The Hawks were coming off three-straight losses and were given little chance of defeating a Kangaroo Flat side that firmly believed it had the potential to be a top three side.

The 20.8 (128) to 8.17 (65) result proved the Hawks do have the ability to push for a top-five berth and that the Roos can’t afford to get ahead of themselves.

“I thought we had okay form against Kyneton two weeks ago, but we kicked 18 points and kicked ourselves out of it,’’ Eaglehawk coach Luke Monaghan said.

“Last week was really disappointing against Castlemaine.

“The difference today was we used the football well and converted in front of goal. To kick five goals against the breeze in the first quarter was impressive.

“Our pressure was probably the key.”

Kangaroo Flat coach Jason Stevens was left to lament a missed opportunity.

“We were beaten comprehensively in all aspects of the game,’’ Stevens said.

“It was a really bad day that we have to respond to.”

Stevens conceded that some of his players might have read too much of their own press.

 “I think there might have been some complacency there, I hope there wasn’t, but I get the feeling there was,’’ he said.

“If just proves in the BFNL that if you don’t turn up and play with the right attitude, you’ll get beaten.”

With his club’s season on the line, Eaglehawk full-forward Matt Gretgrix stood up.

Gretgrix kicked six goals and has now booted 45 goals in his past six matches against the Roos.

“Gerta was the best forward on the ground and probably had three different opponents for the day,’’ Monaghan said.

“It’s the best I’ve seen him chase and tackle. He was up for a big game and he produced it.”

Cam McGlashan gave the Hawks a great target across half-forward, while Tim Hill and Glenn Daly were superb down back.