Stawell has suffered its first defeat of 2017, going down to Horsham on Saturday night.
The Demons were too strong for the Warriors, coming out on top 17.10.112 to 12.5.77.
Under lights at the Horsham City Oval, the home side jumped out of the blocks quicker than Stawell, kicking six goals to two in the first term.
A 31-point half-time lead did not change much in the third or fourth quarter with a final margin of 35 points.
Stawell coach Tom Eckel said Horsham were a quality side and it was good for his team to test itself.
“We had enough of the ball, and we had our chances, but we made mistake with the ball,” he said.
David Andrivon slotted five goals for the second round in a row but they came later in the game.
Jackson Dark was once again a stand out for the Warriors in defence.
Eckel said his side would need to defend better.
“There was more things we need to work on than there was positives from the game,” he said.
