But it did as Wycheproof-Narraport came back from the brink in the final quarter to retain its unblemished North Central record with a three-point win over St Arnaud – a team that has won just one game.

Despite the discrepancy in the win-loss record between the two teams, Saturday’s 11.14 (80) to 11.11 (77) win was the second time this season the Demons have beaten the Saints by just three points.

The Saints were on track for one of the upsets of the season when they led by 26 points midway through the final quarter, but the Demons stormed home to scrape over the line.

Ruckman Chris Howgate, Matt Riordan and James Coatsworth (two goals) were the best players for the Demons.

St Arnaud’s Nick Coghlan played a lone hand up forward, kicking eight of the Saints’ 11 goals to be one of the standouts, along with Kurtis Torney.

• Birchip-Watchem stunned Charlton to record its best win of the season and keep within a game of the top four.

The Bulls beat the Navies for just the fourth time in their past 22 encounters with their 14.9 (93) to 8.10 (58) victory at home.

The Bulls – who have usually been slow out of the blocks this year – were never headed after kicking the first four goals of the game.

The best for the Bulls featured Brendon George (four goals), ruckman Lochlan Sirett and Daniel Ratcliffe.

In just its second loss of the season, Charlton was well led by coach Aaron Walklate (three goals) and Thomas Finlay.

• Donald returned to the top two after having the better of the second half of its game against Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.

The Tigers led by 12 points at half-time, but the Royals added seven goals to four after the break to grind out a 9.11 (65) to 8.8 (56) victory.

Brody Haddow, Darcy Harrison and Ross Young all played well for the Royals, while the Tigers’ best were Luke Martin, Mikal Bloom and Angus Munro.

• A seven-goal haul from Riley Lehmann helped Boort to a 15.13 (103) to 10.11 (71) win over Wedderburn.

Ruckman James Orr and Matt Hodoras also starred for the Magpies.

The loss leaves Wedderburn winless. Coach Danny Benaim (five) and Will Holt (four) combined to kick nine of the Redbacks’ 10 goals.