Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers and Birchip-Watchem firmly established themselves as the top two teams in North Central football on Saturday.
The Tigers and Bulls took care of their closest rivals in fine style.
The Tigers dismantled the previously fourth-placed Donald by 16 goals, while the Bulls defeated third-placed Wedderburn by four goals after leading by as many as 10 goals in the final term.
Birchip-Watchem set up its 13.12 (90) to 10.6 (66) win with a commanding first half.
The Bulls put five goals on the board in the first 20 minutes before Oscar Holt kicked the Redbacks' opener.
It was to be Wedderburn's only goal for the half as the rampaging Bulls led 60-8 at the main break.
They added the first two goals of the third quarter to extend their lead to 62 points before the game turned on its head.
Back-to-back goals to Declan Quin gave Wedderburn some momentum before full-forward Sam Barnes added two more before three quarter-time.
Barnes added four more majors to his name in the final term as the Redbacks kicked five goals to two to make the final scoreline look more respectable.
Nathan Gordon, Dale Hinkley and Bill Lee were best for Birchip-Watchem, while Jayden Jones, Barnes and Cameron Perry played well for the Redbacks.
Sea Lake Nandaly kicked 12 of the first 13 goals of the game on its way to a 18.12 (120) to 3.6 (24) win over Donald.
Jacob Schaper bagged five goals for the Tigers and Bryce Delmenico kicked three in a best on ground performance. Jason Collins and the Donnan brothers also played well for Sea Lake Nandaly.
Donald had few four quarter performers, but Ross Young, Matt Coleman and Rian McGough battled hard.
After a tight first-half, St Arnaud surged clear of Wycheproof-Narraport to record its second win of the season.
The Saints led by just three points at the main break before adding 11 goals to five after half-time to win 16.11 (107) to 10.8 (68).
Tom Eltringham (seven goals) and James McNamee (four goals) did the damage inside forward 50 for St Arnaud, while further up the ground Jacob Tillig, Conlan Gunn and Ben Batters had a big impact on the game.
With Colbinabbin having the bye in the HDFNL, Wycheproof-Narraport premiership coach Julian Bull returned to his old club for a one-game cameo and he was named the Demons' best player.
George Turner kicked three goals to be one of the Demons' best alongside Jed Bish and Harry Fawcett.
Charlton moved into the four after its percentage-boosting 160-point win over the Boort Magpies.
Charlton had 55 scoring shots in its 28.27 (195) to 5.5 (35) win. Joe McGrath (eight goals) and Brock Orval (five goals) kicked 13 majors between them, with Orval named best on ground.
Boort made a bright start by kicking two early goals, but it was all down hill from there. Reece Boland and David Johnston were best for the Pies.
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