After a drought-breaking win over Reservoir last week, Mernda were back on the wrong side of the ledger, suffering a 22-point loss to South Morang at home on Saturday.
The Demons had to fight from underneath for four quarters and came close to finishing a remarkable comeback before the final siren sounded.
South Morang was able to hold Mernda to two goals in the first half to lead by 28 points at half time.
The Lions extended their lead to 35 points in the third term before the Demons came out of the three-quarter time huddle with something to prove.
Mernda was able to keep South Morang goalless and kicked 2.3.15 in the final term to claw back some of the deficit before running out of time.
Mernda 7.10.52 def by South Morang 11.8.74
MERNDA
Goal Kickers: T. Sparkes 2, T. Peirce 2, N. Aleksovski, A. Bradford, R. Black
Best Players: T. Sparkes, J. Inzillo, J. Duclos, R. Black, A. Bradford, J. Delaney
SOUTH MORANG
Goal Kickers: H. Whybrow 3, A. Colaidis 3, J. Renehan 2, N. Bell, L. Shelton, D. McRae
Best Players: H. Whybrow, N. Bell, J. Potter, T. Hall, L. Failla, R. Jones
