Demons overrun by Tigers

Mitch King and Casey suffered their first loss of the season against Richmond. 171057 Picture: ROB CAREW

By Hayley Wildes

After coming out on fire, Casey were unable to maintain that ferocity for long enough as they were overrun by Richmond at Punt Road Oval on Sunday.

After an eight-goal opening term, Casey were restricted just five goals for the rest of the game as Richmond lifted their defensive intensity.

In what was a beautiful day for footy, the Demons slammed on the first five goals of the game in just over 10 minutes of play.

With Casey possessing all the momentum, Cam Pedersen was dominating up forward, slotting three first quarter goals, whilst slick ball movement through the likes of Jay Kennedy-Harris and Oskar Baker allowed free flowing forward 50 entries.

Unfortunately, the Demons were unable to hold onto that momentum as the Tigers came storming back into the contest, cutting Casey’s lead to just 11 points at quarter time in a manic 14-goal opening quarter.

Richmond took control of the game in the second quarter as the Tigers midfield got on top and their forwards reaped the rewards. Shai Bolton was electric as the Tigers booted six goals to one in the term.

Trailing by 21 points at half time, James Munro, Charlie Spargo and Mitch Hannan got going as the Demons cut the deficit to just 14 points deep in the third quarter.

The Demons returned to their attacking mindset in that quarter and showed plenty of resolve to fight back after being challenged.

After a mountain of work, a late goal to Liam Baker saw the Demons’ valiant third quarter efforts result in just a one-point improvement on the half time margin.

When Hannan goaled early in the final term to trim Richmond’s lead to 15 points, the game seemed destined for a grandstand finish, but it wasn’t to be.

Casey will rue missed opportunities as they had their chances to cut further into the lead, but were unable to convert when it mattered most.

Richmond made them pay.

Three goals in a row saw Richmond take total control of the game and eventually run out 17.19 (121) to 13.8 (86) winners.

Richmond’s ability to win the ball at the coalface – Anthony Miles ran riot in the midfield – was too much for Casey to handle as Ivan Soldo (60 hit-outs) gave his Richmond midfielders every opportunity to get their hands on the ball first.

Tom Bugg may be set for a stint on the sidelines after coming off in the second quarter with a hip injury.

Munro was best afield for Casey, leading the way with 17 possessions, whilst Pedersen was a constant threat up forward, booting five majors and further staking his claim for a senior re-call.

After their first loss of the season, Casey will be looking to bounce back this week against Geelong at Casey Fields on Saturday night.