A barrage of shots in the first quarter proved the difference in Wangaratta's home 39-point win over Wodonga Raiders.
The favourites grabbed a 28-point lead at the first break, before posting a 13.19 (97) to 8.10 (58) win.
"I wouldn't say it was clinical, early on we were really good, our ball movement was slick and we moved the ball off the line and got some good looks inside 50, after that, it turned into a bit of a scrap," Wangaratta's Brad Melville revealed.
Early on we were really good, our ball movement was slick ... after that, it turned into a bit of a scrap.
- Brad Melville
It was Melville's first game for the club since playing in the 2019 grand final loss to Lavington as he plays with Richmond in the VFL.
The Pies weren't helped when Frazer Dent (concussion), Zac Leitch (knee) and Callum Moore (tightness) were injured in the first half.
Michael Newton extended his lead in the Doug Strang Medal, kicking five goals, Joe Richards nabbed three, while Jamie Anderson blanketed Connor Newnham.
Raider Jydon Neagle kicked two majors, although he only moved forward late, while Isaac Muller was the standout ruckman.
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The visitors were missing three players, including coach Jarrod Hodgkin (knee).
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