Football
15 July, 2024
Demons through to the Grand Final
The Horsham Demons women's senior team is through to the Western Victoria Female Football League Grand Final following a tough 19-point win over the Hamilton Kangaroos at Reid Oval in Warrnambool on Sunday.
The semifinal started hard-fought, with neither team giving an inch. At quarter-time, the scores were level at 1.2.8 apiece.
The Demons started to win contests around the ground and kicked two goals to lead by 13 points at half-time.
The Kangaroos were excellent in the third quarter, pegging the margin back to a goal, but the Demons stood firm to take a 14-point lead into three-quarter-time.
The Kangaroos battled hard in the last to get back into the game, but the Demons were too fast and strong, running out 8.5.53 to 5.4.34 winners.
Vanilla Ika was outstanding up forward for the Demons, kicking four goals, with Madeleine Huggins kicking two. Holly Smith, Catherine O'Dea, Crystal Summers, and Tatiana Nelson were all among the Demon's best players.
Ruby Cleaver kicked two goals for the Kangaroos, and Emily Pitts, Leah Mitschin, Zhane Crawford, Sophie Rentsch, and Elise Thurman were also among their best players.
Demons team manager Eliza McAnulty said the win was fantastic.
"There was pure elation after the game. To defeat the two-time reigning premiers was fantastic, and everyone was celebrating like we had won the grand final," McAnulty said.
"Vanilla Ika played a fantastic game, and Crystal Summers and Holly Smith played pivotal roles in the ruck.
"We will hold a big training session on Wednesday before the grand final."
"We have all the ingredients to make it happen. We just need to put it together."
They will now play South Warrnambool in the Grand Final next Sunday after they defeated Tyrendarra 16.10.106 to 0.0.1.
The Grand Final will be played in Mortlake at D.C. Farren Oval.
Unfortunately, the Demons under-18s didn't make the Grand Final but can hold their heads high for a fantastic season.
Against South Warrnambool, they were always up against it but battled hard in their 12.15.87 to 1.0.6 loss.
Amba Zolj kicked the only goal for the Demons with Greta Arnel, Violet McGennisken, Charmaine Lockwood, Poppy Peters, Amaya Woodward and Lara Purchase their best players.
South Warrnambool will now play Cavendish in the Grand Final following Cavendish's 6.5.41 to 3.9.27 win over Terang.