A clinical performance from goalie Emma Buwalda has guided Horsham to a comfortable 84-35 win on the road against Stawell.
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Buwalda was at her best, scoring 59 goals, but it was the work of the Demons collective that got the side across the line.
Horsham co-coach Mel Scott said the game was an opportunity to trial new combinations as finals approach.
"This game was one for us to continue building and one where we wanted to practice things against a side in the process of rebuilding," she said.
The Demons came out of the blocks firing, finishing the first quarter with an 18-8 lead.
Stawell's Jade Cross battled hard in the middle of the court in what was her 200th game, but she was met by an opposition that barely faltered and moved the ball around patiently.
The Warriors made life hard for the Demons in defence, but always faced a tough task against one of the season's leading sides.
"Our girls are following our structures, and today they implemented them well," Scott said.
"I thought Stawell's defence put us under pressure, which is what we need to help us to continue to improve."
Olivia Jones continued her impressive return from injury, being named as Horsham's best player.
"This was Liv's third game back. She is a very professional and experienced player and her guidance on the court is always at a high standard."
Scott sat out the match herself with a sore calf but said she would be fine for next week's game against Dimboola.
"It was a good chance for me to have a rest and build towards the end of the season," she said.
The result leaves the Demons in second place, but there was plenty of movement below them after the weekend's games.
The Warrack Eagles rose to third-place with a three-goal win against Dimboola.
The Roos looked set to steal a win, leading 27-24 at half-time.
But the visitors clawed their way back into the game and levelled the scores heading into the final term.
The Eagles experienced players stood tall, with Sarah Spicer and Jessica Kelly named the side's best in the 50-47 win.
Ararat dropped to fourth place after a 61-46 loss against the travelling Horsham Saints.
The Saints wrestled control of the game early and didn't let it slip, leading at each break.
Larnie Hobbs was named the Saints' best.
Elsewhere, Minyip-Murtoa's dream run rolled on with a win against the Southern Mallee Giants, 57-31.
Kirby Knight impressed with 51 goals.
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