Played in pristine conditions at Sunbury's Clarke Oval, the Lions had the ascendancy over the previously undefeated North City all day, eventually running out 18.10 (118) to 15.7 (97) winners.

Sunbury's two Bendigo Gold-listed players proved the difference for the day, as Jack Sheahan proved unstoppable with 10 goals and Daniel Toman clearly the second-best player on the ground in support throughout the midfield.

Shaun Lyle tried to bring his side back into the contest with his own boot, kicking seven goals for the day.

However, his efforts were not enough as North went down in its first loss of the 2014 season.

HOWEVER, the reigning premiers were not the only big name to fall on Saturday, with second-placed Redan suffering just its second loss of the season.

Hosting red-hot Darley at City Oval, the western Lions conceded three last quarter goals to get rolled, the final scoreboard reading Darley 7.11 (53) to 5.14 (44).

In a battle in which there was rarely more than a goal between the two sides, it was the Devils who triumphed to notch up their fourth win on the trot and continue their mid-season resurgence.

Rhys Ellis and Harley Inglis kicked two goals each, while young Matt Inglis was named best on ground.

ELSEWHERE, Bacchus Marsh got its season back on track with a much-needed and somewhat upset victory over East Point at Maddingley Park.

The Cobras held the lead for the majority of the day to run out 14.16 (100) to 9.9 (63) winners, in a match that could have been ever more one-sided had Bacchus Marsh kicked straight.

The result leaves Bacchus Marsh well and truly in the finals race, sitting just one win out of the top six with four wins from its 10 matches thus far.

On the other hand, East Point will be left to rue a missed opportunity to capitalise on last week's thumping win over Melton, now sitting in seventh position.

MEANWHILE, a muddy Wendouree Reserve played host to a low scoring affair between the Lakers and Melton, in which the home side ground out a 15-point victory.

In a true battle of attrition between two undermanned sides, the Bloods failed to kick a goal in the first three quarter, adding just two majors in the last quarter.

Ben Hayes continued his rich vein of form for the Lakers, while Matthew Tuminello and Andre Ciavarella were again named among the best in the 5.7 (37) to 2.9 (21) victory.

AND in the final match for the round, Ballarat rained on Sebastopol's big day, smashing the Sebas Saints by 83 points.

On the day in which Sebastopol was rebranded the Sebas Saints and wore a one-off jumper, it was the Swans that took flight to run out 18.14 (122) to 5.9 (39) winners.

James Quayle kicked four goals for Ballarat, while North Ballarat Roosters-listed pair Liam Youl and Sam Conroy were the key contributors.

Michael Powell battled hard for three goals for Sebastopol, while young guns Ryan Noether, Leroy Sheridan and Toby Hutt impressed.