CASEY SCORPIONS 18.12 (120) def GEELONG CATS 16.11 (107)
THE CASEY Scorpions have handed Geelong their second loss in a row, with a stunning 13-point win at Simonds Stadium.
After two consecutive losses, Casey are back on the winners list on the back of a high intensity, win-at-all-costs mantra.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Melbourne-aligned Scorpions, who struggled to convert in first half.
Casey managed just six behinds, wasting opportunities infront of goal as Geelong kicked four straight to take a 19-point lead at quarter time.
With a stirring message from coach Rohan Welsh at the first break, the Scorpions stepped up a gear in the second term outscoring the Cats five goals to two as the home side held onto a slender 8-point buffer at the main break.
The visitors didn’t stop there, stepping up to shock Geelong and the home crowd with an 11 goal to three blitz in the third term, as well as a commanding 37-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
Despite a late surge by the Cats, which included a six goal to two final term, the Scorpions held on for victory.
Melbourne forward hopefuls Jesse Hogan (5 goals) and Jack Fitzpatrick (5 goals) proved the difference kicking ten goals between them, while former Roo Cam Pedersen kept Geelong forward Shane Kersten quiet.
In the middle the Scorpions also took the points, led by the experienced David Rodan and Tom Couch, who were influential in the win.
For the Cats Nathan Vardy (4 goals) and Jordan Murdoch (3 goals) were influential, as well as the experienced Dominic Gleeson and Troy Selwood.
The win to Scorpions sees them jump up to fifth and the Cats slide to fourth behind Port Melbourne, Williamstown and Box Hill, all on five wins apiece.
Geelong Cats 4.1 (25) 7.4 (46) 10.7 (67) 16.11 (107)
Casey Scorpions 0.6 (6) 5.8 (38) 16.8 (104) 18.12 (120)
GOALS
Geelong Cats: N. Vardy 4, J. Murdoch 3, M. Corrigan 2, S. Kersten 2, R. Bathie , R. Condy , C. Eardley , J. Cowan , B. Hartman
Casey Scorpions: J. Fitzpatrick 5, J. Hogan 5, B. Hughes 2, J. Best 2, D. Kent , C. Pedersen , R. Taggert , T. Smith
BEST
Geelong Cats: N. Vardy, T. Selwood, D. Gleeson, M. Corrigan, R. Condy, J. Murdoch
Casey Scorpions: J. Hogan, D. Rodan, T. Couch, C. Pedersen, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Spencer