The Redbacks are on 16 points, a game behind fifth-placed Devon Meadows, whose struggles over recent weeks culminated in a 59-point thrashing from Pakenham, which seems to be coming out of its premiership hangover and is also closing in on the five.

Berwick paid dearly for its inconsistent form, losing to Hampton Park 15.15(105) to 10.4(64).

The Redbacks jumped the Wickers and established a five-goal lead early in the game. Kevin McLean continued his domination in the goal square with four goals. Dean Jamieson, Steve Watson and Leigh Morse booted three goals for the Redbacks.

The Wickers couldn't get into the match despite the efforts of Billy Carlyle, who had three goals, and Paul Vanschilt.

Narre Warren is on top of the ladder after a commanding performance against Keysborough.

In the top-four clash, the Magpies booted an unbelievable 12 goals to three in a frantic final term to win 21.13(139) to 13.10(88).

At three-quarter-time, the Magpies trailed 9.9 to 10.9, but led by Michael McGill , Michael Collins with three goals, and Chris McNamara, who is back to his best, the Pies stormed home to win with ease.

Greg Walker was the Kookaburras' best with four goals while Ben Hoskin, Tyson King and deputy vice captain Travis Skidmore worked tirelessly.

Pakenham is back and playing some great footy after a horror start to the season.

The Lions came up against quality opposition in the first half in Devon Meadows and led by a goal at three-quarter-time.

However, the Lions booted eight goals to two behinds in the last term to win 16.24(120) to 9.7(61). Dom Paynter booted four goals for the winners and Daniel Fry and Corey Lenders each booted three.

Tooradin celebrated long and hard after defeating Rythdale Officer Cardinia by nine points in a thriller.

The Seagulls trailed by nearly three goals at half-time but opened up a handy 16-point break at the last change. It was a high-scoring last term with nine goals being kicked, but the home side proved too strong.

Beaconsfield and Cranbourne went head to head in the 120th year celebration game at Perc Allison Oval yesterday.