BALLARAT has inflicted North Ballarat City's first defeat of the season, defeating the black-and-whites 14.11 (95) to 10.6 (66) at Alfredton Oval on Saturday.
The Swans led all day but it was two goals late in the third quarter that gave the home team a comfortable break.
Ballarat then kicked three goals to two in the final term to record a 29-nine point victory.
North City was without Ayden and Tyler George for the match. That proved significant, with Ballarat having the better of the contest in the middle of the ground despite missing playing coach Shane Hutchinson as well.
New ruckman Chris Howgate contested admirably with highly credentialed ex-AFL and VFL ruckman Tristan Cartledge to earn best on ground honours from Hutchinson.
Redan and Sunbury are now the Ballarat Football League's only two teams yet to taste defeat after triumphing over Lake Wendouree and Darley respectively.
Redan had a fraction too much polish for the brave but inaccurate Lakers to win 15.8 (98) to Lake Wendouree's 10.14 (74) at City Oval.
Sunbury steamrolled Darley early and then cruised to a 14.13 (97) to 6.7 (43) victory over the Devils at Darley Park
East Point registered its first win of the season with a 18.21 (129) to 9.12 (66) win over Melton, while Melton South defeated Bacchus Marsh 15. 10 (100) to 8.13 (61).