ST Joseph's unleashed a scorching nine-goal final quarter to cement itself as a genuine flag contender with a 51-point victory over Leopold.
Three points up heading into the final term, the Joeys made an emphatic statement in a rampant final quarter to surge to the 20.9 (129) to 12.6 (78) win.
The result keeps the Joeys locked in second position, while it was the third time that Leopold has failed to defeat a top five side this year after losses to Bell Park, Colac and now St Joseph's.
With Leopold reduced to just one fit player for much of the second half following injuries to Luke Gale and defender Lee Purton, the Joeys were always going to finish stronger.
But, the nine-goal onslaught was far from expected after a tight three quarters.
Moving Dean Stankovic off Jason Tom and into attack for the final quarter proved a masterstroke, with Stankovic kicking two early goals and playing a crucial hand in another as the floodgates burst open.
Typically, with any Joeys victory, there are a handful of players who stand out for their heroic acts.
There's the courage of Brett Jackman, who stands as tall as a jockey and takes more hits than a cricket bat, but busts a gut to reach contests.
Likewise, there's the courage of Daniel Lovick, who did not flinch a contest in his first match back after six weeks out with a broken jaw.
Leopold threw down the challenge early, pressuring the Joeys into uncharacteristic turnovers through the middle of the ground in a frenetic opening.
After two tardy weeks, this was looming as the high-level performance many expected Leopold to consistently produce this season.
Twice in the second quarter, the Lions opened up a handy three-goal buffer, with captain Brad Grills spearheading the Lions dominance around the ground, while Tom was winning the battle with Stankovic in attack.
But the tide turned decidedly towards the Joeys midway through the third quarter when Peter Street took a strong pack mark in the goal square and kicked truly to hand the Joeys back the lead.
Joeys assistant coach Christian Shaw said being challenged for three quarters was just what his side needed after several big wins in previous weeks.
"You can win your games by 10 goals, but to be challenged really shows some character," Shaw said.
Leopold coach Aaron Greaves admitted he was getting frustrated at his side's costly inability to close out matches.
