An undermanned Tullamarine came from behind at half-time to beat Taylors Lakes in division 1 of the Essendon District Football League on Saturday.
The Demons were looking to shore up their spot in the top four but started slowly and found themselves 12 points behind at the end of the second quarter.
But then they kicked into gear with nine goals to two in the second half to win 13.15 (93)-9.8 (62).
The Demons began the match with one of their stronger teams for the season, but early injuries left left them with only one man on the bench for the second half.
The Lions also suffered injuries and struggled for rotations late in the game.
Demons coach Anthony Leydin thought his side was in trouble at halftime.
“It was a bit of a struggle and we were a couple of goals behind at the main break,” he said.
“I asked for the usual things of working a bit harder and thinking about the team, not just themselves, and they responded.
“We certainly played more committed football in the second half. We had a few players down in the first half and they stood up in the second half.”
Leydin said they were still assessing the full extent of the injuries but it looks as if Adam Scott has done his shoulder for the second time this year.
“Adam hasn’t played much this year and you don’t want to lose good players when we’re stretched already,” Leydin said..
“Having some guys overseas hasn’t helped either . . . we’ve lost two or three players when we can least afford to.”
Anthony Liberatore kicked five goals for the Demons in his best game of the season.
Jack Burns and Justin Marcy were best on ground.
The Demons are third on the ladder, six points clear of Hillside and Oak Park.
Leydin said the ladder was a little deceptive, as Tullamarine was the only team in the top five to have had two byes.
“It looks like it’s down to five teams now,” he said.
“Craigieburn and Westmeadows are ahead and the rest are chasing.
“We play Craigieburn, Hillside and Oak Park in the next three weeks and that will where we’re at.”
In other results, Westmeadows beat Glenroy and Craigieburn smashed Hadfield.
In premier division, Greenvale came from behind to beat Strathmore, while in division 2, Roxburgh
Park was too strong for Jacana.
