Swift Creek won the battle of the winless sides in the Omeo District Football Netball League, defeating Lindenow South in round three by 83 points at the Lindenow South Oval.
In an even first quarter the Swampies actually looked the better of the two sides, a late goal from Dylan Collings (four goals) – his second for the term – giving the Demons a five-point advantage.
The Swampies got plenty of drive out of the ruck in the first term from Stratford big man Blake Cuttriss, who took the game right up to Swifts Creek ruckman Andrew Sandy.
Cuttriss’ ability to bring players such as Aaron Edwards, Shane Thorpe, Jamie Donnelly and Will O’Keefe into the game created drive from the clearances, as well starving key Demons playmakers Beau Hack and Conor Harvey of the football.
Lindenow South kicked the first goal of the second term to regain the lead before a injury sustained in a tackle in front of Bay 13 saw Cuttriss leave the field and not return.
That brought Sandy into action. He took control of the clearances with Hack, Brodie Matthews and Harvey dominating for the final three quarters.
The Swampies tried a variety of different opponents on Sandy, eventually settling on Nick O’Keefe late in the match, the enthusiastic youngster at least making a contest.
The Demons kicked the next eight goals, leading by 49 points at the long break.
Jay Robbie had a field day up forward for the Demons, the former Bruthen premiership star kicking a personal best nine goals.
The goal of day was kicked by Mick Harrington, an exquisite left foot snap.
Better players for the winners were Matthews, Hack, Sandy and Robbie, while the Swampies got solid efforts from Jake St John, Alfred Solomon, Edwards and Thorpe.
Swifts Creek will this week make the trip to Swan Reach. They will be smarting having been outplayed by the Alpine Ranges and will be keen to bounce back and make a statement.
Lindenow South will venture to Buchan hoping to breakthrough for its first win of the season. It will be interesting to see what sort of line up the Cavemen serve up this week.
A line up similar to the one that dispatched Omeo Benambra would be too good for
the Swampies.
