By Tyler Lewis
Casey is two from two after a heart-stopper at Casey Fields.
The game was not short of ebbs and flows, as Essendon took it right up to VFL premiership fancies, Casey.
The Demons trailed at the first stanza, but a four goal to one second term created an eventual game-saving buffer.
The Bombers stormed home in the final term, after trailing by 17 points at the final break.
Goals to Alec Waterman and a characteristically creative left foot snap from Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti inside the first three minutes of the final term brought the Demons three goal lead back to a solitary straight kick in the blink of an eye.
The game remained on edge for the rest of the final term, as both sides wrestled momentum.
Luke Dunstan immediately answered back for the Demons, before promising youngster Roan Steele booted his second goal on debut to push the lead back out to three goals.
The Bombers found a second wind in red time, kicking two quick majors to move watchers to the edge of their seats with 26 minutes gone.
Jimmy Munro missed an opportunity to ice the game, the minor score handed the Bombers and more specifically, McDonald-Tipungwuti, a chance to steal it late.
But the Dees held their nerve, securing a 13.13 (91) to 13.10 (88) win.
Munro was among the best once again for the Demons, accumulating his customary 25 disposals and eight tackles.
Munro’s skipper Mitch White hit the scoreboard once again, following up his two from last week with a trio of goals this week.
The win for the Demons sets up the opportunity for a strong start to the VFL season, with the win-less Williamstown in their sights next weekend.
Frankston, meanwhile, has yet to secure its first win of the season, suffering another defeat at home to the GWS Giants.
In a scrappy game under lights at Frankston Park, the Dolphins were never able to apply scoreboard pressure to the Giants.
Dolphins were held scoreless in the first term and finished with just 10 scoring shots from 33 inside 50’s in the 4.6 (30) to 8.9 (57) defeat.
Former Gold Coast Sun listed midfielder Sam Fletcher (23 disposals) had his best game for the Dolphins in his two seasons at Skybus Stadium, but had the majority of his impact in the first half.
Will Fordham also impressed with 19 disposals and 14 tackles, while Ned Shannon – son of MPNFL legend Andrew – also laid 11 tackles in his debut.
The challenges will continue for Danny Ryan and his side, as they travel to Essendon to take on the Bombers this week.
It was a big week in the VFL for some local products, as the regions best footballers are spread across the competition.
Mitch Cox (Narre Warren) played his best game for the Lions in their thumping win over North Melbourne, collecting 25 disposals and a goal.
It has been a tough start to the year for Williamstown, but Jack Toner (Narre Warren) was a shining light with 20 disposals and five tackles.
Craig Black’s Collingwood are up and about with two wins from as many outings, and it has a lot to do with its ability to hit the scoreboard.
The 2018 Rays coach has got the band back together, with a string of Rays playing for the Pies.
One of which, former Ray and Dromana listed live-wire Sam Fowler booted another two goals on Saturday to go with his four last week.
