Sizzling Demons gleam in premiership triumph

The Demons claimed a 58-28 win on Saturday after having sizzled home with a 32-goal second half.

The margin mirrored a semi-final result and invited speculation it might be the biggest in association A Grade grand final history.

Jubilant Demon players clustered on the court in tight embrace after the final buzzer sealed the triumph.

Victory crowned a long and distinguished career for mainstay Terri Parry, who left the court with a knee injury late in the contest and later confirmed her retirement.

Parry's departure from the court after a fall to the tarmac was symbolic of Horsham's dominance.

She was greeted by emotive applause on the sidelines and replaced by rookie Ellie McGrath who promptly executed a couple of sharp interceptions and helped spur the Demons towards a new era.

Ararat coach Megan Shea conceded during a gracious post-game speech that the Rats might have played their grand final the weekend before when they clinched a last-throw win against Horsham Saints.

But even a hangover-free Rats side would have battled to stifle a Horsham game underpinned by enviable skill and fuelled by fierce desire and willingness to challenge for the ball at all opportunities.

The Rats opened with intensity, settled quickly and had seven goals on the board to Horsham's one before the tide inexorably changed in the second half of the first quarter.

Horsham led by two goals at the first break and split the game open with 16 goals to eight in the second stanza.

Demon centre and best-on-court Mary Raynes played a pivotal role shifting the dynamics of the game and her speedy, decisive quality-assured work mid-court set lofty standards for team-mates and opponents alike.

Horsham lifted, Ararat was unable to answer the challenge.

"We played really good netball," Horsham coach Julie Burke said.

"And if you play like that not many teams are going to beat you."

Horsham goal attack Amanda Walsh and shooter Brianna Burke became more prominent as the game unfolded and converted surely.

Burke foiled rivals with her reach and both shooters prospered through an intimate understanding with dynamic wing attack Kendra Smith.

Demon defenders Amber and Ebony Pawsey gave their rivals little room to move.

Ararat centre Olivia West was her team's best and maintained pressure on Raynes before switching to wing defence for the last quarter as Shea probed for answers and a dramatic form turnaround.

Jakki Gibson moved from shooter to centre, and Alanna Sheard from the sidelines to shooter.

·Horsham stepped up the tempo during the last quarter to grasp the B Grade premiership ahead of Horsham Saints.

Little divided the teams during the first three quarters.

Best-on-court Meaghan Koenig led a spirited Saints combination during a top tussle with Horsham centre Abby Dumesny, but was unable to break the Demons' grip on the game.

Horsham won 42-34.

Briana Farr shone game-long for the Demons with accurate shooting and Rachel Thomson lifted her team's work rate after shifting to goal attack after the first quarter.