The Hoppers kept their slim finals hopes alive after running over the top of the Bulldogs to win a scrappy clash at John Flower Oval by 47 points on Saturday.

But while the young Bulldogs side was not expected to win, injured playing coach Hollands said he was disappointed in the performance.

“It was extremely disappointing because we’ve been competitive the past few weeks against Albury, Yarra and Wangaratta and taken it up to them for long periods,” Hollands said.

“But I don’t think we ever got into the fight today.

“It’s hard to be patient because we want them to improve dramatically overnight.

“We’ve been seeing signs of improvement but I think we went backwards a little bit today.”

The win was sixth-placed North Albury’s sixth and keeps it within reach of fifth-placed Wodonga Raiders, who remain two games clear in the five after a comfortable win away to Myrtleford.

With games against Raiders, Lavington, Corowa-Rutherglen and Wangaratta Rovers to come, the Hoppers’ future is in their own hands.

Saturday’s win was set up by a dominant second quarter where North Albury managed 4.2 to 0.3 to crack the game open after Wodonga had gone into the first change just seven points in arrears.

While he was inaccurate in front of goal, Jimmy Puautjimi was lively early with two goals by half-time as the Hoppers extended their lead to 30 points at the long break.

Star Hoppers skipper Dan Leslie had an intriguing battle with Zac Jones and finished the match with three after kicking his first goal at the 23rd-minute mark of the second term.

Jones was one of Wodonga’s best — he was well supported by Chris Macey and Nathan McKendrick — and stood tall as North bombarded the forward 50.

Rory Feltwell, Matt McDonald, Brent Piltz and Sam Myors were strong contributors for the Hoppers, who kicked five straight goals to finish the third term after Wodonga’s Guy Telford had booted the first of the quarter at the four- minute mark.

Wodonga, which trailed by nine goals at three-quarter-time, won the last quarter, kicking 2.3 to 1.2 but the damage had been done.

Hoppers coach Bob Craig said he was pleased to get the win but less than satisfied with the execution.

“We needed the four points and that’s what we’ve got so we’ve got to be happy,” Craig said.

A big plus for the Dogs was the debut of teenage forward Ned McCormack, who was swamped by teammates after kicking a major in the second half, one of just five goals from the Dogs.

“He showed a bit,” Hollands said.

“Ned’s going to be a terrific player.

“I don’t think he’s even 17 yet.

“He’s got an exciting future.”

In a similar approach taken by Myrtleford during pre-season, Hollands said the Bulldogs would have to bulk up for next year.

“More than half our side at the moment are not ready to play Ovens and Murray footy,” he said.