Gippsland Times |A bag of six goals from Darren Sheen helped Maffra account for Bairnsdale by 51 points on Saturday.
Having a shortened preparation for the clash with the Redlegs didn't appear to worry Maffra, with the home side putting the game beyond the opposition's reach by three quarter time, before running out winners 15.11 (101) to 7.8 (50).
The Eagles dominated the contest throughout, leading by 70 points at the final change before their opponents kicked a handful of consolation goals in the last quarter.
Having been held goalless against Sale the week before, Sheen was back to his powerful best on Saturday providing a focal point for Maffra up forward.
He was ably supported by Andrew Petrou who kicked three majors, while the freedom allowed to Daniel Bedggood with the inclusion of Trent Knobel appears to be working wonders, with the dangerous tall named best on ground.
For the visitors Corey Timms was their most damaging contributor, while Stephen Henshaw and Tom Smith kicked all of Bairnsdale's seven goals between them.
The win sees Maffra move level on points with top of the table Leongatha, while any possible chance Bairnsdale had of making finals was seemingly eclipsed with the loss.
Maroons run over Moe
Traralgon overcame a slow and inaccurate start to run over the top of Moe by 30 points.
Eight goals to four in the second half proved the difference as the Maroons rebounded from last weekend's loss to Leongatha to clinch a 12.17 (89) to 9.5 (59) win over the Lions.
Despite having more than twice the amount of shots on goal than their opponents, Traralgon only gained the upper hand with an eight goal to four second half.
Moe's Mark Engley was the leading goal scorer on the day with five majors, while Traralgon's Tim Johnston booted three.
Danny Campbell was named as the Maroons best in an important victory which sees them hold onto third position on the ladder. With matches against Drouin, Sale and Bairnsdale to come in July, the month ahead will surely decide whether or not Traralgon has a double chance come September.
Moe slipped out of touch with the top-five with the loss and won't be among those sides fighting for the premiership come September.
Power surge
WONTHAGGI caused a big upset on Sunday, handing Leongatha just their second loss of the year with a dominant 30-point win.
In a special fixture which recognised the contribution of indigenous players and officials to local football, the Power led at every change on their way to a 13.14 (92) to 9.8 (62) win.
A spread of nine goal kickers was crucial in getting Wonthaggi over the line, while Aiden Lindsay was named the Power's best. Last year's grand finalists moved themselves a game clear of fifth place with the win, with their goal for the remainder of the season being to pass Traralgon and secure a double chance come finals.
For Leongatha, it was the its first loss since round five against Sale and one that coach Beau Vernon hopes will provide a reality check to his players. Chris Verboon booted four goals and was named the Parrots best in the loss.
It sets up a tantalising clash next weekend between Leongatha and Maffra, with the two sides currently locked on points and sitting in first and second positions respectively on the ladder.
Drouin too strong
DROUIN proved far too classy for local rival Warragul, taking out the match by 78 points.
The fifth placed Hawks were always in control, dominating the contest in the first half before running out victorious, 19.14 (128) to 7.8 (50).
Bob McCallum kicked five goals in the win and was named the Hawks' best. Coming off a win for the first time this season, Warragul were unable to back up last week's performance. Steve Kidd kicked three goals for the Gulls in defeat.
Drouin moved into fifth position on the ladder with the win and now sit a game clear of sixth placed Sale.
