Football
29 July, 2024
Demons victorious following last quarter blitz
Seven last-quarter goals to the Demons guided them to a 34-point win over Nhill at Horsham City Oval in round 14 of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
It was a tight match throughout, with Nhill gaining the upper hand early, kicking four goals to two to lead by 13 points at quarter-time.
The Demons fought hard in the second quarter, kicking three goals to two to reduce the deficit to three points at the main break.
The Demons slowly started to get on top in the third quarter, kicking four goals to two to lead by 10 points at three-quarter time.
In the last quarter, early goals saw them hit momentum as they kicked seven goals to run out 16.9.105 to 11.5.71 winners.
Ryan Kemp kicked five goals for the Demons, with Brody Pope, Hugo Papst, Tyler Blake, Jack Dalziel, Jasper Gunn, and Archie Elliot among the best on the ground.
Lucas Dahlenburg, Darcy Honeyman, Glen Saniong, Patrick Purcell, Deek Roberts, and Daniel Batson were the better players for Nhill.
Earlier in the season, the Demons wouldn't have been able to run away with a win in the last quarter, but over the last month, they have improved enough to run out games, which shows their improvement and makes them a formidable opponent.
Demons coach Jordy Burke said it was pleasing to see.
"Nhill is a great football side, and it was a great game of football that was in the balance in the first three quarters," Burke said.
"I thought we were controlling the game enough to feel confident in the last quarter, and we haven't been finishing the job well, so being able to do that well on Saturday was a really good result.
"The biggest thing for us is to focus on one-on-one footy and not let the scoreboard dictate how we play. We need to stick to our plan, and the rest will come, and we did that. Also, being accurate in front of goals helped."
Burke praised the entire team for performing their role, and he pointed out Archie Elliot's great game.
"Archie is a 16-year-old kid and an exceptional talent. He does his job well and is athletic and tough," Burke said.
"He plays beyond his years and is reaping the rewards of his hard work, which is a credit to him.
"He has goals to strive for in his future, and he is working harder than anyone I have seen. He is doing a great job through the wing and back pocket."
Ararat win tough match.
At Alexandra Oval, Ararat has won a tough game in tough conditions, defeating the Horsham Saints by 23 points, 6.14.50 to 3.9.27.
The Saints had a good first quarter, kicking the only goal to lead by eight points at quarter-time.
In front of their home crowd, the Rats used the conditions to their advantage in the second quarter to take a one-point lead into half-time.
A brilliant third quarter from the Rats saw them extend their margin to 16 points at the main break, keeping the Saints scoreless for the quarter.
In the last quarter, the Rats had their chances in front of goal but were still able to run out 23-point winners.
Tom Williamson kicked two goals for the Rats, with Ben Taylor, Henry Shea, Patrick Toner, Baydn Cosgriff, Sonny Kettle, and Luke Spalding among their best players.
Becker Irwin, William Taylor, Jordy Keyte, Will Tickner, Sam Clyne, and William Slatter were the Saints' best players.
Thunder's last quarter storms them to victory.
A three-goal to nil final quarter saw the Southern Mallee Thunder storm to victory over Minyip Murtoa at the Hopetoun Recreation Reserve.
Minyip Murtoa has been one of the improved teams in recent weeks and started out fast, flying to an 11-point lead at quarter-time.
The Thunder started to get on top in the second quarter, but the Burras held them at bay to lead by 10 points at half-time.
With an upset brewing, Kieran Delahunty fired up his troops at halftime. A two-goal to nil third quarter saw them lead by five points at three-quarter time. The Thunder had their chances in the quarter to go further clear, kicking five behinds.
In the final quarter, the Thunder's class came to the fore as they kicked another three goals to nil to run out 9.13.67 to 6.7.43 winners.
Thomas Clarke kicked three goals for the Thunder, with Lou White, Sam White, Billy Lloyd, Thomas Clarke, Jake Garvey, and Jackson Fisher among their best players.
Luke Fisher, Kade Petering, John Delahunty, Tanner Smith, Charlie Gibson and Nic Ballagh were among the best for the Burras.