Diamond Creek reaffirmed its status as a genuine premiership contender in A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 with a 27-point victory over third-placed Fitzroy Stars.
In a genuine shootout, which saw the two sides combine for 15 goals straight in the final term, it was the Demons who ran out 23.6 (144) to 18.9 (117) victors at the Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval.
Bryce Adams was the star up forward for the winning side slotting five goals. He also hauled in a mark of the year contender in the opening quarter.
Michael Rogneda, Jacob Booth and Tim Chapman all kicked three and had big impacts on the game, while Josh Wuelfert, Nathan Searl and Ryan Pingree also chipped in with two majors apiece for the Demons.
For the Stars, Vaasili Tuifao matched Adams’ five majors to take his total to 48 for the season.
Lionel Proctor, Malcom Dow and Richard Bamblett were the only other multiple goal scorers for the home side with two goals each, with Dow and Clinton Benjamin their side’s best players in defeat.
Diamond Creek came out of the blocks on fire, kicking six of the first seven goals within the opening 13 minutes to shoot out to a 30-point lead, before three late goals to Fitzroy cut the deficit to just 11 at the first change.
The Stars once again found themselves on the back foot early in the second term after Pingree and Booth converted for Diamond Creek within the first ten minutes.
The home side then kicked into gear, kicking four goals in the next ten minutes to take the lead for the first and only time all match.
The final ten minutes of the quarter belonged to the Demons and Nathan Searl who kicked two in as many minutes to finish the half 22 points ahead.
Roles were reversed in the third term as it was Fitzroy shooting out of the blocks, kicking the first three goals upon the resumption of place to close within three points.
The away side then found their feet again, kicking the next three to take a 21-point lead into the final term.
Tuifao got the Stars off to a perfect start in the final term, however Diamond Creek had a quick answer through Jacob Booth.
The home side fought gallantly in the final term but to no avail as the visitors countered with goals of their own time and time again.
Diamond Creek finished the term kicking an impressive 8.0, while the Stars added 7.0 as both sides attacked heavily in an open contest.
The Demons will look to take another big scalp in the final round of the home and away season when they face ladder-leader North Heidelberg in a preview of the second semi final.
Fitzroy will take on Lalor at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval in their final tune up before the finals series, where it looks certain to play Lower Plenty in the first semi final.
Final score: Fitzroy Stars 18.9 (117) def by Diamond Creek 23.6 (144)
