Ainslie forwards prove 'nightmare' for 20-man Eastlake in first-grade AFL Canberra clash

The Tri Colours defeated Eastlake 10.11 (71) to 8.3 (51) in wet conditions.

Ainslie's midfield proved the difference, giving limited chances for the Demons to advance inside their forward 50.

"It was trying conditions, slippery for both sides, they just had a few more experienced players in the middle that got on top of us," Demons coach John Harper said.

"Jack Powell, he was outstanding, Josh Maynard for them too and up forward they had Hayden Armstrong and Henry Delves who created a bit of a nightmare for us."

The Powell brothers, Jack and Tom, as well as Armstrong and Delves were welcomed back by Ainslie this season after a stint playing country footy.

The match was physical from the outset as both sides traded blows in a fairly even contest, but Ainslie edged ahead 49-32 at the half-time break.

By the third quarter, Eastlake began to feel the absence of Josh Dowse and their reigning best-and-fairest winner Daniel Andric, forced off in the first and second term due to a corked thigh and poked eye.

"We were down to 20, so it made it pretty hard for our boys," Harper said. "But in saying that we fought the game out and I was really pleased with our efforts."

Ainslie were able to increase their lead in the third quarter, and despite a strong finish by the Demons in the final term, the Tri Colours held on for a well-deserved victory.

Next week Eastlake face Tuggeranong who were smashed by Queanbeyan on Friday night 20.20 (140) to 2.6 (18), while Ainslie get a tougher match-up against Belconnen after their round one 134-point win over Gungahlin.

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