Jerilderie hands Berrigan first loss

By Aydin Payne

Sep 10, 2023

Jerilderie’s under-14 premiership outfit celebrates the grand final win over Berrigan. Photo by Megan Fisher

Jerilderie may have only had one side battle it out on Picola District Football Netball League grand final day, but the Dees made it count with one of the all-time great triumphs in the under-14 decider.

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The Demons knocked off the minor premier Berrigan 2.2 (14) to 2.1 (13) in a low-scoring, but heart-racing grand final, much to the delight of the strong Jerilderie crowd.

The underdogs held sway for the majority of the contest at Strathmerton and had kicked the only major of the match until halfway through the third quarter when the Saints levelled proceedings at the final break.

A terrific running goal from pint-sized winger Ollie Sleeman gave the Dees the early advantage, but Berrigan was determined not to see its superb year go to waste and replied a minute later.

In the final minutes the ball pinballed back-and-forth between the arcs until Berrigan found a sense of urgency in the dying 60 seconds.

A quick kick inside 50 saw Demons defender and co-captain Logan Eldridge thrust a fist high and spoiled the mark attempt.

Berrigan's Lachlan Whelan is tackled by Jerilderie's Matt Dilullo. Photo by Megan Fisher

A frantic 30 seconds transpired as Berrigan tried to get the ball deep inside 50.

Once the ball was kicked long into attack it was too late and the siren sounded to deliver Jerilderie a famous victory.

Berrigan’s Jack Magill was judged best-on-ground by the umpires, while Matt Di Lullo (one goal) and Cooper Gurciullo contributed strongly for Jerilderie.

“It was a fantastic effort. We grounded it out all year and it’s the last game that matters,” a proud under-14 coach Trevor Eldridge said.