It was alive and well at Bennett Oval on Friday night in the game of the season between North and South.

The game started at a ferocious pace and stayed like that for four quarters.

Big Nick Prokopec flexed his pecs in the first quarter, kicking three goals and leaving Fatty Sleep plenty of headaches.

North were playing a lot more direct and cleaner football and went in at quarter time leading by three goals.

After quarter time, South jumped out of the blocks with a goal to Jarod Reid to pull the lead back to two goals.

Young Troy Miller on the wing was cool under pressure and made every possession count as South skipped out to a nine-point lead.

Just as you thought South were going to break away, the Magpies fought back.

Chad Clothier was starting to find space and North again took control and went into half time 13 points in front.

The third quarter was no different and the attack on the ball by both teams was top notch, with every player doing everything possible for their team.

Prokepek goaled early for his fourth and the Pies looked like breaking away, but as many times earlier, South kept chipping away.

Troy Miller was in everything, Stephen Barford with help of his defence, was keeping Nick Prokepek quiet and South were starting to take control, but the Magpie defence had different ideas and North went in at the last change 15 points up.

North wasted early chances mainly due to the pressure of Freak Phillips and his troops in the last quarter.

The demons dug deep and fought back with five unanswered goals, mainly due to Jarod Reid and the in and under Jimmy Martin, to lead by 13 points.

Just as big Bertha warmed up her vocals, the Pies hit back with two quick goals - the second a touch and go goal by Chad Menzies which left many Demon defenders shaking their heads.

North were now starting to win the 50/50s, and Mark Strawbridge could have been the hero, but his kick just missed and levelled the scores.

Then with seconds to go, a Wayne Dare snap missed everything and the siren blew, leaving both teams deflated after giving their all.

Neither team deserved to win or lose, so I guess a draw was a fitting ending.

What a game.

Best on ground was young 16 year old, Troy Miller who showed skill and poise like a 200 gamer.

Gav Jonker was at his creative best off half back.

Freak Phillips, Guy Sultan, Ray McIntosh and Jarod Reid were the best for South.

Luke ‘Butsey’ Seymour racked up plenty of possessions across half back.

Chad Clothier and Brad Medlin were busy in the midfield, Nick Prokepek always looked dangerous and first gamer, Matt Ledington, worked hard for North.