SLEEPING giant Brock-Burrum has rocketed back into flag favouritism after claiming the scalp of the previously undefeated Osborne at Burrumbuttock on Saturday.
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The Saints had showed signs of a premiership hangover in the early rounds, with unimpressive wins over Jindera and Holbrook and having their colours lowered against Culcairn.
Sparked by the challenge of playing a legitimate contender, the Saints kicked 11 goals to two after quarter-time on their way to an imposing 14.8 (92) to 7.12 (54) victory.
The loss sent Osborne toppling from the top of the ladder to third with early season surprise packets Billabong Crows now on top.
The Saints sit fifth ahead of another big clash against Henty on Saturday.
Premiership coach Kade Stevens was beaming to see the Saints back to somewhere near their best after some erratic early season form.
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"We haven't been really happy with how we have been performing in the early rounds," Stevens said.
"We looked at today as a test to see where we were at.
"There was probably a few question marks hovering above the whole group.
"We trained well this week and I was looking forward to seeing how we matched-up against the best side in the competition.
"But today just shows the competition what we are able to achieve when we work for each other and don't have any passengers."
Brock-Burrum dominated the midfield battle with Matt Seiter providing his midfielders with first use of the ball.
Luke Schilg, Nico Sedgwick and Darcy I'Anson dined out on the silver service provided by Seiter with the Tigers powerless to stop the Saints' midfield juggernaut.
Jeremy Luff narrowly pipped Schilg for best-on-ground honours while Sedgwick was also impressive in his first game this season after returning from suspension.
Connor Galvin, Jamie Parr and and Declan O'Rourke tried hard for the visitors.
Midfielder Galvin was also dangerous when pushing forward and finished with three goals.
Stevens said the Saints' midfield depth was one of their biggest weapons.
"We are fortunate enough to have a fairly deep midfield and rotate heavily and always try have fresh legs in there," he said.
"Especially in the dying minutes in quarters.
"I thought it really paid dividends today."
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