A strong finish to the third quarter proved the difference as Collingullie-Glenfield Park overpowered Turvey Park by 12 points on Saturday.
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The Bulldogs started brilliantly and led until late in the third quarter before the Demons got on top and ran out winners, 14.9 (93) to 12.9 (81) at Maher Oval.
Turvey Park played some brilliant football in the first half to lead by as much as 24 points but were unable to ever shake the Demons, who continued to fight back.
The reigning premiers hit the front for the first time 19 minutes into the third quarter, as four consecutive goals to finish the term sent them into the final change 13 points clear.
A gallant Turvey Park never gave up and closed within seven points late in the final term. They had opportunities and were penalised for caught with the ball within 15 metres of goal twice during that period, as a desperate Demons defence clung on.
Collingullie-GP coach Luke Gestier was simply pleased to get back to winning ways.
"I would have loved to win a bit more prettier but in the scheme of things, a win's a win and we'll take it," Gestier said.
"We've got a lot of things to work on but there's some great pieces in there, which is good.
"It's very patchy. We've got to address momentum swings, when they've got momentum, it's hurting us at the moment, sides are piling goals on and it's really hurting us so we've got to address that. I'd like to tighten the screws on that issue."
It was a solid response after a disappointing loss to Coolamon last weekend and keeps Collingullie-GP in fifth spot.
Daniel Frawley was brilliant for the Demons, through the midfield and across half-back, while Ben Klemke, Jason Ainsworth, Gestier and Nick Perryman had strong games.
The Demons lost key defender Matt Hobbs early to a hip injury but do not expect him to miss coming weeks.
Turvey Park were led by teenage forward Brad Ashcroft, who had six goals by half-time. He finished with six and the supply dried up but still did some clever things as he tried to will the Bulldogs to victory.
Harry Stapleton was another young Bulldogs player to perform well, while Daniel Leary and Lachlan Leary combined for five goals and were dangerous throughout the contest.
While it was a big effort by Turvey Park, with eight players missing, the loss is almost the knockout blow for the Bulldogs' finals chances.
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