Sport
17 April, 2026
Big opening round for Demons
LISMORE/Derrinallum started its senior football premiership defence with a thumping 149-point win in the round one match against Moyston/Willaura.
The Demons dominated all day to run out 25.19.169 to 3.2.20 winners at the Derrinallum Recreation Reserve.
“It was nice in tough conditions to come away with a win like that,” Lismore/Derrinallum coach Alec Wiltshire said.
“We had winners going right across the ground; all our prime movers played well, it was an even performance across the board.”
An eight goal to one opening quarter set the tone, with the Demons not letting up all day.
Star ruckman Henry Walsh put in another big game and was named best on ground.
“Henry gave us first use, in the conditions it became a big clearance game.
“Our ball movement probably wasn’t as fluid as normal with that sort of pack mentality, so Henry came into his own and started spiking it and grabbing it out of the ruck, getting it going our way after the rain really set in.”
Lachie Constable bagged seven goals and Jack McCallum four in the win, with two club senior debutantes impressing Wiltshire.
Kaleb McIlveen, coming from a rugby union background and who had barely ever played Australian Rules, and Isaiah Harrington, crossing from Alvie, played their first games in Demons colours.
“Kaleb has played a lot of rugby union and sort of feels comfortable under the high ball, he’s as solid as a rock, he loves to absorb contact, he’s a decent size and will allow Henry to have a chop out in the ruck.
“Isaiah was solid down back, when the ball did come down, he had an impact, so he didn’t get beaten basically, but in saying that, the ball probably wasn’t down there that often.”
Tomorrow the Demons head to Lake Bolac to take on the home team.
“This time last year, they rolled us and with a bit of a new look side they’ll be after us again.
“It’s just a different ground, it’s a bit longer than the other grounds in the league, and we’ve just got to adjust to that.”
The reserves match also saw the Demons record a thumping win, 23.17.155 to 0.1.1.
Riley Browne kicked seven goals with four each to Jackson Davies and Jack Atkins, with Browne named in the best with Jack Pitts and Jock McGavin.
In the under 17s, the Demons had a 7.8.50 to 5.4.34 win.
Austin Price, Jack Fay and Campbell Greig were best for the Demons, with Eddie Gellie and Jackson Davies kicking two goals each.
The under 13 game saw Lismore/Derrinallum score a 10.8.68 to 0.0.0 win.
Eddie Gellie kicked four goals and was named in the best with Patrick Greig and Chris Cronly.
The Demons A grade netballers started their season with a strong 40-17 win.
“It was absolutely the start to the season we were looking for,” new Demons netball coach Steph Smith said.
“We have put in a solid preseason and have done the hard work in preparation, so it’s great to have a win like that first round.”
Moyston/Willaura competed well until half time before the Demons asserted their dominance.
“It felt like they were with us for the first half, credit to them, they held us up and made us work it through and chip away.”
Alex Sheridan and Hannah Walker were best for the Demons in the win.
“Both did exactly what was asked of them, Hannah in particular had hands over pressure, body on body, there were no easy passes in and she picked off a few.”
Emily Murray and Rachel Vagg led the scoring with 14 and 24 goals respectively.
“Em and Rach combined quite well in there together, they’re a new combo as well so it’ll take a bit to work each other out and to develop that connection, but they made a great start to the season.”
Back at the club after 10 years away, Smith is enjoying the role.
“Loving the move back to Lismore/Derrinallum. It feels great, everyone has been very welcoming and enthusiastic to have me back.
“Hopefully we can experience success as a club both in footy and netball and at the same time, we have so much potential, it’s very exciting.”
Lismore/Derrinallum took out the B grade game with a 26-24 win, Grace Coker and Maddi Mitchell the Demons best.
In C grade, the Demons won 25-11, best players being Grace Simpson, Ruby Walsh and Tiarna Evans.
The 17 and under netball saw Moyston/Willaura score a 36-18 win, with Lila Horspole and Kira Srdoc best for Lismore/Derrinallum.
In the 15 and under netball, the Demons won 19-2 with Ruby Stephenson and Ruby Fay best for the Demons.
The 13 and under game saw Lismore/Derrinallum score a 29-2 win, with Ivy Moyle and Oscar Stephenson best.
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