Having shown plenty across multiple matches before the interleague bye, claiming a win over Tatura and pushing sides like Euroa and even Rochester deep into the contest, the Saints travelled to Mansfield in the hopes of pulling off a High Country heist.
But the Eagles proved far too strong, handing the Saints a 3.6 (24) to 14.28 (112) thumping at Mansfield Recreation Reserve.
The visitors were up against it from the opening bounce, as Mansfield converted their seven scoring shots into 4.3 (27) by quarter time, while the Saints mustered a solitary behind to head into the huddle 26 points in arrears.
While Benalla did get on the board with a major in the second term, they again faced an Eagles barrage in attack, with the home side slamming through 4.8 in the second term to extend the lead beyond 50 points by half time.
The onslaught continued in the second half, as Mansfield had a combined 23 scoring shots across the third and fourth quarters, however were rather inaccurate, scoring 6.17 from those shots, while the Saints managed 2.5 for the half to go down by an eventual 88 points.
James Martiniello (26 disposals, 3 clearances, 7 intercepts) was Benalla’s best in the loss, which was a disappointing result given the progress they had shown prior to the bye, while Mark Marriott (15 disposals, 6 clearances) was also influential.
Chris Welsh (35 disposals) and Ethan Maney (42 disposals) were prolific, getting plenty of the ball, while Nick Warnock (18 disposals, 10 marks, 11 intercepts) continued his sensational patch of form.
The Saints will look to rebound when they take on Seymour at Kings Park this weekend, the Lions coming off the back of a bad defeat against Mooroopna, before hosting three straight home games at the showgrounds against Mooroopna, Shepparton United and Shepparton Swans.
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