TALLANGATTA looks to have a stranglehold on a top-five berth after overcoming a dangerous Beechworth by 71 points at Beechworth on Saturday.
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Beechworth were in striking distance of causing an upset when it trailed by three goals at the last change.
But the Hoppers finished full of running as they piled on nine goals to none to score an emphatic 20.8 (128) to 8.9 (57) victory.
The Hoppers now sit two games and percentage clear of sixth-placed Mitta United and look assured of contesting finals for a second year in-a-row.
"It was a pretty scrappy contest for the first three-quarters," Tallangatta coach Tyson Smith said.
"But we stuck at it and were finally able to break the contest open in the last-quarter.
"Beechworth are always tough to to beat on its home deck, so it was pleasing to emerge with the four points.
"We didn't end up with any injuries either, so that was another positive."
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Rhett Thomson, Tom Russell and Joel O'Connell won plenty of ball for the visitors.
While Roy Dunnett, Ed Cartledge and Jack Benjamin battled hard for the Bushrangers.
Hopper forward Joe Ciccone proved a lively target to finish with five goals while James Breen booted four in a promising sign as he recovers from a broken leg.
Smith said the Hoppers could be boosted by the return of several more players when they take on premiership contender Barnawartha on Saturday.
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