Above: Paul Florance evades a Port Melbourne tackler during a practice match at Casey Fields on Saturday. Florance booted three goals for the Scorpions.
By Glen Atwell
A NEW venue, new culture and a new approach could be the ingredients of success for the Casey Scorpions this season.
The Scorpions will kick off the Victorian Football League (VFL) season at the recently completed Casey Fields complex in Cranbourne East.
Scorpions’ general manager Brian Woodman said City of Casey residents now had access to the highest level of state football.
“We know everyone that comes through the gate will be pleasantly surprised at the standard of football,” he said.
“It’s a real chance for spectators to embrace their new local side and get up close to the action.”
Moving from Springvale to the fringes of Gippsland required a rethink of recruiting strategies according to Woodman.
“We’re targeting TAC Cup players who are exiting that competition, the list is full of quality young players.
“It is the best crop we’ve had for seven or eight years, it’s an exciting time.”
Ben Fraser, Brenton Joyce and Steven O’Bryan all former Gippsland Power players will start their VFL journey’s with the Scorpions this season.
Exciting Dandenong Stingray player Brad Scalzo has also joined the Scorpion nest.
Woodman said the new batch of talent should bring success to the Scorpions, both on and off the field.
“In the first year in a new area, onfield success will generate interest more quickly,” he said.
“But this is a longterm journey and we’re already pleased with the support we have received.”
In preparation for the season launch, the Scorpions have already played two practice matches.
Casey beat Geelong two weeks ago, but lost to the reigning premiers Sandringham last week.
St Kilda players Aaron Fiora, Michael Rix, Barry Brooks and Matthew Ferguson played in their first Scorpions game for the season.
Finishing touches are being applied to the football field at Casey Fields and the complex is tipped to become the Telstra Dome of the VFL.
Woodman said the Scorpions trained on the playing ground for the first time last week.
“The goalposts went up last week and the surface is completed,” he said.
“It looks great.”
The 70hectare facility is a joint project of Football Victoria, the City of Casey and the Scorpions.
When fully completed the complex will provide, at a total cost of $30 million, 16 multipurpose fields, 12 tennis courts, six netball courts and a cycling and athletics track.
The Scorpions played Port Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday in another practice match.
Fielding an undermanned side, the seniors lost by 21points.
Port Melbourne 18.10.118 defeated Casey Scorpions 14.13.97.
Paul Florance kicked three goals, Chris Dunne and Ben Fraser booted two.
