The Hawks, despite the final scoreline, stayed in touch with the top side up until half-time with scores dead-locked at 2.6 (18) apiece at the main break.
But as it did against Numurkah the previous round, Tongala pulled away with a 13-goal to five second half thanks to Cowley's six goals and two each to Talbot Varcoe and Anthony Dennis.
Cowley's purple patch has seen him boot 21 goals in his last five games and he, along with the entire Blues’ forward line for that matter, have shifted into a higher gear in the absence of spearhead Darren Ewing.
Half-forward Harley Reid, at just 16 years of age, was also influential around the ground alongside Michael Pryde, Kyle Fitzgerald, Corey Nexhip and coach Jordan Souter.
Kristopher Bextream was Barooga's best in defeat, with Tom O'Sullivan and Riley Gow in support.
Tongala President Darren Maloney was particularly pleased with the side's young guns.
“Macca Cowley was just inspirational,” he said.“He's only 17. You've got Harley Reid as well who's 16, and he also played extremely well.
“All the young kids in the side stood up on the weekend and I'm really happy with their development.”
All eyes will be on Tongala Reserve this weekend as the Blues meet second-placed Cobram in this Saturday's top-of-the-table clash.
And it has all the makings of a local blockbuster.
With Victoria's border restrictions with the Top End easing, Tongala could be bolstered for the clash by the return of their Northern Territory trio - Cam Illet, Jack Monigatti and Ewing - whose addition to Tongala's front six could compound opposition backlines woes.“COVID-19 (restrictions) permitting, we can get our three Darwin boys down,” said Maloney.
Last time the sides met - round three - the Tigers held a 16-point lead at three-quarter-time of the clash before the fast-finishing Tongala held them goalless in the last term to steal a 14-point win.
Maloney expects the match to live up to the billing.
“You can't expect anything better than 1v2,” he said
“Cobram is a great young side and we're going to have to be on our game to beat them.”
Fresh off sweeping aside Nathalia by 66 points over the weekend, the Tigers might fancy themselves to topple the all-conquering Tonny on their home deck.
If they can't, it remains to be seen who can in season 2021.
