects began sinking, with key defender Jack Hutchins becoming a key forward. The gamble worked as the former Gold Coast Sun booted two to bring the margin back to 40 at the last break.
The tailwind helped Casey jag another four-goals-five in the final term, but swirling their shots in-and-around the goals and conceding reckless free kicks was too much to overcome as the Bulldogs celebrated their first win of the season at the expense of the Scorpions.
In his best match for Casey thus far, Jimmy Toumpas (28 disposals) relished his chance to shine through the midfield while Jack Grimes, Dean Terlich and Aidan Rile all put their hand up for Melbourne selection with impressive efforts.
Essendon will host Casey at Windy Hill on Sunday from 3pm.
VFL
FOOTSCRAY 3.4 6.4 13.6 15.7 (97)
CASEY 0.3 3.8 6.8 10.13 (73)
Footscray Goals: T. Campbell 4, J. Redpath 4, D. Hamilton 2, J. Russell, J. Kelly, L. Hunter, W. Minson, M. Buchanan. Best: L. Hunter, B. Goodes, J. Prudden, F. Roberts, J. Redpath, T. Campbell.
Casey Goals: C. Pedersen 3, J. Hutchins 2, E. Morris, M. Gent, J. Harmes, L. Walmsley, J. Toumpas. Best: J. Grimes, T. Smith, C. Pedersen, J. Hutchins, J. Spencer, A. Riley.
