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Demons, Magpies and Crocs all winners in footy’s return

Peter de KruijffThe Kimberley Echo
The Kununurra Demons won a hit-out with the Wyndham Crocs.
Camera IconThe Kununurra Demons won a hit-out with the Wyndham Crocs. Credit: Pic: Kununurra Demons, Kununurra Demons

Everyone was a winner with the return of football to the East Kimberley at the weekend with two exhibition games and an AFL 9s tournament boosting community spirit.

On Saturday a double-header was held at Kununurra Town Oval as men’s and women’s teams from Port Wyndham Crocs and Kununurra Demons squared off.

Crocs’ women were led by Maria Rex (two goals), Katherine Martin (one) and Quinealla Grant (one) in their routing of the Demons.

Katherine Martin from Warmun juggles the ball for the Crocs.
Camera IconKatherine Martin from Warmun juggles the ball for the Crocs. Credit: Peter de Kruijff

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The second game between the men’s teams started off tight before the Demons ran away in the second half to win 8.10 (58) to 6.4 (40).

Warmun players boosted the stocks of both clubs and it was key forward Basil Althouse who led the way for Demons with a four-goal bag. Kalumburu’s Thomas Roebourne played well in the ruck for the Dees with James Rivers and Floyd Grant also putting in top performances.

Crocs' Joanne Grant sprints away from Demons' Renae Grant looking for options.
Camera IconCrocs' Joanne Grant sprints away from Demons' Renae Grant looking for options. Credit: Peter de Kruijff

After a long break there was not much puff left in the teams by the end of the four 15-minute quarters.

Demons coach Deon Cox said he was pleased spectators could get to experience the game again.

“I think for our boys it felt like a round one, bit rusty with the kicks and get into your rhythm and then people are warmed up,” he said.

Crocs' Joanne Grant unloads a big kick moments before it was smothered.
Camera IconCrocs' Joanne Grant unloads a big kick moments before it was smothered. Credit: Peter de Kruijff

Crocs president Mark Timms said it was a great to have something like football back again to bring together the community.

“Everyone had fun and really enjoyed playing again and it was a joy to see footy again,” he said.

“It give us all something to be involved in, from players through to supporters and has a real community spirit of ownership.”

Crocs' Ella Bradshaw delivers the pill into her forward 50.
Camera IconCrocs' Ella Bradshaw delivers the pill into her forward 50. Credit: Peter de Kruijff

More than 50 players turned up for a five-team round robin AFL 9s tournament at the Ord River Magpies Football Club.

Magpies Black 2.7.0 (60) beat Blue 1.2.2 (23) in the grand final match after proving to be the best two clubs in the pool rounds.

Black’s Timo Diederichsen and Claire Piesse took out the MVP awards for the finals.

Magpies Black were the winners of the AFL 9s tournament.
Camera IconMagpies Black were the winners of the AFL 9s tournament. Credit: Peter de Kruijff

James Woodhouse, also from Magpies Black, was voted top male player of the tournament while Piesse also took home the best female overall player in a three-way tie with Kiara Ganzer and Michelle McLements.

Also, Magpies Grey’s ruckman Merv Wilson dislocated a knee in a marking contest. The Kununurra basketball community will be hoping Wilson makes a speedy recovery with the outdoor season set to start in a few months.

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