By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s women have tasted success for the first time in 2024, netting a 5-1 win over Brunswick to stay in touch with the top six in the Vic League 1 competition.
The Cannons scored at least once in every quarter, conceding their only goal on the eve of halftime, but were able to quickly arrest Brunswick’s momentum in the third quarter.
Among the areas letting the Cannons down early in the season were their short corner inefficiency and lack of hustle to convert field goals.
There were clear signs of improvement in the victory.
Four of Casey’s goals came from short corners, with an overall efficiency of 40 per cent – a marked improvement on their first three weeks.
“We made short corners a priority during the week,” said coach Andrew Harris.
“We set up much better, we were running to more dangerous positions – we scored from our first short corner of the day and you could feel that confidence was high amongst the group.”
Meanwhile, Jess Rowland scored the field goal thanks to Emma Harris’ grit to press on and set up a field goal rather than settling for a short corner.
In a tight competition, the victory was a significant confidence-booster to use as a launchpad for the year.
“We’ve just got to go to the next level so we give ourselves a chance of finishing towards the top end of the ladder at the end of the season,” Harris said.
“The result was huge given we’re both in the middle of the table.
“The major goal is to finish in the top two and reach premier league so we’re working on a game plan now that I feel will hold us in good stead if we’re able to reach that level.
Mikayla Davis scored two goals from the midfield and contributed two goals in a well-rounded performance within the parameters of a well-executed gameplan.
In the seconds, Lizzy Maciulaitis intercepting and tackling repelled tirelessly and Charlotte Davis had a series of dynamic runs.
Veteran Fiona Young wound back the clock with an irrepressible performance at fullback in the thirds.
Meanwhile, the men had a heartstopping 2-2 draw with Frankston in the Men’s Vic League 2 competition.
Charlie Coster scored a field goal in the last five seconds of the game to tie it up and see the Cannons escape with a point after a scrappy contest.
Casey ran it down the right wing before working it into the circle and towards Coster who converted the clutch shot.
Prince Achandira Bopanna, Tadhg McCurran and Rhylee Johnson all performed well as Casey look to develop the squad mentality in the men’s unit.
