The Dogs were smart going forward in trying conditions in posting the 15.5 (95) to 4.8 (32) win, their fifth of the season.

Twelve of their 15 majors came at the northern end, towards which a howling, and match-defining south-easterly was blowing.

Nirranda, by contrast, struggled to string passages of play together when it kicked with the breeze. Its return in the first and third quarters was 4.5

For all they had in endeavour - their willingness to put their bodies on the line resulted in a 41-17 free kick tally - they lacked in execution.

The only negative for the Dogs was a seemingly serious ankle injury to Jyles Lebler, who finished the match in hospital.

Elsewhere, the closest match of a lopsided round was at Walter Oval, where Allansford beat South Rovers 12.15 (87) to 5.11 (41).

Kolora-Noorat took the honours against Timboon Demons 11.15 (81) to 5.5 (35) at Terang Recreation Reserve as part of Super Saturday.

Merrivale thrashed East Warrnambool 24.14 (158) to 1.6 (12) at Merrivale Recreation Reserve, James Fary and Brad Kelly combining for 10 goals.

Old Collegians enjoyed their biggest win of the year, a 20.24 (144) to 4.5 (29) belting of Deakin University at The Pond.

And reigning premier Panmure ran riot late against Russells Creek, winning 26.18 (174) to 5.6 (36) at Panmure Recreation Reserve.

In the A grade netball, Panmure defeated Russells Creek 32-15 in a low-scoring affair to retain the Forever Young Shield.

Kolora-Noorat upset Timboon Demons 40-25 to leapfrog the Demons into fourth spot while Dennington beat Nirranda 64-23.

Unbeaten Old Collegians had to fight to get past Deakin University, 36-27, and Allansford took the points against South Rovers 47-28.

In the last game, Merrivale was a convincing winner against East Warrnambool, 54-20, to stay in tough with the top five.