The first quarter at Nathalia Recreation Reserve defined the outcome of the game as the host burst out of the blocks, kicking three goals either side of Tonny’s lone majors to be in complete control 38-8 at quarter-time.
The Blues recovered following the interval and won the second term four goals to three to cut the lead to 22 at the main break, fostering some hope that a comeback could be on the cards.
Tongala would go on to strike first coming out of the half to get within three goals, but Nathalia would kick four unanswered, either side of three-quarter time, to effectively lock the game away.
The rest of the fourth saw the sides trade majors, but the Purples had done enough to earn the 15.6 (96) to 9.9 (63) victory.
Liam Evans put Nathalia on his back, his seven goals bringing him to a league-leading 44 for the year.
Tongala shared the scoring around, with captain Kyle Fitzgerald, Joe Guiney and coach Jordan Souter each kicking two.
The Blues slip back out of the finals spots after Moama scored a win, Tonny now 4-5 at the halfway mark of the season.
Tongala faces a tricky encounter next up against the 2-7 Finley, which, despite its poor record, boasts a percentage of 114.99 after losing seven games by tight margins.
The Blues will be at home for the clash on Saturday.
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