Nilma Darnum kept hopes of a top spot finish alive with an impressive 14-goal win over Ellinbank in round 11 action on Saturday.
The Bombers gained an early advantage in an intense opening to the top three clash and were never headed, winning 57-43.
Longwarry also gained a vital win over Poowong, the 15-goal victory maintaining the Crows' top five spot as the club seeks to break an A grade finals drought.
In the other games, undefeated Neerim South relegated Trafalgar down to fifth with a 50-30 win, Lang Lang kept its position just outside the top five with a 49-25 win over Nyora, Bunyip gained its fourth win with a 46-33 result over Buln Buln, and Catani continued to show rapid improvement against Yarragon, winning 48-23.
The Bombers and Eagles were set for a big clash on Saturday, with both sides gaining early turnovers. However, it was Nilma who converted, gaining an 11-2 lead.
Ellinbank did hit back, shooting seven of the next 10 goals either side of quarter time, but Nilma worked hard for an eight-goal advantage at half-time, 28-20.
The third quarter was relatively even. However, leading by 10 at the last change, the Bombers had earnt a comfortable lead and, for the Eagles, the damage was done.
Longwarry is back into fourth on the ladder, courtesy of a 49-34 win over Poowong.
After an even first quarter, the Crows established a four-goal advantage at half-time, 26-22. Upping their pressure in the second half, they outscored the Magpies by 23 goals to 12.
The result will be disappointing for the young Magpies and their finals aspirations. They are now in eighth; three wins and percentage behind fifth placed Trafalgar.
Saturday's games: Trafalgar v Buln Buln, Neerim South v Ellinbank, Nilma Darnum v Bunyip, Yarragon v Longwarry, Catani v Lang Lang and Poowong v Nyora.