Demons edge Lions in thriller to open season on a high

By Rob Popplestone

BOOLARRA had been one of those tipped to be a big improver in 2025, their year prior there had been flashes of what could be, but the long season and a lack of depth had slowly worn them down.

The visiting Lions with a new coach and some savvy recruiting were keen to get a “w” on the board early, and there would be no better way than to do it at the Demons’ home ground, however, the home team showed they might well be capable of greater things in season 2025. 

Boolarra 10-4-64 to Stony Creek 8-13-61.

The Demon’s accuracy coupled with the enthusiasm of some new blood were major factors in the win.

“We debuted six senior players today and played like a side that was welcoming a bunch of new faces at times. In a game that ebbed and flowed both sides had opportunities to claim the points but thankfully when the siren sounded we were in front,” Brendan Mason, Boolarra coach said.

“Newcomers Tarmah Little and Tim Potter won the respect of their new teammates with a relentless attack on the ball. Little hit the scoreboard and Potter hit every contest with 
similar enthusiasm.”

The Demons were good and are likely to get better, but it must be said that the Lions had more than their share of chances also.

“Tight battle against Boolarra on the weekend, we had seven more scoring shots we just couldn’t convert in front of goal, with late chances to win, we were on top for most of the day,” Troy Shepardson, Stony Creek coach said.

The anticipated evenness of the competition means that close losses are sure to hurt beyond the weekend a game is played, the secret to be on the right side of them, more times than not.