MILAWA has climbed to second spot on the OandK ladder following a gritty win over Benalla All Blacks on Saturday.
With the Panthers heading into the game without key forwards Kaine Dockery, Michael Donehue and Brendan Smith, most neutral observers expected the Demons to win comfortably.
But Benalla showed up to play, and displayed better ball use in the opening half to lead by seven points at the long break.
Milawa hit back in the third term, registering three goals to one to take a four-point lead, before a tight finish saw the Demons get up by 12 points in what turned out to be a match typified by defensive pressure.
Coach Luke Sims said the victory was a result of the Demons playing a far more accountable brand of football in the second half.
"It was a funny sort of game," Sims said.
"We matched up with very similar line ups both sides had running teams in that had the potential to break the game open, but neither side ever did.
"We just didn't man up enough in the first half, so we made a few adjustments at the break.
"It was a matter of going out there and playing a real man-on-man game and just scrapping a win."
While the Panthers would have dearly loved to have their three big forwards in the side, Sims said their absences may have worked in Benalla's favor.
"I think it probably worked to their advantage," he said.
"With their bigger guys out they were able to run the footy and they were probably a bit quicker than they have been.
"It took us a bit of time to adjust to their set up.
"It wasn't one of our better games, but we've been finishing off matches well, and once that belief kicked in we came home strong."
Steve Williamson was once again pivotal at centre half forward, finishing with three goals, while Sims also gave ruckman Jeff Whitehead and on-baller Jack Stamp big raps.
"I thought Bomber (Williamson) dominated his position," he said.
"We've really changed our structure quite a bit and opened up our forward line, and he has really flourished at centre half forward.
"It's a hard position to play, and it gives the boys a lot of confidence seeing him there, because he attacks the ball and marks it at its highest point.
"Jeff really played like a midfielder his second and third efforts were terrific.
"His work at ground level was extraordinary for a big guy, and he really kept us in the match in the first half.
"And Stampy just doesn't stop running.
"He can get the ball in the back half and be taking a shot for goal 10 seconds later I don't think there is anyone in the competition who can run with him.
"He's going away for a month after the North Wang game, so we will really miss him.
"But his workload has been very heavy with the injuries we've had, so it will probably do him a lot of good to have a break."
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
TIGHT BATTLES: Benalla star Richard Bull and Milawa's Jack Stamp clash at ground level on Saturday.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Last Modified on 07/06/2012 09:55