The Blues were quick out of the blocks to lead by 40 at half-time and finished the job to win 20.9 (129) to 11.7 (73) to move into the box seat for a finals berth in the COVID-interrupted 2021 Ovens and King season.

Daniel Cassidy's 10-goal haul was the key difference between the two sides.

Bright's hard-fought 6.4 (40) to 2.4 (16) victory against Goorambat pushed the Bats outside the top six at Greta's expense.

Milawa maintained its undefeated record with a 15.11 (101) to 9.7 (61) result against Whorouly, but the Lions didn't make it easy for the flag favourites.

Former Richmond player Cleve Hughes booted six as the Demons pulled away after quarter-time.

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Bonnie Doon stayed outright second with a emphatic 24.17 (161) to 10.6 (66) salute against King Valley.

Tarrawingee has a six-point cushion in third after it did the job at Moyhu, downing the Hoppers 17.18 (120) to 10.6 (66).

The Bulldogs kicked 11 goals to four after the main break.

Benalla All Blacks stayed a game clear in the top six after its bye.

The ladder after round 18 is: Milawa 50, Bonnie Doon 40, Tarrawingee 36, Bright 30, Benalla All Blacks 28, Greta 24, Goorambat 24, Whorouly 20, North Wangaratta 8, Moyhu 8, King Valley 4.

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