Injuries hurt Demons after bright start

Yarram made a strong start against Rosedale, but injuries and fatigue proved costly as the Demons fell to a 96-point defeat.

The Demons opened the match full of running, holding Rosedale goalless in the first term and taking a 3.1 (19) to 0.4 (4) lead into quarter time.

However, the contest changed after the first break, with Rosedale taking control and piling on 19 goals to four over the remaining three quarters to run out 19.25 (139) to 7.1 (43) winners.

Yarram coach Brett Mitchell said the Demons’ early momentum was disrupted by injuries, which affected the side’s balance and rotations.

“Unfortunately key injuries to a few players after quarter time affected our team balance and rotations, leading to fatigue,” Mitchell said.

“Rosedale are a solid outfit and they were able to expose a few areas where we were depleted.”

Yarram continued to battle through the middle stages, adding three goals in the third term, but were unable to score in the final quarter as Rosedale finished strongly.

Despite the result, Mitchell said there were positives to take from the efforts of several younger players who were asked to shoulder extra responsibility.

“I am really happy with the way a few of our younger players are developing and having to step up and play in key positions that they normally wouldn’t at their stage in their development,” he said.

“That will auger really well for future years.”

Kayleb Pearce, Thomas Mattern, Shem Rendell, Cody Harrison, Tate Chisholm and Luke Hunter were named among Yarram’s best players.

The Demons now head into another bye, which Mitchell said would come at the right time.

“The bye is beneficial as we will have a number of players returning from injury post the bye,” he said.

Final score

Rosedale  19.25  139

Yarram        7.1  43

Rosedale best Riley Atlee, Zach Felsbourg, Thomas Northe, Declan Barnett, Oscar Smith, Riley Boyle

Yarram best:  Kayleb Pearce, Thomas Mattern, Shem Rendell, Cody Harrison, Tate Chisholm, Luke Hunter

Rosedale Goals: Zach Felsborg 2, Will Logan 1, Brandon McConnel 1, Jake Pawley 2, Lachlan Speairs 1, Rohan Diamon 2, Luke Stuckey 1, Jackson Bruce 1, Spencer Fox 4, Lachlan McDonald 1

Yarram goals Kayleb Pearce 1  Tyler Chischol 1, Tate Chisholm 1, Toby Mitchell 1, Wellesley Jenkins, Anthony Scott 1

Reserves

Rosedale 27.15  177   Yarram 0.1  1

Yarram best Riley Atlee, Zach Felsbourg, Thomas Northe, Declan Barnett, Oscar Smith, Riley Boyle

Thirds

 Rosedale  23.22 160   Yarram 1.2  8

Yarram best Angus Brunton, Koby Jenkins, Ethan Seskis, Cohen Farley, Lachlan Crawford, Tate Jenkins