The Doveton Eagles have outlasted a gallant Springvale Districts to claim a hard-fought 10-point victory in an entertaining Good Friday encounter at Springvale Reserve.
The Eagles got off to a fast start, booting six goals in the opening stanza, but the Demons worked their way back into the contest, and briefly hit the lead in the third term.
But the visitors would not be denied, and with former Melbourne Star Russell Robertson booting seven goals in a best afield performance, the Eagles held the Demons at bay in the finals minutes.
Nick Beer and Nick Battle stood up for the winners in the absence of injured skipper Michael Callinan, while Pete Heng and Stefan Feehan (five goals) stood out for Springvale.
