SOMERVILLE proved that it has the fighting qualities necessary to have a real impact come finals time after getting over the line against Rye by five points, 15.9(99) to 14.10(94), on Saturday.
It took until midway through the final term for the Eagles to get their noses in front after trailing all afternoon.
Caleb Cox kicked the sealer and was clearly Somerville's best player.
The Demons started beautifully and were intent on putting the Eagles' defence under as much pressure as possible.
This came mainly in the form of Ben Holmes, the best player in the competition.
Holmes, who would have to be a favourite for the league medal, booted eight goals - six by half time - from the centre and almost single-handedly won the Demons the game.
The difference between the sides in the end was the move of Geoff Hibberd to half-back, after earlier being tagged out of the contest by Ben Winters-Kerr. However, the Demons played the whole game tall in attack and in the last quarter, when the ball hit the deck, Hibberd tucked it under his arm and ran it out of defence, setting up many scoring opportunities.
Aaron Pike kicked four goals and Ben Metcalf and Michael Cave were outstanding for Hastings in their decisive win against Frankston Bombers.
The Blues led by five goals at quarter-time and the final margin was 33 points.
Jake Foster and Bevan Malloy were the best of the Bombers and Michael Cochrane and Brad Arnold were instrumental in the win for the Blues.
Red Hill had to work hard to get the points against Dromana at Pier Street, coming from behind at three-quarter time to win by 21 points.
The Tigers players some great footy with the return of some senior players but just didn't have the run in the legs to go with the Hillmen in the last.
Ryan Blake slotted six and was the difference between the sides, while Pete Dal Lago was also good for the winners.
Rhys Whitling and Daniel Lee, who returned from injury, were the best of the Tigers.
Rosebud beat Pearcedale in a shoot-out at Tractor Park, having 44 scoring shots and finishing with 23 goals, to win by 64 points.
Daniel Schwind booted five goals and Ryan Spooner four for the Buds and Greg Bentley and Daniel Giarusso were yet again among the best players.
Kerem Baskaya kicked five for the Panthers and Byron Hoe was the team's best player.
The Buds booted 10 goals to three in the last after leading by 19 points at three-quarter time.
Tyabb remains a mathematical chance of playing in the finals after beating Crib Point in a close encounter by 28 points.
John Alexander and Scott Pickersgill dominated for the Yabbies, who trailed by three point at the last change.
The Yabbies kicked six goals to one in the last quarter.
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