By JARROD POTTER
VFL
REVIEW – ROUND 5
SPORADIC efforts in the odd-numbered terms kept Casey Scorpions from mounting enough fight against Port Melbourne.
Going scoreless in the opening term – disappointingly for the third week in a row – the Scorpions came to a complete halt and allowed the Borough to dictate terms throughout their Saturday afternoon clash at North Port Oval.
From there on the opportunities were squandered by the Scorpions who only booted 7.10 (52) on a down-day against Port Melbourne’s 10.15 (75).
“Missed opportunities – once again,” Casey coach Justin Plapp said as the root cause of Casey’s problems.
“Three weeks in a row we’ve had a scoreless first quarter goal-wise and we certainly had our backs against the wall for our poor start.”
Jordan Moncrieff was the only Scorpion to amass multiple goals as problems in front of the uprights plagued Casey’s chances.
Steadying themselves and using the football properly is becoming a bug-bear for Plapp and his coaching staff, who hope the Scorpions can get their eye in and use its possessions properly.
“We need a little bit more composure when we’re in possession of the footy, set shots on goal – that type of thing,” Plapp said.
“Just need to be a bit more composed when we have ball in hand – need to focus on effort and intent to play the game and crack in.”
Jack Watts relished his VFL chance this week after dropping himself from the AFL ranks as he roamed throughout the centre and across the wings to great effect.
Plapp also thought Aidan Riley, Evan Panozza and up-and-comer Tom Muir – a Warragul/Gippsland Power hard-nut – as his best afield.
Muir in particular earned the coach’s praise for a clamp-down role on Borough star Chris Cain.
“Tom Muir, one of our younger players, from Warragul and Gippsland, he played a really, really good role on Chris Cain one of their best players,” Plapp said.
“Tagged him and kept him to 14 possessions.”
Shannon Byrnes returned from injury but Plapp believes the Geelong premiership player has room to improve.
With Melbourne completely shellacked and nothing much of note from the senior Scorpions, Plapp acknowledged the need to change the sides and mix up Demons and Scorpions’ line-ups alike.
One who is likely to come in is leaping Max King – who took an absolute screamer in the AFL Victoria Development match along with four goals.
“That’s the beauty of the beast – we’ll certainly be looking to make some changes from a one-club point of view,” Plapp said.
“Maxxy (Max King) will definitely push for selection this week and if we look at our injuries and balance – he’s definitely one to put his hand up to try and get VFL senior footy this week.
“We’ve got to reward that – he was good as he probably took mark of the year and kicked goal of the year so it was a pretty good match for him.”
Former Doveton/Dandenong Stingrays’ midfielder Blake Pearson bagged two goals for the Borough and is in the midst of his breakout VFL season.
Casey Scorpions will host Richmond in a twilight match from 6pm on Saturday at Casey Fields.
VFL
PORT MELBOURNE 2.3 3.6 6.11 10.15 (75)
CASEY SCORPIONS 0.4 4.5 5.6 7.10 (52)
Port Melbourne Goals: J. Lisle 2, B. Pearson 2, K. Haretuku 2, L. Osborne, J. Scipione, M. Rivett, S. O’Sullivan. Best: D. Toman, L. Tynan T. Langford, W. Johnson, D. Noonan, M. Hayes.
Casey Scorpions Goals: J. Moncrieff 2, J. Watts, B. Fritsch, J. McKenzie, S. Byrnes, T. Muir. Best: A. Riley, E. Panozza, T. Muir, J. McKenzie, J. Watts, J. Harmes.
