The Demons needed a win against a higher placed club and set themselves for the match against eighth-placed Chelsea Heights. Their chances received a huge boost with the return of spearhead Mark `Willow' Williams from injury.

Williams proved the difference, kicking four goals, and was the focal point of a multi-pronged attack in the Demons' 13.12 (90) to 7.15 (57) win.

Neil Sjostrom, Lloyd Wells and Adam Nichols kicked two goals each and were among seven goalkickers for the Districts.

With several key players including Williams coming back from injury, the Districts are earning the respect of the competition and when on song are capable of upsetting the top sides.

Clayton continued its climb up the ladder, moving to fifth after thumping Mordialloc by 101 points.

The Magpies set up their win with a 13-goals-to-two first half and six unanswered goals in the last term to win 23.9 (147) to 6.10 (46).

They are fifth on percentage behind Cheltenham and ahead of Mordialloc. All three clubs are on 16 points.

Oakleigh District came crashing back to earth in division 2 after its second loss of the season, a 76-point thrashing by premiership favourites Dingley.

Oaks spearhead Matt Featherston was restricted to three goals while the Dingoes' Frost kicked five goals and was among 10 goalkickers for the ladder leaders.

Oakleigh slipped to fifth on 16 points on percentage behind third-placed Caulfield and fourth-placed Murrumbeena.

Division 3 ladder leader Mt Waverley remains undefeated after sinking Cerberus by 129 points. Kirkup and Young kicked eight goals between them and were among 12 goalkickers for the Mountain Lions.

SFL ladders: Division 1: St Kilda City 24, StPauls East Bentleigh 20, Cheltenham 16, Clayton 16, Mordialloc 16, Tooronga Malvern 12, Chelsea Heights 8, Springvale Districts 8, East Brighton 0, Highett 0.

Division 2: Dingley 24, Heatherton 24, Caulfield 16, Murrumbeena 16, Oakleigh District 16, Black Rock 8, Ashwood 8, Kangaroos 8, Hampton 0, Lyndale 0.

Division 3: Mt Waverley 24, South Yarra 20, Skye 20, Doveton Eagles 16, Canterbury 8, Dandy Demons 4, Sandown Cobras 4, Cerberus 0.