The young Ashwood side couldn't peg back the Districts' six-goal opening quarter, and it proved the margin for most of the game.

The sides took full advantage, scoring heavily with the wind.

In a good team performance, the Districts had 10 individual goalkickers.

Coach Andrew Morwood said: "It was a good team effort and everyone chipped in''.

The next two games against Lyndale and Murrumbeena will be the Districts' litmus test for finals football.

"We're back in the four now, which is a bonus - it's about playing good footy and maintaining our position. The Murrumbeena game is the key.''

Ashwood coach Paul Hattersley also took a few positives from the game.

"The guys were hurting after the game, which is good. They're a young team that need to learn football isn't just about Saturday afternoons - it's a six-month commitment.''

Kicking against the wind in the last, the Districts had a 23-point win, 11.11 (77) to 15.10 (100).

In other division 3 action, the top-of-the-table Mt Waverley couldn't catch a resolute Canterbury Cobras side that maintained on-field and scoreboard pressure all day. The Cobras won 16.17 (113) to 7.9 (51).