The Demons fell behind the Horsham Saints early in the traditional Anzac Day match-up before slowly turning the game in second quarter and controlling much of the second half to win 13.19 (97) to 8.4 (52)

Horsham Demons coach Deek Roberts said it was pleasing to start the season with such a strong effort.

“We know that it’s only round one though and that certainly doesn’t make a season,” he said.

“There had been a lot of talk outside the club about the players we’ve lost but we don’t worry about that and I’ve maintained confidence in the group we have. We’ve still certainly got things we need to work on, and we know that.”

Many of the key stats were split down the middle during a frenetic first quarter but when the Saints were allowed to play at their tempo, the team was more efficient in the forward line.

At the first break it was 2.1 (13) to 0.4 (4) in favour of the home side.

Roberts urged his side to get the game back on their terms.

He had identified the Saints’ ability to move the ball with short accurate passes as something that his players needed to shut down.

The response from his side was not immediate as the Saints managed early goals. But as the quarter progressed the ball was seemingly locked in the Demons’ forward half. After repeated opportunities the home side finally found its way into the lead deep into the first half.

It held on to a one-point advantage at the main break and it looked as though the Saints had wilted in the heat once both teams returned for the third quarter.

A rapid three goals from the Demons midway though the term opened up the game, while the Saints managed a solitary point.

The Saints quickly reduced a 24-point margin at the start of the final term but the Demons continued to demonstrate they will continue to be a side reckoned with in 2018.

By the final siren the side had claimed bragging rights with a 45-point win.