But Demons coach John Harper is expecting a far different Tricolours to turn up next time they meet after the 17.9 (111) to 10.3 (63) victory at Football Park on Saturday.

It was a close encounter up until quarter time, but from then onwards it was all Eastlake as they extended their lead in every quarter.

Angus Baker (four goals) and Aaron Bruce (three) led the way for the home side in attack, although Harper was happy with his spread of 10 goal kickers.

The win takes Eastlake to a 2-1 record and keeps Ainslie winless after the opening three rounds.

There's just seven rounds remaining, but Harper was expecting their arch-rivals to turn the corner in the coming weeks.

"It was pleasing for our blokes, who have put in a lot of hard work over the last couple of months," Harper said.

"It's a difficult year for everybody. I was really rapt with my blokes to get a great win against a very good side.

"[Rourke] knows how to get them right. Don't worry, they won't be like that next time ... he'll have them raring to go."

Rourke labelled Henry Delves, Will Beaumont and Jack Powell as his best, but didn't think any of them would've been in the best 18 on the ground - such was the dominance of Eastlake.

Harper felt he had a pretty even performance across the ground - with a "blanket" over all of his players - although Baker shone up forward, and Billy Clark and Mitch Frail were also excellent.

Rourke said they were really struggling early in the season, despite having a good team on paper.

"We probably should've got booked for coronavirus - too many spectators turned up," Rourke said.

"Eastlake were terrific. They looked really sharp, really hard. They looked the real deal today, full credit to them.

"Really well coached and they were just really good all over the ground and have obviously got some good players.

"We've got some work to do ... at the moment we're just not gelling."

Tuggeranong Valley host Belconnen at Greenway Oval in the final match of the round on Sunday.

AT A GLANCE

Eastlake 1.1 7.3 13.6 17.9 (111) bt Ainslie 1.2 3.3 6.3 10.3 (63)

Queanbeyan 7.0 16.2 24.7 27.12 (174) bt Gungahlin 0.0 0.1 1.3 2.5 (17)