The Pies had almost twice as many scoring opportunities, but butchered some in the 7.13 (55) to 5.6 (36) win.

The win has lifted the grand finalists into second spot, above Myrtleford on percentage, with the latter almost certain to fall out of the top three for the first time when Albury hosts an injury-hit Yarrawonga.

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With the double chance on offer, it was expected to be a cracker, but while it was tough and at times fiery, it was a dud as a spectacle.

However, it developed a pulse during the third term when Myrtleford closed to within eight points.

But Wangaratta always appeared likely to win and did so without star forward Michael Newton, who was assisted off in the second term with a rib or sternum injury and taken to hospital for an X-ray.

Defender Mat Grossman was also on crutches after the game, with coach Luke Morgan uncertain of the extent of either injury.

Wangaratta had come off tight wins against other top three contenders Albury and Lavington and it showed with a lacklustre attacking display.

"We have some sore boys, our run and carry was probably down a little bit," Morgan said.

"Credit to Myrtleford, they got the play on their terms and played the style they wanted to for the majority of the game.

"They closed the space well, they looked to add congestion around the footy, they look to roll numbers behind the ball."

The Pies restricted the Saints to one just one goal at half-time, but the visitors kicked three majors and kept the home team goalless.

But then Ben Speight kicked a typical opportunistic goal early and Josh Porter received a free kick.

The Saints were missing three forwards, including the league's leading goalkicker in Lachie Dale, along with Tom Ellard (illness) and Brad Murray (abductor strain).

"In the first quarter and a half, we weren't able to hit and execute that kick, forward of centre, but we addressed that at half-time and we moved the ball a lot better," Saints' coach Jake Sharp said.

Pies' tagger Will Reilly played well on the coach, while Daine Porter and the team's defence, led by Dylan Van Berlo, were superb.

Blake Parker's tag restricted Matt Kelly's influence, while Jake Sharp also showed his quality.