The Casey Demons defeated the Southport Sharks by one point in a tight and tense affair at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
It was a seesawing game, but in the end, it was the reigning premiers winning the Grand Final re-match 11.10 (76) to 11.9 (75).
Southport led at quarter time by 10 points, but their lead was quickly snapped up Casey who kicked five goals to one in the second quarter.
The Sharks were able to get back in front midway through the third quarter, but Casey responded straight away with two goals to lead by 8 points at three quarter time.
The last quarter was a thriller. Brayden Crossley kicked the first goal of the last quarter to level the score, before Casey’s Josh Schache kicked one to put the Demons back in the lead.
Then Fraser Thurlow and Jed Foggo kicked goals to put the Sharks in front, before Josh Schache kicked another, to win the game for the Demons.
After the game, Southport Coach Steve Daniel said, “It hurts. This was a game we would have loved to have won, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the job done.”
“It is another example that we can compete with the top teams in the competition, but frustratingly haven’t been able to get the results.”
“We have to keep our heads up though, because our season is by no means over, and there is no better way to respond then with a big game against Port Melbourne this week.”
Southport play Port Melbourne at 12pm on Saturday the 10th of June at Fankhauser Reserve.
SOUTHPORT 3.0 4.5 8.7 11.9 (75)CASEY 1.2 6.6 9.9 11.10 (76)
Goal Kickers: Jay Lockhart 2, Jye Lockett 2, Jed Foggo 2, Brayden Crossley 2, Fraser Thurlow, Jacob Heron, Tom Fields.
Best Players: Matt Gahan, Jackson Edwards, Brayden Crossley, Jesse Joyce, Jack Sexton
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Image: Matt Gahan with the football (Highflyer Images)