In cold and slippery conditions, Daylesford picked up its game after a lackluster first half to run away from Beaufort, after both sides blew their chances early with poor accuracy in front of goal.

Luke Adams was sensational through the midfield all day, constantly diving in first for the ball and either drawing free kicks or using it effectively for his running teammates.

Adams had a standout third quarter and was able to push forward and kick three goals also helped the Bulldogs blow the game wide open.

Daylesford had most of the play in the opening term, largely thanks to Sam Winnard who, without regular ruckman Scott Winduss, had to play as Daylesford's main ruck option for most of the day.

He was able to nullify the opposing ruckman's influence and help Daylesford's onball brigade win first possession through the middle.

Daylesford was unable to apply scoreboard pressure, however, missing many opportunities in the opening term. Despite its strong quarter it only led by 10 points at the first change.

Beaufort took it up to the Bulldogs in the second term, shutting down their midfield effectiveness and turning the game into a war of attrition.

The Crows kept Daylesford to just two behinds for the quarter, while managing to kick two goals to take a three-point lead at half-time.

Whatever was said at half-time seemed to work, as Daylesford came out and annihilated Beaufort.

The quarter became a complete dominance as Luke Adams booted three goals, while Jordan Alexander's constant harassing and pressure kept the ball inside Daylesford's forward half.

The defensive work of James Evans and Nathan Gudgeon was also a catalyst for Daylesford taking and extending the lead to 25 points at the final change, keeping Beaufort to just one behind for the quarter.

The last quarter developed into a shootout, with nine goals kicked by both teams - almost as many as had been kicked in the match up to that point.