Match Reviews | Tight wins over the weekend saw songs sung for the first time this season, while other dominate performances had the contenders flexing their muscles on the competition. 

 It had been eight long years since North Ballarat last defeated Melton at Macpherson Park, and for a moment on Saturday, it looked like that record might finally fall — but the Bloods held firm to escape with a tense 3-point win.

Determined to make amends for a poor start in Round 3, the Roosters came out with purpose, leading at both quarter and half-time breaks.

They limited Melton’s usually potent inside 50 output and brought intensity to the contest.

But the reigning premiers showed their class after half-time, taking control with a trademark third-quarter surge.

Taj McMillan sparked the comeback with a goal from just outside 50 early in the final term, before Hugh Trigg’s snap midway through the quarter put the Roosters back in front.

But a turnover, finished cleanly by Luke Heaney, restored Melton’s lead, followed by Braeden Kight’s third goal to give the hosts breathing room.

A sharp finish from Mal White brought the margin back to three points, and while both sides had late chances, neither could land the knockout blow in the final four minutes.

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