VFL: Casey coach Mark Corrigan speaks about his team’s success

Casey coach Mark Corrigan has spoken openly about some of the biggest challenges his side faced on route to the 2022 VFL premiership.

Every premiership has its challenges but Casey’s 2022 VFL premiership is on a different level.

It is something similar to a fairytale.

The Demons prevailed against Southport in the grand final at Ikon Park on Sunday afternoon but it was built on so much more than two hours of footy.

For coach Mark Corrigan one of the biggest challenges of 2022 was continuing to motivate players who were only on the club’s VFL list.

At local level, two Covid interrupted seasons were disruptive and it was no different in the state leagues.

“Motivation has been one of our biggest challenges,” he said.

“The VFL listed guys have to commit so much time to playing at this level. They have long days with work then come to training after work.

“When you’ve seen what’s happened in the last two years it does make it tough. But I think all of the challenges and build up makes it worth it when you manage to have the success that we did.

“It’s still slowly sinking in, once you’ve had more time to reflect you probably realise just how big of a moment this is.

“I’m incredibly proud of everyone in the program.”

Players celebrate Mitch White of the Casey Demons winning the Norm Goss Medal. Photo: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Casey was able to put the heartbreak of the 2016 and 2018 deciders behind it following the first premiership since the club changed its name from Springvale.

Corrigan said it was an opportunity to continue honouring the past.

Springvale had tasted premiership success in 1999.

A Casey Scorpions guernsey was hung as the Demons sung the song.

“Mitch White and Jimmy Munro have both been massive drivers in connecting the club to the past,” he said.

“We’re still on a journey to do that and it’s important we keep bringing those people from the past back. We want to develop a one-club mentality.

“The history of the club is how we got to where we are today.”

Bailey Laurie of the Casey celebrates a goal. Photo: AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Corrigan paid tribute to the support of Melbourne’s support of the Casey program and helping the club to reach the pinnacle.

“It’s no coincidence we’ve got a strong team when Melbourne is towards the top of the ladder as well,” he said.

“It’s meant there are competition for spots and the guys are holding each other accountable. We’re developing the AFL listed guys and creating a winning culture at the same time which is tremendous.

“The guys including (Adam) Tomlinson, (Sam) Weideman, (Luke) Dunstan — the more experienced AFL guys — all brought into what we were doing.

“Then our leaders — White, Munro and Matt Buntine — continued to show the way. The young guys who are on the VFL list followed suit and gave themselves an opportunity to get the best out of themselves.”

White was named the best player on the ground after a dominant display which saw him finish with 29 disposals and 13 tackles while quelling the influence of Southport co-captain Jacob Dawson.