On their home ground and against Russells Creek, the Demons were expected to cruise to a sizable victory.

But the Kangaroos had other ideas, laying down the challenge to their more fancied opponents.

Russells Creek coach Heath Moloney said it was a spirited effort from his charges.

“The boys turned up to play,” Moloney said.

“I said to them before the game, we don’t want to travel away and not turn up ready to go.

“Right from the start we were on, we kicked the first two or three goals and we stayed at it, we were only a couple of goals down at half-time.

“We had a bit of a lapse in the third quarter when they kicked five goals but we fought back well in the last and finished the game off.

“It is all about belief, as coaches we know we have the team that can play good footy, we just need to back ourselves in a bit more.”

The Demons 17.12. (114) to 13.11. (89) win was driven by a best-on-ground performance from Ryan Smith, while Bayley Thompson continued his good form with three goals.

Andy McMeel again led from the front for Russells Creek while Bradley Rees kicked four goals.

“Andy just goes all day, even when he is resting up forward,” Moloney said.

“Brad played in the midfield and took some nice pack marks when he went forward, again it’s all about having that belief.”