Collingullie-Glenfield Park had their twin towers firing at full-strength when they reversed the result of last year’s grand final at Leeton Showground on Saturday.
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Marc Geppert and coach Luke Gestier led the charge as the Demons started the year with a 67-point win over Leeton-Whitton.
Collingullie-GP finished full of running in the last quarter to run out convincing winners, 17.20 (122) to 8.7 (55).
Leeton-Whitton made a charge as the visitors kicked four consecutive goals in the third quarter to close within 10 points, but the Demons responded in style.
With Geppert booting seven goals and Gestier five, the pair capitalised on the good work of the Demons midfield.
Gestier was pleased a solid pre-season transformed into a big round one result.
“The body of work we have done over the pre-season showed in round one,” Gestier said was the most pleasing aspect of the win.
“When the heat was on, we were able to stand up and run the game out at the end. The way we ran it out was the most impressive thing.
“There’s still a lot of work to do though, it wasn’t the complete performance by any means.”
While he was happy with the win, Gestier said it certainly wasn’t any revenge for last year’s grand final loss.
“It’s not, it’s completely different,” he said.
“It wasn’t redemption at all. Last year is last year, this is round one and while it’s good to come away with the win, it’s not going to make up for anything.”
Apart from the twin towers in attack, two-time Jim Quinn Medallist Jayden Klemke shone for the winners.
Blake Harper impressed across half-back, while Tim Beckmans proved he will be a valuable addition to the Demons’ team.
For Leeton-Whitton, Cooper Sharman backed up an impressive pre-season with a brilliant four-goal display.
Tom Meline and Hugh Collins also played good games for the Crows.
Gestier believes the Crows will still be thereabouts in their premiership defence.
“We ran over the top of them in the end but they will still be a good side, I think they’ll be pretty handy,” he said.
“We sort of never felt threatened, I thought we were always on top and going to win but they’ll be handy, especially when they get the couple back in that were missing today.”
The Demons finished with 5.11 in the final quarter to the Crows’ two behinds.
Collingullie-GP have the bye next week, while the Crows will look to regroup for the game against Narrandera at Narrandera Sportsground.
