Its two key forwards were well held, but Tullamarine found other avenues to goal to record a convincing win against Glenroy in division 1 of the Essendon District Football League on Saturday.
Seeking to secure a top-two spot, the Demons controlled the match from the first quarter to win 22.11 (143) to 10.8 (68) at Leo Dineen Reserve.
Demons coach Ash Manning said it was a bigger victory than he’d expected.
“You always hope for a win and we probably were expecting to win, but not by 75 points,” he said.
“I think our spread from the stoppages allowed us to have a lot more run around the ground and be able to convert that up forward.”
Manning said he was pleased by how his players stood up to cover those who were being well held.
“Our best two forwards were reasonably well held, but we still had plenty of options going forward,” he said.
“It was a good team effort. The back line was terrific and we controlled the midfield.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Tullamarine v Glenroy
Jason Harmes and Jonathon Kent led the 13 goalkickers with four each.
The win sees the Demons in second spot, two games clear of third-placed Taylors Lakes.
“One more win for the season and finals are basically assured,” Manning said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you finish first or second, you get the second chance and we’ll be trying to consolidate a top-two position over the next few weeks.”
Manning said he had close to a full list of players to choose from.
“We’re missing Justin Marcey, our best and fairest winner of last season, and Vincent Schiavello hurt his knee yesterday,” he said.
“We have a couple of facial injuries from the game, including a possible fractured cheekbone, but compared to last year we have a lot fewer injuries.”
This week the Demons play Hillside, which was on the receiving end of a 128-point loss against West Coburg.
“The first time we played them we underestimated them and they should have beaten us,” Manning said. “We won’t be doing that again.”
In other division 1 matches, Craigieburn lost to Taylors Lakes 9.12 (66) to 3.16 (34).
In the premier division, Greenvale continued its charge up the ladder with a 74-point win over Maribyrnong Park. After an even first half, the Jets kicked away with 13 goals to three to win 20.8 (128) to 8.6 (54).
In division 2, Roxburgh Park continued its unbeaten run defeating Burnside Heights by 129 points, 21.18 (144) to 2.3 (15).
