Demons prepare for tough task

Horsham Demons face the toughest test in Deakin University Female Football League competition with a trip to the notorious stronghold that is Portland’s Hanlon Park.

A fortress for the Tigers in the men’s game for decades, the Tigresses are fast becoming known as a dominant force at the location.

The last time the two sides met the Demons won a close physical encounter, and will look to repeat the performance to tighten their grip on second place.

The team is fresh from a game against Hamilton in front of a big crowd at Horsham City Oval.

In a fast, free-flowing game that showed off some of the best talent the Grampians region has to offer, the Demons were triumphant, although the Kangaroos were missing some stars due to unavailability.

The Demons were able to create a number of chances late and locked the ball in their forward line to win 2.12 (24) to 0.1 (1). The Kangaroos were not without chances, breaking the lines throughout the day, but the Demon defence, led by Beth Bates and Natasha Mustafa-allen, held strong.

It was another standout performance from the Demons’ engine room, with Sophie Robinson, Meg Pohlner and Charlotte Launder feeding off terrific tap work from ruck Alex Lang.

Lang was pivotal early in the greasy conditions, giving Horsham first use. Debutants Danielle Watts, Eliza Mcanulty and Bec Hallam all contributed well.

This week the Demons welcome back a number of players including key tall Brit Keller.

• Horsham Demons’ girls team finished second on the youth ladder, only losing one game for the home and away season.

Stawell finished fourth and Horsham Saints finished ninth.

Finals commence on Sunday with Horsham taking on South Warrnambool and Stawell playing Warrnambool at Perdina Park in Hamilton.