The annual Bill Tunn Cup was at stake in the match between Macedon and Woodend-Hesket at Tony Clarke Reserve, with the Hawks coming away victorious.
The visitors began well and led by 17 points at half-time.
Then came an unproductive third quarter, with neither side scoring a goal while 10 behinds eventuated.
Play opened up in the last term with each team scoring four goals, and the Hawks running out victors 10.18 to 8.8.
Daniel Toman continued to excel and was awarded the Bill Tunn Medal for best afield; Ethan Minns and big ruckman Tim Martin were also instrumental in the victory with Minns and Daniel Davie each scoring three goals.
Versatile Dylan Phyland was a standout for the Cats, finishing with five of their eight goals, and Sam Indian and Zac Zmedley were also prominent.
The Under 18s match was a thriller between the two top sides, with Macedon winning by a goal against the previously unbeaten Hawks.
Macedon play cellar dweller Western Rams on Saturday, while third-placed Woodend-Hesket is in the match of the round against Wallan.
