Melbourne Demons’ listed Lucas Cook marks strongly in the wet weather at Casey Fields on Saturday. 78178 Picture: Jarrod Potter
By Jarrod Potter
IN their first practice match the Casey Scorpions surprised last year’s premiers Port Melbourne in the rain, knocking off the champions 6.5 (41) to 2.6 (18).
Saturday gave good indication of what this season will be like weather-wise, with rain and wind lashing Casey Fields all afternoon, but it was the Scorpions who held strong in the slippery conditions.
Scorpions coach Brett Lovett said the win was a good first hit out, but the real work lies ahead for Casey.
“We had an intra club the week before so it was only our first hit out. We had a long pre-season and the conditioning helped,” Lovett said.
“I thought we just kept persisting all day in our structures and gameplay and wore them down.
“Even though it was only a practice game, it showed we wanted to win it.”
Lovett thought the players fought well in the rugged weather, but highlighted the efforts of Danny Nicholls and inside midfielders Jordan Pollard and Will Petropoulos.
“I thought Danny Nicholls, who kicked a goal, played well,” Lovett said.
“Luke Tynan out of the backline was really good as were a couple of our in-and-under players Jordan Pollard and Will Petropoulos… Big ruckman Dan Cleven did well all day… they were among the better players.”
For Lovett’s first match with his new club, he was happy with the efforts of everyone and felt it was valuable to get a couple of Melbourne players, Jai Sheahan and Lucas Cook, playing for him early in the preseason.
“It was the first time I’d met the Melbourne boys (Jai Sheahan and Lucas Cook), so hopefully we get a few more and we can play a bit more footy with them,” Lovett said.
“It becomes important down the track towards the finals.
“We just keep doing more of the same and then two more matches and then we’re into it.
“Trialing a few more things this weekend then in the Frankston match we’ll put the guys in the spot as if it was a proper home and away game.”
Casey faces the Box Hill Hawks in their second preseason match on 10 March at Casey Fields.
