The bigger bodied Magpies were far more skilful and experienced than the Hawks and were always in command in a game played in slippery conditions.

Despite the early rain, the match was of good standard until the final quarter, when persistent showers reduced the quality of the game.

The Magpies, who had been off target in previous matches this season, found accuracy, with key forwards Matt Ferguson and John Gooch leading the way with seven and five goals respectively. Gooch's high marking was a feature.

Sale had by far the better of the aerial contests and dominated the inside 50s, however it was really a case of "everybody played well" for the Magpies.

With eight regular senior players missing from the Magpies' line-up, Sale took an opportunity to experiment with numerous positional changes, most of which worked successfully.

Sale welcomed back Luke Collins from VFL duty and, together with Justin McLay, stood-out for the Magpies, providing plenty of scoring opportunities.

First gamer Luke Reggardo was also impressive on a forward flank and the consistent Magpies big man Jack Lipman dominated hit outs all around the ground.

Reliable veteran defender Shane Fyfe proved to be a stumbling block in defence by turning back many attacks and continually set-up the forward press for the Magpies.

To their credit the undersized Hawks tried hard all day and won their share of centre clearances.

First gamer James McKellar earned praise from his club for his effort on tagging the experienced Magpie Ryan Pendlebury. On-ballers Luke Duffy and Brod Fraser were solid contributors all day for the Hawks, and Keegan Bott tried hard at full-back on Ferguson despite the constant pressure.

Tigers unbeaten

MORWELL defeated Bairnsdale in the battle of undefeated teams.

Eight goals straight provided the Tigers with the start they needed, leading by 28 points at the first change. It proved the difference as the visitors won 16.11 (107) to 13.9 (87).

The two Michael Duncans were among the Tigers' best, while Tarkyn Lockyer booted five goals.

Paul Bills was solid at full-back for the Redlegs, while James Gibbs kicked five goals and Sam Pickett four.

Maroons beat Moe

TRARALGON only conceded one goal in two quarters on its way to an 89-point win at Moe.

Leading by three points at quarter-time, the Maroons kicked seven goals to one in the second term to take an 48-point lead into the long break. The rampage continued in the third term as the Maroons extended their led to 89 by the final change.

The fourth term was more even, however the damage had already been done with the Maroons winnings 23.18 (156) to 10.7 (67).

Jordan Bourke moved the ball well out of defence for Traralgon, while Mitch Mustoe troubled the Moe back line. Justin Fulton kicked four goals.

Moe full-back Kane Airdrie did well under constant attack.

Power wins derby

WONTHAGGI defeated Leongatha in Sunday's south Gippsland derby.

The Power won 13.12 (90) to 7.7 (49) with Earl Shaw dominating the ruck, combining well with Aiden Lindsay. Travis Krause was also in form at centre half-forward.