In a tightly contested game at Lalor Reserve, the Bloods were able to overcome a 21-point three-quarter time deficit to claim the 14.9 (93) to 13.9 (87) win.
Up forward Peter Shepherd and Blake Seeley kicked three goals apiece for the home side, with Scott Morrison slotting two and six others kicking one apiece.
On the losing side, Jack Donnelly and Nicholas Milne kicked three goals each and Daniel Sadowy kicked two of his own.
Hurstbridge began the game swiftly and kicked the first goal of the game early in proceedings, but Lalor was able to hit back with five straight goals to take a 16-point advantage into the first break.
After a drop off in intensity late in the first quarter which allowed Lalor to push forward without great pressure, Hurstbridge hit back in the second term, kicking four goals to two to bring the deficit back to just four points at the main break.
Desperately searching for its second win of the season after a shattering three-point loss to Fitzroy Stars a week earlier, Hurstbridge was able to reproduce its second quarter form in the third term and capitalised on its opportunities, kicking 5.2 while reducing the Bloods to a solitary goal.
21 points down and with all the momentum against it, Lalor needed a special effort going into the last quarter.
Hurstbridge defended defiantly despite Lalor’s persistent attacking and the lead hovered around the three-goal mark for a major part of the final term.
But two quick goals to Shepherd got the Bloods back into the contest, before resulting goals from Scott Dowell and Bradley Czerny got the home side over the line – the second time this season Lalor has overcome Hurstbridge with a big final quarter.
Both defences held up relatively well in the contest as both forward lines struggled to take marks inside 50m, and also battled to lock the ball inside once it hit the deck.
Next week, Lalor is at home again and is a good chance to record its fifth win of the season when it takes on struggling South Morang. The last time the sides met the Bloods were victorious by 49 points.
Hurstbridge goes back to Ben Frilay Oval for an important clash against seventh-placed Thomastown who is coming off a 68 point loss at the hands of Fitzroy Stars.
Final score: Lalor 14.9 (93) def Hurstbridge 13.9 (87)
