The Demons narrowly avoided being on the end of the upset of the season when they squeezed past bottom side Boort by two points.

Boort was left to rue its inaccurate kicking. The Magpies had three more scoring shots, but were beaten 8.9 (57) to 7.13 (55) at home.

Ricky Allan slotted five goals for the reigning premier Demons, whose best was again the reliable Boe Bish.

Rohan Nolan kicked three of the Magpies’ seven goals.

• Charlton came from 26 points down at three quarter-time to over-run Donald.

The Navies booted 5.3 to 0.3 in the final term to edge past the Royal Blues 14.11 (95) to 13.13 (91).

Coach Kain Robins and Matt Giri booted five goals each for the Navies in their third win of the season.

Josh Potter was best for the Royal Blues, who had Bryan Beckham kick four goals.

• St Arnaud climbed a spot on the ladder to third following a 38-point win over Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.

The Saints led at every change in prevailing 14.14 (98) to 9.6 (60), with coach James McNamee producing another best-on-ground performance.

Star ruckman and reigning Feeny medallist Ryan O’Sullivan was best for the Tigers, who lost their second game in a row.

• Capping a round where the four winners were all away teams, ladder-leader Birchip-Watchem overcame a three quarter-time deficit to defeat Wedderburn and remain unbeaten.

Having earlier conceded the first six goals of the game, the Bulls were back within 11 points of the Redbacks at the final change, before finishing with four goals to one in the last term to win 12.18 (90) to 11.11 (77).