Demons were the first to break the shackles with a goal at the seven minute mark.

Demons kicked two in a row before Stawell began to weather the storm.

Despite trailing at the first break Stawell players were confident they were still the better team.

Stawell coach Brad Thomas was ecstatic with the win.

“We are very happy with the result,” he said.

“We improved as the game went on and we were playing our best football in the last 15 minutes when the game was on the line. That is all you can really ask for as a coach.”

Stawell got on top in the second quarter.

Warriors took a comfortable league in the second half, but the Demons were not going down without a fight.

Players from both sides put their bodies on the line.

Demons playing coach Nick Pekin was a victim of a tough clash which resulted in him injuring his lower back.

He moved himself to the full forward position, but his impact on the game following the incident was minimal.

Stawell Warriors small forward Jesse Eckel laid a strong tackle and was rewarded with a free kick. The tackle resulted in a momentum swing and they were not to be stopped.

The final score was Stawell Warriors running out winners.15.9(93) defeated Horsham 12.11(83).

After a disappointing loss to Horsham Saints last week Thomas said his players responded well.

“I reckon our guys showed moire heart this week,” he said.

“They really rose to the occasion this week. We were harder for longer and that is what we have been working towards.”

Warriors will now face Minyip Murtoa in the preliminary final.