The Saints led by 24 points at half-time but a six-goal-to-one third quarter turned the match on its ear as Mooroopna, led by burly spearhead Balraj Singh, ran on to win 14.12 (96) to 11.13 (79).

Singh, the competition’s leading goalkicker with 29 for the season, proved the difference, while the injury-ravaged Saints were again cursed with star midfielder John Shiels (medial ligament) and running backman Andrew Polwarth (knee) both going down in the third term.

Young ruckman Phil Aumann (knee) and last year’s best and fairest winner Rowan Priest (shoulder) were also forced out of the line-up after last weekend’s interleague carnival.

Brendan Stevens, Patrick O’Brien, Ricky Joyce and Jason MacFarlane were all instrumental in helping the Saints build a strong lead at half-time, while Matthew Sharp and Ben Fahey fought hard under pressure.

Singh finished with five majors while winger Jarrod Best booted three in a best on ground display.

Brad Campbell was again influential through the middle while Jeff Vandermeer and Shaun Robbins also won their fair share of the ball.

The Saints face Echuca and Euroa in the coming weeks and will hope to regain ruckman Mark Porter (fractured cheek), Shayne Mckean (respiratory illness) and James Martiniello (osteitis pubis) in that time.

Spearhead Ricky Symes is at least eight weeks away after developing an infection after having a knee arthroscope.

Shepparton Swans provided the biggest surprise of the round with a 25.12 (162) to 15.12 (102) belting of Euroa, while Trent Hotton led Mansfield to a rare win over Echuca at Victoria Park, 11.8 (74) to 10.8 (68).

A nine-goal haul from Paul Newman couldn’t lead Kyabram to victory against Shepparton, going down 15.14 (104) to 11.12 (78) while Shepparton United snared a much-needed victory over Rochester, 11.13 (79) to 11.12 (78).

Seymour is unbeaten at the top of the table after its 16.14 (110) to 12.9 (81) win against Tatura.