AFTER unfurling their 2024 premiership flag in front of their home crowd, Nyah-Nyah West United wasted no time reminding everyone why they are the reigning champs, producing a dominant performance against Swan Hill in a match that quickly slipped away from the Swans.
The Demons, under the guidance of co-coaches Corey Daniels and Jason Murphy, entered the match with clear intent – to prove their premiership was no fluke.
Co-captains Dominic Gallo and Joel Walsh set the tone early, leading by example as NNW United’s midfield dominance led by the unstoppable Brayden Bigham tore through Swan Hill, winning clearances and setting up plenty of forward entries.
Up front, Nicholas O’Neill proved a class above, booting three goals to cement his place as a standout.
Swan Hill recruited well in the off-season with new signings like Sunny Handy, Perry Roberts, and Will Simpson, but found themselves outclassed in nearly every area of the ground.
Despite Michael Herlihy’s best efforts, kicking three goals in a lone display, Swan Hill couldn’t sustain enough pressure and were overwhelmed by the Demons.
The game began tight, with NNW United managing a slender lead of 2.2 (14) to Swan Hill’s 1.1 (7) at the first break.
But the Demons quickly switched into gear in the second term, breaking away with an additional five goals and seven behinds, while Swan Hill could only manage two goals.
By halftime, NNW United had stretched the lead to 7.12 (54) to 3.3 (21) and the game was slipping further out of reach for the Swans.
In the third quarter, the Demons’ relentless pressure continued as their midfielders dictated the pace of the game.
O’Neill added another major to his tally, while Charlie Boulton also contributed a total of two.
Swan Hill was unable to stop the wave of attack, with NNW United running out to a commanding 11.17 (83) to 4.4 (28) lead at three-quarter time, effectively sealing the game.
The final quarter was more of the same, with the only sign of mercy for the Swans being the Dees’ kicking as they piled on another three goals and seven behinds, while Swan Hill could only muster three goals and two behinds.
NNW United finished with an imposing 14.24 (108) to Swan Hill’s 7.6 (48).
The Demons claimed the win in the season opener, but their goal kicking was far from clinical; while they controlled the midfield, their accuracy in front of goal was lacking.
Swan Hill struggled to challenge, with Herlihy showing promise, but their lack of cohesion left them unable to counter NNW United’s dominance.
With Walsh leading the defence and Bigham dominating the midfield, the Demons’ depth and class were evident.
This is a team that will be tough to stop this season, and if they can maintain this level of play and capitalise on opportunities up forward, they’ll be a major force to reckon with throughout the year.
Swan Hill, meanwhile, will need to reassess their game plan and find more consistency to compete with the best teams in the league.
Their recruits, while promising, couldn’t make an impact in this one, and they will need to regroup quickly to avoid another tough season.
VOTES
3 – Nicholas O’Neill (NNW United)
2 – Brayden Bigham (NNW United)
1 – Joel Walsh (NNW United)
