EMERGING NEAFL club Canberra Demons turned in a clinical performance to hammer Albury by 122 points at Wodonga Senior Secondary College on Saturday.
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With the Tigers missing 10 players including Shaun Daly, Dean Polo, Joel Mackie, Elliott Powell, Charles Gaylard and Michael Thompson, the Demons forged clear in the hot conditions during the second quarter and never looked back.
Albury co-coach Chris Hyde won plenty of the ball in the midfield while Brayden O’Hara impressed with his run and carry.
Youngster Rhys King also made a solid contribution after playing in the Tigers’ third grade flag last season.
Recruit Dean Heta had his moments at full-forward before being rested.
Canberra were also below full strength, but its running power and bigger bodies came to the fore as the match progressed.
Wodonga Raiders scored their second crushing win of the pre-season by dismantling Wangaratta Rovers by 150 points at Barnawartha.
Sam Stubbs showed his class in kicking six goals while Jack Haugen booted three.
Wodonga set up its 24-point win over Tallangatta and District league club Thurgoona in the opening term.
With Brett Doswell in everything, the Bulldogs gained momentum early and successfully covered their glaring lack of height.
Thurgoona finished with three more scoring shots.
Myrtleford continued its impressive practice match form by defeating Benalla by 32 points at Myrtleford.
Liam Harrington was a stand-out with some good disposal with Christian Burgess and Mitch Dalbosco also prominent.
Luke Quirk bobbed up with three goals and teamed well with Lachie Dale.
“There was more intensity in the game than the previous week against Tatura so we got plenty out of it,” co-coach Terry Burgess said.
Benalla had a handful of top-liners missing including Luke Morgan.
Turvey Park defeated Corowa-Rutherglen by 34 points in a low-scoring match at Wagga.