Nail Biting Win For The Demons

Liam Chambers

Narrm take the early advantage

Alyssa Bannan opened the scoring for Narrm when Paxy Paxman was award a free kick on the arc and spotted the number 6 hovering near the pocket. Bannen took the mark, then easily slotted the set shot.

The first two games of the season were relatively undemanding for the Dees, and they had yet to be seriously tested. After the first five minutes of play, the Pies looked to be intent on taking the game to Narrm.

The Dees were able to deal with the attacks in their defensive 50 though and once out, easily transitioned the ball back down the ground. Eden Zanker had a couple of opportunities to kick a goal, with her second effort going through to give her side a thirteenth point advantage.

Collingwood continued to apply the pressure on Narrm though, and it finally paid off when a turnover 20m out gave Mikayla Hyde the opportunity to collect the bouncing ball, before turning and snapping it through.

The Pies hit back in dominant display

Despite an injury list that’s growing each week, the Demons still look impressive on the ground. It is taking a toll though and Collingwood would be seeking to take full advantage.

High scoring Kalinda Howarth had an opportunity to draw closer to the Dees, a couple of minutes into the second term. However, a wayward wind caught the sherrin as it was floating towards the inside of the upright and blew it left for a minor score.

Narrm had their own chances inside 50, but the Pies’ defence was standing up well. It was a hard fought low scoring quarter with neither side able to kick a major.

Then with just under four minutes left on the clock, Grace Campbell took a contested mark in the pocket and went back to successfully kick the 35m shot. It was now a one point game. Collingwood had dominated play throughout the second term, but Narrm had defended well to keep the Pies at bay.

Dees under pressure, but finally regain the momentum

Collingwood started hard and fast in the second half, again pressurising the Demons’ defence. It eventually paid off, when Carly Remmos found enough space amongst the pack, to get a kick away and score the home side’s third goal. Collingwood were ahead for the first time, and they continued to push Narrm to the limit.

Finally, the Dees found themselves in recently unfamiliar territory when they finally got back inside their forward 50. They didn’t waste the opportunity, with Kate Hore snapping from 30m out while simultaneously being tackled. It worked, and Narrm was ahead again.

The goal energised the Demons, and they went searching for the next major. They found it by transitioning the footy down the ground, starting with Paxy. The veteran kicked to Ryleigh Wotherspoon, who ran on and kicked to Tayla Harris. The key forward launched long into the pocket, where Kate Hore tapped down the ball, controlling it on the bounce and then hand passing to Georgia Gall in the square. From there it was a simple tap across the line, and Narrm had two in a row.

The Dees had all the momentum, but Collingwood remained unflustered, again launching an attack that resulted in Mikala Cann getting boot to ball in the square and sending it across the line.

Hard fought battle goes down to the wire

With only four points separating the teams at the start of the final quarter, it was anyone’s game. Collingwood looked determined to win and were throwing everything at Narrm early, in an attempt to retake the lead. The Pies were dominating inside 50, but could only manage three minor scores in a row, before Narrm again broke free and went on the counter attack.

As the clock continued to tick down, just a single point divided the sides. Then with four minutes to go, Lucile Cronin’s kick from 50m sailed towards the goal square but was touched before it bounced across the line. All even at thirty one points apiece.

With two minutes remaining, Kate Hore marked in the square, just next to the goal line. The captain went back and slotted the point blank set shot.

After the goal, there was a mad scramble by Collingwood to get the equaliser. Then there was a hold your breath moment when Imogen Barnett was awarded a free kick in front of goal. The forward went back to take the shot, but luckily it veered to the left for a minor score. Then just before the siren, Grace Campbell was also awarded a free kick after being held. The 35m set shot from a difficult angle hit the post and Narrm was home and hosed.

It was a gutsy fight from our players, and the win took them back to the top of the ladder.

We’re at Casey Fields for Round 4 where we take on Richmond, who haven’t won yet in 2025. On paper we should be victorious, but we have to be wary of complacency.

I don’t think Narrm will be taking anything for granted though.

Go the Mighty Dees!!!