Deadly Double for Demons in soggy AFL
DUBBO Demons’ road trips netted two wins in Saturday’s Central West AFL. In wet, cold, and slippery conditions, the Tier One Men fought hard for their first win of the season, while the women are sitting on top of the table with two from two.
Playing the 2023 Premiers at their home ground, was always going to be a tough challenge for the Tier Two men. Making the long trip to Cowra with several players missing, the ‘Ressies” fought hard, but their commitment wasn’t converted to points on the board.
Andy Pearson, in his 99th game for the club, battled the strong Cowra forward line all day and was rewarded with the” Down the Lane Best-on-ground” for his efforts. Former junior players, Izaya Sherring and Jayden Wallace, are also starting to make their mark in the senior team, and junior coach, Ben Fairman, pulled on the boots after a long break, putting up a solid performance in his return match.
The team was bolstered by two out-of-town players, River and Macey O’brien, who joined their brother Tullic for the weekend. River earned himself the “You Galah Player’s Player” award for his efforts.
The first game of the season between these two teams is in honour of former Cowra player, Jason “Popeye” Petty. He was a selfless and reliable player and clubman at Cowra, who gave 110 per cent to the club each week, being in and over the ball at every opportunity.
Petty lost his battle with cancer in 2001 and, while both teams have played hard for the prize over the past 23 years, this year’s “Popeye Plate” went to the Blues – Cowra 14.5.89 to Dubbo’s 3.1.19.
The women ran-out in constant drizzle and the conditions made for a challenging and contested game, played mostly at ground level. Despite the unfavourable weather, the Dee’s managed to move the ball quickly and effectively, racking-up goals at a rapid pace. The forward line played an outstanding defensive game, keeping the ball within the forward 50 for much of the day. The Cowra Blues play a highly-physical style of footy, and with no subs on the day, the Dubbo team had to fight hard for the win.
Abbee Milgate, in her second game, was voted Players Player, and Korine Coleman in the ruck was Best on Ground for her performance and her enthusiasm all day. Demons on 12.7.79 defeated the Blues 2.2.14.
The Tier One Men then took on Orange Tigers in their match, played at Parkes. Both teams lost their opening match and were keen to take home the four points from this game. Vice-captain Adrian Hickey played his first match for the year and provided guidance and direction from behind the ball.
Former Demon’s player Isaac Heath, who scored 50 goals for the club in the 2022 season, has made the move to Orange this year and will be a useful addition to their forward line. Max Grant was tasked with tagging Heath, keeping him to just one goal for the match, while taking some spectacular marks at
the full back spot.
Daniel Searle earned himself the Best on Ground prize for his exceptional work on the wing, delivering the ball repeatedly into the Demons forward 50. Despite some strong defence from Orange throughout the game, it was the Demons singing their team song after their 8.10.58 to 4.3.27 victory.
Only Tier Two play next week, with the Women and Tier One having a bye.
Next home round will be on Saturday, May 18 for the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round against Bathurst Bushrangers.
The Club is currently taking applications for their annual fundraising efforts. If you’d like to nominate a worthy recipient, please head to the Dubbo Demons AFL page on Facebook to find the application form.