Close opening round for Demons

TIMBOON Demons’ senior footballers came within two goals of a first-round victory last weekend.

The Demons, at home to Allansford, turned a 13-point first quarter deficit into a one point lead going into the half-time break on Saturday.

A 2.3 to 1.2 third quarter, in favour of the visitors, saw the lead switch by the end of the term, with just a goal in it.

The Demons worked hard all over the ground in the final term but fell just two goals short on the final siren, 6.8.44 to 8.8.56.

Demons senior coach Marcus Hickey said while the result was a disappointing one, the side could take “many positives” away from the match.

“A few things didn’t fall our way in the last five minutes or so and that cost us on the board,” Hickey said.
“But overall I was really happy with how we went. The first hit-out of the season is always going to be a challenge but it was an even contest all day.”

Hickey said the side would work hard on its ball movement at training this week in preparation for round two.

“We were a little fumbly under pressure early in the game and that cost us a couple of early goals,” he said.

“We have quite a few new faces at the club this season, as well as some returning players. Rhys Ziegelaar is back at the club and he was really strong on the weekend and Balun Cumming, who has come from North Warrnambool, also had a great game and is fitting in well.”

Now entering his fourth season at the helm of the Demons, Hickey said his side will be working on a “change of mindset” this year.

While in the past they were happy to be “close” to their opponents on the board, this year they will be taking every opportunity to win games.

“We want to get the wins on the board and it’d be nice to get some in the early rounds,” Hickey said.

“I think the top two or three sides in the league will be strong again this year but you can probably throw a blanket over the rest and that’s great for the competition.”

Rhys Ziegelaar, Balun Cumming, Samuel Newey, Mitchell Wallace, Ned Deppeler and Troy Groves were among the best for the Demons last weekend.

Eben White booted two majors for the home side and was supported on the board by team-mates Richard Couch, Kyle Delaney, Marcus Hickey and Thomas Hunt with one goal each.

Other round one winners were Russells Creek, Kolora Noorat, Panmure and Merrivale.

The Demons’ reserves struggled to keep up with Allansford on the scoreboard, going down 3.1.19 to 9.11.65.

Drew Kordupel kicked two for the home side while Richie Moorhouse, Rangi Vickers, Lewis Cunnington, Clint Watson, Jake Robbins and Paul Burvill were listed among the best players.

On the netball courts, the Demons won two of six games played.

Results:

A grade: Timboon lost to Allansford 40-49.

A reserve: Timboon lost to Allansford 24-33.

B grade: Timboon lost to Allansford 25-29.

17 and under: Timboon lost to Allansford 22-44.

15 and under: Timboon defeated Allansford 20-15.

13 and under: Timboon defeated Allansford 22-14.

This weekend will see the Demons travel to Davidson Oval to take on Old Collegians.