The Bulldogs are fast becoming the competition's giant killers with victory against two likely finalists first Tatyoon and now Penshurst.

Coach Joe Carmody said his team overcame a two goal deficit at halftime to shift momentum in the second half and prevail 10.18 (78) to 9.9 (63).

"When you consider at the start of the season we were one win from six games that looked bad and as if we were heading in the wrong direction," he said.

"Well now we are five from six and you can see that we have turned that form around."

Rovers were ball handy early with 10 inside-50 entries compared to their opponents' two in the first term. That wasn't reflected on the scoreboard with the Bombers taking a seven point lead into quarter time.

The Bulldogs slipped to as far as 29 points down in the second term, before three late goals in quick succession steadied the trend just prior to halftime.

The premiership quarter was when the Bulldogs really shone, despite kicking inaccurately (3.9), they were able to hold their opposition to just one point for the quarter.

"We were inaccurate, but we managed to send the ball into our half consistently," Carmody said.

"Whenever they kicked a goal we were able to reply, every time, which is pleasing."

Carmody was hesitant to highlight key players as in his mind the Bulldogs had 21 contributors on the day.

He said Samuel O'Brien converted four goals in the forward line, while Ben Nankervis earned best on ground by way of his sustained four quarter effort.

"Defender Ben Nankervis at centre-half back would have had to have had 15 to 20 touches, he worked hard repelling attacks and applied good pressure all day," he said.

Carmody said reliable midfielder John Forbes also made a difference with Shaun Liston, Alexander McCarthy and Jonathan Box also named in the best.

"We've worked hard to get to where we are and with four games to go we need to make sure we finish with more wins than losses," he said.

"I know I have said it before, but with some new players, a new system it was always going to take time."

The win takes Rovers to eighth spot on the competition ladder, just two wins outside the hotly contested top five.

It has taken 12 rounds but Great Western has notched up its first win on home soil for the season. It came in the form of an emphatic win against fellow strugglers the Ararat Eagles.

A tightly contested first term saw the Eagles gain a lot of the clearances through the hard work of onballers Lewis Baker and Shaun North, but they were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard.

Lions' full back Danny Hoare made his senior debut and Bobby Garley returned from a long injury lay off to control the back half.

The duo combined with the likes of Tom McCord, Leroy O'Brien and BJ Burton through the middle of the ground to set up a two goal lead at quarter time.

The Eagles came under siege in the second term with their defence unable to counter the Lions' attack, causing turnovers and presenting plenty of opportunities for Great Western in front of goal.

Ararat was held to just one goal and two behinds in the second half with the Lions cruising to a percentage boosting 81 point victory 16.18 (114) to 5.3 (33).

McCord was awarded best on ground for his role on the wing, while Burton who played a pivotal role through the midfield, Isaac Debono, Rayne Salmon, Garley and Hoare were also named for effort.

Best afield for Ararat were Mark Coole, North, Nathan Wemyss, Nicholas Bulger and Daniel O’Connell. 

Moyston/Willaura remains two wins clear on top of the league ladder after its comfortable 84 point defeat of Hawkesdale/Macarthur.

The Southern Eagles were able to match it with their opponents in the first term, before succumbing to the Pumas thereafter.

A four goal burst in the second quarter turned a three point advantage at the first change into a 29-point lead at the main break.

The difference between the two teams only grew in the third term with the Pumas booting a further five goals as they held their opponents to just one behind for the quarter.

The final term was a mere formality for Moyston/Willaura as it kicked away to finish in front, 16.13 (109) to 3.7 (25). 

Aidan Bell was again prolific in front of goal, with five majors for the day leading him to being named among the best.

Josh Bywater was awarded best on ground for his efforts on the day with Lynden Brewis, Jackson Seres, Luke Thomas and Aaron McKinnis also recognised. 

A five goal first term set Wickliffe/Lake Bolac up for its eventual 11 goal defeat of a still winless Woorndoo/Mortlake. 

The Magpies held the Tigers to just four goals for the day as they raced away to finish 15.8 (98) to 4.8 (32). 

Bailey Veale was best on ground for Wickliffe/Lake Bolac, Christopher Hilet, Harry Kelly, Sam Archer, Michael Otto and Charlie Archer were also awarded for their efforts by being named among the best. 

Tatyoon has held onto equal second position on the ladder after its 37 point defeat of Caramut.

The Hawks gained the upper hand early and were never hindered post the halftime break.

A five goal final term ensured Tatyoon victory — 13.11 (89) to 7.10 (52). 

Peter Butler was awarded best on ground with Damian Cameron, Arthur Armstrong, Jason Cameron, John Butler and Andrew Maconachie also named among the best performers for the Hawks. 

In the final clash of the round Lismore/Derrinallum finished two goals the better of Glenthompson/Dunkeld after a final quarter fight back.

The Rams lead at every change, but three final quarter goals from the Demons was enough to get them across the line, 13.13 (91) to 11.13 (79). 

Great Western’s day was somewhat soured as the siren sounded on its reserves match earlier than normal after player Corey Cunliffe was taken from the field in an ambulance after suffering a suspected back injury.