All have failed to topple the standalone leader.
The latest challenger — and arguably closest having sat second on the ladder heading into the clash — to walk away with its tail between its legs is Nagambie, with the Lakers no match for the peerless Eagles at Central Park on Saturday.
A clinical performance from the Eagles had the home side claim a 50-39 victory to remain unbeaten through 13 rounds, snapping an 11-game unbeaten run by the Lakers in the process, and now move two games and 90 percentage points clear on top of the ladder as the march towards finals continues to gather momentum.
The Lakers slip to third following the defeat, level on points with Rushworth, but less than one per cent behind the Tigers, who had a big win of their own on Saturday.
It was a punishing display from the Tigers against the Redlegs, cruising to a huge 54-22 victory at Longwood Recreation Reserve, as their surprise rise up the ladder looks set to carry on into a deep finals campaign.
Reigning premier Girgarre recorded a strong 45-33 victory over Tallygaroopna to heap pressure on those ahead of it on the ladder, with the Roos sitting a game back from second and third at 9-3 for the season, although with a vastly superior percentage, while the loss leaves the Redlegs teetering at 6-6, in sixth, with challengers breathing down their neck.
Murchison-Toolamba has closed back in on a finals appearance after a brilliant win over Lancaster, with the Hoppers claiming a 39-25 win over the 2024 runner-up.
It was an eight-goal game that could prove costly for the Wombats, with the Hoppers now moving up to seventh with a 5-7 record, leaping Lancaster which possesses a 4-8 record after the loss.
Stanhope and Undera faced off in a battle of the Lions, with Stanhope coming out on top at home with a 43-36 win, keeping its season alive at 5-7 and knocking on the door of the top six, ending the round in eighth spot.
On Sunday, Violet Town had the better of Avenel, winning 39-33.
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