This highly anticipated showdown was not pretty, free-flowing football in the heavy conditions at City Oval but these two top teams showed their class in fiercely contested and ruthlessly defensive football.

For three quarters, play was close. City made a move midway through the third quarter that Redan reeled in, then broke with a goal deep in time-on to take a five point lead into the final term.

The Lions hit hard and refused to yield.

Lions' midfield-forward Nathan Horbury was the clear stand-out while Simon McCartin was City's most consistent.

Bacchus Marsh reinforced its finals intentions with a commanding 25-point win against Sunbury at Maddingley Park. Sunbury was almost beat Redan last week and entered the match a favourite on that form. This is the second time the Cobras have beaten Sunbury this season - the only two times the Cobras have beaten Sunbury in BFL history.

East Point bounced back with a 54-point win against the resurgent Ballarat at Alfredton Oval. Victory reinforces East Point's top-six footing in its continued battle for finals spots with Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury.

Lake Wendouree made amends for its loss to Darley a month ago. The Lakers soundly beat the Devils by 50 points at Wendouree Reserve and sharpened a bid for third spot.

Melton South defeated Sebastopol by 30 points at Marty Busch. It was a tough blow for the winless Burras who had led by a goal in the first quarter.