So close and yet …

By Marc McGowan
ADD another game to the Casey Scorpions’ “what if” pile.
The Scorpions dominated the inside-50 count for the second straight week only for poor goalkicking to again cost them victory.
The hometown North Ballarat Roosters jumped out to a 31-point lead at quarter-time on Sunday courtesy of a strong breeze and grimly hung on as Casey charged back at them.
But the Scorpions were unable to make up the difference – ultimately falling 16 points short – and they can expect plenty more goal-kicking practice this week.
Casey went inside 50 22 times in the second term for a return of 4.8, while the efficient Roosters went in eight times for four straight goals.
The sides shared the forward forays in the third quarter that saw North Ballarat finish with a 39-point advantage.
Scorpions coach Peter German set his players for a withering finish, but despite finishing all over the Roosters their inept goal-kicking again let them down.
Casey amassed 23 more inside-50 entries in the last term, but managed a wasteful 3.7.
The Scorpions’ final total of 11.20 (86) compared with North Ballarat’s 15.12 (102) told the sad story.
Melbourne teammates Michael Newton and Danny Hughes combined for just 3.9 for the afternoon.
German admitted it was a frustrating day. “It’s tough in the coaches’ box because what do you do?” he said. “You have to praise them on one hand because they’re actually winning the ball and getting it forward and getting shots on goal.
“But when you continually miss (that’s not good football). One thing North Ballarat is good with is their ball use and skill and, when we left the door open a few times, they took the opportunity and that was pretty much it.”
Ruckman Mark Jamar (25 possessions and 12 marks) put his hand up for an AFL recall in his second game back from injury with an outstanding display, while Daniel Bell (23 and eight tackles) also performed strongly.
And youngster Jarred Matheson played a good shutdown role on Roosters’ playmaker Brett Goodes, but German found it difficult to single out many of his players.
Casey sits in ninth position with a 2-4 win-loss record, but could easily be 5-1 after close defeats to Port Melbourne (four points), Box Hill (15) and North Ballarat.
German is acutely aware the Scorpions could be much higher on the ladder, but reiterated that their best football will not be until the second half of the season or even next year.
“I’ve been pleased with our endeavour and the way we’re attacking the game and how the players have been receptive with how I want to play,” he said.
“But I always say in the first 12 months (coaching a new club) you’re very lucky if you can strike the right chord and bear success sort of straight up.”
Casey faces Geelong in a must-win encounter at Casey Fields on Sunday at 2pm.