But the Demons know not to look too far ahead after failing to turn a minor premiership into a title the past four years.

The Demons are determined to avenge three straight grand final losses to Wagga Tigers and are doing everything to put themselves in the best possible position with eight wins from eight games.

Collingullie recovered from a slow start to hold off MCUE in a physical encounter, the Goannas slipping one-and-a-half games behind their rivals with a 6-1-1 record.

"We didn't have the best start, we were down 6-1 so the rest of the game we were always fighting to get it back," Demons coach Brigetta Hart said.

"It was pretty close across the court but we were able to shut down their connection into the circle.

"Tameka (Scott) played a fantastic game at wing defence and our attack end opened up in the second half. Hannah (Finemore, shooter) was good and our feeds to her were great."

MCUE coach Marie Campbell was unperturbed by the result, but said composure down the back stretch cost them.

"I was disappointed not getting the result, but certainly not disappointed in the team performance overall," Campbell said.

"It was a red hot cracker of a game, both teams knew they had to bring their A-game to be competitive, let alone snag a win.

"We were leading by a few most of the game, but a few attacking turnovers late in the game cost us.

"We're such a versatile team, we've got more options in hand."

The teams are due to meet in the last round before finals, an ideal build-up before September.

"I don't think going through the season undefeated necessarily does you any favours come finals time," Campbell said.

"I think sometimes a loss gives you that bit more inspiration to work on the finer points of the game."

In other matches Coolamon maintained fifth spot with a 61-39 win over Leeton Whitton, Narrandera accounted for Turvey Park 47-23 and Wagga Tigers edged Griffith 47-41.

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