Five goals to Corey Jones and three to Lindsay Thomas were the catalyst behind North Ballarat's 72 point win over Bendigo and surge to top spot on the VFL ladder.

David Hale also chimed in with three majors before leaving the field with a broken thumb and Michael Wundke slotted through two to make it a tough week at the selection table for North Melbourne caretaker coach Darren Crocker.

The Roosters burst out of the blocks with five goals to two in the opening term, and set the tone for the day edging out to an eight goal lead at the main change.

Bendigo showed some fight in the third quarter thanks to Essendon’s Hayden Skipworth and Heath Hocking, but it all came too late as North Ballarat re-cemented itself as the team to beat in 2009.

Thomas earned best on ground honours after his omission from the North Melbourne team and could be set for a recall against Port Adelaide this week, while midfielder Sam Power was also impressive with two goals.

Gavin Urquhart looks the obvious replacement for the retiring Shannon Watt, the young defender also getting forward to boot two goals as the Kangaroos aligned players combined for 17 between them.

Myles Sewell and Stephen Clifton were also in the best for North Ballarat, highlighting the strength of the alignment between the two clubs leading into the finals.

With just one game remaining, the Roosters are now four points clear of second spot after Williamstown suffered a six point loss at the hands of Casey.

This week will see the reigning premiers face Sandringham at Northern Oval, while Williamstown and Port Melbourne, currently second and third respectively will battle for supremacy at TEAC Oval.

North Melbourne members are reminded that they receive free entry to VFL matches involving the Roosters throughout the home and away season.

Bendigo Bombers 2.4 4.6 8.9 10.10-70
North Ballarat 5.4 12.6 16.11 21.16-142

North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: C. Jones 5, D. Hale 3, L. Thomas 3, S. Power 2, P. McMahon 2, G. Urquhart 2, M. Wundke 2, D. Chester, S. Dinnell
Best Players: L. Thomas, S. Power, M. Sewell, S. Clifton, C. Jones, P. McMahon

Bendigo Bombers
Goal Kickers: D. Hulme 2, J. Nash, R. Magin, J. Bristow, B. Holmes, H. Hocking, H. Skipworth, S. Stroobants, L. Delahunty
Best Players: D. Hulme, H. Skipworth, H. Hocking, J. Nash, S. Crameri, P. Scanlon

Statistics:
David Hale - 5 kicks, 1 handball, 9 hit-outs, 3 goals
Corey Jones - 10 kicks, 3 handballs, 4 marks, 5 goals
Sam Power - 16 kicks, 11 handballs, 6 marks, 6 clearances, 2 goals, 10 inside 50's
Daniel Pratt - 14 kicks, 8 handballs, 4 marks, 3 spoils
Lindsay Thomas - 26 kicks, 6 handballs, 9 clearances, 3 goals, 12 inside 50's, 6 tackles
Gavin Urquhart - 8 kicks, 10 handballs, 3 clearances, 2 goals
Marcus White - 12 kicks, 2 handballs, 4 marks, 4 inside 50's, 6 tackles
Michael Wundke - 7 kicks, 5 marks,  2 goals
Warren Benjamin - 15 kicks, 12 handballs, 7 marks, 4 clearances, 2 goals (reserves)