Second placed Bruthen has seen off a gallant Swifts Creek in round seven of the Omeo and District Football Netball League (ODFNL) at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve.
The Demons were desperate to bank another four points to stay in touch with the top four and they came out keen to play and make an early impact.
In a spirited opening term the sides traded goals as the visitors went to the first break with a slender one-point lead.
The competition’s leading ruckman, Andrew Sandy, was again pivotal at the centre bounces, creating plenty of opportunities for skipper Beau Hack and the hard nosed, Brodie Matthews.
The Bulldogs’ accuracy around goal was vital in them establishing a nine-point advantage at half time as the Demons wasted some crucial chances under pressure from the Bruthen’s defenders.
Jirra Moffat (four goals) and Matt Arnold (three), in his first outing for the season, were a constant target and thorn in the side of the Swift Creek defenders.
The third quarter was a real arm wrestle with both sides keen to assert their authority on the contest, both half back lines pivotal in restricting the respective forward lines to a solitary goal.
Bruthen coach Michael Boothey asked his side for maximum effort in the final term and they responded, kicking six goals to one in an impressive onslaught to win by 38 points.
Nathan Hayes, Richie Harrison, Chris Hood and Will Matthews unappeasable in that final 30 minutes as the Bulldogs maintained its hold on second place by percentage over reigning premier. Omeo Benambra.
Moffatt, Hayes, Harrison, Hood, Caleb Marsh and Jan Cabaybay all standouts for the Bulldogs.
Hack, Sandy, Christopher Barry, James Turner, Matthews and Dylan Turner led the way for the Demons who were right in the match until early in the final term.
Former Kyneton player, Barry, impressed in his first outing for the Demons in some time.
After a week off for the King’s Birthday long weekend, ODFNL action will restart on June 14, the Bulldogs will make the trip to Buchan, while Swifts Creek will host Lindenow South.
