Both sides were playing for their finals survival.

But it was the Hoppers who were able to bury their opposition as the Blues were restricted to one goal in the second-half and their finals aspirations left hanging by a thread.

While the victory may have elevated the Hoppers into finals contention, coach Tyson Smith is fully aware they are still no certainties to play in September.

Both Mitta United and Tallangatta face premiership contenders Thurgoona, Barnawartha, Chiltern and Kiewa-Sandy Creek in the run home.

But the Blues will now need to spring an upset to regain a spot inside the top-five - a task that looks beyond them in present form.

The match was played in front of a big crowd with the Hoppers holding a reunion for their 1989, 1994 and 2009 senior premiership sides.

"It was a massive game for the club with a finals spot up for grabs against our biggest rival," Smith said.

"With the reunions on, it just added that bit more pressure to perform.

"We just played consistent football and everyone contributed and as a coach, you can't ask for much more than that.

"Our defence in particular was outstanding.

"That's the third week in-a-row we have kept the opposition to five goals or less for the match."

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In a further bonus the Hoppers went into the clash without six walk-up starters in James Breen, Bailey McKimmie, Hamish O'Brien, Mitch Seaton, Brad Stagg and Harrison Forelli.

It mattered little as Tom Russell, Jake Maddock and Dan O'Connell helped cover their absence, with their slick ball use instrumental in setting up the victory.

Assistant coach Russell played across half-back and was influential in restricting the visitors to five goals.

Mitta United won their fair share of clearances through Dan Stewart, Rhys Preston and Jaxon Crowe but couldn't find a forward to capitalise.

Smith said it was a good reward for effort to finally move inside the top-five.

"I think our footy has been pretty good," he said.

"We kicked ourselves out of the game against Dederang.

"And we controlled the game against Chiltern and got beat on the last kick, which was disappointing.

"If we had of got up in both those matches, we would be sitting second so it's a fine line.

"We have to spring a few upsets now to make amends and we are really looking forward to the challenge of playing the better sides in the run home.