Sport
17 September, 2025
Junior Demons bring home two flags
LAST Saturday was a momentous day for the Timboon Demons, with the club winning both the under 13 football and 13 and under netball grand finals at Reid Oval.
The Warrnambool and District Football Netball League grand final day attracted a huge crowd to Reid Oval.
For the Demons, the under 13 football premiership came via a thrilling three point win over Russells Creek.
The low scoring encounter saw the Demons lead at half-time with a score of two behinds to Russells Creek’s one.
“It was a real heart starter of a game, a seriously competitive match,” Demons coach Toby Hendrix said.
The Demons kicked the first goal of the match late in the third term through first year player Darcy Delaney, taking an eight point lead into the final change.
“Darcy got the ball about 20 metres out and just drilled it, I thought at that stage we were a real chance with all our younger players really stepping up.
“We played a great third quarter and it felt at that stage like we had one hand on the cup.”
The game was then turned on its head with Russells Creek kicking the first two goals of the final quarter to take a four point lead.
Enter 10 year-old Jake McNeill, who goaled with four minutes to go to put the Demons back in front.
“He had no right to kick that, he picked it up out of the pack a few metres out, did a blind turn around their ruckman then put it through to much celebration from the boys.
“Jake had never touched a footy before this year, he couldn’t kick or handball properly, but with his passion and hard work he’s improved out of sight.”
There were still nervous moments ahead for the Demons.
“Russells Creek just kept on coming,” Hendrix said.
“We knuckled down and put in those one per centers we’ve trained all year for.”
The Demons defence really stood up with the ball locked in Russells Creek’s forward line for the last minute.
“We had smother after smother and forced a boundary throw in.
“We knew the boys had resilience, their heads never dropped, they never gave up, I can’t speak highly enough of the group.”
Kaspar Hendrix was named best on ground by the umpires.
“I can’t praise Kaspar enough for his game, him and Dane Nicholls really held us together.
“Riley Stephens down back also was fantastic.”
Alongside Hendrix and Nicholls, Zane Schawalder, league best and fairest Jed Watson, Beau Mackieson and Harry Salmon were best for Timboon in the win.
“Jed played a stellar game against some big Russells Creek boys, they got the better of him in the semi final, he played it on his terms on Saturday.
“Harry Salmon played an outstanding game for a first year player, very proud of how he went above and beyond in his efforts.”
Judd Doolan was another player who impressed Hendrix with his game.
“Judd played his best game for the season in the grand final, he really stood up for us.
“Every kid that played put their hand up for the team on the day.”
UNDER 13 FOOTBALL
GRAND FINAL
Timboon v Russells Creek
Unaware of the 13 and under netball result after the game, Hendrix was thrilled when the premiership netballers joined the footballers in celebration.
“The netballers joined in for a photo and sang the song with the boys.
“I can’t put into words how special that moment was, the community spirit with a room full of Timboon people was incredible.”
Timboon’s 13 and under netballers made it back to back premierships with a 40-27 grand final win over Russells Creek.
Russells Creek led 13-10 at quarter time, Timboon hitting the front by the main break with a 21-20 lead.
“We had a bit of a slow start, which we’ve been known to do this season,” Demons coach Hayley Plozza said.
“Russells Creek came out nicely at the start, we settled in the second quarter and really hit our straps in the third quarter, the premiership quarter.”
A 13 goal to four third term saw Timboon lead 34-24 at the last change.
Goal defence Elise Quarrell was awarded the medal for best on court.
“Elise had a lot of intercepts and played a really big game for us.”
Goal attack Indii Mckenzie also starred for the Demons, scoring a match high 28 goals.
“Indi missed a lot of the season with injury, we were worried she wouldn’t recover in time.
“She was accurate and played with great defensive pressure.”
The Demons coach also was full of praise for the games of Emily Plozza and Lahni Hanegraaf.
“As goal shooter, Emily was instrumental in how she worked with and helped Indii in attack.
“Lahni ran all day in the centre, she had a really strong game.”
Plozza also enjoyed the dual netball/football celebrations.
“Going back to back is wonderful, and it was really special to share the joy with the footballers.”
UNDER 13 NETBALL
GRAND FINAL
Timboon v Russells Creek
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