A slow start proved insurmountable for Casey’s men on the weekend, who went down 3-2 to Monash University.
The visitors put two goals on the board inside the first six minutes before the game settled into a rhythm.
Youngster Harry Coster continued his strong season in defence, with his performances this season symbolic of what the team is seeking to celebrate.
While they have one win from nine games, the young demographic of the team and inexperience playing together has put them on the back foot in several contests.
Playing against teams which often have an average age in the mid-20s that have grown up together and, at times, have an injection of international talent has been a steep learning curve.
By contrast, Casey is a squad still gelling, with the game plan still being refined and teenagers Harry Coster and Charlie Coster, Will and Elliot Stephens, Nick McPhee and Dave Noney forming the nucleus of an emerging team.
Yet, they have still been largely competitive against the pacesetters of the competition, with the precarious position that has them in relegation conversations a reflection on the inability to play at that level against weaker opponents.
“It comes down to belief and cohesion,” said coach Steve Noney.
“We want to win games this season but we also want to instil confidence and create an environment for those players to thrive.
“We’re trying to build a list of players that are interchangeable by level.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture so hopefully we can keep these kids together and this wave of talent coming through play together and give us versatility.”
Another feature of the season has been trialling players in different positions to survey the depth and quality of different positions.
Two weeks ago magnets were shifted when the result was a fait accompli entering the final quarter and they were able to trim the margin by three goals, with similar manoeuvres being made on the weekend.
Casey currently sit two wins and percentage off seventh-placed Werribee, which is where they will need to finish to avoid relegation.
Casey’s women’s team, meanwhile, absorbed the Monash University challenge, getting up 3-2 to solidify themselves in the top two of the competition.
Facing a fellow premiership fancy, Michaela scored two goals and Jess Rowland one to make it four on the bounce.
Men
Results: Yarra Valley 1 v Old Xaverians 6, NorthWest 1 v Brunswick 2, Casey 2 v Monash University 3, Melbourne Sikhs 3 v PEGS 3, Werribee 2 v Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 2
Ladder: Melbourne Sikhs 22, Old Xaverians 19, PEGS 16, Brunswick 16, North West 16, Monash University 16, Werribee 9, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 8, Casey 3, Yarra Valley 3
Fixture: North West v PEGS, Casey v Brunswick, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation v Monash University, Melbourne Sikhs v Old Xaverians, Werribee v Yarra Valley
Women
Results: North West 2 v Brunswick 1, Casey 3 v Monash University 2, Mornington Peninsula 4 v PEGS 0, Werribee 2 v Knox 5, Yrra Valley 6 v West Vic 1.
Ladder: Mornington Peninsula 25, Casey 21, Yarra Valley 19, Monash University 17, WestVic 13, Knox 12, PEGS 10, Werribee 9, Brunswick 3, North West 3.
Fixture: Knox v Monash University, Mornington Peninsula v West Vic, North West v PEGS, Casey v Brunswick, Werribee v Yarra Valley
