AN eight-goal second quarter set the scene as Tarrawingee powered over Greta by 114 points at Tarrawingee on Saturday.
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The Blues opened confidently enough, closing the first term just three points behind the Bulldogs, who were without power forward Hamish Moore.
Moore, who is leading the Ovens and King goalkicking with 76, suffered a hamstring injury against Milawa last week.
But Tarrawingee coach Kyle Raven said that had given his team an unlikely advantage.
“We were probably a little unpredictable going into our forward 50 and we took advantage of that,” he said.
“There were 12 individual goalkickers, which was fantastic.
“With Hamish out of action we needed a few people to step up.
“Brennan Jenvey (five goals) played forward and did really well, which is really good to see, but there was a spread across the ground from everyone.”
While it was a wet day, the Tarrawingee ground held up well for the contest.
“That’s testament to the club, which has put money into the ground,” Raven said.
Greta looked set to mount an unpredicted challenge, but the Bulldogs responded ruthlessly when they were challenged, piling on 20 goals to three after quarter-time.
“We probably weren’t switched on mentally in the first quarter and that’s something we’ll address in the week,” Raven said.
“But the boys responded well.
“I think we worked really hard and put a lot of pressure on them, and any team you can put pressure on is going to struggle.”
Finton Eames chimed in with four goals for the Bulldogs, while five others bagged two and Daniel McCormick was best on ground.
Cameron Humphries booted three goals for the Blues, while Peter Clarke and Brett Pollard topped their best players.
Glenrowan came from behind to beat Bonnie Doon by four points.
Trailing by eight points at the last change, the Kelly Tigers kicked 2.6 to 0.0 to sneak home.
Moyhu also had to fight, edging Goorambat by six points after being level at the last change.
Milawa downed Whorouly by 49 points, King Valley overcame Benalla All Blacks by 54 and Bright outslogged North Wangaratta by 48.