Strong win sets Eagles back on track
Ellinbank will hope its result on Saturday is catalyst for a return to some of the devastating form displayed in previous seasons.
In a round that saw an early wintry blast with low scores the order of the day, Ellinbank produced the biggest score of the round, managing 12 goals.
It simply did what it needed to do in taking a strong win over Catani to get its season back on track, winning 12-14 (86) to 2-2 (14).
The Bankers scored the important first goal in a tight opening quarter, taking an eight-point lead into the first change.
The home side made the most of kicking to the scoring end, booting six goals to one in the second term to create a handy 43-point buffer at the long break.
The Blues would kick the only goal of the third term as the contest again turned dour, before the Bankers capitalised again to finish strongly.
Five goals to no score in the final term saw the margin out to 72-points, a fine effort given the conditions. Adam Cook was the standout, finishing with five goals.
Other better players in a strong team performance for Ellinbank were coach Ben Wragg, Bryce Joyce, Liam Carolan, Daniel Pratt and Zachery Holton.
Showing glimpses of form for the Blues were James Williams, Dylan Williams, Brett Williams, Michael Ralph, Thomas Keily and Brayden Hall.
POOWONG also maintained striking distance to the top five, keeping its rivals Yarragon goalless to win 5-12 (42) to 0-3 (3).
The Magpies made use of the better conditions early to set up a comfortable buffer, booting two goals in each the first and second term to go into half time with a 24-point advantage.
A return of 1-10 after the break, including six Left: behinds in the final term, saw the home side fail to capitalise as the stronger team on the day.
The tight nature of the contest saw it become willing at times, with players involved in a melee at one point.
Jayden Sullivan continued his good form, with the rebounding defender able to drift forward to kick two goals. Also carrying on their good form were Tom Robertson, Andrew Logan, Kurt Newton, Cody Loughridge and Alex Henshall.
In signs that the Panthers have recruited well, it was again their recent recruits to finish among their best. Leading the way were Tyler Payroli, Josh Vosper, Zak Hogton, Damien Allison, Lachlan Shaw and Toby Sherer.
NYORA have distanced themselves from the teams at the bottom rungs of the ladder, scoring a comfortable win over Nilma-Darnum 7-17 (59) to 5-7 (37).
The Saints scored their second win to join the mid-pack scramble, although their percentage is far inferior to the sides above them.
Early form suggests a gap between the Saints and those sides, and a further gap back to the winless Catani and Nilma-Darnum.
The Saints could have enjoyed a greater margin had it capitalised on opportunities.
It was a tight first half, the Saints taking a four-point lead into half time, 4-9 to 4-5.
The home side controlled the second half, scoring three goals to one.
Conditions didn't phase athletic ruckman Travis Stewart, who finished with three majors. Other better players for the Saints were Jack Rosenow, Adam Pugh, Brodie Anderson, Max Mattock, Jordan Anderson and Angus McGillivray.
Better players for the young Bombers side were Oxley Huson, Jeremy Jarred, Oakley Addison, Boeden Fries, Kenneth Towt and Sebastian Crowle.