Sport
7 July, 2022
Demons celebrate 2017 flag
THERE was plenty of laughter and tales shared at the Lismore footy ground last weekend when the 2017 premiership side reunited
THERE was plenty of laughter and tales shared at the Lismore footy ground last weekend when the 2017 premiership side reunited
The five-year reunion saw several premiership players head to Lismore on Saturday to watch the local footy and reminisce about Lismore Derrinallum’s successful 2017 Mininera season.
Premiership coach Jahn Knight enjoyed the day’s celebrations and said a handful of players from the 2017 team pulled on the boots once again and took on visitors, SMW Rovers.
“It was a great turnout and a ripper day,” Knight said.
“We had 17 of the 21 who played backed then turn up on Saturday which was terrific. We had a few beers, shared a few stories and the yarns got bigger and better as the night went on.”
Included among the returning players on Saturday was Jacob Morgan who travelled from Queensland just for the occasion.
“I think Jacob may have played one game in Queensland last year and he was keen to go out there with the twos and have a run – but when we found out there was half a dozen on the bench he didn’t want to put anyone out.”
But as luck would have it, a late withdrawal in the senior side on Saturday morning paved the way for Morgan to once again pull on a Demons jumper.
“I think he was about to crack a can when the coach asked if he could play,” Knight said.
“He did alright too; had a run in the back pocket with the twos – was abit rusty early on but came good in the second half. I’m sure he would’ve been abit sore the next day.”
Knight thanked all those who returned to Lismore for the reunion, saying it made the day a special one for not only the 2017 premiership players but also their families and supporters.
“It really was a great day; lots of laughs and lots of tall tales."
“Someone had recorded the grand final so we also had the chance to watch that and re-live it all.”
The road to victory in 2017 was a thrilling one for the Demons.
After finishing the home and away season in second position, they defeated minor premier Moyston Willaura by 61 points in the preliminary final.
They then took on Wickliffe Lake Bolac (who finished in third) on grand final day.
A report in the Camperdown Chronicle on September 22, 2017 said the Demons rallied from behind in the second half to score a 12.8.80 to 10.5.65 victory.
Both sides kicked with great accuracy in the first quarter, as the Magpies booted four goals straight and the Demons two without a blemish.
Wickliffe Lake Bolac booted three goals in a tight second term to lead by 18 points at half-time.
The ‘premiership quarter’ rang true for the Demons as they piled on five goals in the third to break open the game.
The Magpies could manage just one behind as the Demons held a 15-point advantage with a quarter to play.
Lismore Derrinallum wasn’t about to let the chance slip, as both sides booted three final quarter majors, giving the Demons victory by 15 points.
Michael Lockyer booted four goals for the victors and was named best on ground in a repeat of the 2015 grand final.
Along with his 2017 premiership medal, Lockyer also took out the senior best and fairest award for Mininera.
He was well supported on grand final day by team-mates Tim Turner, James Halloran, Jack Pitts, Brandon Greenwood and Andrew Parkinson.
Veteran Demon Wayne Loader chimed in with two goals, as did ruckman Todd Lamont.
