The North Central League grand final has become synonymous in recent years for producing tight, competitive contests, but Saturday’s encounter was a comfortable 34-point victory for the Demons.
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In the first grand final since 2010 decided by more than two goals, the Demons won 8.8 (56) to 2.10 (22).
The Bulls’ meagre tally of 22 was the lowest in a North Central grand final since Charlton was held to just 1.5 (11) in its 1970 loss to Wedderburn.
“We’ve had a game plan in place and been preparing blokes for some really important roles over the past month. We were able to implement it two weeks ago in the second semi-final and again today and it was a fantastic effort by all the boys,” Demons coach Julian Bull said.
“Right across the board there wasn’t one player who didn’t play their role.”
The Demons had lost twice to the Bulls during the season, but turned the tables on Birchip-Watchem when it counted with wins in both the second semi and grand final.
The Demons, who featured 15 players from the 2017 premiership team, kicked seven of their eight goals during their two quarters with the breeze – 3.5 in the first and 4.3 in the third.
Birchip-Watchem’s only two goals were kicked by Nathan Gordon – one in the second quarter and one in the last.
Demons’ half-back flanker Boe Bish was again awarded the Des Darcy Medal for best on ground for the second consecutive year.
“Boe was absolutely outstanding,” Bull said.
