Devils find form on Friday night

It seems a long time since Cyclone Debbie washed out Round 1, but finally we got our chance to measure our performance against a team that has been a leader for many years. The main oval at Leyshon Park looked a picture as we followed the Qld v WA Under 23 women’s game. There was no wind and the weather was kind for our 8pm start.

Both teams had their match ups working well in the 1st quarter with the play at a high standard. The Devils missed some easy chances early, but finally found their range to take a slim lead to the first break. There was no indication of the way the Devils would take control of the 2nd quarter. Whilst the amount of play was fairly even, our forwards were making the most of our chances and the back line was very solid. The on ballers were led by Felsy who basically rucked on his own for the whole game. Everyone was contributing and it was pleasing to see Josh Redders, Dylan Powell, Robert Butler and Jiaan Koch make their return after long absences. It is fair to say that all these players had settled into the game well. Powell copped a finger in his eye late in the quarter and looks to have cut his eye ball.

Whilst we were already one rotation down, the team were playing well and with a 5 goals lead, the objective was to build on this. Springwood had different ideas and took the game on from the first bounce of the 2nd half. Some of their key players, Ryan Hooper and co. worked their way into the game and the Devils had no answers. In fact, Springwood had 4 goals before we even had a forward entry and the Devils helped them on a number of occasions. During this quarter they actually took the lead and it was only a couple of late goals that restored the lead. The game was in the balance.

Fortunately, the players responded to the challenge and the last quarter was the reverse of the 3rd. The Devils lost Lushy to concussion and a number of players were struggling. The onballers were getting right on top and the Devils were able to go onto a good win. Boydy finished with 7, giving his own personal cheer squad plenty to cheer about. The second half of the season starts next week and we take on Springwood again, this time at their home ground at 4pm. Let’s all get along and support the team as this is a critical game in a tight contest for a finals spot.

Yeronga: 3.2, 8.4, 10.8, 15.10 (100)

Springwood: 2.1, 3.4, 9.4, 11.11 (77)

Goal Kickers: G. Boyd 7, M. Rolla 3, J. Redsell, Z. Templeton, J. Koch, D. Powell, N. Connolly

Best Players: J. Redsell, N. Connolly, D. Shewell, G. Boyd, B. Cody, M. Fels, M. Johnson, Z. Templeton, K. Juracic