Echuca tuned up for next week's Goulburn Valley League finals with an easy win against Shepparton United, conceding just three goals in a 57-point win.
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In what was Stephen Scott's final game as Demons coach, his side could not stick with its supremely talented opponent after quarter-time, the Murray Bombers recording 25 scoring shots to eight in the comfortable triumph.
It ended United's season with a 5-13 record, one more win than last year's tally, and Scott was satisfied his side had brought the effort against one of the league's best teams.
"Our form the last couple of weeks has not been too crash hot, so the emphasis was on bringing the effort and intensity," Scott said.
"I was really happy with the effort, the score reflects the ladder and why it is the way it is, they found ways to score."
On his two years as coach of his beloved club, Scott was just pleased he had helped it continue to take small steps back towards the top of the league.
"I've really enjoyed the opportunity to coach, when you take over a club in the position I did you just want to leave it in a better position than what it was," he said.
"I think we've helped develop our players and they are ready to go to the next level under the new coaches."
For Echuca, one of its most straightforward wins of the season was highlighted by the long awaited return of forward Ruory Kirkby, who injured his knee at the beginning of last season.
"He's left his run pretty late," Echuca coach Andrew Walker said.
"It was great for him to get a taste back at the level. He played a great game, he was always in the spot he needed to be in, he moved well and took five or six marks inside 50.
"He adds another piece of on-field leadership to the team, and he is loved by everyone in the club, so it's great to have him out there and adding to what the side does going forward."
Sam Willoughby and Dan Willis kicked two goals each for the Murray Bombers, with defender Peter Faulks dominant up back.
Echuca now heads to Rochester for Saturday's qualifying final, looking to end its 16-game losing streak against Kyabram.
THE GAME
Echuca 2.2, 6.6, 8.10, 11.14 (80) d Shepparton United 1.1, 2.1, 3.2, 3.5 (23)
Goals
Echuca: Dan Willis, Sam Willoughby 2, Kane Morris, Peter Faulks, Brock Kennedy, Jack McHale, Tim Allan, Cooper Barber, Mitch Kemp.
Shepparton United: Dwain Vidler, Harrison Osborn, Joel Serra.
Best
Echuca: Peter Faulks, Cooper Barber, Noah Wheeler, Tim Allan, Kane Morris.
Shepparton United: Jack Norman, Tim Looby, Shane Sali, Harrison Osborn, Beau Caia, Dwain Vidler.
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