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 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, make 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 they were to claim a second straight unbeaten premiership.
Nagambie might have something to say about that, though, with the Lakers notching a solid 13-goal victory over 2025 preliminary finalist Rushworth, to move up to second spot on the ladder once again.
Hosting the Tigers at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, the Lakers proved too strong in the 54-41 victory, moving level with Lancaster on 10 wins, but jumping ahead due to superior percentage, although having played one extra game to this point.
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 lineup 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 in round 16.
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.
