Shepparton United win back-to-back flags in Goulburn Murray Women and Girls League

On Sunday at Moama Recreation Reserve, it took only five minutes for the Demons to show its talent, brilliance, experience and class to put Mansfield on the back foot.

The opening patch of play was dominated by Mansfield through territory and possession, but the Eagles failed to convert on their two looks on goal, bundling through a pair of behinds for an early lead.

But, as it has done on 15 prior occasions this season, Shepparton United adapted to the pressure thrown its way.

A loose ball inside 50 was swooped upon by Demon Payten Johnson, who straightened her hips and sailed the Sherrin through the middle.

The Demons had their first lead, and they never looked like losing after.

In fact, Mansfield would never score again.

Following a chaotic start, it was United’s leaders that calmed the nerves.

Skipper Emily Zampaglione booted the next major before Sophie Locke kicked her first of many for the contest, the Demons drumming up a 3.0 (18) to 0.2 (2) lead at quarter-time.

Mansfield’s Scarlett Potter and Saige Neave had moments of impact in a second term that tightened the screws of the contest, but an opportunity inside 50 went begging for the Eagles to close down the deficit.

Two terrific contested clunks from Locke were converted to pile on the damage by the Demons, and when star ruck Paige Baksh strolled into an open goal square late in the final term, party time was on.

The Demons broke the shackles in the last to storm away to a 10.4 (64) to 0.2 (2) final result, with the final siren immediately followed by cheers and cries of celebration as the bench and supporters streamed onto the pristine border town’s turf.

Shepparton United coach Grant Searle couldn’t hide his pride after the Demons completed its untouchable season with a comprehensive grand final result.

“How good?” Searle said.

“We talked about this last year after the end of the grand final, to get here again.

“It was a bit shaky to start with, we were worrying about whether we’d have the numbers or not.

“But success just seems to bring people, and today we got the accolades for all the hard work that we’ve done.”

Searle commended Mansfield for catching the Demons off-guard, but was impressed with the Demons’ experienced heads settling the nerves.

“We knew that they’d done their homework, he (Mansfield coach Davey Holliday) is a terrific bloke and they’ll go a long way under him.

“They caught us on the hop a little bit but once we set to our structures and stayed to the game plan, we were pretty right.

“To have Kate Dixon, Bec Monk, and those types of experienced heads on the ground is amazing.

“They call the shots and settle people down, it’s just invaluable.”

Former Hawthorn AFLW and current Sandringham VFLW footballer Locke was named as best-on-ground by both the umpires and media for her marking prowess and conversion in front of goal, Searle stating her inclusion to the side a “luxury”.

“What can you say? She deserved those medals, she is an absolute champion,” Searle said.

“We’re fortunate enough she calls us her home team, but that she was available today was a luxury - at one stage, she wasn’t sure she’d be available for finals.

“Her talent is massive.”

The Demons completed the premiership double as the youth girls secured grand final victory too, marking an important day for the club’s female program.

“To have two sides in the grand final come home with wins is just magnificent,” Searle said.

“I think the club has taken notice now how good we are, and that they’ll get around us and support the female space.

“They’ve already been supportive, but most clubs can be a little more supportive I think, and bringing two flags home deserves the recognition.”