Lachlan Tardrew and Jake McLean were the standout players as the Dragons wore down the tenacious Magpies at the QEO. The Pies were without Stewart Crameri, but tested the Dragons for three quarters.

Kyneton 11.12 (78) d Kangaroo Flat 7.8 (50)

A five-goal-to-one second term was the difference as the Tigers scored their second win of the season. Kyneton star Rhys Magin was best on ground, while recruit Matt Boland kicked three goals on debut for the Roos.

Gisborne 10.15 (75) lt Strathfieldsaye 14.12 (96)

Strathfieldsaye showed Gisborne who's boss with a strong win in the top-of-the-table clash at Gardiner Reserve. The Storm kicked four goals to none in the first term and led by seven goals at the final change before the home side kicked five goals in the last term. Lachy Sharp kicked six goals for Strathfieldsaye.

Eaglehawk 23.16 (154) d Castlemaine 5.3 (33)

The reigning premiers overcame a sluggish start to sweep aside Castlemaine at Canterbury Park. The Magpies led for most of the first term on the back of three goals from Angus Monfries. After that it was one-way traffic as the Borough kicked 20 goals to two in the final three terms.

Golden Square 17.10 (112) d South Bendigo 7.9 (51)

Arguably Square's best performance of the season. Recruit Alex Marklew was outstanding with five goals and midfield ace Adam Baird was at his brilliant best. Kaiden Antonowicz kicked five of the Bloods' seven goals.

Leitchville-Gunbower 6.5 (41) lt Lockington-Bamawm United 8.9 (57)

The Cats remain undefeated after scoring a scrappy win over its arch-rival. Zeik Johnston and Jeremy Mundie were best for the Cats, while Jack Lunghusen and Brady Hore stood out for the Bombers.

Huntly 10.14 (74) d Heathcote 9.12 (66)

Huntly rallied from a 15-point half-time deficit to wear down Heathcote and record its first win of the season. Steve Kairn and Patrick Andrews played well for the Hawks, while Codie Price kicked three goals to be best for the gallant Saints.

White Hills 22.12 (144) d Elmore 6.13 (49)

The Demons finally clicked into gear to record their first win of the season. Mitch Dole was electric for the Demons, kicking eight goals. Zac Laffy and coach Danny Brewster were best for Elmore.

Mt Pleasant 14.11 (95) d North Bendigo 11.15 (81)

The best win the Blues have had for some years as they knocked over the in-form Bulldogs. Ben Weightman kicked five goals for the winners, while Darcy Richards kicked five for North.

Calivil United 11.8 (74) lt Maiden Gully YCW 10.17 (77)

For the second-straight game the Eagles snuck home by less than a kick. The Eagles looked home when they led by 32 points at half-time. The Demons kicked seven goals to one in the third quarter to hit the front before the Eagles held on in a nail-biting finish. Jake Hall kicked four goals for Calivil, while Matt Waterson was best for Maiden Gully.

Marong 13.15 (93) d Newbridge 12.16 (88)

The Panthers scored their best win in years, defeating the reigning premiers by five points. Marong trailed by eight points at the final change before kicking 3.5 to 1.4 in the final term.

Pyramid Hill 24.24 (168) d Inglewood 3.5 (23)

Bailey George kicked six goals in a best on ground performance to lead the Bulldogs to their fourth-straight win. The win was set up by a dominant 11-goal to none first term.

BL-Serpentine 11.16 (82) lt Bridgewater 14.12 (96)

Darren Clutton kicked seven goals to lead the Mean Machine to an upset 14-point win over the Bears. The home side was left to lament a wasteful third term where it added 3.6 to 1.3.

Charlton 28.27 (195) d Boort 5.5 (35)

Joe McGrath bagged eight goals for Charlton, while Brock Orval bagged five in a best on ground performance.

Weddberburn 10.6 (66) lt Birchip-Watchem 13.12 (90)

Despite the defeat a solid effort from the Redbacks after it looked as though the flag favourites were going to runaway to a big win early on. Nathan Gordon was best on ground for the Bulls, while Sam Barnes kicked six goals for Wedderburn.

St Arnaud 16.11 (107) d Wycheproof-Narraport 10.8 (68)

Tom Eltringham kicked seven goals in the Saints' best performance of the season. Premiership coach Julian Bull returned to his old club on a permit for one week because Colbo had the bye in the HDFNL. He was named best for the Demons.

Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 18.12 (120) d Donald 3.6 (24)

The Tigers are nighty hard to stop. Another clinical performance against decent opposition. Jacob Schaper kicked five goals for the winners, while Bryce Delmenico was best. Donald's best was Ross Young.

GIRLS

Calder Cannons 4.6 (30) d Bendigo Pioneers 1.3 (9)

Bendigo's finals hopes quashed by the Cannons. Key defender Kate Douglass continued her great season to be the Pioneers' best player, while Brooke Hards and Dakota Villiva worked hard.

BOYS

Calder Cannons 7.10 (52) d Bendigo Pioneers 5.6 (36)

Three losses on the trot for the Pioneers. The Cannons kicked the first four goals of the game and it was always going to be tough for the Pioneers from there in a low-scoring contest. Josh Treacy, Riley Ironside and Sam Conforti were best for Bendigo.

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