Missed opportunities were the story of the day at Cramer Street as the Northern Blues suffered a 16-point loss to Casey in the VFL.
The Blues booted four goals in the third quarter to breath life into the contest but were held scoreless in the final term as Casey took a 10.11 (71) to 8.7 (55) win.
After a tight first term, the Scorpions took control in the second, booting five goals to race out to a 26-point half-time lead.
The Blues lifted in the third quarter, restricting Casey to a solitary goal as they clawed their way back into the game.
But the Blues failed to make the most of their forward 50 entries in the final term and Casey kicked the only goal of the quarter to snare the four points.
Young Blues Jaryd Cachia (34 touches, 10 tackles) and Nick Graham (30 touches, nine tackles) continued their good form, while Brent Bransgrove was among the best with two goals. Tim Smith was the dominant forward on the afternoon with five goals for the Scorpions.
Blues coach Nick Webster said a lack of consistency across four quarters had hurt his side.
“There were periods where we allowed Casey to get a couple of goals and we were a bit inconsistent,” he said.
“But full credit to my boys again they fought hard in that third term and had a couple of chances in the last but unfortunately we couldn’t get the job done.
“We’re taking steps forward, it would have been nice to get the win, but the boys still had good belief late they could win and they came out and showed that in the third with an increased work rate and intensity around the footy to get ourselves back in the contest.”
The Blues have a bye this weekend – deliberately scheduled to keep a similar structure to Carlton, given their clash with St Kilda on Monday night – then play Essendon in round eight before another week off for the state game.
“There’s not much we can do about it but I don’t think it’s (the fixture) going to hurt the group anyway,” Webster said.
“It gives our young group the chance to rejuvenate and give a good crack in the second half of the year.”
CASEY SCORPIONS 10.11 (71)
NORTHERN 8.7 (55)
Goals: Casey Scorpions: Smith 5 Tapscott 2 Rosier Hunt Michie. Northern: Bransgrove 2 Wilson 2 Byrne Cattapan Wood Temay.
Best: Casey Scorpions: Blease Smith McKenzie Michie Riley Barry. Northern: Cachia Graham McInnes Bransgrove Anthony Tardio.
