In a blockbuster round, it was Thurgoona who made the biggest splash, holding Kiewa-Sandy Creek goalless in the third quarter to set up a 43-point thumping.

Playing coach Jayden Kotzur booted four goals while Zach Gibbons, Sam Cross, Charlie Williams and Lucas Mellier all snared two each.

The Bulldogs broke the game open with a six goal to two second term, and did enough to hold the Hawks off in the second half to bank an eighth successive win.

“It was a very pleasing win, we needed to win to stay in contention for that top three spot,” Kotzur said.

“We’re growing in confidence, we’d won seven in a row heading into Saturday.

“We did our research and I thought we matched up on them pretty well.” 

Kotzur said it was pressure around the ground that stymied Kiewa’s run and carry.

Kade Brown, Luke Gerecke and Sam Cross were influential around the ground, while the Bulldogs were better able to make use of what Kotzur said was a three goal breeze.

“Our pressure was second to none, we just didn’t allow them a lot of that easy ball and prevented (Guy) Telford from kicking a score.

“It’s a really even competition, we just have to keep winning from this point.

“Tallangatta are going to be another huge challenge next week, Barnawartha are going to be ones to watch as well.

“A win next round is even bigger again.” 

The other big result of this weekend was the Tigers’ eight-point triumph over Tallangatta.

The Hoppers broke the game open either side of half time, hanging tough in the final term despite a dogged Barnawartha comeback.

After Saturday's result, Kiewa and Barnawartha are even on points at the top, but the Hawks hold a significant percentage advantage.

Thurgoona and Tallangatta follow with nine wins, one back of the top two.

Elsewhere this weekend, Chiltern upset Beechworth, Mitta defeated Yackandandah, and Rutherglen bested Wahgunyah.