BFNL netball's top five have asserted their authority with convincing wins over teams ranked in the lower half of the ladder on the weekend.
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Top-of-the-ladder Sandhurst, Golden Square, Gisborne, Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk all proved they would be hard to dislodge ahead of finals with some powerful displays.
In Saturday's closest game, Kangaroo Flat defeated Strathfieldsaye 63-40 at Tannery Lane.
The Roos welcomed back defender Ingrid Hopkins from injury and star goal shooter Ruby Barkmeyer, who missed the reigning premier's most recent game while representing an Australian under-age team in Fiji.
The match was Hopkins' first since breaking her foot in the Roos' round one match loss to Golden Square.
With centre Chelsea Sartori free from VNL commitments, Roos coach Janelle Hobbs said it was pleasing be at full strength again.
"Having Ingrid back with her experience was a real bonus and she will only get better as the year goes on," she said.
"And Ruby coming back from Australian duties had a great day.
"We've also had a few girls away at different stages so it was nice to have them all back action.
"From here on we should be a lot bit more settled."
Hobbs said the Storm had made her side work hard for the win, particularly early in the contest.
She believed the strong performance and return of key playing personnel had set the Roos up nicely for a crack next weekend at ladder leaders Sandhurst, who defeated Maryborough at the QEO by 37 goals.
The free-scoring Dragons won 78-41 to improve their record to 6-1.
Sandhurst, under coaches Tamara Gilchrist and Heather Oliver, continue to play an attractive and attacking style of netball, which has established the Dragons as the league's highest scoring team.
Their 462 goals scored is 53 more than their nearest rival Gisborne.
At Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk rebounded from a tough loss against Gisborne to defeat Kyneton by 36 goals.
The Hawks established their ascendancy early with an 18-9 opening quarter.
Kyneton, which remains the only team without a win, produced their best netball of the game in the second term, albeit it was outscored 14-11.
But the Hawks, with Dayna McGough and Abbey Ryan teaming well in the circle, finished strongly to win 68-32.
McGough finished with 46 goals, shooting at about 80 per cent.
At Wade Street, Golden Square maintained the pressure on top side Sandhurst with a classy 34 goal win over South Bendigo.
The Bulldogs, led by a best-on-court performance by their coach Allira Hammond, defeated the Bloods 73-39.
After a more-even first half, Golden Square really put the pedal down in the third and fourth quarters to run out convincing winners.
For the Bulldogs, goal attack Julie Fennell won a place in the best players in her 100th appearance for the club, while Meg Gilbert was strong in defence.
At Gisborne, the Bulldogs defeated Castlemaine 94-23 to stay in third spot.
