Reigning premier Horsham Demons met Horsham District Football Netball League team Taylors Lake under lights at Horsham City Oval last week.

Demons co-coach Brad Hartigan said it was valuable for his troops to emulate what they could face in round one.

‘‘It was good to have the first one out of the way, and to get some real body contact and real game pressure,’’ he said.

‘‘We had six to eight of our senior players out, so some younger kids got some game time.’’

Stawell lost to North Central Football League’s St Arnaud by five goals on Saturday. But coach Brad Cassidy said the focus was less on the result and more on the process.

‘‘With your first hit-out, it’s about getting out there and trying to get some cohesion with regards to how we want to play,’’ he said.

‘‘It was our first platform to make sure we prepare as best we can for round one. I was really pleased.’’

Stawell will face Hampden Football Netball League side Terang-Mortlake after Easter in the lead-up to its opening round clash with Horsham on April 18.

After failing to win a game in 2014, Nhill took the first steps to improvement when it faced Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league club Padthaway.

Nhill coach Alan Bennett said the match provided valuable practice.

‘‘It’s hard to translate what’s going to happen in the season properly, but I’m realistic as to where we’re at,’’ he said.

‘‘There were some good signs there though.’’