Devils do it for Phil, McGrath kicks 11
Phil Laidlaw who played in today's senior game is held in the highest regard at our club as a leader, player and volunteer. He and his family have had a tough past year and the Devils are working hard to help his brothers’ family. Our fundraising efforts are to help aid the future of David’s children moving forward. We ask the football community to take time to read and understand the story of devastation that has been left behind for this fun, loving and caring family.
Chris Ryan, President of the YSBFC has worked to make this day and he was able to get Ash McGrath to travel from Perth to play. Ash freely gave up his footy commitments to help out. We thank Ash and Amanda for making the day enjoyable and a success. Please feel free to click on this link to understand why The Yeronga South Brisbane Football Club is doing its best to help one of our own Football Families. https://www.gofundme.com/katieandmaggieshome
Bond Uni, like the Devils, has a very long unavailability list at the moment. There was a comment last week that the positive for the Devils is that there are many young players getting to experience playing at this level. Fortunately, this week they were able to experience firsthand what is required to win. Nick Connolly made his debut, a fair effort from a rugby convert who brings a fierce attack on the ball.
Whilst the sun shone and there was no wind to speak of, the playing surface was very slippery and heavy from the rains the previous days. Both teams struggled with the conditions early and found it hard to exert any supremacy. The back line was ably led with the flair and leap of K. Juracic and they all worked to repeal every attack. The Devils were able to fashion some goals from nothing before a more structured forward line started to appear.
Ash was settling in well, helping the players around him understand their roles. One player who needs little instruction, but accepts any he can, is our captain, Jake Thomlison. He made his debut game for 2017, wearing the No 15 guernsey that had been retired since 1984 in respect of David Gibson. To read more about that story click the link below.
At the 10 minute mark of the 2nd quarter, the Devils had established a match winning lead 10 goals to 0. Then there was a notable change in effort by Bond as they started to get more of the ball. Whilst they have many out, they still have some quality players and they worked hard to get back into the game. Whilst they were never going to do that, it meant the Devils had to put up a good contest to win well.
An 8 goal to 4 final quarter ended in a fairy tale finish when Ash, lining up for number 12, passed off to Phil Laidlaw. He went back to kick his first senior goal for the Devils and to top off a great day for him, the club and our broader family. It was inspirational to watch all 17 players on the field to rush to Phil and congratulate him. Good luck to you and your family from all at Yeronga Phil.
Yeronga: 7.3, 11.7, 17.11, 25.13 (183)
Bond Uni: 0.1, 1.4, 3.4, 7.4 (46)
Goal Kickers: A. McGrath 11, J. Thomlison 5, M. Johnson 2, B. Davis, M. Fels, K. Juracic, P. Laidlaw, H. Livesey, Z. Templeton, R. Yorston
Best Players: Phil Laidlaw, M. Johnson, H. Livesey, R. Yorston, Belly Nizigama, Dion Yevtic, K. Juracic, D. Jordan, A. McGrath
