MILAWA denied a sizeable Good Friday crowd the result it was after at Bonnie Doon, kicking off 2012 with a 96-point victory.
The Demons, looking somewhat different up front this year with Tim Lewis the main target in attack, looked to have lost none of their firepower, booting 10 unanswered goals in the opening term.
While the result was never in doubt after quarter time, the match evened up from there on and became an entertaining contest.
The Doon Dogs, through the likes of Ricky Milligan, Hayden Harmer, Darren Wheeler, Jacob Howes and Chris Dunne, began to push the ball forward regularly, where more often than not it was elusive forward Tom Webster who finished off the hard work.
But there was no denying Milawa.
The club's best and fairest winner in 2010, Jack Stamp was unstoppable through the middle and in attack, booting six goals.
After an off season that saw him leave the side for rival King Valley, only to change his mind and return, Tim Allan picked up a stack of touches and made them all count.
Steve Williamson was at his miserly best at centre half back, while Tim Lewis finished up with seven goals against his name.
Mark Scholte shrugged off the retirement rumors that surrounded him over the off season with another standout performance, while Nick Hallam gathered plenty of possessions and kicked three majors to have a big impact on the contest.
In the end, Milawa's 25.15 (165) to 10.9 (69) victory showed what most people already thought heading into this season.
The Demons may have lost a few guns, but they are by no means a spent force.
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
STAMP OF AUTHORITY: Milawa's Jack Stamp kicks for goal during his best on ground display on Friday.
Last Modified on 11/04/2012 10:34