Kiewa-Sandy Creek ensured Yackandandah's undefeated start to the season came to a screeching halt after a comfortable 47-point victory at Tangambalanga on Saturday.
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The Roos looked to be up for the fight early before being blown away in the second term as the Hawks slipped into another gear, cruising to a 14.7 (91) to 6.8 (44) win.
Wodonga recruit Nick Beattie played his best match in the brown and gold so far, booting six goals.
Beattie was particularly damaging in the second term with four goals as the home side buried the opposition with nine goals to none to head into the main break with an unassailable lead.
Young ruckman Tristan Mann battled hard against Justin Maybury despite giving away plenty of inches and kilograms to the Roo giant.
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Hawk defender Alexander McDonald was also superb, opposed to in-form Roo forward Justin Maybury who was kept goalless for the first time this season.
Midfielders Josh and Jake Hicks alongside Chris Lewis racked-up plenty of touches in the midfield creating plenty of opportunities for the Hawks' forwards.
Johann Jarratt, Chad Martin and Jay Hillary battled hard for the Roos.
After a slow start to the season the Hawks have now rattled off four consecutive wins to sit fourth and only percentage behind third-placed Tallangatta.
They will start short-priced favourites in their next four matches against Dederang-Mt Beauty, Mitta United, Wahgunyah and Beechworth.
The Roos slipped to second after the loss and face a testing fortnight with upcoming matches against flag contenders Tallangatta and Chiltern after this week's bye.
Mudra felt the Hawks' past two wins against Barnawartha and Yackandandah could prove crucial as the league heavyweight strives to secure a prized top-three finish.
"We identified last week and this week would be crucial in regards to out top-three hopes," Mudra said.
"Beating Barnawartha at Barnwartha was a particularly satisfying win.
"Now to beat Yackandandah who were previously undefeated was another important win.
"We have been able to build some momentum over the past month and now there is a general bye."
Mudra said two early season losses to flag fancies Tallangatta and Chiltern was an early wake-up call.
"Getting beat by two quality sides was a line in the sand moment," he said.
"We identified the areas we needed to address and to be able to go from 1-2 to 5-2 is really pleasing.
"I thought that second quarter was the best we have played so far this season."
