The final scoreline – 16.18 (114) to 10.4 (64) – looked comfortable, but Millar admitted the Demons had trouble shaking the plucky Saints.

“Heathcote made us defend and they controlled play for the first half,’’ Millar said.

“We were inefficient with our disposal for most of the day and Heathcote’s pressure and perceived pressure forced us into some errors that we didn’t need to make.

“Heathcote were pretty good for most of the day, but we probably had the better legs in the final quarter.”

Sean Christopher kicked five goals for the Demons to take his season tally to 16, while big man Matt Lehane, Levi Middleton and Jake Allport were best players.

Jordan Cavallaro (three goals), Dylan McCutcheon and Dan Carroll were Heathcote’s best.

Elmore scored its first under new coach Danny Brewster when it defeated LBU in a high-scoring shootout at Lockington.

Straight kicking was the highlight of the Bloods’ 21.8 (134) to 16.14 (110) win. Shane Brewster, Dale Williamson and Trent Lang kicked 13 goals between them for the Bloods and Jack Hayes was dominant.

Nathan Dyson bagged five goals to be the Cats’ best player.

The round started on Good Friday, with Colbinabbin defeating Mt Pleasant by 41 points.