The Creekers had to overcome as many as four injuries but still found the resolve to outrun the Doggies 12.5 (77) to 10.7 (67) at Coventry Oval.
Defenders Tyrone Loader, Josh Whitehouse-Summers and stand-in skipper Andrew Owen were all superb in defence – restricting the potent North side to just 17 scoring shots – while Jai Norman was crucial at important times during the game.
Leading by 26 points early in the third quarter following a Scott Pepyat goal, the Creekers looked like running away with a big victory before injuries to big men Matt Walter and Luke Simpson took their toll.
The Doggies booted five of the last six goals of the third term, including a goal on the three-quarter-time siren to Shane Harvey (four goals) which put the visitors in front for the first time for the day.
With Dave Florance looking unstoppable inside attacking 50m and Harvey, Blake Holmes and Jarrod King finding plenty of the footy it appeared a formality that the Doggies would runaway with a come-from-behind win.
But in its first game under new coach David Calthorpe, Diamond Creek refused to yield.
The Demons stole the lead back eight minutes into the final term courtesy of a Ryan Constance goal and were never again headed.
Jai Norman extended the lead to nine points courtesy of a free kick and 50m penalty before Leigh Gilbert pegged one back for the Bulldogs.
Ryan Constance kicked a beauty from 50m deep in the pocket to give the host breathing space at the 20-minute mark of the term, before Norman’s second for the term sealed the win.
Speaking after the game, Owen – the Narellan Pool’s Player of the Day – spoke of his pride in his team’s performance.
The acting skipper in the absence of Jed McQueen praised his teammates’ resolve in the face of adversity, particularly Walter and Simpson who returned to the field late in the game despite being severely hampered by leg injuries.
Earlier, Diamond Creek had complete control of the first half as they opened up a 20-point buffer at the main break.
Graeme Brown booted the first goal of the day before teammates Luke Simpson and Ryan Burrell followed with goals of their own as the Creekers took a 19-point lead into quarter time – restricting last year’s beaten Grand Finalist to just one behind in the opening term.
Burrell’s goal came after a superb pack mark from Norman 20m out from goal. The ruckman was unable to take his kick following the heavy fall, but his teammate didn’t let him down and converted from directly in front.
Harvey kicked the Bulldogs’ first in the opening minute of the second quarter, but Diamond Creek always had the answer for anything their visitor threw at them in the second stanza, taking a 6.4 (40) to 3.2 (20) lead into half-time.
It was a decisive lead, and ultimately it was the Creek’s dominant first half and resilience in the final quarter which provided them the four points.
Next week Diamond Creek travels to Preston City Oval for a rematch of the 2012 first semi final against Fitzroy Stars. North Heidelberg will host Hurstbridge at Shelley Street Reserve.
Final score: Diamond Creek 12.5 (77) def North Heidelberg 10.7 (67)
