Shaun Huy’s game-ending torn calf midway through the first term certainly helped, too, considering United’s hard-bodied on-baller made an auspicious start.

But, possibly most important, was the Bulldogs’ seven-minute purple patch from the opening seconds of the second quarter, when they kicked four goals to establish a 24-point break.

Tatura coach Scott Grigg regularly speaks about his players needing to reward themselves. They certainly did in that period.

The Demons, who went in front briefly at the 18-minute mark of the first quarter, never headed Tatura after that onslaught.

‘‘We rewarded ourselves for our effort in the second quarter with clean ball use and inside-50s, and we challenged them again at three-quarter-time and they did the same in the last quarter,’’ Grigg said.

‘‘I said to the boys after the game that we’re definitely not a superstar team — as we were quoted as being in the press last week.

‘‘We’re a team of hard-working guys and if we reward ourselves with good decision-making and skill execution, we win more games than we lose.’’

The Bulldogs’ first goal of four came about when clearance king Brendon Hollow roved Paul Kirby, sent the ball forward and Tom Sullivan snapped truly.

The unassuming Corey Mallon slotted the next one from the pocket as a result of an excellent build up from defence, then Rob Montgomery scored back-to-back goals — the first after Trent Freer conceded a 50m penalty.

Discipline remains an issue at United.

The Gillespie one was still to come at that stage, but tagger Joey Perkovic, who accompanied Hollow, earlier gave away an unnecessary free kick that, fortunately, only resulted in a Sullivan behind from the subsequent set shot.

The Demons went goalless in the second term and trailed by 28 points at half-time, but, to their credit, surged back into contention.

United coach Marc Quarrell’s decision to move Tim Looby forward was the catalyst.

Looby not only provided two quick goals, but ensured Tatura’s defenders could not drop back as frequently to help Tom Miller on Jason Eagle (two majors).

The Demons’ run, and increased use of handball, provided greater opportunities and they capitalised in the third term after finding multiple ways to fluff their scoring chances a quarter earlier.

Quarrell then produced a rousing three-quarter-time speech — and his players responded.

Senior debutant Elliot Cavallaro hit the post then Looby just missed a set shot before McGough’s major at the other end.

Justin Carey, who cashed in on the Bulldogs’ Eagle-conscious defence to the tune of 15 marks, pulled one back to get United within nine points, but it was one-way traffic from there as Tatura blew the margin out.

‘‘Our first two quarters were really flat, but we were able to find some form and momentum in the third quarter and we really ran a lot more and got ourselves into the game,’’ Quarrell said.

‘‘We played a bit more direct footy and I was pretty confident at three-quarter-time that we’d go all right.

‘‘The (two) near misses really hurt us ... but the most disappointing part was our last 15 minutes of that quarter. We flew the white flag far too early.’’

Montgomery and Sullivan, who displayed a wonderful set of hands in a largely forward role, were outstanding for the Bulldogs, as were captain Linc Wellington — who increased his impact against the flow in the third quarter — and Jayden Young.

Looby, despite suffering from gastro and the flu, was as pivotal a player as the Demons had, while defenders Freer, Brad Henderson and Phil Carroll, who blanketed Nick Grigg, were also good.

Tatura lost Leigh Owen (back tightness) in the second term and Ben Waite (calf) failed to come up for the contest.

Ryan Butler (quadriceps) also didn’t return for United, which still hasn’t won at Tatura Park in five chances under Quarrell’s coaching.