Brock-Burrum ominously moved to the top of the ladder for the first time this season after a stunning 50-point win over Osborne at Osborne on Saturday.
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After a slow start to the season, it was the defending premier’s ninth consecutive victory as it once again looms as the team to beat for the flag with five rounds remaining.
The Saints clung to a narrow eight-point lead at the main break but clicked into overdrive in the second half as they piled on nine goals to two for a 15.7 (97) to 6.11 (47) victory.
They can further consolidate their lofty standing in the next fortnight with matches against Jindera and Holbrook before the bye.
The loss snapped Osborne’s six-match winning streak and sent the Cats tumbling from first to fourth, highlighting the tightness of the flag race.
The Cats now face third-placed Henty, with the result to have a huge bearing on both teams’ top-two aspirations.
Brock-Burrum co-coach Luke Brauer said while the Saints had laid the foundations for a top-two finish, they couldn’t afford to slip-up.
“It was a huge win in the context of our season,” he said.
“Both teams had a fair bit at stake and we really set ourselves for the clash and knew if we stuck to our structures and implemented our game plan we could get the job done.
“But we are not getting ahead of ourselves and the scoreline probably flattered us a bit.
“We are under no illusion they are still going to be a dangerous proposition come September.”
Both teams went into the clash undermanned, with the Saints missing speedster Ron Boulton, Marshal Lacey and Braydan Beesley, while the Cats sorely missed premiership coach Daniel McAlister and classy utility Rory Muggivan.
The Saints won the midfield battle through the hard work of Brauer and Trent Storey, which provided plenty of opportunities for forwards Darryn McKimmie and Kylin Morey.
McKimmie, in particular, was dangerous and capped a polished display with five goals.
In a further bonus, Liam Johnson was best on ground in only his fourth match this season.
Johnson only recently returned from Noosa and looms as a huge asset in the Saints’ defensive half.
Jindera remained in the finals hunt after a 45-point win over Holbrook, in which the Brookers kicked just two goals.
CDHBU overcame fierce rival Billabong Crows by 25 points at Urana.
Lockhart moved to sixth spot after a comfortable 65-point win over Murray Magpies.
Rand-Walbundrie sharpshooter Josh Warren-Marmo booted 11 goals in the Tigers’ 117-point demolition of Walla.
