DIAMOND CREEK avoided relegation to Division 3 at the expense of Epping, courtesy of a commanding 77-point win over the Blues at Epping Recreation Reserve in Round 18.
Heading into the final round in last place on the ladder, the Demons needed to win by 38 points or more to secure their place in Division 2 for another year. After a fast start, they were able to run away with a 20.14 (134) to 8.9 (57) win.
The result handed Epping an unwanted piece of history, as it became the first side in league history to suffer consecutive relegations.
On both occasions it was minimal percentage which sent the Blues down a division. Last year it was a 2.90 per cent, while this time around it was 4.31 per cent.
Brent Gutterson put on a show up forward for the Demons, slotting six goals. He had great help from Luke Campitelli, Mitch Johnson and Chris Moloney who kicked four, three and two goals respectively.
For the losing side, Robert Tinsley and Joel Dunmore were the only multiple goal scorers with three and two goals respectively.
After a poor last term in their Round 17 loss to Hurstbridge, the Demons flew out of the blocks against the Blues, doing all of the attacking early on and kicking nine of the first 10 goals.
Epping had no answer for the ferocious attacking display being put on by the Demons, only able to manage three scoring shots to 14 in the first term to go into the first break 41 points behind.
In a free-flowing game, both sides were able to get the ball inside their respective forward 50s at will, however neither team was able to kick accurately in the second term.
The Blues had the better of the quarter, but were only able to muster four goals from nine scoring shot to bring the deficit to a manageable 22 points at the main break.
With relegation looming large if the Demons couldn’t outscore the Blues by three goals in the second half, the visitors picked up their game in the third quarter.
The Demons played a slick brand of attacking football and were able to kick six goals to one to extend their lead to 53 points at the final change.
After a red card to Shane Wood during three quarter time, the home side was left without a key defender in the final term. This allowed the Demons to pile on four more goals, including two each to Gutterson and Campitelli, to take out the game by a huge margin.
Josh Smith was named best afield for the Demons after an outstanding all-round effort. Gutterson and Moloney were also named among the best for their roles up forward.
For Epping, Joshua Stavely and Jackson Freebairn were named among the best in what was ultimately a sombre day for the club.
Diamond Creek will look to improve on their seventh placed finish next season, whilst Epping will look to regroup in its first stint in Division 3.
Final score: Epping 8.9 (57) def by Diamond Creek 20.14 (134)
