Travelling to Barooga Recreation Reserve the Magpies knew they had a perfect opportunity to continue their strong run of form.
Moama nailed four goals out the gate in the first quarter to establish a strong early lead, but the Hawks were able to get in on the action with a goal before quarter-time.
The Magpies’ defenders stood tall in the second period, shutting down Barooga’s attack save for a single behind, while the attackers opened up with five maximums to widen the margin at the major break.
Moama’s attacking productivity came to a grinding halt in the third period, with the visitor only managing 1.6, while the Hawks had their most active stretch in front of the sticks with three majors.
With Barooga ending its day with one last goal, the Magpies got their swagger back down the stretch, sending five through the middle to fly away to a 16.21 (117) to 5.1 (31) victory.
Khy Stovell went nuclear up front with a six-goal bag with captain Mitchell Lake playing his 100th game for Moama leading by example and being named best-on in the win.
The 86-point win has kept Moama in second for now and, if it succeeds in taking down Numurkah in round 18, will head into the finals with a four-game win streak.
Things could get dicey if Mulwala beats Tongala, as the Lions are snapping at the heels of second place and have a better percentage.
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