![BIG MEN FLY: CDHBU ruckman Callum Butler and battles with Lockhart's Jack Muldoon as Sam Ferguson flies high. Picture: MARK JESSER BIG MEN FLY: CDHBU ruckman Callum Butler and battles with Lockhart's Jack Muldoon as Sam Ferguson flies high. Picture: MARK JESSER](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/asdkjfewiKKD/5db01f0a-6a40-48fc-8aaf-8920f7d98bea.jpg/r0_285_5568_3428_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
CDHBU took a giant stride towards securing its first finals appearance since 2016 after a stirring comeback against Lockhart at Coreen on Saturday.
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Both sides were playing for their survival with a loss virtually signalling the end of their finals aspirations.
The Power were able to reel in a 22-point half-time deficit after booting nine goals to three and move to fourth-place on the ladder after their 15.7 (97) to 12.7 (79) victory.
Co-coach John Pratt was relieved to emerge with the four points against a desperate opponent.
"The most pleasing thing was the way we fought the match out after being almost four goals down at half-time," Pratt said.
"I feel we are not playing our best footy but still winning which is a positive and there is still plenty of upside.
"Both sides knew it was more or less an elimination final and the classic eight point game.
"We are fully aware there is still a long way to go in the season but the win does give us that bit of breathing space.
"But we still have to keep on winning."
![CDHBU's Callum Butler and Lockhart's Jack Muldoon contest a centre bounce. CDHBU's Callum Butler and Lockhart's Jack Muldoon contest a centre bounce.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/asdkjfewiKKD/8861f0bc-0668-403d-9a28-fbc2e9d8f638.jpg/r0_17_3828_2518_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
It was the Demons who were clearly the better side in the first-half with their midfield of Jordan Harrington, Jake Phillips and Jesse Margosis creating plenty of scoring opportunities.
The trio alongside defender Jeff Ladd and Ashley Middleton were instrumental in the visitors establishing a handy 22-point lead at the main break.
The Power were kept in the contest by dangerous goalsneak Corey Smith who booted three goals in the second term on his way to a match-winning seven goal haul.
Smith alongside full-forward Ryan Cannon provided plenty of headaches for the Demons' defence.
Pratt also capped a polished display with two goals when resting forward.
![Lockhart's Oscar Haberecht is tackled by CDHBU's Jason O'Rourke. Lockhart's Oscar Haberecht is tackled by CDHBU's Jason O'Rourke.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/asdkjfewiKKD/d1f0085c-1faa-4bff-97cc-2207618ecd5c.jpg/r0_105_4282_2817_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Ruckman Callum Butler, Josh Holding, Nathan Rhodes and Andrew Phibbs also lifted their workrate in the second half when the match was up for grabs.
Pratt said he resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to the side at the main break.
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"Lockhart were the better side in the first-half but I just backed the players to be a lot more consistent in the second half which they were," he said.
"When we are up and running and use each other and our skills we are a good side.
"We knew we had to respond in that third-quarter.
"Corey Smith really stood up and while he is not a tall forward has the ability to take a strong grab.
"He is also a classy finisher and doesn't waste too many."
The Power play Henty, Murray Magpies, Jindera and Culcairn in the next month.
![Lockhart's Chayte Burkinshaw gives CDHBU's Sam Ferguson and Jordan McKenzie the slip. Lockhart's Chayte Burkinshaw gives CDHBU's Sam Ferguson and Jordan McKenzie the slip.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/asdkjfewiKKD/ad57eb81-095c-4b1d-a81b-69d97c702933.jpg/r0_197_3859_2521_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)