Altona solidified its place in the WRFL division 1 top five with a hard-fought 29-point win over Spotswood at JK Grant Reserve on Saturday.
The Vikings bounced out of the blocks to lead by 20 points at quarter-time and kept the visitors in check for the remainder of the game.
It was a tough loss for the Woodsmen, one that sees them dislodged from fifth spot.
They do, however, have a game in hand on St Albans, which leap-frogged them into fifth, so their destiny remains in their own hands.
Altona moved two games clear inside the five.
Josh Rafferty and Kelly Pickard were outstanding for the Vikings, while Jordan Robbins kicked three goals from the midfield.
Murray Boyd snared two goals for the Woodsmen, with Matson Lynch and Sam Wood working hard all game.
Altona has the toughest assignment in the competition on Saturday, taking on three-peat premier side Deer Park on its home track at John McLeod Oval. Spotswood faces a tricky away encounter with a Wyndhamvale team that had an upset win against it earlier in the season.
In division 3, Newport Power came back from a goal down at three-quarter time to overrun Sanctuary Lakes by 17 points at Featherbrook Reserve. The victory means the Power equalled top side Parkside’s record at 10-2 after the latter had the bye at the weekend.
Jehad Haddara capped a best-on-ground display with three goals.
Braybrook was left heartbroken after losing a shoot-out against North Sunshine by a point at Dempster Park. Jamie Lane and Nathan Smith booted five goals apiece for the Brookers.
Laverton Magpies were competitive until half-time against Wyndham Suns but eventually lost by 41 points. Richard Mulroy kicked five goals for the Magpies.
