Ben Waite booted three goals in a rare appearance in the seniors as the Casey Scorpions thumped visiting Bendigo by 111 points on Sunday. 28936 Picture: Luke PlummerBy Marc McGowan
THE Casey Scorpions overcame an uninspiring first half and their own inefficiency to humble the winless Bendigo Bombers by 111 points at Casey Fields on Sunday.
There was never any doubt in the result as the Scorpions piled on the first four goals of the round-12 game and held the Bombers to just 31 inside-50s for the afternoon.
Casey kicked 13 majors to two after half-time to embarrass a largely uncompetitive and inept opponent.
But Scorpions coach Peter German was still dissatisfied with his side’s inability to make the most of its opportunities.
“It’s still same old, same old. Fifteen more inside 50s (than Bendigo) at half-time and we’ve just been kicking points,” he said.
“Until we can get that part of our game right, I’m just going to say the same things every week – it’s like a broken record.
“In some games, like last week (when Casey gave up a 35-point three-quarter-time lead against Williamstown), it’s going to haunt us.
“At least this week the boys, after half-time, were able to maintain, if not lift, their work-rate.”
The Scorpions unveiled several fresh faces, including debutant David Collins, Jimmy Taylor, Ben Waite, Glenn Chivers and Ryan Creed (20 disposals).
All five played solid roles in the absence of regulars such as skipper Kyle Matthews (corked thigh), Melbourne-listed forward Danny Hughes (strained adductor) and Ben MacReadie (omitted).
Casey had the first nine scoring shots of the game – just four of them producing maximum value – as it benefited from Demons ruckman Paul Johnson’s dominance over Bendigo’s Tom Bellchambers.
But two late goals, the latter to Bellchambers after some poor checking from Scorpions’ back-up big man Tim Mohr, kept the Bombers within reach.
German burst onto the ground to give a serve to several of his players, particularly Mohr, but Casey continued to be wasteful in the second term.
The Scorpions’ total was 5.9 after Collins’ running shot was touched on the line.
Matthew Whelan and Shane Valenti provided a rare first-half highlight soon after.
Whelan weaved in and out of a pack of Bendigo forwards before slightly overshooting his kick, but Valenti read the ball beautifully and ran inside 50 to boot Casey’s seventh goal.
John Williams scored a late one for the Bombers just before the long break, but the difference was still 40 points.
The Scorpions lifted their intensity and pressure all over the ground in the third term and play again featured mostly in Bendigo’s defensive 50.
Casey began to capitalise on the dominance of the likes of Johnson (24), Daniel Bell (32) and Lynden Dunn (24).
Brad Miller also started to have an influence up forward, although he was nowhere near as impressive as his last VFL outing.
The Scorpions’ buffer was 67 at three-quarter-time and their versatility was on full show in the final quarter.
German threw Alex Silvagni (21) and Dunn into attack and they combined for five last-term majors before Waite flashed his strong marking in the dying minutes to finish with three goals.
Other strong performers for Casey were impressive defender Peter Faulks, the hard-working Clint Bartram (29 and eight tackles) and utility Michael Stockdale (20).
German still regrets the Scorpions’ four tight defeats, but believes they have the ability to make a late charge in a closely fought competition.
“The best part is we’ve put our destiny in our own hands and that’s all that matters now – regardless of who we play,” he said.
“There’s going to be a mixture of teams below and above us (coming up) and I’m confident that we can take on any team above us and be able to handle ourselves.”
Casey hosts struggling Frankston at Casey Fields in an ABC-broadcast match on Saturday from 1.10pm.
