Reigning premier Lilydale sent out a warning shot to its rivals, defeating St Pats 10.12 (72) to 2.3 (15).
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Kicking the first goal of the game through Jed Steele, the Saints looked on top early but they wouldn't register another major until mid-way through the last quarter as Ethan Conway soccered one through.
In between, it was all the Demons, pulling away in average weather with Sonny Whiting (four) and Thane Bardenhagen (two) both looking dangerous.
Nick McKinnon, Louis Venn and Tom Grimes were the Demons' best around the ground, while Saints captain Tom Hilder and Matthew Williams stood up.
Bridport and Perth's five-goal margin proved to be the closest of the round as the Seagulls flew away 12.11 (83) to 8.5 (53).
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
All tied up at quarter-time, the victors pulled away as the Magpies scored all their points in the first and third quarters - failing to score at the other end.
Matthew Taylor's six was more than the difference but couldn't earn him best-on honours, with Dylan Clayton sealing those.
Nathan Croft was the Magpies' best, booting three, as Mitchell Kirkland and Blair McGillvery also impressed.
Old Scotch continued on its winning ways, defeating Evandale 8.11 (59) to 1.4 (10).
The Eagles went goalless in the first half in trying conditions but still remained in the contest, only trailing by 22 at the main break.
But Old Scotch doubled its goals in the third term, kicking away as Josh Matthews and Michael Murfet combined for five.
Lachie Groves kicked the Eagles' lone goal as Adam Lewis was their best again, while Scotch's Victorian recruits Brin Duggan and John McKenzie continued their strong NTFA starts alongside Jonty Swallow.
NTFA PREVIEWS
Old Launcestonians managed 10 goalkickers in trying conditions, defeating UTAS 14.11 (95) to 2.1 (13).
Captain Cam Fraser, William Searle, Will Archer and Patrick Kearney all booted two as Matt Spohn was classy as ever for the Blues, who were chasing a big win to boost their percentage.
Bustling forward John Morgan kicked both of the Lions' majors as Adam McDermott, first-gamer Hamish Lockett and Liam Guardia were strong.
Ethan Goldfinch's six goals led East Coast to a 15.9 (99) to 8.7 (55) victory over Meander Valley at home.
Keeping the opponents at an arm's length throughout the contest, the prolific forward was named best on ground as Sam Child and Ethan Crossingham, who was also named in the votes, booted multiple goals.
Suns coach Damien Rhind kicked half the young side's tally, with Kane Brugeaud, Brodie Vocke and Aaron Saltmarsh standing up.