MILDURA have ended Merbein's undefeated 2021 SFNL season with an eight-point win at Kenny Park.
After trailing by five points at quarter time, the Demons led by nine at the main change and extended that margin to 17 points at three quarter time.
While the Pies scored 3.3 to two goals, it wasn't enough to stop them from suffering their first loss of the season, 9.9.63 to 8.7.55.
Mildura young guns Kofi Lord, Noah Hills and Brodie Townsend were impressive, with veterans Carmelo Lando and Anthony Matthews booting two goals each.
The ever industrious Ash Rowe was Merbein's best, with Zac Webb and Vinnie Tassone also playing well.
Wentworth have also kept themselves in finals contention after grabbing a six-point win over Robinvale Euston at George Gordon Oval, 9.12.66 to 8.12.60.
After a scrappy and low scoring start to the game, it was the Roos who led by three goals at half time, before the Eagles reduced that margin to 12 at the final change.
Both sides were inaccurate in the last quarter, but it was the home side who held on to stay even on points with the Demons on the ladder.
Nick Jensen, Jordan McKinnon and Nick Cottrell were important players for the Roos, while Colby Mannix, James Zappia and Ricardo Liparota performed well for the Eagles.
Imperials did the double over Irymple at Brian Weightman Oval by 17 points, 11.16.82 to 10.5.65.
It was a game of real momentum swings, as Imps led by 30 at the first break, but the Swallows, after being scoreless in the opening term, would trial by just three at the long break.
Imperials increased that back to 29 at the final change before weathering a late surge from the reigning premiers.
David Hankin finished with three goals, with Harry Nolen and Ryan Hards impressive, while Jason Eagle (four goals) and Mitch Roads (three) led the way for Irymple on the scoreboard.
South Mildura responded to consecutive losses in style with a 48-point win over Red Cliffs, 18.9.117 to 10.9.69.
The Tigers looked the goods in the first half and led by a point at the half, however the Bulldogs turned on the afterburners to kick 11 goals to three in the second half.
Bulldogs key forward Matthew Min starred with seven goals, while former captain Liam Wood was able to quell the influence of Tigers coach Vas Tuifao.
Ouyen United had the bye.