O'Connor booted seven goals as the young Benalla side finished 14.13 (97) to 9.6 (60) winners.

All Blacks' coach Nick Spencer told The Border Mail last week's loss to Tarrawingee was the worst game of football he'd been involved in as blustery conditions made scoring difficult, but his side responded superbly against another powerhouse.

Milawa has moved two games clear on top after it downed its nearest rival, Bonnie Doon, 14.18 (102) to 7.8 (50).

The Demons trailed by three points at quarter-time, but Bonnie Doon was unable to sustain its early pressure for long enough.

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Tarrawingee drew level with Bright on five wins with six goals from Lachie Hansen the major difference in the Bulldogs' 14.15 (99) to 4.8 (32) result against North Wangaratta.

Whorouly hit top gear in an 18.15 (123) to 6.8 (44) salute over Greta at home.

Lachlan Moore, Andrew Newton and Riley Calvene starred for the Lions, while Rhys Goodley (six goals), Josh Marx and Jack Reiter (four apiece) did the damage up forward.

Goorambat snapped a run of three losses with a 24.12 (156) to 13.9 (87) win away to King Valley to stay in touch with the top six.

The ladder after round nine is: Milawa 32, Benalla All Blacks 24, Bonnie Doon 24, Tarrawingee 20, Bright 20, Whorouly 16, Goorambat 16, Greta 12, North Wangaratta 4, Moyhu 4, King Valley 4.

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