The Bulldogs hardly gave a yelp as the visitors stormed to a 69-point win in a dominant display.
The Lakers hit the ground running and had the game safely in their keeping by half-time after an eight-goal second term had provided a 53-point buffer.
Veteran Mick Roberts with six goals and coach Anthony Haysom with four capitalised on the work of Mick Shiels, Zac Winter-Irving, Tom Clarke, and Jackson Hutton.
The Bulldogs were best served by David Matthews, Locky Dillon, Ryan Hearn and Jason Christou.
They got support from Mason Scopelliti, Jake Parkinson and Josh Smith, who booted four goals, but not nearly enough to tip the game in Merrigum’s favour.
Merrigum slipped from fourth to fifth on the ladder, replaced by Lancaster who have the bye over the split round.
■Stanhope’s goals spree against Ardmona had league officials checking the history books.
The Lions booted a remarkable 62.30 to the Cats’ solitary point in the massacre highlighted by a 24-goal haul from Tungamah recruit Damian Payne in his second game for the club.
Brandon Cornish with nine goals and Jonathan Pearson with eight majors joined in the goalkicking spree that produced a 12-goal first term, an 18-goal second quarter, a 15-goal third term and a 17-goal final stanza.
Main architects of the victory were Tom Hepburn, who has had a most consistent season, Brandon Taurua, Jamie Spencer and Jarrod Mason.
■Like Ardmona, Rushworth was on the end of a heavy loss, going down to unbeaten ladder leader Tallygaroopna by 276 points in a lopsided game at the Iron Bark Stadium.
Josh Wellington was unstoppable at full forward with 12 goals for Tally. He was one of 12 players who helped themselves to goals in the one-way contest.
Jordan Hageman again put in hard yards for the Tigers with support from Tuala Vave, Josh and Don Newton and Paul Paulino, but it was never a contest.
■In the remaining two games third-placed Avenel was too good for Shepparton East, although it didn’t get it all on its terms, while Dookie United had to work hard to shake off Violet Town.
■This Saturday’s second half of the split round will see Undera and Girgarre clash in a vital encounter at Undera.
Longwood will host Murchison-Toolamba in the other clash, in which the Grasshoppers will be keen for a percentage-boosting win in their press to play finals.
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