Sport
11 August, 2024
Bulls stunner as Demons win final home game, Redbacks return to top four
Wycheproof-Narraport's mark final home game with victory.
On an emotional day at Wycheproof Recreation Reserve, the Demons did their jumper proud, causing a stunning upset over ladder leaders Birchip-Watchem.
In what was Wycheproof-Narraport's final home game under its current identity before merging with Nullawil, the Demons stunned the Bulls 10.13 (73) to 9.7 (61).
Demons coach Wayne Mitrovic said the importance of the day wasn't lost on his playing group.
"It was a huge crowd, and being the last home game, you could see a lot of old faces we haven't seen around the club for a while, so it had a bit of finals feel to it," Mitrovic said.
"We spoke about it as a group in the lead up what the day meant to the club.
"Our last three weeks have been pretty ordinary, and after our loss to Wedderburn that meant we couldn't play finals, there has been a fair bit of focus on realising we are playing in a jumper that means a hell of a lot to people who have come before us, and we need to respect that."
The Demons managed to hold a slight buffer for most of the afternoon, but after the Bulls slotted the first of the last term, the margin was brought back to within a kick.
But the Demons handled the pressure well said Mitrovic, and held on for a famous win.
Joshua Grabowski was named best on ground for the Demons.
"At the start of the year, Josh (Grabowski) had a bit of unavailability, but in the second half, he's put together a good body of work," Mitrovic said.
"We've been pretty light on with leg speed, and I want the boys to be daring in their approach, which he does.
"Josh would have had ten running bounces for the day from the back line and provided a heap of run, particularly in the first half when he set it up for us."
Bulls full forward Ben Edwards kicked seven of his side's nine goals but fell three short of reaching the ton before the finals, finishing the regular season with 97 goals from 16 matches.
It has been a busy week for the Demons, with yesterday coupling up as the final match of the 2024 WorkSafe Country Club Series.
WEDDERBURN VS NULLAWIL
Wedderburn's NCFL finals hopes have received a significant boost after they recorded a season-saving 9.15 (69) to 7.15 (57) win over Nullawil.
In what was a virtual elimination final for the Redbacks, their destiny is now in their own hands.
The Maroons will now need to win their final ever home game as a singular identity against merger buddies Wycheproof-Narraport next week and hope the Redbacks lose to Donald.
Having opened up a 17-point lead by three-quarter-time, the Redbacks withstood a late Maroons fightback.
Redbacks stalwart Danny Benaim celebrated his 350th senior game.
BOORT VS DONALD
Boort has produced its best performance of the season, smashing Donald 19.9 (123) to 7.10 (52).
The Magpies flew out of the blocks, kicking seven goals to none in the first quarter and led by 58 points at the main break.
It was an unexpected hiccup for the Royals, who are preparing for an elimination final in a couple of weeks.
CHARLTON VS ST ARNAUD
Charlton is all but certain to go through the 2024 season without a win after they just fell short 10.6 (66) to 7.13 (55) at home to St Arnaud.
It was their best chance for a win all year, and it looked to be going according to plan, having the lead at the opening two changes while only trailing by a solitary point at three-quarter-time.
But the Saints slotted three goals to none in the final term to secure their second victory this year, both of which have come against the Navies.