Demons leave it late to deliver

IT took a three-quarter time spray and a four-goal final term frenzy but the Surfers Paradise Demons managed to overcome their first-game nerves and claim a maiden QFAW Division One win against fellow newcomers Southport.

Fresh off a division two premiership, the Demons had the chance to raise their 2019 flag pre-game in front of a home crowd at Sir Bruce Small Park.

But the celebrations came to a sudden halt when fellow Division One debutants the Southport Sharks began to dominate and piled on four goals to take a 14-point lead into three-quarter time.

“They had us on the ropes right up until three-quarter time but our coach Barry (Irvine) gave us a bit of a spray,” 2019 Demons best and fairest Courtney Sexton said.

“I think we were battling a few nerves going up a division and we were probably overthinking a few things being against a new team but we managed to get our act together.”

Led by former Bond QAFLW player turned Demon Jess Watts, Surfers piled on four goals in the last quarter while keeping Southport scoreless to secure a 39-26 win.

While ecstatic with their come-from-behind victory, Sexton believes her side still don’t know where they stand.

“We were there to prove that we’d earned our position in the competition and reward our hard work and commitment from last year,” the midfielder said.

“We weren’t at our best for three quarters but the win was a good confidence boost.

“We’re playing Burleigh (2019 grand finalists) this weekend so we think that game will give us a better idea of where we sit.”

Meanwhile, Robina defeated Burleigh 22-21 while Broadbeach faced a bye.