IT was a tight and torrid affair at Greta, at least for the first half of Saturday's clash between the Blues and the Demons.
But in the end, as was expected, Milawa proved too strong, running away with a 37-point win.
After leading by seven points at the main break, Milawa stormed away from Greta in the third term, adding 5.3 to 1.0.
The Demons had the chance to inflict further pain in the final term, but converted only one of seven shots on goal, eventually winning 12.14 (86) to 7.7 (49).
Coach Luke Sims said the contest was a valuable one for Milawa, which had won its previous four matches by an average of 182 points.
"It was just what we needed," Sims said.
"Greta was very hard at it, and after a month of easy wins we had to make sure we matched them.
"Our intensity was right up there, and we controlled the game in the first half but just couldn't shake them.
"We broke the game open in the second half and probably could have won by a bit more, but we didn't capitalise on the scoreboard.
"I was very happy with the performance as a whole though."
Anthony McGuire continued his run of devastating form, racking up plenty of disposals and kicking two goals, while Scott Gardner and Scott Pell who once again started in the ruck were also outstanding.
"(McGuire) has been our most consistent player this year," Sims said.
"There's no one in the competition who can match his intensity and attack on the ball I think he's having the best year of football he's played.
"Scott Gardner just gets the job done week after week.
"We don't have to rest him too often, and he has given us a lot more run this year, and his disposal has just been getting better and better.
"With Jeff (Whitehead) missing a few games through work, we felt we could run Scott (Pell) into some form in the ruck, and he's been great.
"Jeff was very good too, and he should be available for the rest of the year now, but having Scott as well gives us that flexibility of not needing two specialist ruckmen."
Jason Humphries, Daniel McLaughlin, Paul Fruzynski and Scott Miller were Greta's best players, while Brendan Van Schaik was also impressive in his first senior match for the season.
BY - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
4th July, 2011.
Last Modified on 05/07/2011 11:38