The Zebras, a premiership fancy during the pre-season, have jumped to third spot on the ladder – and coach Paul Hudson praised the group after a "tremendous performance".

It appears that, after a slow start to the season, the Zebras are within striking distance of ladder leader Casey and second-placed Williamstown as they look to advance further than a top four finish last season.

Certainly in an even season Hudson would be confident his team have the depth to make another top four assault. The alignment with St Kilda – which appears set to be extended at the end of the season – is evidently a strong one, headed by skipper Trent Dennis-Lane, who has been a steady head in front of goal this season.

St Kilda youngster Eli Templeton, who has made just two AFL appearances this year, racked up 36 disposals in his best game of the season, eclipsing his average of 30 disposals a game during the VFL season.

Templeton's work ethic around the stoppages was a major highlight, as was the work of Brodie Murdoch (29) and Josh Saunders (27).

Nick O'Kearney appears to be on the brink of AFL game time after an impressive three goals in the first half, before finishing with 27 touches.

The Zebras' second term – in which they kicked seven goals before Dylan Buckley stopped the run – was telling.

They took a 26-point lead into the main break and, despite the Blues coming out hard in the third term, withstood the challenge to win comfortably.

Hudson said the group had focused on their efficiency with the ball during the week.

"We felt that we did use it better. We had 100 more possessions in the end. I thought the mode and tempo of the game, especially in the second quarter, we really stood strong and maintained possession when we really needed to," Hudson said.

For the Blues, Matthew Dick finished with 33 disposals, while Dylan Viojo-Rainbow collected 23 disposals and had a dominant third term with three goals.

Port Melbourne upset the Box Hill Hawks to post a 16-point win in a season-defining result.

The Borough have posted consecutive wins at home for the first time since early last season.

Port star Tom O'Sullivan was quick to point out that the Borough have set themselves for a big second half of the season. They are now fourth, ahead of Footscray by percentage.

"It was a hard-fought win but good to get the four points," O'Sullivan said.

"We're really building … we've made a pretty big emphasis on the second half of the year to go big and go for the top four."

The Hawks, conversely, could drop outside the top eight if Geelong upsets Williamstown on Sunday.

Coburg upset Werribee by 14-points at Avalon Airport Oval.

Coburg is within a game of the top eight, leaping ahead of the Tigers, who have dropped to 11th.

North Melbourne midfielder Ryan Clarke was among Werribee's best with 33 disposals.

North Ballarat upset Frankston by 19-points at Frankston Oval, with Coleman Schache best on ground and fittingly kicking an important goal late in the match.

It has been a tough season for the Roosters, who have new coach Marc Greig at the helm after an alignment split with North Melbourne.

They remain on the bottom of the ladder after their second win of the season, but only percentage behind Frankston.

VFL Sunday

Williamstown v Geelong, Burbank Oval, 2pm

Collingwood v Richmond, Victoria Park, 2.10pm