The most intriguing clash of round 13, though, was between the runaway leader and reigning premier in Shepparton East and the recent mover and shaker in Tallygaroopna.
Hosting the Eagles at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve, the Redlegs would have entered the clash with a quiet confidence, having come the closest to the reigning premier of any side this season back in round one and going without loss over the previous eight encounters prior to the weekend to move into the top four.
But the formline of Tallygaroopna paled in comparison to the ridiculous 28-game streak the Eagles possessed, and true to form, it was East that prevailed 37-27 to now stand on the cusp of a remarkable 30 games without loss.
The 10-goal victory ensures the Eagles remain a game and a significant chunk of percentage clear of second-placed Lancaster heading into a blockbuster first versus second clash, while Tallygaroopna now slips to sixth following the loss.
The Wombats too had a big win at the weekend, comfortably defeating Girgarre 48-19 to seemingly sink the Roos’ hopes of sneaking into finals, as they now sit two and a half games outside the top six with four games remaining.
The 29-goal victory for Lancaster wouldn’t be the biggest of the round, either, as they were pipped to that honour by Rushworth, with the Tigers proving far too strong for Stanhope.
Hosting the 11th-placed Lions at Ironbark Stadium, the Tigers claimed a comprehensive 48-15 win to jump back into fourth spot on the ladder ahead of Tallygaroopna, making it two wins on the trot ahead of a mammoth clash against third-placed Nagambie in round 14.
The remaining contest on Saturday saw Longwood and Undera do battle, with the Lions looking for their first win of the season and the Redlegs their second, and while close, it was Longwood that emerged victorious 32-29 after a competitive showing from both outfits, with Undera made to wait at least another week before securing the elusive win.
Sunday saw two fixtures played, with Nagambie atoning for a pair of consecutive losses in recent weeks with a 51 to 28 win over Violet Town, while Merrigum notched a 47 to 25 win over Murchison-Toolamba to shore up a spot in the top six.
