Swifts Creek comfortably eclipsed reigning premier Omeo Benambra in the latest edition of the “Battle of the Gap” last Saturday in round five of the Omeo District Football Netball League.
The Demons now sit second on the ladder, four points behind unbeaten premiership favourite Bruthen, with the Alpine Ranges a further eight points back in third place.
Swifts Creek welcomed a couple of handy inclusions in Campbell Moresi (Lucknow) and Oscar Brazzale (Lakes Entrance), while Omeo Benambra regained Jordan Robertson from Stratford and added Daniel Richardson, who was returning after several seasons away from the game.
Moresi and Brazzale loom as classy additions for the Demons as they attempt to build a list capable of challenging Bruthen later in the 2026 season.
Swifts Creek burst out of the blocks, kicking four goals to one in the opening term to establish a 19-point lead at quarter time.
The second quarter was the most competitive of the match, with the Alpine Ranges lifting and testing the home side, but they were unable to make significant inroads on the scoreboard as the Demons headed into half time with a 20-point advantage.
Swifts Creek went to another level after the main break, piling on 12 goals to seven in the second half to run out 50-point winners.
The Demons had plenty of avenues to goal, led by Brazzale with five goals, Jordan Hack with four and Jamie Barton with three. Former coach Conor Harvey also benefited from the increased support around him.
Among the best players for Swifts Creek were Benjamin Butling, Nathan Hayes, Brazzale, Moresi, Andrew Hatch and Hack.
Cody Graske kicked five goals for the Alpine Ranges, who were best served by Brandon Betts, Brent Hartnell, Hudson Collins,
Richardson, Colten Pendergast and Graske.
Swifts Creek will enjoy the bye this week, while Omeo Benambra faces another difficult assignment when it heads down the mountain to take on Buchan.
