HORSHAM senior coach Deek Roberts has paid thanks to his side who against the odds led the Wimmera league all season and came away with the flag on Saturday.
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The side lost a third of its senior list coming into the season and with a young side has managed to win a second straight flag.
The Demons were on the ropes after the first quarter but found a way to get the win.
“We played some really good football in the first and second quarters but we just had to capitalise going forward. We needed to lower the eyes instead of just kicking it forward,” Roberts said.
“Around the stoppages we were getting caught but we fixed that in the second half.
“The first quarter was chalk and cheese compared to what our team has been through this season. We have trained since November and it paid off.”
Roberts said there weren’t too many stars for the Demons on the day but everyone chipped in to help beat a quality Giants outfit.
“Every single player did their role. Whether they played half a game of football or didn’t get onto the park, everyone played well,” he said.
“They are a quality team and it could have gone either way. It’s full credit to the Giants getting this far and we are going to have some very good battles in the future with them.”
Horsham veteran Jordyn Burke was one of the best for the Demons in his sixth flag. He said it was the most special one yet.
“It’s my sixth flag and it’s a cliche but it feels the best,” he said.
“We were written off and to come back it feels so good. I was emotional after the game. With the age of the group, they really dug in deep and when you get to my age every grand final is special.”
Horsham’s Ben Hobbs, 15 years old, was named best under-21 player for the day and was lively for the Demons, especially in the final term.
In his first senior flag, he said he would remember this premiership for the rest of his life.
“It’s great and when you’re down in the first quarter and come back, I will remember that one all my life,” he said.
“It felt really good to get a goal, it was kind of one of those sealers so it was great.”
Horsham forward Ryan Kemp played various roles in the game and said there was plenty of future potential in the young list.
“I was on the ball and swapping a bit. I tried to bring a few of the other boys in the game but I had a pretty heavy tag, so I was trying to make space for everyone,” he said.
“It was just a grind and the thing is we are so young. We have so many years ahead of us and to win with that bunch of boys is fantastic.”
