Wangaratta shine in the wet to topple Rovers by 35 points

In miserable conditions, the Pies racked up a sixth straight win, 13.8 (86) to 8.3 (51).

"It's as good as footy as we've played and that's saying something because we've played some good footy over the last four weeks," delighted coach Dean Stone offered.

"Just their ability to work for each other and share the load, defend when we had to defend and for a slippery day, we used the ball pretty well."

Michael Newton was outstanding with four goals, while fellow power forwards Ben Reid and Josh Porter chipped in with one apiece.

"I thought our three tall forwards were terrific, they looked dangerous every time the ball went in and they gave us opportunities to score," Stone revealed.

The match was effectively over by half-time when the home team opened a 19-point lead.

In wet conditions, it's difficult to come back from three goals down against one of the top two teams.

In the first 30 seconds of the second quarter, former AFL big man Callum Moore burst through the centre like it was a dry day and kicked long to an unmarked Reid, who goaled.

Moore was sensational in the second term, playing a leading role in a sweeping movement, which included fellow best players Mark Anderson and Daine Porter, for one of Newton's four majors.

But it wasn't just the name players who starred, with unheralded Luke Saunders playing a breakout game.

The defender pushed forward for his first major of the year and if relative unknowns like Saunders continue to blossom, it will take a mighty effort to stop the Pies claiming the flag.

Wangaratta was missing boom Alice Springs-based on-baller Abraham Ankers due to COVID, while Rovers were severely undermanned without six northern-based players, but coach Daryn Cresswell didn't offer any excuses.

"We were beaten around the footy, they controlled the contest, they were a lot stronger and had better method away," he declared.

"I think we had enough of the footy, but we weren't great going inside 50."

Tyson Hartwig was the only injury concern after he was forced off in the third quarter with an ankle complaint.

ALSO IN SPORT

Will Nolan was safe in defence, while backman Sam Murray provided a spark.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: