The Collie Eagles and Harvey Brunswick Leschenault played a tight game on Saturday afternoon at the Collie Recreation Ground, but HBL came out on top with a 23-point win.
The first goal of the game was kicked just three minutes into the first quarter by HBL's David Newman.
Through the middle of the first quarter, both teams struggled to find an avenue to goal, with a lot of back-and-forth play between the half-back lines.
It was the Eagles' Jason Roney who broke the drought with a goal for the home side.
But HBL hit back through Newman and took a three-point lead into the first break, the scoreboard reading HBL 2.2 (14) to Collie's 1.5 (11).
The second quarter was another tight affair, as both teams struggled to get a decent shot on goal.
HBL's Kristin Thornton and Sean Bradley kicked a goal each, while Timothy Yarran also chimed in with two goals for the visitors.
But the Eagles' Alex Tweedie and Jack Davidson each kicked a goal to keep Collie within reach.
By half time, HBL had extended their lead out to 16 points, 6.7 (43) to Collie's 3.9 (27).
The Eagles came out firing in the third term and were able to quickly reduce the margin through Hayden Yarran.
The crowd reached fever pitch when the home side's Marlon Johns goaled, putting the Eagles in front by a solitary point.
But the lead was short-lived, with Newman quickly putting HBL back in front.
At the final change, HBL held an 11-point lead over Collie and the scene was set for a tense final quarter.
Unfortunately for the home side, it was HBL who settled best.
The Lions kicked four goals in the last quarter, while Collie could only manage two, and the Eagles were resigned to yet another loss.
The final score saw HBL defeat the Eagles 12.10 (82) to 8.11 (59).
Harvey Brunswick Leschenault league coach John Baggetta said he was happy to get a win.
"Both sides were a bit depleted today and we lost three early which didn't help, but were happy to have our nose in front for most of the day and the boys responded when they had to," he said. "We are playing some pretty good footy and I think today was a really good effort and I have no doubt we will step it up again for next week."
Collie Eagles league coach Seth White said he couldn't fault the effort, despite the final scoreline.
"We just challenged them today and played with some passion and no fear," he said.
The win saw HBL maintain its lead at the top of the SWFL ladder, while Collie remains in ninth position, just percentage ahead of the last-placed Harvey Bulls.
