In one of the most physical matches of the year, the Lakers managed to fight off a fast-finishing Sunbury outfit that had kicked four of the last five goals.

The siren sounded as Sunbury prepared to amount one final attack, with the final scoreboard reading Lake Wendouree 8.8 (56) to Sunbury's 8.3 (51).

In a nasty incident, youngster Brett Cook appeared to be knocked out in the last play and was motionless on the ground for at least five minutes, treated by trainers and doctor teammate Matthew Tuminello.

After being taken inside the winners' rooms, Cook was taken to hospital for observation.

Lakers president Dave Clifton said on Saturday night there was no official word on Cook's condition, although he was believed to have been cleared of spinal damage.

Speaking after the match, Webb said it was a crucial win that was needed to reward his players after three losses on the trot.

"It was a really hard win and it was important for our guys confidence that we put in an effort like that and come away with the four points," he said.

Earlier in the match, it appeared the day would belong to Sunbury, as the Lions kicked the first three goals of the game.

However, Lake Wendoruee then kicked seven out of the next eight goal to establish a 22-point three-quarter time lead the proved enough to hang on.

Claye Kelson relished in the physical conditions, while Andrew Ciavarella was effective all day.

For Sunbury, youngster Mitch Conn stood out all day, while Adam Short was pivotal in defence.

Coach Rick Horwood said his side failed to follow the game-plan at times and paid the ultimate price.

IN OTHER matches, Darley has continued its resurgence with a convincing win over East Point at Eastern Oval.

The Devils led at the end of every term to defeat the Roos 15.18 (108) to 11.12 (78).

Darley has now broken into the top six and is starting to justify all the pre-season hype that surrounded Darley Park.

IN THE clash between Melton and Bacchus Marsh and MacPherson Park, the Bloods piled on the goals in the final quarter to storm home to a vital 30-point win.

Melton actually trailed with about eight minutes to go in the final term, before slamming on six quick-fire goals to run out 12.5 (77) to 6.11 (47) winners, leaving the Bloods just outside of the top six on percentage.

NORTH Ballarat City never looked in any trouble against Melton South in a low scoring affair at Eureka Stadium.

Although the Panthers could almost chalk it up as an honourable loss to the reigning premiers, it was still the undefeated North City that proved too good, winning 8.13 (61) to 5.8 (38).

AND in the final game for the match, Redan did everything as expected in winning by 88 points over Sebastopol.

The Lions stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches after winning every quarter to run out 19.20 (134) to 7.4 (46) winners.

LADDER AFTER ROUND NINE

NORTH BALLARAT CITY 40 premiership points, REDAN 32, BALLARAT 28, SUNBURY 24, LAKE WENDOUREE 20, DARLEY 18, Melton 18, Bacchus Marsh 16, East Point 16, Melton South 4, Sebastopol 4