Tullamarine was given a reality check by Taylors Lakes in Essendon District Football League division 1 on Saturday.
While the Demons had won their first six matches, they hadn’t been playing their best football.
In the past month, the Demons had come from behind to get wins – and it looked like they were on course to do it again.
But the Lions, after conceding the lead in the third quarter, hit back for a 14.9 (93)-12.20 (92) win.
Demons coach David Connell said it was disappointing to head into the coming weekend’s break like that.
“We couldn’t have played any worse,” he said. “But credit to Taylors Lakes. We kicked poorly for goal kicking 12.20 and seven out on the full.
“We had a lot of opportunities – we had 69 to 34 inside 50s, twice as much football in our 50, but we couldn’t convert.”
Connell said that while it was pleasing that the side had confidence to win from any position, he didn’t want to get into the habit of having to come from behind.
He said that they had been tinkering with their pre-game routines.
“The boys have given teams too many starts in the last month,” he said. “Maybe it’s a mindset thing after the last quarter against Craigieburn.
“We kept getting over the line. If we had of got away with it [against Taylors Lakes], it might have given us a false sense of security.
“Hopefully, we will learn from it going into the Airport West game.”
Kane Mulvaney and Anthony Prestia kicked three goals apiece in the loss to the Lions.
Adam and Dean Bartrop were named the Demons’ best.
The Demons enter the Queen’s Birthday bye weekend sitting second with a 6-1 record.
The reserves have won four matches – as many as they did for all of last year.
Connell said they would absolutely take the position they are in at this point.
The Demons have received a surprise boost with Keilor premiership player Jack Kennedy joining the club, kicked two goals on debut against the Lions.
Connell said he would be a handy addition to an already strong team.
“We signed him at the start of the year and then he changed his mind and decided to stay at Keilor,” Connell said.
“Something happened at Keilor and in the space of two or three days it was all done. We knew on Friday night that he was coming across.”
The Demons’ next match will see them face the only side they are yet to play, Airport West.
The Eagles sit atop the ladder undefeated.
Connell said it would be an “eight point game”.
In other results, Jacana fell short against Hillside.
The Sharks won every quarter in the dominant 22.11 (143)-10.10 (70) win.
Airport West and Oak Park were the other winners.
In premier division, Greenvale suffered a shock loss to Keilor, the Blues winning 18.6 (114)-11.10 (76).
In division 2, Roxburgh Park will go into its bye on a high after defeating Coburg Districts 16.10 (106)-10.8 (68).
