MILAWA has captured top spot on the Ovens and King ladder for the first time this season after racking up its sixth straight win on Saturday.
The Demons were at North Wangaratta, taking on the previous ladder leaders in what turned out to be a spiteful clash, with spotfires erupting and players sent from the ground on a range of charges.
Hawks coach David Steer was shown yellow cards on two separate occasions, and is expected to face the tribunal this week.
The game itself was a tough, high quality affair, with the Demons' composure getting them over the line by 11 points in the end.
While Milawa led for the majority of the match, it was never able to gain any significant breathing space, and the Hawks had their chances.
On a tough day for the forwards, Demons coach Luke Sims stepped up with four goals, while Jack Stamp booted three in a best on ground display.
Nick Coles, Ben Clarke, Mark Scholte, James Peck and Ray Ussher also starred for Milawa, while Joel Bihun, Corey Bradley and Andrew Harris led the way for the Hawks.
Sims was happy to come away with the win against a quality opponent.
"I was proud of the boys as they didn't take a backward step all day," he said.
"North Wang are a very good side though - the best we have played."
MEANWHILE, Greta came crashing back to earth following its record breaking win over Glenrowan last round, going down to Tarrawingee by 39 points.
A week after booting 37 goals between them, Brad Bell and Chris O'Connor were held to just three majors, with Greta kicking only six goals in total.
Chris Daws and Tim Aumann caused massive headaches for the Blues, rotating between the ruck and forward line and combining for five goals.
Defenders Joel O'Keeffe and Brendan Cairns were also superb, while Jaden Allan, Brad Miller and Jack Spence led the way in the middle, powering the Bulldogs to victory, 12.12 (84) to 6.9 (45).
The win sees Tarrawingee hold onto fifth spot on the ladder, its record improving to 7-3 after starting the season with just one win from the first four rounds.
The Blues, meanwhile, slipped to eighth spot as Bright jumped ahead on the back of its sixth straight victory.
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
IN TIGHT: Milawa's Simon Pane (above) looks to get a kick away as Jamie Berry and Matt Smith close in.
PHOTO: Cheryl Browne
Last Modified on 27/06/2012 16:55