Stanhope recorded its second win of the season, holding off a valiant Merrigum by two goal on Saturday afternoon.
In a low-scoring and competitive game, Stanhope managed to edge ahead early and maintain a slight advantage across four quarters, eventually securing its 30-28 victory.
The result lifts Stanhope to a 2-1 record after three rounds, moving it into a top four position.
Merrigum falls to an early 1-2 record, but has an opportunity to put a dent in Shepparton East’s undefeated record this week.
Meanwhile, for the Lions it’s a home game against Lancaster, which is tipped to be a tight one.
Elsewhere in round three, Nagambie proved too strong for Rushworth, recording a 44-34 victory at home to celebrate Keely Woosnam’s 200th game for the Lakers in style and improve to 2-1 for the season, sitting in third place ahead of a big clash against Avenel this weekend.
Shepparton East continued its unbeaten start to the season with a convincing win over Murchison-Toolamba, winning 66-31, while Undera was much too strong for a struggling Longwood, recording a 49-30 triumph.
Tallygaroopna continued its strong start with a 35-26 win over Violet Town, but it was the 2024 grand final rematch that opened eyes at the weekend, as reigning premier Girgarre proved it is the team to beat again in 2025 with a 61-21 drubbing of Lancaster.