Demons dig deep to grind out hard-fought win over TTU

YARRAM bounced back from last week’s defeat with a determined eight-point victory over Traralgon-Tyers United in tough conditions on Saturday.

Facing a TTU side that has contested the past four grand finals but has struggled to find form this season, the Demons held firm to record a 7.13 (55) to 6.11 (47) win.

Scoring proved difficult all afternoon with strong winds playing a major role in the low-scoring contest.

The opening quarter was a  battle with both sides managing just one goal each before Yarram gained the upper hand in the second term. The Demons kicked three goals to one for the quarter to open a handy 15-point lead at half-time.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern to the first with both teams only able to add a single goal as the difficult conditions continued to impact scoring opportunities.

With the wind strengthening in the final term, TTU mounted a challenge with three last-quarter goals, but Yarram responded with two crucial majors of their own, against the wind,  to hold on for an important victory.

Kaleb Pearce and Daniel Vardy led the way in front of goal for the Demons with two goals apiece, while TTU’s six goals came from six different players.

Yarram coach said the side’s determination and defensive pressure in the final quarter was the key to the win.

“It was a low-scoring game hardly contested, but kicking against the wind in the last quarter the team’s overall determination, especially some of the defensive efforts in the last quarter, was really pleasing,” he said.

Tyler Chisholm, Luke Hunter and Lochie Roberts were all named among Yarram’s best players, with the coach praising the continued development of the club’s younger talent.

“It’s really pleasing watching the development of our younger players like Lochie Roberts, Luke Hunter and Tom Mattern, who are all playing in key positions often on a lot more experienced players,” he said.

“Tyler Chisholm is a very classy player having a very consistent year.”

The match also marked a significant milestone for Yarram veteran Griffin Underwood, who played his 300th senior game for the club.

Underwood was influential, particularly in the second half when he moved into the midfield during the final quarter.

“Griff had a great second half and his leadership in the last quarter when he went into the midfield was pivotal to the win, especially with a couple of really important centre clearances,” the coach said.

“Three hundred senior games is an incredible effort and there is nothing he hasn’t achieved in an amazing career.”