Demons off to the perfect start

By Glen Atwell
THE Dandenong Demons thrashed South Yarra by 55 points in Division Three South Football League (SFL) action at Greaves Reserve on Saturday.
It was the perfect start to the season for Mick Hawken and his chargers, leading from start to finish and winning every position on the ground.
Robert Westin, Shane Taylor and William Jessop all kicked three goals for the Demons and Bradley Rae was best on ground.
The Demons have a bye this weekend, but return to the field on 12 May to tackle Sandown Cobras.
Sandown v Cerberus
THE Sandown Cobras’ Division Three winless streak continues after Cerberus escaped from Edinburgh Reserve with a 44-point victory on Saturday.
The Cobras haven’t won a game since 2005, and were widely tipped to break the hoodoo in round one but again failed to fire.
After beating Bulleen and Richmond in pre-season practice matches, coach Mick Allen would have thought his players were primed for the four points, and would be ruing a number of missed opportunities against Cerberus.
Cobras full-forward Clint Sheedy kicked five goals, but no other Sandown player managed to kick multiple majors.
Best on ground for Sandown was prolific ball-winner Hieu Trinh.
The Cobras travel to South Yarra in round two.
Moorabbin v Dingley
THE Dingley Dingoes’ 76-point annihilation of Moorabbin at Widdop Crescent Reserve on Saturday has signalled the beginning of new era for the club.
Winless in the Mornington PeninsulaNepean Football League last year, the Dingoes’ swap to SFL’s Division Two competition has paid immediate dividends.
After a competitive first-half, the hop-less Kangaroos fell away, and were no match for the hard-running Dingoes, led by new recruit Adam Quinn, who booted 10 goals in his debut game.
Team-mate Brett Gniel was also unstoppable in front of goals, slotting five.
Stefen Feehan was the Dingoes’ best player and Chris Morgan also impressed.
Coach Quinn said the win was the result of a tough pre-season.
“It was pleasing the way we finished off the game. The team gelled really well,” he said.
“We’ve put so much time and effort into this year, and it was exciting for everyone at the club to get a win on the board.”
Dingley hosts Parkmore at Souter Oval on Saturday.
Springvale v Oakleigh
LIGHTS were shining on Springvale Districts Friday night, when the Demons belted rival Oakleigh by 52 points at Springvale Reserve.
A hoard of new recruits impressed for Springvale, Mark Williams kicked eight goals, and Gavin Vassallo improved as the game progressed.
Springvale led from start to finish, and extended a 28-point half-time lead into a percentage-boosting win.
Peter Ryan and Steven Laska were best on the ground for the Demons.
Springvale clashes with Ashwood at Essex Heights Reserve on Saturday.