After a slow start that could have been put down to the effects of a premiership hangover, the Lions have roared back into top form and must be considered premiership favourites after easily accounting for one of their main rivals for the title.

The Lions kicked four goals clear in the second quarter and put the result beyond doubt in the second half to win, 19.15 (129) to 7.6 (48).

Pakenham had 10 goalkickers, led by John Atwell and Cory Lenders with three goals each.

Nathan Brown and Sam Gramc played major roles in what was an overall team performance that sent an ominous warning to the other premiership contenders.

The Eagles had no answers to the midfield dominance by the Lions.

Craig Jackson and Daniel Calteri were the Eagles' best.

Marc Holt proved he is arguably the dominant forward in the league by booting 10 goals in Cranbourne's 78-point win against Tooradin. With Holt, along with Justin Berry, who is arguably the best player in the competition, Cranbourne is looking to have its first real tilt at the premiership for a number of years.

Cranbourne's early inaccuracy kept Tooradin in the contest. Shane Begent was influential and under-18 player Lucas Barker was among the best for the winners.

Tooradin's Matt Davey booted five goals to go to the top of the league goalkicking ladder.

Devon Meadows looks to have blown its finals chances by losing to Doveton by 10 points. The Panthers are two games outside of the top bracket with just five games remaining.

Michael Henry and Ryan Pearson were outstanding for the Doves and Ryan Hendy, Michael Laszczyk and Chris Rodriquez booted three goals each.

Hampton Park is in sixth spot on the ladder and is a chance to play finals after beating Rythdale Officer Cardinia by 47points.

Kevin McLean booted six goals. Greg Tivendale kicked three goals for the Kangaroos.

Berwick went a game clear inside the five with a hard-fought 36-point win over Keysborough.

Only three points separated the sides at three-quarter-time, but the Wickers proceeded to kick six goals to one in the last quarter to win 15.16 (106) to 8.11 (59).