Just one win separates the sixth-placed Demons and eighth-placed Western Bulldogs with three matches remaining in the home and away season.
The Demons did it the hard way on Sunday, fending off a spirited Gold Coast Suns outfit to notch their 13th victory of the season.
The Bulldogs were criticised for a dour and defensive game style, with their undermanned outfit ultimately going down to the ladder-leading Dockers on Friday night.
While the temptation exists to look cast an eye to September, the coaches of the respective sides both told Fox Footy's AFL360 program that their attention is firmly fixed on what lies immediately ahead.
“Trying not to pay too much attention to others - just who we've got before us… We've got some huge challenges on our hands and we're looking to win every game," Luke Beveridge said.
He added that despite missing key personnel, his side headed to Perth with expectations of winning their encounter with the men in purple, as opposed to merely competing, which they did admirably, for about three quarters.
“That was my disappointment - to see what happened on the offensive side of the game. So against these next three teams (in the run home), if we don't improve that, we might not even make the top 10.”
Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman were rested for the fixture, with many quick to point out that the Dogs had waved the white flag, despite Beveridge's assertion.
Tuesday's training will determine whether or not both forwards return this week.
“(It's a) big day tomorrow - they'll both trot out on the track. Hoping they can get through and be declared fit, but it's touch and go at the moment," Beveridge offered.
“If we can hold on long enough and get there (finals), then we might get our high defenders in (Connor) Budarick and (Bailey) Dale back as well. That would be good timing.”
Beveridge's former assistant-turned Demons head coach Steven King echoed his former boss' sentiments around focussing only on that which can be controlled.
“(We're) trying not to feel that weight of expectation," King said.
"With our group, the whole year has been about challenging every team we play against, and it's (their finishing position) in our control a little bit.
“We play three high quality teams - (Fremantle), Port Adelaide on the road, and then the Dogs to finish. Our motivation is just to put four quarters together, and play a complete game. We haven't really done that this year, (but) we know if we do that, we fear no one."
"We had a couple of key leaders out for that (Gold Coast) game, (so) we knew we were going to be up against it. In terms of character and the way the boys were able to fight it out - (I'm) just so proud of that.”
Emerging defender Blake Howes failed to see out the Suns game after an awkward fall, with King confirming the 23-year-old's diagnosis.
“(It's a) fractured forearm. He'll have that plated tomorrow, and probably miss three to four weeks. It's really unfortunate. He's been unbelievable this year for us - to come and be a regular contributor in our back half with his speed to defend, and then launch attacks for us.
"(It's) disappointing for “Howesy” but I hope we can do the right thing (by him) and get through to that wildcard elimination game, and he'll be back for us.”
Howes' backline colleague Daniel Turner looks odds-on to return in Howes' stead, in a major boost ahead of a clash with Fremantle's three-headed monster up forward.
Inspirational clubman Jack Viney is eyeing a shock September cameo too, as he fights his way back from an Achilles injury.
