By Shaun Reardon | AFLDD Media
Saturday saw the long awaited return of representative football to the AFL Darling Downs Juniors calendar with our very own Demons taking on Wide Bay.
First up were the U14’s under the expert coaching of Michael Gilmore, unfortunately the side wasn’t at full strength with a few regulars unavailable due to other commitments but the up side was a few boys that hadn’t played at this level before were given an opportunity to do so.
As is usually the case when a Darling Downs side comes up against another region, we were clearly undersized against the giants from Wide Bay. While initially daunted, it didn’t take long for the young Demons to get busy as they continually pressured their opponents all over the ground.
The back line was kept busy during the first half as Wide Bay bombed away into their forward 50, Tom Dearnaley was outstanding under the onslaught taking contested marks and turning defence into attack for the Demons. He was ably supported by the likes of Ethan Carmody, Gilbert Bell, Cameron Lumsden, Vinnie Melbin, Storm Arnold and Jack Martin, most of who were playing their first ever representative game.
The Demons came out after half time and lifted their intensity through the roof. The midfield, led by Captain Tom Reardon, got on top of their bigger opponents and seized control. Reardon dominated the clearances and was all over the ground while Harry Claydon provided plenty of grunt through the middle.
Jackson Paynter and Cameron Ferguson both worked themselves into the ground in the ruck and the Demon running brigade of Lachlan Davies, Brodie Ernst, Eric Rattray, Calan Wilson and Tyler Debney all got busy as they dragged the Demons back in the game.
The forward line made the most of their opportunities, the increase in supply meant they had to capitalize and they did. Tyler Gilmore ran himself ragged at CHF providing an option as well as running through the midfield at times. The boys down front were great, Jaiden Fidge was a livewire in the front half and Tom Coonan, Aiden Edwards, Judah Jackson and Connor Bate gave the Wide Bay defence headaches all day.
Unfortunately the boys couldn’t quite peg their opponents back and a couple of late goals to Wide Bay meant that the final score wasn’t a true reflection of the game.
Wide Bay ran out 11-6-72 to 7-4-46 victors over the brave Demons but coach Gilmore and team manager Micky O’Donoghue couldn’t hide their pride in the team’s performance post match.
Demons “Best on Ground” award, which is voted on by the Wide Bay coaching staff, went to Jaiden Fidge from the Warwick Redbacks, “Squirrel” had a blinder and kicked a couple of crucial goals for the Demons. It may have been a loss but all 23 boys who represented the Darling Downs did our region proud. Well done boys, great job.
Last Modified on 20/05/2014 17:39
