General News
14 May, 2026
Fast-starting Demons overwhelm Dimboola
Horsham defeated Dimboola at City Oval on Saturday to the tune of more than 60 points.
While the Horsham side kept the score ticking over nicely, Dimboola found their goals a challenge to find, with the scores 5.1 (31) to 0.1 (1) at quarter-time and 8.6 (54) to 2.2 (14) at the big break.
The Demons added a further 2.3 to their score in quarter three, while Dimboola could manage only another point.
In the final quarter, Horsham added another 2.3 to their score while the Roos kicked another 1.2, with the final scores being 12.12 (84) to 3.5 (23).
Better players, according to playHQ for Dimboola, included Ashley Clugston, Ben Miller and Darcy Dubois, with Dubois the only multiple-goal scorer for the Roos.
Coach of Dimboola, Andrew Moore, said the Horsham side jumped out of the blocks early, and their five goals early on caught the opposition by surprise.
"They started strongly and put us on the back foot, especially early, and we did have to address a few things during that second quarter," admitted Moore.
"But what was pleasing on our end was that following half, where they weren't able to extend their lead much, and we were able to stop some of their ball movement and be a bit more consistent through a number of elements we wanted to focus on.
"We need to address our starts and making sure we are switched on and ready to go because we put ourselves in a good mindset to be able to compete and have a good game.
"But Horsham really took that away from us from the get-go."
Heading into the match, Moore shared that he wanted to see improvement in their battle for the contest individually, along with a lift in their intensity of pressure for the duration of the game.
And the coach said he did intermittently see that on Saturday.
"Individuals stood up, building their confidence, which is pleasing to see," Moore said.
"We're giving them opportunities at different roles and responsibilities to develop their game.
"We are going to need to continually focus on areas and pressure, and that physicality side of things is one of them."
The side welcomed back Ben Miller on Saturday, and Moore said the addition bolstered the side, not only with skill, but experience and leadership.
"It was fantastic to have a player like Ben, who was our captain last season, and the experience and leadership he can provide these youngsters," Moore reflected.
"The players look up to him, and to have a player of his presence on the field is something we missed the first couple of rounds.
"It's great to have him back, and you could see the influence he had on the game, and to hear another voice as well.
"It's nice for him to step up too, and add his opinion or suggestions on areas, so it was a great and welcome inclusion."
This week, Dimboola is at home against the Thunder, and Moore said it is another opportunity for the side.
"A home game, which is exciting, and another opportunity to improve," he said.