The Redbacks fought off a first-quarter challenge from the visitors, kicking 13 goals to zero in the second term to take complete control, before running away with a 34.18 (222) to 6.8 (44) win.

Royal Blues coach Paul Brooks said his side started well but could not match the reigning premiers for four quarters.

“Our first quarter was really good – we were only two goals down,” he said.

“We showed a lot of good signs early but just didn’t have the depth to hold on.

“They showed the true champion side that they are – in the second and last quarters they kicked 24 goals.”

Star Redbacks forward Sam Barnes kicked an even 10 goals, while Nathan Holt slotted five and 11 other players got their names on the score sheet.

Liam McCarthy and Rohan McHugh were named the host’s best.

For the Royal Blues, Will Sexton kicked two goals, while defender Luke Carr and wingman Darby Harrison fought hard in defeat.

St Arnaud bounced back from the bye with a narrow five-point win against Charlton at Lord Nelson Park, St Arnaud.

The Saints led at every change, but the Navy Blues will be ruing their inaccuracy in front of goal after kicking 24 behinds.

Saints forwards Nicholas Coghlan, six goals, and Daniel Needs, four, were pivotal in their side’s 13.11 (89) to 10.24 (84) win.

Keegan Dingo and coach James McNamee were named among the Saints’ best, while Aaron and Ben Walklate were the Navy Blues’ best.

The win sees the Saints leapfrog the Navy Blues into second spot on the ladder.

At Wycheproof Recreation Reserve, former Essendon AFL player Andrew Welsh kicked four goals as Boort defeated Wycheproof-Narraport by 33 points.

Jesse Smith was named the Magpies’ best in their 16.12 (108) to 10.15 (75) win, while Spencer Allan was the Demons’ best.

Jack Dehne and Andrew White also chipped in with three goals apiece for the Magpies.

Birchip-Watchem had a bye.