Hepburn had 11 more scoring shots than Bungaree on Saturday, but only managed to sneak home by 11 points at the final siren.
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The Demons even hit the lead during the last quarter, but couldn’t hold on as the reigning premiers kicked clear to continue an unbeaten start to the title defence.
Andy McKay again starred with three goals, while brother Brad also kicked a trio of majors.
The Demons lost defender Jason Linke in the warm-up with a hamstring injury, while key forward Cameron Jackson hurt his ankle during the match.
Forward Luke Mirtschin kicked five goals, while Matt Geary went into attack and converted two to be one of the Demons’ best.
CARN-LIN 15.14 (104) CLUNES 8.12 (60)
Carngham-Linton snapped up its opportunity to inflict more pain on a battling Clunes outfit, winning Saturday’s encounter by 44 points.
The Saints had been beaten by Creswick and Springbank in the early rounds, but proved too good for the Magpies at Linton.
Carngham-Linton led the contest by just two points at half time and extended that advantage to 16 points by the final change. A six-goals-to-two last term put the icing on the cake and secured the team’s first win of the season.
Carngham-Linton onballer Beau Ketchen was best for the winners and collected the Anzac medal for his efforts, while Saints coach Matt Beaston also praised the performances of defender James Nichols and Wayne Bruty, who played through the midfield and down back.
Ross Waters and Luke Parker were the main dangers in attack, kicking four and three goals respectively.
The result was the third defeat in succession for the Magpies, which appear set for a long season.
Mark Paramonov booted two goals for Clunes, which rated Mykel Smith and Lachlan Wrigley as the standout performers.
From next weekend things really start to get hard for the Magpies, which have games against Springbank and Learmonth split by the bye.