Late Nick Pleming goal sees Canberra Demons stun Northern Territory Thunder in NEAFL

If Canberra's NEAFL rivals needed proof this year's team is better than the last, a quick check of the ladder is all they'll need.

Canberra have taken just five games to equal last year's number of wins after a stunning finish against the Northern Territory Thunder gifted the Demons their third victory of the season on Saturday night.

With the clock ticking down and Canberra one point in arrears, Demons forward Nick Pleming slotted the match-winner to secure a stirring 12.10 (82) to 10.17 (77) win at Marrara Oval.

Pleming's major handed the Demons the lead 31 minutes into the final term and helps break down Canberra's poor record on the road.

It was his first major of the day but the most important one of the game, as the Demons nailed three of the last four goals in a frantic fourth quarter.

The Demons won just three of 18 games and percentage was all that stood between Canberra and the wooden spoon in 2016.

Canberra's emergence as a genuine finals contender signals a huge shift in the landscape of the competition with the Demons no longer seen as easy-beats.

The challenge for Demons player-coach Kade Klemke is now getting his side to back it up against the Sydney Swans reserves at Manuka Oval this Saturday.

The Demons are yet to string two wins together this season and another AFL scalp on their resume could mean a few more live streamed games - the first of which was the Thunder nail-biter.

St Kilda star Josh Bruce - brother of Canberra co-captain Aaron - is among a chorus of fans calling for more Canberra games to be live streamed by the NEAFL.

NT THUNDER 2.2 5.11 9.12 10.17 (77)

CANBERRA 4.4 5.5 9.7 12.10 (82)

GOALS: Canberra: A Bruce 3 J Turner 2 A Swan 2 L Meline T Faul J Harper M Maguire N Pleming.

NT Thunder: K Emery 3 Williams 2 Ewing 2 Sambono D Weetra A Ankers.

BEST: Canberra: A Bruce B Halse A Swan B Fulford L Meline N Pleming.

NT Thunder: D Weetra C Ilett B Rioli S Smith D Williams A Ankers.