The win puts them half a game clear of Thurgoona, who have fallen to seventh on the ladder after their loss to Kiewa Sandy Creek, and just one game shy of the top five.

After a rocky start to the season, Mitta looked every bit a finals contender, rectifying some poor usage of the ball in the first quarter to power away to a 27-point lead by three-quarter time.

Alex Beggs and Daniel Stewart were dangerous in attack, benefiting from some more refined delivery to kick nine goals between them.

Josh Spence worked hard for the Tigers across half forward, but had to contend with Jeffery Cox for much of the afternoon.

The talented youngster kicked two goals to be among the best for Barnawartha, but the Tigers couldn’t find the personnel to go with him.

Mitta coach Clint Gilson said the Mountain men had found a more even spread of contributors in the past month.

“We’ve played some good footy in the last few weeks, we aren’t relying on three or four players to get the job done,” Gilson said.

“It’s been hard to pick our best at times, a lot of players have lifted and we’re starting to see some reward for that.”

They’ll enter next weekend’s clash with Kiewa brimming with confidence, and Gilson wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’re definitely a chance to beat Kiewa,” he said.

In other matches, Yackandandah got off to a fast start and did a good job to hold off a charging Beechworth outfit, claiming an upset 22-point win over fourth-placed Bushrangers.

Trent Castles was once again a strong target for the Roos, bagging seven goals, and was well supported by Dylan Wright, who kicked four of his own. 

The undermanned Thurgoona came close to an upset win against the unbeaten Kiewa, entering the final quarter with scores even in the low scoring clash, before the class of the Hawks shone through as they sealed the win.

Jye Shields kicked three for the Hawks, while Luke Gerecke and Sam Field provided grunt for the Bulldogs.

Mark Doolan booted 18 goals against Wodonga Saints as Chiltern galloped to a 233-point win, while Rutherglen enjoyed a 41-point victory over Dederang-Mt Beauty.