Both teams had gone into the clash at Donaldson Park undefeated, but the Redbacks produced a performance that showed why they are short-priced favourites to win a fourth-straight flag as they obliterated the Saints 34.16 (220) to 6.8 (44).

The Redbacks shut the Saints out of the contest in the first term when they led by 53 points at quarter-time, 10.3 to 1.4.

They then extended their advantage to 95 points at half-time and 152 at three quarter-time, before the final margin of 176 points.

With no Sam Barnes in the side, Brady Herdman (12) and Ben DeAraugo (eight) kicked 20 goals between them to lead the Redbacks' assault.

Mark Lloyd (four), who kicked three in the first quarter, and Jordan Hargreaves (three) were also multiple goalkickers.

The Redbacks kicked the first 10 goals of the game, and later scored 16 in a row from the 19-minute mark of the second term to the 26-minute mark of the third.

Thomas Douglas was the best player for the Saints, whose percentage dropped from 147.9 to 87.2 with the loss, while the Redbacks boosted theirs from 153.6 to 226.9.

• Birchip-Watchem won its first game of the season, and only its second in its past 21 games, with a 20.12 (132) to 9.11 (65) victory at home over Donald.

The game started well for Donald when Seamus Young kicked the opening goal, but the Bulls - who three times throughout the match booted at least four goals in a row - controlled the rest of the day to win 20.12 (132) to 9.11 (65).

Jacob Noonan, Daniel Castellano and Albert Simpson all kicked four goals each for the Bulls, whose better players also included Daniel Ratcliffe and coach Tom Carland.

James Heslop (two goals), Brody Haddow and Matt Gilmour were the best for Donald, while Young finished with three goals.

• Charlton's strong start to the season continued with a 99-point win over Wycheproof-Narraport in another one-sided game.

In their third win in as many games by more than 50 points, Charlton won 21.11 (137) to 5.8 (38).

Ben Walklate (four goals) and recruit James Baird (four) were the best for the Navy Blues, who also had Rhys Thompson and Thomas Finlay kick three goals each.

Declan Lourey, Samuel Driscoll and Jordan Bish led the way for the winless Demons, who had already been 38 points down at quarter-time.