By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey was outlasted by Geelong 16.13 109 to 14.9 93 in a shootout at GMHBA Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The Demons led at every break before conceding five goals in the last quarter in their third tight game of a season which has so far yielded 1-1-1.
Making his Dees debut against his former side, Mitch Hardie added important experience in the midfield, finishing with 26 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.
Also playing his first game in the new colours was Melbourne SSP signing and former Eagle Jai Culley, who initially signed with Casey before finding his way onto the AFL list.
Coming off a month on the sidelines with a foot injury, Culley finished with 12 disposals and four clearances as he looks to build his case for AFL selection.
Tom Fullarton also performed well, spearheading the forward line as he hammered home 5.2 and took eight marks in a 19-disposal effort.
Casey fought hard in the midfield and got the lead to beyond three kicks on several occasions through the middle of the match, but they were never able to shake the plucky Cats who were better in some big moments late.
Other strong performers included disciplined AFL-listed midfielder Kynan Brown, the experienced Riley Bonner and Aidan Johnson, who kicked 2.2 after getting an early debut in his first year on an AFL list.
Highly-regarded Nar Nar Goon local Paddy Cross finished with 17 disposals and showed promise as he looks to build continuity following a wretched run with injuries in recent years.
Regular season VFL will be absent this weekend as a representative Victorian side is sent to Gather Round, with Mitch Hardie, Deakyn Smith and Riley Bonner all in the extended squad, and mentor Taylor Whitford on the coaching panel.
The Demons will return to Casey Fields against GWS on Saturday 18 April at 11.05am, with the Dees’ VFLW season to kick off later that day against Collingwood.
