The Tigers have the worst percentage of the three ladder-leading teams on 32 points but enjoy an eight-point cushion from fourth-placed Kilmore after the 10.16 (76) to 9.6 (60) win.

Lancefield peppered the goals in the second and fourth quarters when kicking with a wind advantage, its wastefulness leaving it an eight-point deficit at the last change. But after an early goal-for-goal exchange Lancefield broke away with five final-quarter goals to two.

John Baker's five goals led the scoring for Lancefield while regular spearhead Brian Ruffell moved up to centre half-forward in a crucial structural switch.

Lancefield coach Kevin Fitzgerald backed in his backline one-on-one and the move paid off as Leigh Erwin held Kilmore spearhead Aaron James to two goals and no other forward target popped up.

Tom Waters controlled the ruck for Lancefield while Chris Collins and Travis Smith were other leading players.

"We didn't go defensive (against the wind) in the third quarter but they used the ball a bit better than us," Fitzgerald said.

"Tom Waters has been in sensational form and again rucked all day; he was clearly best on ground.

"He's won a Bowen Medal and I'll be amazed if he doesn't win another one."

Lancefield will regain the services of onballer Adam Boswell after the mid-season break.

"He's important to our structure. We've got to reload and decide how we're going to approach the second half of the season because it's going to be tough to get into that top two."