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NORTH Geelong won its seventh match in a row to all but cement itself in the top two, with a comprehensive 59-point win over a young Bannockburn side.
Coach Darren Ryan liked the way his side ran out the match and continued to create opportunities.
Ryan also identified his side's physical maturity as a key to victory.
"We had to create some enthusiasm, it was a pretty flat game ... the way the guys finished off the last quarter was great." he said.
"Our body size probably did catch them out.
"They're a young side and they're obviously going well ... there's no doubt a couple of years experience in our players stood out above them."
With the Magpies losing spearhead Paul Breguet for the rest of the year with an ACL injury, they have uncovered other avenues to goal with Luke Van Krieken (five goals) and Toby Biggs (four goals) influential.
In his first game for the club, Biggs set the tone with three first-quarter goals.
"It (Biggs's inclusion) creates a bit of excitement for the group, which we probably need after the news of losing 'Froggy' (Breguet) and Jono Woods, (it's) pretty tough on the group," Ryan said.
"His (Biggs) first term was really exciting and I thought his body contact and making a contest at the ball was great . The way he brought players into the game was fantastic."
North Geelong sits two games clear of third-placed Werribee and Ryan puts his side's success down to player depth creating ferocious competition for spots in the senior side.
"We're fortunate and lucky enough our reserves are sitting on top, we've definitely got that depth in there ... at the end of the day they've (the players) got to work hard for their spots," he said.
Adding to the club's riches is the return of forward Sam Clark, expected to be back in three weeks, along with a host of names set to return after the bye.
Bannockburn began the home game strongly, kicking the opening two goals.
The three goals by Biggs gave his side a nine-point advantage going into quarter-time.
North Geelong continued its momentum but was wasteful in front of goal in the second term, registering four behinds before finally converting.
Restricting the Tigers to only two scoring shots helped set up a five-goal lead at the main break.
The young Bannockburn team used its pace to get back in the match, winning the quarter 3.3 to 2.1.
With the game in the balance, the Magpies broke away from the middle to kick the opening goal of the final quarter and didn't look back, kicking the last six goals for a decisive victory.
FLYING EAGLES
EAST Geelong is officially up and about. Last year's grand finalists have now strung together three wins in a row and charged into the top five. They are yet to claim a top-five scalp but the ingredients are there. Josh Bouwman continued his hot form, backing up his nine goals last week with a bag of seven against the Devils. Andrew Challis, Ricky O'Toole and Allan Johnson were all among the best for the Eagles. Now with a full side available, they are showing their capabilities.
STREAKING ON
A WINNING streak of 26 games in a row looked to be coming to an end as the Cheetahs burst out of the blocks to jump Bell Post Hill. But that was not to be the case. The undefeated Panthers kept that record intact, fighting their way back to a 14-point win. Dylan Whitney played a key part in the revival and is having an outstanding season. Whitney has played all 10 matches this season, kicking 23 goals and being named among the best players in nine of those matches.
THREE IN FIGHT
AS we head into the split round, has the top five been finalised? Certainly, the top three appears to have been settled for much of the year. And with Bannockburn and Winchelsea having suffered heavy losses, their finals chances are now looking unlikely. Anakie, East Geelong and Geelong West will battle for the remaining finals positions. And they are all set to meet in the last eight rounds of the season in what will be defining matches for them.
