Third-placed Ellinbank were tested by finals hopeful Neerim-Neerim South in the reserves, holding on to win 6-14 (50) to 5-5 (35).
The fifth-placed Cats scored two of the first three goals to take an early lead and trailed by just one-point at the long break.
The Eagles got their buffer in the third term with two goals to one before a competitive finish.
Ashley Scott, Bryce Wareham, Ty Keeble, Mathew Dare, Sam Barwick and Adam Campbell played well for Ellinbank.
Jackson Clerks, Declan Bagot, Christopher Charles, Nate Chandler, Benjamin Lockett and Keegan Friedlander were Neerim-Neerim South's better performers.
LONGWARRY maintained top spot with a big win over Yarragon, 23-17 (155) to 1-4 (10).
A six goal first quarter saw the Crows control the contest from the outset.
Brody Hamilton, Zach Murphy, Casey Wells, Patrick Henwood, Brad Martin and Jake Tabone led the charge for the visitors.
TRAFALGAR easily accounted for Buln Buln to sit comfortably in the top four, winning 9-8 (62) to 1-7 (13).
Securing their 10th win of the season, the Bloods now sit three games clear of fifth-placed Neerim-Neerim South.
Daniel Puglia, Drew O' Brien, Angus Templeton, Kynan Noonan, Brett Cameron and Brayde Bosman helped Trafalgar to victory.
The Lyrebirds were best served by Jared Lane, James Fowler, Logan Wallmeyer, Bryce Monahan, Jaran Guy and Conner Seymour.
POOWONG scored its second win with a tight result over Nyora, 8-3 (51) to 6-10 (46).
The Magpies held a narrow lead throughout with Jerome Cawcutt, Beau Hull, Daniel McDonald, Jack Sheerin and Bryce Moyce helping them to victory.
Keeping the Saints in the contest were Andrew Dike, Tyler Campbell, Hunter Cairns, Jaylen Waixel, Justin Campbell and Luke Forscutt.
NILMA-DARNUM remain searching for their first win, going down to Bunyip 12-10 (82) to 4-2 (26).
The Bombers were competitive across the middle periods of the match, the Bulldogs just too strong with nine of their goals coming in the first and final terms.
Campbell Knight, Josh Collins, Jesse Garner, Timothy Henschel, Alexander McKenzie and Mitch Willems led the Bulldogs to victory.
The Bombers were best served by Rhonan Perry, Ethan Carlile, Christopher Demicoli, Christopher Cupples, Raphael Hayward and Dylan Alberni.
TOP of the table Lang Lang comfortably accounted for Catani, 15-13 (103) to 6-3 (39).
The Blues were competitive early before the Tigers kicked away with 10 goals to three after half time.
Jackson Ventura, Daniel Lewis, Geordie Wells, Lincoln King, Kurt Batt and Andrew Lawless led the charge for Lang Lang.
The better players for the Blues were Josh Masset, Domenic Fazzino, Kyle Van Dord, Daniel Keily, Shannon Fazzino and Brad Adams.