Hosting 2025 preliminary finalist Rushworth at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, the Lakers proved too strong in the 54-41 victory, their second on the bounce, to once again climb into second spot as the closest challengers to ladder-leader Shepparton East.
With a 10-3 record through 13 games, the victory continues a fightback for the Lakers, who have fought back from two consecutive losses to win the past two and now sit level with third-placed Lancaster on 10 wins, although a superior percentage ensures they occupy the higher position for the time being, albeit having played one extra game.
But they remain two games behind the runaway Shepparton East, which is hurtling towards a second straight premiership, and the Eagles just chalked up a stunning milestone en route — against their closest challenger, no less.
Hosting Lancaster at Central Park Recreation Reserve on Saturday in a mammoth first-versus-second clash to headline round 14, the Eagles further proved what has been clear for quite some time — they are a gulf ahead of the rest.
In front of both their 2006 C-grade and 1996 B-grade premiership sides celebrating reunions, the Eagles secured a stunning 49-31 victory over the Wombats, who were second heading into the clash, to move two games clear at the top of the table while demoting Lancaster to third behind Nagambie in the process.
The victory also clinches a remarkable milestone for the Eagles who, with their 12th win from as many games to start the year, made it 30 straight games without loss, an incredible feat for an unrivalled side.
The indomitable run includes an unbeaten 18 games across the entirety of last season, which culminated in a dominant premiership, with the Eagles last tasting defeat in the 2024 preliminary final.
With a loss this season hard to envision with four games remaining before finals, Shepp East’s streak could reach 36 games by season’s end if it was to claim a second straight unbeaten premiership.
There was further top four movement, too, with Merrigum moving half a game ahead of the Tigers following a brilliant victory over fellow top-six contender Tallygaroopna.
Welcoming the Redlegs to Merrigum Recreation Reserve in another highly anticipated clash that could prove decisive come finals, the Bulldogs toughed it out over a talented opposition line-up to clinch the 40-37 victory.
It continues a strong run of form for Merrigum, with the Bulldogs improving to an 8-3-1 record having gone unbeaten over their past five outings.
The Redlegs, conversely, have lost their past two, and now find themselves under threat from Avenel, with the Swans claiming a vital victory on Saturday to keep their finals hopes alive.
With a commanding 58-36 win over Undera at Avenel Recreation Reserve, the Swans move back to within a game-and-a-half of the top six, placing even more importance on the round 16 clash between Avenel and Tallygaroopna.
Rounding out the results, Girgarre claimed a slender 43-37 victory over Violet Town, while Murchison-Toolamba accounted for Longwood with a 34-24 win.
