From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Brendan Lucas
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CASEY coach Brett Lovett says his side's record in the clinches this season could give it a significant advantage in pushing deep into September.
The Scorpions took the minor premiership on Saturday by defeating Sandringham 12.14 (86) to 10.7 (67) in blustery conditions at Casey Fields.
Remarkably, they finished on top despite their percentage of 105.76.
It reflected their ability to win every close match and Lovett said it would be a good quality come the finals.
On Sunday the Scorpions host Werribee in a qualifying final.
"I'm sure the guys feel very confident coming in that we can take on really any side," Lovett said post-match.
"When the going gets tough and in tight, you need players who can believe in the game plan and believe in each other that we always have a chance to win.
"When players in the team start to think negatively it spreads quickly, so by us winning those close ones it reverses that from happening."
After trailing by 15 points at quarter time, the Scorpions came back with use of a four-goal wind.
Led by hard-bodied Demons Brent Moloney (24 possessions) and James Magner (24), Casey improved at the clearances.
The loss of talls Leigh Williams and Lucas Cook put pressure on Jack Fitzpatrick, but he stood up and kicked four goals.
In the third term, Zebras captain Beau Dowler and Daniel Archer gave the Scorpions defensive headaches.
Youngsters Troy Davis and Jai Sheahan had the job on the pair, but their height and strength allowed them to kick three goals by the 21-minute mark. Zebra Michael Sikora again proved his status as one of the league's elite ruckmen.
At the 11-minute mark of the final term the scores were tied, the game continuing to seesaw until the 24-minute mark.
It took a hanger on the wing from Tim Smith, followed by consecutive goals to Fitzpatrick and co-captain Kyle Matthews, to bury the battling Zebras.
Lovett said his side knew the importance of gaining a home final.
"Well last week we nailed the top four so we knew a win would give us that opportunity, and the preparation of all the work we have done to get a home final really gives us a massive opportunity to be a genuine contender," Lovett said.
"There are eight teams now that have got the chance to win the big one, so we just have to prepare well and come with the intent we have had nearly every game this year."
Casey Scorpions 2.0, 5.6, 6.7, 12.14 (86) d Sandringham 4.4, 5.4, 8.6, 10.7 (67)
Casey goals: Fitzpatrick (4), Matthews (2), Petropoulos, Gysberts, Gent, Bate, Tynan, Sheahan. Best: Collins, Sheahan, Fitzpatrick, Tynan, Gysberts, Magner.
Sandringham goals: Dowler (3), Archer (2), Hallahan (2), Michaliades, Waller, Dunell. Best: Hallahan, Sikora, Curren, Jones, Cockie, Dowler.
