Tullamarine’s season is over after agonising defeat at the hands of Airport West in the Essendon District Football League division 1 elimination semi-final.
The Demons entered the match as slight favourites, but neither team gained a real advantage throughout the game.
The Eagles led at quarter-time and half-time and increased the margin to a game-high 19 points early in the third quarter.
The Demons then had their best period of the game, kicking the last four goals of the third quarter to hit the front late in the quarter.
The Demons held a 10-point lead heading into the final period.
The two teams traded goals early in the last before the Eagles kicked three in a row to hit the front.
The Demons got one goal back through Link Robinson, but weren’t able to find the second goal they needed to get back the lead in the last five minutes of the game.
The Eagles held on to win 11.12 (78)-10.13 (73).
William Becker and Jordan Port kicked two goals each for the Demons, with Marcus Smith, Port and David Scott named their best.
The result means the Demons’ earliest finals exit in four seasons after playing in two grand finals and a preliminary final the last three years.
The Eagles will play Hillside for a spot in the grand final
Glenroy was the first team to qualify for the grand final, smashing the Sharks.
In premier division, Greenvale sealed the minor premiership with victory against Essendon Doutta Stars on Saturday.
The Jets won easily, 19.16 (140)-13.6 (84).
Craigieburn’s return season to premier division ended without a win, with the Eagles losing their final round match to Keilor 27.16 (178)-4.4 (28).
