Blighty seniors fought all day, keeping themselves in a hard fought contest for all four quarters against Jerilderie in round one of the Picola League.
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The additions of Jordy Priestley in the back line and Mason Coote in the midfield proved to provide the team with some needed experience, while Isaac Suckling was solid all day in defence.
Jack Charlton and Rusty Milward fought all day in the midfield, while Ari Glover was lively up forward.
The game was back and forth all day.
Blighty missed some opportunities to gather momentum, but overall put out a valiant effort for round one.
It was a fierce contest from the get-go, with Blighty applying pressure on the Demons.
Jerilderie’s new recruit Chas Retallick was pivotal, providing grunt on the inside and having plenty of polish outside of the contest.
Blighty led by a point at the first break, but Jerilderie managed to flick the switch in the second quarter, kicking four goals to Blighty’s none to have a 23 point lead at the break.
Ben Neessen was having an amazing game for the Dees before being subbed out just before half-time with a knee injury.
It continued to be a relatively tight contest throughout the third quarter, with Jerilderie kicking three goals to Blighty’s one.
Demon Deagan Purcell was providing a strong option up forward, finishing the game with three goals.
At the opposite end of the ground, Dan Eldridge was having a career best game, earning himself best on ground for the Demons.
At the end of the third quarter the Demons led 61-33.
As the first game of the year came to a close, fatigue was setting in for both teams, with cramping calves everywhere you looked.
Tom Sleigh and Bodhi Beasley both ran and battled hard all day, earning themselves a spot in Jerilderie’s best.
Blighty managed to kick a couple of goals late to win the fourth quarter four goals to three, but it wasn’t enough and Jerilderie came home with the win.
Final score: Blighty 8.10 (58) def by Jerilderie 12.9 (81).
Jerilderie awards: Dan Eldridge, Bohdi Beasley, Rory Knight, Tom Sleigh.
Reserves
Blighty hosted Jerilderie in a challenging fixture, ultimately falling short on the scoreboard.
The Jerilderie seconds started with a great win, beginning with young gun Evan Lawton kicking a goal in his first game for Ressies alongside his dad Greg Lawton.
Zac Rochford and Brock Kocks dominated the midfield for Jerilderie, while Brad Norton was winning all the ruck contests.
Jack Tonta and Dan Finch worked well up forward with Finchy kicking his first goal as a Demon.
Logan Eldridge carried on his form from last year, getting plenty of touch and kept the ball moving.
It was great seeing the young and new players in the team getting plenty of the ball, and exciting to see what they can do for the rest of the season.
While the result was not in Blighty’s favour, it was encouraging to witness the return of several familiar faces alongside a number of new players making their debut for the club.
A particular highlight was the return of Sam Singleton, who made his way back to Blighty after several years away from the game. His presence was a welcome addition both on and off the field.
Final score: Blighty 1.0 (6) def by Jerilderie 16.13 (109).
Blighty awards: S Singleton, T Maltsman, T Hall.
Jerilderie awards: Jack Tonta, Brad Norton, Evan Lawton, Logan Eldridge, Zac Rochford, Dan Finch. Brock Kocks.
Fourths
Jerilderie’s under-14s kicked off their season with a dominant win over Blighty, overcoming windy conditions to secure a commanding 96-point victory.
In the first quarter, Jerilderie took full advantage of the breeze, with multiple forward entries rewarded by four goals.
The team’s hard work and run in the opening term set the tone for the rest of the game.
The second quarter saw the defenders step up, holding off Blighty’s attacks and successfully rebounding with two strong goals despite the challenging wind.
Jerilderie’s ability to defend and transition the ball was key in maintaining momentum.
By the third quarter, the midfield and backline players were linking up beautifully, executing skilful handballs and kicks under pressure.
This teamwork was crucial in piling on six goals in the final term.
Blighty boasted a full bench and enthusiastic players, including new players.
The first quarter was a bit slow with the Redeyes taking their time to get into the game.
By the last quarter the team started to move the ball as a team, with promising signs for a more competitive 2025 season.
Logan Marshall was best on ground with a strong game in the rusk.
New player, Helens Fevaleak, worked hard for her first game with Lily Petersen showing no fear.
Another first gamer, Degan Morgan, showed his versatility with multiple positional changes combining with the running Andrew Frost.
Ben Macdonald stood tall in defence with Ruby Gordan leading the team through keeping possession and encouraging the young group.
Final score: Blighty 0 def by Jerilderie 13.18 (96).
Blighty awards: Logan Marshall, Helens Fevaleak, Lily Petersen, Degan Morgan.
Jerilderie awards: Jackson Pitt, Zavier Rorato, Coco Rossato, Tony Gurciullo, Franky Bryce, Jaxx McBride, William McGuinness, Harry Rorato.
Fifths
Coming up to round one against Jerilderie, Blighty were very excited to get on the field.
On Thursday Blighty was notified that unfortunately there were no fifths to play against, but that wasn’t going to stop them playing on Saturday and having fun.
As a family orientated club, the Redeyes decided to get parents and seniors on the field against our junior footballers.
It was casual but great fun all round.
All the parents realised how unfit they were with the kids running rings around them.
Awards went to the following players.
Ari Tremble - a great player that has skill and speed with awesome sportsmanship.
Nash Gordon - he’s only young but the footy smart is unreal. He puts himself back and watches so he is in the next contest, and puts his head over it every time.
Hunter Ward - its his second season playing football and he sure likes kicking goals. He’s another one that likes staying out to get the clean ball out of the pack.
Olivia Cairns - her first year playing football and you wouldn’t know it. She loves tackling and plays to the best of her ability.
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