Diamond Creek was able to take advantage early and hold off numerous charges from the Stars to earn the 20.7 (127) to 12.10 (82) win.
For the winning side, Brent Gutterson kicked five goals and had help from Chris Moloney who kicked four and Daniel O’Regan who slotted three. Diamond Creek shared the load also having eight players who booted one apiece.
At the other end of the field, John Hayes kicked five and had support from Peter Hood, Patrick Davis and Basil Sibosado who all slotted two, while Josh Wanganeen also added to the score kicking one goal.
With both teams coming off losses last weekend, both had a lot to play for but it was Diamond Creek who was more desperate for the ball and the contest early in proceedings, kicking eight goals to two in the first quarter to take a 35-point lead into the first break.
Fitzroy was able to regroup at quarter time and came out firing in the second quarter to kick four consecutive goals to bring the lead back to just 10 points.
But despite the momentum swinging against it, injury-plagued Diamond Creek responded with an inspired 15 minutes and was able to again extend its lead, kicking five goals to one for the remainder of the quarter to take a 34-point lead into the long break.
The conditions were miserable when the teams came out after half time and it looked like the game would become a hard, contested match which suited the Demons given their sizeable advantage on the scoreboard.
Despite the rain and swirly breeze, both teams were able to find freedom in the middle of the field with a lot of end to end play resulting in goals for both sides.
Diamond Creek again had the better of an exciting quarter, kicking six goals to Fitzroy Stars’ four to extended its lead going into the final term, with the scores standing at 19.4 (118) to 11.8 (74).
The final quarter was slow and dour with the teams becoming tired as the rain began pouring down. Both sides only kicked one goal apiece in the as Diamond Creek defended staunchly to produce a great win.
Brenton Hoppe was terrific across all four quarters and was named best afield alongside Bradley Craig and the returning Travis Knight.
For the Stars, Kaeulun Brown and Lionel Proctor worked tirelessly while John Hayes was dangerous up forward.
Next week, Diamond Creek will look to get another win on the board and retain its position in second place when it faces a winless Hurstbridge side who it demolished by 120 points in Round 1.
Fitzroy Stars will look to break its two game losing streak when it faces sixth-placed South Morang. Just a fortnight after sitting atop the table, the Stars have now slipped to fourth place.
Final score: Diamond Creek 20.7 (127) def Fitzroy Stars 12.10 (82)
