World Footy News

The Dublin Demons this year won their second consecutive ARFLI premierership title with a convincing victory against their heated rivals the South Dublin Swans by 10.9.69 to 4.11.35. Having led the ladder all season the Demons justified their favourite tags with an excellent all round performance that saw them open up an early lead that they never relinquished.

The 16 a side match was played in the beautiful surroundings of St. David’s College in front of a sizeable and vocal crowd. The game started with the Demons roaring out of the traps to score early and often; (International cup player Joe Cunnane scored two majors following great marks) with the Swans unable to keep pace with their all round pressure and ability to find space. The Demons accurate kicking at goal aloud them to go into the break leading 5.1 to 0.1.

The Swans came out firing in the second quarter and gained much more of the ball but found it difficult to get the all important scores on the board. Nate and Macca were both excellent but four wides were kicked when goals were needed. Both sides had a man sent to the sin bin with Demons captain John Enright and Eoin of the Swans getting a 10 minute break following rough conduct. For the Demons 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. This was rewarded with the Demons getting the only goal of the quarter to increase their lead to 38-5.

The third quarter started in the worst possible manner for the Swans with their captain Eddie going down injured in an accidental collision, forcing him to go straight to hospital with what turned out to be a broken fibula. The Swans kept fighting and finally got their first goal of the game through Chad. However two late goals in quick succession to the Demons put them in a commanding position at three quarter time, 56-11.

The Swans kept their best play for the last quarter dominating possession and territory for long periods. They switched their 6 foot 9 inch giant Paul to full forward and brought Donno, who was outstanding throughout, into the ruck. Although again they kicked too many behinds, they did manage three goals through Paul, Bryce and Macca. Ultimately it turned out to be too little too late as the Demons scored two goals of their own from Cunnane to run out deserved winners by 69 points to 35.

A special mention should go to two of the Demons, Jezza and Shan who both flew in from their holidays especially for the match. They both contributed massively to the win with Shan eventually winning a best on ground award from the umpires for his efforts and Jezza grabbing a hat trick of goals.

The Demons were understandably trilled with their win and celebrated accordingly. The chance of being the first team in the ARFLI to win 3 in a row will spur them on massively next season. They should also be congratulated for winning both the major and minor premierships, a first for the club.

The Swans can look back on the season with great pride, having lost 3 of their first 4 matches, they came back to win their next 5 in a row only to come up short in the final. The improvement throughout the season, especially from their many rookies, was huge and bodes well for next season.