Neither side fielded a full strength line-up.

Yinnar was again without key players Tom McQualter, Brendan Holt and coach Tim Darby, while Brad Knowles spent some time on the bench.

The Hawks were missing coach Anthony Pavey and Luke Pavey is also still out of the side.

Both sides got off to a flying start and had each scored within the opening two minutes.

Yinnar gained control of the game during the first quarter and booted three consecutive goals to open up a handy lead.

One of those goals to Mark Andrew came via a quick passage of play with good kicking into the forward line by the Magpies' midfield.

Soon after, when Hawk Mick Higgins turned the ball over in defence, Lee Clarke dashed through the centre and sent the ball home to give the Magpies a three goal lead.

Hawk defenders Eddie Lithgow and Adam Duncan were under a huge amount of pressure to clear the ball from the Yinnar forwards.

Morwell East was made to work harder to get the ball into its forward line and Dave Walker provided a target, booting a goal late in the term after a strong chest mark.

After goals to Sam Mills and Jason Sharp, Yinnar held a 24 point lead.

Walker handpassed to Higgins to get one back for Morwell East but a goal to Magpie Brayden Wilson just before the half time siren dealt the Hawks a major blow.

Cameron Harwood and Sharp added goals in the third term and by the final change Yinnar led by 40 points.

The Hawks tried to make a contest in the last quarter but wasted their opportunities in the forward line.

They booted 2.4 to 1.3 but any chance they had of winning had already been snuffed out.

Jim Dowling was again instrumental in stopping the East's dangerous half forwards from scoring, along with fellow defenders Nathan Richer and Matt Dowling.

But it was Yinnar's midfielders Guy Cheffers, Lee Clarke, Sam Mills and Mark Andrew, who kept the ball flowing into the forward line in difficult conditions.

They ensured the Magpies held possession at all times and Clarke especially created some clean play around the wings.

The conditions were perfect for players such as Cheffers and Jason Sharp, who were stronger when the ball hit the deck.

The Magpies had few targets once inside 50 but made the most of any forward moves, with Sharp and Wilson the only multiple goal kickers for the side.

Morwell East was far from disgraced. The Hawks looked dangerous at times but Yinnar's miserly defence ensured there were few avenues to goal.

Rob Hobbin and Eddie Lithgow worked tirelessly at half back but the Hawks' moves forward were usually quickly cut off by the Magpies.

Rod Peatey and Mick Higgins gave the Hawks plenty of possession and Walker booted two goals.