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Dublin Demons 10.10 (70) vs. South Dublin Swans 04.11 (35)

The third meeting of the Dublin Demons and the South Dublin Swans was to be the 2009 Grand Final. After a victory in rd1 and a huge defeat in the return leg in rd 6, the Demons had a large dose of payback to deliver and they truly delivered.

The setting was perfect. St. David’s College provided one of the largest pitches readily available in Dublin, allowing a 16 a side encounter. The sun was shining brighter than most of the summer could muster and a whisper of a breeze didn’t do much to cool anyone.

Once the first ball went up, ruck Shan rose to the challenge, literally. Up against the Swans big man, Shan let him know he would be in for a fight for the full 80+ mins. The Demons got off to the perfect start with an early goal and the forward line kept the pressure on the Swans and play was mostly in that third of the field. Some fine play and accurate kicking enabled the Demons to get the upper hand and dictate the game. A single behind was registered by the swans due to a snap at goal hitting the upright. Unfortunately the swans lost captain Eddie to a suspected broken leg and 2 minutes later, Enda to a twisted ankle with the later able to retake to the field at the latter stages of the game. We all wish Eddie a speedy recovery.

A very positive quarter time team talk and fresh legs from the bench ensured much of the same from the Demons in the second quarter. Selfless running, big hitting and goal saving tackles aplenty was rewarded with another 2 majors. Razor was running the length and breadth of the ground. Shan doing his bit in the ruck, and Vossy putting in one of his trademark action displays proving too much for the Swans. Although one of their tactics did work in the mid way through the half, getting captain Toasty sent to the bin for rough conduct – albeit on purpose. But the Demons had a very strong bench and could call on Kitsey to fill the gap.

At half time, coach Bouncer wanted to ensure the Demons kept their feet on the game and some choice words from Denser was required to keep the fire in the belly. The third quarter did in fact turn out to be the championship quarter. The Swans scored 2 majors but the Demons replied kicking 4-6. A few wayward set pieces kept the Swans in it and meant that the Demons could never take the foot off the gas.

In the final quarter, the Demons got a bit of a fright as the Swans kicked 2 early goals, but not to be outdone, they replied with a couple themselves to keep the distance at a constant. When the final whistle went, it was a very subdued end to the match. The Demons wanted to shake hands with the Swans and be gracious in victory – although Denser would say it was because of his last team talk!)

Once the formalities we over, the Demons got in a huddle and sang the team song with gusto. A few more renditions in the changing rooms and a little ditty from Walshy got the celebrations under way.

It was then off to Parnell’s for the awards ceremony and a couple of pints and the next stop was to our long running sponsors, the Woolshed Baa – who put on grub and pitchers of victory beer for all.

Every player deserved a mention in the report for individual displays, team spirit and hard work, not just on the day, but all through the season.

A special mention must go to Jezza and Shan who both flew in from their holidays especially for the match. We really appreciated it and it showed that you both contributed massively to the cause. Shan eventually winning a best on ground award from the umpires for his efforts and Jezza grabbing a hat trick of goals (one from a beauty of a mark)

Jarred won the coaches award for BOG who was definatley up there in the umpires choice.

Thank you also to all the supporters – and for the banner, a first at a Demons match, to all the WAGS for once again putting up with the seasons fixtures, travels and commitments required for each season.

Thank you to coach bouncer, for once again leading the Demons to the flag – a minor and a major, another first for the club. Thank you to the umpires on the day, Header and Tony and to the goal umpires, Fitsy and Niall and to all at Parnells for the facilities.

A big thank you to the woolshed for sponsorship once again. It has been a long relationship between the club and the ‘shed and we hope it will continue.

Thank you to all the players, past and present for the efforts put in this season. The club is only as good as its members and we have some of the best of those. There is one last game to be played before the season is 100% complete and that is the rescheduled super 9s. Details will follow soon.

Squad: Walshy, Aido, Dirk, Denser, Toasty (captain), Kitsey, Shan, Kruger, Vossy, Bernie, Sammy, Jarred, Dee, Razor, Big Joe, Jezza. Neil, Jimmy, Andy, Aido K, Deci, Mick, Paddy, Shaggy, Richie, Doc James

Best: Jarred, Shan

Scorers: Big Joe 4, Jezza 3, Razor, Jarred, Vossy