By JARROD POTTER
MELBOURNE connections paid dividends for Casey Scorpions in its Round 1 VFL clash with Essendon as the Demons-listed players stood up under pressure.
Wayward kicking from Casey proved problematic in the first term as Essendon kicked straighter to take the early lead.
Four rapid-fire goals from Jordie McKenzie, Neville Jetta, Troy Smith and Jake Best pushed the Scorpions ahead at the major break, with the Bombers left dazed after the rampaging Casey blew right past them.
Casey pushed its lead out to 25 points part way through the final term off a shot from former Melbourne captain Jack Trengove – who was demoted to the VFL – sailed through the bigger uprights.
The Bombers went on one last run – sneaking back in front with three last-quarter goals to Zach Merrett who was playing a significant role in the revival.
The Casey midfield robustly battled and gained first possession on the back of exceptional work from McKenzie, who led the charge for the Scorpions with 31 touches, Daniel Nicholson (29) and Mitch Clisby (28) also put their hands up for Demons’ selection next week.
Carrying on the Melbourne-centric success, Neville Jetta and Sam Blease slotted a pair of goals each, with the pair taking Casey from deficit to victory in the dying minutes of the 38-minute last-quarter.
Jake Best (3 goals) lived up to his name and was exceptional roaming across the midfield and up forward while former Berwick midfielder Nathan Page also shone for the Scorpions.
Casey Scorpions will host Geelong Cats on Sunday afternoon at Casey Fields from 2pm.
VFL SCOREBOARD
Essendon 1.2 4.7 4.10 11.14 (80)
Casey Scorpions 0.5 4.8 6.12 12.14 (86)
ESSENDON Goals: L. Jetta 3, Z. Merrett 2, K. Aylett , S. Tagliabue , O. Fantasia , C. Dell’Olio , J. Mellington , A. Kefford. Best: K. Aylett, A. McLeod, S. Edwards, L. Jetta, C. Dell’Olio, D. Van Unen. CASEY SCORPIONS Goals: J. Best 3, S. Blease 2, N. Jetta 2, J. Trengove , N. Page , M. Clisby , J. McKenzie , T. Smith. Best: N. Jetta, J. McKenzie, T. Davis, M. Clisby, J. Best, N. Page.
