Football
23 September, 2024
Demons under-17s secure back-to-back premierships
Horsham Under-17 footballers have secured back-to-back premierships in their third grand final in the last three years with a hard-fought 18-point win over the Horsham Saints.
The Demons started fast, kicking the first three goals of the game. They shut out their opponents and led by 19 points at quarter-time.
The Saints mounted a challenge in the second, using the conditions to their advantage, kicking three goals, but the Demons held them at bay, kicking two themselves to lead by 13 points at the main break.
The game was tight in the third quarter, and the Demons kicked two goals to extend their lead to 20 at the final break.
With the game on the line, the Saints came at the Demons hard in the last, but the Demons repelled the challenge to win 9.5.59 to 6.5.41.
Monty Wynne kicked four goals for the Demons, with Dezi Carter kicking two, and named best on the ground. Harrison Hoffmann, Ethan Worthy, Archie Elliott and Max Bunworth were the Demons' best players on the ground.
Levi Munyard, Zane Munyard, Drew Harris, Aiden North, Zac van Buuren, and Jack Combe were all among the Saints' best players.
Josh Mibus and Damian Bunworth coach the Demons, and their sons, Jude and Max, play pivotal roles in the win.
Mibus credited the Saints for the challenge they provided.
"It was always going to be tough as the Saints have been the best opposition to us all year, and we love playing them as the boys love a challenge," Mibus said.
"The Saints played hard and challenged us, and the boys stepped up to the plate in the biggest game of the year, and it's a massive credit to them as they stuck to what we told them. They dug deep when challenged and came away with the win."
Mibus has coached a couple of senior premierships at Kalkee and said coaching juniors to a premiership is very rewarding.
"It's different coaching the under-17s as you are teaching young blokes the tricks you have been taught, and for them to pick it up and listen is rewarding," Mibus said.
"A huge credit to the boys for listening, and Damian and I couldn't be prouder of them."