Sport
12 May, 2022
Demons hold on to top spot
LISMORE Derrinallum Football Club has kept hold of its top spot on the Mininera League ladder after a dominant display against Caramut last weekend.
LISMORE Derrinallum Football Club has kept hold of its top spot on the Mininera League ladder after a dominant display against Caramut last weekend.
The undefeated Demons blew past Caramut in a 263-point drubbing, marking the second consecutive week Lismore Derrinallum have won by more than 255-points.
The Demons held a 58-point lead at the end of the first quarter before extending to 111 at the half.
The second-half remained ruthless as Lismore Derrinallum cruised to victory on the road, 42.25 (277) to 2.2 (14).
Demons coach Alec Wiltshire said the game was another good result for his undefeated side.
“We want to keep that momentum rolling through the start of the year, but we’ve still got plenty to work on,” he said.
“There’s a good feeling around the club.
“The boys are enjoying the strong run but from a coaching perspective those bad habits can start creeping in a little bit, so to keep a lid on it we have to play a team brand of footy rather than as a lot of individuals.
“Even though the big results are rewarding, it’s a team game.”
Beau Ketchen, Steven Ryan, Jack Atkins, Jack Pitts, Lachlan Ibister and Matthew Bacon were named among the best players.
Michael Lockyer kicked 12 majors while Matthew Bacon added six, Riley Browne added eight and Liam Rigby contributed six to the 42-goal onslaught.
“It was probably the best game I have seen Beau Ketchen play,” Wiltshire said.
“He was impressive. He’s not the greatest kick in the world but we used the pink footy on the weekend and I think it’s the first time I’ve seen him not miss a target.
“I’ve heard he’s put a request in to use the pink footy every week. He was the standout.”
Wiltshire said the team would continue to focus on each player fulfilling their respective role in hopes to continue the strong start to the season.
“It takes 21 contributors rather than individuals,” he said.
“We’ve got a system in place where everyone knows how we want to play, so the plan going forward is to not step outside of those lines.”
This weekend is poised to be a blockbuster as the Demons will welcome the also-undefeated Ararat Eagles to town.
The Eagles are coming off their own high-flying win over Great Western, and both teams will be looking to establish themselves as the competition frontrunners.
“I’m excited about this game to be honest,” Wiltshire said.
“Just the opportunity to see where we’re at and how we match up.
“There is a fair bit of hype around their side this year and they think they’re the team to beat. But we want to be the challengers, the hunters, so it’s pretty exciting.
“They’ve got some big bodies and we recruited some big bodies to match it with these better teams from last year, so the proof will be in the pudding.”