It was neck-and-neck between the two sides at Thurgoona at every break, with nothing separating them heading into the deciding quarter.

A late surge by the Bulldogs proved to be the difference, taking the 2019 grand finalists to their seventh win this season.

"It was really tough all day," Roos' coach Emma Maslen said.

"Thurgoona were definitely building that momentum in the third quarter and ultimately they got us in the end."

Mardi Nicholson shot 30 goals for the victors to be among their best, with defender Tayla Dean also putting in a standout performance.

Yackandandah was best served by Jess Garland, who also shot 30 goals, while Beck O'Connell was strong in the midcourt.

It marked the league's first round back following Victoria's most recent lockdown.

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While Thurgoona were able to continue training as the only NSW-based club in the competition, the Roos were reunited for their first session in two-weeks.

However, Maslen said it was no excuse.

"They were super connected all over the court and that was the difference for us," she said.

"The group of girls we have are highly motivated in terms of their fitness.

"The difference is that fitness doesn't always translate into match fitness.

"There was definitely some fatigue involved, but we were expecting that."

The return to the court was also a celebration for one Roo, with Michaela Farrugia notching up 100 club games.

The build-up was longer than she had anticipated after originally planning to mark the occasion for the round prior.

"She was dwelling on it a little bit," Maslen said.

"She played her juniors at the club and has moved up to A-grade now, we're really proud of her.

"We're so lucky at Yack to have so many milestone players, and I think that says a lot about the club in both the netball and the football."

Thurgoona currently sit just inside the competition's top six.

In other games, Chiltern defeated Beechworth 58-37 at Chiltern.

Rosie Hymus and Katie Lappin were best on court for the Swans, while Eadie Pfahlert and Eidenne Surrey were strong for Beechworth.

Tallangatta were too good for Barnawartha, claiming the win by 26 goals.

Hannah Dwyer finished the day with 46 goals for the Hoppers.

Mitta United downed Wodonga Saints 57-28.

Rutherglen and Wahgunyah forfeited their A-grade clashes, leaving Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Dederang Mt Beauty with the points.

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