Lockleys grab the premiership by a solitary point over a gallant Kenilworth to send Demons fans into a flag frenzy
By Jakob Matheson
Lockleys v Kenilworth – Richmond Oval

In what has been a crazy and unusual season, the question of who would be Premiers of Division 5 wasn’t decided until the final siren. It would be the Lockley Demons who after 27 long years since their last premiership, holding on to win by 1 solidary point over Kenilworth, 8.10 58 to 8.9 57 at wet and windy Richmond Oval.

The conditions ensured the game would be a low scoring affair. After a slow start in which neither side was able to gain any ascendancy, Kenilworth started to get on top and opened up a small break midway through the first quarter before Lockleys hit back with two late goals to take a three-point lead into quarter time, 3.4 22 to 3.1 19.

As the second quarter got under way Lockleys kept the momentum going and started to get on top around the ground. The Demons started to create more scoring opportunities, however inaccuracy and Kenilworth’s ability to convert their limited chances saw the Demons only take an eleven-point lead into half time.

Lockleys had the chance to extend their lead early in the third quarter, however were unable to convert. This left the door ajar for the Kookaburras and they started to work their way back into the game as it turned into an arm wrestle. With the only goal for the quarter the Kookaburras were able to reduce the deficit to just four points heading into the final change and we were setup for a grandstand finish. Kenilworth were starting to look the better side and the pressure was on the Demons. Would the weeks break be an advantage for Lockleys or would the lack of match play in last month be their undoing.

When the Demons kicked the opening goal of the final term any chance of a Kenilworth victory looked lost. However, to the Kookaburras credit, they dug in and started to create opportunities in front of goal and when they kicked a goal early in time-on they found themselves in front for the first time since midway through the opening quarter. The Kookaburras had all the momentum and the Demon’s lack of recent match play was starting to show.

However, these Demons have been the best team all season for a reason and weren’t going to throw the towel in. Just as quickly as the Kookaburras had taken the lead the Demons were able to hit back and tie the scores as they levelled things up by rushing in a behind, and the possibility of a draw was looking a real chance. With less than two minutes to play, and trialing by 5 points, Liam Narcys kicked a goal for Lockleys which all but sealed the game and put the Demons in front by 1 point. The Kookaburras still had time and from the kick out were able to get the ball to centre field and for the next minute tried as they might were unable to create any forward chances. It was a heartbreaking end for the Kookaburras after a valiant comeback.

For Lockleys it was a sense of relief and a well-deserved drought-breaking victory having dominated the competition all year. In a day not suited for forwards, Henry Johnson kicked 2 goals for Lockleys whilst Bradley Broughton was outstanding and was named best-on-ground, he was well supported by Bowen Hosking and Hayden Martinello. Kenilworth’s Luke Wilson kicked 2 goals in the loss while Myles Krakouer, Nicholas Chesser and Jordan Wilson-King as much as they tried couldn’t quite pull the Kookaburras over the line.
 
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