The Alpine Saints, who have won three of their past four games, ran riot at McNamara Reserve.

Their win was valuable in that it all but assured them of avoiding the wooden spoon.

It also meant Myrtleford jumped to seventh spot on the ladder and gave them the claim to being the form team outside of the top five.

Co-coach Leigh Corcoran said he and Brad Murray were rapt with their players’ resilience after they dropped their first six games.

“We’ve put in a lot of work,” Corcoran said.

“The commitment to training and getting better has been great.

“Getting off to a slow start wasn’t ideal — it’s taken a bit to get a few to the required level.

“Saturday was very pleasing.

“Everyone contributed and the most pleasing thing was the care factor the guys showed in getting their mates into the game and involved.”

Midfield maestro Kristan Height was again dominant for the Alpine Saints and was the standout player on the ground.

Reece Corcoran had his best game for the season, Hamish Leahy did an admirable job on Raiders’ star Dean Limbach, while Brad and Hayden Murray each kicked five goals.

Brad has become a handy weapon in attack for the Alpine Saints since returning from a hamstring strain.

It was his second five-goal haul in the space of three weeks.

Christian Burgess had an important influence on the contest with three first-half goals, while Jarrod Hayse gave Myrtleford a marking target up forward.

Michael Steven, Ben Murphy and Ben Klemke battled admirably for the Raiders.

Limbach booted four goals.