Devils pipped at post in Pre-Season

Finally footy has returned to the paddock and players experienced their first hit-out of the year. Played at Coorparoo, the conditions were typical of March, hot and humid. There was in fact only one place hotter than on the field and that was in the Coorparoo Juniors changing shed. It clearly doubles as a sauna!!!

Both teams had considerable changes from last year, but many of the key players were on show. The last kick of the game recorded a narrow win to Bond Uni, 13-4 (82) to 11-14 (80). Yeronga had the game in hand in the second half, but 4 unanswered goals in the last 7 minutes saw Bond take the win. The coaching staff will work on rectifying the game plan strategy to minimize this change of momentum. What players need to do is work on their goal kicking as that was disappointing at times and clearly cost us the win.

The players acquitted themselves well to the conditions and took the game right up to Bond, executing some of the early season game plans. The attack on the ball and movement by hand and foot was at times excellent. Ironing out the basic, costly errors will come over the next few weeks.

The Devils are in Division 1 this year and a good group of new players to the club are going to strengthen the players from 2016. It is great to see that serious pressure is going to be on every player to command a position in the seniors. This was demonstrated by an impressive running game from Chris Lyon and Belly Nizigama who lead the young brigade of players. New players to the club that impressed in their first game were Jack Lush, Anthony Davis, Nick Connolly and Josh Redsell.

Zach Templeton captained the team for the first time and led by example. Picking up from his brilliant form from 2016. Matt Johnson, Matt Rolla and Dom Wili joined in with Kevin Tandogac and Jack Jones who returned after a year away.

The talent and depth of the team for 2017 is starting out with an impressive fitness base, fashioned by Pat Daley from Inspire. As the Devils embark on their ambition to move into the QAFL in the next 5 years, the call goes out to supporters to get behind your team, come along to the games and even help out at the club. You will be made welcome.