Jerilderie consolidated their position in sixth place on the Picola League ladder with an impressive win over Rennie on Saturday
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While Rennie started strongly and controlled much of the opening quarter, the Demons stepped up a gear and recorded a 75 point victory, which could have been greater if not for inaccurate kicking.
Early in the match, Jerilderie's defence stood firm, with Frazier Pinnuck outstanding across halfback, repeatedly repelling Rennie's forward entries and keeping the scoreboard in check.
The second quarter saw Jerilderie take control through the midfield, led by the dominant ruck work of Zye Treadway.
Ben Neessen and Max Diffey began to impose themselves around the contest, helping the Demons gain the ascendancy.
As the game opened up after half-time, Jerilderie capitalised on their opportunities and pulled away on the scoreboard.
Substitute Jimmy Winn made an immediate impact, booting three goals in the third quarter to put the game beyond doubt.
Brad Aylett provided a strong target at half-forward all afternoon, finishing with four goals, while Ben Neessen capped off an outstanding all-round performance with three majors and was a deserving best on ground.
Final score: Jerilderie 14.19 (103) def Rennie 4.4 (28).
Best players: Ben Neessen, Zye Treadway, Brad Aylett, Max Diffey, Jimmy Winn and Frazier Pinnuck.
Reserves
The Jerilderie reserves secured their first win of the season, with a 19 point win over Rennie.
It wasn't the ideal start with the visitors quickly slotting two early goals. But the Demons responded well, lifting their intensity around the contest and applying strong pressure to work their way back into the game.
From there, the match became an even contest, with both sides battling hard and knowing that limiting mistakes would likely be the difference.
Once again, the Jerilderie backline stood tall, playing a disciplined and dependable game, while quick ball movement through the middle, giving forwards the opportunities they needed to finally hit the scoreboard.
It was a complete team performance, with every player contributing to a well-earned three-goal victory and a fantastic reward for the effort the group has shown throughout the season.
Final score: Jerilderie 7.5 (47) def Rennie 4.4 (28).
Thirds
This was expected to be a tight contest, with both sides desperate to secure an important win. The opening stages were fiercely contested, with neither team willing to give an inch around the stoppages.
The Demons were well served through the middle by Evan Lawton, Logan Eldridge and James Winn, whose work rate and contested efforts kept Jerilderie in the fight throughout the day.
Blake Davidson returned to good form and gave the side first use of the footy with a strong performance in the ruck, while Cooper Gurciullo was instrumental down back, repeatedly standing tall under pressure and helping repel a number of Rennie attacks.
Despite Jerilderie’s determined effort, Rennie were able to make the most of their opportunities in the second half going forward.
The visitors eventually proved too strong, running out 36-point winners in a hard-fought contest.
Final score: Jerilderie 4.6 (30) def by Rennie 10.6 (66).
Fourths
The young Demons faced a tough assignment against an older, stronger side.
They went into the game with a clear focus: apply maximum pressure to the ball carrier and make the most of opportunities through smart ball use.
Despite the challenge ahead, they matched Rennie in the early stages and made it an even contest before the visitors began to find their rhythm.
Our young Dees battled hard from the first siren to the last, never giving up and never dropping their heads, but were no match for Rennie, who are equal first on the ladder with only one loss for the season.
While it’s been a tough season for the Demons, the resilience, determination and character this group is building will hold them in great stead for the future.
The effort and commitment shown every week continues to make the club proud, and these experiences will help shape the next generation of Dees footballers.
Final score: Jerilderie 0.0 (0) def by Rennie 19.16 (130).