TALLANGATTA set up a blockbuster top-of-the-table showdown against Kiewa-Sandy Creek after thrashing Rutherglen by 105 points at Tallangatta on Saturday.
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After quietly ticking off the boxes over the past month, the Hoppers exploded into action to shore up their position in the top three.
Best and fairest fancy Luke Fraser led the charge with another dominant display across half-back while youngster Jake Maddock, the son of TDFL stalwart John, impressed on debut.
“We really set ourselves for this game,” coach Sam Livingstone said.
“Our the past few weeks we have played a few of the lower sides and we have been building for it.
“Our match-ups worked and it all rolled our way.
“It will give the boys some confidence beating a quality side like that.
“It’s definitely the best we have played this year and I still think we have improvement left in us.”
Tallangatta set the tone early by kicking the opening four goals of the match with Andrew and Jacob Wood, Daniel O'Connell and Pat Wernert in the thick of the action.
Livingstone and Adam Healy kicked four goals between them.
Rutherglen’s Cameron Wilson tried hard but lacked support.
Coach Damien Wilson was hurt during the clash and will be desperate to stay off the injured list with the Cats dropping to seventh on the ladder.
Livingstone said Tallangatta would need to be at its best against Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
“It should be a cracking game,” he said.
“Hopefully we get a big crowd.”
Barnawartha proved too strong for Mitta United, winning by 19 points.
The Tigers started better in the wet conditions and held firm through the efforts of Tom Anson, Josh Star, Connor Wiffen, Seamus Quinn, Mitch Exton and Matt McLinden.
Jack Gilbee, Drew Cameron and Josh Dicketts impressed for the Mountain Men.
Thurgoona’s steady climb up the ladder continued when the Bulldogs defeated Beechworth by 43 points.
The class of Sam Cross and Jayden Kotzur prevailed in the tough conditions while Mark Haydon and Charlie Williams were workmanlike.
Josh Garland and Kayde Surrey refused to throw in the towel.
Dederang-Mt Beauty survived a scare to defeat Wahgunyah by 22 points.
Andrew Hill and Liam Hood helped the Bombers make a flying start while Max Kreuzer starred in attack with four goals.
Yackandandah defeated Chiltern and Kiewa-Sandy Creek hammered Wodonga Saints by 97 points.
