Jerilderie Football Netball Club welcomed former AFL star Jeff Garlett to facilitate a clinic for the under-14s and under-17s football sides last week.
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Garlett also played in the round six clash against Katunga.
On Friday night, Garlett joined the main junior training of the week and had plenty of drills and exercises that challenged the young Demons to think and train with purpose.
The juniors were keen to put their best foot forward in the hope their name would be read out in a few years on draft night.
It was fantastic to have access to such a role model who had a similar upbringing to what most of the young Demons have had.
Garlett showcased not only what it takes to make it at the highest level in football but also what is required to achieve success in life, including dedication to everything you do, respect to everyone no matter who they are and enjoying everything life has to offer.
Although training with a former AFL star was the highlight of the night for the Demons, there were a lot of life lessons learnt and a lot of questions from some of the young players.
Undoubtedly, the best question from one of the juniors was: “Will you come and play with Jerilderie next year?”
The answer wasn’t “no”, so the club will have to see how this one plays out.
Although the night was for the juniors, it appeared there were many adults in the crowd eager to meet Garlett and offer their thoughts on his 185-game and 321-goal AFL career for Melbourne and Carlton.
The following day everyone made their way to the Katunga Recreation Reserve for what was to be a great day of country football and netball.
Slightly overcast with a few spits of rain provided the ideal backdrop for some quality local sport.
With the Jerilderie seniors keen to continue their winning run, players knew they had to bring intensity around the footy as well as continuous pressure and a team-first attitude.
Katunga started well with their run and spread in the first quarter.
However, the young Demons, led by Bohdi Beasley and Dan Eldridge were able to shut down the defensive 50m exits and allow their side to have repeat inside 50 entries.
Kane Hawkins and cousin Chris Lockhart continued their consistent start to the season, providing plenty of first use to the outside runners in Riley Webb and Tom Sleigh.
Kane booted three majors in a dominant display.
The Demons went into the last change up by 11 points and were confident that if the side played a hard brand of footy, they would run away victorious.
A fast start to the last quarter from Katunga saw the Swans hit the lead with 10 minutes remaining in the match.
A few lapses in concentration and accountability meant that Jerilderie had it all to do in the remaining moments of the game.
Garlett showed why he was a valuable asset at the AFL level, crafting a nice goal from 35m and allowing a chance for the Demons to take the game.
Unfortunately, they were beaten by the siren, handing Katunga a four-point victory after a hard-fought and entertaining match.
The club thanks Garlett for his contribution over the weekend.
It was fantastic to see so many juniors enjoy training on Friday night and then watch Garlett run around on Saturday.
The club certainly hopes it is not the last time he is in the Jerilderie jumper.
Final score: Jerilderie 9.10 (64) def by Katunga 10.8 (68).
Reserves:
Another day of scratching around to find a team. Thank you to the players stepping up each week to help their teammates and club out.
It’s what clubs like ours are made of.
Unfortunately, with a depleted backline the Katunga forwards were able to get on top early enough to put the game to bed.
Final score: Jerilderie 3.0.(18) to Katunga 20.13.(133).
Brendon Beckett (Jerildie Vet Clinic BOG), Tyler Hall (Colony Inn), Dave Hercus (Yanco Delta Wind Farm) and Cameron Arnold (Lawton Ag Services) were our better players.
Also, Keven Moran worked hard all day and was rewarded with a goal for his efforts.
Another highlight was the late crumbing goal to Max Roe.
We’re sure to hear all about it around the bar Thursday night. Well done Max.
Thirds:
It was a tough day for our under-17s, with Katunga proving too strong for our boys.
Final score: Jerilderie 2.0.(12) def by Katunga 9.3.(57).
Awards: Dan Eldridge (Makatak), George Koschel (Congrams Transport), Cooper Gurciullo (Hair 4 U), Nick Taylor (Colony Inn) and Franky Donald (Coach’s award).
Fourths:
The young Demons matched it against a much bigger side in the Swans.
They squandered a few chances in front of the big sticks, which may have cost them a chance at victory.
It was a really competitive game by our young Dees with our leaders playing great football.
Jackson Haas-Laing is another who has started to find their feet and won the Jerilderie Bakery award.
The tackling and pressure by the younger Dees was a standout, but unfortunately, they could not match it against a bigger and stronger Katunga team.
Final score: Jerilderie 2.5 (17) def by Katunga 5.4 (34).
Best players: Evan Lawton BOG, Jackson Pitt, Charlie Rorato, Jackson Haas-Laing and Zavier Rorato.
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