A win over second-placed Box Hill has sealed Casey a coveted spot in the VFL top six.
The victory is Casey’s fourth on the bounce to finish 2025 and means the club bypasses wildcard weekend of the VFL finals, earning them a weekend off before they play the winner of Richmond and GWS.
It’s a stunning surge for the Demons, which as recently as two weeks ago were no guarantee of even qualifying for wildcard round off the back of an inconsistent first half of the season and struggling to finish games off and has finished the season in fifth spot.
The turnaround after a 5-13 season which placed them 17th to an 11-1-6 2025 is a testament to the strength of Casey’s core group of VFL-listed talent, many of which are locals.
Gippslander Riley Baldi’s return has proven invaluable, former AFL trio Riley Bonner, Deakyn Smith and Mitch Hardie have delivered as big-name recruits and youngsters Paddy Cross (Nar Nar Goon), Wardell Lual (Noble Park) and Jesse Craven (Tooradin) are all highly valued and have shown great progress.
Sunday’s win was a commanding result, with the 12.16(88) to 9.11(65) score line failing to reflect the true extent of the Demons’ dominance over the Hawks.
A five goal to one third quarter in favour of Casey flipped the game in the Dees’ favour after they had controlled large portions of the first half but failed to capitalise on the scoreboard.
Key forward Luker Kentfield kicked three second half goals to open up a lead and continue his push for a late-season AFL debut.
Jack Billings was comfortably the best on ground with 40 disposals, given space to do as he liked in the midfield, while Bonner also racked up 40 touches and Bailey Laurie impressed.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Next Generation Academy Draft prospect Toby Sinnema debuted for Casey, finding 15 disposals on the wing, using his piercing left foot to great effect and kicking a critical third-quarter goal.
