Thurgoona has responded to a three-quarter time plea from its co-coaches to blast Kiewa Sandy Creek by 34 points.
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The Bulldogs led by 37 points at half-time, but the home side responded to cut the margin to eight.
However, the visitors rallied to kick seven goals to three in the 17.11 (113) to 11.13 (79) win.
“They started to get a bit of the footy in the third quarter, probably our attitude wasn’t great,” co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan said.
“Jayden (Kotzur) put it on us and asked the boys to respond.
“We put it on the leaders to stand up and change a bit of our attitude.”
Jake Bruce kicked five goals with no other player in the game passing two.
“Our little bloke on the wing Joel Roberson kicked a few, but it was just an even contribution, it wasn’t really one player which stood out,” O’Sullivan said.
The Bulldogs unveiled impressive on-baller Michael Rampal, who hasn’t played in two years.
The Hawks weren’t helped either when consistent ruckman Luke Norton-Smith suffered an injury.
Thurgoona has now moved a win clear of the Hawks, who’ve lost successive matches.
Meanwhile, Wahgunyah remains the only unbeaten team.
The Lions belted Yackandandah by 55 points in the top-of-the-table clash.
Nick Brockley kicked five goals, while Cody Milne and Matt Grantham chipped in with three apiece in the 19.15 (129) to 12.2 (74) win.
The Roos’ Trent Castles responded with five.
Alex Wallis was best-on-ground, while Kodee Lowe and Dylan Cook continued their superb form.
The visitors were best served by Bryce Rafferty and Grady Nigsch.
Elsewhere, Barnawartha hammered Dederang Mount Beauty, 19.11 (125) to 4.4 (28).
The Tigers’ best Matt McLinden and Paul Harrington kicked four goals each.
Rutherglen kicked 23.16 (154) to hammer Beechworth 2.17 (29).
Tyson Neander and Ron Fuge kicked five majors apiece.
Chris Oats was outstanding for the visitors, while Pat Murtagh also played well.
Mitta United has posted its second straight win, 12.12 (84) to Tallangatta’s 8.7 (55).
The visitors outscored Mitta in the final term, five goals to three, but couldn’t reel in the deficit.
And Chiltern has toppled Wodonga Saints by 54 points.
The Swans kicked 16.11 (107) to 8.5 (53).
Tom Lehmann and Brent Newton booted five apiece, while Craig Jarvis landed three for the Saints.
Danyl Woods, Lehmann and Newton were the pick of the winners.
