The 14.9 (93) to 10.8 (68) win gives the fifth-placed Demons a one-game buffer on Marong and keeps the club in touch with third-placed Bears-Lagoon Serpentine.

The Demons went into the match on the back of two-straight defeats, but responded strongly to record their most important win of the season.

After an even first term, the Demons kicked five goals to one in the second quarter to open up a 33-point lead.

Marong stormed back into the game in the third quarter to cut the deficit to nine points at three quarter-time.

With the game and fifth spot up for grabs, it was Calivil who finished the game stronger, kicking three goals to none in the final term.

“We were very happy with the way the boys responded in the final quarter,’’ Calivil coach Andrew Freemantle said.

“If we had have lost today it would have been very hard for us, so we went into the game like it was a final.

“We let Marong back into the game after half-time, but thankfully we were able to get control back in the final quarter.”

Full-forward Jamie Nicholas bagged five goals to be best for Calivil, while Alex Davis and Henry Miller impressed.

Daniel Young and Kyle Manley were best for the Panthers, who need to defeat Mitiamo next Saturday to stay in touch with the top five.

Mitiamo remain in fourth place despite suffering a 53-point defeat to second-placed Pyramid Hill.

The Superoos trailed by 22 points by quarter-time and never really looked like threatening the Bulldogs.

Pyramid Hill had 10 individual goalkickers in the 17.21 (123) to 11.4 (70) win.

Midfielder Danko Bzenic continued his good season to be best on ground for the Dogs. Jake Anderson and ruckman Balraj Singh did plenty of damage.

Doug Thomas, Joel Pianto and Terence Reeves were best for Mitiamo.