Craigieburn was back to its old self in Essendon District Football League division 1 on Saturday.
Having gone through the first 12 rounds undefeated, the Eagles lost two of their next three games before having a bye last week.
Against Taylors Lakes on Saturday, the Eagles stamped their authority on the game from the first contest. They held the Lions goal-less in the second quarter and led by 72 points at half-time.
It was much of the same in the second half, with the Eagles eventually winning 25.16 (166)-6.7 (43).
Eagles coach Peter Bugden said the players had been keen to return to their early season form. “We had to pull our finger out at some stage,” he said. “It’s been about preparing to play finals football.
“We have a competitive group and there’s still boys fighting for spots in the senior team.”
Cameron Cloke kicked seven goals on Saturday, with older brother Jason and Nick Fletcher chipping in with three goals each.
Christian McErlain was best on ground, while the young brigade – including 16-year-old Tye Browning in his second game – continued to impress Bugden.
Ben Fynch and Aaron Kite both returned to the side on Saturday and were named among the best players.
Bugden said he expected Josh Young to return this week.
“He’s the best midfielder in the competition,” he said. “He’s missed the last six to seven weeks but has been training well and is ready to help the boys get the job done.”
Finals intensity will come a week early for the Eagles when they take on third-placed Westmeadows on Saturday before playing Tullamarine in a semi-final a week later.
Bugden said they wouldn’t be taking it easy against the Tigers, even though both sides have their finals spots sealed.
“Our goal wasn’t to lose another quarter in the home and away season,” he said.
“We did that against Taylors Lakes. We’ll take it quarter by quarter and go out and win the best way we can.”
Tullamarine sealed second spot and a double chance with a win against Westmeadows.
The Tigers were the only side that could have knocked the Demons out of second, but the Demons proved too strong in the second half, to win 19.8 (122)-13.4 (82).
In division 2, Roxburgh Park defeated Moonee Valley 17.10 (112)-10.9 (69).
Jacana’s finals hopes are over after it lost to Coburg Districts.
