A big pack mark and goal from Collingullie-Glenfield Park teenager Blake Harper lifted the Demons to a thrilling victory over Leeton-Whitton on Saturday.
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Harper’s goal in the dying minutes sealed a spectacular come from behind victory as the Demons got home 11.15 (81) to 12.4 (76) at Crossroads Oval.
Leeton-Whitton led by almost four goals in the early to middle stages of the final quarter as they edged close to an upset victory on the road in the grand final rematch.
But the Demons kicked four unanswered goals in the final 10 minutes to complete a masterful comeback.
Harper, Daniel Frawley and Ed Perryman all produced big final quarters to almost will the Demons over the line.
Collingullie-GP coach Luke Gester, who was a late withdrawal, was proud of the way his team fought back to get the win.
“We were down and out. We had no right to win,” Gestier said.
“We somehow rallied. Our last quarter was massive. We were dead and buried but we just dug in. For us to win it in the end, it’s just a massive credit and just shows the character of the boys.
“It was actually a really good, stirring win.”
There was little between the two teams in the first half as they went into the main break with scores level. Collingullie-GP had a few more opportunities but could not convert.
Leeton-Whitton got on top in the third term and opened up a three-goal lead at three-quarter-time. That lead grew, only for the Demons to mow it down late.
Gestier said the second win over the Crows for the year did nothing to ease the pain of last year’s grand final defeat.
“Nothing at all. There’s obviously still a little bit there, and if anything, we hate losing to them and it just proves we can win a real tight one now when we need to, we’ve got it in us,” he said.
He believes his team’s ability to win games having not played their best is a great sign.
“They know how to win,” he said.
“At the end of the day, we just need to win. We just need to keep winning, that’s all we need to do.”
Aside from Harper, Frawley and Ed Perryman, Nick Perryman was very good, and Jayden Klemke kicked four goals in his first game back from injury.
Dusty Rogers was also better when swung into defence in the second half.
Matt Rainbird continued his fine season for the Crows with another big performance, while Cooper Sharman, particularly in the first half, was also very good for the visitors.
Sharman and Daniel Muir kicked three goals each.
Unfortunately for the Crows, coach Jade Hodge injured his hamstring. For the Demons, Tom Byrnes was yellow carded and reported for tripping.
