Bendigo Advertiser |BIG games with high stakes were once the norm for Calivil United in the Loddon Valley Football League as nine-consecutive grand finals and six flags between 2002 and 2010 will attest.
But the past couple of years have been a struggle for the Demons - winning just nine of 32 games - and as such, they have largely been out of the LVFL's spotlight.
However, the spotlight is back on the Demons on Saturday at home against Bears Lagoon-Serpentine in what's a crunch game between two top three contenders.
The Bears, Demons and Marong are all 4-3 and separated by just percentage from third to fifth approaching the halfway mark of the season.
"It's one of those games where we will find out where we're at," Demons coach Andrew Freemantle said on Friday.
"We think we've improved, but it's games like this we've got to be winning if we're going to be playing finals, and that's obviously where we want to get to.
"But we know it won't be easy... Serp look like they are starting to get a fairly handy side together."
While the Demons sit fourth on the ladder, they are yet to beat a side currently in the top five, having lost to Pyramid Hill (68), Marong (24) and Bridgewater (79).
Still, the four wins from their first seven games already surpass last year's tally of three in what was the Demons' worst season since 1987.
"We've got some stronger bodies in the side this year and with Chris Down coming in to the ruck, he has been a big player for us," Freemantle said.
"The physical strength has been a big difference for us this year."
The Bears have caused the Demons plenty of grief over the past three years, winning their past seven meetings by an average of 62 points.
