A SEVEN-goal haul from Marc Geppert helped Collingullie-Glenfield Park to a 48-point victory over Griffith on Saturday.
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Billed as match of the round, the Demons ran riot in the second half to continue their undefeated start to the season, winning 13.13 (91) to 6.7 (43) at Crossroads Oval.
The Demons’ inaccuracy in front of goal kept Griffith in the contest early as the home team went into half-time 10 points clear.
Collingullie-GP put the foot down after the break and kicked nine goals to three to consolidate their top spot on the Riverina League ladder.
It was all done after a chaotic start to the day, that saw Jimmy Kennedy (arm infection) and Dan Kennedy (illness) late withdrawals.
Then Luke Powell injured his back in the warm-up to leave the Demons with one man down on the bench before the ball had been bounced.
Collingullie-Glenfield Park coach Luke Gestier was taken back by such a stunning win after everything that happened.
“It tested our depth today and it stood up, that was the most pleasing thing,” Gestier said.
“We had to reshuffle things around but we got through.”
Geppert was virtually unstoppable in attack for Collingullie-GP in a seven-goal, best-on-ground display.
Just as important at the other end of the ground, Jimmy Morris did the job on Griffith full-forward Brent Arho and kept him goalless in his return to Crossroads Oval.
Morris had been tried at full-back during the pre-season and was swung there to do the job on Arho, and did it exceptionally well.
Gestier said the Demons’ strong start to the season will force him to re-assess he and the team’s goals.
“As I said to the boys, we’re going to have to go back to the drawing board and re-assess our goals for the year,” he said.
“We’re exceeding expectations at the moment, from my point of view anyway.
“We’re keeping it well in house and a lot of these guys have been to the well before so they’re well and truly aware of what’s going on.
“It’s not like it’s a young group that are on cloud nine, they know how to keep a lid on it.”
Blake Harper was promoted late into the team and made his senior debut for the Demons.
Aside from Geppert and Morris, Jayden Klemke, Matt Klemke and Matt Beckmans all shone for the home team, who now has a bye before a top of the table clash against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.
It was a disappointing result for Griffith, who were well served by Will Griggs and Mick Duncan.