Port prevails as Scorpions just fall short

2007 VFL 2nd Elimination Final from Casey Fields, Cranbourne.

Casey Scorpions: 3.5, 7.11, 9.13, 12.17 (89)
Port Melbourne: 1.5, 6.8, 11.10, 15.12 (102)

Casey Scorpions

Goal Kickers: B. Voss 2, B. Brooks, D. Biagi, D. Unsworth, J. Allen, F. Watts, M. Rix, N. Carmody, R. Eddy, S. Garrubba, K. Matthews

Best Players: E. Panozza, S. Harrison, J. Geary, D. Armitage, B. Voss, B. Brooks

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the Casey Scorpions fell just short against an inspired Port Melbourne outfit by 13 points in the 2nd Elimination Final at Casey Fields

The Casey Scorpions, having qualified for their first finals series since 2003 were looking to make an impact against Port Melbourne, who were playing in their first finals series since 2005. A historic occasion at Casey Fields which was hosting its first final as well.

A nervous start for both sides was showing as both sides struggled to put together a sting of good disposals as the reality of September finals football sank in. In the first quarter, like last week, Stefan Garrubba kicked the first goal for Casey from a good pass. A great mark and conversion from Barry Brooks put the Scorpions further ahead. But then it was Despite Port Melbourne replying and missing a few set shots on goal, Casey lead the match by 12 points at quarter time.

During the second quarter, the Casey Scorpions needed to score quick goals in order to put some pressure on the Port Melbourne side which were keen to impress equally as well. Casey kicked three behinds before Port kicked the first goal of the quarter to bring the margin back to 8 points. Another Port goal to former Hawk Tim Hazell reduced the margin to 2 points. But once a third goal from Port went through, this was the catalyst for a Scorpion revival. Goals to Jarryd Allen, Kyle Matthews, plus one after the siren from Brett Voss allowed Casey to take in a 9 point lead in at the long break.

In the third quarter, Port Melbourne needed to score quick goals to put the Casey Scorpions under pressure.  A much tighter contest eventuated around the stoppages in this quarter as a bit of an arm wrestle began to develop. With both sides trying to wrestle the advantage away from the other, it was Port who scored the first two goals to take back the lead. Further goals to Robert Eddy and Voss ensured the lead went back Casey’s way. But three unanswered goals to Port Melbourne allowed them to take a 9 point lead in at the three quarter time break.

In the last quarter, the Casey Scorpions were sprung into action thanks to a great crumbing goal to David Biagi. It reduced the margin back to 3 points and it was definitely “Game On” in this Elimination Final! Several goals to Port Melbourne allowed them to take control of the match. Whilst a great goal to skipper Nigel Carmody reduced the margin to 13 points from good rebound out from the back line by Armitage, momentum went to Port as they responded straight away. In the end, Port prevailed from the Casey challenge by 13 points to progress next week to a knockout semi final at TEAC Oval against the Coburg Tigers.

On a challenging day for the Scorpions, the following performances stood out. Steven Harrison finished with 26 possessions:- 13 kicks, 13 handballs, 7 marks, 4 tackles and worked very hard all day. He was supported by his captain in Nigel Carmody, who finished with 21 possessions:- 14 kicks, 7 handballs, 3 tackles, 6 clearances and worked hard around the ground. Kyle Matthews and Steven O’Bryan finished next best with 13 possessions (Matthews:- 10 kicks, 3 handballs, 5 tackles, 3 clearances), (O’Bryan:- 5 kicks, 8 handballs, 4 tackles, 5 Hard Ball Gets) and were effective. Evan Panozza and Stefan Garrubba finished next best for the side with 12 possessions apiece (Panozza:- 5 kicks, 7 handballs, 3 tackles), (Garrubba:- 10 kicks, 2 handballs, 3 tackles).

After the disappointment of missing out on the September action, Saints fans will be encouraged from the following performances of these Saints listed players who will push on as we look forward to season 2008.

Robert Eddy had a busy day around the ground to finish with 29 possessions:- 20 kicks, 9 handballs, 8 marks, 3 Inside 50 entries, and was the leading possession winner for the Casey Scorpions. Brett Voss was highly influential and was not far behind with 25 possessions:- 15 kicks, 10 handballs, 12 marks, 8 tackles, 3 clearances, 5 Forward 50 entries. Barry Brooks worked very hard as usual in the ruck and he finished with 19 possessions- 13 kicks, 6 handballs, 11 marks, 1 goal. A good game and effort from Baz! 

David Armitage finished next with 18 possessions and has had a fine season. 14 kicks, 4 handballs, 6 marks, 7 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 Inside 50 Entries.  Jarryn Geary continued some good recent form to finish with 16 possessions:- 11 kicks, 5 handballs, 2 clearances. Andrew McQualter finished next best with 14 possessions (7 kicks, 7 handballs, 6 clearances) and a mention must go to the hard work in the backline for James Wall and he finished with 9 possessions including 5 ball gets and 6 spoils.

Whilst the result was disappointing for the Casey Scorpions as the season has come to a sudden end, the taste of finals football and especially what it takes to play finals football will be the catalyst for a great and prosperous season in 2008.

Briefly below, I would like to list some of the following highlights of this season:

• An eight goal to one second quarter against North Ballarat at Austar Arena. This was the turning point of the season I felt when the side started to play some great football and develop some great momentum.
• Away wins on the road against the Bendigo Bombers and Williamstown when certain writers had written off the Casey side in the weeks leading up to the match. This shows you that some writers indeed need to do their homework!
• The home victory against Geelong at Casey Fields. At the time Geelong was on top of the ladder and the win by a point certainly showed that the Casey side had come of age and were on their way to the finals.
• The away wins on the road once again against Port Melbourne and Tasmania. These games were played with a great spirit and whilst the starts were slow, they definitely were good solid wins when the side sparked itself into action and literally blew the opposition away!
• Of course, making the finals after a three year absence for the first time since 2003. I have been at the club since 2004 so this counted as my first final!
• And from a player perspective, the leadership of Nigel Carmody and Steven Harrison and the emergence of Kyle Matthews!
• From a St.Kilda perspective, the emergence of youngsters David Armitage, Brad Howard, Jarryn Geary and Robert Eddy will ensure that St.Kilda will have some solid players to fill the breach in the future!

Having said all that,

I would like to pay tribute to Andrew Thompson, Matthew Clarke and of course Fraser Gehrig to congratulate them on their outstanding AFL careers and for the service they have given to St.Kilda. It has been a pleasure watching you all play and a pleasure to have had the opportunity to see you all up close.

All the best for the future in whatever you may do!

In closing, I would like to thank everyone for all the feedback regarding the articles and hope you have enjoyed reading them! A special thanks to the stats team at Casey; namely, Luciano, Dene, and Alan for all your help during the year! Another thanks to Angela Banbury and Lachlan Buszard for all your support during the year as well.

GO SAINTS AND GO SCORPIONS in 2008!!!!!!!!