In the only other senior match of the split round fans were treated to an early dose of finals action as Wonthaggi held off Traralgon in a photo finish at Terry Hunter Oval.
The Power trailed by as much as 23 points partway through the day and led by as much as 17 late before a fast-finishing Maroons outfit threatened to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to four last quarter goals from Dylan Loprese.
Despite the scare, however, Wonthaggi were able to hold their nerve, coming out on top 13.6 (84) to 11.13 (79) and surge to the top of the ladder – at least for now.
The win has come at a cost however, with serious looking injuries to both Jakeb Thomas and Fergus O'Connor marring what was otherwise a brilliant win.
Ruck Jasper Shone starred for Wonthaggi, giving his teammates some silver service as he shouldered a heavy workload and exerting his influence around the ground.
Jaxon Williams (five goals) did damage up forward for the visitors while usual suspects Kyle Reid, Noah Anderson, Kaj Patterson and Joshua Schulz all among the best.
For Traralgon Tristen Waack again showed his wares at half back before a late stint in the ruck helped almost get his side over the line.
Former Geelong Cat Jordan Cunico was strong along with Connor Ambler, Tye Hourigan, Jackson McMahon and Luis D'Angelo.
The Maroons will be left to rue some wasted opportunities as the swirling breeze combined with some questionable kicking had them leaving some goals out on the park.
A tremendous second term saw the reigning premiers break clear, kicking 4.3 to no score and giving them a 22-point lead at half time.
Not to be denied, the Power worked their way into the match and thanks to Williams creating havoc in their forward 50 found themselves in front by 17 points 20 minutes into the last after Williams' fifth.
A free to Dylan Loprese gave him his third for the term and cut the deficit before a mark on the lead had him up to four and brought the lead back to five.
Traralgon pushed late, including a kick from Kade Ruyters that just barely floated over Loprese's head and rolled through for a behind.
In the end the Power hung tight, securing their sixth consecutive win of the year in a tense finish.
That streak will really be put to the test across the Power's next two matches against Leongatha and Moe. Win those and the premiership favouritism might just have a tinge of teal to it.