The Fooscray Bulldogs have thumped Casey to the tune of 79 points, moving into the second week of the VFL finals and ending the Demons’ season.
The Demons made the call to rest a number of AFL-listed players for Saturday’s clash, with Brodie Grundy, Tom McDonald, Charlie Spargo, James Jordan and several more all not featuring in the Elimination Final.
While all those players may feature in Melbourne’s push for an AFL flag, it has come at the cost of keeping its VFL side alive in finals.
With Casey devoid of many of their best players, the Bulldogs took full toll, particularly after quarter time.
Casey was in front late in the first term, but the Dogs kicked the final three goals of the quarter to seize the early advantage and from there, never looked back. The Demons did salvage some pride in an even final term.
It was none other than skipper Lachlan Sullivan leading from the front once again, with the 25-year-old enjoying two goals and 29 disposals as the best midfielder on the ground.
Mid-season draftee Caleb Poulter also starred with two majors from 26 disposals and in Grundy’s absence, Dogs tall Jordan Sweet dominated the ruck battle.
Riley Garcia, Rhylee West, Charlie Clarke and Buku Khamis were all among the multiple goal-kickers.
WEST IS BEST!
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) September 2, 2023
The @FootscrayVFL midfielder couldn't hang on to the big mark but recovers to kick a ripper!
If you can't attend, watch the Smithy's VFL Finals Series live and free on https://t.co/vYsGyBP3z6 and the AFL Live Official App: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTM pic.twitter.com/PHTAghgtxM
Buku Khamis steps up on the siren 🚨
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) September 2, 2023
If you can't attend, watch the Smithy's VFL Finals Series live and free on https://t.co/vYsGyBP3z6 and the AFL Live Official App: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTM pic.twitter.com/ISaZUH4oXU
James Harmes was best on for the Demons, finishing with 24 touches and four clearances.
But the likes of Grundy, McDonald, Spargo and others now won’t be able to press their selection cases in the VFL in what is a blow for Simon Goodwin’s side.
The Dogs will line up next week against the loser of Werribee and Box Hill, also to be played on Saturday.