The 11.9-75 to 5.6-36 showing came, in part, from five majors kicked for returning full-forward Travis Bates, who has been shining in the Black Diamond Plate competition before his selection this week against Wyong Lakes.

In an attempt to silence Bates, the Magpies dropped their loose men deeper into their own fifty, allowing player-coach Andrew Scott, as well as his two midfield partners Sam Brasington and Alex Mitchell, to run the centre of the field.

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As well as Bates’ five-star performance, a run of seven straight goals in the first half put the Roosters in control as they looked to avoid a third straight loss, and secured their eventual 39-point win.

Brasington’s midfield efforts were also notable due to two key marks, including a one-handed effort that many believe could contest Jack Hardman’s ‘mark of the year’ just two weeks ago.

Elswhere on the weekend, Bryce Singleton kicked ten goals to help Killarney Vale to a confidence-restoring victory against Lake Macquarie 28.16-184 to 5.3-33 at Adelaide Street Oval, while Patrick Gillingham kicked a career-best 11-goals to lead Newcastle City to an emphatic 100-point win over Nelson Bay. The win sees City remain in second spot on the Black Diamond AFL ladder.

At Adcock Park, Jake Roach made a successful return from a quad injury as Warners Bay scored a hard-fought win over Gosford winning 15.14-104 to 7.11-53. Playing mainly up forward Roach kicked three goals.

In the final match Cardiff continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 22.18.150 to 5.1.31 triumph over Maitland at Hillsborough Oval.