SEA Lake Nandaly locked away the minor premiership with a 27-point win over Nullawil at the weekend.
The Tigers now hold a four-game buffer over second-placed Birchip-Watchem, with Nullawil falling from second to fourth following other results.
It also left the Maroons at risk of dropping out of the top four, with Wycheproof-Narraport just two points behind.
The top-of-the-table clash went the way of the Tigers’ previous 11 matches this season, with the undefeated side controlling the game out of the middle to win 12.10 (82) to 8.7 (55).
Sea Lake Nandaly coach Bryce Delmenico praised his team’s commitment and endeavour after Nullawil challenged them early in the third quarter.
“It was pretty pleasing to see how the boys played, it was good to get a win on their home ground as well,” Delmenico said.
“We’ll take a lot of confidence from that because they play their ground very well.
“I think it was more of a team performance from our boys, (Nullawil) have some real A graders, but overall, as a team, I think our depth players contributed more to help get us the points.”
Jordan Humphreys was again among Nullawil’s better players, with the running half-back threatening to change the course of the game, kicking the opening two goals of the second half, before Sea Lake Nandaly responded with five of the next seven goals.
Ryan O’Sullivan and Dean Putt battled hard for both sides in the ruck all day, with O’Sullivan claiming the points for the Tigers in a contest that was worth the price of admission alone.
Matthew Farrelly was also influential down back for Sea Lake Nandaly, while Tyson McKenzie helped break the game open on the wing, kicking two goals with his speed and penetrating kick proving to be a constant threat all afternoon.
John Summerhayes led the way up forward, finishing the afternoon with four goals.
For Nullawil, Dean Smith, Patrick Kelly and Matt Quigley all played well.
The Maroons will now face a battle to return to the top two, after Birchip-Watchem secured a 23-point win over Wycheproof-Narraport.
After being held scoreless in the opening quarter, the Demons responded over the final three terms, but were no match for a Bulls outfit that is improving every week, succumbing 12.11 (83) to 9.6 (60).
Daniel Castellano kicked four goals for Birchip-Watchem, with Darcy Reid, Dale Hinkley and Nick Rippon also among the better players in the win.
The result helped set up a battle for second spot this Saturday, with Donald also claiming a 41-point victory in their match against Boort.
Last year’s grand finalists will now battle it out for second place, with both the Bulls and Royal Blues on 32 points each.
Donald were made to earn the four points, however, with the Magpies jumping out of the blocks to hold a 19-point lead at the first break.
That would be as close as they would get, with the Royal Blues piling on 12 goals to two after quarter-time to run away comfortable 13.10 (88) to 6.11 (47) winners.
Sam Dunstan again starred in front of the sticks with eight goals for Donald.
Charlton recorded their third win of the season with a 34-point triumph over Charlton.
Seven goals from young forward Nick Thompson proved the difference in the 11.7 (73) to 5.9 (39) victory, along with the Navies’ five unanswered goals in the first quarter.
