FIVE goals in 15 minutes proved the difference for Collingullie-Glenfield Park as they did enough to continue their undefeated start to the season with a 12-point win over Coolamon on Sunday.
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The Demons put the game to bed in the first 15 minutes of the last quarter as they went from five points behind to 29 points clear.
Coolamon came again, as they did all day, but it was another case of close, but not close enough, for the Hoppers, as Collingullie-GP prevailed, 11.12 (78) to 10.6 (66) at Kindra Park.
The visitors were far from at their best and butchered the football for large periods of the day, as the Hoppers applied plenty of pressure.
The Hoppers never trailed by more than two goals early before they hit the front in the third term and took a five-point lead into the final change.
That was as close as Coolamon got, as the Demons lifted and booted the first five goals of the last quarter.
The Hoppers rallied again late but the damage was done and another honourable loss for Coolamon, who are winless from the opening four rounds.
Collingullie-Glenfield Park coach Luke Gestier was pleased with the way his team responded when challenged.
“It was fantastic. I put it on the boys at three-quarter-time that it was the first time we’ve been really challenged and to see what they’ve got,” Gestier said.
“And to their credit they really stood up, the leaders stood up and that was the most pleasing thing, just to walk away with the four points after a tough day.”
The Demons moved Tom Keogh into the ruck at three-quarter-time and Gestier loved the influence the big man had on the contest in the final term.
“He was fantastic and I thought he gave us a lot of drive,” he said.
“We just went more man-on-man, we wanted more out of our mids, I thought we were down in that area through the day so we started getting on top and were able to put them away early.”
Gestier also liked the way his team was still able to get the four points, despite not being at their best.
“To me that’s a sign of good sides, that still can keep producing and get the wins even though we’re well below our best,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to get the four points and go into the bye four and zip.”
Dan Kennedy, across half-back, and Matt Klemke were the pick of the Demons players. Nick Perryman chimed in with three important goals in his third game back from a knee reconstruction.
Coolamon tried hard and were well-served by Mitch McKelvie, Joe Redfern and Will Graetz.