Centrals stormed back into the top four as standout games from Callum Marshall and Jacob Martinez buoyed them past a gutsy Mandurah Mustangs outfit at Mundijong Oval on Sunday afternoon.
The duo put in superb second halves as the Blues fought back from three goals down to keep Mandurah goalless in the final term and come away with a 9.7 (61) to 7.10 (52) win.
It was Mandurah who looked the part early on, though, as a string of solid individual efforts from Alex Cohen and Dylan Mulcahy provided plenty of opportunities.
They managed to snare the first goal of the day but an inability to convert in the early goings allowed Centrals to scrap their way back into the contest.
Brendan Erceg conjured a goal midway through the term to see the two sides head into the first break separated by just three points.
Marshall was sublime for the Blues and nailed his first goal of the day with a set shot to give his side the lead at the start of the second quarter, but the Mustangs hit back when Hamish Free found Ivan Lyndon in a paddock of space on the wing.
Lyndon was able to take two bounces before delivering the ball perfectly to skipper Stuart Puls, who converted the set shot to restore Mandurah's lead.
The play sparked a small run for the Mustangs with Lachie Bray finding the chest of Jay Walton who would convert their next just minutes later, before Nathan Gray and Cohen both scored to set up a three-goal buffer.
Mandurah seemed to have all the momentum until Brett Hill scored on the cusp of half time to reduce the lead to 12 points at the long break.
The goal seemed to breath life into the Blues, who came out with much more intent in the second half.
Marshall's second of the day brought Centrals within a straight kick, and they assumed the lead when Brad McGrath put them in front.
Mandurah looked to be in trouble until Kobe Farmer produced a two-goal cameo late in the third to give the visitors a 10-point lead at the final change.
But that buffer didn't last long, with Hill scoring a goal in the first minute of the final term to pile up the pressure before Jarrad Smith gave Centrals the lead.
Martinez capped off and excellent second half when he took a strong mark over Mustang Brandon Penny before caressing the ball to the chest of Marshall, who went on to slot his third and give the Blues some breathing space.
Mandurah mounted a late challenge through some strong efforts from Gray and Lyndon late, but were unable to get the scores they needed.
The win moves Centrals a game clear of Mandurah on the ladder, and seriously bolsters their hopes of hosting an elimination final.
The Blues take on Halls Head next week, while the Mustangs return home to host Baldivis.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
