Despite a largely competitive effort, Casey proved too good for Essendon VFL at ETU Stadium on Saturday night, running away 29-point victors.
Ultimately, a slow start and an untidy finish were the contributing factors in the Dons' defeat, with 12 of Casey's 17 goals coming in the first and final terms.
Heading into the first change four goals down, the efforts of Dylan Shiel (27 disposals, two goals) helped spark a fightback as the side worked to get back to a relatively even game by the half.
A solid third-term display had the Dons in front at the final change, but their young side eventually ran out of legs against a more experienced Demons outfit who piled on six of the final seven goals to blow out the final margin.
In defeat, a group of Bombers showed strong promise including debutant Lachie Monteath in the ruck, who looked to be the most influential player on the ground for large stints of the contest.
Having missed most of the last two seasons with injury, an opportunity opened up for the 198cm prospect, who finished with 29 disposals and a cracking boundary line goal.
Liam McMahon also provided a great option forward of the ball with Archie May elevated to the senior side.
The former Carlton VFL man finished with four goals and defended strongly with seven tackles, able to lock the ball inside forward 50 when not hitting the scoreboard.
With nine goals in his first three games as a Don, McMahon is adjusting well to life in the new colours.
The Dons also unearthed another debutant in NGA prospect and Calder Cannon Adam Sweid, who's shaping up as a potential option in this year's National Draft.
Sweid had 10 touches in his first taste of VFL action, booting a clean late goal to finish his night well.
Essendon will follow up with another Saturday night clash this week, eager to respond when they face Frankston at Kinetic Stadium.
CASEY 5.2 7.7 10.8 17.10 (112)
ESSENDON 1.3 5.7 10.10 12.11 (83)
GOALS
McMahon 4, Eckersley 2, Shiel 2, Unwin, Sweid, Menzie, Monteath
BEST
Monteath, Shiel, McMahon, O'Neill, Tsatas
