Write Tullamarine off at your peril.
That’s the message after the Demons’ 13.14(92) -12.12(84) win over Westmeadows on Sunday, which pitched them into the Essendon District Football League division 1 preliminary final.
After losing half the grand final side and the coach from last year, the Demons were expected to struggle this season.
Finals weren’t on the radar, let alone a finals victory.
But many underestimated the resolve and attitude of the playing group.
Coach Anthony Leydin didn’t say much after Sunday’s game, only that his players had shown what they’re about.
“They’re unbelievable. I don’t have to say much or do much,” Leydin said.
“It’s all them … the spirit among that playing group is unbelievable.
“I said all along that everyone was writing us off, but we still have a very strong core of senior players.
“They are great leaders, great clubmen and they play for each other.
“It’s amazing what we have done this year before even today’s result.”
But the Demons were forced to fight hard for their win against the Tigers, who peppered the goals in the first half to lead at half-time.
In the third quarter, the Demons hit the front, but every time they looked like drawing away, the Tigers hit back.
Most of the last quarter’s play was stuck in the Demons’ back half, and that still didn’t worry them.
“We’ve been in a dog fight every week,” Leydin said. “In some cases, it was good for us and part of the plan to play a style of footy that stacks up in finals.
“We knew they would come at us in a tight game. It’s what we like and it’s when we’re at our best.”
The coach praised the efforts of his defensive group to hold out against such pressure.
“Our defence is arguably the best in the competition. Only Doutta Stars are ahead of us for least points conceded.”
Zane Williams was among the best for the Demons, adding a spark every time he went near the ball.
“He and a couple of others have been good pick-ups for the club … we thought we had missed out on [them].
“Zane was one. He had to go interstate for work and we thought we had lost him for the year.
“If not the fastest, he’s one of the fastest – and the fittest – in the team, and it showed. He was still going flat out at the end of the game.”
Leydin didn’t see too many team changes for this week against Craigieburn.
“I haven’t even thought about it yet.”
