Second-placed Swifts Creek rounded off the Omeo District Football Netball League home-and-away season with a strong 51-point victory over third-placed Omeo Benambra in round 15 action at the Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve.
Neither side was at full strength, and both will undoubtedly field stronger lineups in the coming weeks.
However, the Alpine Ranges will have considerable ground to make up if they are to remain in the hunt for a premiership three-peat in 2026.
The contest was effectively set up in the opening quarter when the Demons held the Ranges scoreless while booting six unanswered majors to establish a commanding 38-point lead by the first break.
Oscar Brazzale was the primary target up forward and delivered in spades, bagging seven goals to take his season tally to 42 from just eight games.
His effort saw him finish runner-up in the league goalkicking race behind Bruthen’s Jirra Moffatt (46 goals in 11 games).
Omeo Benambra mounted a fightback in the second term, kicking five goals to three to reduce the margin. Cody Graske (three goals), Tyler Betts (two) and Ross Ansaldi (two) all hit the scoreboard for the visitors.
Brandon Betts alongside Jai and Aiden Hayward were right in the thick of the action for the Ranges, while skipper Beau Hack, Jay Robbie and Brodie Matthews provided consistent drive for the Demons.
Trailing by 23 points at the main break, the Alpine Ranges needed a quick start to the second half, but Swifts Creek put the game to bed before three-quarter time with four unanswered goals.
Jamie Barton (four goals) and Jack Reid (two) hit the scoreboard as the Demons extended the lead to 45 points.
The final quarter proved a low-intensity affair as both sides turned their focus toward the upcoming finals series.
Swifts Creek will enjoy a week off before tackling unbeaten Bruthen at the Lindenow South Recreation Reserve on August 15.
Meanwhile, Omeo Benambra will take on Buchan this weekend in an elimination final at the Buchan Recreation Reserve.
The Ranges will head in with confidence, having already defeated the Cavemen three times this season.
Best players for the Demons were Hack, Robbie, Barton, Michael Stephenson, Lachie Harvey and Brazzale. Stephenson impressed in his club debut, filling the void left by Andrew Sandy (ankle).
Jai Hayward, Tyler Betts, Brandon Betts, Trent Heesom, Ross Ansaldi and Aiden Hayward led the way for the Alpine Ranges as they search for the formula that brought them back-to-back flags.
