Reigning premier Swifts Creek has breathed some life into its season, defeating Lindenow South in round 13 of the Omeo and District Football Netball League.
Disappointing the previous week against Bruthen, the Demons went in quietly confident that if they could play at their best at home, they could trouble the Swampies who were trying to bounce back after a surprise loss to Swan Reach the previous week.
Both sides went in without key players, who will no doubt be rolled out once the finals commence.
The Demons may benefit more from their possible ins.
Lindenow South impressed in the first term, kicking five goals to two in an entertaining and high class match.
Cory Pescod (five goals) was up and about early causing plenty of headaches for the Demon defence.
After a rev up from coach Conor Harvey, Swifts Creek came out with more purpose and endeavour in the second term, with Andrew Sandy getting his hand on everything in the ruck and Beau Hack kicking the ball long and direct. The Demons kicked seven goals to four to the tie the match up at the long break.
Jamie Barton (four) and promising youngster, Jack Reid (three), benefitted greatly from the Sandy-Hack union.
With the breeze blowing, it was the Swampies’ turn to capitalise in the third term with Griffin Sherritt and Nathan Pollard combining well and Pescod still causing plenty of headaches, they booted four unanswered goals to open up a potentially match-winning 23-point lead.
Harvey wasn’t flustered at the final change, backing his side to use the wind to their advantage and finish the game strongly like they had the previous work, when time beat them against Bruthen.
In an action-packed term the Demons kicked five goals to one, getting up in the shadows of the siren to win by just two points, their most significant and satisfying victory since grand final day last year.
Written off numerous times throughout 2024, they answered the challenge, instilling some confidence and self belief that could be vital in the coming month.
Best players for Swifts Creek were Sandy, Hack, James Turner, Tommy King, Riley McCole and former Traralgon Tyers United player, Curtis Thorburn.
Among the best for Swampies were Sherritt, Pollard, veteran Russell White, Jake St John, Mel Irish (three goals) and Pescod.
