VFLW: Young talent behind Casey Demons’ vital win over Port Melbourne

The Casey Demons have claimed a big scalp in the VFLW, beating the reigning premiers Port Melbourne — and it was a crop of exciting youngsters who led the charge.

Tylah Burn kicks Casey Demons into attack on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Casey Demons VFLW coach Matt Brewer likes what he’s seeing.

An advocate of free flowing footy, he believes his talented young side is on the right track — and the Demons’ rousing win over reigning premiers Port Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday was further proof.

With young gun Tylah Burn turning in an eye-catching display, Casey Demons powered to a 23-point win, 8.4 (52) to 4.5 (29).

“We’re playing a different style of footy this year,’’ Brewer said.

“I said to the girls at the start when I took the job on I just got sick and tired of watching the girls play up and down football, a contested ball game. I want it to be more free flowing and running but they’ve got to work hard and I think the girls know how to really work hard. We’re 16 weeks into something new for them, they’re going really well.’’

Tylah Burn.

Georgia Gall snaps.

In her second season of VFLW, former Gippsland Power product Burn dominated on a wing, racking up 25 possessions, including a game-high 19 kicks.

“She’s just starting to develop her game, she’s starting to understand her role on the wing, and how she has to work back to help us out in defence and she gives us some good coverage back there and she knows how to play offensive,’’ Brewer said.

“She’s developing every game.’’

Teenage ruck Lauren Jatczak was another to impress, igniting the Demons out of the middle.

“She’s taken her game to another level with her ruck work,’’ Brewer said.

Georgia Gall in her first game of the season first game did well, as did former Eastern Ranges gun Delany Madigan, who played a pivotal role in defence.

Sarah Lampard on the move for the Demons. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The class and experience of Melbourne AFLW premiership midfielder Sarah Lampard was also vital for the Demons. She racked up 27 disposals.

Ex-Collingwood player Sophie Casey’s experienced was also important.

Meg Macdonald, from Richmond’s AFLW list, laid a game-high eight tackles to go with 22 disposals.

Irish import Niamh O’Neill kicked two goals and constantly looked dangerous up forward and Alyssa Bannan also booted two.

Ex-Collingwood player Joanna Lin continued her bright start to the season and the multi-talented Ryleigh Wotherspoon was also in the best players.

Casey Demons players celebrate a goal. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Casey Demons coach Matt Brewer.

Casey Demons, with two wins and two losses, travel to Sydney on Saturday to tackle the Swans.

Brewer says the trip comes at a good time for his side.

“It will be good,’’ he said.

“We’re only going to get better playing against the better teams.

“Against Box Hill in the first round when they had their AFLW girls playing that was a big test for us. It just showed what it takes to play against really good players in the AFLW, so hopefully this week we can learn some things…we can go in with some confidence and we’re really looking forward to it actually.’’

Casey Demons best: Tylah Burn, Sarah Lampard, Niamh O’Neill, Meg Macdonald, Joanna Lin, Ryleigh Wotherspoon