Jerilderie delivered a dominant performance in a must-win clash against their biggest rivals, Berrigan, securing a convincing 55 point victory on Saturday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
From the opening bounce, Jerilderie controlled the game and never let Berrigan gain any real momentum.
The pressure around the contest, clean ball movement, and strong work rate across the ground ensured the Dees were in front for the entire match.
The Saints said they simply outplayed by Jerilderie, and the final result reflected the flow of the game.
Despite the tough contest for the Saints, Fraser Haintz was consistent across four quarters, while Matthew ‘Rossy’ Ross competed strongly in the ruck.
Mitch Reilly also impressed with his physical presence, applying strong pressure throughout the match.
For Jerilderie, it was an important win.
The Dees had plenty on the line against their long-time rivals, and the side responded with intensity and determination.
The team’s ability to remain composed and keep applying scoreboard pressure was a key factor in the result.
Best players for Jerilderie were Max Diffey, who was outstanding with his consistent effort and impact around the ground, and Lachie Flanagan, whose strong presence and ball use helped drive the team forward.
Tom Sleigh also played a major role with a hardworking performance, while James Winn was dangerous up forward, finishing with four goals in an excellent display.
It was a complete team performance from Jerilderie, who showed why they were determined not to let this crucial game slip, coming away with a well-deserved win.
Final score: Jerilderie 16.7 (103) def Berrigan 7.6 (48).
Reserves
Jerilderie hosted Berrigan for a twilight match.
The game was always expected to be a physical and solid hit-out, and it was exactly that.
Both sides fought hard early, but Berrigan were quick to pencil a couple of early goals in to hold a lead.
After half-time, Jerilderie lifted and controlled much of the second half, winning the footy and creating chances going forward.
Unfortunately for Jerilderie, not being able to make the most of the opportunities in front of goal proved costly.
Despite the strong effort and physical pressure, Berrigan managed to hold their lead and walk away with the win.
Berrigan put in a solid team performance across the ground. Every player played their role, contributing to a well rounded win.
Standouts through the midfield for Berrigan were Noel Baxter, Rory Bartlett, Luke Abikhair and Mitch Forbes, who were influential all day.
Connor Thornton and Troy Poynton performed well up forward, while the backline held firm, putting up a strong fight from start to finish.
A special mention to Ewen Delepine, who kicked his first goal in his very first game of footy, a great moment and one he won’t forget.
Final score: Jerilderie 3.8 (26) def by Berrigan 9.12 (66).
Thirds
Jerilderie hosted Berrigan in a tough contest, with the Dees going in a little undermanned but showing plenty of heart from the opening bounce.
After a very ordinary start to the game for Berrigan, not using the footy to their advantage, the thirds listened to instructions from coaches Fraser Haintz and Craig Thornton.
They adjusted their game, utilising their forward players and sticking to the strategy of their standard game play.
Despite the challenge, Jerilderie never looked like dropping their heads and brought strong effort all day.
The Demons battled hard across all four quarters, with Logan Eldridge leading from the front. He put his head over the footy and attacked every contest, setting the tone for the game.
In the ruck for Jerilderie, Zav Rotato competed strongly all day, giving his midfielders first use and never taking a backwards step.
Blake Davidson was another standout, covering enormous ground and working tirelessly to link up play, racking up plenty of kilometres with his run and carry
In the end Berrigan just had the footy on their terms, as they ran out comfortable winners.
The Saints’ Tom Baxter was reliable as ever through the middle, and Nick Arnold from the backstopped many passages of play.
Jack Magill was best on again. He was solid and provided continuous efforts throughout the four quarters.
Final score: Jerilderie 1.1 (7) def by Berrigan 19.19 (133).
Fourths
It was a pleasing team effort from the Jerilderie fourths in their twilight clash against Berrigan.
While the Demons were unlucky not to trouble the scoreboard, the team showed great skill, determination, and commitment across the four quarters, especially in trying conditions on a hot day.
The Jerilderie backline deserves a special mention, holding up extremely well despite being under pressure for much of the game.
Their resilience, positioning, and willingness to keep contesting never dropped, which kept the team in the contest.
Across the ground, there were plenty of positives, strong effort at the contest and good passages of play.
For the victorious Saints, Jack Phillips and Dusty Ryan had a day between them in front of goal.
Kobe Smith had his best game for the season so far, with plenty left in the tank, and Jack Arnold snagged a ripper of a goal much to the crowd's delight.
Ned Gorman has gone from strength to strength each week and was involved in a couple of ripping passages of play along the wing in front of the bench resulting in a goal, earning himself a spot in the top six.
Final score: Jerilderie 0.0 (0) def by Berrigan 12.11 (83).