HDFNL heavyweights Colbinabbin and White Hills will head into a much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash undefeated after scoring big wins in Saturday's round of matches.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Grasshoppers produced one of their most complete performances for the season to defeat top-three contender Leitchville -Gunbower 70-33.
At Scott Street, a free-scoring Demons continued their powerful start to the season with an 86- 13 victory against Heathcote.
A week after playing a crucial role in the HDFNL's stirring one-goal inter-league win against Sunraysia, goal shooter Ashley Gilmore shot 60 goals for the Demons.
Gilmore and goaling partner Rhian Moresi (26 goals) were the only two Demons players to spend the entire four quarters in the one position, as premiership coach Lauren Bowles continues to experiment with her line-up.
Meanwhile, a 37-goal win at Leitchville was just the type of warm-up for an important clash against the reigning premiers Grasshoppers coach Georgia Rodger was keen to see.
After a close first quarter, Colbinabbin took control of the contest, with Martine Rodger - the younger sister of Georgia - and former coach Liz Cobbledick in brilliant touch in goals.
"It was really nice to finally play into some solid form," the first-year Grasshoppers coach said.
"(Leitchville-Gunbower) had some really nice passages of play and their goalers did quite well.
"The third quarter we shot 24 goals to their six and you could see the experience shine."
First-gamer Ally Guthrie was best on court for Colbinabbin at wing attack, while Olivia McEvoy made a return from injury to exert her regular influence on the game at centre.
Rodger was hoping a clash against last season's grand final nemesis would bring out the best in her team at Colbinabbin next weekend.
"I think we always play better against better opposition, so it will be good to get out on the park and see just where we are at," she said.
"They have had a ripper start to the year, some of their goaling stats have been out of this world."
In other games, Mount Pleasant solidified its spot in the five with a 40-27 win over Lockington Bamawm United, while Elmore snapped a two-game losing streak to defeat North Bendigo 56-32.
Huntly had the bye.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.