Swifts Creek continued its mid season resurgence, with a dominant performance in a must win game against Buchan in round 10 of the Omeo Football Netball League (ODFNL) at the Buchan Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The victory, the Demons’ fourth win from their last five matches, moved them
into the top four by percentage at the expense of the Cavemen.
Swifts Creek only recent loss was to Bruthen, last year’s runner-up showing that they can match it with any side on their day.
Again afforded the luxury of playing coach, Conor Harvey (five goals) in the forward 50, the Demons dominated the first quarter kicking three unanswered goals, and missing a couple of other chances that were gettable.
The match was in the bag by half time as Swifts Creek led by 33 points, restricting the Cavemen to just a solitary goal in the first half, the Demons dominating through the midfield and across half back.
The second half was a more free flowing affair, still played on the Demons terms as they kicked nine goals to five to run out 62-point winners, and further throw open the 2025 ODFNL season.
If Harvey can continue to get his troops to perform at this level, playing without fear, they could yet be a premiership dark horse.
Skipper Beau Hack was outstanding, ably supported by fellow engine room hard nuts, Brodie Cameron (two) and Brodie Matthews.
Sam Stewart impressed in his second match after crossing from Wy Yung as did James Turner and Patrick Cusack across half back.
Dylan Collings and Jay Robbie were others to impress up forward, kicking two goals each.
Justin Hunt, Jack Brick, Tyson Siddle (two), Michael Ocallaghan, James
Woodgate and coach Christopher Mathers all tried hard for the Buchan, who will be dirty that they capitulated so easy in what probably will be a season defining match.
In this week’s matches, the Demons will head up the pass to take on ladder leader, Omeo-Benambra in match that tantalises the appetite, with both sides in great form and only a point separating them last time.
The 2024 grand final replay, will be an another indicator of how far the Demons
have come, as they try to put separation on the table between themselves and Buchan.
The Cavemen will venture down to Swan Reach, determined to get back on the winners list, against a formidable opponent, who will also be keen to bounce back.
