AARON Hamill was a surprise late withdrawal yesterday but the Casey Scorpions won their third consecutive game anyway, crushing the Williamstown Seagulls by 40 points at a windy Burbank Oval.

Scorpions coach Peter Banfield was unable to give a reason why Hamill was a late withdrawal from yesterday's game. Hamill played his first game of the season last week, kicking four goals in three quarters of play, and then ruled himself ready for senior selection.

But it is believed Hamill had knee soreness after last week's game.

Fergus Watts marked his intentions early pulling down several contested marks and kicked two first-quarter goals. Watts ended the day with five goals from 10 scoring shots and seven marks inside 50 and, with St Kilda's last-quarter fade-out against Collingwood on Saturday in mind, has put his hand up for AFL selection next week.

Also vying for a spot is onballer Shane Birss, who capitalised on Williamstown's lack of accountability with 28 possessions and three goals in a best-on-ground performance.

"Their (Watts' and Birss') form would definitely come under consideration," Banfield said.

Andrew Williams tried to spark the Seagulls, kicking three second-quarter goals but it was not their day.

Captain Brett Johnson's game ended with a clash of heads just before half-time and he was followed by Ryan Lonie, who limped off midway through the third term after having had 21 possessions.

Magpie coach Mick Malthouse watched from the grandstand and could not have been impressed with his VFL affiliate's wasteful forward thrusts and poor skill level. The Seagulls failed to register a goal in the second half.

Fittingly, Watts and Birss capped off their brilliant day, kicking the final three goals of the match.

Banfield was pleased with the pressure applied by his younger players. "The young guys have really started to step up. It was a very good game for us. They were hard conditions and it was a day when you have to win the footy," he said.

Casey moved up to seventh on the ladder after an impressive month of football. Just five weeks ago they were second last. Next week's match against ladder-leader Geelong looms as match of the round. Williamstown slipped from second to third on the ladder.

Hawthorn skipper Richie Vandenberg played the first half for Box Hill and helped inspire a 38-point victory. Charlie Gardiner was best on ground and Steven King had 38 hit-outs for Geelong, which continued its hot form with a 47-point win over Frankston.

Cats coach Leigh Tudor was positive about the hand his senior players had in the win. "The older boys got us over the line today," he said. "The team is going really well at the moment."

Scott Camporeale was best for the Bendigo Bombers in their loss to North Ballarat and could well have won himself the chance to play his 250th AFL game after the smattering of injuries and reports Essendon endured in Friday night's match against Geelong.

Angus Monfries will also be considered after kicking three goals. North Ballarat's win makes it four in a row, giving it a healthy chance of playing finals. North is now fifth on the ladder.