Essendon has fallen agonisingly short in its first match of the 2014 VFL season going down to Casey by six points at Windy Hill.
The Bombers trailed for most of the second half before a scintillating final quarter brought the Bombers back into the game.
Down by as many as 25 points deep into the last quarter young midfielder Zach Merrett kicked three quick goals.
Merrett’s burst was followed by goals from Josh Mellington and Leroy Jetta to put the Bombers a goal in front with 35 minutes gone in the final quarter.
However, Casey managed two quick goals, with the clock nearing 38 minutes in the final quarter to snatch the victory.
Assistant coach James Byrne said it was a disappointing performance first up from the team’s VFL outfit.
“It is disappointing from the aspect that we didn’t play the way we wanted to play. It’s frustrating,” Byrne said
“We weren’t happy with the effort early and letting them into the game, allowing them to do what they like.”
“It’s hard to say that we deserved to win that game after a performance like that.”
Zach Merrett was one of the best on the field, playing his first full game of the season, picking up plenty of disposals and kicking three goals in the final quarter.
“He’s a classy player. I thought he fluctuated, but that’s the quality of Zach, when you need him, he steps up.”
“Obviously we’re trying to build him up to be consistent over four quarters, but he was very good today.”
Byrne added that while the loss was frustrating, there were still some positives to take out of them.
“Once the consistency comes, you can see that we are going to be a very good football side”.
“We’re not going to change the message towards the players (for the game against North Ballarat next week), we want to be a good contested ball side and defensive side, just looking after those areas is what we’ll work on over the week”.
Essendon next takes on North Ballarat at Windy Hill next Saturday afternoon from 1:10pm
Essendon: 11.14.(80)
Casey Scorpions: 12.14.(86)
Goals: Z.Merrett 3, Jetta 2, Kefford, Aylett, Mellington, Taligbue, Dell’Olio, Fantasia
Best: Jetta, Z.Merrett, Edwards, Thurlow, Freezer
